China and Coal

China tells the outside world that they are going "green" and are committed to renewable energy sources. But the truth is what they are committed to is burning coal. China now burns more coal than almost all the industrialized nations combined.

Part of me understands. Coal is a source of energy available domestically. "China's dependence of energy imports rose from 9% in 2014 to more than 20% in 2016." There seems to be no end to the demand for more energy in China. So why not try to maximize what resources you have at hand?

But China is also a signatory to the Paris Climate Accords. And it bugs me that I'm supposed to give up plastic straws while much of the world seems content to let China slide on saying they are committed to "green" energy and "clean coal".

99 Good News Stories You Might Have Missed in 2018

99 good news stories you probably didn't hear about in 2018.

Although some of these stories could be bad news depending on your point of view. Half the world's counties are now below "replacement level" birth-wise? Is that actually good news for the economies of those countries? California going carbon neutral by 2045? That's going to wreck their economy (unless they change their mind on nuclear power).

Trying my best not to be a "cup half empty" type but it is a struggle.

There is no denying that we live in an age of abundance though.

Linky Links

Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- Life tips from happiness expert Dan Buettner

- The new alchemy? Researchers produce high grade "rare earth" elements from common coal

- All the data Google Facebook have on you. The idea of privacy on the Internet or being anonymous is dead.

- Nostradamus was nothing compared to this guy

- Cool - story of The Offspring drummer turned Ob-gyn turned courtroom hero

- California to now require cancer warnings on coffee. California is insane.

- The Last Powerpoint