A new study produced by an international team of scientists focuses on efforts to reduce the production of two shorter-term pollutants, rather than carbon dioxide, that drive climate change.
Brian Vastag and Juliet Eilperin write of measures to reduce the production of methane and soot, outlined in a study appearing in the journal Science, that could slow global warming, save millions of lives and boost crop production around the world.
"Previous studies have noted the benefits of reducing methane and soot. But the new study looked at the specific effect of about 400 actions policymakers could take. Of those, just 14 interventions - such as eliminating wood-burning stoves, dampening emissions from diesel vehicles and capturing methane released from coal mines - would offer big benefits."
Brooks Yeager, executive vice president for policy for the advocacy group Clean Air-Cool Planet, gave the report's positive reception a reality check, "I think it's a little dangerous to think you can do this instead of reducing carbon dioxide," Yaeger said. "If you don't reduce carbon dioxide, the benefits of reducing these [pollutants] will recede into the background and be overwhelmed by carbon."
FULL STORY: Study: Simple measures could reduce global warming, save lives

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
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Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
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Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
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MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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