Solutions for Climate Change

EPA gives California emissions waiver

2009-07-03T00:40:22Z

"It preserves California's role as a leader on clean air policy," said Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, of the California emissions waiver.

The state can develop its own standards on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks, though it agrees not to toughen the standards before 2017. Automakers agree to drop lawsuits.

The EPA is finally granting California's request to impose tough restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks -- reversing the Bush administration's position and opening the way for the state to take the lead on global-warming policy.

The reversal will make it easier for the state to meet other regulations that set standards for air quality standards.

EPA officials say granting California the waiver from federal standards gives the state wide latitude to promulgate stricter rules, restoring a 40-year interpretation of the Clean Air Act.

"It preserves California's role as a leader on clean air policy," particularly on motor vehicles, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said in an interview. "It feels good to know that we are able to move past -- address -- this issue, responding to the president's call."

President Obama had criticized the Bush EPA's denial and, shortly after his inauguration, ordered the agency to revisit it.

Read more at LA Times

Climate Change is Making Species Extinctions Happen at a Factor of 10x

2009-06-25T16:44:18Z

For those who think of nature as a wild, unspoiled Eden that preserves the natural flora and fauna free from human interference, global warming has a nasty surprise in store, according to University of California, Berkeley, biologist Anthony Barnosky.

In his new book, "Heatstroke: Nature in an Age of Global Warming" (Island Press, 2009), Barnosky says that because of climate change, wilderness left to its own will no longer look like the natural areas we see today.

Our conservation strategies must be rethought, he adds, because business-as-usual will not preserve all the aspects of nature we have come to know, love and respect.

Setting aside preserves, for example, puts animals and plants in a bind: As global warming makes their current habitats unsuitable, surrounding human development prevents them from moving to more hospitable places. The alternative, assisted migration, smacks of creating wild zoos - quasi-natural areas like the dinosaur wonderland portrayed in the book and movie "Jurassic Park."

"The new twist in preserving nature is that we might have to come up with a separate but equal system, where we actively set aside some tracts of land as wildlands where people can experience this feeling of 'wilderness,' but recognize that the species that live in those places and the landscape are not going to be the species and landscape we are used to," he says. "Our kids are going to see very different things in those kinds of places than we do."

Africa escaped the megafauna extinctions that hit the rest of the world at the end of the last ice age. Now, global warming promises to take out many of Africa's large herbivores and reduce the numbers of many others. (Anthony Barnosky/UC Berkeley)

Warming already altering patterns of migration

Barnosky describes in his book how global warming is already causing shifts in the ranges of animals and plants, disrupting migrations and spawning, and stressing animals confined to parks and reserves.

While ecosystem change and extinction are normal, Barnosky reminds us that past climate change, such as cooling at the beginning of glacial periods and warming with the onset of interglacial periods, took place over thousands of years. The current warming is happening faster, by a factor of about 10.

Global warming multiplies impacts of human activities

Global warming comes on top of many other environmental impacts that have been stressing the environment, Barnosky notes in his book. He wrote "Heatstroke," in part, because he "wanted to raise awareness that global warming is not just an add-on consequence as far as impacts on ecosystems and nature are concerned.

We are all aware of habitat fragmentation, invasive species, growing human populations, and the tradeoff between resources needed to sustain us versus resources to sustain other species.

People tend to think those are the big problems, and that global warming is going to heat things up a bit.

"In reality, global warming, as far as how it is going to change nature, is as big or bigger a problem than all of those other four, and especially when you put it together with all of the other four.

There are feedbacks that make everything much more severe. It is like multiplying rather than adding everything up."

Solutions to protect both species and wilderness

Wilderness must be protected, he says, if for no other reason than that it acts as a canary in a coal mine, "a barometer of how healthy the Earth actually is."

But imperiled species must also be protected as biodiversity resources, he adds, even if this requires assisted migration of not only the endangered species, but also the plants and animals these species interact with in their ecosystem.

One alternative that some scientists have put forward is Pleistocene rewilding, a wild idea to re-establish the large "megafauna" that dominated Earth during the planet's last major bout with global climate change, the period of on-and-off glaciation that took place between 2 million and 10,000 years ago.

Read more details about Barnosky and Heatstroke

THIRST is a serious issue coming to our community...

2009-06-24T03:21:40Z

Carolyn

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National Map of Heat Wave Vulnerability by County

2009-06-15T21:03:41Z

A new study identifies which U.S. populations within specific geographic regions are likely to be most susceptible to adverse effects of heat, as well as which areas are most in need of intervention.

With reports of heat waves increasing in frequency, intensity and duration worldwide, cities can use information on vulnerable at-risk populations to help coordinate heat emergency plans and identify interventions to reduce the preventable and negative health effects of heat waves. This information can ultimately be used to design longer-term interventions to lessen vulnerability to heat-related illness, for example by increasing urban green spaces (outdoor areas with an abundance of vegetation).

Vulnerable Populatons

The study gathered available information on several factors that have been associated with adverse health impacts from heat waves to identify vulnerable populations. These factors included lower education, poverty, being a race other than white, lack of green space, living alone, lack of air conditioning, older age and presence of diabetes.

National Heat Wave Map by County

These data were compiled into a national map of county-level heat vulnerability.

This map suggested that heat vulnerability could vary widely across the nation, due primarily to differences in air conditioning prevalence. In urban areas, inner cities were likely to be more vulnerable to heat regardless of the city's overall vulnerability. These maps would need to be validated by comparison with actual observed outcomes in response to heat.

Health Impacts of Heat

Studies of heat waves and mortality in the United States have shown that increases in mortality from heat-related causes, cardiovascular causes, respiratory causes, heart attacks and all causes combined occur on days with higher temperatures or extended periods of high temperatures.

Pre-existing health conditions may lead to vulnerability to heat-related illnesses and death in individuals. These conditions include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal disease, nervous disorders, emphysema, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, pulmonary conditions and mental health conditions. However, community-level factors, such as poverty and a lack of ground cover, may also increase vulnerability.

"This study is a novel approach to map vulnerability to a health outcome related to climate change nationally and can be considered a first step towards tools that can help public health professionals prepare climate change adaptation plans for their communities," wrote first author Colleen Reid and colleagues. "In addition to refinement of this method for heat vulnerability, further studies mapping vulnerability to other projected health impacts of climate change are needed."

Heat Waves are Projected to Increase in Frequency, Duration and Intensity

EHP editor-in-chief Hugh A. Tilson, PhD said, "Because heat waves are projected to increase in frequency, duration and intensity in the United States and around the world, it is critical that municipalities at the local level develop effective heat warning systems, emergency planning procedures and interventions that focus on groups that are most vulnerable, like the elderly."

Other authors of the paper included Marie O'Neill, Carina Gronlund, Shannon Brines, Dan Brown, Ana Diez-Roux and Joel Schwartz. The study was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The article is available free of charge at http://www.ehponline.org/members/2009/0900683/0900683.html.

EHP is published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. EHP is an Open Access journal. More information is available online at http://www.ehponline.org/.

Hurricanes - More than half of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of a coast --

2009-06-06T00:08:59Z

Having lived through the eye of a hurricane, and within a mile of 4 tornado touchdowns, I fully appreciate the vital weather research and information provided by the US Geological Survey and related warning and emergency services.

When hurricanes strike, you can find critical information to help protect lives and property at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) hurricane Web site.

More than half of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of a coast -- and coastal populations are increasing. Many of these areas, especially the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, will be in the direct path of hurricanes.

"Throughout hurricane season, reliable scientific information is essential in order for emergency managers to keep the American public safe," said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. "The USGS provides this science, which helps prevent hazards from becoming disasters."

The USGS hurricane Web site highlights important storm information, such as flood levels near your home; pictures of the coastline before and after the storm; information on the timing, extent and magnitude of storm tide; and much more.

USGS research and analysis supports the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is responsible for monitoring and issuing warnings for hurricanes and tropical storms in the United States and its territories. Science to forecast hurricane impacts is a collaborative effort among the USGS, NOAA, NASA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others.

The USGS strives to reduce the vulnerability of the people and areas most at risk from natural hazards. By working with people from all sectors of society, the USGS and its partners are taking action to prepare for this year's hurricane season. The USGS anticipates that these actions will provide many benefits, including improved monitoring of ground conditions affected by flooding and storm surge, enhanced ability to navigate in a disaster zone, more effective search and rescue operations, and better assessments of the effects on coastlines and ecology.

The USGS provides information, products and knowledge to help build more resilient communities and strives to keep America safe from natural hazards. For direct access to USGS hurricane-related efforts, visit the USGS Science: Before, During and After the Storm Web site.

USGS Science - Hurricane Information Center

Practical Solutions for GHG Reduction - McKinsey Report

2009-06-01T17:56:48Z

The McKinsey Research Report

Starting in 2007, the McKinsey research team worked with leading experts to develop a detailed fact base estimating costs and potentials of different options to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions in the US over a 25 year period. The team analyzed more than 250 options encompassing efficiency gains, shifts to lower-carbon energy sources and expanded carbon sinks.

Central Conclusion

The US could reduce GHG emissions in 2030 by 3 - 4.5 gigatons of CO2e using tested approaches and high-potential emerging technologies. The cost would be less tan $50 per ton, with the average net cost to the economy being far lower if the nation can capture sizable gains from energy efficiency. Achievement of these reductions would require strong, coordinated, economy-wide action that begins in the near future.

One complicating factor is reaching goals is that a gradual decrease in the absorption of carbon by US forests and agricultural lands will reduce achievements, and require greater GHG reductions.

Abatement Opportunities

The largest option -- coal-fired power plants -- offers less than 11 percent of total abatement potential. The largest sector (power generation) only accounts for approximately 1/3 of the total potential.
Almost 40% of abatement could be achieved with options that would generate positive economic returns over their lifecycle.
Abatement potentials, costs and mix vary by geographic region.

Five Sectors offer Clusters of Abatement Potential

1. Improve energy efficiency in buildings and appliances (710-870 megatons)
This cluster of options includes: Lighting rtrofits, Improved heating, ventialation, air conditioning systems, Building envelopes, and building control systems; Higher performance for consumer and office electronics and appliances...and other options.

2. Imcrease fuel efficiency in vehicles and reduce carbon intensity of transportation fuels (340-660 megatons)
Most of the benefit would come from fuel economy packages such as light weighting, aerodynamics, turbocharging, drive-train efficiency, reduction in rolling resistance, and increased use of diesel for light-duty vehicles. Plug-in hybrid vehicels offer longer-term potential if vehicle cost/performance improves and the nation moves to a lower-carbon electricity supply.

3. Industrial Sector pursues various options cross energy-intensive operations (620-770 megatons)
A multitude of fragmented opportunities exist within specific industries: Equipment upgrades, process changes -- and across setors: Motor efficiency, combined heat and power applications.

4. Expand and enhance carbon sinks (440-590 megatons)
Increasing forest stocks and improving soil mnagement practices are relatively low-cost options.

5. Reduce carbon intensity of electric power production (800-1370 megatons)
Shift toward renewable energy sources primarily wind and solar, additional nuclear capacity, mproved efficiency of power plants and eventual use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies on coal-fired electricity generation.

"The theme of greater energy productivity pervades these clusters."

Improving energy efficiency in buildings and appliances and industrial sectors, for example, could offset some 85% of the projected incremental demand for electricity in 2030, largely negating the need for the incremental coal-fired power plants assumed in the government reference case.

Improved vehicle efficiency could roughly offset the added mobility-related emissions of a growing population, while providing net economic gains.

SOURCE: Download the full report at Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report 11.21.07

Web-based solutions to manage and report EHS&Q and business performance

2009-06-01T17:09:11Z

Web-based compliance reporting can help organizations that have dispersed facilities and departments that need to work together in reporting environmental, health an quality data for compliance.

This data needs to be analyzed, calculated, and presented to end-users and the use of online database collection and dissemination can achieve this through personalized, real-time performance dashboards. New systems are being developed -- and mature systems updated to build data collection forms as required ― complete with database tables, cross-field calculations, variable units of measurement, and routing capabilities.

One such solution is the iForms™ Platform that is a web-based solution enabling organizations to create tailored solutions to manage and report on their EHS&Q and business performance.

Some examples of online forms created by iForms clients include:

Green House Gas Emissions Tracking
Spill and Release Reporting
NPDES Reporting
Management of Change
IT Inventory Management
Organizational Risk Assessment
Hazardous Waste Management
Training Submission Form
DOT Compliance Management
Customer Compliant Form

Applications of data management for compliance include a wide variety of departments within industrial and globally distributed companies such as EH&S Management / Environmental Mgmt., Environmental Management, Greenhouse Gas Inventories & Data Management, Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Control, Hazardous Waste Management, Proficiency Testing & Quality Assurance, Risk Management & Assessment, Training, Waste Management

A million shades of green...

2009-05-25T03:36:35Z

RE is a wonderful little device and of tremendous power when we rethink our use of the secrets hidden in our language of green.

Once again my bubbie and I stood at our door and observed the springtime palette of trees surrounding us. Dark green. Forest green. Spring green. New growth. Old growth. Deciduous green. Evergreen. Moss. Spring annuals at their feet. Green pinecones at their branch tips.

A million shades of green absorb the sunshine that trees drink into their cells and convert into life sustaining energy.

We don't always enjoy the silent wonders that surround us. We are overwhelmed by the glitz and glamor of moving pictures and speeding cars and digital music.

And we miss the quiet beauty of whispering leaves and the violin vibes that whistle through the limbs and lift birds to the thermals that thrill their hearts with wonder and job.

High School Students Do Not Understand Climate Change

2009-05-14T01:01:54Z

This survey is enlightening...and not-so-green.

Each year, Hamilton College conducts a national phone survey to take the pulse of American youth. This year's topic was climate change and Hamilton economist Julio Videras found that despite an emphasis in schools and in the media about climate change and environmental issues, American high-school students do not understand climate change issues well.

The average high school student believes climate change has no consequences for them in their lifetime, according to the survey.

The average high school student fails a quiz on the causes and consequences of climate change.

Conducted by Hamilton College economist Julio Videras and his students in partnership with Zogby International, the national phone survey of 900, randomly selected high school students also indicates that home life influences students' "pro-environment" behavior much more strongly than school.

And whether they rely on science class or the media for information, students have the same level of knowledge about the issue, says Videras.

"There's no difference in what students know about climate change regardless of where they get their information," he says. "Schools don't seem to be teaching many specifics about climate change."

In addition to a limited understanding of the science behind climate change, most students don't see themselves at risk: Only 28 percent believe it's very likely that climate change will affect them personally in their lifetimes. Despite these findings, 70 percent think the U.S. should start reducing emissions of pollutants contributing to climate change rather than wait for more evidence about the benefits of reducing greenhouse gases.

Yet only 20 percent say a candidate's position on climate change would strongly influence whether they would vote for the candidate.

"Most of the students polled aren't doing much in the way of pro-environment behavior," says Videras. "Their behavior is related more to how much they talk about it at home and among their friends, rather than whether it's taught in school."

Tropical Deforestation Accounts for 20% of GHG

2009-05-14T00:53:15Z

Industrial nations may want to work with developing nations to slow and eventually stop deforestation in order to stabilize greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, according to a Texas Tech researcher.

Tropical deforestation currently accounts for nearly 20 percent of emissions of the heat-trapping gases that cause climate change, said Katharine Hayhoe, a research associate professor in the Department of Geosciences at Texas Tech University.

Hayhoe was one of 11 top international climate and forest researchers who authored a study released in the journal Science. In this study, the team analyzed how reducing deforestation in developing countries could contribute to the global emission targets required to stabilize atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide.

Researchers found cutting deforestation rates in half by mid-century could account for 12 percent of the total emissions reductions needed to safely stabilize atmospheric levels of heat-trapping gases. This would represent an important step towards preventing possible dangerous impacts from global climate change.

"Reducing tropical deforestation is key to decreasing global emissions," Hayhoe said. "The reductions we looked at are projected to cost less than $20 per ton of carbon dioxide. This makes slowing deforestation one of the most cost-effective measures to reduce our emissions globally, especially when compared to the cost of weaning ourselves off our dependence on fossil fuels."

Prior to the Industrial Revolution in the 1850s, the planet's levels of carbon dioxide, the primary heat-trapping gas released by human activities, sat at about 280 parts per million. Today, carbon dioxide levels have reached over 385 parts per million, and are continuing to grow at more than 2 parts per million per year.

"Given the importance of limiting atmospheric carbon dioxide levels to 450 ppm or below, in order to prevent what most scientists view as significant risk to human welfare and the environment," says Hayhoe, "the U.S. should support the efforts of developing countries as well as take responsibility for reducing our own emissions."

The results of this study emphasize the essential contribution tropical countries can make to the global effort to avert dangerous climate change, said Peter Frumhoff, co-author and director of Science and Policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

County Flood Maps & Climate Change Risks

2009-05-14T00:46:29Z

It's time for people to think about the annual rainy season.

Flood Insurance Can Jump, too!

Not only is property and life at risk, but even more likely is that flood insurance rates can jump. Risk management has numerous components that start today. The 9-minute video also reminds flood zone residents who have mortgages that they need to buy flood insurance.

Confronting Climate Change through Co-operative Enterprise

2009-05-14T00:42:08Z

Cooperatives are a grass roots, sustainability solution. Coops combine the best of localism, bartering, community building and smart economics. And the UN agrees! They celebrate an annual day to give visibility to the cooperative way of doing business that's good for communities.

Message of the International Co-operative Alliance
86th ICA International Co-operative Day
14th UN International Day of Cooperatives
5 July 2008

"Confronting Climate Change through Co-operative Enterprise"

Co-operatives are rising to the challenge of climate change at a scale and pace which shows leadership in a number of countries and sectors around the world. While some commit to cutting green house gas emissions, others are striving towards carbon neutrality, and all are working towards economic, social and environmental sustainability. Climate change is after all more than simply an environmental concern; it has an undeniable impact on the economic and social well-being of peoples around the world.

Co-operatives in all sectors are confronting climate change - for example,

Agricultural and fishery co-operatives are looking at energy usage from production to market, they are looking at their emissions (carbon and nitrogen) seeking to be neutral or indeed have a positive impact they are embarking on green energy production or innovative feed to reduce emissions from livestock production;
Consumer co-operatives are seeking to reduce their carbon footprints
Both in-store, but also in terms of their own operations as well as their suppliers, and, they are active in providing education to members and consumers;
Housing co-operatives are using sustainable construction materials and designing eco-buildings;
Co-operative banks and credit unions are providing incentives to invest in energy efficient technology through competitive mortgage, consumer and business loans;
Insurance co-operatives are finding innovative ways to keep premiums down while still being able to cover the changing needs of their members with regard to the increasing risk due to extreme weather patterns and natural disasters linked to climate change;
Energy co-operatives are striving to provide clean and sustainable energy through wind, solar and bio-fuels;

...and many other co-operatives are working daily to ensure that they are sustainable enterprises both economically, socially, and environmentally.

A number of co-operatives have taken leadership roles at the international level partnering with the United Nations Environment Programme's Climate Neutral Network, committing to the UN Global Compact "Caring for Climate" action platform, and many more are active at the national level. Equally, if not more important, however, are the actions taken on a daily basis by large and small co-operatives who are conscious that every effort no matter how small, can contribute to slowing climate change impacts.

For more information about the UN's support of cooperatives, check out the UN website, and the UN Social Development web page.

Forests Play Key Role in Climate Change

2009-05-14T00:35:48Z

The U.S. Forest Service presents the climate change challenge and opportunities with forests.

The U.S. Forest Service presents the climate change challenge and opportunities with forests across our country, and touching all our lives.

One of the most significant issues the Forest Service faces is the effects of climate change on the Nation's natural resources.

Many of you already know a lot about climate change and are familiar with the concepts and consequences. For some of you, this may be new territory. Increasing the awareness and understanding of this important issue with our partners and with communities is essential to our success. The first step is to understand what the science tells us.

View the video at the US Forestry Service

Read the Transcript about Climate Change and our Forests

Women Face Greater Impact from Climate Change

2009-05-14T00:31:04Z

Women are already facing consequences of climate change. Severe weather events are creating droughts, floods and dangers to food and water supplies for families cared for by women -- women's work around the world.

In the heat of the economic crisis, concerns about climate change have been largely muted. But it's important to keep in mind that there's a cost to risk management even during tough economic times.

Can we afford ANOTHER 10% global economic impact?

Women are more closely aligned with the earth and thus, climate change because we are more often directly responsible for food, water and clothing for children and the elderly. Climate change affects women first -- and indeed -- already is affecting millions of women in countries that are already facing increased severe weather such as droughts and floods.

Margaret Beckett, UK's Foreign Secretary, has warned us about migration on an unprecedented scale due to flooding, disease and famine. She also said that drought and crop failure could cause intensified competition for food, water and energy. "It is about our collective security in a fragile and increasingly interdependent world," she explained to the United Nations in 2007.

In many poor countries such as Senegal, the most important challenge remains the daily lives of women who are still confronted with hardships, especially in rural areas where they constitute approximately 70% of the labor force. They operate with very limited resources and they ensure 80% of agricultural production. They are vulnerable to poverty due to lack of resources and income.

There's a practice in economics that says, "what you measure you can manage," but women's activities are not really taken into account in most economic surveys and number crunching. Women greatly support the livelihoods of the majority of households (budget and time). The absence of gender-disaggregated data hampers a realistic interpretation of statistics related to the real contribution of women in the national economy. The REAL economy of survival.

Gender roles tend to undergo transformations because of the changes that occur in people's lifestyles. As living conditions worsen, and poverty escalates, there is a greater need to generate earnings, thus reshaping relationships between men and women. Women acquire more freedom. They get involved in women's organizations; they sell in local markets, if they have capital. Today, women want to be able to meet their needs and look out for their own interests. Nevertheless, they are still dependent on the environment, the opinion of their husbands and the expectations assigned to gender roles in public life.

Effective First Steps for Corporate Climate Change Solutions

2009-05-14T00:28:28Z

Energy efficiency is the most effective company-wide first steps CEOs can take to launch a climate change program.

Energy efficiency is the most effective company-wide first steps CEOs can take to launch a climate change program, according to a team of environmental scientists and climate researchers.

The panel, which includes 54 fellows of the Switzer Foundation, an environmental non-profit, participated in a survey titled, "What the Scientists Know: How Business Leadership can Help Solve Climate Change." The survey was inspired by members of the Committee of 200, a group of women business leaders.

"The survey is designed to spark a dialogue between scientists and business leaders," said Jessica Switzer, Partner of Blue Practice Inc., which performed the survey. "We hoped to give a voice to leading U.S. scientists' concerns and create something useful that business leaders can use to develop solutions to a very large problem facing our world economy and social situation. We couldn't have a better audience to preview this than the Committee of 200."

"We often hear Switzer Fellows express their concern that 'all the science in the world won't change a thing' unless business leaders and policy-makers step forward and act on the available data," said Lissa Widoff, Executive Director of the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation. "With 400+ Fellows in the areas of academia, government, private industry and NGO -- and more than 50 actively studying the effects of climate change -- our Fellows are on the front lines of study and there is much to be learned from them."

To best leverage a CEOs leadership, the scientists top rankings included:

Improving energy efficiency of existing operations
Improving manufacturing and distribution
Converting to clean and renewable energy
Engaging in climate change policy discussions
Hiring or empowering an environmental officer

Suggestions to reduce energy consumptions included: video conferencing instead of airline travel and re-evaluating product life-cycles and other supply chain issues.

Many encouraged companies to set goals and look at how companies can create immediate and comprehensive reduction and efficiency actions.