Climate Change Solutions - October 15, 2019

Welcome to Climate Change Solutions for October 15!

A series of large climate protests involving millions of participants occurred in late September leading up to the UN Climate Meeting. These protests continued throughout the first half of October as activists with Extinction Rebellion, an environmental advocacy group, launched protests in major cities across the globe. On October 14 London banned such demonstrations, but protests continued in the city on Tuesday. In D.C., actress Jane Fonda began a protest of her own on October 14, called “Fire Drill Fridays,” on the steps of the Capitol. Fonda was later arrested by Capitol police.  

Also in the nation’s capital, the Trump administration eliminated the solar industry’s exemption from tariffs, angering advocates for emissions reductions, and unveiled a proposal to blend more ethanol into gasoline, siding with farmers over the oil industry.

Audubon released a major report on declining bird species, breaking down species impacts state-by-state.  Findings suggest two-thirds of North American bird species are at risk of extinction due to climate change related threats. If that’s not reason enough, Bank of England governor Mark Carney issued a warning that companies not moving towards zero-carbon goals could collapse as investors look to mitigate climate risk. Climate-conscious mayors are doubling down on climate adaptation and mitigation, throwing support behind a “Global Green New Deal” at the Copenhagen Global Climate Action Summit.

Read more climate headlines here!

Reach out to Solutions editor Amber Todoroff with thoughts, suggestions, or just to say hi!
 

Video Short: What are Rural Electric Cooperatives Doing to Help their Members Save Energy? EESI is helping rural electric cooperatives design programs to lower their customer's utility bills. Find out how here!   Headlines The Fairy Tale of Eternal Economic Growth Limitless growth is incompatible in a world of finite resources. Senior Fellow Jonathan Herz makes the case for nature-based economics. [click for more]   Oceans Can Help Tackle Climate Change Ocean scientists and experts publish new report listing five opportunities for action. [click for more]   A Zero Carbon Home on the National Solar Tour This year's National Solar Tour featured an incredible zero-carbon home using a variety of renewable energy and energy efficiency technology. Check it out for inspiration for your home! [click for more]

On the Hill Congress, fresh off a two-week recess, returns to D.C. this week with a very full plate.  Among the top priorities are many agenda items that could affect climate change and clean energy policy, including appropriations, tax incentives, a number of bills approved in committee that await Senate and House floor action. The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis also resumes its work with a hearing to explore policies to promote “Cleaner, Stronger Buildings” on Thursday morning.   Check out EESI's most recent environmental legislative tracker for September 17-27 here.   Two Bills Propose to Amend the Coastal Zone Management Act to Improve Coastal Resilience Coastal areas are at risk from flooding and storm damage. New legislation would protect coastal livelihoods and ecosystems. [click for more]   SOS, Marine Debris: Bipartisan Bill Advances to Address Marine Pollution  The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act builds off of earlier successful legislation to protect wildlife. [click for more]

EESI News, Briefings, and Fact Sheets   Issue Brief: Congressional Action on Resilient Infrastructure - Areas of Progress and Future Needs Congress is back in session and still has time to craft legislation that helps build resilience nationwide. [click for more]   In Case You Missed It: EESI Names Daniel Bresette as New Executive Director  EESI welcomes Daniel to the organization as Carol Werner steps down after a 21-year tenure as Executive Director.[click for more]

Apply to be a Spring semester intern! Interns have the opportunity to learn the inner workings of an environmental nonprofit while contributing to our work advancing sustainable energy.   Development Internship Communications and Policy Internship Policy Internship     EESI Around Town   EESI was cited by UK-based Environment Journal. The article describes how hydrogen could replace methane for domestic heating.   EESI's Executive Director transition was recorded in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The Chronicle noted Carol Werner would be stepping down as Executive Director and becoming a senior fellow and that Daniel Bresette would take her place.    EESI's Executive Director Daniel Bresette was profiled in E&E News. Bresette discussed climate change legislation, his new role, and "Antiques Roadshow." EESI Project Associate Miguel Yanez was interviewed by Spanish-language paper Publico on California's world leadership in renewable energy policy.   Upcoming Events   ACEEE National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource October 15-17 Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown  Minneapolis, MN EESI Policy Associate John-Michael Cross will be presenting on rural electrification financing at ACEE's conference on energy efficiency innovation, delivery, and programs.   Improving Coastal Resilience in the Northeast October 23 1539 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC The second in EESI's coastal resilience series, this briefing will feature discussion on how local, state, and federal organizations are collaborating to protect Northeast coastal ecosystems and communities.   14th Annual American Passive House Conference December 4-8 Hyatt Regency Crystal City Washington, DC Attendees get real-world case studies on passive home projects ranging from single family homes to high-rises, the latest on mechanical systems, building science, constructions details, and expo hall full of the latest building components.   Look out for upcoming Congressional briefings on renewable energy, deep decarbonization, the Global Commission on Adaptation, and Southeast coastal resilience!   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