Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit

Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit
	[[File:ocean acidification’s impact on marine life, particularly on calcifying organisms. His research on the effects of lowered pH on corals and shellfish has been critical in understanding how ocean acidification contributes to biodiversity loss. His work has significantly influenced the scientific community’s approach to studying and addressing acidification. Organizational Influence: Global Ocean Acidification Network (GOA-ON). This international organization provides a platform for collaboration and data sharing on ocean acidification. GOA-ON facilitates research and long-term monitoring of acidification impacts across the globe, helping to guide international climate policies and conservation strategies to mitigate the effects of ocean acidification. Their work is crucial for understanding the global scope of acidification and coordinating international responses. ; 3 3. Ocean acidification has significant impacts on ecosystem functioning by altering key biological processes such as reproduction, growth, and metabolism in marine species. This affects the overall health and stability of marine ecosystems. ; The article discusses ecosystem-wide impacts, referencing experimental studies from organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which highlights ocean acidification as a critical driver of ecosystem change. Specific examples include Dr. Ulf Riebesell, a leading ocean acidification specialist, who has conducted mesocosm experiments showing altered nutrient cycling and shifts in plankton communities due to changes in seawater pH This judgment is based on well-established biological principles and is supported by findings in the article by J.A. Godbold and P. Calosi. Their research, backed by experimental evidence and broader studies cited (e.g., IPCC reports and marine biology studies), demonstrates how acidification impacts key processes like reproduction, growth, and metabolism in marine organisms. These are critical to ecosystem stability ; Vulnerability of Calcifying Organisms: Species that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons, such as corals, mollusks, and some plankton, are particularly vulnerable. Reduced availability of carbonate ions in acidifying waters compromises their structural integrity and survival, leading to broader ec of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and research by scientists ological consequences. Studies cited in the article refer to the worklike Dr. Jean-Pierre Gattuso, who focus on calcifying species. Their findings confirm that lowered pH levels significantly reduce the calcification rates of organisms like corals and shellfish, directly correlating to declines in marine biodiversity. The Global Ocean Acidification Network is also highlighted for documenting these vulnerabilities globally through long-term monitoring programs The article references studies on calcifying species, such as corals and shellfish, which are known to struggle with reduced carbonate ion availability. This vulnerability is a widely accepted conclusion in marine science, supported by NOAA, the IPCC, and scientists like Dr. Jean-Pierre Gattuso. These references confirm the ecological consequences of acidification, aligning with the judgment ; ; Amplification of Climate Change Effects: The interplay between ocean acidification and other climate stressors, like rising sea temperatures and oxygen depletion, compounds the challenges for marine life. This synergistic effect threatens biodiversity and the resilience of marine ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need for mitigation strategies. Godbold and Calosi emphasize synergistic effects with research supported by the Royal Society and studies led by experts such as Dr. Carol Turley, who explore interactions between warming, hypoxia, and acidification. Her findings underline how these factors collectively exacerbate the stress on marine species. Collaborative reports from the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and prominent researchers further support this point, demonstrating the amplified risks for ecosystems like coral reefs under simultaneous climate stressors. The interplay between ocean acidification and other stressors, like warming and hypoxia, is an emerging focus in climate research. Studies cited in the article by experts such as Dr. Carol Turley and reports from the Royal Society emphasize the compounded risks these stressors pose to biodiversity and marine ecosystems. This synergistic perspective strengthens the reliability of this judgment ; Adaptation Limitations in Marine Species = The article highlights that while some species may exhibit short-term adaptive responses to acidification, these changes are often insufficient to cope with the rapid pace of environmental change. This raises concerns about the long-term survival of many species. The article by J.A. Godbold and P. Calosi provides several references to support the judgment regarding adaptation limitations in marine species: ; 1. Dr. Jean-Pierre Gattuso: His research highlights that while some marine organisms, like certain plankton, may display short-term adaptive traits, these adaptations are limited by the speed and magnitude of acidification. His findings emphasize that rapid environmental changes often outpace the ability of species to genetically or physiologically adapt. 2. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): The IPCC reports cited in the article indicate that while some species may show initial resilience, the overarching effects of acidification, combined with other stressors like warming and deoxygenation, diminish their long-term survival prospects. The panel underscores the unsustainable nature of these short-term adaptations in the face of escalating climate stressors. 3. Royal Society Reports: Research supported by the Royal Society, mentioned in the article, discusses the physiological limits of marine organisms under acidifying conditions. The inability to adapt fast enough to declining pH levels is highlighted as a key driver of potential species loss. 4. Dr. Carol Turley: A leading researcher in ocean acidification, Dr. Turley’s work emphasizes the compounded effects of acidification, hypoxia, and warming on marine life. She notes that species unable to adapt to the combined stressors are at greater risk of extinction. ; These references collectively underline the limitations of marine species’ adaptation to rapid acidification, reinforcing the concerns about long-term ecological consequences. 4 Validity and Reliability of the Judgment on Adaptation Limitations in Marine Species ; Validity ; The judgment is valid because it is supported by credible and authoritative sources: ; • Dr. Jean-Pierre Gattuso and his research are internationally recognized in the field of ocean acidification. His work emphasizes that while some species exhibit temporary adaptive responses, these are insufficient in addressing long-term environmental changes, which validates the claim. • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports are highly credible as they compile peer-reviewed scientific studies, offering evidence that the rate of environmental change outpaces most species’ adaptive capacities. • Royal Society Reports add further credibility by highlighting physiological limitations of organisms under acidification stress, providing concrete scientific backing. ; The validity stems from the consistency of these findings across multiple respected sources, all of which support the claim of limited adaptation in marine species. ; Reliability ; The judgment is reliable for the following reasons: ; 1. Expert Contributions: The referenced individuals (e.g., Dr. Gattuso and Dr. Turley) are recognized experts in marine science, with decades of research contributing to their authority on the topic. 2. Institutional Credibility: The IPCC and Royal Society are established institutions known for rigorous standards in data collection, peer review, and scientific reporting. Their involvement ensures that the findings are based on robust methodologies. 3. Reproducibility: The studies cited are grounded in experiments and observations that have been replicated in different contexts, further reinforcing the reliability of the findings. ; Potential Limitations ; While the judgment is both valid and reliable, some limitations may arise from the inherent complexity of ecosystem responses, which may not account for unknown adaptive mechanisms or future genetic changes in species. However, given the current scientific consensus, the judgment remains well-supported. 4. "Acidifying Oceans" by Richard Black Development: The article could benefit from incorporating more specific case studies or experimental data that demonstrate the real-time impacts of ocean acidification on different ecosystems, particularly on less-studied regions or species. Improvement: By expanding on regional variations in ocean acidification and providing more localized examples, the article could enhance its relevance to diverse ecosystems and the people affected by these changes. For instance, including data from the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON) could offer a more global perspective on how different areas are impacted."Ocean Application" by CoastAdapt Development: The article could improve by incorporating clearer, actionable solutions for mitigation and adaptation strategies to combat ocean acidification, tailored to specific industries or regions. Improvement: Offering practical policy recommendations or technological innovations (e.g., carbon capture and storage or restoration projects like coral planting) could help to turn scientific data into tangible actions for stakeholders such as local governments, industries, and conservation organizations. "Ocean Acidification and Climate Change" by Godbold JA and P. Calosi Development: While the article provides comprehensive insights into the biological and ecological impacts, it could benefit from a deeper exploration of socio-economic consequences, particularly how ocean acidification affects fisheries and coastal communities. Improvement: By including more socio-economic data and emphasizing the connection between environmental changes and human livelihoods, the article would provide a more well-rounded view of the consequences of ocean acidification, potentially motivating stronger policy changes and funding for research.\|frameless]]
Founded	27 January 2014
Headquarters	London , United Kingdom
Website	eciu.net

Last updated December 11, 2024

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) is a non-profit organisation based in the UK conducting independent research and analysis on energy and climate issues. The organisation was incorporated in 2014.^[1] According to their own about page, they are a "a non-profit organisation that supports informed debate on energy and climate change issues in the UK", supporting journalists, parliamentarians and other communicators with accurate briefings on key issues, and work with individuals and organisations that have interesting stories to tell, helping them connect to the national conversation.^[2]

The ECIU has been referenced by British and global press when citing data about climate change.^[3]^[4]^[5]

The organisation was founded by former BBC environment correspondent Richard Black.^[6] ECIU's Advisory Board includes climate scientists, energy policy experts, economists, MPs and peers.

The Unit is solely funded by philanthropic foundations; they acknowledge support from the European Climate Foundation and other grant funding organisations.^[2]

Notable research

ECIU created a series of studies to estimate how much of the global economy committed to net zero.^[7] The research reported 16% of the global economy was committed to such a commitment in June 2019.^[8] In February 2020 the organization estimated that 49% of the global GDP was committed to a net zero target.^[9] In May 2020, ECIU estimated that 53% of global DFP is committed to a net zero target for 2050.^[10]

Related Research Articles

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is a Paris-based autonomous intergovernmental organization, established in 1974, that provides policy recommendations, analysis and data on the global energy sector. The 31 member countries and 13 association countries of the IEA represent 75% of global energy demand.

Climate Group is a nonprofit organisation with a mission to drive climate action, fast, and achieve a world of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with greater prosperity for all. The organisation builds influential networks of business and governments to unlock the power of collective action and scale. With its partners, Climate Group drives demand for net zero solutions, moving whole systems such as energy, transport, the built environment, industry and food towards a cleaner future. The organisation and its members are helping to shift global markets and policies towards faster reductions in carbon emissions.

Business action on climate change is a topic which since 2000 includes a range of activities relating to climate change, and to influencing political decisions on climate change-related regulation, such as the Kyoto Protocol. Major multinationals have played and to some extent continue to play a significant role in the politics of climate change, especially in the United States, through lobbying of government and funding of climate change deniers. Business also plays a key role in the mitigation of climate change, through decisions to invest in researching and implementing new energy technologies and energy efficiency measures.

The energy policy of the United Kingdom refers to the United Kingdom's efforts towards reducing energy intensity, reducing energy poverty, and maintaining energy supply reliability. The United Kingdom has had success in this, though energy intensity remains high. There is an ambitious goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in future years, but it is unclear whether the programmes in place are sufficient to achieve this objective. Regarding energy self-sufficiency, UK policy does not address this issue, other than to concede historic energy security is currently ceasing to exist.

Aircraft engines produce gases, noise, and particulates from fossil fuel combustion, raising environmental concerns over their global effects and their effects on local air quality. Jet airliners contribute to climate change by emitting carbon dioxide, the best understood greenhouse gas, and, with less scientific understanding, nitrogen oxides, contrails and particulates. Their radiative forcing is estimated at 1.3–1.4 that of CO₂ alone, excluding induced cirrus cloud with a very low level of scientific understanding. In 2018, global commercial operations generated 2.4% of all CO₂ emissions.

The Climate Change Act 2008 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Act makes it the duty of the Secretary of State to ensure that the net UK carbon account for all six Kyoto greenhouse gases for the year 2050 is at least 100% lower than the 1990 baseline, toward avoiding dangerous climate change. The Act aims to enable the United Kingdom to become a low-carbon economy and gives ministers powers to introduce the measures necessary to achieve a range of greenhouse gas reduction targets. An independent Committee on Climate Change was created under the Act to provide advice to UK Government on these targets and related policies. In the act Secretary of State refers to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Climate Change Committee</span> UK Climate Change public body

The Climate Change Committee (CCC), originally named the Committee on Climate Change, is an independent non-departmental public body, formed under the Climate Change Act (2008) to advise the United Kingdom and devolved Governments and Parliaments on tackling and preparing for climate change. The Committee provides advice on setting carbon budgets, and reports regularly to the Parliaments and Assemblies on the progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, in 2019 the CCC recommended the adoption of a target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the United Kingdom by 2050. On 27 June 2019 the British Parliament amended the Climate Change Act (2008) to include a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. The CCC also advises and comments on the UK's progress on climate change adaptation through updates to Parliament.

The climate policy of China is to peak its greenhouse gas emissions before 2030 and to be carbon neutral before 2060. Due to the buildup of solar power and the burning of coal, Chinese energy policy is closely related to its climate policy. There is also policy to adapt to climate change. Ding Xuexiang represented China at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2023, and may be influential in setting climate policy.

Green growth is a concept in economic theory and policymaking used to describe paths of economic growth that are environmentally sustainable. It is based on the understanding that as long as economic growth remains a predominant goal, a decoupling of economic growth from resource use and adverse environmental impacts is required. As such, green growth is closely related to the concepts of green economy and low-carbon or sustainable development. A main driver for green growth is the transition towards sustainable energy systems. Advocates of green growth policies argue that well-implemented green policies can create opportunities for employment in sectors such as renewable energy, green agriculture, or sustainable forestry.

Climate change is impacting the environment and human population of the United Kingdom (UK). The country's climate is becoming warmer, with drier summers and wetter winters. The frequency and intensity of storms, floods, droughts and heatwaves is increasing, and sea level rise is impacting coastal areas. The UK is also a contributor to climate change, having emitted more greenhouse gas per person than the world average. Climate change is having economic impacts on the UK and presents risks to human health and ecosystems.

The Kyoto Protocol was an international treaty which extended the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. A number of governments across the world took a variety of actions.

Climate change in Scotland is causing a range of impacts on Scotland, and its mitigation and adaptation is a matter for the devolved Scottish Parliament. Climate change has already changed timings of spring events such as leaf unfolding, bird migration and egg-laying. Severe effects are likely to occur on biodiversity.

In 2021, net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United Kingdom (UK) were 427 million tonnes (Mt) carbon dioxide equivalent, 80% of which was carbon dioxide itself. Emissions increased by 5% in 2021 with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, primarily due to the extra road transport. The UK has over time emitted about 3% of the world total human caused CO₂, with a current rate under 1%, although the population is less than 1%.

The Carbon Neutrality Coalition (CNC) is a group of countries, cities and organisations which have committed to take concrete and ambitious action to achieve the aims of the Paris Agreement.

The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred to as COP26, was the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference, held at the SEC Centre in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, from 31 October to 13 November 2021. The president of the conference was UK cabinet minister Alok Sharma. Delayed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the third meeting of the parties to the 2015 Paris Agreement, and the 16th meeting of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP16).

India was ranked seventh among the list of countries most affected by climate change in 2019. India emits about 3 gigatonnes (Gt) CO_2eq of greenhouse gases each year; about two and a half tons per person, which is less than the world average. The country emits 7% of global emissions, despite having 17% of the world population. The climate change performance index of India ranks eighth among 63 countries which account for 92% of all GHG emissions in the year 2021.

China's total greenhouse gas emissions are the world's highest, accounting for 35% of the world's total according to the International Energy Agency. The country's per capita greenhouse gas emissions are the 34th highest of any country, as of 2023.

World energy supply and consumption refers to the global supply of energy resources and its consumption. The system of global energy supply consists of the energy development, refinement, and trade of energy. Energy supplies may exist in various forms such as raw resources or more processed and refined forms of energy. The raw energy resources include for example coal, unprocessed oil & gas, uranium. In comparison, the refined forms of energy include for example refined oil that becomes fuel and electricity. Energy resources may be used in various different ways, depending on the specific resource, and intended end use. Energy production and consumption play a significant role in the global economy. It is needed in industry and global transportation. The total energy supply chain, from production to final consumption, involves many activities that cause a loss of useful energy.

Various environmental issues are facing Wales, including climate change, pollution and ecosystem loss, and the various policies to address them.

Global net-zero emissions describe the state where emissions of greenhouse gases due to human activities and removals of these gases are in balance over a given period. It is often called simply net zero. In some cases, emissions refers to emissions of all greenhouse gases, and in others it refers only to emissions of carbon dioxide. To reach net zero targets requires actions to reduce emissions. One example would be by shifting from fossil fuel energy to sustainable energy sources. Organizations often offset their residual emissions by buying carbon credits.

References

↑ "ENERGY AND CLIMATE INTELLIGENCE UNIT LIMITED - Overview (free company information from Companies House)". beta.companieshouse.gov.uk. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
1 2 "Who We Are". Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
↑ "'UK's leakiest homes could feel the squeeze of a £50 rise in energy bills during winter lockdown'". Energy Live News. 22 May 2020. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
↑ Keane, Kevin (5 June 2020). "UN launches push for net-zero emissions by 2050". BBC News. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
↑ Reed, Stanley (4 June 2020). "U.K. Finds That Green Business Is Good Business". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331 . Retrieved 7 June 2020.
↑ "Podcast: Environment special — Richard Black of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
↑ "World sees growing move towards net zero emissions goals – analysis". ITV News. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
↑ "Report: Net-zero targets now cover one-sixth of global economy". edie.net. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
↑ "Report: 49% of world's GDP covered by net-zero targets". edie.net. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
↑ Keane, Kevin (5 June 2020). "UN launches push for net-zero emissions by 2050". BBC News. Retrieved 7 June 2020.

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[beta.companieshouse.gov.uk-1] "ENERGY AND CLIMATE INTELLIGENCE UNIT LIMITED - Overview (free company information from Companies House)". beta.companieshouse.gov.uk. Retrieved 7 June 2020.

[:0-2] 1 2 "Who We Are". Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit. Retrieved 15 July 2019.

[3] "'UK's leakiest homes could feel the squeeze of a £50 rise in energy bills during winter lockdown'". Energy Live News. 22 May 2020. Retrieved 7 June 2020.

[4] Keane, Kevin (5 June 2020). "UN launches push for net-zero emissions by 2050". BBC News. Retrieved 7 June 2020.

[5] Reed, Stanley (4 June 2020). "U.K. Finds That Green Business Is Good Business". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331 . Retrieved 7 June 2020.

[6] "Podcast: Environment special — Richard Black of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit". www.churchtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 7 June 2020.

[7] "World sees growing move towards net zero emissions goals – analysis". ITV News. Retrieved 7 June 2020.

[8] "Report: Net-zero targets now cover one-sixth of global economy". edie.net. Retrieved 7 June 2020.

[9] "Report: 49% of world's GDP covered by net-zero targets". edie.net. Retrieved 7 June 2020.

[10] Keane, Kevin (5 June 2020). "UN launches push for net-zero emissions by 2050". BBC News. Retrieved 7 June 2020.

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