Bush signs bill boosting fuel standards - Yahoo! News: "President Bush signed into law Wednesday legislation that will bring more fuel-efficient vehicles into auto showrooms and require wider use of ethanol, calling it 'a major step' toward energy independence and easing global warming.
The legislation increases the federal standard automakers must meet to an industry wide 35 mpg for passengers cars, SUVs and small trucks. The standard for cars today is 27.5 mpg and for trucks and SUVs 22.2 mpg.
It requires refineries to increase the use of ethanol from about 6 billion gallons a year this year to 36 billion gallons by 2022 and mandates that by then at least 21 billion gallons are to come from feedstocks other than corn.
The bill also calls for improved energy efficiency of appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers, and a 70 percent increase in the efficiency of light bulbs. It also calls for energy efficiency improvements in federal buildings and construction of commercial buildings.
The overall bill including more ethanol use and various efficiency requirements and incentives, will cut U.S. oil demand by 4 million barrels a day by 2030, more than twice the current daily imports from the volatile Persian Gulf, Democrats said."
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Bali climate talks reach agreement
Yahoo News: Bali climate talks reach agreement
BALI, Indonesia - World leaders overcame bitter divisions Saturday and agreed to reach a new deal on fighting global warming by 2009, turning a corner in mankind's race to stave off environmental disaster caused by rising temperatures.
The contentious, two-week U.N. climate conference on the resort island of Bali ended with the United States, facing angry criticism from other delegations, relenting in its opposition to a request from developing nations for more technological help fighting climate change.
The new deal does not commit countries to specific actions against global warming. It simply sets an agenda and schedule for negotiators to find ways to reduce pollution and help poor countries adapt to environmental changes by speeding up the transfer of technology and financial assistance.
Despite an aggressive EU-led campaign to include specific emissions reduction targets for industrial nations — by 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 — the final road map has none.
The guidelines were eliminated after the U.S., joined by Japan and others, argued that targets should come at the end of the two-year negotiations, not the beginning.
BALI, Indonesia - World leaders overcame bitter divisions Saturday and agreed to reach a new deal on fighting global warming by 2009, turning a corner in mankind's race to stave off environmental disaster caused by rising temperatures.
The contentious, two-week U.N. climate conference on the resort island of Bali ended with the United States, facing angry criticism from other delegations, relenting in its opposition to a request from developing nations for more technological help fighting climate change.
The new deal does not commit countries to specific actions against global warming. It simply sets an agenda and schedule for negotiators to find ways to reduce pollution and help poor countries adapt to environmental changes by speeding up the transfer of technology and financial assistance.
Despite an aggressive EU-led campaign to include specific emissions reduction targets for industrial nations — by 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 — the final road map has none.
The guidelines were eliminated after the U.S., joined by Japan and others, argued that targets should come at the end of the two-year negotiations, not the beginning.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
All UK homes could be wind powered by 2020: govt - Yahoo! News
All UK homes could be wind powered by 2020: govt - Yahoo! News: "Every home in Britain could be supplied by wind power alone in 2020 by making full use of the wind-swept seas around the country, Energy Secretary John Hutton said on Monday.
Britain has some of the best wind conditions for generating carbon-free electricity in the world but high construction costs and a sluggish planning process has limited its growth.
There are 8 gigawatts of offshore wind farms planned in the UK, but the government thinks another 25 GW could be added to that by 2020, Hutton said in a statement.
'This potential major expansion will be subject to the outcome of a strategic environmental assessment. But if we could manage to achieve this, by 2020 enough electricity could be generated off our shores to power the equivalent of all of the UK's homes.' he said."
Britain has some of the best wind conditions for generating carbon-free electricity in the world but high construction costs and a sluggish planning process has limited its growth.
There are 8 gigawatts of offshore wind farms planned in the UK, but the government thinks another 25 GW could be added to that by 2020, Hutton said in a statement.
'This potential major expansion will be subject to the outcome of a strategic environmental assessment. But if we could manage to achieve this, by 2020 enough electricity could be generated off our shores to power the equivalent of all of the UK's homes.' he said."
German battery could jump-start electric car production - Yahoo! News
German battery could jump-start electric car production - Yahoo! News: "German cars are known for strength, speed and high fuel consumption, but a firm in eastern Saxony has designed a lithium-ion battery membrane that could finally make electric cars common.
For years, battery-powered cars have been hampered by technological hurdles, with researchers seeking to resolve problems of weight, autonomy and ways of recharging vehicles quickly and easily.
Germans were said to be plodding along behind, but batteries made by the a firm called Li-Tec 'take up 30 percent less volume than those from Toyota' and 'allow you to go three times further for the same weight than French models,' said Tim Schaefer, a director of the company in eastern Kamenz."
For years, battery-powered cars have been hampered by technological hurdles, with researchers seeking to resolve problems of weight, autonomy and ways of recharging vehicles quickly and easily.
Germans were said to be plodding along behind, but batteries made by the a firm called Li-Tec 'take up 30 percent less volume than those from Toyota' and 'allow you to go three times further for the same weight than French models,' said Tim Schaefer, a director of the company in eastern Kamenz."
Friday, December 7, 2007
Eco-friendly kangaroo farts could help global warming: scientists - Yahoo! News
Eco-friendly kangaroo farts could help global warming: scientists - Yahoo! News: "Australian scientists are trying to give kangaroo-style stomachs to cattle and sheep in a bid to cut the emission of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming, researchers say.
Thanks to special bacteria in their stomachs, kangaroo flatulence contains no methane and scientists want to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who emit large quantities of the harmful gas.
While the usual image of greenhouse gas pollution is a billowing smokestack pushing out carbon dioxide, livestock passing wind contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions in some countries.
'Fourteen percent of emissions from all sources in Australia is from enteric methane from cattle and sheep,' said Athol Klieve, a senior research scientist with the Queensland state government."
Thanks to special bacteria in their stomachs, kangaroo flatulence contains no methane and scientists want to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who emit large quantities of the harmful gas.
While the usual image of greenhouse gas pollution is a billowing smokestack pushing out carbon dioxide, livestock passing wind contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions in some countries.
'Fourteen percent of emissions from all sources in Australia is from enteric methane from cattle and sheep,' said Athol Klieve, a senior research scientist with the Queensland state government."
Monday, December 3, 2007
Divorce Squanders Earth's Resources - Yahoo! News
Divorce Squanders Earth's Resources - Yahoo! News: "Divorce leaves more than a trail of legal documents, stinging egos and uprooted kids. The split-ups wreak havoc on the environment.
A global trend of soaring divorce rates has led to a surge in the number of households with fewer people. The result: We collectively devour more space and gobble up more energy and water, say the authors of a new study published online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
'Not only the United States, but also other countries, including developing countries such as China and places with strict religious policies regarding divorce, are having more divorced households,' said co-author Jianguo Liu of Michigan State University. 'The consequent increases in consumption of water and energy and using more space are being seen everywhere.'
The study gives the down and dirty truths on exactly how much of Mother Nature's resources go down the tubes when unions are severed. But the remedy for such 'squander' is made for TV: Fall back in love, or at least cohabitate. "
A global trend of soaring divorce rates has led to a surge in the number of households with fewer people. The result: We collectively devour more space and gobble up more energy and water, say the authors of a new study published online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
'Not only the United States, but also other countries, including developing countries such as China and places with strict religious policies regarding divorce, are having more divorced households,' said co-author Jianguo Liu of Michigan State University. 'The consequent increases in consumption of water and energy and using more space are being seen everywhere.'
The study gives the down and dirty truths on exactly how much of Mother Nature's resources go down the tubes when unions are severed. But the remedy for such 'squander' is made for TV: Fall back in love, or at least cohabitate. "
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Global warming is pushing edges of tropics towards poles: study - Yahoo! News
Global warming is pushing edges of tropics towards poles: study - Yahoo! News: "The greenhouse effect is causing Earth's zone of tropical climate to creep towards the poles, according to a study whose release on Sunday coincided with the eve of a major UN conference on climate change.
The poleward expansion of the tropics will have far-reaching impacts, notably in intensifying water scarcity in the Mediterranean and the US 'Sun belt' as well as southern Africa and southern Australia, it warns."
The poleward expansion of the tropics will have far-reaching impacts, notably in intensifying water scarcity in the Mediterranean and the US 'Sun belt' as well as southern Africa and southern Australia, it warns."
Bali talks aim to jumpstart climate change fight - Yahoo! News
Bali talks aim to jumpstart climate change fight - Yahoo! News: "About 190 nations start talks on Monday to try to sharpen the main weapon against climate change, the Kyoto treaty, by involving all countries ranging from the United States to the poorest in Africa.
Delegates to the U.N.-sponsored talks in Bali, Indonesia, are under intense pressure to launch negotiations on a 'roadmap' that will lead to a broader pact by late 2009 to tackle greenhouse gas emissions that are blamed for causing global warming.
But the trick is to find the magic formula that gets every nation on board, from the biggest emitters such as the United States and China to the smallest and most vulnerable, such as tropical island states or sub-Saharan African nations.
Over the past years, climate change talks have been bogged down by arguments over who's going to pay the bill for cleaner technology and how to share out the burden of emissions curbs between rich and poor nations."
Delegates to the U.N.-sponsored talks in Bali, Indonesia, are under intense pressure to launch negotiations on a 'roadmap' that will lead to a broader pact by late 2009 to tackle greenhouse gas emissions that are blamed for causing global warming.
But the trick is to find the magic formula that gets every nation on board, from the biggest emitters such as the United States and China to the smallest and most vulnerable, such as tropical island states or sub-Saharan African nations.
Over the past years, climate change talks have been bogged down by arguments over who's going to pay the bill for cleaner technology and how to share out the burden of emissions curbs between rich and poor nations."
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
World must fix climate in less than 10 years: U.N. - Yahoo! News
World must fix climate in less than 10 years: U.N. - Yahoo! News: "Unless the international community agrees to cut carbon emissions by half over the next generation, climate change is likely to cause large-scale human and economic setbacks and irreversible ecological catastrophes, a U.N. report said on Tuesday.
The U.N. Human Development Report issued one of the strongest warnings yet of the lasting impact of climate change on living standards and a strong call for urgent collective action.
The report, presented in Brasilia on Tuesday, sets targets and a road map to reduce carbon emissions before a U.N. climate summit next month in Bali, Indonesia.
'The message for Bali is the world cannot afford to wait. It has less than a decade to change course,' said Watkins, a senior research fellow at Britain's Oxford University."
The U.N. Human Development Report issued one of the strongest warnings yet of the lasting impact of climate change on living standards and a strong call for urgent collective action.
The report, presented in Brasilia on Tuesday, sets targets and a road map to reduce carbon emissions before a U.N. climate summit next month in Bali, Indonesia.
'The message for Bali is the world cannot afford to wait. It has less than a decade to change course,' said Watkins, a senior research fellow at Britain's Oxford University."
EU challenges partners to match its global warming targets - Yahoo! News
EU challenges partners to match its global warming targets - Yahoo! News:
"The European Union on Tuesday challenged its international partners to match its efforts to stop global warming, and stepped up pressure on the United States days before a crucial climate meeting.
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said the EU was prepared to deepen its target cuts of greenhouse gas emissions to 30 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 if its partners would match the efforts.
'We are ready to make this commitment provided other developed countries agree to make comparable efforts during the forthcoming negotiations,' expected to be launched by a conference in Bali, Indonesia starting next week.
'Developed countries must lead the way in cutting emissions,' he said. EU nations have already pledged to cut emissions by 20 percent by 2020."
"The European Union on Tuesday challenged its international partners to match its efforts to stop global warming, and stepped up pressure on the United States days before a crucial climate meeting.
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said the EU was prepared to deepen its target cuts of greenhouse gas emissions to 30 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 if its partners would match the efforts.
'We are ready to make this commitment provided other developed countries agree to make comparable efforts during the forthcoming negotiations,' expected to be launched by a conference in Bali, Indonesia starting next week.
'Developed countries must lead the way in cutting emissions,' he said. EU nations have already pledged to cut emissions by 20 percent by 2020."
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Warmer temperatures tied to wildfires, scientists say - CNN.com
Warmer temperatures tied to wildfires, scientists say - CNN.com
Huge wildfires, such as the ones that have charred more than 460,000 acres this week in Southern California, are becoming more common in the Western United States, and scientists say warming trends and other climate factors may be responsible.
"I think the evidence is lining up that indeed there is some connection between the warming trends and especially the early arrival of spring," he said. "The strongest signal is actually in the northern states of the West -- Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana -- and also Alaska and Canada are showing a pretty clear connection between warming temperatures and wildfire activity."
Huge wildfires, such as the ones that have charred more than 460,000 acres this week in Southern California, are becoming more common in the Western United States, and scientists say warming trends and other climate factors may be responsible.
"I think the evidence is lining up that indeed there is some connection between the warming trends and especially the early arrival of spring," he said. "The strongest signal is actually in the northern states of the West -- Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana -- and also Alaska and Canada are showing a pretty clear connection between warming temperatures and wildfire activity."
TED Electricity Monitor
Popgadget Personal Technology for Women: TED Electricity Monitor: "a small device called The Energy Detective a home energy monitor that can track and display your electricity usage in real-time."
UN report urges environmental response - Yahoo! News
UN report urges environmental response - Yahoo! News: "The international community must respond more quickly to climate change, species extinction, dwindling supplies of fresh water and other threats to the planet, the U.N. Environment Program warned Thursday.
The U.N. agency said in a report that nations still fail to recognize the seriousness of environmental threats to the planet. Prepared by 390 experts over five years, the report reviews progress made since a similar one in 1987.
The global response in the two decades since 'has in some cases been courageous and inspiring,' UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said before the report's release in London.
'But all too often it has been slow and at a pace and scale that fails to respond to or recognize the magnitude of the challenges facing the people and the environment of the planet.'"
The U.N. agency said in a report that nations still fail to recognize the seriousness of environmental threats to the planet. Prepared by 390 experts over five years, the report reviews progress made since a similar one in 1987.
The global response in the two decades since 'has in some cases been courageous and inspiring,' UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said before the report's release in London.
'But all too often it has been slow and at a pace and scale that fails to respond to or recognize the magnitude of the challenges facing the people and the environment of the planet.'"
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
White House cut warming impact testimony - Yahoo! News
White House cut warming impact testimony - Yahoo! News: "The White House severely edited congressional testimony given Tuesday by the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the impact of climate change on health, removing specific scientific references to potential health risks, according to two sources familiar with the documents.
Her testimony before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee had much less information on health risks than a much longer draft version Gerberding submitted to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review in advance of her appearance.
'It was eviscerated,' said a CDC official, familiar with both versions, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the review process.
The official said that while it is customary for testimony to be changed in a White House review, these changes were particularly 'heavy-handed,' with the document cut from its original 14 pages to four. It was six pages as presented to the Senate committee."
Her testimony before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee had much less information on health risks than a much longer draft version Gerberding submitted to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review in advance of her appearance.
'It was eviscerated,' said a CDC official, familiar with both versions, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the review process.
The official said that while it is customary for testimony to be changed in a White House review, these changes were particularly 'heavy-handed,' with the document cut from its original 14 pages to four. It was six pages as presented to the Senate committee."
Global warming in Chile threatens industry, water supplies - Yahoo! News
Global warming in Chile threatens industry, water supplies - Yahoo! News: "Giant glaciers are disappearing. Mudslides are becoming more common. Snow no longer falls in the spring, replaced instead by tepid rains.
Last May, an entire lake in southern Chile disappeared practically overnight after the Tempano Glacier, which had acted as a dam, melted and destabilized.
'Without a doubt, global warming is the cause,' "
Last May, an entire lake in southern Chile disappeared practically overnight after the Tempano Glacier, which had acted as a dam, melted and destabilized.
'Without a doubt, global warming is the cause,' "
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Climate change blamed for fading foliage - Yahoo! News
Climate change blamed for fading foliage - Yahoo! News: "Forested hillsides usually riotous with reds, oranges and yellows have shown their colors only grudgingly in recent years, with many trees going straight from the dull green of late summer to the rust-brown of late fall with barely a stop at a brighter hue.
Warming climate affects trees in several ways.
Colors emerge on leaves in the fall, when the green chlorophyll that has dominated all spring and summer breaks down.
The process begins when shorter days signal leaves to form a layer at the base of their stems that cuts off the flow of water and nutrients. But in order to hasten the decline of chlorophyll, cold nights are needed.
In addition, warmer autumns and winters have been friendly to fungi that attack some trees, particularly the red and sugar maples that provide the most dazzling colors."
Warming climate affects trees in several ways.
Colors emerge on leaves in the fall, when the green chlorophyll that has dominated all spring and summer breaks down.
The process begins when shorter days signal leaves to form a layer at the base of their stems that cuts off the flow of water and nutrients. But in order to hasten the decline of chlorophyll, cold nights are needed.
In addition, warmer autumns and winters have been friendly to fungi that attack some trees, particularly the red and sugar maples that provide the most dazzling colors."
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Seattle’s Recycling Success Is Being Measured in Scraps - New York Times
Seattle’s Recycling Success Is Being Measured in Scraps - New York Times
What goes in as yard waste and food scraps will emerge two months later as a mountain of loamy compost sold by the bag at garden centers throughout the Pacific Northwest by Cedar Grove Composting. In the process, the waste is ground up, piled up, aerated, dried and sifted. The space-age fabric covering the piles allows air to enter but keeps pungent odors from wafting over the countryside.
“This is the cool side of trash,” Cedar Grove’s founder, Steve Banchero, said of the process, which is on recycling’s cutting edge.
The company, the major composter in this area, will soon have much more trash coming its way because Seattle is making food waste yet another mandatory recycling ingredient in its already long list.
What goes in as yard waste and food scraps will emerge two months later as a mountain of loamy compost sold by the bag at garden centers throughout the Pacific Northwest by Cedar Grove Composting. In the process, the waste is ground up, piled up, aerated, dried and sifted. The space-age fabric covering the piles allows air to enter but keeps pungent odors from wafting over the countryside.
“This is the cool side of trash,” Cedar Grove’s founder, Steve Banchero, said of the process, which is on recycling’s cutting edge.
The company, the major composter in this area, will soon have much more trash coming its way because Seattle is making food waste yet another mandatory recycling ingredient in its already long list.
Photovoltaic solar power grows fast in Spain - Yahoo! News
Photovoltaic solar power grows fast in Spain - Yahoo! News
Photovoltaic solar power plants are springing up throughout Spain, capitalizing on special tariffs for renewable energies and exceeding the government's expectations.
With the current momentum, Spain will be over its target for 2010 of 400 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) power by next summer, possibly having somewhere between 800 MW and 1,200 MW, according to the Industry Ministry.
Photovoltaic solar power plants are springing up throughout Spain, capitalizing on special tariffs for renewable energies and exceeding the government's expectations.
With the current momentum, Spain will be over its target for 2010 of 400 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) power by next summer, possibly having somewhere between 800 MW and 1,200 MW, according to the Industry Ministry.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Gas emissions said at unsafe threshold - Yahoo! News
Gas emissions said at unsafe threshold - Yahoo! News: "Worldwide economic growth has accelerated the level of greenhouse gas emissions to a dangerous threshold scientists had not expected for another decade, according to a leading Australian climate change expert."
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Global warming to increase infectious disease: study - Yahoo! News
Global warming to increase infectious disease: study - Yahoo! News: "Global warming likely will lead to an increase in infectious disease around the world, as viruses, microbes and the agents that spread them flourish, experts at a medical conference warned Tuesday.
The problem is already evident and has become particularly acute in just the past decade, according to researchers at a meeting of the American Society for Microbiology."
The problem is already evident and has become particularly acute in just the past decade, according to researchers at a meeting of the American Society for Microbiology."
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Radio frequencies help burn salt water - Yahoo! News
Radio frequencies help burn salt water - Yahoo! News: "An Erie cancer researcher has found a way to burn salt water, a novel invention that is being touted by one chemist as the 'most remarkable' water science discovery in a century.
John Kanzius discovered that as long as the salt water was exposed to the radio frequencies, it would burn. The discovery has scientists excited by the prospect of using salt water, the most abundant resource on earth, as a fuel.
The scientists want to find out whether the energy output from the burning hydrogen — which reached a heat of more than 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit — would be enough to power a car or other heavy machinery.
John Kanzius discovered that as long as the salt water was exposed to the radio frequencies, it would burn. The discovery has scientists excited by the prospect of using salt water, the most abundant resource on earth, as a fuel.
The scientists want to find out whether the energy output from the burning hydrogen — which reached a heat of more than 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit — would be enough to power a car or other heavy machinery.
Eating less meat may slow climate change - Yahoo! News
Eating less meat may slow climate change - Yahoo! News: "Eating less meat could help slow global warming by reducing the number of livestock and thereby decreasing the amount of methane flatulence from the animals, scientists said on Thursday.
In a special energy and health series of the medical journal The Lancet, experts said people should eat fewer steaks and hamburgers. Reducing global red meat consumption by 10 percent, they said, would cut the gases emitted by cows, sheep and goats that contribute to global warming.
'We are at a significant tipping point,' said Geri Brewster, a nutritionist at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York, who was not connected to the study. 'If people knew that they were threatening the environment by eating more meat, they might think twice before ordering a burger,' Brewster said.
Other ways of reducing greenhouse gases from farming practices, like feeding animals higher-quality grains, would only have a limited impact on cutting emissions. Gases from animals destined for dinner plates account for nearly a quarter of all emissions worldwide"
In a special energy and health series of the medical journal The Lancet, experts said people should eat fewer steaks and hamburgers. Reducing global red meat consumption by 10 percent, they said, would cut the gases emitted by cows, sheep and goats that contribute to global warming.
'We are at a significant tipping point,' said Geri Brewster, a nutritionist at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York, who was not connected to the study. 'If people knew that they were threatening the environment by eating more meat, they might think twice before ordering a burger,' Brewster said.
Other ways of reducing greenhouse gases from farming practices, like feeding animals higher-quality grains, would only have a limited impact on cutting emissions. Gases from animals destined for dinner plates account for nearly a quarter of all emissions worldwide"
In Greenland, an interfaith rally for climate change - Yahoo! News
In Greenland, an interfaith rally for climate change - Yahoo! News: "Standing on the bow of a passenger ship before the fast-melting Ilulissat glacier, religious leaders from around the world lowered their heads in a silent prayer for the future of the planet.
Surrounded by icebergs, Sunni, Shiite, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Christian, and Shinto leaders committed themselves last Friday to leave the planet 'in all its wisdom and beauty to the generations to come.' They included the Grand Rabbi of Paris, René-Samuel Sirat, Bishop Sofie Petersen of Greenland, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington, and the Rev. Jim Ball, founder of the Evangelical Environmental Network.
They are in Greenland for a six-day tour on the invitation of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the senior-most figure in Orthodox Christianity, widely known as the Green Patriarch for his efforts to mobilize religious leaders to protect the environment."
Surrounded by icebergs, Sunni, Shiite, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Christian, and Shinto leaders committed themselves last Friday to leave the planet 'in all its wisdom and beauty to the generations to come.' They included the Grand Rabbi of Paris, René-Samuel Sirat, Bishop Sofie Petersen of Greenland, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington, and the Rev. Jim Ball, founder of the Evangelical Environmental Network.
They are in Greenland for a six-day tour on the invitation of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the senior-most figure in Orthodox Christianity, widely known as the Green Patriarch for his efforts to mobilize religious leaders to protect the environment."
Friday, August 31, 2007
Agreement reached on greenhouse gas curb - Yahoo! News
Agreement reached on greenhouse gas curb - Yahoo! News
Negotiators from 158 countries reached basic agreement Friday on rough targets aimed at getting some of the world's biggest polluters to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases blamed for global warming.
A weeklong U.N. climate conference concluded that industrialized countries should strive to cut emissions by 25 percent to 40 percent of their 1990 levels by 2020. Experts said that target would serve as a loose guide for a major international climate summit to be held in December in Bali, Indonesia.
Negotiators from 158 countries reached basic agreement Friday on rough targets aimed at getting some of the world's biggest polluters to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases blamed for global warming.
A weeklong U.N. climate conference concluded that industrialized countries should strive to cut emissions by 25 percent to 40 percent of their 1990 levels by 2020. Experts said that target would serve as a loose guide for a major international climate summit to be held in December in Bali, Indonesia.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
The new public enemy Number 1: bottled water - Yahoo! News
The new public enemy Number 1: bottled water - Yahoo! News: "It's a hugely beneficial liquid in a slim cylinder of plastic, but for US environmentalists, it is the new public enemy number one: bottled water.
'Instead of consuming four billion gallons (15 billion liters) of water a year in individual-sized bottles, we need to start thinking about what all those bottles are doing to the planet's health.'
As was pointed out at World Water Week in Stockholm on Monday, US personal consumption per capita, including water from all sources, hits 400 liters (106 gallons) each day -- compared to 10 liters (2.6 gallons) a person in developing countries."
'Instead of consuming four billion gallons (15 billion liters) of water a year in individual-sized bottles, we need to start thinking about what all those bottles are doing to the planet's health.'
As was pointed out at World Water Week in Stockholm on Monday, US personal consumption per capita, including water from all sources, hits 400 liters (106 gallons) each day -- compared to 10 liters (2.6 gallons) a person in developing countries."
The new public enemy Number 1: bottled water - Yahoo! News
The new public enemy Number 1: bottled water - Yahoo! News: "It's a hugely beneficial liquid in a slim cylinder of plastic, but for US environmentalists, it is the new public enemy number one: bottled water.
'Instead of consuming four billion gallons (15 billion liters) of water a year in individual-sized bottles, we need to start thinking about what all those bottles are doing to the planet's health.'
As was pointed out at World Water Week in Stockholm on Monday, US personal consumption per capita, including water from all sources, hits 400 liters (106 gallons) each day -- compared to 10 liters (2.6 gallons) a person in developing countries."
'Instead of consuming four billion gallons (15 billion liters) of water a year in individual-sized bottles, we need to start thinking about what all those bottles are doing to the planet's health.'
As was pointed out at World Water Week in Stockholm on Monday, US personal consumption per capita, including water from all sources, hits 400 liters (106 gallons) each day -- compared to 10 liters (2.6 gallons) a person in developing countries."
Monday, August 13, 2007
DiCaprio brightens up on gloomy green outlook - Yahoo! News
DiCaprio brightens up on gloomy green outlook - Yahoo! News: "documentary 'The 11th Hour' opens in theaters on Friday, and although the film starts with a bleak outlook on issues like global warming, much of the roughly 90-minute movie suggests ways to heal the environment with human, government and corporate action. 'It would have been pretty easy to make a film completely about doomsday scenarios, but people need to leave the theater and feel like they are somewhat responsible and make the simple choice to be active in the movement,' DiCaprio said."
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Trees Won't Fix Global Warming - Yahoo! News
Trees Won't Fix Global Warming - Yahoo! News: "The plan to use trees as a way to suck up and store the extra carbon dioxide emitted into Earth's atmosphere to combat global warming isn't such a hot idea, new research indicates.
Scientists at Duke University bathed plots of North Carolina pine trees in extra carbon dioxide every day for 10 years and found that while the trees grew more tissue, only the trees that received the most water and nutrients stored enough carbon dioxide to offset the effects of global warming.
These differences are key since the weather isn't always cooperative with human needs—if a drought takes hold, trees won't be able to do much in the way of carbon storage. 'If water availability decreases at the same time that carbon dioxide increases, then we might not have a net gain in carbon sequestration,' Oren said. "
Scientists at Duke University bathed plots of North Carolina pine trees in extra carbon dioxide every day for 10 years and found that while the trees grew more tissue, only the trees that received the most water and nutrients stored enough carbon dioxide to offset the effects of global warming.
These differences are key since the weather isn't always cooperative with human needs—if a drought takes hold, trees won't be able to do much in the way of carbon storage. 'If water availability decreases at the same time that carbon dioxide increases, then we might not have a net gain in carbon sequestration,' Oren said. "
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Coral reefs dying faster than expected - Yahoo! News
Coral reefs dying faster than expected - Yahoo! News: "Coral reefs in much of the Pacific Ocean are dying faster than previously thought, according to a study released Wednesday, with the decline driven by climate change, disease and coastal development.
Researchers from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill found that coral coverage in the Indo-Pacific — an area stretching from Indonesia's Sumatra island to French Polynesia — dropped 20 percent in the past two decades."
Researchers from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill found that coral coverage in the Indo-Pacific — an area stretching from Indonesia's Sumatra island to French Polynesia — dropped 20 percent in the past two decades."
Friday, July 27, 2007
News - Laying down law on global warming - sacbee.com
News - Laying down law on global warming - sacbee.com: "The first greenhouse gas-fighting mandates to pinch Californians won't be the state's trend-setting new laws requiring low-carbon fuels and more fuel efficiency.
State Attorney General Jerry Brown is the first to crack down, using a California law enacted long before stranded polar bears became symbols of global warming.
Squeezing the trigger on the 37- year-old California Environmental Quality Act, Brown is pressuring high-growth cities and counties such as Sacramento and Yuba to immediately include climate change -- alongside traffic congestion, sewage treatment capacity and water supplies -- in assessing environmental impacts of major proposed projects. "
State Attorney General Jerry Brown is the first to crack down, using a California law enacted long before stranded polar bears became symbols of global warming.
Squeezing the trigger on the 37- year-old California Environmental Quality Act, Brown is pressuring high-growth cities and counties such as Sacramento and Yuba to immediately include climate change -- alongside traffic congestion, sewage treatment capacity and water supplies -- in assessing environmental impacts of major proposed projects. "
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Study: Renewable Energy Not Green - Yahoo! News
Study: Renewable Energy Not Green - Yahoo! News
Renewable energy could wreck the environment, according to a study that examined how much land it would take to generate the renewable resources that would make a difference in the global energy system.
Building enough wind farms, damming adequate number of rivers and growing sufficient biomass to produce ample kilowatts to make a difference in meeting global energy demands would involve a huge invasion of nature, according to Jesse Ausubel, a researcher at the Rockefeller University in New York.
Ausubel came to this conclusion by calculating the amount of energy that each renewable source can produce in terms of area of land disturbed.
Renewable energy could wreck the environment, according to a study that examined how much land it would take to generate the renewable resources that would make a difference in the global energy system.
Building enough wind farms, damming adequate number of rivers and growing sufficient biomass to produce ample kilowatts to make a difference in meeting global energy demands would involve a huge invasion of nature, according to Jesse Ausubel, a researcher at the Rockefeller University in New York.
Ausubel came to this conclusion by calculating the amount of energy that each renewable source can produce in terms of area of land disturbed.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
CSRwire.com - News from Green Electronics Council: Green Computers Measure Up
CSRwire.com - News from Green Electronics Council: Green Computers Measure Up: "The Green Electronics Council (GEC) today released a report measuring the environmental benefits from the sales of EPEAT registered 'green' computers.
'Everyone wanted to know if buying 'green' computers really mattered,' explained Jeff Omelchuck, Director of the Green Electronics Council, which manages the EPEAT green computer program. 'Well, we did the math and the numbers blew us away. We didn't believe the initial results so we did the math again using more conservative assumptions, but the environmental benefits of just six months of EPEAT registered computer sales are still astounding.'"
'Everyone wanted to know if buying 'green' computers really mattered,' explained Jeff Omelchuck, Director of the Green Electronics Council, which manages the EPEAT green computer program. 'Well, we did the math and the numbers blew us away. We didn't believe the initial results so we did the math again using more conservative assumptions, but the environmental benefits of just six months of EPEAT registered computer sales are still astounding.'"
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Business - Lender courting 'green' clients - sacbee.com
Business - Lender courting 'green' clients - sacbee.com: "Fair Oaks-based lender Second Angel Bancorp on Monday announced it will give preferred treatment to borrowers whose projects are environmentally friendly.
The company's 'green lending program' gives developers and investors incentives such as discounted loans, lower origination fees and higher loan-to-value underwriting on buildings that use energy-efficient, renewable and reusable processes and materials."
The company's 'green lending program' gives developers and investors incentives such as discounted loans, lower origination fees and higher loan-to-value underwriting on buildings that use energy-efficient, renewable and reusable processes and materials."
Survey: Most drop green habits in hotels - Yahoo! News
Survey: Most drop green habits in hotels - Yahoo! News: "Most of those polled said they are less likely to conserve water and electricity while they're away from home. More than six in 10 said they were using more because they knew it would be free.
Nearly 70 percent of respondents said they open a new mini-bottle of shampoo each time they shower at a hotel, and 63 percent said they were more likely to leave the lights on at a hotel than at home.
Three out of four hotel guests believe it is important to have their sheets and towels changed each day — an environmentally unfriendly habit few practice at home."
Nearly 70 percent of respondents said they open a new mini-bottle of shampoo each time they shower at a hotel, and 63 percent said they were more likely to leave the lights on at a hotel than at home.
Three out of four hotel guests believe it is important to have their sheets and towels changed each day — an environmentally unfriendly habit few practice at home."
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Nuclear energy hot topic once again - Yahoo! News
Nuclear energy hot topic once again - Yahoo! News: "Thanks to global warming, nuclear energy is hot again. Its promise of abundant, carbon emissions-free power is being pushed by the president and newly considered by environmentalists. But any expansion won't come cheap or easy.
Waste disposal, safe operation and security remain major concerns, but economics may be the biggest deterrent. Huge capital costs combine into an enormous price tag for would-be investors.
There is also fervent anti-nuke opposition waiting to be re-stoked. Jim Riccio of Greenpeace said nuclear advocates are exploiting global warming fears to try to revive an industry that's too risky to fool with.
'You have better ways to boil water,' Riccio said.
But environmentalists aren't in lockstep on the issue. Bill Chameides, chief scientist for Environmental Defense, said anything that helps alleviate global warming must be an energy option.
'I think it's somewhat disingenuous that folks who agree that global warming is such a serious issue could sort of dismiss it out of hand,' he said. 'It's got to be at least considered.'"
Waste disposal, safe operation and security remain major concerns, but economics may be the biggest deterrent. Huge capital costs combine into an enormous price tag for would-be investors.
There is also fervent anti-nuke opposition waiting to be re-stoked. Jim Riccio of Greenpeace said nuclear advocates are exploiting global warming fears to try to revive an industry that's too risky to fool with.
'You have better ways to boil water,' Riccio said.
But environmentalists aren't in lockstep on the issue. Bill Chameides, chief scientist for Environmental Defense, said anything that helps alleviate global warming must be an energy option.
'I think it's somewhat disingenuous that folks who agree that global warming is such a serious issue could sort of dismiss it out of hand,' he said. 'It's got to be at least considered.'"
Friday, June 29, 2007
2007 seen as second warmest year as climate shifts - Yahoo! News
2007 seen as second warmest year as climate shifts - Yahoo! News: "This year is on track to be the second warmest since records began in the 1860s and floods in Pakistan or a heatwave in Greece may herald worse disruptions in store from global warming, experts said on Friday.
'2007 is looking as though it will be the second warmest behind 1998,' said Phil Jones, head of the Climatic Research Unit at Britain's University of East Anglia, which provides data to the U.N.'s International Meteorological Organization.
Almost all climate experts say that the trend is towards more droughts, floods, heatwaves and more powerful storms. But they say that individual extreme events are not normally a sign of global warming because weather is, by its nature, chaotic."
'2007 is looking as though it will be the second warmest behind 1998,' said Phil Jones, head of the Climatic Research Unit at Britain's University of East Anglia, which provides data to the U.N.'s International Meteorological Organization.
Almost all climate experts say that the trend is towards more droughts, floods, heatwaves and more powerful storms. But they say that individual extreme events are not normally a sign of global warming because weather is, by its nature, chaotic."
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Prince Charles becomes carbon neutral - Yahoo! News
Prince Charles becomes carbon neutral - Yahoo! News: "Fewer chartered planes, more train trips and a royal Jaguar that runs on cooking oil have helped Prince Charles achieve a carbon-neutral household, an annual review of the prince's accounts said Tuesday.
The annual review by the prince's Clarence House office said Charles cut his annual carbon emissions by 9 percent, to 3,775 tons, between April 1, 2006 and March 31 of this year. The prince offset those emissions by investing in an agency that promotes tree planting and sustainable energy projects."
The annual review by the prince's Clarence House office said Charles cut his annual carbon emissions by 9 percent, to 3,775 tons, between April 1, 2006 and March 31 of this year. The prince offset those emissions by investing in an agency that promotes tree planting and sustainable energy projects."
Monday, June 25, 2007
At Home Depot, How Green Is That Chainsaw? - New York Times
At Home Depot, How Green Is That Chainsaw? - New York Times: "Home Depot sent a note a few months ago to the companies that supply the 176,000 products it sells, inviting them to make a pitch to have their products included in its new Eco Options marketing campaign.
More than 60,000 products — far more than obvious candidates like organic gardening products and high-efficiency lightbulbs — suddenly developed environmental star power.
“In somebody’s mind, the products they were selling us were environmentally friendly,” said Ron Jarvis, a Home Depot senior vice president who oversees the Eco Options program.
But not in his mind.
“Most of what you see today in the green movement is voodoo marketing,” he added. “If they say their product makes the sky bluer and the grass greener, that’s just not good enough.”
By the standards of Mr. Jarvis only 2,500 of the products made the cut.
Even at that number, some environmentalists say that Home Depot is being too inclusive. In the process, they say, it is engaging in its own kind of overstated marketing, posing as green even as it continues to sell powerful pesticides and polluting lawnmowers.
Green, after all, has become the new “new and improved,” a label so widely used that many environmental groups, while lauding the heightened interest of consumers, now dismiss many of the efforts as greenwash.
More than 60,000 products — far more than obvious candidates like organic gardening products and high-efficiency lightbulbs — suddenly developed environmental star power.
“In somebody’s mind, the products they were selling us were environmentally friendly,” said Ron Jarvis, a Home Depot senior vice president who oversees the Eco Options program.
But not in his mind.
“Most of what you see today in the green movement is voodoo marketing,” he added. “If they say their product makes the sky bluer and the grass greener, that’s just not good enough.”
By the standards of Mr. Jarvis only 2,500 of the products made the cut.
Even at that number, some environmentalists say that Home Depot is being too inclusive. In the process, they say, it is engaging in its own kind of overstated marketing, posing as green even as it continues to sell powerful pesticides and polluting lawnmowers.
Green, after all, has become the new “new and improved,” a label so widely used that many environmental groups, while lauding the heightened interest of consumers, now dismiss many of the efforts as greenwash.
Wire Politics - Energy awards $4M for wind research - sacbee.com
Wire Politics - Energy awards $4M for wind research - sacbee.com: "The Energy Department announced Monday it will provide $4 million to two projects in Texas and Massachusetts for research into designing and building the next generation of large wind turbine blades.
The department said the Massachusetts Partnership and the Lone Star Wind Alliance in Texas will each received $2 million for equipment at the facilities that are expected to be operating in 2009.
The total cost of the projects will be about $20 million each. Massachusetts has pledged $18 million in grants, loans and other funds. The Lone Star Alliance also has pledged $18 million for the Texas project.
The projects 'represent an important next step in the expansion of competitiveness of the U.S. domestic wind energy industry,' said Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman in a statement."
The department said the Massachusetts Partnership and the Lone Star Wind Alliance in Texas will each received $2 million for equipment at the facilities that are expected to be operating in 2009.
The total cost of the projects will be about $20 million each. Massachusetts has pledged $18 million in grants, loans and other funds. The Lone Star Alliance also has pledged $18 million for the Texas project.
The projects 'represent an important next step in the expansion of competitiveness of the U.S. domestic wind energy industry,' said Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman in a statement."
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Senate would raise auto fuel standards - Yahoo! News
Senate would raise auto fuel standards - Yahoo! News: "Senators reached agreement Thursday on a proposal to increase automobile fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon, the first significant boost demanded of automakers in nearly 20 years.
The agreement, expected to be announced at a news conference, would scale back a proposal already in the Senate's energy bill but still was considered strong enough to have wide support from environmentalists.
The compromise aimed to head off attempts by senators sympathetic to the auto industry from pressing a less stringent proposal. Supporters said they had the 60 votes needed to prevent opponents from blocking it.
Automakers are currently required to meet an average of 27.5 mpg for cars and 22.2 mpg for SUVs and small trucks. The car standard has not changed since 1989, though the truck requirements have been increased slightly by the Bush administration."
The agreement, expected to be announced at a news conference, would scale back a proposal already in the Senate's energy bill but still was considered strong enough to have wide support from environmentalists.
The compromise aimed to head off attempts by senators sympathetic to the auto industry from pressing a less stringent proposal. Supporters said they had the 60 votes needed to prevent opponents from blocking it.
Automakers are currently required to meet an average of 27.5 mpg for cars and 22.2 mpg for SUVs and small trucks. The car standard has not changed since 1989, though the truck requirements have been increased slightly by the Bush administration."
China overtakes U.S. as top CO2 emitter - Yahoo! News
China overtakes U.S. as top CO2 emitter - Yahoo! News: "China has overtaken the United States as the world's top producer of carbon dioxide emissions — the biggest man-made contributor to global warming — based on the latest widely accepted energy consumption data, a Dutch research group says.
According to a report released Tuesday by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, China overtook the U.S. in emissions of CO2 by 8 percent in 2006. While China was 2 percent below the United States in 2005, voracious coal consumption and increased cement production caused the numbers to rise rapidly, the group said."
According to a report released Tuesday by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, China overtook the U.S. in emissions of CO2 by 8 percent in 2006. While China was 2 percent below the United States in 2005, voracious coal consumption and increased cement production caused the numbers to rise rapidly, the group said."
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
New York plans to heat buildings with biofuels - Yahoo! News
New York plans to heat buildings with biofuels - Yahoo! News: "In a further greening of the Big Apple, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Monday the city will incorporate biofuel made from corn and soybeans into oil used to heat city buildings starting in 2008.
The plan will reduce greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming, improve air quality and support small, family farmers, Bloomberg said.
Earlier this year, the mayor announced the goal of reducing New York's carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2030 and has gradually unveiled more detailed proposals, including a plan to convert the city's yellow taxi fleet to hybrid fuel vehicles.
Starting in July 2008, one-third of the heating oil bought by the city must contain 5 percent biofuel, the mayor said. The proportion will rise in stages to 20 percent biofuel in 2012."
The plan will reduce greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming, improve air quality and support small, family farmers, Bloomberg said.
Earlier this year, the mayor announced the goal of reducing New York's carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2030 and has gradually unveiled more detailed proposals, including a plan to convert the city's yellow taxi fleet to hybrid fuel vehicles.
Starting in July 2008, one-third of the heating oil bought by the city must contain 5 percent biofuel, the mayor said. The proportion will rise in stages to 20 percent biofuel in 2012."
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Wire Politics - Lawmakers want Capitol to go green - sacbee.com
Wire Politics - Lawmakers want Capitol to go green - sacbee.com: "Congress says it is going to join the war against global warming by cleaning up its own backyard, now cluttered with a coal-burning power plant, a fleet of fuel-inefficient vehicles and old-fashioned lights.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has set a goal of making House operations carbon neutral during this session of Congress, meaning the House would remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it adds by the end of next year.
'The House must lead by example and it is time for Congress to act on its own carbon footprint,' Pelosi said in announcing the initiative that would also shift the House to 100 percent renewable electric power. "
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has set a goal of making House operations carbon neutral during this session of Congress, meaning the House would remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it adds by the end of next year.
'The House must lead by example and it is time for Congress to act on its own carbon footprint,' Pelosi said in announcing the initiative that would also shift the House to 100 percent renewable electric power. "
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Airline sector pledges big emissions cuts - Yahoo! News
Airline sector pledges big emissions cuts - Yahoo! News: "Leaders of the world's airline industry said at their annual meeting that airlines will strive to be more 'green' and aim for zero carbon-dioxide emissions by 2050, but skeptics question whether the goal is realistic.
'We have to transform this vision into reality, working with the different actors of this industry,' he said at the conference. 'We need a global scheme, a common approach to technologies.'
But there was skepticism in the corridors of the conference hall over the practicality of reaching the zero emissions target given the relentless growth in air travel.
Despite current efforts to reduce fuel consumption by 25 percent by 2020 using existing technologies, the carbon footprint of the civil aviation industry is growing as a portion of global emissions."
'We have to transform this vision into reality, working with the different actors of this industry,' he said at the conference. 'We need a global scheme, a common approach to technologies.'
But there was skepticism in the corridors of the conference hall over the practicality of reaching the zero emissions target given the relentless growth in air travel.
Despite current efforts to reduce fuel consumption by 25 percent by 2020 using existing technologies, the carbon footprint of the civil aviation industry is growing as a portion of global emissions."
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Vatican plans to tap solar energy - Yahoo! News
Vatican plans to tap solar energy - Yahoo! News: "Some Holy See buildings will start using solar energy, reflecting Pope Benedict XVI's concern about conserving the Earth's resources, a Vatican engineer said Tuesday. The roof of the Paul VI auditorium will be redone next year, with its cement panels replaced with photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity, engineer Pier Carlo Cuscianna said.
The cells will produce enough electricity to illuminate, heat or cool the building, Cuscianna said.
'Since the auditorium isn't used every day, the (excess) energy will feed into the network providing (the Vatican) with power, so other Vatican offices can use the energy,' he said.
A feasibility study for the planned conversion, published recently in the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, found it made economic sense. It quoted from Benedict's speeches defending the environment and noted that his predecessor, the late John Paul II, also championed the safeguarding of natural resources."
The cells will produce enough electricity to illuminate, heat or cool the building, Cuscianna said.
'Since the auditorium isn't used every day, the (excess) energy will feed into the network providing (the Vatican) with power, so other Vatican offices can use the energy,' he said.
A feasibility study for the planned conversion, published recently in the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, found it made economic sense. It quoted from Benedict's speeches defending the environment and noted that his predecessor, the late John Paul II, also championed the safeguarding of natural resources."
New diet shrinks calories, carbon footprint - Yahoo! News
New diet shrinks calories, carbon footprint - Yahoo! News: "In their new 'Global Warming Diet,' American chef Laura Stec and climate change expert Eugene Cordero posit that it is not sufficient that a good meal be presentable and delectable -- it must also be environmentally friendly.
The book, to be published next year, advocates 'eating more local, more organic, adding more seasonal food, ... using less packaging, buying in bulk, growing your own food,' Stec said."
The book, to be published next year, advocates 'eating more local, more organic, adding more seasonal food, ... using less packaging, buying in bulk, growing your own food,' Stec said."
Bush, Merkel far apart on climate change - Yahoo! News
Bush, Merkel far apart on climate change - Yahoo! News: "The gap between the United States and other industrialized was underscored Wednesday by Bush's top environmental advisor. The president and Merkel are due to hash out some of their nations' differences over lunch later in the day, ahead of the evening's official opening of the three-day Group of Eight summit of industrialized nations.
Germany, as summit host, is pushing specific targets for reduction of the carbon emissions believed to cause global warming. Merkel has made the issue the centerpiece of her G-8 leadership.
Her proposal is for a 'two-degree' target, under which global temperatures would be allowed to increase no more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, (2 degrees Celsius) before being brought back down. Practically, experts have said that means a global reduction in emissions of 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Merkel supports a global carbon-trading market as one tool.
Jim Connaughton, chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, again rejected that approach Wednesday. He called it significant that the summit leaders would merely agree to keep talking about the issue."
Germany, as summit host, is pushing specific targets for reduction of the carbon emissions believed to cause global warming. Merkel has made the issue the centerpiece of her G-8 leadership.
Her proposal is for a 'two-degree' target, under which global temperatures would be allowed to increase no more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, (2 degrees Celsius) before being brought back down. Practically, experts have said that means a global reduction in emissions of 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Merkel supports a global carbon-trading market as one tool.
Jim Connaughton, chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, again rejected that approach Wednesday. He called it significant that the summit leaders would merely agree to keep talking about the issue."
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Blame coal: Texas leads carbon emissions - Yahoo! News
Blame coal: Texas leads carbon emissions - Yahoo! News: "The disparity in carbon dioxide emissions is one of the reasons there is no strong national effort to reduce global warming gases, some experts say. National emissions dipped ever so slightly last year, but that was mostly because of mild weather, according to the Energy Department.
'Some states are benefiting from both cheap electricity while polluting the planet and make all the rest of us suffer the consequences of global warming,' said Frank O'Donnell, director of the Washington environmental group Clean Air Watch. 'I don't think that's fair at all.'
He noted that the states putting out the most carbon dioxide are doing the least to control it, except for California.
Several federal and state officials say it's unfair and nonsensical to examine individual states' contribution to what is a global problem."
'Some states are benefiting from both cheap electricity while polluting the planet and make all the rest of us suffer the consequences of global warming,' said Frank O'Donnell, director of the Washington environmental group Clean Air Watch. 'I don't think that's fair at all.'
He noted that the states putting out the most carbon dioxide are doing the least to control it, except for California.
Several federal and state officials say it's unfair and nonsensical to examine individual states' contribution to what is a global problem."
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Damage from climate change may cost Alaska $10 bln - Yahoo! News
Damage from climate change may cost Alaska $10 bln - Yahoo! News: "Larsen led a study with a team of engineers to calculate how Alaska will cope with the highest temperatures it has experienced in the last 400 years, according to data gathered from ice cores.
'There is a rough magnitude of between $5 and $10 billion of public infrastructure that's vulnerable to climate change just in Alaska,' Larsen said on Monday night.
Permanently frozen ground, or permafrost, covers nearly two-thirds of the massive state but buildings, pipelines, roads and bridges crumble as it melts, he said at this week's meeting in Belize of Arctic peoples and tropical islanders who are suffering the worst effects of global warming."
'There is a rough magnitude of between $5 and $10 billion of public infrastructure that's vulnerable to climate change just in Alaska,' Larsen said on Monday night.
Permanently frozen ground, or permafrost, covers nearly two-thirds of the massive state but buildings, pipelines, roads and bridges crumble as it melts, he said at this week's meeting in Belize of Arctic peoples and tropical islanders who are suffering the worst effects of global warming."
Schools turning eco-friendly - Yahoo! News
Schools turning eco-friendly - Yahoo! News: "It's part of a 'green school' movement that is growing in popularity nationwide, with schools leaning toward solar panels, living roofs and wetlands. School districts say the environmentally friendly properties save energy costs while educating students about the world around them.
'In the past 6 months, it's been overwhelming,' said Lindsay Baker, manager of the U.S. Green Building Council's school certification program. 'There is a general agreement in schools that this is the issue that schools need to be thinking about."
'In the past 6 months, it's been overwhelming,' said Lindsay Baker, manager of the U.S. Green Building Council's school certification program. 'There is a general agreement in schools that this is the issue that schools need to be thinking about."
Pelosi: Climate change is a reality - Yahoo! News
Pelosi: Climate change is a reality - Yahoo! News: "Her trip comes ahead of next week's Group of Eight summit and a climate change meeting next month involving the leading industrialized nations and during a time of increased debate over what should succeed the Kyoto Protocol, a 1997 international treaty that caps the amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted from power plants and factories in industrialized countries. It expires in 2012.
President Bush rejected that accord, saying it would harm the U.S. economy and unfair excludes developing countries like China and India from its obligations. Pelosi, who strongly disagrees with that decision and many other of Bush's environmental policies, said Friday she said she wants to work with the administration rather than provoke it."
President Bush rejected that accord, saying it would harm the U.S. economy and unfair excludes developing countries like China and India from its obligations. Pelosi, who strongly disagrees with that decision and many other of Bush's environmental policies, said Friday she said she wants to work with the administration rather than provoke it."
Thursday, May 24, 2007
'New' Prince Charles waxes eco-friendly - Yahoo! News
'New' Prince Charles waxes eco-friendly - Yahoo! News: "To create its first 'green' figure, workers recycled wax from a 1989 figure of the Prince of Wales and updated it with 82 pounds of organic beeswax, 55 pounds of clay and fiberglass. Artists used organic pigments to color the skin.
Sculptors worked only with their hands and in daylight to cut down on electricity usage. Workers rode bicycles to attend planning meetings during the four-month project.
The remaining carbon the process generated was to be offset by the planting of three trees in Cornwall."
Sculptors worked only with their hands and in daylight to cut down on electricity usage. Workers rode bicycles to attend planning meetings during the four-month project.
The remaining carbon the process generated was to be offset by the planting of three trees in Cornwall."
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Cheaper solar power heads mainstream - Yahoo! News
Cheaper solar power heads mainstream - Yahoo! News: "Solar power should become a mainstream energy choice in three or four years as companies raise output of a key ingredient used in solar panels and as China emerges as a producer of them, according to a report by an environmental research group.
Investors have flocked to solar and other renewable energy sources amid worries about the high costs of oil and natural gas and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar is the fastest growing energy source, but still provides less than 1 percent of the world's electricity, in part because its power can cost homeowners twice as much as power from the grid.
But costs could fall 40 percent in the next few years as polysilicon becomes more available, Sawin said,
More than a dozen companies in Europe, China, Japan, and the United States will boost production over the next few years of purified polysilicon, which helps panels convert sunlight into electricity, and is the main ingredient in semiconductor computer chips, according to the report."
Investors have flocked to solar and other renewable energy sources amid worries about the high costs of oil and natural gas and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar is the fastest growing energy source, but still provides less than 1 percent of the world's electricity, in part because its power can cost homeowners twice as much as power from the grid.
But costs could fall 40 percent in the next few years as polysilicon becomes more available, Sawin said,
More than a dozen companies in Europe, China, Japan, and the United States will boost production over the next few years of purified polysilicon, which helps panels convert sunlight into electricity, and is the main ingredient in semiconductor computer chips, according to the report."
G8 summit is "litmus test" for U.S. on warming: U.N. - Yahoo! News
G8 summit is "litmus test" for U.S. on warming: U.N. - Yahoo! News: "A meeting of rich nations next month in Germany will be a 'litmus test' of how the United States plans to help the world fight climate change, the head of the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP) said on Tuesday.
The United States, the world's biggest polluter, said this month it would continue to reject targets or plans to cap greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming that it fears could jeopardize economic growth."
The United States, the world's biggest polluter, said this month it would continue to reject targets or plans to cap greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming that it fears could jeopardize economic growth."
NYC's taxi fleet going green by 2012 - Yahoo! News
NYC's taxi fleet going green by 2012 - Yahoo! News: "The city's yellow taxi fleet will go entirely hybrid within five years, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Tuesday.
Nearly 400 fuel-efficient hybrids have been tested in the city's taxi fleet over the past 18 months, with models including the Toyota Prius, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the Lexus RX 400h and the Ford Escape.
Under Bloomberg's plan, that number will increase to 1,000 by October 2008, then will grow by about 20 percent each year until 2012, when every yellow cab — currently numbering 13,000 — will be a hybrid."
Nearly 400 fuel-efficient hybrids have been tested in the city's taxi fleet over the past 18 months, with models including the Toyota Prius, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the Lexus RX 400h and the Ford Escape.
Under Bloomberg's plan, that number will increase to 1,000 by October 2008, then will grow by about 20 percent each year until 2012, when every yellow cab — currently numbering 13,000 — will be a hybrid."
Monday, May 21, 2007
Polar bears at risk as warming thaws icy home - Yahoo! News
Polar bears at risk as warming thaws icy home - Yahoo! News: "Time may be running out for polar bears as global warming melts the ice beneath their paws.
Many scientific studies project that warming, widely blamed on emissions of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, could melt the polar ice cap in summer, with estimates of the break-up ranging from decades to sometime beyond 2100.
Bears' favorite hunting ground is the edge of the ice where they use white fur as camouflage to catch seals.
'If there's no ice, there's no way they can catch the seal,' said Sarah James of the Gwich'in Council International who lives in Alaska. 'Gwich'in' means 'people of the caribou,' which is the main source of food for about 7,000 indigenous people in Alaska and Canada."
Many scientific studies project that warming, widely blamed on emissions of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, could melt the polar ice cap in summer, with estimates of the break-up ranging from decades to sometime beyond 2100.
Bears' favorite hunting ground is the edge of the ice where they use white fur as camouflage to catch seals.
'If there's no ice, there's no way they can catch the seal,' said Sarah James of the Gwich'in Council International who lives in Alaska. 'Gwich'in' means 'people of the caribou,' which is the main source of food for about 7,000 indigenous people in Alaska and Canada."
Smithsonian toned down exhibit on Arctic - Yahoo! News
Smithsonian toned down exhibit on Arctic - Yahoo! News: "The Smithsonian Institution toned down an exhibit on climate change in the Arctic for fear of angering Congress and the Bush administration, says a former administrator at the museum.
Among other things, the script, or official text, of last year's exhibit was rewritten to minimize and inject more uncertainty into the relationship between global warming and humans, said Robert Sullivan, who was associate director in charge of exhibitions at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.
Also, officials omitted scientists' interpretation of some research and let visitors draw their own conclusions from the data, he said. In addition, graphs were altered 'to show that global warming could go either way,' Sullivan said."
Among other things, the script, or official text, of last year's exhibit was rewritten to minimize and inject more uncertainty into the relationship between global warming and humans, said Robert Sullivan, who was associate director in charge of exhibitions at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.
Also, officials omitted scientists' interpretation of some research and let visitors draw their own conclusions from the data, he said. In addition, graphs were altered 'to show that global warming could go either way,' Sullivan said."
Staples starts computer recycle program - Yahoo! News
Staples starts computer recycle program - Yahoo! News: "Staples Inc. is expanding its electronics waste recycling program by accepting used computers and monitors that can now be dropped off for a $10 fee at any of the office products chain's 1,400 U.S. locations during store hours.
The step by the world's largest office products supplier follows similar initiatives by many computer makers and retailers to confront the growing environmental and public health risk posed by discarded computers and other electronic gadgets containing toxic metals and chemicals."
The step by the world's largest office products supplier follows similar initiatives by many computer makers and retailers to confront the growing environmental and public health risk posed by discarded computers and other electronic gadgets containing toxic metals and chemicals."
Schwarzenegger accuses government on warming - Yahoo! News
Schwarzenegger accuses government on warming - Yahoo! News: "Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and fellow Republican Gov. Jodi Rell of Connecticut accused the U.S. government on Monday of 'inaction and denial' on global warming.
'It's bad enough that the federal government has yet to take the threat of global warming seriously, but it borders on malfeasance for it to block the efforts of states such as California and Connecticut that are trying to protect the public's health and welfare,' the governors wrote in The Washington Post.
These two states and 10 others have approved plans for tougher standards than those imposed by the government to limit vehicle emissions of the greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change.
But the states can't put the new standards into practice without a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency, which has not yet granted one, 16 months after California first requested it."
'It's bad enough that the federal government has yet to take the threat of global warming seriously, but it borders on malfeasance for it to block the efforts of states such as California and Connecticut that are trying to protect the public's health and welfare,' the governors wrote in The Washington Post.
These two states and 10 others have approved plans for tougher standards than those imposed by the government to limit vehicle emissions of the greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change.
But the states can't put the new standards into practice without a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency, which has not yet granted one, 16 months after California first requested it."
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Climate changes said harm sunflowers - Yahoo! News
Climate changes said harm sunflowers - Yahoo! News
Imagine the Sunflower State without its sunflowers. That's one of the dire predictions contained in a new report on global warming released by the National Wildlife Federation, which says the Kansas state flower could move north to other states in a few decades.
Increasingly warm temperatures also could mean the end of the state tree, the eastern cottonwood, according to "The Gardener's Guide to Global Warming."
Imagine the Sunflower State without its sunflowers. That's one of the dire predictions contained in a new report on global warming released by the National Wildlife Federation, which says the Kansas state flower could move north to other states in a few decades.
Increasingly warm temperatures also could mean the end of the state tree, the eastern cottonwood, according to "The Gardener's Guide to Global Warming."
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Coalition to Make Buildings Energy-Efficient - New York Times
Coalition to Make Buildings Energy-Efficient - New York Times: "Under a plan developed through the William J. Clinton Foundation, participating banks would provide up to $1 billion each in loans that cities or private landlords would use to upgrade energy-hungry heating, cooling and lighting systems in older buildings.
The loans and interest would be paid back with savings accrued through reduced energy costs, organizers of the initiative said at a news conference in Manhattan. Typically, such upgrades can cut energy use and costs by 20 percent to 50 percent, they said."
The loans and interest would be paid back with savings accrued through reduced energy costs, organizers of the initiative said at a news conference in Manhattan. Typically, such upgrades can cut energy use and costs by 20 percent to 50 percent, they said."
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
16 cities to get financing to 'go green' - Yahoo! News
16 cities to get financing to 'go green' - Yahoo! News
Sixteen cities around the world will get financing to "go green" by renovating buildings they own with technology designed to cut carbon emissions, former President Clinton announced Wednesday.
Clinton's foundation has created an arrangement among four energy service companies and five global banking institutions that will result in major environmental upgrades in the cities, which include New York, Chicago, Houston, Toronto, Mexico City, London, Berlin, Tokyo and Rome.
Sixteen cities around the world will get financing to "go green" by renovating buildings they own with technology designed to cut carbon emissions, former President Clinton announced Wednesday.
Clinton's foundation has created an arrangement among four energy service companies and five global banking institutions that will result in major environmental upgrades in the cities, which include New York, Chicago, Houston, Toronto, Mexico City, London, Berlin, Tokyo and Rome.
Greenpeace builds replica of Noah's Ark - Yahoo! News
Greenpeace builds replica of Noah's Ark - Yahoo! News: "Environmental activists are building a replica of Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat — where the biblical vessel is said to have landed after the great flood — in an appeal for action on global warming, Greenpeace said Wednesday.
'Climate change is real, it's happening now and unless world leaders take urgent, decisive and far-reaching action, the next decades will see human misery on a scale not experienced in modern times,' said Greenpeace activist Hilal Atici. 'Those leaders have a mandate from the people ... to massively cut greenhouse gas emissions and to do it now.'"
'Climate change is real, it's happening now and unless world leaders take urgent, decisive and far-reaching action, the next decades will see human misery on a scale not experienced in modern times,' said Greenpeace activist Hilal Atici. 'Those leaders have a mandate from the people ... to massively cut greenhouse gas emissions and to do it now.'"
California-Sized Area of Ice Melts in Antarctica - Yahoo! News
California-Sized Area of Ice Melts in Antarctica - Yahoo! News: "Warm temperatures melted an area of western Antarctica that adds up to the size of California in January 2005, scientists report.
“Antarctica has shown little to no warming in the recent past with the exception of the Antarctic Peninsula,” said Konrad Steffen of the University of Colorado, Boulder. “But now large regions are showing the first signs of the impacts of warming as interpreted by this satellite analysis.” "
“Antarctica has shown little to no warming in the recent past with the exception of the Antarctic Peninsula,” said Konrad Steffen of the University of Colorado, Boulder. “But now large regions are showing the first signs of the impacts of warming as interpreted by this satellite analysis.” "
Monday, May 14, 2007
Brazil to be site of Live Earth concert - Yahoo! News
Brazil to be site of Live Earth concert - Yahoo! News: "The concert, which is expected to unite at least one million people, will be the only one of the seven simultaneous concerts held on July 7 that will be free, Gore said.
'An estimated 2 billion people will be watching around the world, but the single largest event anywhere in the world will be here in Rio. I want to invite every person who cares about the environment in Brazil to come to the event here in Rio,' Gore said"
'An estimated 2 billion people will be watching around the world, but the single largest event anywhere in the world will be here in Rio. I want to invite every person who cares about the environment in Brazil to come to the event here in Rio,' Gore said"
World's mayors meet at New York climate change summit - Yahoo! News
World's mayors meet at New York climate change summit - Yahoo! News: "Mayors and business leaders from more than 40 of the world's biggest cities were gathering in New York Monday for a summit devoted to combating climate change and cleaning up the environment.
Leaders from Seoul to Sydney and Mumbai to Mexico City are expected at the C40 Large Cities Climate Summit, billed as helping to reduce cities' greenhouse gas emissions and develop more energy-efficient infrastructure."
Leaders from Seoul to Sydney and Mumbai to Mexico City are expected at the C40 Large Cities Climate Summit, billed as helping to reduce cities' greenhouse gas emissions and develop more energy-efficient infrastructure."
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Asia's high-rise gardeners unearth key to cooler cities - Yahoo! News
Asia's high-rise gardeners unearth key to cooler cities - Yahoo! News: "In cramped cities, owning green space ties into wider issues of who can afford what, said Singaporean academic Lai Ah Eng, who studies community social relations.
Now governments are touting greenery's many benefits. As well as reducing air and noise pollution, plants lower ambient air temperatures through evapo-transpiration, and by blocking heat from the sun with their leaves.
Beijing has pledged to add 100,000 square meters of roof gardens every year from 2007-2010. And last month Singapore, the 'garden city,' unveiled its first 'green' housing estate, with walls of cooling greenery hardwired into its architecture.
'From the scientific point of view, every plant produces a cooling effect,' said Professor Nyuk Hien Wong, of the Department of Building at the National University of Singapore, who designs the green walls.
'The rule of thumb is one degree less is a five percent (energy) saving.' "
Now governments are touting greenery's many benefits. As well as reducing air and noise pollution, plants lower ambient air temperatures through evapo-transpiration, and by blocking heat from the sun with their leaves.
Beijing has pledged to add 100,000 square meters of roof gardens every year from 2007-2010. And last month Singapore, the 'garden city,' unveiled its first 'green' housing estate, with walls of cooling greenery hardwired into its architecture.
'From the scientific point of view, every plant produces a cooling effect,' said Professor Nyuk Hien Wong, of the Department of Building at the National University of Singapore, who designs the green walls.
'The rule of thumb is one degree less is a five percent (energy) saving.' "
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Migratory birds, whales confused by warming: U.N. - Yahoo! News
Migratory birds, whales confused by warming: U.N. - Yahoo! News: "Birds, whales and other migratory creatures are suffering from global warming that puts them in the wrong place at the wrong time, a U.N. official told 166-nation climate talks on Monday.
'They are the most visible warning signs -- indicators signaling the dramatic changes to our ecosystems caused in part by climate change,' he told delegates on the opening day of a May 7-18 U.N. meeting searching for new ways to offset warming."
'They are the most visible warning signs -- indicators signaling the dramatic changes to our ecosystems caused in part by climate change,' he told delegates on the opening day of a May 7-18 U.N. meeting searching for new ways to offset warming."
Monday, May 7, 2007
Obama faults U.S. automakers - Yahoo! News
Obama faults U.S. automakers - Yahoo! News: "Uttering words not often spoken in Detroit, Obama said U.S. energy policy must change in order to help domestic automakers answer the rising global demand for efficient autos.
Obama said his plan encourages domestic automakers to make fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles by giving them health care assistance for retirees. Federal financial assistance would cover 10 percent — up to $7 billion — of automakers' annual legacy health care costs through 2017, under Obama's plan, which would require automakers to invest at least half of their health care savings into technology to produce fuel-efficient cars.
As a second choice, Obama's plan would provide $3 billion to automakers over 10 years to help retool plants to make fuel-efficient cars and trucks."
Obama said his plan encourages domestic automakers to make fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles by giving them health care assistance for retirees. Federal financial assistance would cover 10 percent — up to $7 billion — of automakers' annual legacy health care costs through 2017, under Obama's plan, which would require automakers to invest at least half of their health care savings into technology to produce fuel-efficient cars.
As a second choice, Obama's plan would provide $3 billion to automakers over 10 years to help retool plants to make fuel-efficient cars and trucks."
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Switch to organic crops could help poor - Yahoo! News
Switch to organic crops could help poor - Yahoo! News: "Organic food has long been considered a niche market, a luxury for wealthy consumers. But researchers told a U.N. conference Saturday that a large-scale shift to organic agriculture could help fight world hunger while improving the environment. "
Climate Change, Not Humans, Trounced Neanderthals - Yahoo! News
Climate Change, Not Humans, Trounced Neanderthals - Yahoo! News: "Neanderthals disappeared from Earth more than 20,000 years ago, but figuring out why continues to challenge anthropologists. One team of scientists, however, now says they have evidence to back climate change as the main culprit.
The Iberian Peninsula, better known as present-day Spain and Portugal, was one of the last Neanderthal refuges. Many scientists have thought that out-hunting by Homo sapiens and interbreeding with them brought Neanderthals to their demise, but climate change has also been proposed. "
The Iberian Peninsula, better known as present-day Spain and Portugal, was one of the last Neanderthal refuges. Many scientists have thought that out-hunting by Homo sapiens and interbreeding with them brought Neanderthals to their demise, but climate change has also been proposed. "
Friday, May 4, 2007
Climate plan arms world for key talks - Yahoo! News
Climate plan arms world for key talks - Yahoo! News: "From nuclear power to reforestation to better toasters, the world now has a game plan from climate experts for fighting global warming, a report their chief scientist says will have a 'profound influence' on upcoming negotiations.
American officials questioned the economic cost, and the Chinese questioned whether fast results could be achieved. But a leading expert said there was little choice.
'If we continue doing what we are doing now, we are in deep trouble,' said Ogunlade Davidson, co-chairman of the U.N.-sponsored group that produced the report, approved by consensus by more than 120 nations Friday at the end of a weeklong meeting."
American officials questioned the economic cost, and the Chinese questioned whether fast results could be achieved. But a leading expert said there was little choice.
'If we continue doing what we are doing now, we are in deep trouble,' said Ogunlade Davidson, co-chairman of the U.N.-sponsored group that produced the report, approved by consensus by more than 120 nations Friday at the end of a weeklong meeting."
445 a hotly debated number at conference - Yahoo! News
445 a hotly debated number at conference - Yahoo! News: "445 was the hot number at this week's climate change conference in Bangkok.
For the United States, China and India, that number — which represents parts per million of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere — came to symbolize a cap on emissions that would hurt their economies.
European countries, by contrast, used the figure as a rallying cry to save the planet."
For the United States, China and India, that number — which represents parts per million of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere — came to symbolize a cap on emissions that would hurt their economies.
European countries, by contrast, used the figure as a rallying cry to save the planet."
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Experts target rice as climate culprit - Yahoo! News
Experts target rice as climate culprit - Yahoo! News: "As delegates to a climate conference here debate how to reduce greenhouse gases, one of the problems — and a possible solution — lies in the rice fields that cover much of Thailand, the rest of Asia and beyond.
Methane emissions from flooded rice paddies contribute to global warming just as coal-fired power plants, automobile exhausts and other sources do with the carbon dioxide they spew into the atmosphere.
In fact, the report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change meeting this week in Bangkok concludes that rice production was a main cause of rising methane emissions in the 20th century. It calls for better controls."
Methane emissions from flooded rice paddies contribute to global warming just as coal-fired power plants, automobile exhausts and other sources do with the carbon dioxide they spew into the atmosphere.
In fact, the report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change meeting this week in Bangkok concludes that rice production was a main cause of rising methane emissions in the 20th century. It calls for better controls."
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Arctic ice cap melting 30 years ahead of forecast - Yahoo! News
Arctic ice cap melting 30 years ahead of forecast - Yahoo! News: "The Arctic ice cap is melting much faster than expected and is now about 30 years ahead of predictions made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a U.S. ice expert said on Tuesday.
This means the ocean at the top of the world could be free or nearly free of summer ice by 2020, three decades sooner than the global panel's gloomiest forecast of 2050."
This means the ocean at the top of the world could be free or nearly free of summer ice by 2020, three decades sooner than the global panel's gloomiest forecast of 2050."
Monday, April 30, 2007
News - 'Carbon credits' fueling debate - sacbee.com
News - 'Carbon credits' fueling debate - sacbee.com: "Schwarzenegger will buy 'carbon credits' in the Fred M. van Eck Forest, in the form of trees allowed to live and grow bigger and older so they can absorb more carbon dioxide. The purchase will offset some of the global-warming gas released during the governor's frequent trips by private jet.
The governor's plan has turned a spotlight on the growing market for carbon credits, even though critics say benefits are harder to verify in a forest conservation project like this. Planting new trees in bare ground would be preferable, they say."
The governor's plan has turned a spotlight on the growing market for carbon credits, even though critics say benefits are harder to verify in a forest conservation project like this. Planting new trees in bare ground would be preferable, they say."
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Canada to ban incandescent light bulbs by 2012 - Yahoo! News
Canada to ban incandescent light bulbs by 2012 - Yahoo! News: "Canada will ban the sale of inefficient incandescent light bulbs by 2012 as part of a plan to cut down on emissions of greenhouse gases, Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn said on Wednesday.
Canada is the second country in the world to announce such a ban. Australia said in February it would get rid of all incandescent bulbs by 2009.
'Making the switch to more efficient lighting is one of the easiest and most effective things we can do to reduce energy use and harmful emissions,' Lunn told a news conference.
If households installed compact fluorescent bulbs -- which use about 75 percent less electricity than old-style bulbs -- they could save C$50 ($44) a year, he said."
Canada is the second country in the world to announce such a ban. Australia said in February it would get rid of all incandescent bulbs by 2009.
'Making the switch to more efficient lighting is one of the easiest and most effective things we can do to reduce energy use and harmful emissions,' Lunn told a news conference.
If households installed compact fluorescent bulbs -- which use about 75 percent less electricity than old-style bulbs -- they could save C$50 ($44) a year, he said."
Monday, April 23, 2007
Supreme Court to hear environmental case - Yahoo! News
Supreme Court to hear environmental case - Yahoo! News: "The Supreme Court is scheduled to consider an environmental case Monday that could make it easier for many industrial companies to recover some of the millions of dollars they've spent cleaning up hazardous waste sites.
The case involves the 1980 federal environmental law, known as 'Superfund,' that set up a process for rehabilitating polluted industrial areas. Under the law, if the Environmental Protection Agency sues a company to force it to clean up a site, that company can then sue other parties that contributed to the pollution for a share of the cleanup costs."
The case involves the 1980 federal environmental law, known as 'Superfund,' that set up a process for rehabilitating polluted industrial areas. Under the law, if the Environmental Protection Agency sues a company to force it to clean up a site, that company can then sue other parties that contributed to the pollution for a share of the cleanup costs."
Sunday, April 22, 2007
NYC pledges 1 million new trees by 2017 - Yahoo! News
NYC pledges 1 million new trees by 2017 - Yahoo! News: "One million new trees will join the urban landscape of New York City by the year 2017 to reduce air pollution, cool temperatures and help improve the city's long term sustainability, officials said Saturday.
The tree program is one of 127 environmental proposals that Mayor Michael Bloomberg was set to outline Sunday in a speech at the Museum of Natural History, timed with the observance of Earth Day."
The tree program is one of 127 environmental proposals that Mayor Michael Bloomberg was set to outline Sunday in a speech at the Museum of Natural History, timed with the observance of Earth Day."
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Schwarzenegger lets MTV 'pimp' his ride - Yahoo! News
Schwarzenegger lets MTV 'pimp' his ride - Yahoo! News: "In the latest promotion of his environmental agenda, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is scheduled to make an appearance Sunday on the popular MTV show 'Pimp My Ride.'
For the show, mechanics converted a 1965 Chevy Impala, installing an 800 horsepower engine that runs on biodiesel fuel and goes from zero to 60 mph in three seconds. The governor said the converted car's emissions of greenhouse gases will be 50 percent lower."
For the show, mechanics converted a 1965 Chevy Impala, installing an 800 horsepower engine that runs on biodiesel fuel and goes from zero to 60 mph in three seconds. The governor said the converted car's emissions of greenhouse gases will be 50 percent lower."
Thursday, April 19, 2007
CLIMATE CHANGE: Financial Risks to Federal and Private Insurers in Coming Decades are Potentially Significant
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07285.pdf?source=ra
The key assessments GAO reviewed generally found that rising temperatures are
expected to increase the frequency and severity of damaging weather-related
events, such as flooding or drought, although the timing and magnitude are
as yet undetermined. Additional research on the effect of increasing
temperatures on weather events is expected in the near future, including a
highly anticipated assessment of the state of climate science this year.
Taken together, private and federal insurers paid more than $320 billion in
claims on weather-related losses from 1980 to 2005. Claims varied
significantly from year to year—largely due to the effects of catastrophic
weather events such as hurricanes and droughts—but have generally
increased during this period.
The key assessments GAO reviewed generally found that rising temperatures are
expected to increase the frequency and severity of damaging weather-related
events, such as flooding or drought, although the timing and magnitude are
as yet undetermined. Additional research on the effect of increasing
temperatures on weather events is expected in the near future, including a
highly anticipated assessment of the state of climate science this year.
Taken together, private and federal insurers paid more than $320 billion in
claims on weather-related losses from 1980 to 2005. Claims varied
significantly from year to year—largely due to the effects of catastrophic
weather events such as hurricanes and droughts—but have generally
increased during this period.
Air Force embraces solar power - USATODAY.com
Air Force embraces solar power - USATODAY.com: "The largest solar power plant in North America will soon be providing electricity to an Air Force base in the Nevada desert.
The military says the plant, scheduled to power up at Nellis Air Force Base by the end of the year, shows that solar energy can effectively meet part of the country's energy needs.
'It allows the Air Force to show its leadership in applying renewable energy and new technology to reduce our needs to use traditional forms of electric power,' says Maj. Don Ohlemacher, operations flight chief and acting commander of the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron at the base.
But the project also demonstrates something else: the considerable constraints that continue to limit the viability and growth of solar electric power in the USA."
The military says the plant, scheduled to power up at Nellis Air Force Base by the end of the year, shows that solar energy can effectively meet part of the country's energy needs.
'It allows the Air Force to show its leadership in applying renewable energy and new technology to reduce our needs to use traditional forms of electric power,' says Maj. Don Ohlemacher, operations flight chief and acting commander of the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron at the base.
But the project also demonstrates something else: the considerable constraints that continue to limit the viability and growth of solar electric power in the USA."
Energy producers capture speedier wind - Yahoo! News
Energy producers capture speedier wind - Yahoo! News: "New technology is allowing energy producers to capture speedier wind that environmental activists say has the potential to provide 20 percent of the state's electricity within 10 years.
What's new are taller windmills that can catch gusts that are faster than those closer to the ground. The tallest windmills have been about 250 feet, but now proponents envision windmills whose bases are about 330 feet tall."
What's new are taller windmills that can catch gusts that are faster than those closer to the ground. The tallest windmills have been about 250 feet, but now proponents envision windmills whose bases are about 330 feet tall."
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Scientist says cremation should meet a timely death - Yahoo! News
Scientist says cremation should meet a timely death - Yahoo! News: "An Australian scientist called Wednesday for an end to the age-old tradition of cremation, saying the practice contributed to global warming.
Professor Roger Short said people could instead choose to help the environment after death by being buried in a cardboard box under a tree.
The decomposing bodies would provide the tree with nutrients, and the tree would convert carbon dioxide into life-giving oxygen for decades, he said."
Professor Roger Short said people could instead choose to help the environment after death by being buried in a cardboard box under a tree.
The decomposing bodies would provide the tree with nutrients, and the tree would convert carbon dioxide into life-giving oxygen for decades, he said."
Study: Ethanol may cause more smog, deaths - Yahoo! News
Study: Ethanol may cause more smog, deaths - Yahoo! News: "Switching from gasoline to ethanol — touted as a green alternative at the pump — may create dirtier air, causing slightly more smog-related deaths, a new study says.
Nearly 200 more people would die yearly from respiratory problems if all vehicles in the United States ran on a mostly ethanol fuel blend by 2020, the research concludes. Of course, the study author acknowledges that such a quick and monumental shift to plant-based fuels is next to impossible."
Nearly 200 more people would die yearly from respiratory problems if all vehicles in the United States ran on a mostly ethanol fuel blend by 2020, the research concludes. Of course, the study author acknowledges that such a quick and monumental shift to plant-based fuels is next to impossible."
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Home Depot to Display an Environmental Label - New York Times
Home Depot to Display an Environmental Label - New York Times: "Home Depot today will introduce a label for nearly 3,000 products, like fluorescent light bulbs that conserve electricity and natural insect killers, that promote energy conservation, sustainable forestry and clean water.
The initiative — which is expected to include 6,000 products by 2009, representing 12 percent of the chain’s sales — would become the largest green labeling program in American retailing and could persuade competitors to speed up their own plans. "
The initiative — which is expected to include 6,000 products by 2009, representing 12 percent of the chain’s sales — would become the largest green labeling program in American retailing and could persuade competitors to speed up their own plans. "
Monday, April 16, 2007
Global warming a security risk - Yahoo! News
Global warming a security risk - Yahoo! News: "Joining calls already made by scientists and environmental activists, the retired U.S. military leaders, including the former Army chief of staff and President Bush's former chief Middle East peace negotiator, called on the U.S. government to make major cuts in emissions of gases that cause global warming.
The report warned that in the next 30 to 40 years there will be wars over water, increased hunger instability from worsening disease and rising sea levels and global warming-induced refugees. 'The chaos that results can be an incubator of civil strife, genocide and the growth of terrorism,' the 35-page report predicted."
The report warned that in the next 30 to 40 years there will be wars over water, increased hunger instability from worsening disease and rising sea levels and global warming-induced refugees. 'The chaos that results can be an incubator of civil strife, genocide and the growth of terrorism,' the 35-page report predicted."
Friday, April 13, 2007
Schwarzenegger's 'green' credentials questioned - Los Angeles Times
Schwarzenegger's 'green' credentials questioned - Los Angeles Times: "He is gaining a reputation as the green governor who is marshaling California in the fight against global warming. But Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of the last people in the Capitol to join the battle, and has earned so-so grades from environmental activists."
Greenhouse gas study says 1 pct from NYC - Yahoo! News
Greenhouse gas study says 1 pct from NYC - Yahoo! News: "New York City produces nearly 1 percent of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions — an amount that puts it on par with Ireland or Portugal — according to a city study.
The study, released Tuesday, was ordered by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to assess the city's progress in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030. It was conducted by the mayor's Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability.
'You have to have a real baseline or we're just talking past each other as to what works and what doesn't work — we won't ever know whether we really made a difference,' Bloomberg said.
The study found that the buildings, subways, buses, cars and decomposition of waste in America's most populous city produced a net emission of 58.3 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2005. The report said the city's emissions 'are currently as much as those of Ireland or Portugal.'
The U.S. total was 7.26 billion metric tons for that year."
The study, released Tuesday, was ordered by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to assess the city's progress in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030. It was conducted by the mayor's Office of Long-term Planning and Sustainability.
'You have to have a real baseline or we're just talking past each other as to what works and what doesn't work — we won't ever know whether we really made a difference,' Bloomberg said.
The study found that the buildings, subways, buses, cars and decomposition of waste in America's most populous city produced a net emission of 58.3 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2005. The report said the city's emissions 'are currently as much as those of Ireland or Portugal.'
The U.S. total was 7.26 billion metric tons for that year."
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Warming could spark water scramble: experts - Yahoo! News
Warming could spark water scramble: experts - Yahoo! News: "Climate change could diminish North American water supplies and trigger disputes between the United States and Canada over water reserves already stressed by industry and agriculture, U.N. experts said on Wednesday.
More heat waves like those that killed more than 100 people in the United States in 2006, storms like the killer hurricanes that struck the Gulf of Mexico in 2005 and wildfires are likely in North America as temperatures rise, according to a new report that provided regional details on a U.N. climate panel study on global warming issued in Brussels on April 6."
More heat waves like those that killed more than 100 people in the United States in 2006, storms like the killer hurricanes that struck the Gulf of Mexico in 2005 and wildfires are likely in North America as temperatures rise, according to a new report that provided regional details on a U.N. climate panel study on global warming issued in Brussels on April 6."
Warming could damage Arctic, release frozen waste - Yahoo! News
Warming could damage Arctic, release frozen waste - Yahoo! News: "Global warming will damage the hunting cultures of Arctic peoples, thaw polar ice and could release toxic wastes now trapped in permafrost dumps, a U.N. study showed on Wednesday.
Rising temperatures were also a threat to creatures such as polar bears and seals which live on the ice.
Among problems on land, a melting of permafrost is "likely to have significant implications for infrastructure including houses, buildings, roads, railways and pipelines," it said."
Rising temperatures were also a threat to creatures such as polar bears and seals which live on the ice.
Among problems on land, a melting of permafrost is "likely to have significant implications for infrastructure including houses, buildings, roads, railways and pipelines," it said."
Monday, April 9, 2007
News - Green tech touted as red-hot option for the region - sacbee.com
News - Green tech touted as red-hot option for the region - sacbee.com: "The Sacramento region boasts a number of advantages, experts say. The area has an environmentally aware population, proximity to the state Capitol where environmental policy and regulations are forged, and access to two universities with strong engineering, science and agriculture programs.
And the University of California, Davis, recognized as a top research institution in the green-tech sector, is committed to commercializing those research efforts."
And the University of California, Davis, recognized as a top research institution in the green-tech sector, is committed to commercializing those research efforts."
51 Things We Can Do to Save the Environment - The Global Warming Survival Guide | TIME
51 Things We Can Do to Save the Environment - The Global Warming Survival Guide TIME: "Can one person slow global warming? Actually, yes. You—along with scientists, businesses and governments—can create paths to cut carbon emissions. Here is our guide to some of the planet's best ideas. "
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Mountaineers testify to warming's effect - Yahoo! News
Mountaineers testify to warming's effect - Yahoo! News: "Mountaineers are bringing back firsthand accounts of vanishing glaciers, melting ice routes, crumbling rock formations and flood-prone lakes where glaciers once rose.
The observations are transforming a growing number of alpine and ice climbers, some of whom have scientific training, into eyewitnesses of global warming. Increasingly, they are deciding not to leave it to scientists to tell the entire story."
The observations are transforming a growing number of alpine and ice climbers, some of whom have scientific training, into eyewitnesses of global warming. Increasingly, they are deciding not to leave it to scientists to tell the entire story."
Friday, April 6, 2007
Climate change threatens new dust bowl in Southwest - Yahoo! News
Climate change threatens new dust bowl in Southwest - Yahoo! News: "'Dust Bowl' drought driven by global warming will be the normal climate of the future for the American Southwest, report climatologists.
'We're essentially moving the desert further north,' says Mingfang Ting of Columbia University, co-author of a study released Thursday by the journal Science. By 2020, rain estimates show 'very unusual' agreement among climate projections, with the Southwestern states facing permanent drought. That would worsen already arid conditions in Las Vegas, Phoenix and other locales dependent on the Colorado River, Ting says."
'We're essentially moving the desert further north,' says Mingfang Ting of Columbia University, co-author of a study released Thursday by the journal Science. By 2020, rain estimates show 'very unusual' agreement among climate projections, with the Southwestern states facing permanent drought. That would worsen already arid conditions in Las Vegas, Phoenix and other locales dependent on the Colorado River, Ting says."
Climate report: Poor will suffer most - Yahoo! News
Climate report: Poor will suffer most - Yahoo! News: "The world faces increased hunger and water shortages in the poorest countries, massive floods and avalanches in Asia, and species extinction unless nations adapt to climate change and halt its progress, according to a report approved Friday by an international conference on global warming. "
Stark climate change warning - Yahoo! News
Stark climate change warning - Yahoo! News: "The report said warming, widely blamed on human emissions of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, would cause desertification, droughts and rising seas and would hit hard in the tropics, from sub-Saharan Africa to Pacific islands."
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Children bear brunt of climate warming: report - Yahoo! News
Children bear brunt of climate warming: report - Yahoo! News: "'Children are already bearing the brunt of climate change and there will be millions more children caught up in climate-related natural disasters every year,' said Jasmine Whitbread, head of Save the Children UK.
Business is already starting to feel adverse effects, according to another study on Friday by catastrophe risk modeling firm Risk Management Solutions.
It said financial losses from weather-related catastrophes had risen on average by two percent a year since the 1970s, and pointed to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005."
Business is already starting to feel adverse effects, according to another study on Friday by catastrophe risk modeling firm Risk Management Solutions.
It said financial losses from weather-related catastrophes had risen on average by two percent a year since the 1970s, and pointed to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005."
U.N. Draft Cites Humans in Recent Climate Shifts - New York Times
U.N. Draft Cites Humans in Recent Climate Shifts - New York Times: "The latest United Nations assessment of the role of humans in global warming has found with “high confidence” that greenhouse gas emissions are at least partly responsible for a host of changes already under way, including longer growing seasons and shrinking glaciers."
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Silicon Valley's "best brains" work on energy - Yahoo! News
Silicon Valley's "best brains" work on energy - Yahoo! News: "Although commercial success could take years, venture capitalists are pouring cash into solar power, fuel cells, wind energy, biofuels, new lighting microchips, 'smart' power grids, and other innovative energies."
Ethanol boom could worsen world hunger: study - Yahoo! News
Ethanol boom could worsen world hunger: study - Yahoo! News: "'If, all other things being equal, the prices of staple foods increased because of demand for biofuels, the number of food-insecure people in the world would rise by over 16 million for every percentage increase in the real prices of staple foods,' they wrote.
'That means that 1.2 billion people could be chronically hungry by 2025 -- 600 million more than previously predicted.'"
'That means that 1.2 billion people could be chronically hungry by 2025 -- 600 million more than previously predicted.'"
Britain's queen going green - Yahoo! News
Britain's queen going green - Yahoo! News: "Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has hired a team of consultants to carry out the first-ever audit of carbon emissions from her three official residences, a spokesman for Buckingham Palace said Tuesday."
AP State News - High court decision on greenhouse gases could benefit California - sacbee.com
AP State News - High court decision on greenhouse gases could benefit California - sacbee.com: "The state has been asking the EPA for authority to limit tailpipe emissions since 2005, but the agency has yet to grant the state a waiver to do so. Eleven other states have adopted California's tougher rules, which would force automakers to cut exhaust from cars and light trucks by 25 percent and from sport utility vehicles by 18 percent, beginning in 2009.
'This case explicitly states that the Clean Air Act permits regulating greenhouse gases ... and the court has now clearly said that carbon dioxide is a pollutant,' Brown told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. 'That paves the way for California's waiver.'"
'This case explicitly states that the Clean Air Act permits regulating greenhouse gases ... and the court has now clearly said that carbon dioxide is a pollutant,' Brown told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. 'That paves the way for California's waiver.'"
Justices Say E.P.A. Has Power to Act on Harmful Gases - New York Times
Justices Say E.P.A. Has Power to Act on Harmful Gases - New York Times: "In one of its most important environmental decisions in years, the Supreme Court ruled on Monday that the Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate heat-trapping gases in automobile emissions. The court further ruled that the agency could not sidestep its authority to regulate the greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change unless it could provide a scientific basis for its refusal."
Monday, April 2, 2007
Supreme court rules against Bush in global warming case - Yahoo! News
Supreme court rules against Bush in global warming case - Yahoo! News: "In a defeat for the Bush administration, the Supreme Court ruled on Monday that a U.S. government agency has the power under the clean air law to regulate greenhouse gas emissions that spur global warming.
The nation's highest court by a 5-4 vote said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 'has offered no reasoned explanation' for its refusal to regulate carbon dioxide and other emissions from new cars and trucks that contribute to climate change."
The nation's highest court by a 5-4 vote said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 'has offered no reasoned explanation' for its refusal to regulate carbon dioxide and other emissions from new cars and trucks that contribute to climate change."
Sunday, April 1, 2007
BMW's Hydrogen 7: Not as Green as it Seems - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News
BMW's Hydrogen 7: Not as Green as it Seems - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News: "In other words, BMW has created an energy-guzzling engine that only seems to be environmentally friendly -- a farcical ecomobile whose only true merit is that of illustrating the cardinal dilemma of a possible hydrogen-based economy."
U.S. Churches Go ‘Green’ for Palm Sunday - New York Times
U.S. Churches Go ‘Green’ for Palm Sunday - New York Times: "Slightly more expensive than the average palm, eco-palms are the rage in churches across the United States because of the social and environmental benefits they represent. They are collected in a way that helps preserve the forest, and more of the sale price ends up in the pockets of the people who cut them."
Poor Nations to Bear Brunt as World Warms - New York Times
Poor Nations to Bear Brunt as World Warms - New York Times: "The world’s richest countries, which have contributed by far the most to the atmospheric changes linked to global warming, are already spending billions of dollars to limit their own risks from its worst consequences, like drought and rising seas.
But despite longstanding treaty commitments to help poor countries deal with warming, these industrial powers are spending just tens of millions of dollars on ways to limit climate and coastal hazards in the world’s most vulnerable regions — most of them close to the equator and overwhelmingly poor."
But despite longstanding treaty commitments to help poor countries deal with warming, these industrial powers are spending just tens of millions of dollars on ways to limit climate and coastal hazards in the world’s most vulnerable regions — most of them close to the equator and overwhelmingly poor."
Sydney blacks out for global warming - Yahoo! News
Sydney blacks out for global warming - Yahoo! News: "The Sydney Opera House's gleaming white-shelled roof was darkened Saturday night along with much of the rest of Australia's largest city, which switched off the lights to register concern about global warming."
Panel: Warming will end some species - Yahoo! News
Panel: Warming will end some species - Yahoo! News: "Animal and plant life in the Arctic and Antarctic is undergoing substantial change, scientists say. Rising sea levels elsewhere are damaging coastal wetlands. Warmer waters are bleaching and killing coral reefs, pushing marine species toward the poles, reducing fish populations in African lakes, research finds."
Thursday, March 29, 2007
BILL SEEKS INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Global climate change "represents a clear and present danger tothe security and economy of the United States," according to abipartisan bill introduced in the Senate yesterday, and ittherefore warrants the focused attention of U.S. intelligenceagencies."
For years, many of us have examined global warming as anenvironmental or economic issue," said Senator Dick Durbin(D-IL). "We also need to consider it as a security concern. Ourbill begins this process by requiring a National IntelligenceEstimate to assess the strategic challenges presented by theworld's changing climate.""
In this legislation, we ask for the intelligence community toprovide a strategic estimate of the risks posed by globalclimate change for countries or regions that are of particulareconomic or military significance to the United States or thatare at serious risk of humanitarian suffering," Senator Durbinsaid. "This NIE will assess the political, social,agricultural, and economic challenges for countries and theirlikely impact."
The new bill is jointly sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) andSen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
"Senator Durbin and I differ on policy initiatives designed toreduce the impact of climate change," said Sen. Hagel. "We doagree, however, on the need to assess potential impacts of thechanging climate on U.S. national security interests so that ourNation can develop responsible, forward-thinking policies thatensure the continued safety and prosperity of the Americanpeople."
See their March 28 introductory statements and the text of thenew bill (S. 1018) here: http://www.fas.org/irp/congress/2007_cr/s1018.html
Among the eleven "policy coordinating committees" at the NationalSecurity Council that were established by President Bush'sNational Security Presidential Directive 1 in February 2001 isone on "Global Environment." But this NSC committee has left noidentifiable public trace on U.S. policy.
For years, many of us have examined global warming as anenvironmental or economic issue," said Senator Dick Durbin(D-IL). "We also need to consider it as a security concern. Ourbill begins this process by requiring a National IntelligenceEstimate to assess the strategic challenges presented by theworld's changing climate.""
In this legislation, we ask for the intelligence community toprovide a strategic estimate of the risks posed by globalclimate change for countries or regions that are of particulareconomic or military significance to the United States or thatare at serious risk of humanitarian suffering," Senator Durbinsaid. "This NIE will assess the political, social,agricultural, and economic challenges for countries and theirlikely impact."
The new bill is jointly sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) andSen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
"Senator Durbin and I differ on policy initiatives designed toreduce the impact of climate change," said Sen. Hagel. "We doagree, however, on the need to assess potential impacts of thechanging climate on U.S. national security interests so that ourNation can develop responsible, forward-thinking policies thatensure the continued safety and prosperity of the Americanpeople."
See their March 28 introductory statements and the text of thenew bill (S. 1018) here: http://www.fas.org/irp/congress/2007_cr/s1018.html
Among the eleven "policy coordinating committees" at the NationalSecurity Council that were established by President Bush'sNational Security Presidential Directive 1 in February 2001 isone on "Global Environment." But this NSC committee has left noidentifiable public trace on U.S. policy.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
U.S. struggles to build green homes - Yahoo! News
U.S. struggles to build green homes - Yahoo! News: "While gas-guzzling vehicles draw the most criticism, homes and businesses consume even more energy -- 40 percent of the U.S. total in 2005 versus 28 percent for transportation -- and provide the biggest potential for savings."
U.S. struggles to build green homes - Yahoo! News
U.S. struggles to build green homes - Yahoo! News
While gas-guzzling vehicles draw the most criticism, homes and businesses consume even more energy -- 40 percent of the U.S. total in 2005 versus 28 percent for transportation -- and provide the biggest potential for savings.
While gas-guzzling vehicles draw the most criticism, homes and businesses consume even more energy -- 40 percent of the U.S. total in 2005 versus 28 percent for transportation -- and provide the biggest potential for savings.
20 free ways to save energy
GreenerChoices.org 20 free ways to save energy: "Consumer Reports' 'Complete Guide to Reducing Energy Costs' is crammed with ways to cut your energy bills. Some take a little money and effort, such as weatherstripping your windows. Some take a little restraint, such as picking a sedan instead of an SUV. Others require investment, such as choosing the more-efficient refrigerator, even if the price tag is a bit higher. Of course, the best ways to save energy dollars are the ones that take no money and little or no effort. That's what you'll find in this excerpt--20 simple things you can do to start saving money right this minute, without having to reach for your wallet."
Recycling Hardware
GreenCitizen: Thinking globally and recycling locally - Computerworld Blogs: "When companies donate systems, monitors and other hardware to charities what happens to those items when the charity is done with them?
What is your company doing with all of it's old equipment?
What happens to the data on your company's old hard drives when they are recycled?"
What is your company doing with all of it's old equipment?
What happens to the data on your company's old hard drives when they are recycled?"
Lawmakers debating how to slash greenhouse gases
Modbee.com The Modesto Bee: "California lawmakers expressed skepticism Monday about how the Schwarzenegger administration plans to reduce greenhouse gases, illustrating the difficulty in implementing the state's global warming law."
Governor’s Budget Proposal to Implement The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (“AB 32”)
http://lao.ca.gov/handouts/resources/2007/Gov_Budget_Proposal_Global_Warming_Solutions_032607.pdf
Funding proposal is not sustainable, in that it largely relies on
a funding source—the Air Pollution Control Fund—that will be
unavailable in future years (unless corrective action, such as
increasing fees, is taken).
Require administration to report at budget hearings on its longterm
funding plans for state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
reduction activities. Also recommend adoption of supplemental
report language requiring long-term funding plan to be submitted
in conjunction with the 2008-09 Governor’s Budget.
Funding proposal is not sustainable, in that it largely relies on
a funding source—the Air Pollution Control Fund—that will be
unavailable in future years (unless corrective action, such as
increasing fees, is taken).
Require administration to report at budget hearings on its longterm
funding plans for state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
reduction activities. Also recommend adoption of supplemental
report language requiring long-term funding plan to be submitted
in conjunction with the 2008-09 Governor’s Budget.
VietNamNet - Schwarzenegger warns against water crisis
VietNamNet - Schwarzenegger warns against water crisis: "He said the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is the nation's largest single source of drinking water, and scientists agree that it is vulnerable to contamination from a natural disaster or rising sea levels. He said the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is the nation's largest single source of drinking water, and scientists agree that it is vulnerable to contamination from a natural disaster or rising sea levels. "
San Francisco passes plastic-bag ban - Yahoo! News
San Francisco passes plastic-bag ban - Yahoo! News
The law, approved 10-1, requires large markets and drug stores to offer customers bags made of paper that can be recycled, plastic that breaks down easily enough to be made into compost, or reusable cloth.
The law, approved 10-1, requires large markets and drug stores to offer customers bags made of paper that can be recycled, plastic that breaks down easily enough to be made into compost, or reusable cloth.
More U.S. college students studying clean energy - Yahoo! News
More U.S. college students studying clean energy - Yahoo! News
Concern over global warming has more U.S. college students looking into careers in alternative energy, leading U.S. universities to add new courses on clean energy technologies and the environment
Concern over global warming has more U.S. college students looking into careers in alternative energy, leading U.S. universities to add new courses on clean energy technologies and the environment
Thursday, March 22, 2007
AT&T Park installing 590 solar panels
SAN FRANCISCO / AT&T Park installing 590 solar panels
Solar panels that will supply enough power to operate a handful of city homes are being installed at AT&T Park, making the Giants ballpark the first in the Major Leagues to embrace solar technology, team officials said Wednesday.
Solar panels that will supply enough power to operate a handful of city homes are being installed at AT&T Park, making the Giants ballpark the first in the Major Leagues to embrace solar technology, team officials said Wednesday.
Panel looks at control of emissions
UC BERKELEY / Panel looks at control of emissions
A successful attack on carbon emissions will require leaps in energy efficiencies at home, at work and in the car, as well as technological breakthroughs in alternative fuels and painful political choices, speakers said Monday at a UC Berkeley conference that drew 400 people from academia, government and industry.
A successful attack on carbon emissions will require leaps in energy efficiencies at home, at work and in the car, as well as technological breakthroughs in alternative fuels and painful political choices, speakers said Monday at a UC Berkeley conference that drew 400 people from academia, government and industry.
Chicago Climate Exchange
http://www.chicagoclimatex.com/
Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) CCX is the world’s first and North America’s only voluntary, legally binding rules-based greenhouse gas emission reduction and trading system.
Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) CCX is the world’s first and North America’s only voluntary, legally binding rules-based greenhouse gas emission reduction and trading system.
Southern Ocean current faces slowdown threat
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070322/sc_nm/climate_ocean_dc;_ylt=AoUbepe1lEn6QaoMWwjO8xIDW7oF
The impact of global warming on the vast Southern Ocean around Antarctica is starting to pose a threat to ocean currents that distribute heat around the world, Australian scientists say, citing new deep-water data.
Melting ice-sheets and glaciers in Antarctica are releasing fresh water, interfering with the formation of dense "bottom water," which sinks 4-5 kilometers to the ocean floor and helps drive the world's ocean circulation system.
A slowdown in the system known as "overturning circulation" would affect the way the ocean, which absorbs 85 percent of atmospheric heat, carries heat around the globe.
The impact of global warming on the vast Southern Ocean around Antarctica is starting to pose a threat to ocean currents that distribute heat around the world, Australian scientists say, citing new deep-water data.
Melting ice-sheets and glaciers in Antarctica are releasing fresh water, interfering with the formation of dense "bottom water," which sinks 4-5 kilometers to the ocean floor and helps drive the world's ocean circulation system.
A slowdown in the system known as "overturning circulation" would affect the way the ocean, which absorbs 85 percent of atmospheric heat, carries heat around the globe.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Marshall Islands declares emergency as water runs out
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070321/wl_asia_afp/marshallsdrought;_ylt=AuksdREMQTM5ii5v6LexkkUDW7oF
The government of the Marshall Islands dispatched a ship to supply drinking water to outlying islands Wednesday after declaring a state of emergency amid a prolonged drought.
Fresh water supplies have dwindled since January with the El Nino weather phenomenon causing an extended drought for a country that depends on rain for about 95 percent of its fresh water.
Reginald White, director of the Majuro Weather Station, said the Marshall Islands was going through a transition from the El Nino weather pattern to La Nina, which could mean little rain until May.
The government of the Marshall Islands dispatched a ship to supply drinking water to outlying islands Wednesday after declaring a state of emergency amid a prolonged drought.
Fresh water supplies have dwindled since January with the El Nino weather phenomenon causing an extended drought for a country that depends on rain for about 95 percent of its fresh water.
Reginald White, director of the Majuro Weather Station, said the Marshall Islands was going through a transition from the El Nino weather pattern to La Nina, which could mean little rain until May.
Hydrogen cars face technological hurdles: experts
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070321/sc_nm/hydrogen_cars_dc;_ylt=AtnpBdL7Vj.brmOLuD4IDJYDW7oF
BMW, Toyota, Honda, GM, DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen have hydrogen-powered vehicles on display at the conference, but all have similar technological challenges, including costs that range up to a million dollars a piece and limited range on a hydrogen fill-up.
A hydrogen car can travel 45 to 50 miles on a gallon, but a normal-sized fuel tank will only provide a range of 125 to 150 miles, experts said.
That's because hydrogen is put in a car as a liquid at very low temperatures, but reverts to being a gas as it warms. It dissipates into the air even if the vehicle is not being used.
BMW, Toyota, Honda, GM, DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen have hydrogen-powered vehicles on display at the conference, but all have similar technological challenges, including costs that range up to a million dollars a piece and limited range on a hydrogen fill-up.
A hydrogen car can travel 45 to 50 miles on a gallon, but a normal-sized fuel tank will only provide a range of 125 to 150 miles, experts said.
That's because hydrogen is put in a car as a liquid at very low temperatures, but reverts to being a gas as it warms. It dissipates into the air even if the vehicle is not being used.
Gore implores Congress to save planet
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070321/ap_on_go_co/gore;_ylt=AmR5BSTEpbp7RUBNnkGIWKwEtbAF
Fresh off a triumphant Academy Awards appearance in which his climate change documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" won two Oscars, Gore drew overflow crowds as he testified before House and Senate panels about a "true planetary emergency" if Congress fails to act. He said addressing the problem is a moral issue and should not be a partisan or political.
Fresh off a triumphant Academy Awards appearance in which his climate change documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" won two Oscars, Gore drew overflow crowds as he testified before House and Senate panels about a "true planetary emergency" if Congress fails to act. He said addressing the problem is a moral issue and should not be a partisan or political.
Go 'green' and decorate in eco-friendly style
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/17274520/
Could a house that felt totally “domino” (glamorous and inviting) be decorated in an earth-friendly way? The answer was “yes,” and domino dedicated their entire March issue to "green" design.
Could a house that felt totally “domino” (glamorous and inviting) be decorated in an earth-friendly way? The answer was “yes,” and domino dedicated their entire March issue to "green" design.
Hybrid Homes
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5963511/site/newsweek/
This might sound like a limousine-liberal fantasy—the kind of high-tech oasis where the superrich can soothe their consciences deep in the woods. But it's actually an 84-home development, called BedZED, on the site of a disused sewage-treatment plant in an unfashionable patch of South London.
This might sound like a limousine-liberal fantasy—the kind of high-tech oasis where the superrich can soothe their consciences deep in the woods. But it's actually an 84-home development, called BedZED, on the site of a disused sewage-treatment plant in an unfashionable patch of South London.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Canary Island to be powered solely by renewables
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070320/sc_afp/spainenergyalternative;_ylt=AlBw538oQeaaxy0fRuIU0.8DW7oF
El Hierro, one of the smallest of Spain's Canary Islands, is to receive 100 percent of its electricity supply from renewable energy sources, the Madrid government said Tuesday.
As part of a plan through to 2009, El Hierro will soon be able to rely on a combination of hydroelectricity and wind power to generate its electricity, the industry ministry said.
Spain, where the energy market was deregulated in 1998, is second only to Germany in Europe in terms of installed wind power capacity, at 8,155 MW in December 2004, compared with 14,000 MW for Germany.
The European Union recently targeted a 20 percent share of overall energy production for the bloc by 2010, compared with a projected three percent for Japan, for example.
El Hierro, one of the smallest of Spain's Canary Islands, is to receive 100 percent of its electricity supply from renewable energy sources, the Madrid government said Tuesday.
As part of a plan through to 2009, El Hierro will soon be able to rely on a combination of hydroelectricity and wind power to generate its electricity, the industry ministry said.
Spain, where the energy market was deregulated in 1998, is second only to Germany in Europe in terms of installed wind power capacity, at 8,155 MW in December 2004, compared with 14,000 MW for Germany.
The European Union recently targeted a 20 percent share of overall energy production for the bloc by 2010, compared with a projected three percent for Japan, for example.
Final Potter book goes easy on the trees
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070320/ap_en_ot/books_green_potter;_ylt=AjuCWL4VOEn9v9tKlOVkmykDW7oF
Scholastic Inc. announced Tuesday that it had agreed with the Rainforest Alliance, a conservation organization that works with the business community, on tightened environmental standards for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," coming out July 21 with a first printing of 12 million.
_The paper used will contain "a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer waste (pcw) fiber."
_Nearly two-thirds of the 16,700 tons of paper will be approved by the Forest Stewardship Council, an international organization with a mission to "promote environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests."
_A "deluxe" edition of the new book, which has a first printing of 100,000, will be printed on paper that contains "100 percent post-consumer waste fiber."
Scholastic Inc. announced Tuesday that it had agreed with the Rainforest Alliance, a conservation organization that works with the business community, on tightened environmental standards for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," coming out July 21 with a first printing of 12 million.
_The paper used will contain "a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer waste (pcw) fiber."
_Nearly two-thirds of the 16,700 tons of paper will be approved by the Forest Stewardship Council, an international organization with a mission to "promote environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests."
_A "deluxe" edition of the new book, which has a first printing of 100,000, will be printed on paper that contains "100 percent post-consumer waste fiber."
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