Washington, August 3 (RHC)-- In climate news, the World Meteorological Organization reports that July was the warmest month in recorded human history.  It followed the hottest June on record, as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels climbed to a record high of 415 parts per million earlier this year. 

Scorching heat waves have put 2019 on track to be one of the hottest years ever measured.  The current record holders are, by rank, 2016, 2015, 2017 and 2018.

Meanwhile, a new study finds even modest shifts in government subsidies away from fossil fuels and toward renewables could lead to a dramatic drop in greenhouse gas emissions.  

The International Institute for Sustainable Development says governments spend some $372 billion each year subsidizing coal, oil and gas; if as little as 10% of that money was invested in wind, solar and other renewables, countries could see a nearly 20% drop in carbon dioxide pollution.