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UN Launches Green Economy Initiative to Refocus World Economy On October 22, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and leading economists launched the Green Economy Initiative, which called on the world to refocus the global economy towards investments in renewable energy technologies and natural infrastructures. It will focus on five sectors: clean energy technologies, rural energy, sustainable agriculture, deforestation, and sustainable cities. "The financial, fuel and food crises of 2008 are in part a result of speculation and a failure of governments to intelligently manage and focus markets," said Achim Steiner, the US undersecretary general and UNEP executive director. "But they are also part of a wider market failure triggering ever deeper and disturbing losses of natural capital and nature-based assets coupled with an over-reliance of finite, often subsidized fossil fuels.” Advocates of the Initiative believe it will result in government action when finance ministers meet in New York for the Financing for Development-Doha Review conference in November. “Transformative ideas need to be discussed and transformative decisions taken. The alternative is more boom and bust cycles; a climate-stressed world and a collapse of fish stocks and fertile soils up to forest ecosystems,” said Steiner. For additional information see:
Financial Problems Affect Development of Renewable Energy Industry During the week of October 20, oil prices declined and financial problems continued to grow, causing environmental advocates to raise concerns about the funding and deployment of renewable energy technologies. According to New Energy Finance, a London-based consultancy, global renewable-energy stocks have dropped about 45 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell only 23 percent over the same period. With big lenders like Lehman Brothers and American International Group experiencing financial downturns, some US wind farm developers are struggling to find credit to fulfill their commitments for various projects. Eric Silverman, a partner at law firm Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP said, “The credit crunch deals a negative blow to the whole [wind] sector because it's heavily dependent on debt financing." Because many renewable technologies require a high initial investment, the low cost and availability of fossil fuels make coal, natural gas, and oil more appealing. “Natural gas at $6 makes wind look like a questionable idea and solar power unfathomably expensive,” said Kevin Book, a senior vice president at FBR Capital Markets. “If you can’t borrow money, you can’t develop renewables.” For additional information see:
Climate Change 'Happening Faster' Than Predicted On October 20, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued a report revealing that climate change is happening faster than predicted. The study used the first new scientific data on climate change since the release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report in 2007. "Climate change is a major challenge to the future of mankind and the environment, and this sobering overview highlights just how critical it is that EU environment ministers commit to a strong climate and energy package, in order to ensure a low carbon future," said WWF-UK's Head of Climate Change, Dr. Keith Allott. The report stresses the importance of action on a global scale in order to prevent crop failures and collapses of ecosystems. It also recommends that developed nations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions without reliance on overseas offsets and help developing countries cut their emissions and adapt for the impacts of climate change. “It is clear that climate change is already having a greater impact than most scientists had anticipated, so it's vital that international mitigation and adaptation responses become swifter and more ambitious," said Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, the Vice Chair of the IPCC. For additional information see:
EIA Releases State CO2 Emissions Report On October 22, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released the 2005 state energy-related CO2 emission estimates based on the State Energy Data System. EIA has provided a summary of total energy-related CO2 emissions for all states from 1990 to 2005, 2005 state emissions by fuel, 2005 state emissions by sector, detailed files for each state and the District of Columbia, and a description of the methodology used to arrive at the figures. According to the data, Texas released the most energy-related CO2 in 2005 at 625.2 million metric tons while Vermont released the least at 6.8 million metric tons. The emissions generated by the nation as a whole totaled 5.98 billion metric tons for 2005. For additional information see:
Severe Climate Change Effects on Weather, Wildlife, Water Levels Reported by Virginia Panel On October 24, the Virginia Governor’s Commission on Climate Change released preliminary findings in its search to determine the effects of climate change on Virginia. According to the research, Virginia will experience a higher risk of deadly diseases, rising sea levels and ecosystem alterations. “The panel also found that climate change could cause more "extreme weather events" such as heat waves, floods, droughts and hurricanes, putting human life at risk,” the article stated. The final report will be issued to Governor Tim Kaine in December. For additional information see:
Dynegy to Disclose Climate Change Risks On October 23, Houston-based Dynergy, a major owner of coal burning power plants, has agreed to disclose to investors its financial risks due to climate change, under an agreement with New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and former US Vice President Al Gore. The disclosures will include current carbon emissions, projected increases in carbon emissions from planned power plants, company strategies for cutting emissions and expected global warming emissions reductions from suggested actions. “What is being announced here . . . has incredible importance for the environmental crisis,” Gore said. “Investors have a right to the truth so that they can be freed from unnecessary and avoidable risks.” For additional information see:
Pollution Credits May be Benefitting Landfills For additional information see:
Report Warns of Leap in Chinese Greenhouse Gas Emissions On October 23, a Chinese thinktank released a study, “China Energy Report,” predicting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from China could double or more in the next decade, significantly surpassing previous government estimates. “No matter how historical responsibility is defined, our country's development path cannot repeat the unconstrained emissions of developed countries' energy use," stated the report produced from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other major state-run institutes. "Therefore, we must soon prepare and plan ahead to implement emissions reduction concepts and measures in a long-term and stable energy development strategy." Analysts say the study will fuel debate over China’s role in the fight against global warming, especially with recent international talks to develop an agreement to succeed Kyoto. Chinese officials have frequently stated their resistance to GHG emission cuts as a hindrance to economic growth. The report said, “Relative to reducing CO2 emissions, economic development is even more important.” For additional information see:
40 World Cities Pledge Action on Climate Change On October 23, leaders of 40 of the world’s largest cities met in Tokyo, Japan, to discuss strategies to combat climate change. “Very important actions are taking place by mayors who act," said Toronto Mayor David Miller, chairman of the C40 climate initiative of cities. "The focus of this conference was adaptation and particularly on measures that support adapting to climate change that is already occurring." Some topics of discussion included promoting solar energy, tracking genetically modified food, and preventing “urban heat island effect.” The conference hopes to send representatives to the Copenhagen talks in 2009 to settle a new climate deal. For additional information see:
EU to Enforce CO2 Cap on Airlines On October 24, EU leaders pulled airlines into the fight against global warming by issuing a mandate that by 2012 emissions must be capped at 97 percent of 2005 levels. "The main objective of the new law is to reduce the impact of aviation on climate change, given the rapid growth of this sector," EU interior ministers meeting in Luxembourg said in a joint statement. The deal for aviation in Europe "is only a first step towards (the) final goal of a global sectoral agreement concerning the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from aviation." Airlines will have to either reduce emissions or purchase carbon credits to offset their CO2 emissions. Currently aircraft produce three percent of EU greenhouse gas emissions, although the European Commission predicts the rate may double by 2020. The United States has responded with criticism since the laws also apply to US airplanes flying to or across Europe, saying the rules violate international laws. "It is an international, multilateral issue," an American official said. "Doing something bilaterally or unilaterally on that issue could have unintended consequences for people who aren't in the room. So we think it needs to be discussed in a broader venue and resolved that way."
For additional information see:
French-speaking Nations Pledge Help in Greenhouse Cuts On October 19, at a summit of French-speaking nations in Quebec City, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper pledged C$100 million (about $85 million/US) to developing nations to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The money will be distributed this fiscal year through international development organizations. “This help will go to the countries that are least advanced and small insular states, especially in Africa, the Caribbean and the South Pacific,'' Harper said. “Our government has always been convinced we must find a concrete and truly planetary solution to climate change. All emitting countries must contribute to this solution, and Canada will do its part. We are conscious of the fact developing countries can afford to do more.'' Representatives at the summit together set targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050 as well as expressed their support for the Kyoto Protocol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. For additional information see:
Japan Launches Voluntary CO2 Market On October 22, Japan launched a voluntary carbon market where businesses pledged emission cuts in an effort to develop a system that will lead to a mandatory cap-and-trade program. "It's based on a voluntary (cap) because we'd like to see as many companies as possible joining in as we start. But we're aiming to make it a cap-and-trade scheme eventually," said Environment Minister Tetsuo Saito. "We're hoping to accept applications from thousands or even tens of thousands of companies, ranging from big companies to medium to small ones as well as mainstay companies in each region.” Though Japan is one of the most energy efficient countries, it still ranks as the world’s fifth largest greenhouse gas emitter. Under the Kyoto Protocol, Japan pledged to cut its emissions 6 percent from 1990 levels by 2012 and hopes the voluntary carbon market will help it reach those targets. "It's a step forward, albeit a minor one," said Naoyuki Yamagishi, head of the climate change program at World Wildlife Federation Japan. "There is risk that insufficient results from an insufficient trial market would make people consider any scheme is useless.” For additional information see:
Three Major Chinese Companies Join Climate Group On October 24, three big Chinese companies, China Mobile, Suntech and Broad Air Conditioning, joined the London-based non-governmental organization The Climate Group (TCG) in a global effort to reduce energy use and increase renewable energy. “The involvement of the Chinese companies not only helps attract their domestic counterparts to follow in their steps and set up a sustainable business model, but also helps the international community better understand China's positive role in solving climate change issues on a global level," said Wu Changhua, TGC’s Greater China director. Ex-British Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed his hope that this move will encourage more world business leaders to cut their emissions and move towards a low carbon economy. TCG Executive Director Steve Howard said, For additional information see:
Indigenous Forest Groups’ Rights Are Key to Reducing Emissions from Deforestation On October 17, Rainforest Foundation Norway and the Washington-based Rights and Resources Initiative, a coalition of UN and government-funded research organizations, organized talks in Oslo, Norway, to discuss the need to respect the rights of indigenous forest dwellers in efforts by developed nations to fight climate change. About 20 percent of the world’s emissions come from deforestation. “In addition to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, early action, pilot projects and demonstrations should safeguard biodiversity, contribute to poverty reduction and secure the rights of forest dependent communities in order to achieve any degree of permanence, legitimacy and effectiveness," said Norway's Minister of Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim. There is growing conflict between indigenous people and forest companies, which participating members feel must be resolved. In an effort to successfully reduce conflict and deforestation, the conference discussed four main objectives: recognizing rights, prioritizing payments, establishing independent advisory and auditing processes, and monitoring more than carbon to keep track of the status of forests. “There is lots of evidence from around the world that communities conserve their forests when their [land] rights are recognized,” said Jeffrey Hatcher, an analyst with Rights and Resources. For additional information see:
Climate Change Linked to Indian Tiger Attacks For additional information see:
Common Seal in Sharp Decline Due to Climate Change and Pollution On October 20, a survey by the Sea Mammals Research Unit at St. Andrews University revealed a dramatic decline in the population of harbor seals from climate change and pollution. “The harbor seal is protected under the EU Habitats directive and Scotland and the UK has a special responsibility to protect it," said John Baxter, marine biologist with Scottish Natural Heritage. "It is a top predator – its decline could be an indication of problems lower down the food chain," he said. Between 2000 and 2007, the population showed a drop of 56 percent and scientists attribute this to a number of possible reasons: competition from the larger gray seal, the loss or migration of other needed species due to global warming, a fall in reproduction due to pollution. Baxter acknowledged that more research needs to be done before discussions at next month’s conference in Edinburgh for not only the goals of conservation but also the tourism industry. For additional information see:
Study Looks at Impacts of Climate Change on Lakes Japanese and German researchers released a study in the October 23 issue of Geophysical Research Letters stating that climate change will affect lakes differently, based on their regional climate. The scientists compared current measurements with measurements from 70 years ago and saw a rise in temperatures in the deep water layers of lakes in the south of Japan, while those in the north remained relatively constant. “Rising temperatures can lead to changes in nutrient exchange and turnover in the water,” stated the report. “In certain circumstances, winter circulation behavior can be so severely affected by rising temperatures and other climatic factors that oxygen supplies to the lower depths become insufficient for many organisms, leading to an accumulation of nutrients in the deep water.” Water quality in lakes can affect tourism, water companies and fishing industries. Therefore, scientists are working to create lake models which are designed to predict water conditions as external factors change. For additional information see:
Potent Greenhouse Gas More Prevalent Than Assumed Research to be published in the October 31 issue of Geophysical Research Letters indicates that nitrogen trifluoride is at least four times more prevalent than previously estimated. The new analytical techniques have determined 5400 metric tons of nitrogen trifluoride are in the atmosphere with numbers increasing by about 11 percent per year. “From a climate perspective, there is a need to add nitrogen trifluoride to the suite of greenhouse gases whose production is inventoried and whose emissions are regulated under the Kyoto Protocol, thus providing meaningful incentives for its wise use," said lead scientist Ray Weiss of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California. The gas is commonly used in the manufacturing of liquid crystal flat-panel TV displays and electronic microcircuits. Results from the study have led scientists to conclude that more concrete numbers are necessary, especially in tracking its production and disposal. For additional information see:
Risk of Disease Rises with Water Temperatures On October 20, scientists announced a near-certain link between global warming and waterborne diseases. "One of the strongest indicators from climate models is more intense rains," said Stephen Vavrus, director of the University of Wisconsin Center for Climatic Research. "They don't agree on everything, but they do agree on that. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, so as we get more moisture in the air, when we do have a storm situation, you get more total rainfall." With heavier rainfall, researchers predict more sewage overflows, contaminated drinking water and dangerous conditions for beachgoers. Higher temperature waters will also result in more algal blooms, mosquitoes and contaminated shellfish and produce. "Here we are in a wealthy country with a very strong public health infrastructure," said Professor Jonathan Patz of the University of Wisconsin at Madison. "But we need to realize it's not as strong as we thought it was, and water systems really need tremendous resources for upkeep in the face of climate change." For additional information see:
Study Probes Climate Role of Clouds On October 23, a team of 20 cloud and climate experts from the UK’s National Center for Atmospheric Sciences launched a month-long investigation in Chile to study how clouds affect climate and weather around the globe. “These are some of the largest cloud systems in the world, and we know that they must play a very significant role in climate change, yet we know that climate models do not represent them very well," said Hugh Coe, the lead scientist for the British consortium. “We hope to finally hit some of the uncertainties in current climate models on the head.” Using aircraft fitted with cloud and dust probes, scientists will study cloud formation, reflectivity, how pollution affects cloud properties, and what determines the lifetime of a cloud. “This campaign is a fantastic opportunity to make cutting-edge measurements in a unique environment and merge them with state-of-the-art climate models,” said Coe. For additional information see:
British Explorer to Measure Arctic Ice Cap Next Year For additional information see:
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Amy Sauer This EESI publication is a free, weekly electronic newsletter intended to inform interested parties, particularly the policymaker community, of the latest climate change-related news. Permission for reproduction of this newsletter is granted provided that EESI is properly acknowledged as the source. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute is a non-profit organization established in 1984 by a bipartisan, bicameral group of members of Congress to provide timely information on energy and environmental policy issues to policymakers and stakeholders and develop innovative policy solutions that set us on a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy path. |
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