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.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
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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