Duke University climatologist leads global effort to stop new gas infrastructure – such as Duke Energy’s plans to build over 50 gas-fired power units
Dr. Drew Shindell of Duke University has joined NC WARN twice, in 2019 and 2020, in calling for Gov. Cooper to stop new gas pipelines and power plants. Now, Shindell is lead author of an unprecedented United Nations report showing that curbing methane (natural gas) emissions is essential to averting climate chaos.
Please tell the public about Duke University’s Dr. Shindell and his team’s heroic work to stop climate suffering worldwide. Key citations of Shindell’s work in the global press:
“We’re still going wildly in the wrong direction, but we can turn that around very, very quickly,” Dr. Shindell said. “We could all use a climate success story.” (NY Times 4/24/21)
“The flip side is that, with no action, methane emissions may help push the world to the brink of catastrophic climate change.” (NY Times 4/24/21)
“As the report’s lead author, Drew Shindell, underlined at a press conference …. ‘One thing the report calls for very strongly is not building any more of this fossil fuel infrastructure. When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.’” (The New Republic, 5/7/21)
“Cutting methane is the strongest lever we have to slow climate change … The benefits … are numerous and far outweigh the cost,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. (UN press release)
“To achieve global climate goals, we must reduce methane emissions while also urgently reducing carbon dioxide emissions,” Dr Shindell said. “The good news is that most of the required actions bring not only climate benefits but also health and financial benefits, and all the technology needed is already available.” (UN press release)
“Shindell … said urgent steps must be taken to reduce methane emissions this decade.” (UN press release)
Compare those quotes with Duke Energy leaders’ plans to build twice as many gas-fired power plants as any other US power provider, and a gas storage facility in Robeson County. That’s why Shindell and 40 former EPA officials have joined thousands of North Carolinians calling for Gov. Roy Cooper to use his authority and leadership to stop plans for over 50 gas units and other infrastructure.
