Professor Obama chimes in on the "irreversible momentum" of clean energy, yet seems to indicate that future policy choices will influence our eventual energy path.
So, is the momentum for clean energy irreversible unless it is reversed? I'm not sure what I am being told here. Nor can I guess at his intent. If his goal is to take the pressure off Trump and talk the Hillary/Obama crowd in from their various window ledges, I suppose a "Trump Doesn't Matter" essay might make sense. or maybe he is hoping to persuade the international community of that notion.
Who knows? And, after checking the calendar, who cares? I'll guess at another motivation - since this paper is nicely foot-noted and appears in "Science", maybe Prof. O is hoping to snag another Nobel Prize on his way out the door. Bookends!
SINCE YOU ASK: NO, the word "fracking" does not appear. Waddya, kidding? He does acknowledge that US carbon emissions fell while the economy grew in part due to a shift to natural gas from coal, without using the five letter word:
Since 2008, the United States has experienced the first sustained period of rapid GHG emissions reductions and simultaneous economic growth on record. Specifically, CO2 emissions from the energy sector fell by 9.5% from 2008 to 2015, while the economy grew by more than 10%. In this same period, the amount of energy consumed per dollar of real gross domestic product (GDP) fell by almost 11%, the amount of CO2 emitted per unit of energy consumed declined by 8%, and CO2 emitted per dollar of GDP declined by 18% (2).
The importance of this trend cannot be understated. This “decoupling” of energy sector emissions and economic growth should put to rest the argument that combatting climate change requires accepting lower growth or a lower standard of living.
...
The IEA noted that “There have been only four periods in the past 40 years in which CO2 emission levels were flat or fell compared with the previous year, with three of those—the early 1980s, 1992, and 2009—being associated with global economic weakness. By contrast, the recent halt in emissions growth comes in a period of economic growth.”
...
The American electric-power sector—the largest source of GHG emissions in our economy—is being transformed, in large part, because of market dynamics. In 2008, natural gas made up ~21% of U.S. electricity generation. Today, it makes up ~33%, an increase due almost entirely to the shift from higher-emitting coal to lower-emitting natural gas, brought about primarily by the increased availability of low-cost gas due to new production techniques (2, 15).
Mysterious "new production techniques.
Obama also explains that public policy must continue to incentive businesses to improve their bottom lines by conserving energy, since businessmen (and women! Also, the gender-fluid) can't figure out for themselves that cutting costs and reducing the efficiency of their energy usage can improve the venerable bottom line. Yeah, I don't know why these business leaders are so foolish and short-sighted either, but thank heavens a former (and failed) community organizer is here to help straighten them out.
"KILL ROOM FOUND! Pegasus Museum owned by Alefantis is home to..." [duplicate video]
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DnT9QzmMAe4
Posted by: Truthbetold5 | January 10, 2017 at 12:21 PM
is the senate supposed to vote on confirmation today or is that later?
Posted by: the generallyistic deplorable rich | January 10, 2017 at 12:22 PM
Captain Hate,
I figured they would all cover it. They covered Reagan's, I remember, and I think Bush's.
It's bound to be an obnoxious and delusional performance.
I will be here on the internet reading and not listening. I will follow Twitter comments, because that's as close as I can get.
Like I said, I have done my duty by watching SOTU over the years. I just can't listen any more.
Posted by: Miss Marple the Deplorable | January 10, 2017 at 12:23 PM
And no offense TK, but if someone is going to convince me he's not fixated on minutiae, it probably won't be you.
No offense taken. I don't intend to convince you, I'm merely sharing my view.
Minutiae is one of his fixations, not his only fixation, IMO. He fixates on that which helps him win.
An alternate is that when he got around to delegating, he did a good job.
In the Streep Justice scenario, are you saying he planned on delegating all along, or that he shot from the hip at 3AM and then had to think fast to salvage the deal?
Posted by: Threadkiller | January 10, 2017 at 12:24 PM
rich, the appropriate committee votes, maybe today or slightly later, followed by the entire Senate.
Posted by: Captain Hate | January 10, 2017 at 12:25 PM
rich,
Later. There is testimony from outside witnesses tomorrow.
Then they vote on whether to send it to the Senate for a vote. THEN the Senate votes.
Posted by: Miss Marple the Deplorable | January 10, 2017 at 12:26 PM
at some point they will have to start caving and Sen Sessions is an odd choice to start a fight that doesn't look like will end too soon.
Yeah, I still can't figure 'em out. I thought Tillerson might be low-hanging fruit (or one of the other super-rich ones like DeVos . . . gotta be a financial conflict in there somewhere), but for ideological differences, Pruitt is the obvious choice. By the time they get there, their powder's gonna be all wet.
Also, a lot of donors for the Dems are hard left, so oppositional tactics mean money.
Certainly the case with greenies (which is why I thought Pruitt would be the main target). And I guess lawyers and AG are big money items, but I'm still not seeing Sessions unless it's ideological (and really not then--he's hardly a bigot).
Posted by: Cecil Turner | January 10, 2017 at 12:26 PM
he can let us know how much the seas retreated as a result of his reign.
still proud that his girls will be able to surf in Hawaii (one of his more delusion utterances about global warming was about his kids not being able to surf in Hawaii ...)
Emperor His Highness King of Scotland SCOAMF Obama the Zeroth.
Posted by: the generallyistic deplorable rich | January 10, 2017 at 12:27 PM
Another day ending in y, hopefully it went conflict with the episode of bones, delayed.
Posted by: buccaneer morgan | January 10, 2017 at 12:28 PM
thanks Miss Marple and Captain Hate.
Posted by: the generallyistic deplorable rich | January 10, 2017 at 12:29 PM
Rich:
They already do manufacture votes but they miscalculated the disgust of Michigan voters after the Feds polluted their lake, bankrupted Detroit and made water in Flint not fit to drink.
Obama and Dems to Detroit- Drop Dead!
Only 9 more days until Barackexit!
Posted by: maryrose | January 10, 2017 at 12:31 PM
Willy:
The world of denial is stress free.
Posted by: maryrose | January 10, 2017 at 12:33 PM
Podesta was going to be secretary of state, Starbucks for labor secretary?
Posted by: buccaneer morgan | January 10, 2017 at 12:33 PM
BOzo races to force ruinous policies on Baltimore and Chicago PD before Sheriff Trump is sworn in.
Posted by: DebinNC | January 10, 2017 at 12:34 PM
Predicted NBC coverage:
Shots of people crying.
Shots of people holding "Thanks, Mr. President" signs.
Shots of anti-Trump signs.
Fake protesters who are white.
Etc. etc.
Posted by: Miss Marple the Deplorable | January 10, 2017 at 12:35 PM
Cecil-
although I underestimated how long democrats can drag out fights: Texas they rolled out to Oklahoma for a while and Wisconsin they decamped to a Titled Kilt (classy choice Dems). Although in both cases those fights blew up in their faces. Maybe an exception in North Carolina where they were able to get the governorship?
Posted by: the generallyistic deplorable rich | January 10, 2017 at 12:36 PM
By the time they get there, their powder's gonna be all wet.
Think of them like the annoying punk that picks a fight with you and after you pound him, just tries to get blood and snot on you.
Posted by: Captain Hate | January 10, 2017 at 12:36 PM
Sandberg for treasury, Morrell likely as CIA.
Posted by: buccaneer morgan | January 10, 2017 at 12:36 PM
A haymaker. Oh brother.
In all the years of you semantically lionizing yourself I have yet to see one that could knock a hen off its nest.
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki | January 10, 2017 at 12:36 PM
Cecil:
Sessions can be portrayed as a bigot, kept off the bench by a heroic St. Teddy of Chappaquiddak, and opposed as a racist, lo these many years ago, by that disappearing creature mourned by Democrats, the Moderate Republican that Listened to them.
Reality stopped mattering to political partisans some time in the first Reagan administration.
Posted by: Appalled | January 10, 2017 at 12:38 PM
maryrose-
I was making a joke about the typo "e-manufacturing".
Posted by: the generallyistic deplorable rich | January 10, 2017 at 12:38 PM
In the Streep Justice scenario, are you saying he planned on delegating all along, or that he shot from the hip at 3AM and then had to think fast to salvage the deal?
How would I know, and why should I care? I'd note he's not doing it today--just high minded stuff about jobs and public servants--so maybe he was just bored.
rich, the appropriate committee votes, maybe today or slightly later, followed by the entire Senate.
One schedule I saw had another all day meeting tomorrow for Sessions (Sen Judiciary committee). So I'd guess that vote for tomorrow. Don't they usually have the Senate vote after inauguration?
Posted by: Cecil Turner | January 10, 2017 at 12:46 PM
Well it's like shadow boxing Ignatz.
When shots aren't answered it's a win for the monologue.
Posted by: Willy | January 10, 2017 at 12:46 PM
Appalled They don't have the votes to stop Sessions from being confirmed.
If Dems close ranks Use nuclear option.
This is for grandstanding and money raising.
Booker 's ploy will blow up in his face.
He hardly knows Sessions and did praise him earlier on.
Another whining phony stunt by Dims to try and grasp some relevance.
Pathetic.
Posted by: maryrose | January 10, 2017 at 12:46 PM
Ultimate irony
Al Franken me. Stolen election questioning Sessions
Reminds me of Womanizer Ted Kennedy casting aspersions on the character of Justice. Clarence Thomas.
Posted by: maryrose | January 10, 2017 at 12:49 PM
Don't they usually have the Senate vote after inauguration?
I think so but hasn't Trump been unusually prompt with his nomination decisions, unlike quibbling Zippy?
Posted by: Captain Hate | January 10, 2017 at 12:49 PM
rich, there are protest singers in the Capitol in Madison still today. These imbeciles never stop.
Posted by: henry | January 10, 2017 at 12:50 PM
They chose Sessions first because of the usual over confidence...delusion...denial....dysfunction..et al.
Posted by: Willy | January 10, 2017 at 12:51 PM
they decamped to a Titled Kilt (classy choice Dems).
I visited that particular Tilted Kilt a couple times. Had a great beer selection, okay bar food, and a couple of collegiate volleyball players (sisters no less) that were stunning. I'd give 'em a pass on that one.
Reality stopped mattering to political partisans some time in the first Reagan administration.
Maybe I'm giving 'em too much credit for having a plan. Vote counting isn't really all that tough.
If Dems close ranks Use nuclear option.
That particular nuke option is already part of the rules. It's a straight up--or-down 50+ vote.
Posted by: Cecil Turner | January 10, 2017 at 12:53 PM
Franken: I'm not a lawyer.
Mr: Obviously.
Posted by: Miss Marple the Deplorable | January 10, 2017 at 12:53 PM
Sessions will recuse from directly prosecuting Hillary but is open to appointing a special prosecutor.
Clintons better nail that pardon down pronto.
Posted by: maryrose | January 10, 2017 at 12:54 PM
Have we reached Peak Diaper Pin yet?
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | January 10, 2017 at 12:54 PM
Congress is in session on Inaugural Day and in the past the Senate confirmed as many cabinet officials as were ready on that Day #1. Obama got 7 approved on his Jan 20.
Posted by: Old Lurker | January 10, 2017 at 12:55 PM
Now your reaching for Mary Jo?
Your compassion is overflowing, but it's kinda old and deflective, no?
On to the future, not backward. Your fears are as yet unrealized and you should prepare.
Posted by: Willy | January 10, 2017 at 12:56 PM
Yes possibly, Vilhelm.
But the thoughtful man of letters always considers silence might indicate he is halitosic rather than sage.
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki | January 10, 2017 at 12:57 PM
Sessions is from the south--therefore he must be a racist--and to keep the lie going, he has to be targeted--all Southern white males are KKK --Gee, Cecil do I have to explain everything to you?
Posted by: Clarice Feldman | January 10, 2017 at 12:58 PM
Cecil:
It is a done deal.
Why the character assasination of Sessions by Booker?
First order of business as A G.
Determine as Holder did with Rosen if Booker is an enemy of the country and don't allow him a passport or visa and put him on a no fly list.
Then start tapping his parent's phone
Posted by: maryrose | January 10, 2017 at 12:58 PM
'considers silence..'
Or...intimidation and a lack of meaningful insight....confusion....semi-literacy...I could go on..
Posted by: Willy | January 10, 2017 at 01:01 PM
Yes. It doesn't assist for the caricature when the candidate talks like he has a mouthful of marbles or peanuts.
Posted by: Willy | January 10, 2017 at 01:03 PM
maryrose,
I think Booker's testimony is one of those "speaking truth to power" kabuki theater things to position him for the Obama replacement in 2020.
I can see the ads now....
Posted by: Miss Marple the Deplorable | January 10, 2017 at 01:03 PM
new thread, y'all
Posted by: DebinNC | January 10, 2017 at 01:03 PM
I think so but hasn't Trump been unusually prompt with his nomination decisions, unlike quibbling Zippy?
I can't find any useful summary. Obama kept on Gates, and announced him in early December. Clinton was chosen in November 2008 (they delayed her official nomination until after thanksgiving), while Tillerson was 12 December so I don't think Trump can claim unprecedented speed (or at least it's not entirely one sided).
I'd think the reason to delay until after inauguration was that you couldn't be officially in office until your president took the helm. But I'm remarkably uneducated on the subject.
Posted by: Cecil Turner | January 10, 2017 at 01:04 PM
Start burning coal like crazy__http://www.climatedepot.com/2017/01/10/pravda-scientists-now-warn-of-a-new-ice-age-as-temperature-plummets-to-80f-in-russia/
Posted by: Clarice Feldman | January 10, 2017 at 01:04 PM
Don't tell the feather passer, but there's a new thread.
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | January 10, 2017 at 01:05 PM
And just when I thought you might inadvertently crash into some redemptive self awareness....
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki | January 10, 2017 at 01:06 PM
>>>On to the future, not backward. Your fears are as yet unrealized and you should prepare.<<<
come here for the biting commentary, stay for the fortune cookie sophistry
Posted by: the generallyistic deplorable rich | January 10, 2017 at 01:08 PM
Franken: I'm not a lawyer.
Mr: Obviously.
Did someone actually say "Obviously"? Who?
Better to say: "If I recall correctly, you are a failed comedian."
Posted by: jimmyk | January 10, 2017 at 01:10 PM
http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/01/10/obama-staffers-cant-find-work-in-trumps-dc-there-are-no-jobs/?utm_content=buffer4ef43&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Here's a hankie...
Posted by: lyle | January 10, 2017 at 01:18 PM
don't think my car is going to get done before I should go into work ... snow day!
Posted by: the generallyistic deplorable rich | January 10, 2017 at 01:19 PM
Clarice, this cold spell is just weather, but the fact is that we've a very poor understanding of natural climate change. It was an error, a convenient, lucrative, and power grabbing error, but an error all the same, to focus upon CO2 as the climate control knob.
Posted by: Mein Gott, the destruction from this poor focus. | January 10, 2017 at 01:45 PM
"If I recall correctly, you are a failed comedian."
And remember the huge "Air America" hoopla where Franken was touted as the left's Rush Limbaugh and how that worked out?
Posted by: DebinNC | January 14, 2017 at 07:44 AM