I learned from the BBC today that President Bush has invited the UN and EU plus 15 of the world’s leading economies to join him September 27-28 to talk about climate change. Bush of course is asking for the big emitters to enter into a gentleman’s agreement about voluntary reductions, which is the same plan he mentioned at the G8 back in June. Bush also claims that “this would then contribute to a global agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change by 2009.” This treaty would replace Kyoto. Let’s see- Bush hates the Kyoto Protocol and he doesn’t believe in mandatory limits on emissions.
rebuttal to liquefied coal article
Lowell Miller’s column arguing in support of liquefied coal as an energy source was disturbing and irresponsible.
Mr. Miller claimed that carbon sequestration has rendered concerns over liquid
coal’s pollution obsolete. That is simply untrue. Carbon sequestration is not reliable technology on a commercial scale.
Some climate experts say we have ten years to stabilize, then reduce, greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid the worst consequences of global
warming. Subsidizing coal to liquid technology would be a giant step in the wrong direction.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, every gallon of liquid coal burned would generate twice the carbon emissions generated by a gallon of gasoline derived from petroleum.
If we want our children to have a chance at inheriting a planet without melted polar ice caps, coastal flooding, unpredictable weather patterns and
the chaos and poverty this entails, we must vote now for energy policies that strive for energy independence created by clean, alternative energy technologies such as wind, solar and bio-diesel power.
A future based on clean energy independence means a future of better global health and security. I am proud of leaders like Gov. Martin O’Malley, who has recently formed a commission to reduce Maryland greenhouse gas pollution 15 percent per capita by 2015 .
This necessary goal is achievable if we are willing to make voluntary changes to reduce our carbon footprint and demand legislative changes that move us toward an energy policy based on clean, renewable energy.
Katherine Hinckley
Towson
BCAN and CCAN Unite on YouTube
Watch how the forces have come together in Maryland to use grassroots activism in the fight against global warming. Keep up the great work CCAN members!
New Report: Dangerous Temperatures in Baltimore
Environment Maryland just came out with a new report. Below is the press release and link to the report. Check it out.
New Report: Dangerous Temperatures in Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland Continue reading
Putting Coal in Perspective
This was just passed onto to me from a friend and fellow climate activist. While some might find the piece a bit cynical, I think it affirms the need for a coal moratorium. Luckily, we just might have a little help.
Protect Your Efforts
Just when we thought we were making a difference…
Home Depot has funded the planting of 300,000 trees in cities across the US. Each tree will absorb and store about one-third of a ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) over its lifetime. In addition to the coal plants that already exist, there are now 151 new conventional coal-fired power plants in various stages of development in the US today. The CO2 emissions from only one medium-sized (500 MW) coal-fired power plant, in just 10 days of operation, would negate the Home Depot’s entire effort.
Wal-Mart, the largest “private” purchaser of electricity in the world is investing a half billion dollars to reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of their existing buildings by 20% over the next 7 years. “As one of the largest companies in the world, with an expanding global presence, environmental problems are our problems,” said CEO Lee Scott. The CO2 emissions from only one medium-sized coal-fired power plant, in just one month of operation each year, would negate Wal-Mart’s entire effort.
California, which makes up over 10% of the country’s new vehicle market, passed legislation to cut GHG emissions in new cars by 25% and in SUVs by 18%, starting in 2009. If every car and SUV sold in California in 2009 met this standard, the CO2 emissions from only one medium-sized coal-fired power plant, in just eight months of operation each year, would negate California’s 2009 effort.
In the US, approximately 5 billion square feet of residential, commercial and government buildings are renovated in a year. The US Conference of Mayors, American Institute of Architects, US Green Building Council and numerous states, counties and cities have adopted The 2030 Challenge to reduce the energy consumption of all renovated buildings by 50%. The CO2 emissions from just one 750 MW coal-fired power plant each year would negate this entire 2030 Challenge effort.
If every household in the U.S. changed a 60-watt incandescent light bulb to a compact fluorescent, the CO2 emissions from just two medium-sized coal-fired power plants each year would negate this entire effort.
The Campus Climate Challenge (CCC), a growing student movement in the US, states that global warming “is our problem, and it’s up to us to solve it, starting right here on campus, right now.” The challenge calls for all high school and college campuses in the US to go carbon neutral (reduce global warming pollution to zero). If the challenge were met, the CO2 emissions from just four medium-sized coal-fired power plants each year would negate the CCC’s entire effort.
Energy COOL: Frying in the Sun
There are many tremendous technologies, processes, and such out there that can help us move toward a prosperous and sustainable energy future. These range from urban bike programs to energy efficient public housing to finding out 
just how easy it is to cook with the sun. Or, as advertised here, Frying in the Sun.
*ANNOUNCEMENT* There is a major Solar Cooking Demonstration in Washington, DC, by the US Senate Friday afternoon, 27 July. Information within the diary.
Continue reading
Get your daily dose of climate science
For my first CCAN blog post ever, I am going to tell you about two of my favorite sites for science relating to global climate change.
Just look at yourself! Carbon taxes, caps, & trades
Just look at yourself! The average American is responsible for around 23 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Want to do something about it? Let’s talk about personal carbon rationing, trading, and taxes because there are movements afoot to promote all three. They basically address the individual, as opposed to or in addition to, industry.
1. Personal Carbon Rations/Limits/Caps
Personal carbon rationing involves the setting of a per person cap on carbon dioxide emissions. One such concept was developed in the UK by Mayer Hillman and Tina Fawcett in their book, “How We Can Save the Planet“. Rationing follows these principles:
- Every person, adult or child gets a ration.
- Rations are measurable and are tracked and audited.
- Rations are tradeable.
- The ration covers the direct energy used in the household and for personal travel. Each unit of energy like gasoline or electricity used results in the emission of carbon dioxide
- Every year, the ration size decreases.
There is currently a voluntary movement known as Carbon Rationing Action Groups, or CRAGs, where people set themselves emissions rations and then work to stay within the ration. This effort was started in the UK about 18 months ago. These groups are local, include around 8-10 people, meet regularly, set their per capita rations, audit their energy bills at the end of each “Carbon Year”, and sometimes penalize or reward their members for going over or under their rations. There are also individual tracking programs in the UK like CarbonDiet. Consistent protocols for tracking individual emissions are under development by groups like the “Avoiding Mass Extinctions Engine”(AMEE) applications programming interface.
Johns Hopkins announces landmark Climate Policy
Posted on behalf of Hopkins student, Teryn Norris
Published: July 26, 2007
President William Brody of Johns Hopkins has just announced the adoption of a new climate change policy that seeks to make the university a leader in the fight against global warming. “Johns Hopkins is eager to rise to this immense challenge,” Brody announced. “As of today, I am committing The Johns Hopkins University to become a driving force for developing solutions to the climate change problem.” In a university-wide email sent out early this week, Brody set forth an ambitious initiative to be guided by a comprehensive set of principles:
- Leverage university strengths in science, technology, public health, and public policy to contribute to finding solutions to issues related to climate change on a global level.
Marylanders – Join ONE GREEN HOUR – Save Money, save the Planet
Hey Folks, I just received my 5th email about Maryland’s “One Green Hour” event. Initiated by Governor Martin O’Malley, the idea is to turn off your lights for an hour on July 28th (now dubbed Maryland Energy Independence Day”). The idea may be a little hoaky -we’d prefer they turn off the coal-fired power plants for an hour. But its getting traction. I’ve received alerts from the Governor, the Democratic Party, Rep Elijah Cummings and more… So I guess that means we need to join in.Here’s the email from the Democratic Party.
CELEBRATE
Maryland Energy Independence Day
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Saving money and making a real difference for your country can be as easy as flipping a switch – OFF. More on that below.
Please join thousands of Marylanders who will use this day to commit to energy conservation for the long haul. Imagine saving money while saving the Chesapeake Bay and helping create an Energy Independent future. Continue reading