For the next several years the focus of my work is not going to be on climate issues, but rather, issues associated with innovation and technology, with energy only a small part of that focus. My next book is already underway and I have decided to spend most of my time in 2011 on it and other topics that I've neglected, meaning that something else will have to give. That something else will be the intensive focus on the climate debate and the daily climate blogging associated with it. If I believe my own analysis -- and I think I do -- then the broad outlines of that debate are unlikely to change anytime soon. I'll continue to be a strong and active advocate for energy innovation and adaptation.
I have no doubts that there will be continued occasion on this blog to discuss and debate the issues raised in The Climate Fix, and there will be things worth discussing related to climate. So in the future I will restrict my discussions of climate to Tuesdays. What appears on this blog on the other days could be something related to my new book, some random musings, high-quality football analysis or nothing at all. We'll see.
The entire crack staff here at this blog has been given some well-deserved time off, so posting will be scarce in the coming days and weeks as the holidays are here. Comments will still be cleared, but please have patience if it is slow.
Thanks again to all the readers and commenters! Happy Holidays!
19 comments:
As a long time reader, I think this a good opportunity to say thanks for all the work you have put into this blog. And IMHO, the quality has been outstanding too. Enjoy the Holidays!
issues associated with innovation and technology, with energy only a small part of that focus.
I'd be curious to hear your take on Venture Capital-style efforts by the government that are trying to foster innovation; an example might be OnPoint Technologies. Is this the sort of thing you're focusing on, or just "innovation" in general?
Good luck Roger!!
On another note,
Just when you think all is lost, the Rocket Scientists at Nature Magazine discover that all the cheap coal that was going to kill us all doesn't exist.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v468/n7322/full/468367a.html
'Climate Change' is dead - Game On for 'Energy Quest'
Roger,
As another reader, I too record my appreciation.
We all have turning points and it is good to recognise and accept them.
I thank you for The Climate Fix - I think you are mostly right though I rather suspect fossil fuels will be around for a good deal longer as the cheapest source of energy whilst it will take forever to find cheaper alternatives.
Governments have the habit of using new taxes to fund budget deficits, which won’t help.
At some stage, sooner than later, global temperatures do need to get on course for the projected temperature (and sea) rises if the search for low cost alternative fuels is to be intensified. I am less certain of this occurring than you are.
What is most helpful in the book IMO is the way you demonstrate the enormity of the task of emissions reduction. The most revealing comment in response to your analysis showing the total fatuity of emission trading schemes was that of Senator Wong in relation to your Australian analysis, to the effect that nuclear power could be avoided by carbon offsets obligingly provided by developing nations - a colonial mindset if ever there was one!
Unlike the cookie in the picture, your fortune has yet to be written. Make it a good one!
Seconded. (Where now for a wide-ranging and non-bonkers blog about both the science and the policy of climate change?)
You've endured more than your share of slings and arrows, and my sense is you're right about the general shape of the climate debate, barring some momentous signal from the climate-ocean system well beyond the wiggles so far. [or $200 oil.. I still muse on what might have happened on energy policy (with climate in tow) if the oil spike had synchronized with the gulf gusher...]
Good luck with all next steps.
To stay in a room is to stagnate
To open doors is exploration
Highways to blaze
Avenues to travel
So many doors in technology
Open a peer in
Is there a question
Maybe an answer
Happy Holiday
Thanks for all the work you put into making a very interesting blog (especially finding the pictures !).
Best of luck in your new field. It sounds a lot better than the radioactive climate change debate.
Roger,
Thank you for the hard work required to run the best climate policy blog and for your strength of character to present sometimes unwelcome facts and ideas to a field that occasionally appears to value keeping the trains on time over going the right direction. Your posts and comments from others have made me think long and hard about issues that matter. I’ll miss my daily climate policy fix but look forward to your insights about innovation.
Regards, Roger
BTW, as Mork said when exploring a new world, "Nanu, Nanu!"
Andy,
It's true that Roger received a lot of slings and arrows, but for balance let's then also note that he slung a lot of slings and arrows at others. Naturally, people will disagree about cause and effect as well as about the strength of the reasoning behind the slinging, though there certaintly is a positive feedback loop at work.
David Palmer notes, quite correctly I think, that "I rather suspect fossil fuels will be around for a good deal longer as the cheapest source of energy whilst it will take forever to find cheaper alternatives." Which is exactly why, in the absence of strong mitigation, merely focusing on innovation and adaptation will not do much to keep the carbon in the ground.
Roger, good luck with your new endeavours!
Bart
Roger- thank you for all the work you put in on this blog! I will truly miss it; for me it was a five minute update daily on everything I needed to know about the broader world of climate change.
On the other hand, having started a blog -pretty much based on seeing how well you did with yours- I can certainly understand how you might want to take a break from the daily grind of administration.
I do hope you continue to make observations on some of the more general science in policy topics.
Also, in your message you alluded to "staff"; I would like to thank them too. I'd like to echo Eric144 on your pictures- they are excellent. And I hope Harrywr2 doesn't wander away.. he is a great font of knowledge on all things Coal.
Roger, I learned a lot from Prometheus and your current blog. Thanks for that. Great information, great fights, lots of humor. You indeed changed climate, or at least our understanding of climate change. Great job! Now I am looking forward to learn (and hopefully read) about your new adventures. Keep us updated - we need that!
Just got through the Climate Fix, and while I might do a proper review of it if I have the time, my impression was broadly positive. We've gotta pick the priorities that count, and staying interested in the work is always a plus while we're at it - I look forward to hearing about your future efforts, in whatever medium.
Now that you are a man of leisure, perhaps you could post the leaders in the foosbol prognostication contest.
-16-Craig 1st
I will have this ready at the midpoint of the season ... Arsenal will need to dispatch Man U before then ;-)
Roger -
Having been a long time reader of your blogs, an occasional commenter, and someone who has appreciated your peppering this blog with soccer references, I actually have a different area to suggest that you dig into (based on your Colorado Rapids post that preceded this one) - you should delve into soccer refereeing!
In your post on the Rapids' championship you note disatisfaction with the referee, but come on - don't you know that he is merely the "honest broker" out on the pitch!
That said, perhaps instead of exploring innovation as your next endeavor you could take a deep dive into refereeing and give us your take on that field. Refereeing is equal parts knowledge, art, and psychology, and like debates over climate science, even the judgements, opinions, and calls of the most highly skilled referees can and will be challenged by players and coaches and misunderstood by TV announcers and general audiences. And like those in the climate community, some are enticed by the power of the position, but most of the best and most of the average weekend referees merely want to serve as honest brokers between the players and foster what we referees refer to as the good of the game.
But short of a deep dive into refereeing, two suggestions - 1. check out US Soccer's Referee Week in Review - it is a weekly instructional podcast on referee issues that pulls examples from the past week's MLS action - so the review of the Rapids - FCDallas game should be posted any day now; and 2. Go get certified as a referee - and give it a try - it will only enhance your appreciation for the beautiful game.
In other news...as I know Sharon likes to be kept up to date on coal
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-03/coal-s-surge-coaxes-u-k-utilities-to-burn-wood-energy-markets.html
"Benchmark coal for delivery next month in Northwest Europe has climbed 40 percent this year to close at $116.25 a metric ton yesterday"
And what are the Euopeans going to do in face of skyrocketing coal prices?
"Essen, Germany-based RWE AG said Nov. 16 it’s seeking permission to burn wood instead of coal at its 1,050-megawatt power station in Tilbury, England, next year. "
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