Climate Change News - June 3, 2013

CO2 Emissions from U.S. Power Plants Jump in First Quarter of 2013

On May 23, the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) released a report that found carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants rose 7.1 percent in the first quarter of 2013, compared to the first quarter of 2012. This increase, after a decline of emissions since 2005, is contributed to increasing prices for natural gas. Eric Schaeffer, EIP director stated, “As natural gas gets more expensive, coal is finding its way back into the U.S. electricity generation picture, and that means higher carbon dioxide emissions.” EIP found that five states, led by Texas, contributed to almost one-third of U.S. power plant emissions. EIP projects an overall 8.7 percent increase in coal-generation in 2013 compared to 2012.

For additional information see: Philadelphia Inquirer , Fuel Fix , Washington Post , EIP Report

Legislation Reintroduced to Prohibit Carbon Regulations until CCS Is Economically Viable

On May 23, Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) and seven other Members of Congress reintroduced legislation (H.R. 2127) to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from finalizing any regulation setting performance standards for carbon dioxide (CO2) for power plants until carbon capture and storage (CCS) is determined to be technologically and economically feasible. The bill requires that three of four government representatives, including the administrator of the Energy Information Administration, the comptroller general, the director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory, and the Commerce Department undersecretary for standards and technology, must conclude that CCS is viable before any regulation, including the proposed CO2 emissions standard for new power plants, could move forward. Cosponsors include Reps. Nick Rahall (D-WV), Collin Peterson (D-MN), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA). The bill was originally introduced in the 112th Congress but did not advance past the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

For additional information see: H.R. 2127

President Obama Willing to Work with Both Parties on Climate Change

At a Democratic fundraising event in Chicago on May 30, President Barack Obama spoke about the need to address climate change and expressed an interest in finding bipartisan solutions for the issue. The president stated, “If I’ve got somebody who has a different approach to dealing with climate change – I don’t have much patience for people who deny climate change, but if you’ve got creative approaches, market-based approaches, tell me about them. If you think I’m doing it the wrong way, let me know. I’m happy to work with you.”

For additional information see: The Hill , Speech Transcript , Washington Post

New State-Level Climate Change Position Created in Colorado

On May 30, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed into law a bill to create an official state position to address climate change. Although the position has not been fully defined, it will focus on how the state can address the impacts of climate change on aspects of its economy, including the ski industry and agriculture. State Rep. Paul Rosenthal (D), sponsor of the bill, praised its passage, stating that, “We’re hopefully going to try to do something to move Colorado along to respond to the scientific fact of climate change.”

For additional information see: CBS Denver

World Leaders Recommend that Corporations Report Environmental Impact

On May 30, a United Nations (UN) panel of 27 world leaders, including British Prime Minister David Cameron, recommended that large companies report their environmental impact along with their economic gains. This recommendation was one of 12 goals from a UN plan replacing the Millennium Development Goals to increase economic growth and reduce poverty. The report places an emphasis on the relationship between climate change and poverty, stating, “Without environmental sustainability, we cannot end poverty; the poor are too deeply affected by natural disasters and too dependent on deteriorating oceans, forests and soil.” Among the other recommendations are goals to increase the share of renewable energy consumed, phase out fossil fuel subsidies, and increase the energy efficiency of buildings and transport by 2030.

For additional information see: Sydney Morning Herald , Report

EU Proposes that Countries Submit Emissions Reductions Plans by 2014

In preparation for the June 3-14 international climate meeting in Bonn, Germany, the European Union (EU) submitted a proposal on May 28 to the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change, suggesting that by the end of 2014 all countries should produce an outline of their long-term plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the Durban Platform in 2011, 194 countries decided that by the end of 2015 they would agree upon an international UN agreement to reduce emissions that would take effect in 2020 (see December 19, 2011 issue). The EU suggested that each nation's plan be ready by the end of 2014, so the outlines could be reviewed before the 2015 negotiations. The United States proposed a less demanding timeline, saying that governments could have a "contribution" ready by mid-2015 for a short review.

For additional information see: Reuters

HFCs, Other SLCPs Gaining Traction in Climate Talks

As the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) head to their Bonn meeting in early June, Ireland and the European Commission, on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its 27 member countries, submitted a proposed decision urging the Parties to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Montreal Protocol. The EU noted the rapid growth of HFCs and observed that the warming they cause could rise from one percent of the global total in 2000 to over 20 percent by 2050 (assuming concurrent effective action on CO2). “For this reason reducing HFCs can make a significant contribution towards realizing our collective below two degrees Celsius objective. Conversely, without action in this field, such an objective becomes more challenging. Global action to curb emissions of HFCs is therefore needed.” The proposed decision is supported by Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, and Serbia.

For additional information see: EU Proposed Decision , UNFCCC Report

Majority of Investors Interested in “Fossil Fuel-Free Portfolios”

A survey conducted April 22-May 8 by First Affirmative Financial Network found that over half of sustainable, responsible, impact (SRI) investment industry professionals say that institutional and retail investors are interested in fossil fuel-free portfolios. This survey, which consisted of 12 questions and was answered by 466 licensed investment professionals, asset managers and investors, also found that 77 percent of respondents see risks for investors associated with fossil fuel company holdings in their investment portfolios. Steve Schueth, president of First Affirmative Financial Network, stated, “Fossil-fuel-free investing is already becoming a national movement, and it’s likely to gain momentum as the impacts of climate destabilization are felt far and wide.”

For additional information see: SNL Financial , Denver Post

Exxon Votes Down Shareholder Measure Requiring Emissions Reductions

At Exxon’s May 29 annual meeting, shareholders voted down eight proposed resolutions, including a resolution that would have required the company to reduce greenhouse emissions from its products and production process. The resolution, which had been signed by more than 40 members of the New Jersey Catholic group, Tri-State Coalition for Responsible Investment, received approximately 27 percent of the vote. Sister Patricia Daly, who helped spearhead the effort to pass the climate resolution, explained, “If you're going to be a shareholder in any of these companies, the state of the planet really demands that you be engaged.”

For additional information see: The Record , Washington Post

2011 EU Carbon Emissions 18.4 Percent Lower than 1990 Levels

European Union (EU) carbon emissions in 2011 were 3.3 percent lower than in 2010 and 18.4 percent lower than 1990 levels, the lowest levels since monitoring of emissions began in 1990. According to the European Environmental Agency (EEA), which released the report May 29, this was the third largest decrease in a single year. Jacqueline McGlade, executive director of EEA, said, “The greenhouse gas emissions cut in 2011 is good news; however, it was largely due to a warmer winter. Nonetheless, the EU is making clear progress towards its emission targets. [. . .] If Europe is to achieve the transition towards a low-carbon society, it will need sustained investment in technology and innovation.” Two-thirds of the EU reductions came from France, the United Kingdom and Germany.

For additional information see: Report

Glaciers as Important to Sea Level Rise as Ice Sheets

A study published May 17 in the journal Science standardized estimates of glaciers’ contribution to sea level rise. The researchers for this study sought to answer the long-term scientific question of how much glaciers, especially those distinct from the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets, were contributing to sea level rise by using satellite-based estimates in combination with ground data. The study found that from 2003-2009, water from the world’s melting glaciers accounted for almost a third of the rise in sea levels. Lead author Alex Gardener, assistant geography professor at Clark University, explained, “These smaller ice bodies are currently losing about as much mass as the [Greenland and Antarctic] ice sheets.” The study indicated that the biggest contributors to sea level rise were the glaciers in the Canadian Arctic region, followed by Alaska and coastal Greenland. Scientists found that the glaciers outside the sheets lost ice that accounted for ocean level rise of about 0.03 inches (0.7 millimeters) per year, a trend that could have significant impacts on low-lying communities.

For additional information see: Vancouver Sun , Agence France-Presse , Study

Melting Arctic Sea Ice Influencing Polar Weather Patterns

According to a study published May 21 in the International Journal of Climatology, changes in arctic sea ice have an effect on polar weather patterns. Researchers created two 30-year models of arctic ice on regional weather systems. One model used data from 2007, which had the second lowest summer ice on record, and the second model used data from the late 1990s. The researchers found that the decrease in arctic ice in the 2007 model created a significant decrease in atmospheric pressure in the following fall and winter. Pressure gradients are a major factor in weather patterns, and lower pressure often leads to an increase in stormy weather.

For additional information see: LiveScience , Study

Most Countries Will Face Fresh Water Shortages Due to Climate Change

In the next two generations, most of the nine billion people living on Earth will face serious water shortages, due to the effects of climate change, pollution and resource depletion. Five hundred water experts put out a warning on May 17 that the world's water systems were approaching a tipping point which "could trigger irreversible change with potentially catastrophic consequences." The experts requested that governments begin conserving water, as people are removing such quantities from underground sources that it will take generations to be restored. Currently 4.5 billion people around the world live near "impaired" water sources – meaning they are already dealing with wells that are running dry or water that is too polluted to use. If this issue is not addressed, millions more could experience water scarcity.

For additional information see: The Guardian

Climate Activist Bill McKibben Wins Sophie Prize for Environment and Sustainable Development

Bill McKibben, founder of climate group 350.org, has won the Sophie Prize for his work on environment and sustainable development. The Sophie Prize Committee praised McKibben for his accomplishments, stating that he had won the award “for building a social movement, fighting to preserve a sustainable planet. [. . . ] Bill McKibben demonstrates how grassroots activism is urgently needed AND can make a difference.” McKibben’s organization 350.org has members in 190 countries and focuses on grassroots movements to address climate change. The Sophie Prize includes a grant of $100,000.

For additional information see: Washington Post , Press Release

Tuesday, June 4: State Clean Energy Innovations and the Value of Federal-State Partnerships

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) invite you to a briefing about energy innovations at the state level. The briefing will investigate the significant role states are playing by implementing novel policies and effective approaches that reduce the cost of generating clean energy. Many state governments view clean energy as a foundation of their environmental and economic development strategies and have taken leadership roles in demonstrating the business case for renewable energy initiatives. The briefing will discuss the role and value of federal-state partnerships on innovative clean energy investments and provide state-specific examples. Speakers include: Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT); Sarah Fisher-Goad, Executive Director, Alaska Energy Authority; Andrew McAllister, Commissioner, California Energy Commission; Janet Joseph, Vice President for Technology and Strategic Planning, NYSERDA; Bryan Garcia, President and CEO, Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority; Andy Brydges, Senior Director, Renewable Energy Generation, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center; Anne Eisele, Chief of Staff, Maryland Energy Administration; and Lewis Milford, President, Clean Energy Group. The briefing will be held Tuesday, June 4th, from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. in 562 Dirksen Senate Office Building. The event is free and open to the public.

16th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency EXPO + Policy Forum