MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change

Modeling advances showcased in 10 research articles and 2 perspectives appearing in the new Modeling Dynamic Systems for Sustainable Development Special Feature issue of the journal PNAS could significantly improve researchers’ ability to understand complex nature-society dynamics across decades, and decision-makers’ ability to apply that understanding to design and assess plans that could help meet sustainable development challenges. Multiple Joint Program-affiliated researchers contributed to the Special Feature, which was coordinated by JP faculty affiliate Noelle Selin, former JP research assistant Amanda Giang, and Harvard University JFK School of Government Prof. William Clark. https://bit.ly/4cFANUL #sustainability #sustainabledevelopment #climatechange MIT Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) MIT School of Science MIT Climate MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative Noelle Eckley Selin Sarah Fletcher Amanda Giang Megan Lickley Michael Davidson Fernando Garcia Menendez Erwan Monier Rebecca Saari Minghao Qiu William Clark

China’s emissions of two potent greenhouse gases rise 78% in decade, finds MIT Joint Program-led study in PNAS. Figure represents 64-66% of global output of tetrafluoromethane and hexafluoroethane, two compounds used in aluminum and semiconductor industries. Study identifies location of emissions and opportunities for mitigation. (The Guardian) https://bit.ly/3zLjQK3 #China #emissions #climatechange MIT Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences MIT School of Science MIT Climate MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative

China-based emissions of three potent, climate-warming greenhouse gases spiked in the past decade, threatening the world's efforts to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius and avert the most severe impacts of climate change. Two studies--one led by MIT Joint Program researchers, the other involving their substantial contributions--pinpoint the likely industrial sources of these emissions and opportunities to mitigate them. https://bit.ly/3WlskAl #ClimateChange #China #emissions MIT School of Science MIT Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative MIT Climate

A new study led by MIT Joint Program scientists and collaborators reveals that burning ammonia in ship engines could still contribute to ozone pollution while causing serious impacts on air quality. https://bit.ly/3W7vEhk #shipping #emissions #ozone #diesel #ammonia #airquality MIT Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) MIT School of Science MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative MIT Climate

Presenting the July 2024 edition of Global Snapshot, the e-newsletter of the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change. In this issue: ‘Invisible 60 percent’ of Africa’s population threatened by climate change-amplified droughts; Why the world's oceans are changing color; Tesla news looks grim, but the bigger picture for EVs is a bright one. https://bit.ly/3WexD4D #climatechange #Africa #ocean #EV #hydrogen MIT Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences MIT School of Science MIT Energy Initiative MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative MIT Climate

Presenting the Spring 2024 edition of Global Changes, the semi-annual newsletter of the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change, highlighting recent insights, news, projects, publications and other Joint Program developments. In this issue: Predicting and preparing for tipping points in a changing and complex world. https://bit.ly/3Xqb2mF #climatechange #energy #energytransition #risk MIT Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences MIT Energy Initiative MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) MIT Sloan School of Management MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative

"The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) . . . said there is now an 80% chance that at least one calendar year between 2024 and 2028 would see its average temperature exceed 1.5 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial levels — for the first time in history. Just a year ago, the WMO had predicted a 66% chance of the same." - The Indian Express Quoted in the same article, MIT Joint Program Deputy Director Sergey Paltsev puts the 1.5C (or any) climate target in context: "The lower the target for an increase in temperature, the lower the risks of climate impacts.” https://bit.ly/3VgueAs #climatechange #ParisAgreement #WMO MIT Energy Initiative MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative

Electric vehicles are not zero-emissions over their lifecycle, but have a much lower climate impact than internal combustion engine vehicles, says MIT Joint Program Deputy Director Sergey Paltsev in The Cool Down (reposted to MSN). https://bit.ly/4enoYnB #climatechange #EVs #emissions MIT Energy Initiative MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative

What tradeoffs does Africa face in using land and water for food vs. energy? How do global and local dynamics affect the resulting implications for food security, clean energy transitions, emissions, and economic and climate outcomes? In a new project funded by Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab (J-WAFS) at MIT, MIT Joint Program researchers will develop a modeling tool to provide valuable regional and national level guidance to African development planners and policymakers on sustainable development pathways to food security and clean energy under alternative global change scenarios. https://bit.ly/3yNTExX #climatechange #foodsecurity #cleanenergy #Africa MIT Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences J-WAFS at MIT MIT Energy Initiative MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative MIT School of Science

Is climate change is an even faster-moving crisis than we thought? MIT Joint Program Deputy Director C. Adam Schlosser shares his perspective on Boston-area, New England and global climate change. (Boston Globe/Camberville & Beyond Newsletter) https://bit.ly/3Kc7LQ3 #climatechange #camberville #NewEngland