The UK's CO2 Emissions Have Fallen 38% Since 1990, Faster Than Any Other Major Developed Country (carbonbrief.org)

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The UK's CO2 Emissions Have Fallen 38% Since 1990, Faster Than Any Other Major Developed Country (carbonbrief.org)

Posted by msmash on Monday February 4, 2019 @04:01AM from the how-about-that dept.

The UK's CO2 emissions peaked in the year 1973 and have declined by around 38% since 1990, faster than any other major developed country. From a report: The most significant factors include a cleaner electricity mix based on gas and renewables instead of coal, as well as falling demand for energy across homes, businesses and industry. Declines in the UK's CO2 have persisted despite an economic recovery from the financial crisis a decade ago. Where earlier reductions were largely negated by rising imports, the past decade has seen genuine cuts in the amount of CO2 for which the UK is responsible. The factors driving emission reductions will likely continue into the future as the UK's remaining coal use is phased out by 2025.

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Forget global warming by rsilvergun · 2019-02-04 04:05 · Score: 0

I got dragged downtown for Jury duty this last month and the air downtown was horrible. I'm not out in the country or anything but even I could tell you don't want to be breathing that crap. Meanwhile I drive an old car (mid 90s, 2008 market crash was not kind to me) and it keeps passing emissions. The only saving grace is I don't drive much.

--
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1. Re:Forget global warming by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 04:08 · Score: 1, Informative
  
  Exactly. Local pollution is a much more immediate threat. But you can't sell carbon tax credits on local pollution so it isn't really a problem. Unless you can make money off of the solution there won't be one.
2. Re: Forget global warming by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:20 · Score: 0
  
  Completely unacceptable. Obviously the UK is not paying attention. Maybe they have prioritized the wrong stuff
3. Re:Forget global warming by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:20 · Score: 0
  
  it keeps passing emissions.
  That's because newer, stricter emission standards aren't applied retroactively to existing cars.
4. Re:Forget global warming by Zorpheus · 2019-02-04 04:23 · Score: 3, Interesting
  
  Locl pollution has to be solved locally. CO2 is a global, long-term problem.
  In the EU the limits on local pollution are so low, it is completely harmless to healthy adults. The limits are set with elderly people, infants and asthmatics in mind. There is just some fight in Germany about that, because cars are banned from driving in some cities because of these limits.
5. Re: Forget global warming by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:24 · Score: 0
  
  Maybe they should smoke half a fag at one time. Make room for more co2 instead of co1If they smoked even a small percentage of what Americans speak they would not want co1 poisoning for their citizens
6. Re:Forget global warming by fred6666 · 2019-02-04 04:27 · Score: 1
  
  You can (and should) tax local pollution as well. Why should it be free to pollute?
7. Re:Forget global warming by b0s0z0ku · 2019-02-04 04:28 · Score: 1
  
  Mid 90s cars (assuming you're in the US and own a non-diesel car) already had catalytic converters and electronic engine management. Their emissions aren't really much worse than 2019 cars, assuming they're kept in good shape. The real fall in smog-forming emissions came between the early 70s and late 80s, where all US cars gradually ended up with EFI, O2 sensors, and cats.
8. Re:Forget global warming by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:29 · Score: 0
  
  We have that down pat in Germany: just create a "non-profit" foundation and enjoy all that tax-free-itude. Bonus points for being able to pretend you're doing it all for a "good cause" while silently raising your executive-level salary just a bit more. All those donations and the money the government throws your way has to go somewhere after all. Can't have you racking up a profit!
9. Re:Forget global warming by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 04:31 · Score: 1
  
  Amazingly no. Local pollution needs standards to enforce laws and investments. And no, the EU has terrible pollution problems. You don't know what you are talking about.
10. Re:Forget global warming by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 04:32 · Score: 1
  
  I don't know. Why? Ever heard it discussed anywhere? But you hear "climate change" being talked about everywhere. I wonder why.
11. Re:Forget global warming by jellomizer · 2019-02-04 04:33 · Score: 1
  
  The issue is, local pollution is more manageable, then global climate change, where the CO2 is a global problem. What makes it more insidious, is that CO2 isn't pollution that you can see or smell, also itself doesn't have that much of a negative effect on your health.
  The solution to smog pollution is dilution. So they just move these polluting sources to someone else back yard, we call it offering new jobs, in poor areas. So the rich get all the value without the negative effect.
  I think UK is a good model in showing that moving to cleaner energy sources doesn't need to wreck havoc to the economy like it is often argued.
  
  --
  If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
12. Re:Forget global warming by skullandbones99 · 2019-02-04 04:35 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  Vehicle emissions are tested against the specification of the vehicle from the time of manufacture such as the EURO 6 standard. Dieselgate started with the EURO 5 standard. Therefore, older vehicles are tested against the older specifications because older vehicles will most likely fail the newest standards.
  For example, if a car was not manufactured with seat belts such as an old Jaguar of the 1960s then that vehicle will not fail the current seat belt test because the car is exempt from that test. Same applies for emissions such as not having a catalytic converter at the time of manufacture, such a vehicle would be exempt from the relevant emissions test.
  In other words, some tests are not applied retrospectively. This is why some governments have scrappage schemes to get rid of vehicles of earlier specifications.
  You can see a trend in cities such as London mandating EURO 6 to enter the city without paying an emissions charge. My 2009 Diesel Golf would have to pay this daily emissions charge plus the standard congestion charge. One way to avoid both charges is to use a battery EV.
13. Re:Forget global warming by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 04:37 · Score: 1
  
  If local pollution is more manageable, why is it so terrible? Why aren't there U.N. conferences on why the air quality in some cities in Europe is so poor? The reason the UK reduced Co2 is just because they offshored their manufacturing and industry.
14. Re:Forget global warming by PolygamousRanchKid+ · 2019-02-04 04:38 · Score: 1
  
  There is just some fight in Germany about that, because cars are banned from driving in some cities because of these limits.
  The problem in Germany is that diesels had an emissions level that was considered safe. But then they decided that the safe emissions level wasn't safe.
  So if you bought a "clean" diesel, it suddenly wasn't "clean" any more, and could be banned from driving in certain cities.
  Of course, the German auto manufacturers say that is not their problem, the government does not want to help out. So the consumers get left holding the bill. They'll need to pay for an upgrade, which means juicy profits for the auto manufacturers . . . or buy a new gasoline car . . . even more profits for the auto manufacturers.
  
  --
  Schroedinger's Brexit: The UK is both in and out of the EU at the same time!
15. Re:Forget global warming by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 04:41 · Score: 0
  
  Diesels were never clean. Anyone who actually stood next to a diesel powered vehicle with half a brain could tell that. Of course it didn't stop the superior Euros from scoffing at the silly Americans and their gasoline powered vehicles.
16. Re:Forget global warming by cayenne8 · 2019-02-04 04:43 · Score: 0
  
  Or if you didn't have the opportunities...
  I'm glad I live where they do not require any emissions checks on cars here. What a PITA that would be, I'm guessing that takes a lot of the fun out of after market exhaust systems.
  
  --
  Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
17. Re:Forget global warming by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · 2019-02-04 04:50 · Score: 2
  
  You can (and should) tax local pollution as well. Why should it be free to pollute?
  1. Because one of the few true things for democracy to decide is how much pollution of common areas is acceptable as a tradeoff vs. progress.
  2. Government, and the politicians riding to power handing things out, are voracious for more money. This additional tax won't reduce deficit spending one iota as said politiicans will treat it as more it can spend, and keep borrowing the same amount.
  Aside from that, though...
  
  --
  (-1: Post disagrees with my already-settled worldview) is not a valid mod option.
18. Re:Forget global warming by bagofbeans · 2019-02-04 04:51 · Score: 1
  
  ...and buy electricity from France.
19. Re:Forget global warming by dunkelfalke · 2019-02-04 04:53 · Score: 1
  
  The way I remember it it was exactly the other way round, back when it was diesel vs hybrid here on Slashdot.
  I - an Euro cyclist - wrote that diesels were never clean and that they still stink, obviously from my personal experience standing behind diesel cars at a red light, but the American slashdotters insisted that the modern German diesel exhaust is cleaner than the intake air.
  
  --
  "It's such a fine line between stupid and clever" -- David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
20. Re:Forget global warming by ShanghaiBill · 2019-02-04 04:56 · Score: 1
  
  Ever heard it discussed anywhere?
  Yes. Read the Los Angeles Times. There are articles about local pollution all the time. If you don't live in LA, then it is unlikely you will see these articles or hear anyone discussing them.
  Local pollution is a LOCAL problem (duh), so it doesn't make the national news. Most people in developed countries are not much affected by it. LA is affected because everybody drives, and the city is surrounded by mountains that trap the dirty air.
  I live in the SF Bay area, and local pollution is not an issue here, because we get regular breezes that carry it away, and nearly all the cars are Priuses, Teslas, or newish gas cars with the latest emissions controls. If you can't afford a new car, you can't afford to live here.
  
  But you hear "climate change" being talked about everywhere. I wonder why.
  Climate change is a global problem, so news about it gets widely reported.
21. Re:Forget global warming by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 05:00 · Score: 1
  
  Doubtful they were Americans. I remember all the Eurosnobs talking about the VW "clean diesels" and made fun of all the silly Americans with their backward petrol vehicles. Turns out they both suck.
22. Re:Forget global warming by Oswald+McWeany · 2019-02-04 05:01 · Score: 1
  
  There is just some fight in Germany about that, because cars are banned from driving in some cities because of these limits.
  Which is also a great way to encourage public transportation use.
  
  --
  "That's the way to do it" - Punch
23. Re:Forget global warming by dunkelfalke · 2019-02-04 05:02 · Score: 2
  
  Absolutely. It was a huge topic in the recent state elections in Germany because several cities have imposed a ban on diesel cars on certain roads and the federal government is not at all happy about it.
  
  --
  "It's such a fine line between stupid and clever" -- David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
24. Re:Forget global warming by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 05:03 · Score: 0
  
  Um, most people in developed countries are not much affected by local pollution? The Bay Area is probably the most polluted area in the entire nation. Christ, you can't possibly believe that. One thing I noticed about California technocrats: they are disconnected from reality.
25. Re:Forget global warming by Oswald+McWeany · 2019-02-04 05:05 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  What a PITA that would be, I'm guessing that takes a lot of the fun out of after market exhaust systems.
  On the other hand: What a PITA the consequences of not having emissions checks are!
  
  --
  "That's the way to do it" - Punch
26. Re:Forget global warming by Oswald+McWeany · 2019-02-04 05:06 · Score: 1
  
  Mid 90s cars (assuming you're in the US and own a non-diesel car) already had catalytic converters and electronic engine management. Their emissions aren't really much worse than 2019 cars, assuming they're kept in good shape. The real fall in smog-forming emissions came between the early 70s and late 80s, where all US cars gradually ended up with EFI, O2 sensors, and cats.
  Fuel efficiency was much worse though. Not many cars in the 70's or 80's could do 40mpg.
  
  --
  "That's the way to do it" - Punch
27. Re:Forget global warming by dunkelfalke · 2019-02-04 05:06 · Score: 0
  
  Hate to rain on your parade, but that were Americans for certain. They have told me something along the lines of "you are probably thinking of the old imported Mercedes diesels".
  There have been a lot of American fanboys of German diesel cars about five years ago.
  
  --
  "It's such a fine line between stupid and clever" -- David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
28. Re:Forget global warming by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 05:08 · Score: 1
  
  I don't doubt some of them were American. Many people on Slashdot are not too bright, but they believe in marketing and shiny things.
29. Re:Forget global warming by Sique · 2019-02-04 05:09 · Score: 2, Informative
  
  Actually, all German made diesels tested for Euronorm 4 proved to have faked their emission during tests, e.g. switched to a "low emission" mode specially crafted to the test cycle (but with lower power output and lower torque). No single allegedly Euronorm 4 compliant Diesel comes close to the emission limits set by the standard during normal operation, thus Euronorm 4 was shelved, and the certifications are basically worthless.
  So the problem is not new standards, it's cheating on the old standards. Thank the industry trying to game the system!
  
  --
  .sig: Sique *sigh*
30. Re:Forget global warming by LynnwoodRooster · 2019-02-04 05:11 · Score: 1
  
  Then the biggest focus should be on what we can do to cut China's emissions - which are the greatest in the world, and growing rapidly.
  
  --
  Browsing at +1 - no ACs, I ignore their posts. So refreshing!
31. Re:Forget global warming by Zorpheus · 2019-02-04 05:13 · Score: 1
  
  Which is not an option for deliveries
32. Re:Forget global warming by jellomizer · 2019-02-04 05:21 · Score: 2
  
  Just because something is easier to manage, It doesn't mean there is leadership able to manage it.
  
  --
  If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
33. Re:Forget global warming by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 05:30 · Score: 1
  
  Turn over your keyboard. Notice where it says "Made in China". Are you willing to not have a keyboard?
34. Re:Forget global warming by drinkypoo · 2019-02-04 05:32 · Score: 1
  
  Industry pundits know that diesel cars are going to be killed off by EVs. The automakers know, too, though they are being less open about it. Diesel trucks will continue to be a thing for some time, though.
  
  --
  "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
35. Re:Forget global warming by Oswald+McWeany · 2019-02-04 05:35 · Score: 1
  
  Which is not an option for deliveries
  Frequently, delivery vehicles, emergency vehicles, and service vehicles are all allowed in certain parts of cities that ban private cars.
  
  --
  "That's the way to do it" - Punch
36. Re:Forget global warming by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 05:38 · Score: 0
  
  The choice is not consumer goods or no consumer goods. The choice is holding China responsible for their excessive pollution, ignore their extreme and rising pollution, or not buy things from them thereby reducing pollution.
37. Re:Forget global warming by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 05:41 · Score: 1
  
  No that IS the choice. If you want massively available, cheap goods you are going to have more pollution. The real solution to reducing pollution is to use less, but that ain't gonna happen, because everyone wants stuff and people like to make money selling stuff.
38. Re:Forget global warming by alex67500 · 2019-02-04 05:47 · Score: 1
  
  Well London has a congestion charge to drive in the centre, and it's ever increasing. There are also low emission zones which are turning to ultra low soon (which means anything but a hybrid or an electric vehicle is excluded basically)
39. Re:Forget global warming by dunkelfalke · 2019-02-04 05:52 · Score: 1
  
  In the long term yes, but people who rent apartments have difficulties recharging.
  
  --
  "It's such a fine line between stupid and clever" -- David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
40. Re:Forget global warming by HornWumpus · 2019-02-04 05:54 · Score: 1
  
  It's confirmation bias. The population was 'TDI car owners' (truck owners couldn't care about clean), 90% VW or rebadged in America. Once they spent their money, the TDIs were clean, they HAD to be. There were more TDI owners in Europe, but they were in many populations.
  I got it from the other side. IMHO VW 'diesels' aren't the problem, it's all water cooled VWs that suck!
  First step in the brake master cylinder replacement procedure for a new 'bug'...Remove front bumper...Run away! Gas engines don't 'fix' VW. VW just sucks big old donkey balls.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
41. Re:Forget global warming by HornWumpus · 2019-02-04 05:56 · Score: 1
  
  Clearing the private cars, might make deliveries easier.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
42. Re:Forget global warming by drinkypoo · 2019-02-04 05:57 · Score: 1
  
  That is a real problem, but it's becoming less of one as recharge times continue to fall. Most apartment-dwellers at least have an off-street parking space where a charger could physically be fitted. Now it's just a problem of paying for it.
  
  --
  "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
43. Re:Forget global warming by HornWumpus · 2019-02-04 06:12 · Score: 1
  
  Every two years, I spend a weekend installing CARB parts, another removing them.
  I limit my post CARB tuning to one vehicle. No point for the city car or the 4x4. Neither needs more than two or three hundred ponies. The classic is smog exempt, but unmolested anyhow. The 1970 Fiat 850 sport, rat powered 4x4 is going to be a trailer queen, should also be smog exempt. The state ref is never going to see it...nothing good could come of that.
  CA has a new loud exhaust law, doesn't change the standard, just the fine. Just keep your foot out of it when passing cops. Still lots of fun to be had.
  I as recall, potholes took a lot of fun out of driving, back on the flyover tundra. My brother has to remind me that _everybody_ drives slow, 'cause they're scared of cops.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
44. Re:Forget global warming by Guybrush_T · 2019-02-04 06:18 · Score: 1
  
  Same here. As a cyclist, I could tell whether a Diesel or Gasoline car just passed just by breathing (I'm a bit sensitive, close to asthma). That was when car manufacturers constantly played the same chime all over again : "OK, we admit the previous generation actually wasn't clean. But the new one is, so please buy new cars !". Obviously, to boost the economy both German and French government relayed that heavily and even gave tax breaks for those "clean" cars, since both German and French car manufacturers were investing tons of R&D into diesel engines. Those tax breaks were obviously just a disguised subsidy to the local economy, against Japanese and American cars.
  Eventually the truth emerged and they're taking a whole new direction, trying to increase diesel prices. And who pays the bill ? Those who bought diesel cars and now have the choice between expensive gas or buying a new car (which they won't be able to afford anyway).
  Now who's to blame ? Car manufacturers/lobbyists ? Sure. Governments for lying or believing lobbyists ? Sure as well. Consumers for buying into it ? Certainly a bit too.
45. Re:Forget global warming by HornWumpus · 2019-02-04 06:19 · Score: 1
  
  We're still not back to lean burn efficiency of the very late 80s. IIRC NOx killed it. There were a lot of tiny cars then, I miss the original CRX. Sure deathtraps, so?
  Basically no cars of the 10s do a throttle stomp right. Computer is 'helping' you keep up the MPG...You don't really want that power, right now. I rented a Nissan (pronounced 'Renault', spit) that didn't apply power until the steering was straight.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
46. Re:Forget global warming by fred6666 · 2019-02-04 06:22 · Score: 1
  
  There will always be too much pollution for what is acceptable if it is free to pollute.
  The other option (if you don't want to tax) is to enforce bans and pollution standards. But these often end up being a lot more bureaucratic and expensive to maintain for something which is measurable (or easy to approximate by a calculation) such as CO2.
  Also, a pollution tax doesn't increase total taxation since you can put a pollution tax instead of another tax (say income tax or sale tax).
  It is very stupid to tax income to 30-50% when you could be taxing pollution instead.
47. Re:Forget global warming by fred6666 · 2019-02-04 06:25 · Score: 1
  
  It would be more efficient to increase gas tax instead and kill these regulations, tolls, and even EV subsidies.
48. Re:Forget global warming by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 06:31 · Score: 0
  
  No that IS the choice. If you want massively available, cheap goods you are going to have more pollution. The real solution to reducing pollution is to use less, but that ain't gonna happen, because everyone wants stuff and people like to make money selling stuff.
  So, why are we okay with that "more pollution" as long as it happens in China, and we're not okay when it happens in Europe or USA? Does CO2 "made in China" cause less global warming than USA- or European-made?
49. Re:Forget global warming by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 06:38 · Score: 0
  
  So if you bought a "clean" diesel, it suddenly wasn't "clean" any more, and could be banned from driving in certain cities.
  No, if you bought a 'clean' diesel, it was never clean because companies like VW were cheating on the tests.
  Eventually people realized those 'clean' diesels were a big lie.
50. Re:Forget global warming by b0s0z0ku · 2019-02-04 06:51 · Score: 1
  
  Plenty could, because they didn't have as much pigfat. Ever driven an 80s or 90s Corolla or Civic?
51. Re:Forget global warming by Oswald+McWeany · 2019-02-04 07:01 · Score: 1
  
  Plenty could, because they didn't have as much pigfat. Ever driven an 80s or 90s Corolla or Civic?
  I owned an 89 Corolla, my first car in fact. It had pretty decent efficiency for it's time. I averaged about 30mpg, which is about 10mpg less than I average in my little Honda Fit today and slightly less than my wife's SUV today.
  
  --
  "That's the way to do it" - Punch
52. Re:Forget global warming by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 07:44 · Score: 0
  
  That is safety, and very prudent.
53. Re:Forget global warming by Applehu+Akbar · 2019-02-04 08:10 · Score: 1
  
  Clearing the private cars, might make deliveries easier.
  Because in Europe deliveries are made by rickshaw?
54. Re:Forget global warming by dryeo · 2019-02-04 08:26 · Score: 1
  
  Actually what we should be doing is considering which people emit the most, compare the average American to the average Chinese. Or perhaps you're right and we should go by country with no thought to size or population and we should all emit the same as the Vatican.
  
  --
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverted_totalitarianism
55. Re:Forget global warming by thegarbz · 2019-02-04 08:53 · Score: 1
  
  it is completely harmless to healthy adults
  It is completely harmless *in the short term*. In the long term the local limits on pollution still very much have an impact on health of the population.
56. Re:Forget global warming by thegarbz · 2019-02-04 08:53 · Score: 1
  
  If you need a bigger penis why not just put a speaker in your trunk to make the useless broom broom noise?
57. Re:Forget global warming by dryeo · 2019-02-04 09:10 · Score: 1
  
  Also, a pollution tax doesn't increase total taxation since you can put a pollution tax instead of another tax (say income tax or sale tax).
  It is very stupid to tax income to 30-50% when you could be taxing pollution instead.
  It's how it was done here in BC. When the carbon tax was introduced, income tax was cut to make the carbon tax revenue neutral.
  Problems at first is that it hits the poor more (there are rebates to help) as the rich can easier cut back on their carbon emissions, buying a Telsa or such, better afford latest things like Fridges and heating systems and other ways to cut back on CO2 emissions whereas poor are more likely to own old cars, fridges etc and can't afford to update insulation etc.
  Government went more right and started excepting various industries. Government got replaced by left+green and decided to use the money from the carbon tax for things like transit rather then being revenue neutral. Also kept the exceptions due to jobs (Greens mad about that but stick to supporting Socialists as the lesser evil)
  
  --
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverted_totalitarianism
58. Re: Forget global warming by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 09:33 · Score: 0
  
  The tax breaks were based on CO2 emmissions, not the other pollutants. Politicians trying to do the right thing, but ultimately scuppered by their own ignorance.
59. Re:Forget global warming by vakuona · 2019-02-04 11:48 · Score: 1
  
  Simple solution. Parking bays reserved for electric vehicles with charging points for on street charging. The electricity providers or networks will pay for the charging points. As more cars become electric, more reserved spots can be created for electric vehicles.
60. Re: Forget global warming by jabuzz · 2019-02-04 12:23 · Score: 1
  
  Mine says made in Greenock and is over 30 years old. Don't make them like that in China.
61. Re:Forget global warming by HornWumpus · 2019-02-04 12:25 · Score: 1
  
  A Nissan Sentra was not going to spin its tires going around a left turn.
  Its not safety, it's MPG. I don't need an 'idiot in the middle' telling me I don't need the pitiful amount of power that POS makes. Someone has no doubt already been t boned because of that safety feature. Won't be me.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
62. Re:Forget global warming by smoot123 · 2019-02-04 13:25 · Score: 1
  
  No single allegedly Euronorm 4 compliant Diesel comes close to the emission limits set by the standard during normal operation,
  I've heard this sort of comment a zillion times but never with any actual numbers to give it context. Do you know what the Euronorm 4 levels are, what levels of emissions some of the German Diesels had, and how that compares to typical city air or some other relevant standard?
  I see two general cases. One, the standard was impossibly high and well past the level of diminishing health returns. The other is the standard was quite reasonable and the diesels really did emit enough pollution to cause health affects. Neither case justifies lying about it, mind you, I just want to know what the actual expected health effects were. I'm frustrated no one seems to put the actual emissions into context with something real (as opposed to a legal standard, which may or may not mean anything).
  Full disclosure: I owned a VW Diesel Passat and turned it in as part of the Dieselgate scandal. It's too bad, I really liked driving it. I personally never noticed any emissions but I never sniffed the tailpipe while cruising (at 50 MPG) on the freeway.
63. Re:Forget global warming by Bert64 · 2019-02-04 14:02 · Score: 1
  
  Most of which comes from nuclear power stations...
  
  --
  http://spamdecoy.net - free throwaway anonymous email - avoid spam!
64. Re:Forget global warming by LynnwoodRooster · 2019-02-04 20:12 · Score: 1
  
  Locl pollution has to be solved locally. CO2 is a global, long-term problem.
  
  That's what the GP said. Apparently you disagree. Which of you is wrong? Is the CO2 from China less harmful than the CO2 from the US or Germany? If you want to address a global problem, doesn't it make sense to start with the person contributing most to the supposed problem? Or do we use it to brow-beat those who are dropping their emissions and emit less than half the amount?
  Your attitude is why so many see "climate change" action about CO2 as mere politics. You really don't believe it's an issue, since you do not want to address the heart of your issue - CO2 emissions. Rather, it's a political stick you can try to use to beat another person. It makes ZERO SENSE to ignore the number one source of your problem - China, with it's CO2 emissions - and go after someone else.
  
  --
  Browsing at +1 - no ACs, I ignore their posts. So refreshing!
65. Re:Forget global warming by Barsteward · 2019-02-04 21:11 · Score: 1
  
  you go after everyone especially those that can do something about it by changing their ways i.e. the western world with highest per capita usage. Not to change your ways when you can is irresponsible and stupid. China (and India) is like a large tanker that will take a long time to turn to get rid of coal and replace with cleaner options, it can't happen overnight. They are the fastest growing economy with regard to renewables so they are on their way whilst some Western countries are doing their best to drag their heels
  
  --
  "The hands that help are better far than lips that pray." - Robert Ingersoll (1833-1899)
66. Re:Forget global warming by alex67500 · 2019-02-04 22:25 · Score: 1
  
  I disagree with that. Petrol tax will hit the poor more, whereas the Congestion Charge hits wealthier people more -- poorer people tend to use public transport already.
67. Re:Forget global warming by Sique · 2019-02-04 22:31 · Score: 1
  
  The German automobile club ADAC has a list of real world tests in their database Eco-Test, albeit all the descriptions are in German.
  
  --
  .sig: Sique *sigh*
68. Re:Forget global warming by LynnwoodRooster · 2019-02-05 00:45 · Score: 1
  
  So better to attack a distance #2 or #3, rather than the dominant #1. Got it. Their economy is still growing, why not encourage/support it to develop with low CO2 output, rather than what they're currently doing?
  
  --
  Browsing at +1 - no ACs, I ignore their posts. So refreshing!
69. Re:Forget global warming by fred6666 · 2019-02-05 02:36 · Score: 1
  
  so the poor are less affected by the gas tax if they take the public transport.
70. Re:Forget global warming by mjwx · 2019-02-05 02:58 · Score: 1
  
  What a PITA that would be, I'm guessing that takes a lot of the fun out of after market exhaust systems.
  On the other hand: What a PITA the consequences of not having emissions checks are!
  Aftermarket exhaust systems are fine as long as you leave the catalytic converter in (or replace it with a new one). You've just got to put our approximately the same emissions as the OEM system. Yearly checks (called M.O.T's for the Americans playing along at home) aren't arduous if you've got a semi-maintained vehicle and really keep the unroadworthy cars off the road, the ones with broken control arms, rusted bodies and chassis, Bare brake pads, twisted rotors and faulty electrics.
  
  --
  Calling someone a "hater" only means you can not rationally rebut their argument.
71. Re:Forget global warming by dryeo · 2019-02-05 17:41 · Score: 1
  
  doesn't it make sense to start with the person contributing most to the supposed problem?
  Yes person, why are you fixated on group? The average Chinese person emits 7.54 MT of CO2 (as of 2014) vs the average American's 16.49 per year.
  Numbers from https://data.worldbank.org/ind... and seem to be in agreement with other sites.
  
  --
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverted_totalitarianism
72. Re:Forget global warming by alex67500 · 2019-02-05 21:43 · Score: 1
  
  Hi petrol prices will push public transport prices up, and will impact them when they go on trips that require a car.
  Also, nobody needs a car in Central London. If they think they do, then they should pay for the privilege. Same with Paris, and I imagine it's the same in NY.
73. Re:Forget global warming by fred6666 · 2019-02-06 01:39 · Score: 1
  
  Hi petrol prices will push public transport prices up,
  Much less than the cost of driving a car, especially a big one.
What else has happened? by Sooner+Boomer · 2019-02-04 04:16 · Score: 3

CO2 has dropped; great. How have levels on industry and manufacturing changed? Are they at the same levels? Increased/decreased? What about CO2 production in ratio with GDP? CO2 is important, but if there is no commerce, no economy, how do the people otherwise fare?

--
Chaos maximizes locally around me.
1. Re:What else has happened? by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 04:19 · Score: 3, Interesting
  
  Basically the energy usage has dropped for both manufacturing and commercial use and they switched to natural gas and added some wind power. Amazingly if you use less energy that emits CO2 you produce less CO2. Getting rid of your manufacturing and sending it overseas helps a lot. Essentially everyone needs to learn to code.
2. Re:What else has happened? by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:24 · Score: 0
  
  CO2 has dropped; great. How have levels on industry and manufacturing changed? Are they at the same levels? Increased/decreased? What about CO2 production in ratio with GDP? CO2 is important, but if there is no commerce, no economy, how do the people otherwise fare?
  Thats because they moved all their factories out of the UK to China. They don't produce anything. Naturally the CO2 would reduce.
3. Re:What else has happened? by AmiMoJo · 2019-02-04 04:25 · Score: 1
  
  The UK destroyed much of its industry and manufacturing in the 1980s, for political reasons. Coal was smashed, everything else run down. The early 90s were a series of recessions.
  The economy switched over to providing services, which produce a lot less CO2.
  The other issue is that the reduction has been very uneven. Pollution levels in some cities regularly exceed legal limits, while other areas are now recovered after industry left.
  Of course reduction is good, but it wasn't really the primary goal of most of the things that caused it.
  
  --
  const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
  SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
4. Re:What else has happened? by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:27 · Score: 0
  
  I'm guessing they don't have assholes driving to their white-collar office jobs and going food shopping in 6-wheel diesel trucks like we have here.
5. Re:What else has happened? by Drethon · 2019-02-04 05:03 · Score: 1
  
  I'm guessing they don't have assholes driving to their white-collar office jobs and going food shopping in 6-wheel diesel trucks like we have here.
  Some of us white collar workers were handed really nice remote VPN setups that only work if less than 10% of employees are remote and the same time, and then told it works better if we are all in the office.
  Though I've never really understood driving a giant vehicle for one passenger and no cargo. I'll stick to midsize cars and rent from Home Depot the couple times a year I need to haul something large.
6. Re:What else has happened? by drinkypoo · 2019-02-04 05:27 · Score: 1
  
  "Though I've never really understood driving a giant vehicle for one passenger and no cargo."
  How large are you? If one is very large and/or tall, a truck is pretty much the only vehicle which doesn't feel cramped at this point. They've also been gaining a ton of content over the last couple decades. The average transaction price on a pickup on America is now over 50k! But to get the same amount of stuff in a car that's not tiny, you have to spend even more. Most people who don't actually do work with their truck have the short bed, and rear doors or half-doors, so the bed isn't most of the truck anyway.
  If fuel prices ever go up to where they arguably ought to be in America, then you'll see the trucks go away quickly. Until then, they do make some sense.
  
  --
  "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
7. Re:What else has happened? by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 05:27 · Score: 0
  
  How much of the energy-intense industrial activities were outsourced in that time?
  If China (still using a strong mix of dirty coal) exports these products to the UK, then the net CO2 improvement for the planet is not positive. This is why it is important to hold China to pollution standards and not give them a pass (or delay in implementation compared to the rest of the world). Any agreement to reduce CO2 emissions must have broad support or else the impact will be regionally shifted and not actually help the planet as a whole.
8. Re:What else has happened? by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 06:00 · Score: 0
  
  If fuel prices ever go up to where they arguably ought to be in America, then you'll see the trucks go away quickly
  Agreed, and that would be the best thing that could happen for both the environment and human beings. Economics is what allowed the massive wasteful consumption of fossil fuels to occur, and economics is the only thing that can put a stop to it. For starters, I'd be thrilled if the price of oil doubled or tripled. I'd be the only one standing at the pump with a HUGE smile on my face.
9. Re:What else has happened? by Woeful+Countenance · 2019-02-04 06:51 · Score: 1
  
  I'll stick to midsize cars and rent from Home Depot the couple times a year I need to haul something large.
  Where I live, I can rent a pickup truck from U-Haul for four hours for less than Home Depot charges for 75 minutes. And Home Depot often doesn't have any trucks available, because they're all in use.
10. Re:What else has happened? by Drethon · 2019-02-04 09:21 · Score: 1
  
  "Though I've never really understood driving a giant vehicle for one passenger and no cargo."
  How large are you? If one is very large and/or tall, a truck is pretty much the only vehicle which doesn't feel cramped at this point. They've also been gaining a ton of content over the last couple decades. The average transaction price on a pickup on America is now over 50k! But to get the same amount of stuff in a car that's not tiny, you have to spend even more. Most people who don't actually do work with their truck have the short bed, and rear doors or half-doors, so the bed isn't most of the truck anyway.
  If fuel prices ever go up to where they arguably ought to be in America, then you'll see the trucks go away quickly. Until then, they do make some sense.
  I'm 5'9" and 145 pounds so fit has never been much of an issue for me (except clothes always seem to be too large). My dad was 6' and ~225 pounds and never had problems with mid-full size cars for fit, though admittedly there are larger people, such as my friend who is ~6'8" and broad shouldered. It was always interesting seeing him drive a VW Jetta for years, until he bought a full size pickup truck. So I'll conceded the point for some individuals.
11. Re:What else has happened? by Drethon · 2019-02-04 09:24 · Score: 1
  
  I'll stick to midsize cars and rent from Home Depot the couple times a year I need to haul something large.
  Where I live, I can rent a pickup truck from U-Haul for four hours for less than Home Depot charges for 75 minutes. And Home Depot often doesn't have any trucks available, because they're all in use.
  Same price in my area and I didn't have a lot of trouble with availability most days. I thought U-Haul charged by the mile on top of the base rental fee, if not it might make an excellent alternative.
12. Re:What else has happened? by smoot123 · 2019-02-04 13:30 · Score: 1
  
  I just read a paragraph by Hans Rosling where he quotes an Indian UN representative as essentially pounding the table saying you can't talk about CO2 emissions, you have to talk about it per-capita. The absolute numbers can be quite misleading.
  The context was a climate discussion talking about reducing carbon dioxide emissions per country and India, with a rapidly growing population and growing economy would up looking quite bad in historical comparisons but great on current numbers. Can't say he's wrong although we also really care about the CO2 per Earth atmosphere.
13. Re:What else has happened? by mdhoover · 2019-02-04 21:05 · Score: 1
  
  I'm 6'2 , 220 pounds.
  
  My two cars are a 2000 MX5 (Miata) and a 1974 Leyland Mini Clubman.
14. Re:What else has happened? by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 23:40 · Score: 0
  
  The UK no longer manufactures anything. Hence it has fallen and moved to China/ Germany.
15. Re: What else has happened? by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-05 06:25 · Score: 0
  
  Actually those were Wilson's policies in the mid-to-late 70s. He put more people out of work and outsourced more industry than Thatcher ever did. But Thatcher got lumbered with the vocal union driven tail end who didn't want to go quietly.
DEINDUSTRIALIZATION by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:21 · Score: 0

it started with neoliberal policies with thatcher at the begining of the 80s
1. Re:DEINDUSTRIALIZATION by Oswald+McWeany · 2019-02-04 05:10 · Score: 1, Funny
  
  it started with neoliberal policies with thatcher at the begining of the 80s
  Of the many things you can blame Thatcher for, being liberal, is not one of them.
  
  --
  "That's the way to do it" - Punch
2. Re:DEINDUSTRIALIZATION by AmiMoJo · 2019-02-04 05:26 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  In this case it means being economically liberal, as in low regulation, which she definitely was. In fact that legacy of low regulation, high risk/reward financial services was the origin of the 2008 financial crash.
  
  --
  const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
  SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
3. Re:DEINDUSTRIALIZATION by HornWumpus · 2019-02-04 06:23 · Score: 1, Troll
  
  'Liberal' generally keeps its original definition in Europe.
  Americans have redefined it. Think Libertarian. Liberal = in favor of liberty, more or less, the opposite of American 'liberal'.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
4. Re:DEINDUSTRIALIZATION by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 07:47 · Score: 0
  
  Also the natural antagonist of the right in America, who hate freedom.
5. Re:DEINDUSTRIALIZATION by Applehu+Akbar · 2019-02-04 08:14 · Score: 1
  
  it started with neoliberal policies with thatcher at the begining of the 80s
  Before Thatcher, industrialization didn’t matter because British workers were pretty much permanently on strike.
6. Re:DEINDUSTRIALIZATION by HornWumpus · 2019-02-04 12:33 · Score: 1
  
  Libertarians are the natural antagonist to the right AND the 'liberal', who hate freedom.
  
  --
  John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
Recession will do that ... by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:29 · Score: 1

Expect them to fall much further under brexit.
Great... Meanwhile by Tulsa_Time · 2019-02-04 04:32 · Score: 2

India and Chinese increases dwarf those reductions....
Congratulations.

--
5 out of 6 people enjoy Russian Roulette & 6 out of 7 Dwarfs are not Happy
1. Re:Great... Meanwhile by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 04:54 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  The point is that you just shift your manufacturing to these other countries and *voila* you "produce" less Co2 and they produce "more". But in reality they are just manufacturing junk for you, so it really isn't significant. The Earth really doesn't care. But people in the EU get to feel better about themselves, which is really all that matters in the end.
2. Re:Great... Meanwhile by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · 2019-02-04 06:01 · Score: 1
  
  India and Chinese increases dwarf those reductions....
  Congratulations.
  Yes but they make much of the stuff the west shed making for itself, so we feel better even though they pollute more making the stuff, for us, we used to make for ourselves.
  
  --
  (-1: Post disagrees with my already-settled worldview) is not a valid mod option.
3. Re:Great... Meanwhile by JoshuaZ · 2019-02-04 08:16 · Score: 1
  
  I know that it is tough to read TFA but at least you could read the summary: "Where earlier reductions were largely negated by rising imports, the past decade has seen genuine cuts in the amount of CO2 for which the UK is responsible. " That means that even with manufacturing moving elsewhere the UK's total CO2 production has gone down.
4. Re:Great... Meanwhile by fred6666 · 2019-02-04 08:42 · Score: 1
  
  Emerging economies will have their emissions raise as they increase their standard of living.
  Meanwhile, industrialized rich countries should reduce their emissions. At some point, the per capita emissions of the two groups will meet somewhere in the middle, and from there, every country should reduce emissions even more.
  But as long as we (the rich countries) emit 4-10x more per capita than China and India, we can't blame them for emitting too much. Some countries are especially to blame: USA, Canada, UAE, Qatar and Australia, to name a few.
5. Re:Great... Meanwhile by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 10:44 · Score: 0
  
  Or the research method fails to identify new bureaucratic paperwork methods of abdicating responsibility abroad: The British specialty.
6. Re:Great... Meanwhile by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-05 03:42 · Score: 0
  
  Those at least appear to have peaked in the last few years as China's use of coal is no longer growing as they're already investing heavily in non-fossil energy sources.
its meaningless by mOzone · 2019-02-04 04:35 · Score: 1

good thing india china russia and brazil just dump metric tons of crap into the air to make up for all that
doesn't matter how clean you are if your neighbors have roaches
1. Re:its meaningless by skullandbones99 · 2019-02-04 04:45 · Score: 2
  
  "metric ton" is spelt "tonne" = 1000kg.
2. Re:its meaningless by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 05:24 · Score: 0
  
  Pedant is spelled "pedant" = annoying.
But they messed up diesel cars. by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:36 · Score: 0

They had a "dash for diesel" to cut co2 but found out that diesels cause other harmful pollutants.
1. Re:But they messed up diesel cars. by b0s0z0ku · 2019-02-04 04:41 · Score: 1
  
  If you were a cynic, couldn't you argue that raising emissions of chemicals that are more harmful to humans (vs CO2) would actually reduce global warming? Lower population = lower CO2 emissions.
2. Re:But they messed up diesel cars. by angel'o'sphere · 2019-02-04 07:16 · Score: 1
  
  Most CO2 is not produced by humans per se, but by industrial processes.
  It does not matter if Germany e.g. loses half of its population over night.
  Only the houses with one inhabitant that suddenly is gone produce nothing ... the trains, the industry, the bureaus, the farming even, would still produce the same.
  Sure, you could argue you *need* less concrete ... but concrete business is producing concrete and selling it, it simply sells elsewhere.
  
  --
  Cost free eBook I read (by iBook/Kobo/Amazon/ObookO/Gutenberg etc.): "The Green Odyssey" by Philip Jose Farmer.
The UK doing great by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:37 · Score: 0

As we can see, the UK has made some wonderful changes and is doing quite well.
Which all the fear mongering in the USA about how combating global climate change will ruin us is completely and utterly wrong.
They went through the Great Recession and STILL kept on track and recovered very well.
So, the global climate change deniers or "skeptics" are scoring in the negative numbers now and it's about time they just STFU.
There is no downside to fighting global warming and everything to gain.
The US still leads in CO2 reduction by subie · 2019-02-04 04:38 · Score: 0

The US has still done a better of reducing CO2 and far more than any other country. The UK is a distant second place. No big surprise China and India are the worse and increasing their output.
1. Re:The US still leads in CO2 reduction by b0s0z0ku · 2019-02-04 04:46 · Score: 2
  
  US per-capita emissions are approximately flat since 1970 despite more efficient technology and increased natural gas usage. We need to be doing more -- replacing fossil power with nuclear, shortening commute distances via urban planning, prioritizing electric cars and electric-powered public transit, to name a few things.
2. Re:The US still leads in CO2 reduction by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:59 · Score: 0
  
  US per-capita emissions are approximately flat since 1970
  Nope. US per-capita CO2 emissions are down ~22% since 1970, and ~26% since the peak in 1973.
3. Re:The US still leads in CO2 reduction by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 05:08 · Score: 0
  
  The oil crises of 1973 was probably an eye opener. At least for a generation.
4. Re:The US still leads in CO2 reduction by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 06:19 · Score: 0
  
  Nobody cared about global warming in 1973. But they did care that energy prices increased dramatically - market forces and all that.
5. Re:The US still leads in CO2 reduction by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 09:22 · Score: 0
  
  Up a bit: https://www.statista.com/stati...
False praise by stealth_finger · 2019-02-04 04:41 · Score: 1

That's probably because we can't afford to burn stuff anymore.

--
Wanna buy a shirt?
https://www.redbubble.com/people/stealthfinger/shop?asc=u
First positive effect of Brexit by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:45 · Score: 0

And in the future - when more and more industry will run away from UK the CO2 emissions will drop even more...
Congratulations UK by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:51 · Score: 0

Your'e not producing anything anymore.
No wonder their weed sucks by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:53 · Score: 0

No wonder their weed sucks
Ah Damn Lies and Statistics. by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 04:53 · Score: 0

The UK was for a very, very long time the largest consumer of coal in the world. The percent decline means nothing more than the entire civilized world (sorry that's include the US anymore) is cutting way down on coal use. Of course the worst offenders have the best looking percent gains. It's like saying there's more merit in quitting smoking than never smoking at all.

You really can spin any lie you want with creative use of statistics though.
1. Re: Ah Damn Lies and Statistics. by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 09:56 · Score: 0
  
  Actually, the UK's coal use peaked in 1913 at 228 million tonnes, and has dropped ever since. Compare that to China, which consumes over 2.8 billion tonnes a year. Yes, the UK started the industrial revolution and consumed vast quantites of coal for that time, however world population and industry was so much smaller back then, and is as of nothing compared to the use of the modern major coal users.
If CA went to zero emissions tomorrow by DirkDaring · 2019-02-04 04:57 · Score: 1

World emissions would still increase in a year and a half due to China.
1. Re:If CA went to zero emissions tomorrow by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 05:06 · Score: 1
  
  Because China is building all the junk that California consumes.
2. Re:If CA went to zero emissions tomorrow by houghi · 2019-02-05 01:00 · Score: 1
  
  OTOH they have a drought problem, so I support them financially by buying as much almond products as possible.
  
  --
  Don't fight for your country, if your country does not fight for you.
Cherry picked dates by argStyopa · 2019-02-04 05:08 · Score: 1

TSIA
https://www.forbes.com/sites/r...
US was world's largest reduction since 2005. UK was 2nd.
See how easy that is?
Of course, a goodly chunk of BOTH countries' reduction is the exporting of major manufacturing elsewhere. Effectively, much of the pollution being generated by the largest-effluvium countries is by proxy for the developed world. By this same sort of balkanized point-scoring methodology (likewise the constantly-trotted-out 'per capita CO2 emissions'), if EVERY country just put all their manufacturing in a single shitty country, then they'd ALL be "winners" and only one country the "loser"...would the world *really* be better off?
Setting aside entirely the question of how wise it is in the long run ANYWAY to trade all your domestic manufacturing and industry for service sector jobs and financial rent-farming by shutting $ from one account to another.

--
-Styopa
1. Re:Cherry picked dates by 110010001000 · 2019-02-04 05:11 · Score: 1
  
  The main point is that Europeans can feel good about themselves and point fingers at China and those "dirty countries". That is really all that matters in life.
2025. Take that, Germany! by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 05:19 · Score: 0

Subject says it all.
Living in Germany and deeply disappointed by this "Kohlekommission" which came with 2038-ish "and when it doesn't hurt too much". Cowards!
And so has the average income... by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 05:28 · Score: 0

Poor immigrants don't use much energy...
Falling standards of living! by TJHook3r · 2019-02-04 05:39 · Score: 4, Insightful

Well, despite housing stock being overall a bit shit, standards of new builds (tiny shoeboxes) are generally quite efficient. Manufacturing is outsourced to other countries and pollution is further reduced. On top of that, despite the temperature hovering near freezing, many are wearing their entire wardrobes rather than turn on their expensive electric. A recent Facebook argument with hundreds of comments argued about the practicalities of heating a flat with some tea-lights and flower pots! In short, making people poorer is a great way to tackle emissions :(
1. Re:Falling standards of living! by wyHunter · 2019-02-05 04:56 · Score: 1
  
  This is the goal of the environmentalist.
Shipped to China by jenik · 2019-02-04 06:18 · Score: 1

Yes, because all of the fossil fuel-intensive manufacturing (and more) was shipped to China and other countries. This is a virtual drop due to capital transfers. Solves nothing.
Good, but by fred6666 · 2019-02-04 06:51 · Score: 1

they still emit more CO2 per capita than France, Spain, Italy or Denmark (at least with the 2014 numbers I got).
The rate of reduction doesn't mean much if the country was emitting a lot in 1990.
The UK (and Europe in general) is doing much better than USA/Canada/Australia.
1. Re: Good, but by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 10:11 · Score: 0
  
  The USA stands out as ridiculously polluting per capita compared to all other countries. What is it with the US? Are they just backwards, lazy, or wasteful?
And yet... by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 07:19 · Score: 0

... climate change is trudging forward...
No, not exactly by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 07:22 · Score: 0

Vehicle emissions are tested against the specification of the vehicle from the time of manufacture such as the EURO 6 standard.

IANAL, but it would be more accurate to say:
Vehicle emissions are tested against the law at the time of vehicle manufacturing such as...
Easy If You Dont Produce Anything! by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 08:36 · Score: 0

All the UK does now is "financial services".. its more than half their GDP! Brexit will fuck that good and proppa!!
1. Re:Easy If You Dont Produce Anything! by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 10:20 · Score: 0
  
  I never understood the difference between "financial services" and "legal stealing". Can someone enlighten me?
2. Re: Easy If You Dont Produce Anything! by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-05 06:39 · Score: 0
  
  Why? 'Financial services' don't involve goods, and are therefore immune to trade tariffs, etc. In fact, you just made a sound case for why the UK *won't* be affected by Brexit!
Re: So Close!! by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 08:38 · Score: 0

Because China is burning all the coal.
Re: It Keeps Insistong Like A Moran by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 08:44 · Score: 0

Your mode when called on your bullshit is to shout NO U!
Youre fucking pathetic. Go get a job and contribute something!
Re: Times of Israel Disagrees! by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 09:02 · Score: 0

If you read The Times of Israel newspaper yould know the 2008 financial crisis was caused by three jews who paid a 500 million usd fine to the US to avoid extradition and trial. But you only watch Fox right?
You Sound Jelly by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 09:04 · Score: 0

Did they not have working men who organized and fought against the elite 1% in your country? SAD.
Re: HA HA! Youre FAT. Fatty fat fat fat! by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 09:08 · Score: 0

Faaaaaat landcow Amerikuk. Tell us about your gun collection and memories of last time you saw your penis five years ago..
renewable by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 09:12 · Score: 0

They don't count the emissions that are emitted from coal burning plants that have been converted to wood burning.
People dieing by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-04 11:25 · Score: 0

Are they sure it's not because of all the people dieing from being killed by all the invasion of "immigrants". That is less people exhaling carbon dioxide!
Thank Mrs T! by Gonoff · 2019-02-05 00:39 · Score: 1

Who shut down our coal industry and got rid of a good part of our industries?
Look out USA! You have her successor now. You may think he is pro coal and dirty industry. He is pro money. When that notes that profits are best served by closing mines and steel works, your CO2 will drop as well!

--
I'll see your Constitution and raise you a Queen.
Re: So Close!! by Anonymous Coward · 2019-02-05 06:35 · Score: 0

Which it needs to do so it can build all that junk that California consumes.