The Daily Populous

Planet has just 5% chance of reaching Paris climate goal, study says

Researchers find that economic, emissions and population trends point to very small chance Earth will avoid warming more than 2C by century’s end.

Global trends in the economy, emissions and population growth make it extremely unlikely that the planet will remain below the 2C threshold set out in the Paris climate agreement in 2015, the study states.

According to the University of Washington study, there is a 90% likelihood that temperatures will rise between 2C and 4.9C by 2100.

This would put the world in the mid-range warming scenarios mapped out by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

It has long been acknowledged that emissions cuts promised under the the Paris agreement would not be sufficient to avoid 2C warming.

Fortunately, renewables, storage and other technologies are already cheaper than fossil energy in many places and costs are falling fast.

“More aggressive policies are urgently needed, but this study should not be taken as evidence that nothing can be done. »

U.S. slaps sanctions on Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro

Authored by money.cnn.com

The Treasury Department slapped sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Monday, sending a clear signal of the Trump administration's opposition to his regime.

"Yesterday's illegitimate elections confirm that Maduro is a dictator who disregards the will of the Venezuelan people," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in a statement announcing the latest sanctions on the Latin American country.

Last week, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on 13 government and military officials tied to Maduro. »

Los Angeles agrees to host 2028 Summer Olympics; Paris to serve as 2024 site

Authored by espn.com

The Los Angeles 2024 Olympic Bid Committee formally announced on Monday the city has reached an agreement with the International Olympic Committee to host the 2028 Summer Games.

Los Angeles (1932, 1984, 2028) and Paris (1900, 1924, 2024) will join London as the only cities to host three Olympic Games.

Instead, with Los Angeles agreeing to host the 2028 Summer Games and Paris taking 2024, we're seeing a major shift in the Olympic paradigm. »

Steve Bartman receives 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series Championship ring

Authored by wgntv.com

CHICAGO -- A WGN News exclusive -- Steve Bartman has received an official Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Championship ring as a special gift from the Ricketts family and the Cubs organization.

"On behalf of the entire Chicago Cubs organization, we are honored to present a 2016 World Series Championship Ring to Mr. Steve Bartman," the Cubs told WGN in a statement.

“Although I do not consider myself worthy of such an honor, I am deeply moved and sincerely grateful to receive an official Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Championship ring. »

Judge strikes down Alabama abortion law requiring minors to have consent from court

Authored by al.com

Alabama legislators in 2014 changed the state's process for girls who can't or won't get their parents' permission for an abortion to obtain permission from a court instead.

Both the judge and the ACLU said they were aware of no other state with such a law.

The girl was 13 weeks pregnant and had just completed fifth grade when she went before a family court judge, according to a court record. »