Climate Change News - June 24, 2013

President Obama to Release Climate Strategy June 25

President Obama is preparing a second-term climate change agenda to be introduced June 25 during a speech at Georgetown University, according to a video released June 22 by the White House. “This Tuesday at Georgetown University, I’ll lay out my vision of where I believe we need to go: a national plan to reduce carbon pollution, prepare our country for the impacts of climate change and lead global efforts to fight it,” says Obama in the 90 second video. The plan will focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations under the Clean Air Act that can be achieved through existing executive authority. Sources familiar with the plan have said that it will include the promulgation of new greenhouse gas emissions regulations for existing power plants. At June 19 speech at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Obama acknowledged German leadership on climate change and need for further action, stating, “For the sake of future generations, our generation must move toward a global compact to confront a changing climate before it is too late. [. . .] We have to get to work.” The same day, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Heather Zichal said of the president, “He is serious about making it a second-term priority. He knows this is a legacy issue.”

For additional information see: Los Angeles Times , New York Times , Video

Secretary Kerry Calls for U.S. and India to Collaborate on Climate Solutions

Secretary of State Kerry called on India and the United States to “work constructively side-by-side in the UN climate negotiations” during a June 23-24 trip to New Delhi, India. Kerry highlighted a number of measures on which the two countries could collaborate to tackle climate change and increase energy access, including energy efficiency, deployment of renewable energy and reducing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions. Indeed, Kerry announced some new partnerships, stating, “This week [the U.S. Agency for International Development] . . . they’re launching a loan guarantee program to support a private equity firm in Mumbai that will help mobilize at least $100 million in private sector financing for clean energy in India. We’re also announcing a new effort to significantly enhance the efficiency of India’s air conditioners, which is a rapidly growing source of greenhouse gases.”

For additional information see: New York Times , Reuters , Kerry Speech Transcript , Sen. Murphy Press Release

Study: U.S. Tax Code Has Not Yet Been Effective Tool to Reduce Carbon Emissions

Federal tax provisions do not have a large effect on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to a National Resources Council report published June 20. The Congressionally requested study examined various tax provisions, including renewable electricity production tax credits, oil and gas depletion allowances, home energy efficiency improvement credits, and owner-occupied housing provisions, and found that the policies yield little reduction in GHG emissions per dollar of revenue loss. The combined federal revenue losses from energy sector tax subsidies in 2011 and 2013 totaled $48 billion. The report finds that while provisions for renewable electricity reduce GHG emissions, other subsidies, such as those for ethanol and other biofuels, may have slightly increased emission. Overall, the report concludes that current approaches are not nearly as effective as carbon taxes or tradable emissions allowances would be.

For additional information see: Environmental Leader , Study

Climate Change Impacts Will Not Be Evaluated in Northwest Coal Terminal Applications

The Army Corps of Engineers has said that they will not include an assessment of climate change impacts in their environmental review of three proposed coal export terminals in Washington and Oregon. Army Corps Acting Regulatory Chief Jennifer Moyer made the announcement during testimony at a June 18 hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Energy and Power Subcommittee, when she stated that the change in shipping patterns of coal and the burning of coal overseas would be outside the responsibilities of the Army Corps. Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, whose city would be the location of one of the proposed terminals, testified at the hearing that he disagreed with the Army Corps' decision. He stated, "They’re abdicating their responsibility here to take a look at the impacts up and down the coal line, not just around the port itself. [. . .] I thought we’d made a very strong case, and, of course, we had the support of the governors of Oregon and Washington in this. [ . . .] The fact that they weren’t prepared to listen to that and that they’re not prepared to look at all of the impacts really calls into question whether at the end of the day their review will be able to withstand legal scrutiny as well.”

For additional information see: E&E Publishing , Politico

Secretary of Energy Moniz Discusses Climate Change with House Science Committee

On June 18, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz testified at a hearing held by the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, in which he fielded numerous questions from Republican committee members about climate science. Moniz said that while he cannot quantify the percentage of climate change that has been driven by human activity, it is very clear that greenhouse gas emissions significantly contribute to rises in temperature and increased frequency of extreme weather. During the hearing, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) cited a heavy storm in 1910 as evidence that extreme weather has been occurring for over a century, and asserted that the term “climate denier” is derogatory and prevents civil discourse over the scientific issue. Moniz said that climate change poses “very, very considerable” risks and responded, “I much prefer a civil discourse, and that’s what I hope we’re engaging in.”

For additional information see: Politico

Mayors Pledge to Prepare Cities for Extreme Weather

On June 17, more than 45 mayors and other elected officials from U.S. cities pledged to make their communities more resilient to extreme weather and energy and economic challenges. The pledge, the Resilient Communities for America Agreement, includes a commitment to use more renewable energy and make buildings and infrastructure more energy efficient, as well as a commitment to share information and solutions. This pledge comes less than a week after Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced his $20 billion plan to prepare New York City for rising sea levels and increasing temperatures (see June 17 issue). Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, whose city has seen both severe flooding and drought the past five years, expressed the importance of local action, stating, “These extreme [weather] events are becoming more and more prevalent, and local government is really where it happens.”

For additional information see: Reuters , Resilient Communities for America

Shenzhen Becomes First Chinese City to Implement Cap and Trade System

Shenzhen implemented China’s first cap and trade system on June 18, with 635 companies included in the program. These companies emitted a total of 31.7 million tonnes of carbon (CO2) emissions in 2010. The goal of the cap is a 21 percent reduction in the emissions intensity by 2015, from 2010 levels. Li Yan, Greenpeace's climate and energy campaign manager in China, stated, "This is just a baby step when you look at the total quantity of emissions, but it enables China to establish institutions for carbon controls for the first time.” Over the next year, six other regions in China are expected to implement their own cap and trade systems (see October 15, 2012 issue).

For additional information see: Reuters , Scientific American , CARB Press Release

G8 Leaders Reiterate Commitment to Address Climate Change

Leaders at the June 17-18 G8 summit in Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, released a statement that includes a series of commitments to curb greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change for economic reasons. “Climate change is one of the foremost challenges for our future economic growth and well-being. We remain strongly committed to addressing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2020 and to pursue our low carbon path afterwards,” the statement read. The leaders committed to take action through organizations such as the Major Economies Forum (MEF), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. The statement also pledges work with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to adopt a new international climate agreement by 2015, and to mobilize $100 billion of climate finance by 2020.

For additional information see: G8 Statement , Business Green

World Bank Study Highlights Risks to Impoverished and Coastal Regions

In a new report released June 19, the World Bank warns that climate-driven impacts will threaten the food security and livelihoods of millions of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. The report looks at the likely impacts of warming in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and South East Asia today (as well as in a two degrees Celsius and four degrees Celsius world) and builds upon a 2012 World Bank study (see November 26, 2012 issue). According to the report, climate-related extreme events from current warming are already pushing the most vulnerable households below the poverty threshold and will make economic growth and poverty eradication increasingly difficult as temperatures continue to rise. By 2030, the report warns, between 40 percent and 80 percent of the land used to grow maize in Sub-Saharan Africa will be unable to sustain crops due to droughts and heat, while sea-level rise and increased tropical storms could inundate much of Bangkok, Thailand and other low-lying coastal cities and islands. “In the near-term, climate change, which is already unfolding, could batter the slums even more and greatly harm the lives and the hopes of individuals and families who have had little hand in raising the Earth’s temperature,” said World Bank President Jim Yong Kim. Durwood Zaelke, president of the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, stated, “Jim Kim is sounding a wakeup call for the world to work harder and faster to combat climate change. Rapid cuts in CO2 emissions are necessary to stabilize long-term temperatures, but in the near-term, fast action to cut short-lived climate pollutants is critical for reducing the impacts we’re already suffering and the even more punishing impacts that are fast approaching in the next couple of decades.”

For additional information see: Washington Post , AP , Study , Kim Speech Transcript

Study Finds that Climate Goals Can Be Achieved Profitably

A new study by McKinsey and Company, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) demonstrates that if U.S. businesses reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an average of three percent annually, they can save up to $780 billion over the next 10 years, including $190 billion in the year 2020 alone. The report, released June 18, concludes that a three percent annual GHG emissions reduction will amount to a 25 percent cut in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for the U.S. corporate sector from 1990 levels. Businesses could achieve this reduction by investing between three and four percent of their capital expenditures on carbon reduction projects, such as energy efficiency improvements and installation of renewable energy. Companies that lack the necessary capital to invest in projects can include energy efficiency upgrades into operation improvement expenditures. The report finds that nearly 80 percent of the companies that reported their climate and environmental goals to the CDP earned higher returns on carbon reduction investments than on their overall corporate capital investments.

For additional information see: Business Green , WWF Press Release , Report

2012 the Second Most Expensive Year for U.S. Extreme Weather

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Climate Data Center released an assessment June 13 concluding that damages from the 11 billion-dollar severe weather events in 2012 cost the United States $110 billion. Overall, 2012 was the second costliest year from severe weather in the United States, topped only by 2005. These events – which included seven severe weather and tornado events, two tropical cyclones, a severe drought and wildfire – were also responsible for more than 300 deaths. NOAA reports that the two costliest events in 2012 were Hurricane Sandy ($65 billion) and the yearlong drought across the country ($30 billion).

For additional information see: NOAA Press Release , Daily Climate , Report

Climate Change Raising Liability to the National Flood Insurance Program

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published a report June 11 stating that the portion of the United States at risk for flooding – otherwise known as the floodplain area – will increase by up to 45 percent by the end of the century. If this occurs, the National Flood Insurance Plan (NFIP) could see premiums rise to $11.2 billion by the year 2100, compared to $3.2 billion in 2009. Furthermore, the number of NFIP-insured properties could rise from today’s level of 5.6 million, to 11.2 million by 2100. The NFIP incurred $16 billion in debt after Hurricane Katrina, and Superstorm Sandy increased that figure to $25 billion. Losses on each insured property could increase as much as 90 percent by 2100, which must then be covered by either the future storm victims or the government. The study assumes that sea levels will rise by four feet by the end of the century, though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted last year that sea level rise could exceed six feet by 2100. Furthermore, changes in the frequency and strength of storms will likely cause severe flooding around rivers, in addition to oceanic surges. The report predicts that the greatest increases in floodplain areas will occur near the Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest. The report attributes 30 percent of this increased risk to population growth and 70 percent to climate change.

For additional information see: Mother Jones , Report

Ice Melt in Antarctica Largely Caused from Below

A study published June 13 in Science concludes that the majority of Antarctic sea ice loss is due to melting on the underside of the ice shelves that line the coasts of the continent. Previously, scientists had believed that the majority of ice loss was occurring due to icebergs breaking off of these ice shelves. However, when the researchers measured the volume of change in different areas of the ice shelves, they found that melting at the bottom of the ice shelves accounted for 55 percent of all ice loss. This study underlines the importance of the ocean temperature surrounding the Antarctic to sea ice melt. According to lead author Dr. Eric Rignot, professor of Earth system science at University of California, Irvine, “This has profound implications for our understanding of interactions between Antarctica and climate change. It basically puts the Southern Ocean up front as the most significant control on the evolution of the polar ice sheet.”

For additional information see: Los Angeles Times , Christian Science Monitor , Study

Phasing Out Short Lived Climate Pollutants Could Prevent A Half Degree of Warming by 2050

According to a June 12 report by Climate Analytics, Ecofys, and Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, a global phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) could prevent up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of global temperature increase by 2050. The calculation is based on a worldwide HFC reduction effort that by 2020 would prevent the equivalent of 300 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, or approximately the amount of total annual emissions from Spain. “Should we succeed in phasing out HFCs . . . [it] could result in a reduction of between 0.1 and 0.5 degrees [Celsius] warming,” said co-author Bill Hare, director of Climate Analytics. The report stated that the recent U.S.-China agreement to phase down HFCs under the Montreal Protocol (see June 10 issue), “Can make a difference.”

For additional information see: AFP , Report

British Scientists Meet to Discuss UK’s Wet Weather

On June 18, meteorologists and climate scientists met at a workshop organized by United Kingdom (UK) Met Office weather-forecasting agency to discuss why Britain, which traditionally has temperate weather, has been recently experiencing icy winters and very wet summers. The Met Office reports that Britain may be in a 10-20 year cycle of wet summer weather that is caused by a shift of the Atlantic jet stream. The jet stream has traveled much further south in recent years, bringing colder air from the north that increases rainfall and reduces temperatures in Britain. The Met Office is looking into the role played by the loss of Arctic sea ice, which may have resulted in a weakened and meandering jet stream and therefore reduced the temperature difference between the North Pole and mid-latitude countries such as the UK. Professor Stephen Belcher, head of the Met Office Hadley Centre, summed up the findings, stating, “The key question is what is causing the jet stream to shift in this way? There is some research to say some parts of the natural system load the dice to influence certain states of the jet stream, but this loading may be further amplified by climate change.”

For additional information see: The Independent , AP