Climate Change News - October 26, 2009

Senate Prepares to Consider Climate Bill

On October 27, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee will begin three days of hearings to consider the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (S.1733). The committee will hear testimony from witnesses including Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, and Jon Wellinghoff, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The bill was introduced on September 30 and a Chairman’s Mark of the bill was released October 23. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chair of the EPW Committee said she plans to mark-up the bill in early November. "I am pleased to report we are continuing to expand support for our bill,” Boxer said. "Momentum for this effort is growing every day, and we are broadening and deepening our coalition with each step in the process.”

For additional information see: Senate EPW Committee Press Release , Politico , Washington Times

Industrialized Nations Emissions Grew for Seventh Consecutive Year in 2007

On October 21, the United Nations announced that greenhouse gas emissions produced by industrialized countries rose 1 percent in 2007, the seventh consecutive year of emissions growth. The data comes from the 40 industrialized countries with reporting obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). “The continuing growth of emissions from industrialized countries remains worrying, despite the expectation of a momentary dip brought about by the global recession,” said UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer. “So the numbers for 2007 underscore, once again, the urgent need to seal a comprehensive, fair and effective climate change deal in Copenhagen in December.”

For additional information see: AFP , AP , United Nations Press Release

President Obama Delivers Speech on Clean Energy

On October 23, President Obama discussed energy and the environment in a speech given at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The President spoke about the benefits of a green economy and reiterated his call for a comprehensive energy and climate bill. “Such legislation can transform our energy system into one that is far more efficient, clean, and independent – making the best use of resources we have in abundance,” said Obama. He also struck back against opponents of reform, saying, “There are those who will suggest that moving toward clean energy will destroy our economy when it’s the system we currently have that endangers our prosperity and prevents us from creating millions of new jobs.”

For additional information see: Wall Street Journal , New York Times , Washington Post , Los Angeles Times

Studies Question Carbon Accounting of Biofuels

In the October 22 issue of Science, two studies were published which called into question the carbon neutrality of biofuels. The first study, led by Jerry Melillo of the Marine Biological Laboratory, found that a major expansion of biofuel production could increase global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The researcher’s model indicated that the amount of land used for biofuel production would exceed the total area currently devoted to agriculture and would displace food crops and drive deforestation, resulting in higher GHG emissions. The second study, conducted by Tim Searchinger of Princeton University, identified an accounting error regarding biofuels present in the Kyoto Protocol and the cap and trade legislation currently being considered by Congress. Both studies concluded that biofuels are not truly carbon neutral, arguing that increasing biofuel production displaces existing vegetation which sequesters more carbon than the new biofuel crops, which is known as land-use change. “Our analysis, which we think is the most comprehensive to date, shows that direct and indirect land-use changes associated with an aggressive global biofuels program have the potential to release large quantities of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere," said Melillo. Searchinger warned, “The error is serious, but readily fixable.” He recommended that Congress correct this flaw by including biofuels in the cap and trade program and then crediting those that are grown in a truly renewable fashion with carbon offsets.

For additional information see: Science , Reuters , Science , Washington Post , New York Times , AFP

Polls Find Fewer Americans Believe in Global Warming, Concern over Economy Greater than Climate

On October 22, a new poll from the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press found that 57 percent of Americans believe there is strong scientific evidence that the Earth is warming, down from 71 percent in April 2008. Thirty-six percent of respondents agreed that temperatures were rising because of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion, down from 47 percent in 2008. Fifty percent supported setting limits on carbon emissions even if this leads to higher energy prices. “The priority that people give to pollution and environmental concerns and a whole host of other issues is down because of the economy and because of the focus on other things,” explained Pew Research Center Director Andrew Kohut. “When the focus is on other things, people forget and see these issues as less grave.”

On October 19, Public Strategies Inc./POLITICO released a new poll indicating that Americans care more about economic recovery than they do about taking action on climate change. Sixty-two percent of respondents agreed that “economic growth should be given priority, even if the environment suffers to some extent.” Additionally, only four percent of respondents said climate change was their most important issue. Public Strategies Managing Director David Iannelli said, “Concerns, although a little less extreme, are still overwhelmingly negative about the economy. Even though things may be getting a little better, you get the sense that people really want to focus on the economy until we get it locked down.”

For additional information see: Pew Research Center , AP , AFP , The Guardian , Politico , Politico Poll Results

Report Details Climate Change Hotspots in U.S. Southeast

On October 21, a study released by Oxfam America revealed a number of hotspots in the U.S. Southeast that are vulnerable to climate change. The report identified these areas by reviewing forecasted climate change impacts in conjunction with social variables. The study covered 13 states in the U.S. Southeast from Arkansas to Virginia and found that the rural South, where poverty is deepest, is one of the country's most socially vulnerable regions to climate change. "Climate change will impact everyone, but not everyone will be impacted equally," said Oxfam America President Raymond C. Offenheiser. "Social factors like income and race do not determine who will be hit by a natural disaster, but they do determine a population's ability to prepare, respond, and recover when disaster does strike . . . . Congress must act now to address climate change and invest in the resiliency of poor communities on the frontlines of climate change at home and abroad.”

For additional information see: Oxfam America Press Release , Reuters

Mississippi Landowners Get Go-Ahead for Global Warming Lawsuit

On October 16, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled that a group of Mississippi landowners can move forward with their climate change lawsuit. In the lawsuit, filed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the landowners argued that over 30 fossil fuel companies were responsible for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that had increased the damage of the storm. Lead Attorney Gerald Maples said, “My primary goal [of the lawsuit] was to say you (Mississippi Energy Officials) are at risk within the legal system and you should be cooperating with Congress, the White House and the Kyoto Protocol.” The lawsuit was previously dismissed by a District Court, but the three-judge panel overturned this decision, arguing that both Mississippi and federal law permits the landowners the legal standing to attempt to prove the linkage between GHGs and Hurricane Katrina.

For additional information see: The Times-Picayune , U.S. 5th Circuit of Appeals

Financial Times Poll Finds Strong Public Backing for Deep CO2 Cuts from China

On October 18, Harris Interactive and The Financial Times released a new poll showing there is strong public support in developed countries for China to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in a new international climate change treaty. Harris surveyed people from the United States, Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. When asked, “Do you agree that, since China is the biggest carbon emitter, it should cut its emissions the most?” Harris found that over 60 percent of respondents from all countries surveyed agreed. Harris also discovered that 20 percent of Americans and 30 percent of Britons support giving developing countries financial aid to adapt to climate change even though historical emissions from developed countries are responsible for the majority of today’s global warming. Roughly 50 percent of respondents from the continental European countries were supportive of financial assistance for developing nations.

For additional information see: Financial Times , Harris Interactive

Leaders at Major Economies Forum Urge Progress in Climate Talks

On October 18-19, the Major Economies Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate, consisting of the world’s 17 largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters, met in London to discuss obstacles to a new international climate change treaty. Delegates at the MEF said that two of the key issues addressed were the transfer of green technologies and financial assistance to developing nations for climate change adaptation. Leaders at the summit urged negotiators to overcome their differences. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said, “There are now fewer than 50 days to set the course of the next 50 years and more. If we do not reach a deal at this time, let us be in no doubt: once the damage from unchecked emissions growth is done, no retrospective global agreement in some future period can undo that choice. By then it will be irretrievably too late.” Brown then asked world leaders to attend the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Copenhagen this December in person

For additional information see: Bloomberg , AP , The Guardian , Reuters , Wall Street Journal

Maldives Cabinet Holds Meeting Underwater to Flag Climate Crisis

On October 17, the government of the Maldives held a cabinet meeting in the Indian Ocean 20 feet below the surface to publicize the impacts that climate change will have. In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in its Fourth Assessment, projected that a rise in sea levels of 7-24 inches will make the Maldives inhabitable by 2100. Since then, the Maldives’ government has pushed for a very ambitious global climate change treaty. In this latest action, Maldives’ President Mohamed Nasheed and his ministers donned scuba gear and passed a resolution condemning global climate change which called for a restoration of atmospheric concentrations of CO2 to 350 parts per million. “We are trying to send our message to let the world know what is happening and what will happen to the Maldives if climate change isn't checked,” said Nasheed. “The Maldives is a frontline state. This is not merely an issue for the Maldives but for the world. If we can't save the Maldives today, you can't save the rest of the world tomorrow.”

For additional information see: AFP , Xinhua , BBC , AP

EU Offers to Cut Emissions 95 Percent by 2050 if a Deal is Reached in Copenhagen

On October 21, the European Union (EU) offered to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent below its 1990 baseline by 2020 and up to 95 percent by 2050 if an international climate change agreement is achieved this December in Copenhagen. This new position was negotiated at a meeting of the environment ministers of the EU’s member states. Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren, who chaired the meeting, said, “This should be a clear message to the world.” UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband added, “Environment ministers are determined that the EU maintains its leadership position on climate change in order to promote an ambitious deal at Copenhagen.” The talks failed to find agreement on how to share the load among EU countries for a funding package for developing countries, as many poorer Eastern European countries are unwilling to offer financial assistance to rapidly growing economies such as China and India.

For additional information see: The Guardian , Deutsche Welle , Wall Street Journal , AFP

Australian Government Renews Bid for Emissions Law

On October 22, the Australian government reintroduced climate legislation in Parliament. The legislation, to be debated next week in the House and November 16 in the Senate, would utilize a cap and trade system and seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5-15 percent below the 2000 baseline within 10 years. The reductions could be increased to 25 percent if a global climate change agreement is reached. The climate legislation was previously defeated in August and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has indicated that he will hold an early election if there is a second failure. Junior Climate Change Minister Greg Combet stressed the importance of passing the bill before the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change talks in Copenhagen this December. "What each country does at home matters a lot," Combet said. "It is squarely in Australia's national interest to show up at the negotiating table in Copenhagen with a plan to deliver our targets."

For additional information see: Bloomberg , AFP , Reuters

Eight South Asian Nations Resist Binding Emission Cuts

On October 20, eight South Asian countries, including India and Pakistan, announced they will not support any international climate change treaty that sets legally binding emission caps on developing nations. After a two-day regional meeting, Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said, “There is a consensus among South Asian nations that we should not budge from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Kyoto Protocol and the Bali declaration,” all of which set no constraints on greenhouse gas emissions from developing nations. Following questions of India changing its position on emission targets, Ramesh reiterated, “India will never accept internationally legally binding emission reduction targets or commitments as part of any agreement or deal or outcome.”

For additional information see: AP , AFP , India Times

China and India Sign Climate Change Cooperation Agreement

On October 21, delegates from China and India signed a memorandum of understanding to increase cooperation on climate change in the run up to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations in Copenhagen this December. Delegates said the agreement was intended to signify that China and India have a common position on climate change: neither nation will accept binding caps on greenhouse gas emissions. “Both India and China are collaborating to ensure a fair and equitable outcome at Copenhagen,” Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said. “There is virtually no difference in Indian and Chinese negotiating positions.” The agreement also called for China and India to increase cooperation in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and forest management and set up a Joint Working Group as the apparatus for these efforts.

For additional information see: Bloomberg , Wall Street Journal , Xinhua , AP

China's Emissions Will Peak No Earlier Than 2035

On October 19, the Chinese Society for Urban Studies (CSUS) released a study entitled “China's Low Carbon Eco-city Development Strategy,” which illuminated the conflict between sustainable development goals and rapid urbanization for China. Under the most optimistic 'low carbon development' scenario in the report, China's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions would not peak until 2035. "Even though China adopts the strict emission standard, the situation is still not optimistic," said Li Xun, Senior Urban Planner for CSUS. China’s GHG emissions will continue to grow because increased urbanization will lead to higher carbon intensities in these areas. The report concluded that 70 to 75 percent of the population will live in cities by 2050. “China's urbanization will have a defining impact on this century's human development," Li said. "It is inevitable to embrace low-carbon concept if we want the urbanization more sustainable.”

For additional information see: Xinhua , Business Green

UK's Met Office Launches Climate Change Map Showing Impact of 4°C Rise

On October 22, the United Kingdom (UK) Met Office released a new map which shows the impacts of a 4°C increase in global temperatures. Last month, a Met Office study found that temperatures could rise by 4°C by 2060 if serious action is not taken to mitigate climate change. This map now shows the potential impacts in the United States, including drought and reduced agricultural productivity. “We cannot cope with a 4°C world. This map clearly illustrates the scale of the challenge facing us today,” said UK Foreign Minister David Miliband alongside his brother, Energy and Climate Change Minister Ed Miliband. “To tackle the problem of climate change, all of us, foreign ministries, environment ministries, treasuries, departments of defense, and all parts of government and societies, must work together to keep global temperatures to 2°C.”

For additional information see: UK Met Office Map , The Guardian , Global and Mail

Global Warming Blamed for Aspen Die-Off Across the West

On October 18, the Los Angeles Times reported that scientists are linking Sudden Aspen Decline in the West to global warming. Sudden Aspen Decline (SAD) is the term that has been given to the alarming decline in aspen trees in the American West. Scientists estimate that, in the 19th century, trees covered 10 million acres; now the number is four million. Over the past decade, the trees have begun fading away much faster as parasitical insects attack them. These not only kill the trees but affect the roots, making regeneration less likely. As a result of warming temperatures and with the effects of droughts still lingering, these parasites are flourishing at the expense of the tree. Where the stands are not too far gone, there is some hope that by actively cutting down affected areas, younger trees may regenerate in their place. Foresters are redefining their timber programs, according to Mark Krabath, from the Dolores Public Lands Office in Colorado. "We've changed our focus from green trees to dead and dying trees," Krabath said.

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

Arctic Lake Sediment Suggests Signs of Climate Change

A study published in the October 19 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that biological and chemical changes at an Arctic lake are unprecedented over the past 200,000 years and are most likely a result of climate change. The scientists tracked the rise and fall of various macroinvertebrate and algae populations by examining the fossilized specimens in the sediment layers. The scientists found unprecedented increases of some algae types dependent on warmer weather that were almost never found during the pre-industrial era. Additionally, the midge species that had inhabited the lake for tens of thousands of years had disappeared in the last 50 years. “The past few decades have been unique in the past 200,000 years in terms of the changes we see in the biology and chemistry recorded in the cores,” said lead author Yarrow Axford of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Since 1950, periodic, well-understood variations in climate which would have normally led to cooling have been overridden by human activity and greenhouse gas emissions, according to the study of sediment cores in the lake. "Our results show that the human footprint is overpowering long-standing natural processes even in remote Arctic regions," said co-author John Smol of Queen's University.

For additional information see: Science , Globe and Mail , Boulder Daily Camera

Global Warming May Spur Increased Growth in Pacific Northwest Forests

In the October 20 issue of Forest Ecology and Management, a new study from researchers at Oregon State University and the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station found that global warming could spur growth of high-elevation forests in the Pacific Northwest. Researchers forecasted that forest productivity could increase by seven percent in areas west of Cascade Mountain Range and 20 percent in areas east of it in a 'business as usual' climate scenario. Forest growth in low-elevation areas was forecasted to slightly decline. “There's a lot of variability here, depending on which climate scenario turns out to be most accurate and what policy changes are made as a result," said author Darius Adams. “Clearly the forest growth is likely to increase the most at higher elevations, but it's worth noting that those forests never had very high growth rates to start with.”

For additional information see: Science , Los Angeles Times , New York Times , The Oregonian

October 27: Improving Energy Efficiency with Information and Communications Technology

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to a lunch briefing about the role of information and communications technology (ICT) in improving energy efficiency across all major sectors of the economy. This briefing will explain ICT technologies, outline their impacts on our nation’s energy, climate, and economic objectives, and provide federal policy recommendations for maximizing their deployment and efficacy. The briefing will take place on Tuesday, October 27, from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m. in 2325 Rayburn House Office Building. This briefing is free and open to the public. Lunch will be served. No RSVP required. For more information, contact us at (202) 662-1884 or communications [at] eesi.org.