Climate Change News - September 11, 2009

EIA Says U.S. Carbon Emissions Will Fall Six Percent in 2009

On September 9, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasted that U.S. CO2 emissions should fall by 6 percent in 2009, down from the EIA’s estimate of five percent in August. The EIA said the drop will occur “because of the weak economic conditions and declines in the consumption of most fossil fuels.” The recession has reduced U.S. demand for electricity and transport fuels. The EIA expects that carbon dioxide emissions will rise by 0.9 percent in 2010 as the economy begins to recover.

For additional information see: Reuters

Industry Groups Sue to Prevent California’s New Emission Rules

On September 8, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Automobile Dealers Association filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prevent California from instituting new greenhouse gas (GHG) emission rules for automobiles. California intends to mandate the amount of GHG emissions that future automobile models are allowed to emit, having the same effect as setting tougher fuel efficiency standards. The suit alleges the waiver EPA granted to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in July is illegal because the waiver provision for California to regulate emissions in the Clean Air Act was only intended to allow California to deal with local and regional problems, not regulate a national issue like climate change. CARB believes that the Court will find the EPA’s granting of the waiver “entirely consistent with the law.” “We are very disappointed that these parties continue to pursue an outdated course of action designed to obstruct and oppose efforts to move us toward a cleaner environment and greater energy security,” said CARB Chair Mary Nichols.

For additional information see: Wall Street Journal , Los Angeles Times

Top U.S. Climate Negotiator Testifies Before Congress

On September 10, Todd Stern, the U.S. State Department’s Special Envoy on Climate Change, testified before the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, where he warned the committee that participating nations have not yet reached consensus for an international climate change agreement ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations, taking place in Copenhagen in December. Issues still to be resolved include financial assistance for developing nations to adapt to climate change, the transfer of clean technology to poor nations, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets for all nations. “Let me say bluntly that the tenor of negotiations in the formal UN track has been difficult,” Stern said. “Developing countries tend to see a problem not of their own making that they are being asked to fix in ways which, they fear, could stifle their ability to lift their standards of living.”

For additional information see: New York Times , Bloomberg , Reuters , AP

Top National Security Leaders Call for Bipartisan Cooperation on Climate Action

On September 8, the Partnership for a Secure America (PSA) released a statement signed by 32 high-level former congressional and military officials calling for bipartisan cooperation in Congress on climate change because of its national security implications. “Climate change is a national security issue,” the statement declared, and requires “a clear, comprehensive, realistic and broadly bipartisan plan to address our role in the climate change crisis. If we fail to take action now, we will have little hope of influencing other countries to reduce their own harmful contributions to climate change, or of forging a coordinated international response.” Among the signatories were Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan (Ret.), former U.S. Army Chief of Staff; Sen. John Warner (R-VA); R. James Woolsey, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency; and Robert McFarlane, former National Security Advisor for President Reagan. “Some may be surprised to hear former generals and admirals talk about climate change and clean energy," said Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn (retired), another signer. “But they shouldn't be, because in the military we learn quickly that reducing threats and vulnerabilities is essential well before you get into harm's way. Our dependence on all fossil fuels poses threats to the military mission and the country at large.”

For additional information see: Miami Herald , PSA Press Release

ACCCE Members Resign Citing Concerns Over the Obstruction of Climate Legislation

On September 9, Alstom Power announced it was leaving the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE), citing the coalition’s action on climate change legislation. A spokesman for the company, which manufactures power plant parts and works on carbon sequestration said, "We have resigned from ACCCE because of questions that have been raised about ACCCE's support for climate legislation." Alstom wants to "remove any doubt about our full support" for a climate bill, he continued.

For additional information see: New York Times , Indianapolis Star , Politico

New Coalition Launches Campaign to Pass Climate Bill

On September 8, a new coalition of labor, veteran, religious and environmental groups called Clean Energy Works launched their lobbying campaign in support of climate change legislation. The new coalition, with organizers in 28 states, said it will counter opposition with paid television ads, and town halls and rallies in several states. “Public support for clean energy legislation is overwhelming," said David Di Martino, communications director for Clean Energy Works. "Unfortunately, an army of special interests are doing everything they can to block comprehensive energy reform. This campaign will mobilize the voices of those millions of Americans who want to put us back in control of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet."

For additional information see: Washington Post , Politico

Japan's New Emission Target Contingent on an International Agreement in Copenhagen

On September 7, Yukio Hatoyama, the expected Prime Minister for the recently elected Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), declared that Japan’s new emission target is contingent on a successful international agreement at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December. During their campaign, the DPJ had pledged a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions below the 1990 baseline by 2020. Hatoyama qualified, “Of course, Japan’s reduction targets alone cannot stop climate change. The condition for Japan’s promise to international society is that all major countries agree to ambitious targets. We will seek to build an international framework that involves all major countries and is fair and realistic.”

For additional information see: New York Times , BBC , Wall Street Journal , Asahi Shimbun

France Introduces a Carbon Tax

On September 10, French President Nicholas Sarkozy announced that France will impose a €17 tax on every ton of CO2 for transport and household fuels beginning in 2010. The new tax is part of Sarkozy’s plan to cut France’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. The tax will cover fuels, but not electricity, as they are not covered by the European Union Emission Trading Scheme. “It is time to create green taxation,” said Sarkozy. "The carbon tax will be created. It will be imposed as of 2010 on oil, gas and coal."

For additional information see: Reuters , Financial Times , UPI , AFP

EU Pledges 15 Billion Euros in Climate Aid to Developing World

On September 10, the European Union (EU) announced it is willing to offer developing nations €15 billion ($21.8 billion) per year in financial assistance to adapt to climate change as an incentive for developing nations to support a new international climate change agreement at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December. Representatives from developing nations have sought financial assistance, arguing they will bear disproportionate impacts from climate change. Experts from the EU Environment Commission have estimated that developing countries will need $100 billion to reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change. EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimos said this was Europe’s “first meaningful proposal” on financial assistance to help developing countries adapt to climate change. He added that the EU “will not and cannot bankroll the negotiations alone,” and called on other developed nations to chip in. "Now we must break the impasse in the Copenhagen negotiations. It is industrialized nations which must lead the way," he said.

For additional information see: AP , Reuters , BBC , Wall Street Journal

UK’s Foreign Minister Launches Climate Tour to Address Urgency

On September 8, United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Milliband began a worldwide tour to build awareness of the consequences of inaction ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December. The Foreign Secretary will travel to the Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, and the United States over the next two weeks. He said he plans to use shocking images and vivid descriptions of a world subject to the effects of a 4°C increase in temperature to build support for a new international climate change agreement. “The deal the world needs in Copenhagen is now in the balance,” said Miliband. “There's a real danger the talks scheduled for December will not reach a positive outcome, and an equal danger in the run-up to Copenhagen that people don't wake up to the danger of failure until it's too late."

For additional information see: AP , The Guardian , BBC , Bloomberg

UK Climate Committee Urges Cap on Airline Emissions

On September 9, the UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) urged delegates to set a cap on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from airlines at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December. The CCC warned that the United Kingdom may have to reduce emissions by 90 percent below its 1990 baseline by 2050 to offset the continued expansion of the airline industry, which it expects may eventually account for 15-20 percent of all GHG emissions. GHG emissions from the airline industry should be capped at 2005 levels or below by 2050, the committee said. "It is vital that an agreement capping global aviation emissions is part of a Copenhagen deal," CCC Chief Executive David Kennedy said. He continued, "We are calling for a cap that would not require people to fly less than today, but would constrain aviation emissions growth going forward."

For additional information see: AFP , Reuters , The Guardian , Financial Times

IEA to Cut 2030 Emissions Forecast Based on Recession

On September 4, the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced that it will reduce its forecast for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2030 due to the the global recession. In its 2008 World Energy Outlook, the IEA forecasted that global GHG emissions would reach 41 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. IEA Executive Director Nobuo Tanaka said the projection “will have to be revised downward given stalled industrial activity amid the economic crisis,” which has reduced energy consumption. The IEA’s estimates will be used by delegates to reinforce their positions at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen this December.

For additional information see: Bloomberg

UK Lined Up to Be Europe's Carbon Storage Capital

On September 9, scientists at the Festival of Science in the United Kingdom discussed the UK’s ability to store 100 years-worth of greenhouse gas emissions from Northwest Europe’s power stations deep underwater off its shores. The captured gas would be pumped into porous rock beneath the North Sea bed, and stored there indefinitely. While such a program may only be a temporary measure for fighting climate change, ''carbon capture and storage might be the only solution in the short term,'' said Professor Stuart Haszeldine, from the University of Edinburgh. He also indicated that burying carbon under the North Sea could earn the United Kingdom up to £5 billion a year by 2030 and create up to 60,000 jobs. "If we get it right, we could use our storage space to bury Europe's CO2 and we could charge for it," confirmed Mike Stephenson, head of energy at the British Geological Survey.

For additional information see: The Guardian , Irish Times , The Telegraph

Dramatic Biological Responses to Global Warming In the Arctic

A report in the September 11 issue of Science has identified the effect climate change is having on the Arctic ecosystem and warns about possible consequences. The study showed that many iconic Arctic species that are dependent upon sea ice are faring especially badly. The region is seeing a rapid decline in species like the Arctic fox, ivory gull, Pacific walrus, ringed seal, hooded seal, narwhal, and polar bear, many already in danger of extinction. Eric Post, the lead author from Pennsylvania State University said, "Sea ice is like rainforest in the tropics. There are species that can't live without it." The situation will worsen if temperatures rise as forecasted, he warned. "If it were to get to 3°C warmer on average, the Arctic would be a thing of the past," Post said. "Polar bears, long winters of snow, sea ice cover—it wouldn't be the case anymore."

For additional information see: Science Daily , AP , AFP , Scientific American

Walruses Gather on Alaska Shore as Ice Melts, May Be Added to Endangered Species List

On September 8, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported that the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the administration to add the Pacific walrus to the endangered species list. These walruses live in the Arctic sea between Alaska and Siberia, and use sea ice to breed and forage. Summer sea ice is disappearing as a result of warming temperatures, causing thousands to congregate on Alaska’s northwest coast.

For additional information see: AP , Anchorage Daily News , New Zealand Herald , AP , The Guardian

Arctic Methane Stores Leaking at Faster Rate

In the August 29 issue of the Journal of Geophysical Research, researchers tracking underground methane in frozen regions of the Arctic concluded that gases may already be escaping through vents in the sea floor at a much faster rate than previously believed. Melting Arctic permafrost may release underground methane, a greenhouse gas 20 to 30 times more potent than CO2, into the atmosphere. “This indicates that we may be greatly underestimating the methane fluxes presently occurring in the ocean and from underground into Earth’s atmosphere,” said lead author Ruben Juanes, Professor in Energy Studies at MIT.

For additional information see: Science Daily , Columbia Tribune , BBC

Climate Change Boosts Ultraviolet Risk

In the September 6 issue of Nature Geoscience, scientists identified another threat to the ozone layer. While many of the gases that destroy ozone directly have been phased out under the Montreal Protocol, rising temperatures may affect the ozone layer and increase risk of ultraviolet radiation, according to Canadian researchers Theodore Shepherd and Michaela Hegglin. The study suggested climate change will change the circulation of the earth's upper atmosphere and consequently change the distribution of ozone around the world. Certain areas, predominantly in the Southern Hemisphere, may receive 20 percent more ultraviolet radiation as a result, while the Northern Hemisphere may receive 9 percent less, the models reported. Ultraviolet rays can cause genetic changes, damage air quality and trigger cancers.

For additional information see: AFP , India Times , Ottawa Citizen , Nature

Rising Sea Levels Threaten 20 Million in Bangladesh and May Force Emigration

On September 7, the Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) in Bangladesh reported that over the coming decades, rising sea levels may affect fresh water supplies for 20 million people in low lying areas of the country. Data from eleven Bangladeshi monitoring stations showed sea-level rises averaging 5 millimeter (mm) per year over 30 years with climate models forecasting further rises, according to researchers. The report identified vast tracts in the southwest region of Bangladesh that could be inundated with saltwater every monsoon season, temporarily destroying industries like rice production. "These are very poor people, and vulnerable. For four months they'll have nowhere to work," said Ahmadul Hassan, a senior scientist at CEGIS. The government has appealed for finance to help fight the effects of climate change. "We are expecting $5 billion over the next five years in support from the international community,” said Dr. Muhammed Abdur Razzaque, Bangladesh's Minister of Disaster Management.

For additional information see: BBC , Thaindian News

UNEP Urges Measures to Reduce Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases

On September 4, Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), called for action to reduce non-CO2 climate forcing pollutants such as black carbon, tropospheric ozone, methane, and hydrofluorocarbons. “There remains some scientific uncertainty about some of these pollutants’ precise contribution to global warming, but a growing body of science points to a potentially significant role,” Steiner said during the final day of the World Climate Conference in Geneva. “Fast action across a broad front could thus deliver some quick wins on health, food security and wider environmental concerns while also making important contributions to advancing the climate change challenge,” said Mr. Steiner. Black carbon is linked to 1.6 million to 1.8 million premature deaths annually as a result of indoor exposure and 800,000 as a result of outdoor exposure, UNEP reported.

For additional information see: UNEP Press Release , UN Press Release , Environment News Service , The Guardian , Financial Times

September 22: Energy Independence: A State and Local Perspective

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and the John Hopkins University Government Program invite you to a panel discussion on state and local efforts to increase energy independence, boost energy efficiency, and invest in renewable energy as part of the Transatlantic Climate Bridge Imitative. U.S. and German practitioners and local policymakers will talk about the incentives for communities and states to engage in their own local energy planning, and report on best practice examples with a transatlantic perspective. The event will take place on Tuesday, September 22 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at 1717 Massachusetts Ave, NW. The room number will be posted in the lobby. This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP is required by September 18 at http://advanced.jhu.edu/rsvp/index.cfm?ContentID=1630. For more information, contact Anja Kuppers at (202) 298-4381 or [email protected].

September 23: Local Strategies to Minimize the Consequences of Climate Change

The Center for Climate Action invites you to a webinar and conference call on climate change adaptation policy. While local government agencies work to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, they must also address the impacts of climate change. Preparing for climate change, however, is not a one size fits all proposition. Local government agencies must address climate change vulnerabilities specific to their geographic region, overcoming diverse institutional barriers with limited resources. This webinar will begin to define some of these issues, focusing on a geographically and demographically diverse set of cities. The event will take place Wednesday, September 23 from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. EDT. The event is free and open to the public. To register, go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/320892673. For more information, contact Eric Yurkovich at [email protected] or (213) 542-0280.