- by Michael Simpson (1) (link to bio below)
Journal of Sustainable Development; Vol. 17, No. 6; 2024
ISSN 1913-9063 E-ISSN 1913-9071
Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education
Received: September 11, 2024 Accepted: November 2, 2024 Online Published: November 15, 2024
(1) Sheffield University Management School, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 1FL, UK
Correspondence: Michael Simpson, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 1FL, UK. E-mail:
m.simpson@sheffield.ac.uk
Abstract
The UK Net Zero by 2050 Policy was undemocratically adopted by the UK government in 2019. Yet the science of so-called ‘greenhouse gases’ is well known and there is no reason to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), or nitrous oxide (N2O) because absorption of radiation is logarithmic. Adding to or removing these naturally occurring gases from the atmosphere will make little difference to the temperature or the climate. Water vapor (H2O) is claimed to be a much stronger ‘greenhouse gas’ than CO2, CH4 or N2O but cannot be regulated because it occurs naturally in vast quantities. This work explores the established science and recent developments in scientific knowledge around Net Zero with a view to making a rational recommendation for policy makers. There is little scientific evidence to support the case for Net Zero and that greenhouse gases are unlikely to contribute to a ‘climate emergency’ at current or any likely future higher concentrations. There is a case against the adoption of Net Zero given the enormous costs associated with implementing the policy, and the fact it is unlikely to achieve reductions in average near surface global air temperature, regardless of whether Net Zero is fully implemented and adopted worldwide. Therefore, Net Zero does not pass the cost-benefit test. The recommended policy is to abandon Net Zero and do nothing about so-called ‘greenhouse gases’.
full pdf:
Bio: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/management/people/academic-staff/mike-simpson
budbromley 