Climate Change Solutions - December 10, 2019

Welcome to Climate Change Solutions for December 10!

Solutions is back after a brief Thanksgiving hiatus--but EESI has been keeping busy!

COP25 kicked off in Madrid on December 2nd, and will continue until the 13th. Policy associate Anna McGinn represented EESI as an observer organization during the meetings. Check out some of her tweets from Madrid on EESI's twitter!

This year’s conference will focus on completing rules for implementing the Paris Agreement and preparing for COP26, where Paris Agreement parties will update their national climate targets.

Notable moments so far include:

• The Pope urged countries to lower emissions and “work together in building our common home.”
• Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi attended the meeting and assured world leaders that Congress would continue working towards lowering greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
• Ambassador Marcia Bernicat, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs led the U.S. delegation. Although the U.S. has notified its intent to withdraw from the Agreement -- effective November 4, 2020 -- the U.S. says it will continue to participate in negotiations “to ensure a level playing field that protects U.S. interests.”
• Greta Thunberg led a 15,000 person climate march after criticizing international climate leadership during a COP25 panel of climate activists.

In other climate news:

• New reports indicate that climate change and pollution are dramatically lowering oxygen levels in the ocean and causing birds to shrink in size.
• The New York Supreme Court ruled in favor of ExxonMobil in a case the state brought against the oil company alleging ExxonMobil committed fraud by not disclosing risks from climate change to shareholders.
• Jane Fonda continued her weekly “Fire Drill Fridays” protests on in Washington D.C. After spending a night in jail, however, she is no longer risking arrest.
• Former Secretary of State John Kerry launched a bipartisan climate coalition, World War Zero, which aims to have hundreds of town hall meetings on climate change during the 2020 election cycle.
• Researchers are creating a framework to make musical performances more climate-friendly.
• The World Wildlife Foundation teamed up with the Museo del Prado to combine masterpieces with a climate change message.
• Elizabeth Warren unveils a "Blue New Deal" focused on ocean conservation and energy development as part of her 2020 presidential campaign.

Read the climate round-up headlines here, and reach out to Solutions editor Amber Todoroff if you have any tips, gossip, ideas, or just want to say hi!
 

We need YOU to help save the planet! EESI is now hiring for two positions:  Development Associate Communications Associate Apply today to join the amazing EESI team!

Video Short: What are the Health Benefits of Energy Security? Dave Rinebolt, the Executive Director of Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy, explains the many health benefits of making homes more energy efficient, as well as the impact his organization is having on energy poverty in Ohio.   Headlines What Will Happen with Energy Policy in 2020 and Beyond? EESI Executive Director Daniel Bresette participated in a CQ Roll Call webinar to discuss what we can expect in energy policy in the coming years. [click for more]   A Crisis of Opportunity: The Building Industry Needs to Prepare to Confront Environmental Catastrophes  The roofing sector faces unique challenges from more frequent and intense storms, but solutions exist to prepare industry professionals and homeowners. [click for more]   NRDC Report Urges Congress to Incorporate the Climate Crisis in DOE's Authorizing Legislation New report outlines recommendations for Congress to better integrate the urgency of the climate crisis in the Department of Energy's (DOE) authorizing legislation. Congress has not updated the mandate guiding the DOE since 2005. [click for more]

On the Hill EESI was is excited to have submitted recommendations to the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis! Read our comprehensive suggestions here. Congress was out of session November 25-29. From December 2-5, fourteen bills were referred to committee to address environmental and energy issues. In addition to the introduction of environmentally relevant legislation, Senate committees approved four and House committees approved two. One bill passed the Senate.  This week, Congress focused on water related environmental issues. S.2978 and S.914 would expand research for clean water and oceans. Marine conservation was another common topic. S.2975 would prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, and S.906 would reduce bycatch. Congress also presented bills on land use issues, H.R.5303 would prohibit oil and gas leasing on public land in the Central Coast of California, and S.529 is intended to reduce losses from landslides. The 116th Congress has covered a lot of ground, and the best way to keep up to date is to see the bills for yourself. EESI has curated bills most relevant to energy, environment, and climate topics: Be sure to read EESI's full environmental legislative tracker for December 2-5 here and for November 8-22 here.   EESI Submits Recommendations to the Climate Crisis Committee EESI's recommendations for reducing greehouse gas emissions and addressing climate change cover a wide range of topics and offer three high-level principles for the Select Committee to consider. [click for more]  Climate Crisis Committee Gathers Ideas at Member Day Hearing Members of Congress serving on the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis discussed climate impacts in their states and advocated for bills that would provide relief. [click for more]

EESI Briefings and Fact Sheets   Briefing: The Growing Role of Renewable Energy in the U.S. Energy Mix Held with the Clean Energy and Technology Staff Association, a panel of experts discussed innovations in renewable energy and energy storage beyond solar and wind power. [click for more]   Briefing: Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization in the U.S.  Overview of findings from two reports by the Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project on the hundreds of options to lower carbon emissions using current U.S. law. [click for more]   Briefing: Resilience along the West Coast Held with the Coastal States Organization, this briefing discussed climate-related threats to the West Coast and featured case studies of working solutions. [click for more]

EESI Around Town   EESI was cited in Bon Appetite for composting tips. The article notes you can start composting in three easy steps!   GreatNonProfits showcased EESI as one of the top 10 nonprofits to volunteer for in Washington, D.C.    EESI was cited in DeSmog for job potential of renewable and energy efficiency sectors. The article explored the impacts of air pollution due to the petrochemical industry.    Upcoming Events   Webinar: Unlocking Solar Benefits for Underserved Communities Through On-Bill Financing  December 11, 1pm EST Watch online here Cost sensitivity and access to financing represent major challenges for families with limited incomes to access the benefits of solar. The good news is, a tried-and-true approach can break down this barrier. On-bill financing is an exciting opportunity to expand residential clean energy efforts into underserved markets.  This webinar will provide information about how on-bill financing programs are helping customers access financing for solar energy and how two utilities in Hawaii and in Arkansas are providing this financing to their customers.   Regional Resilience Series: Great Lakes  February 13, 2:30-4pm 2167 Rayburn HOB The fourth briefing in EESI's series on regional resilience will focus on how tribes, farms, and cities are adapting to climate challenges around the Great Lakes.   2020 ACEEE Rural Energy Conference February 25 Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Chicago, IL This one-day event will explore how energy efficiency and clean energy are increasing rural prosperity. Conference sessions will delve into clean energy solutions tailored for rural communities that will spur economic growth and energy affordability.     Environmental and Energy Study Institute  Daniel Bresette, Executive Director   EESI is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 by a bipartisan Congressional caucus to provide timely information and develop innovative policy solutions that set us on a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy path.   www.eesi.org                 CFC #10627