Climate Change News - February 1, 2010

Obama’s State of the Union Stresses Need for Energy and Climate Legislation

On January 27, President Obama delivered his first State of the Union address and used the opportunity to reinforce his commitment to building a clean energy economy. The central focus of the President’s address was on creating jobs and getting more Americans back to work, and he stressed the importance of clean energy in achieving that goal. “But to create more of these clean energy jobs, we need more production, more efficiency, more incentives," Obama said. "[This] means passing a comprehensive energy and climate bill with incentives that will finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy in America." Noting that a bill capping greenhouse gas emissions already passed in the House of Representatives last summer, Obama said, "This year, I'm eager to help advance the bipartisan effort in the Senate."

For additional information see: State of the Union Text , Reuters , Washington Post

United States, Other Nations, Begin Submitting Emissions Reductions to UN

On January 28, the United States submitted its 2020 emissions target for reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), offering a provisional reduction of 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. “The U.S. submission reflects President Obama's continued commitment to meeting the climate change and clean energy challenge," U.S. climate envoy Todd Stern said in a letter to Yvo de Boer, the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC. Stern noted that the U.S. pledges were made "on the assumption" that major developed and developing nations would make similar submissions. "We expect that all major economies will honor their agreement in Copenhagen to submit their mitigation targets or actions," he said.

In December 2009, nations at the UNFCCC’s conference in Copenhagen took note of an agreement referred to as the Copenhagen Accord, in which participating nations will submit GHG reduction targets to the UN, with a soft deadline of January 31. The European Union decided on January 27 to maintain their pledge of a 20 percent reduction in emissions by 2020 that would increase to 30 percent if other industrialized nations do the same. On January 26, Australia committed to its position of a five percent cut by 2020, unless guaranteed commitments are made by other major emitters, namely the United States, China and India, while Japan offered to cut emissions 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 on the similar condition that other emitters led by China and the United States do the same. The major developing nations referred to by the acronym BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) announced their commitment to meet the January 31 deadline for submitting GHG reduction targets.

For additional information see: AFP , The Sydney Morning Herald , Reuters , AFP , Washington Post

BASIC Countries Will Declare Voluntary Emissions Reductions Actions by Deadline

On January 26, the four largest emerging economies—-Brazil, South Africa, India, and China—-issued a multilateral statement saying they will submit their plans for voluntary GHG emission reductions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in time to meet the January 31 deadline agreed to in the non-binding Copenhagen Accord. The announcement came after a seven hour meeting between the countries in New Delhi, India. The BASIC group also called on developed nations to hasten the release of some $10 billion in immediate pledges to help the least developed countries address the effects of climate change. As stated by India’s Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, “The proof of [developed countries’] commitment, their credentials will be demonstrated if the $10 billion flows as promised. If it doesn’t, we would believe that developed countries aren’t serious about climate change.” The accord included a pledge by developed nations to put $30 billion into a “Copenhagen Green Climate Fund” between 2010 and 2012 for the similar purpose of assisting least developed nations, culminating in a total of $100 billion by 2020.

For additional information see: China Daily , Bloomberg , The Economic Times

Over 1000 State Legislators Call for Action on Clean Energy Jobs Legislation

On January 25, the Coalition of Legislators for Energy Action Now (CLEAN) issued a call to President Obama and Congressional leaders to pass federal clean energy legislation that would create clean energy jobs, promote national security by reducing oil imports, and foster the domestic innovation of clean energy industries. The letter was written by Minnesota State Rep. Jeremy Kalin (D) on behalf of 1,198 state lawmakers from both parties in 49 states. The letter called for the federal government to pick up where the states have started, in order to combine the patchwork of state incentives with a uniform federal framework. The letter also mentioned that state renewable electricity standards have been responsible for creating many jobs, and that states with clean energy priorities often see sector investment outstrip the rest of the economy 10 to 1. Kalin went on to describe the current situation in global clean technology innovation and investment as one where other countries such as China have overtaken the United States as leaders in the clean technology innovation and investment race. Kalin wrote, “The clean energy and climate challenge is America’s new space race. The United States has never backed down from a challenge on this scale, and we urge you to again place our country at the forefront of innovation and prosperity.”

For additional information see: CLEAN Letter , CLEAN Press Release , MinnPost

SEC Sets Corporate Climate Change Disclosure Standard

On January 27, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decided in a 3-2 vote that companies must consider the effects of climate change and efforts to curb it when divulging business risks to investors. In its adopted guidelines, the SEC said that companies should consider whether existing environmental and climate laws are material to their businesses. In some cases, they must also consider whether to share information about the impact of pending legislation or regulation. Furthermore, the SEC decided that anticipated physical risks must be disclosed if, for instance, increased coastal flooding were to cause additional risks to a company’s insurance holdings or physical capital. The ruling came on the heels of requests by investor groups worried that they do not have enough information regarding the risk to their investments posed by climate change.

For additional information see: Bloomberg , Dow Jones Newswire , SEC Chairman's Speech

Report: World Economic Growth at Odds With Climate Targets

On January 25, the New Economics Foundation released its report Growth Isn’t Possible, which focuses on the claim that indefinite global growth in consumption is unsustainable. The press release noted that, “Just as the laws of thermodynamics constrain the maximum efficiency of a heat engine, economic growth is constrained by the finite nature of our planet’s natural resources.” The report used climate change and a number of other important environmental problems to demonstrate how current trends in economic growth will not fit into the long term picture of the ecosystem’s ability to provide life support services. The report's findings were supported by the recent work of Professor Kevin Anderson of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at Manchester University, which concluded, “Economic growth in the OECD cannot be reconciled with a 2, 3 or even 4°C characterization of dangerous climate change.”

For additional information see: The Guardian , BBC , NEF Press Release

Global Warming Ranks Last as a Top Priority: Pew Survey

On January 25, a poll released by the Pew Research Center found that respondents ranked "global warming" last among a list of 21 possible national priorities. For each of the 21 categories, respondents were given the option of answering yes or no as to whether the category should be a top national priority. Respondents selected "global warming" 28 percent of the time, down from 30 percent in 2009. “Protecting the environment” fared better at 44 percent, up 3 percent since 2009. “Dealing with the US energy problem” declined from 60 percent in 2009 to 49 percent in 2010. The three issues at the top of the list were strengthening the nation’s economy (83 percent), improving the job situation (81 percent), and defending the United States against terrorism (80 percent).

For additional information see: Pew Report Press Release , Reuters , UPI , USA Today

UN Panel Defends Climate Change Evidence

On January 24, The Sunday Times reported that a passage in the International Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) fourth report regarding economic effects from increased natural disaster activity had been challenged. The Times claimed that the United Nations organization wrongly attributed increased severity of economic losses from natural disasters to a not yet-published paper included in their fourth report. Once published in 2008, the paper’s authors admitted, “We find insufficient evidence to claim a statistical relationship between global temperature increase and catastrophic losses."

The IPCC issued a statement to address the accusations, saying the article in question was a small part of the evidence presented in the report. The group stated its report was presented in a balanced tone and manner with careful consideration and explanation of its reasoning.

For additional information see: AFP , Telegraph , The Sunday Times , BBC

UK Climate Scientists Did Not Make Data Available to Public

On January 28, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) ruled that the University of East Anglia (UEA) was in breach of the country’s Freedom of Information Act for failing to release data regarding climate change research. Stolen emails from UEA scientists that emerged in November show that UEA staff failed to comply with requests for raw data in 2007 and 2008. The university’s Climatic Research Unit (CRU) is one of the many institutes around the world that supply historical surface temperature measurements, which have been used to support the idea that the mean global temperature is rising. “The legislation prevents us from taking any action but from looking at the emails it's clear to us a breach has occurred," a statement from the ICO said. Because the statute of limitations has expired, ICO will not be prosecuting the university but will likely seek to change the law so that complaints made more than six months after a breach of the act can still result in prosecutions. John Beddington, the UK’s chief scientific adviser to the government, said that even if there were more allegations of wrongdoing by climate scientists or mistakes, the basic science pointing to man-made global warming was very strong. "We know that the fundamental physics of the science of climate change is correct. Carbon dioxide, when it is in the atmosphere, increases global warning,” Beddington said.

For additional information see: BBC , Wall Street Journal , The Telegraph

Global Warming Will Require Changes at Northwest Dams

In the November/December 2009 issue of the Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, researchers noted the need for new ways for Pacific Northwest hydroelectric dams to operate in order to adapt to a warmer climate. The analysis assumed changes in stream flow conditions that would result from a 2°C increase in average regional temperatures. Pacific Northwest river flow originates in the snowpack of nearby mountains, and the study predicted that seasonal temperature changes will result in less springtime snowpack, earlier snow melt, earlier peaks in river flow and lower summer flows. The team proposed to delay the time at which reservoirs are emptied in the winter and advance the date at which they are filled in the spring. These actions will serve the multiple purposes of reducing estimated hydroelectric summer losses by one quarter, reduce the risk of flooding, and provide more reliable stream flow for riparian species. "We need to develop the tools to be able to handle a changing climate now, so we're not rushing when it becomes a problem," said co-author Stephen Burges, a University of Washington professor of civil and environmental engineering.

For additional information see: Science Daily , AP , , The Oregonian

Kentucky Emissions Growth Is Worst in Nation

On January 28, the newly created Kentucky Climate Action Plan Council—charged with crafting a state plan to address the causes and likely consequences of climate change—announced findings from the Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) which indicate that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Kentucky rose twice as fast when compared to the nation as a whole, by 33 percent compared to 16 percent for the period between 1990 and 2005. The council's plan will be of great importance to Kentucky due to the state’s density of coal, automotive, aluminum and steel industries and their sensitivity to electricity prices. The state obtains about 90 percent of its electricity from coal. Kentucky is the 34th state to craft a comprehensive climate action plan. State Secretary of Energy and Environment Len Peters noted that analyses such as the one done by CCS fail to account for the fact that the products manufactured in Kentucky are being used all over the country, yet only Kentucky is counted for the GHG emissions.

For additional information see: Louisville Courier-Journal

Drop in Water Vapor Could Be Slowing Warming Trend

On January 28, a report published in Science detailed the effect that a decrease in stratospheric water vapor—a potent greenhouse gas—has had on mitigating the rate of warming over the past 10 years. The findings offered part of an explanation as to why global surface temperatures have mostly leveled off for the past few years, stating that the decrease in high altitude water vapor caused a 25 percent decrease in the rate of warming. The cause behind the decrease in water vapor is uncertain, though Bill Randel, head of the atmospheric chemistry division at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, said it might be attributed to the 1°C drop observed in the coldest parts of the stratosphere above the tropics. It is from this region that most water vapor makes its way into the stratosphere due to prevailing global air currents. A colder temperature in this region means that more water vapor would be “frozen out” and not reach the stratosphere. An explanation for this region's colder temperature is unavailable for the time being.

Susan Solomon, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researcherand lead author of the study, said, “These findings show that stratospheric water vapor represents an important driver of decadal global surface climate change.” She further stated that the findings should cause a "closer examination of the representation of stratospheric water vapor changes in climate models."

For additional information see: Nature , New York Times , Wall Street Journal , Xinhua News , The Guardian , Study Abstract

Ozone Hole Healing Could Cause Further Global Warming

In the January 27 issue of Geophysical Research Letters, a study found that the ozone hole is slowly closing over Antarctica while also increasing the overall warming effect in the region. The hole in the ozone has led to high speed winds beneath it, sweeping up sea salt from the ocean which in turn helps form bright summertime clouds, reflecting some of the incoming solar energy. As the ozone hole slowly repairs itself, the ozone hole induced wind effect is lessening, creating fewer and thinner clouds, reflecting less of the sun's energy away from earth. "If, as seems likely, these winds die down, rising [carbon dioxide] emissions could then cause the warming of the southern hemisphere to accelerate, which would have an impact on future climate predictions," said co-author Professor Ken Carslaw of the University of Leeds.

Judith Perlwitz, a professor at the University of Colorado and research scientist at the National Ocean and Atmospheric Science Administration, agreed with the data but questioned the conclusions. She stated her belief that the region will experience increased wind speed effects independent from ozone changes because higher temperatures—due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations—also cause increased regional wind speeds.

For additional information see: Science Daily , New York Times , Study Abstract

Painting Roofs White Could Cool Cities

On January 28, the American Geophysical Union announced the results of a recent study from the National Center for Atmospheric Research which showed the potential cooling effect on cities and climate that could be achieved through painting city roofs white. While there are many practical issues relating to the implementation of large scale roof painting—heating and cooling vents, public use, discoloring from dust and weathering—the study indicated clearly that the more white roofs there are, the less heat a city retains. This is particularly significant as cities already suffer from the heat island effect, whereby their average air temperatures are 2-5°F higher than the surrounding countryside due to extensive heat-trapping black rooftops and asphalt streets. The estimated effect a city-wide white roof program would have is a 33 percent reduction in the heat island effect. The authors noted that different cities would receive different levels of benefit, based on three characteristics: 1) roof density and spacing, 2) roof construction and insulation properties, and 3) latitudinal location and climate. White roofs have the secondary advantage of cooling temperatures within buildings, resulting in lower energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

For additional information see: American Geophysical Union Press Release , Reuters , St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Emissions of Potent Greenhouse Gas Increase Despite Reduction Efforts

On January 29, a study published in Geophysical Research Letters detailed the increased emissions of trifluoromethane (HFC-23), a byproduct of a refrigerant used in air conditioners and other cooling devices, despite a decade of international effort to curb its release into the atmosphere. HFC-23, one of the most potent greenhouse gases emitted as a result of human activities, is 14,800 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2). Because HFC-23 is such a potent greenhouse gas, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has facilitated the destruction of substantial quantities of HFC-23 in developing countries since 2003. The study was conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and showed for the first time that even with these actions, HFC-23 emissions from developing countries remained substantial compared to recent years. “Without the international effort to reduce emissions of HFC-23, its emissions and atmospheric abundance would have been even larger in recent years,” said Stephen Montzka, a NOAA research chemist and lead author study. “As it was, emissions in 2006-2008 were about 50 percent above the 1990-2000 average.”

For additional information see: NOAA Press Release

Some Forests Found to Trap Heat, Offsetting Effects of Carbon Absorption

In the January 22 issue of Science, researchers found that semi-arid forests can trap heat which could offset and even surpass the effects of carbon absorption. While it has become accepted knowledge that forests’ absorption of CO2 creates a cooling effect on climate, the new study shows that heat absorption properties of certain types of forests can work in the opposite direction, trapping heat energy on earth without letting it escape back to space. The semi-arid forest category in question remains an effective sink for carbon dioxide, on par with the global average for forests and better than many European pine forests. When looking at the entire “energy budget” of a forest system, however, it became apparent to the team that such forests have a much lower albedo (reflectivity) than nearby open shrub land, meaning the darker forests reflect less sunlight directly back into space and trap more heat on earth. In cloudless areas with intense solar radiation, surface albedo plays a very significant role in energy budgets. The team concluded that it would take decades for the cooling effect of CO2 uptake to outpace the effect of heat absorption, resulting in a net warming effect for a forest’s early years.

For additional information see: Science Daily , The Times of India

Micronesia Leads Czechs to Seek Review for Power Plant Emissions

On January 26, Czech regulators ordered the environmental impact assessment for the refurbishment of the Prunerov II coal-fired power plant owned by Czech utility CEZ AS to be completed by independent groups outside the country. The upgrade has been challenged by the Federated States of Micronesia, located roughly on the other side of the earth from the Prunerov II plant. Micronesia argued that the power station’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a direct threat to its future due to flooding of its low-lying areas; parts of the nation have already been lost to rising tides. Czech law allows such challenges from another nation, and the decision for an external assessment was made to ensure a non-politicized analysis. While it does not expect its demands to result in much, the island nation is demanding that the new plant make use of the "best available" technology. The utility has reiterated many times that the refurbishment will result in a 20 percent decrease in CO2 emissions. The current plans will bring Prunerov II to an estimated energy conversion efficiency of 39.06 percent. However, European Union documents on "best available" technology say it is possible to reach 42-45 percent efficiency. The Czech ministry has stated it will demand "best available" technology upon granting a permit to refurbish.

For additional information see: Wall Street Journal , Reuters

Alleged Bin Laden Tape Blames United States for Global Warming

On January 29, an audiotape claiming to be from Osama bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda, blamed the United States and other developed countries for not dealing with climate change. “Talk about climate change is not an ideological luxury but a reality,” bin Laden is reported to have said on the tape. “All industrial nations, mainly the big ones, are responsible for the crisis of global warming," the latest tape says. This is a message to the whole world about those who are causing climate change, whether deliberately or not, and what we should do about that." The tape was played on the al-Jazeera television network and has not been authenticated.

For additional information see: New York Times , UPI , BBC

February 3: Recovery Act Funding and State Energy Success Stories

The Northeast-Midwest Senate and Congressional Coalitions and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invite you to a briefing on how state governments have used funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to expand energy efficiency programs. State officials will discuss how ARRA dollars have helped them create local jobs and reduce energy bills for all Americans through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), the State Energy Program (SEP) and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG). In addition, speakers will give their perspectives on state energy provisions – including WAP, SEP, EECBG and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – in the administration’s FY2011 budget request. The briefing will take place on Wednesday, February 3, from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. in 2261 Rayburn House Office Building. This briefing is free and open to the public. No RSVP required. For more information, please contact us at communications [at] eesi.org or (202) 662-1884.