Comments on: Peak Carbon

By: Rory Williams

Rory Williams — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:08:06 +0000

Useful concept, peak carbon – but I have a slightly different definition to consider: “the point where the rate at which carbon can be sequestered (naturally or artificially) exceeds the rate at which atmospheric carbon is generated”. In other words, it is not a peak in emissions but a peak in atmospheric concentrations. I think that is closer to the definition of peak oil, which is also about the balance between discovery and extraction; and it also brings us closer to the key issue of the impact on ecological systems, since concentrations can continue to increase even when emissions have peaked.

By: David Wilson

David Wilson — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:06:25 +0000

How does the Peak Carbon relation to Peak Oil factor in

1. the methane escape (10 x more Greenhouse gas impact than CO2) in the Northern tundra caused by Perma frost melt and retreating polar cap?

2. China opening 1 coal fire power station every week.

3. Ans surer many other nasties.

I think there is a long way to go before we peak on carbon or able to stop the natural escape of greenhouse gases that we have instigated.

By: Tyson

Tyson — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:06:25 +0000

I find it funny that global temperatures have been dropping since 2001 and people are still listening to these crack pot/wanna be scientists who proclaim the earth is being destroyed. Wake up! 31,000 scientists have signed papers that say they do believe global weather is influenced by GHGs, but the american people believe everything the media says and the media loves a good disaster story. I think history will look back with shame upon Gore and his hysteria that has led to today’s energy prices.

By: Lee Long

Lee Long — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:52:03 +0000

I will believe we have reached peak carbon when Al Gore’s personal house has – if the ‘God’ of the environmentals with all of his resources/advisers cannot reach this peak – what chance do I have? I also find it enlightning reading the comments – environmentals, like politicians these days, do not like good news it would appear. Enjoyed the piece.

By: Richard Trontoski

Richard Trontoski — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:23:16 +0000

I usually don’t comment on this subject, but this realy needs to have some real emperical data behind global warming. There is no evidence for global warming– the Sea levels are Not rising–the temperature is not rising and carbon credits are not worth the paper they are printed on.

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:44:36 +0000

Dave, Even if your prediction that the US reached ‘Peak Carbon’ in 2007 proves to be true, I question it’s relevance. Unlike Peak Oil which can be constrained to a geographic supply region, Peak Carbon is only relevant on a global basis – we all share in the GHG issues.
Yes there have been many positive changes in behavior, legislation and technical substitution in the US and this is a start and must continue. I also believe the evolving world economy has a lot to do with perception that the US has reached Peak Carbon. When manufacturing, agriculture and other industries that supply the US market move “off-shore”, their impact on GHG emissions do NOT move off-shore with them. I believe there are still many more fundamental changes needed in the US market before peak carbon to support that market is reached.

By: David Douglas

David Douglas — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:59:15 +0000

Aggregate responses.

Jim C: you seem to be talking about Peak Carbon globally, in which case we probably agree. In the cases of Peak Carbon in the US, I still believe its happened, even with gradually increasing population.

Tom H: I agree we need to look at the absolute GHG emissions today, especially since they will be with us in the atmosphere for decades to come. Personally I think its important that we may be topping out in the US, and hope it comes elsewhere asap. That’s the first step to moving to a better level.

Tom F: This is a prediction based on an aggregation of data. Corporate GHG emissions tracking is an accounting activity based on standards, which we follow carefully, and uses external auditors to help make sure we’re on track (our methodologies are publicly documented in various places). I’m not sure I see the connection between the two.

By: Gary

Gary — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:11:22 +0000

His math is just as good as the global warming theory. Its all fuzzy math and its not the US you need to worry about its CHINA! more people more cars more inefficient plants wake up!.

By: Bill

Bill — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:39:15 +0000

I disagree – When the American people are fully convinced that any and all “carbon” legislation , is a tax to fill business and Gov’t pockets , and kill the consumer , then we will have carbon peak . Al Gores hypocrisy is not helping your cause . Global warming mistruths and outright lies and exclusions of real data , and fudging what real data they have ( for only 50 yrs ) predicting the weather and climate and setting them selves up as “gods” thinking arrogantly that man can effect the weather . Many believe the lie – I do not – others are learning of this scam for what it is . A popular religious scam . Earth worship , man worship . Bill

By: Brent Quebman

Brent Quebman — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:48:02 +0000

This is a really interesting idea that actually makes sense. My fear is that it will be used against desperately needed new policies. We are already seeing it as an argument for the aviation industry not to regulate, because the market is taking care of it naturally. The reality is that we are talking about a finite resource and a little regulation could help smooth out the wild swings in prices and help drive technological solutions to the inevitable end of fossil fuels. Oh yea, and its good for the environment…