Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Vienna energy conference calls for shift towards low-carbon green industries_English_Xinhua
Vienna energy conference calls for shift towards low-carbon green industries_English_Xinhua: "And 'this conference was designed to provide a solid framework that would show the way towards a low-carbon global 'green economy' powered by 'green industry,'' Yumkella said in his opening speech at the conference.
Director of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Detlof von Winterfeldt, said that 'we are facing a convergence of challenges that require a fundamental transformation of energy systems,' and the need to respond to climate change is urgent. He said it was untenable that today 2.4 billion people were without access to modern energy services, the cost of which is not only achievable but affordable in the medium term."
Director of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Detlof von Winterfeldt, said that 'we are facing a convergence of challenges that require a fundamental transformation of energy systems,' and the need to respond to climate change is urgent. He said it was untenable that today 2.4 billion people were without access to modern energy services, the cost of which is not only achievable but affordable in the medium term."
Mexican president proposes $10 bln world "green fund"_English_Xinhua
Mexican president proposes $10 bln world "green fund"_English_Xinhua: "According to the Mexican Environment Ministry, participating nations at the meetings produce 80 percent of the world's pollution and also account for around 80 percent of world GDP."
Carbon tariffs: efforts to tackle climate change, or eco-imperialism?_English_Xinhua
Carbon tariffs: efforts to tackle climate change, or eco-imperialism?_English_Xinhua: "At the meeting in Aare, German State Secretary for Environment Matthias Machnig said carbon tariffs are 'a new form of eco-imperialism.'
Climate change is one of the most critical issues the world faces now, but it serves no one's interest to deny, in the name of fighting global warming, developing countries' efforts to achieve economic growth and social progress.
Developing nations have the every right to develop their economies and bring better life to their citizens. Developed countries once faced the same challenges that are now haunting developing countries. But now they demand developing countries meet emission reduction obligations socially and economically unaffordable for them. Is this fair?"
Climate change is one of the most critical issues the world faces now, but it serves no one's interest to deny, in the name of fighting global warming, developing countries' efforts to achieve economic growth and social progress.
Developing nations have the every right to develop their economies and bring better life to their citizens. Developed countries once faced the same challenges that are now haunting developing countries. But now they demand developing countries meet emission reduction obligations socially and economically unaffordable for them. Is this fair?"
Thursday, July 23, 2009
ppp - News - Scottish Architecture
ppp - News - Scottish Architecture: "Source:
Date: 23 July 09
Email this Article | Click to Print
ppp
New Report: Scotland Could Be 100% Renewable in 20 Years
A new report shows a cleaner, greener energy future for Scotland is possible.
The report shows for the first time that a truly sustainable energy future is achievable for Scotland, meeting climate change, renewable energy and energy saving targets plus creating new economic opportunities while protecting sensitive environments and maintaining security of supply."
Date: 23 July 09
Email this Article | Click to Print
ppp
New Report: Scotland Could Be 100% Renewable in 20 Years
A new report shows a cleaner, greener energy future for Scotland is possible.
The report shows for the first time that a truly sustainable energy future is achievable for Scotland, meeting climate change, renewable energy and energy saving targets plus creating new economic opportunities while protecting sensitive environments and maintaining security of supply."
The Associated Press: UN climate expert warns against carbon tariffs
The Associated Press: UN climate expert warns against carbon tariffs: "UN climate expert warns against carbon tariffs
By DINA CAPPIELLO – 1 day ago
WASHINGTON — The head of a U.N. panel on the science of climate change says trade tariffs in a House-passed bill to limit heat-trapping pollution have only served to irritate international negotiations and could undermine U.S. efforts to persuade developing countries to enter into a new global warming treaty."
By DINA CAPPIELLO – 1 day ago
WASHINGTON — The head of a U.N. panel on the science of climate change says trade tariffs in a House-passed bill to limit heat-trapping pollution have only served to irritate international negotiations and could undermine U.S. efforts to persuade developing countries to enter into a new global warming treaty."
China and US Agree to Make More Energy-Efficient Buildings
China and US Agree to Make More Energy-Efficient Buildings: "By emphasizing that China is taking action, even as it continues to build a large coal-fired plant each week, Mr. Chu and Mr. Locke might make it more palatable for Congress to consider an agreement from Copenhagen that includes fewer limits on the emissions of developing countries than have been sought. China opposes any such limits.
European officials have fretted that China and the U.S. might reach their own deal on climate change and then demand that other countries accept it at the Copenhagen conference. Mr. Chu said in an interview recently that it was imaginable that the United States and China would conduct bilateral talks to work out their differences on climate policy. Particular concern is focused on how nearly four-fifths of the electrical energy in China is engendered from coal, producing especially high discharges of carbon dioxide, the main gas that contributes to global warming. Electricity prices in China are low by international standards."
European officials have fretted that China and the U.S. might reach their own deal on climate change and then demand that other countries accept it at the Copenhagen conference. Mr. Chu said in an interview recently that it was imaginable that the United States and China would conduct bilateral talks to work out their differences on climate policy. Particular concern is focused on how nearly four-fifths of the electrical energy in China is engendered from coal, producing especially high discharges of carbon dioxide, the main gas that contributes to global warming. Electricity prices in China are low by international standards."
Brown's TED call for a global climate body is welcome, but will it work? - BusinessGreen Blog
Brown's TED call for a global climate body is welcome, but will it work? - BusinessGreen Blog: "'Is it not absolutely scandalous that we have a situation where we know that there is a climate change problem, where we know also that that will mean we will have to give more resources to developing countries to deal with that, where we want to create a global carbon market, but there is no global institution that people have been able to agree upon to deal with this problem?
'One of the things that has to come out of Copenhagen in the next few months is an agreement that there will be a global environmental institution that is able to deal with the problems of persuading the whole of the world to move along a climate change agenda.'"
'One of the things that has to come out of Copenhagen in the next few months is an agreement that there will be a global environmental institution that is able to deal with the problems of persuading the whole of the world to move along a climate change agenda.'"
Global warming accord spells lifestyle changes - Yahoo! News
Global warming accord spells lifestyle changes - Yahoo! News: "Lacking that mid-term commitment, the developing countries rejected a draft statement calling for halving emissions by 2050 — even though the G-8 agreed in a separate draft document to cut emissions in the industrial countries by 80 percent.
That long-term ambition 'is too far off to matter — poor people are being hit today,' said Antonio Hill, of the nonprofit Oxfam International.
Nonetheless, the developing countries responded with movement on their own, agreeing in a draft statement to more specific language than they have used in the past to curb the increase of their emissions from their normal growth path.
If they receive substantial help with funds and technology, they said, they would take actions 'whose projected effects on emissions represent a meaningful deviation from business as usual.'
Despite these steps forward on both sides, an impasse remains in the negotiations leading to the U.N. conference in Copenhagen between the competing demands of the industrial and developing countries.
The G-8's acceptance of the 2 degree limit is 'a sign they have woken up from a long phase of denial. But they have completely failed to outline what immediate action they will take to achieve this goal,' the WWF environmental group said in a statement.
'Without a clear path for emission reductions, the 2 degree statement will just join a long list of broken promises,' it said."
That long-term ambition 'is too far off to matter — poor people are being hit today,' said Antonio Hill, of the nonprofit Oxfam International.
Nonetheless, the developing countries responded with movement on their own, agreeing in a draft statement to more specific language than they have used in the past to curb the increase of their emissions from their normal growth path.
If they receive substantial help with funds and technology, they said, they would take actions 'whose projected effects on emissions represent a meaningful deviation from business as usual.'
Despite these steps forward on both sides, an impasse remains in the negotiations leading to the U.N. conference in Copenhagen between the competing demands of the industrial and developing countries.
The G-8's acceptance of the 2 degree limit is 'a sign they have woken up from a long phase of denial. But they have completely failed to outline what immediate action they will take to achieve this goal,' the WWF environmental group said in a statement.
'Without a clear path for emission reductions, the 2 degree statement will just join a long list of broken promises,' it said."
Climate Change and Keynesianism
Climate Change and Keynesianism: "Topic: Global Warming
Climate Change and Keynesianism
It's not about the science.by Phil Manger
(libertarian)
Monday, July 13, 2009
Back in December 2004 the magazine Science published science historian Naomi Oreskes' summary of an analysis of the abstracts of the peer-reviewed scientific studies dealing with climate change that had been published between 1993 and 2003. In the article, Oreskes reported that, of the 928 abstracts analyzed, fully 75 percent endorsed or accepted the hypothesis of anthropogenic — i.e. man-made — global warming while 25 percent dealt with methodological issues but took no position on the hypothesis itself Significantly, she said, none of the studies disputed the hypothesis."
Climate Change and Keynesianism
It's not about the science.by Phil Manger
(libertarian)
Monday, July 13, 2009
Back in December 2004 the magazine Science published science historian Naomi Oreskes' summary of an analysis of the abstracts of the peer-reviewed scientific studies dealing with climate change that had been published between 1993 and 2003. In the article, Oreskes reported that, of the 928 abstracts analyzed, fully 75 percent endorsed or accepted the hypothesis of anthropogenic — i.e. man-made — global warming while 25 percent dealt with methodological issues but took no position on the hypothesis itself Significantly, she said, none of the studies disputed the hypothesis."
Ocean Current Shutdown May Be Gradual, Not Sudden
Ocean Current Shutdown May Be Gradual, Not Sudden: "'Research is now indicating that this phenomenon may happen, but probably not as a sudden threshold we're crossing,' said Peter Clark, a professor of geosciences at Oregon State University. 'For those who have been concerned about extremely abrupt changes in these ocean current patterns, that's good news.
'In the past it appears the ocean did change abruptly, but only because of a sudden change in the forcing,' he said. 'But when the ocean is forced gradually, such as we anticipate for the future, its response is gradual. That would give ecosystems more time to adjust to new conditions.'
The findings do not change broader concerns about global warming. Temperatures are still projected to increase about four to 11 degrees by the end of this century, and the study actually confirms that some of the world's most sophisticated climate models are accurate."
'In the past it appears the ocean did change abruptly, but only because of a sudden change in the forcing,' he said. 'But when the ocean is forced gradually, such as we anticipate for the future, its response is gradual. That would give ecosystems more time to adjust to new conditions.'
The findings do not change broader concerns about global warming. Temperatures are still projected to increase about four to 11 degrees by the end of this century, and the study actually confirms that some of the world's most sophisticated climate models are accurate."
OpEdNews » Consciousness and Complexity
OpEdNews » Consciousness and Complexity: "In the case of humans, we are above the threshold at which great organized social complexity emerges. Yet, we may be as cognitively limited as our ape cousins. Consider that we know scientifically, that our actions are destroying the planetary ecosystem, altering the weather, and that this global civilization is based upon ever-increasing use of ever-diminishing hydrocarbon energy resources. Our rational response to this would be to immediately take drastic actions to remedy these behavioral errors.
Yet, our material wealth, the position and power of societal elites, the very way that we have been indoctrinated to understand and interact with reality itself, is based upon preservation of the existing patterns of social order. So we as a global society, effectively do nothing. At least we do not take effective actions in a timely manner."
Yet, our material wealth, the position and power of societal elites, the very way that we have been indoctrinated to understand and interact with reality itself, is based upon preservation of the existing patterns of social order. So we as a global society, effectively do nothing. At least we do not take effective actions in a timely manner."
Health care: A need for a systems science look - Ivo P. Janecka, MD, MBA, PhD -- Seeking Alpha
Health care: A need for a systems science look - Ivo P. Janecka, MD, MBA, PhD -- Seeking Alpha: "When the financial meltdown was accelerating, there were public calls for a “look at the whole system.” That insight might have come from the clarity of vision gained through the realization that the “parachute” may not open and the “ground” was rapidly approaching. But, when the parachute did open, the clarity came out of focus; with that, the need for the larger system coherence vanished. In another word, “we have resuscitated the patient’s important organ/the financial system, but without doing any “major surgery” on the part that was seriously ill; resuscitation is only an emergency step, it’s not a corrective one. The consequence of that is that the “organ” is back to processing its toxic metabolites and heads to its eventual “disease” recurrence.
The issue with health care is much more complex because finances are only about numbers but health care is about people, human beings that actually create and maintain the economy through their productive/consumptive relationships. The whole economy is a large system as every individual is also a system in its own right fitting or not fitting into the larger societal system. Hence, the importance of really looking at health care from systems science perspective which offers guiding principle, based on biologic correlates, of function and structure."
The issue with health care is much more complex because finances are only about numbers but health care is about people, human beings that actually create and maintain the economy through their productive/consumptive relationships. The whole economy is a large system as every individual is also a system in its own right fitting or not fitting into the larger societal system. Hence, the importance of really looking at health care from systems science perspective which offers guiding principle, based on biologic correlates, of function and structure."
ReliefWeb » Document » ECOSOC holds discussion on impact of current global challenges and trends on delivery of humanitarian assistance
ReliefWeb » Document » ECOSOC holds discussion on impact of current global challenges and trends on delivery of humanitarian assistance: "TIINA INTELMANN, Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council, said the Secretary-General, in his report to ECOSOC and the General Assembly, expressed concern that the combined impact of global challenges such as climate change, extreme poverty, urbanisation, water and energy security, and the food and financial crises could generate substantial increases in humanitarian caseloads, affecting hundreds of millions of people in the next few years. He also outlined how these challenges could impact the provision of humanitarian assistance and its coordination. This panel should provide humanitarian stakeholders, including Member States and international humanitarian actors, with an opportunity to jointly discuss measures to address the adverse humanitarian impact of these challenges. The debate should also shed some light on national and regional angles, while thematically delving into how humanitarian actors could strengthen coordination with developmental organizations, particularly as the latter increasingly operated in non-traditional humanitarian contexts."
China - Speech by Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei of the People's Republic of China At the 15th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement
China - Speech by Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei of the People's Republic of China At the 15th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement: "The international community should continue to keep its eye on Africa and give it support. We should listen to Africa's voice, take seriously its concerns, and, more importantly, respect its will and back up pledges with concrete actions. Peace and security issues of Africa should mainly be addressed by the African people in the African way, and the international community needs to be there to offer help and support."
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Help developing countries tackle climate change - Veep - modernghana.com
Help developing countries tackle climate change - Veep - modernghana.com: "Help developing countries tackle climate change - Veep
By GNA
Tue, 21 Jul 2009 | Print | E-Mail | PDF | Graphics Version
Science/Nature
Vice President John Mahama, has urged world leaders to adopt a comprehensive and sustainable approach to save developing countries from slipping deeper into poverty, caused by global climate change.
He underscored the importance of international support in order to reduce the vulnerability of developing countries to natural hazards. Mr. John Mahama made the call in a speech read on his behalf at an international symposium on Sustainable Ecosystems, organized by Valley View University (VVU), in collaboration with Ecological Engineering Society (Germany), at Dodowa on Monday.
He expressed disquiet at the challenges caused by global climate change to developing countries, and said it could have negative global implications.
Mr. Mahama stressed: 'It must be understood that additional climatic change-related stress can result in increased instability in poor developing nations. It could also engender increased migration to compound urbanization problems with a dire impact within and between developed economies'."
By GNA
Tue, 21 Jul 2009 | Print | E-Mail | PDF | Graphics Version
Science/Nature
Vice President John Mahama, has urged world leaders to adopt a comprehensive and sustainable approach to save developing countries from slipping deeper into poverty, caused by global climate change.
He underscored the importance of international support in order to reduce the vulnerability of developing countries to natural hazards. Mr. John Mahama made the call in a speech read on his behalf at an international symposium on Sustainable Ecosystems, organized by Valley View University (VVU), in collaboration with Ecological Engineering Society (Germany), at Dodowa on Monday.
He expressed disquiet at the challenges caused by global climate change to developing countries, and said it could have negative global implications.
Mr. Mahama stressed: 'It must be understood that additional climatic change-related stress can result in increased instability in poor developing nations. It could also engender increased migration to compound urbanization problems with a dire impact within and between developed economies'."
Bonn II: REDD discussions at the June 2009 UNFCCC climate meeting | REDD-Monitor
Bonn II: REDD discussions at the June 2009 UNFCCC climate meeting | REDD-Monitor: "Bonn II also saw mounting concern among developing countries over the role offsetting plays in enabling industrialised countries to avoid cutting their own emissions. In the AWG-KP, many Parties called for emissions reduction targets to be met domestically, with use of flexible mechanisms, such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) or potential credits from “sinks” (emissions removals from land use change), being allowed only in addition to binding reduction commitments met within industrialised countries. South Africa emphasised that offsetting creates additional burdens on the poor because it allows industrialised countries to buy developing countries’ cheapest emissions reductions, leaving the latter to foot the bill for any future, more costly cuts."
Off-Grid.Net » Microgen boom forecast - Off-Grid - life unplugged: solar, wind, hydro, architecture, smallholdings, free stuff
Off-Grid.Net » Microgen boom forecast - Off-Grid - life unplugged: solar, wind, hydro, architecture, smallholdings, free stuff: "UK Household energy bills have more than doubled in the last five years alone, from £580 in 2004 to £1,243 today.
If world demand for energy continues to rise, the costs of domestic energy bills will spiral to £ £4,733 a year by 2020. Energy costs will be further boosted by investment in infrastructure, the costs of boosting energy efficiency and the costs of cutting carbon emissions.
“This will trigger a massive increase in demand for all types of alterative energy generation, independent of the national grid, including solar panels, wind turbines and ground and air-source heat pumps,” said author of the report, Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com.
The forecast takes into account a significant investment programme shortly to be undertaken by the energy industry and Government. The investment, expected to total £233.5 billion, will guarantee the country’s long-term energy supply and enable the roll-out of smart metering into all homes, but will add £548 to the annual cost of fuel bills."
If world demand for energy continues to rise, the costs of domestic energy bills will spiral to £ £4,733 a year by 2020. Energy costs will be further boosted by investment in infrastructure, the costs of boosting energy efficiency and the costs of cutting carbon emissions.
“This will trigger a massive increase in demand for all types of alterative energy generation, independent of the national grid, including solar panels, wind turbines and ground and air-source heat pumps,” said author of the report, Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com.
The forecast takes into account a significant investment programme shortly to be undertaken by the energy industry and Government. The investment, expected to total £233.5 billion, will guarantee the country’s long-term energy supply and enable the roll-out of smart metering into all homes, but will add £548 to the annual cost of fuel bills."
Off-Grid.Net » Clinton:do as we say,not as we do - Off-Grid - life unplugged: solar, wind, hydro, architecture, smallholdings, free stuff
Off-Grid.Net » Clinton:do as we say,not as we do - Off-Grid - life unplugged: solar, wind, hydro, architecture, smallholdings, free stuff: "Clinton reprised that argument this weekend. “There is no question that developed countries like mine must lead on this issue,” she said in a joint media appearance with Ramesh. “For our part, under President Obama, we are not only acknowledging our contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, we are taking steps to reverse its ill effects.”"
The Primer: Global Warming and Climate Change. Dr. Mir F. Ali | Intuitech -NGOs & Tech
The Primer: Global Warming and Climate Change. Dr. Mir F. Ali | Intuitech -NGOs & Tech: "The Primer: Global Warming and Climate Change. Dr. Mir F. Ali
In spite of unremitting controversy, the interest in global warming is increasing by the minute. It doesn’t take a huge effort these days for the global population to acquire the necessary knowledge on the subject so that they can make informed decisions in their daily lives.
People are beginning to appreciate the facts presented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):
Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice and rising global average sea level;
* Observational evidence from all continents and most oceans shows that many natural systems are being affected by regional climate changes, particularly temperature increases; and
* There is medium confidence that other effects of regional climate change on natural and human environments are emerging, although many are difficult to discern due to adaptation and non-climatic drivers.
While media attention and access to the information on the subject have been a great help to promote the concept, at the same time it has created some confusion due to the use of different terminologies, and the duplication of the information. This paper is dedicated to providing some basic background information on the subject.
Perhaps the best way to proceed with this paper is to provide the background information for the controversy about global warming. Here are some facts which were published in the London Times by Naomi Oreskes and Jonathan Renouf on September 7, 2008:"
In spite of unremitting controversy, the interest in global warming is increasing by the minute. It doesn’t take a huge effort these days for the global population to acquire the necessary knowledge on the subject so that they can make informed decisions in their daily lives.
People are beginning to appreciate the facts presented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):
Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice and rising global average sea level;
* Observational evidence from all continents and most oceans shows that many natural systems are being affected by regional climate changes, particularly temperature increases; and
* There is medium confidence that other effects of regional climate change on natural and human environments are emerging, although many are difficult to discern due to adaptation and non-climatic drivers.
While media attention and access to the information on the subject have been a great help to promote the concept, at the same time it has created some confusion due to the use of different terminologies, and the duplication of the information. This paper is dedicated to providing some basic background information on the subject.
Perhaps the best way to proceed with this paper is to provide the background information for the controversy about global warming. Here are some facts which were published in the London Times by Naomi Oreskes and Jonathan Renouf on September 7, 2008:"
Jason and the secret climate change war - Times Online
Jason and the secret climate change war - Times Online: "September 7, 2008
Jason and the secret climate change war
A shadowy scientific elite codenamed Jason warned the US about global warming 30 years ago but was sidelined for political convenience
The island of Tarawa, Kiribati in the Pacific ocean which is slowly being swallowed up by rising sea levels
Naomi Oreskes and Jonathan Renouf
Recommend?
Correction
Today the scientific argument about the broad principles of what we are doing to the Earth’s climate is over. By releasing huge quantities of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere we are warming the world.
Since the early 1990s there has been a furious debate about global warming. So-called climate change “sceptics” have spent years disputing almost every aspect of the scientific consensus on the subject. Their arguments have successfully delayed significant political action to deal with greenhouse gas emissions. Recent research reveals how the roots of this argument stretch back to two hugely influential reports written almost 30 years ago."
Jason and the secret climate change war
A shadowy scientific elite codenamed Jason warned the US about global warming 30 years ago but was sidelined for political convenience
The island of Tarawa, Kiribati in the Pacific ocean which is slowly being swallowed up by rising sea levels
Naomi Oreskes and Jonathan Renouf
Recommend?
Correction
Today the scientific argument about the broad principles of what we are doing to the Earth’s climate is over. By releasing huge quantities of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere we are warming the world.
Since the early 1990s there has been a furious debate about global warming. So-called climate change “sceptics” have spent years disputing almost every aspect of the scientific consensus on the subject. Their arguments have successfully delayed significant political action to deal with greenhouse gas emissions. Recent research reveals how the roots of this argument stretch back to two hugely influential reports written almost 30 years ago."
IPCC Chief Raps G-8, Calls for Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cuts After 2015 - NYTimes.com
IPCC Chief Raps G-8, Calls for Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cuts After 2015 - NYTimes.com: "'They have clearly ignored what the IPCC came up with,' he said. 'If the G-8 leaders agreed on this 2-degree increase as being the limit they will be accepting, then I think they should have also accepted the attendant requirement of global emissions peaking by 2015.'"
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
European Solar Power From African Deserts? - Green Inc. Blog - NYTimes.com
European Solar Power From African Deserts? - Green Inc. Blog - NYTimes.com: "Green Inc. - Energy, the Environment and the Bottom Line
June 18, 2009, 7:45 am
European Solar Power From African Deserts?
By James Kanter
DesertecDesertec.org A German consortium is hoping to drum up support for the idea of harvesting solar power from the deserts of North Africa and transmitting it to Europe. (Click map for larger view.)
Germany has become a global leader in solar energy by building up a substantial industry at home. Can the country now repeat the feat in North Africa?
Munich Re, an insurance company, is leading efforts to garner support for a vast project, dubbed Desertec, to collect energy at solar farms in countries like Tunisia and then send it to Europe in the form of electricity. Munich Re wants other companies like the giant engineering group Siemens, Deutsche Bank, and utilities like RWE and E.ON to become involved.
Under the plan, energy would be gathered mostly using concentrating solar power, a technology that uses mirrors to harness rays from the sun to produce steam and drive turbines that make electricity. The power would then be delivered to Europe through high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables.
The converter stations to operate these cables are generally more expensive than the stations associated with alternating current cables, but HVDC cables are far better at conserving power over long distances.
The project could turn out to be one of the largest clean power initiatives in the world, providing 15 percent of Europe’s energy needs. But some commentators questioned the wisdom of putting renewable energy hubs in a potentially unstable part of the world, while German media appeared divided on the virtues of the project.
According to Spiegel Online, Die Welt, a conservative daily, took a positive view, writing that power from desert solar plants would turn out to be cheaper than power from solar panels installed on German roofs. Handelsblatt, a business daily, was also favorable, writing that subsidies to the desert project “would, for once, make sense.”
But the left-leaning daily newspaper Die Tageszeitung warned that a new focus on building a solar hub in Africa could become an excuse for the government to ease back on support for domestic solar projects, which it said “would be a disaster.”"
June 18, 2009, 7:45 am
European Solar Power From African Deserts?
By James Kanter
DesertecDesertec.org A German consortium is hoping to drum up support for the idea of harvesting solar power from the deserts of North Africa and transmitting it to Europe. (Click map for larger view.)
Germany has become a global leader in solar energy by building up a substantial industry at home. Can the country now repeat the feat in North Africa?
Munich Re, an insurance company, is leading efforts to garner support for a vast project, dubbed Desertec, to collect energy at solar farms in countries like Tunisia and then send it to Europe in the form of electricity. Munich Re wants other companies like the giant engineering group Siemens, Deutsche Bank, and utilities like RWE and E.ON to become involved.
Under the plan, energy would be gathered mostly using concentrating solar power, a technology that uses mirrors to harness rays from the sun to produce steam and drive turbines that make electricity. The power would then be delivered to Europe through high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables.
The converter stations to operate these cables are generally more expensive than the stations associated with alternating current cables, but HVDC cables are far better at conserving power over long distances.
The project could turn out to be one of the largest clean power initiatives in the world, providing 15 percent of Europe’s energy needs. But some commentators questioned the wisdom of putting renewable energy hubs in a potentially unstable part of the world, while German media appeared divided on the virtues of the project.
According to Spiegel Online, Die Welt, a conservative daily, took a positive view, writing that power from desert solar plants would turn out to be cheaper than power from solar panels installed on German roofs. Handelsblatt, a business daily, was also favorable, writing that subsidies to the desert project “would, for once, make sense.”
But the left-leaning daily newspaper Die Tageszeitung warned that a new focus on building a solar hub in Africa could become an excuse for the government to ease back on support for domestic solar projects, which it said “would be a disaster.”"
Monday, July 20, 2009
Obama in Ghana: The speech he should have made | Links
Obama in Ghana: The speech he should have made | Links: "A government study found that 57% of US rice farms would not have
covered their cost if they did not receive subsidies. In 2000-2003 the
average cost of production and milling of US white rice was US$415
(RM1,486) per tonne, but it was exported for just US$274 (RM981) per
tonne, a price 34% below its costs. No wonder farmers in Ghana could not
compete with imported American rice.
Another major problem facing Ghana and other African countries is the
free trade agreements (known as the Economic Partnership Agreements)
they are scheduled to sign with the European Union this year. Under the
EPA, African countries are asked to lower their tariffs to zero on 80%
of their products. Agricultural products are among those affected.
This will lock them into a trade policy that will perpetuate what the
IMF and World Bank started, with artificially cheapened imports
continuing to overwhelm the domestic food market.
Thus, if the G8 countries really want to assist Africa to boost its
domestic food production, their US$20bil in funds has to be accompanied
by a change in policies.
Unless this is done, the programme will not succeed. And Africa will
most likely continue to be blamed for its lack of good governance."
covered their cost if they did not receive subsidies. In 2000-2003 the
average cost of production and milling of US white rice was US$415
(RM1,486) per tonne, but it was exported for just US$274 (RM981) per
tonne, a price 34% below its costs. No wonder farmers in Ghana could not
compete with imported American rice.
Another major problem facing Ghana and other African countries is the
free trade agreements (known as the Economic Partnership Agreements)
they are scheduled to sign with the European Union this year. Under the
EPA, African countries are asked to lower their tariffs to zero on 80%
of their products. Agricultural products are among those affected.
This will lock them into a trade policy that will perpetuate what the
IMF and World Bank started, with artificially cheapened imports
continuing to overwhelm the domestic food market.
Thus, if the G8 countries really want to assist Africa to boost its
domestic food production, their US$20bil in funds has to be accompanied
by a change in policies.
Unless this is done, the programme will not succeed. And Africa will
most likely continue to be blamed for its lack of good governance."
26 Jun 09 - Prime Minister's Road to Copenhagen speech - Department of Energy and Climate Change
26 Jun 09 - Prime Minister's Road to Copenhagen speech - Department of Energy and Climate Change: "26 Jun 09 - Prime Minister's Roadmap to Copenhagen speech
Roadmap to Copenhagen
The Prime Minister delivered a speech on the Roadmap to Copenhagen manifesto on the challenge of climate change and development in London on Friday 26th June 2009
There are very few moments in history when nations are summoned to common decisions that will reshape the lives of every man, woman and child on the planet for generations to come. When leaders have to consider not just what will deliver fairness in their generation, but fairness between the generations too.
* the creation of the Bretton Woods architecture of the post-war economy
* the Marshall Plan that rebuilt the post-war economy of Europe.
Each of these momentous decisions required different countries to assess not only their own distinctive goals but the needs and purposes of others; to recognise that in the long term we can advance our own concerns only by seeing and serving the concerns of others too; and so to reach agreement on a common way forward, across a broad front, to achieve far more than anything one country could have achieved on its own."
Roadmap to Copenhagen
The Prime Minister delivered a speech on the Roadmap to Copenhagen manifesto on the challenge of climate change and development in London on Friday 26th June 2009
There are very few moments in history when nations are summoned to common decisions that will reshape the lives of every man, woman and child on the planet for generations to come. When leaders have to consider not just what will deliver fairness in their generation, but fairness between the generations too.
* the creation of the Bretton Woods architecture of the post-war economy
* the Marshall Plan that rebuilt the post-war economy of Europe.
Each of these momentous decisions required different countries to assess not only their own distinctive goals but the needs and purposes of others; to recognise that in the long term we can advance our own concerns only by seeing and serving the concerns of others too; and so to reach agreement on a common way forward, across a broad front, to achieve far more than anything one country could have achieved on its own."
News | The Independent UK - Hamish McRae: Here is a chance to reboot the world's development machine
News | The Independent UK - Hamish McRae: Here is a chance to reboot the world's development machine: "Hamish McRae: Here is a chance to reboot the world's development machine
Posted by The Independent
* Sunday, 19 July 2009 at 01:35 am
The first point to make is that the downturn has struck different countries is very different ways. The energy and raw material producers, by and large, have been able to sustain growth. The very poorest nations, however, which in many cases need to import food, have been devastated. Food prices soared last year, along with raw materials. It gets worse. The poorest people in those countries spend the highest proportion of their income on food, typically 60 per cent or more, so they are hit hardest of all.
You can catch a feeling for that from the surge in oil and minerals but also the surge in food and agricultural raw materials. For the first half of the past decade prices were pretty stable, then we had a gradual climb, then the astounding gyrations of the past year. But note, despite the recent declines we are not back to the pre-2005 period of calm. So it is not back to 'business as usual'.
Nor will it be. The main thrust of the UNCTAD report is that the effects of the current crisis are so severe that the world will have to re-think the whole approach to economic development. A number of things will have to happen. The least developed countries need to reduce their exposure to swings in commodity markets. They need to reduce their debt exposure. We have to figure out ways of increasing the flow of external finance, including non-governmental flows such as foreign direct investment and emigrants' remittances, both of which have been affected by the downturn. And we should be aware that while some progress has been made in aggregate by many least developed countries, often the benefits of such growth have failed to flow down to the poorest people within them."
Posted by The Independent
* Sunday, 19 July 2009 at 01:35 am
The first point to make is that the downturn has struck different countries is very different ways. The energy and raw material producers, by and large, have been able to sustain growth. The very poorest nations, however, which in many cases need to import food, have been devastated. Food prices soared last year, along with raw materials. It gets worse. The poorest people in those countries spend the highest proportion of their income on food, typically 60 per cent or more, so they are hit hardest of all.
You can catch a feeling for that from the surge in oil and minerals but also the surge in food and agricultural raw materials. For the first half of the past decade prices were pretty stable, then we had a gradual climb, then the astounding gyrations of the past year. But note, despite the recent declines we are not back to the pre-2005 period of calm. So it is not back to 'business as usual'.
Nor will it be. The main thrust of the UNCTAD report is that the effects of the current crisis are so severe that the world will have to re-think the whole approach to economic development. A number of things will have to happen. The least developed countries need to reduce their exposure to swings in commodity markets. They need to reduce their debt exposure. We have to figure out ways of increasing the flow of external finance, including non-governmental flows such as foreign direct investment and emigrants' remittances, both of which have been affected by the downturn. And we should be aware that while some progress has been made in aggregate by many least developed countries, often the benefits of such growth have failed to flow down to the poorest people within them."
India Gives Cold Shoulder to U.S. on Climate Change Emission Caps - ABC News
India Gives Cold Shoulder to U.S. on Climate Change Emission Caps - ABC News: "India's Environmental Minister Jairam Ramesh said his country would never agree to cap its carbon emissions. The United States wants such a move from the world's largest developing economies in order to curb global warming, but India and others argue it would stunt their economic growth.
'India's position, let me be clear, is that we are simply not in the position to take legally binding emissions targets,' Ramesh said."
'India's position, let me be clear, is that we are simply not in the position to take legally binding emissions targets,' Ramesh said."
15 July 09 - Press Release - UK at forefront of a low carbon economic revolution - Department of Energy and Climate Change
15 July 09 - Press Release - UK at forefront of a low carbon economic revolution - Department of Energy and Climate Change: "15 July 09 - Press Release - UK at forefront of a low carbon economic revolution
UK Low Carbon Transition PlanA comprehensive plan to move the UK onto a permanent low carbon footing and to maximise economic opportunities, growth and jobs was published by the Government today.
The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan plots out how the UK will meet the cut in emissions set out in the budget of 34% on 1990 levels by 2020. A 21% reduction has already been delivered – equivalent to cutting emissions entirely from four cities the size of London.
Transforming the country into a cleaner, greener and more prosperous place to live is at the heart of our economic plans for Building Britain’s Future and ensuring the UK is ready to take advantage of the opportunities ahead. By 2020:
* More than 1.2 million people will be in green jobs
* 7 million homes will have benefited from whole house makeovers, and more than 1.5 million households will be supported to produce their own clean energy
* 40% of electricity will be from low carbon sources, from renewables, nuclear and clean coal
* We will be importing half the amount of gas that we otherwise would
* The average new car will emit 40% less carbon than now.
The Transition Plan takes a cost effective route to reducing carbon and keeps the overall impact on the consumer to a minimum. Today’s plan will not increase average energy bills by 2015, compared to now. By 2020, the impact of ALL climate change policies, both existing and new, will be to add, on average, an additional 8% - or £92 - to today’s household bills. Since 2000 £20 billion has been spent tackling fuel poverty, assisting millions of households in the UK. The Plan includes greater powers for the regulator Ofgem to protect the consumer and, following new legislation, new resources for discounts off the bills of some of the most vulnerable households.
The Transition Plan is the most systematic response to climate change of any major developed economy, and sets the standard for others in the run up to crucial global climate talks in Copenhagen in December.
The UK Low Carbon Industrial Strategy, published alongside, sets out a series of active government interventions to support industries critical to tackling climate change. It puts workers and businesses in the UK at the forefront of massive global opportunity by targeting key industries and regions where the UK has competitive or commercial advantage, including offshore wind, marine power and carbon capture and storage. This includes the first allocations from the £405m funding for green industry and technology announced in the Budget.
Also published today are the Renewable Energy Strategy which maps out how we will deliver the UK’s target of getting 15% of all energy (electricity, heat and transport) from renewables by 2020, and the Government’s Low Carbon Transport Plan which sets out how to reduce carbon emissions from domestic transport by up to 14% over the next decade."
UK Low Carbon Transition PlanA comprehensive plan to move the UK onto a permanent low carbon footing and to maximise economic opportunities, growth and jobs was published by the Government today.
The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan plots out how the UK will meet the cut in emissions set out in the budget of 34% on 1990 levels by 2020. A 21% reduction has already been delivered – equivalent to cutting emissions entirely from four cities the size of London.
Transforming the country into a cleaner, greener and more prosperous place to live is at the heart of our economic plans for Building Britain’s Future and ensuring the UK is ready to take advantage of the opportunities ahead. By 2020:
* More than 1.2 million people will be in green jobs
* 7 million homes will have benefited from whole house makeovers, and more than 1.5 million households will be supported to produce their own clean energy
* 40% of electricity will be from low carbon sources, from renewables, nuclear and clean coal
* We will be importing half the amount of gas that we otherwise would
* The average new car will emit 40% less carbon than now.
The Transition Plan takes a cost effective route to reducing carbon and keeps the overall impact on the consumer to a minimum. Today’s plan will not increase average energy bills by 2015, compared to now. By 2020, the impact of ALL climate change policies, both existing and new, will be to add, on average, an additional 8% - or £92 - to today’s household bills. Since 2000 £20 billion has been spent tackling fuel poverty, assisting millions of households in the UK. The Plan includes greater powers for the regulator Ofgem to protect the consumer and, following new legislation, new resources for discounts off the bills of some of the most vulnerable households.
The Transition Plan is the most systematic response to climate change of any major developed economy, and sets the standard for others in the run up to crucial global climate talks in Copenhagen in December.
The UK Low Carbon Industrial Strategy, published alongside, sets out a series of active government interventions to support industries critical to tackling climate change. It puts workers and businesses in the UK at the forefront of massive global opportunity by targeting key industries and regions where the UK has competitive or commercial advantage, including offshore wind, marine power and carbon capture and storage. This includes the first allocations from the £405m funding for green industry and technology announced in the Budget.
Also published today are the Renewable Energy Strategy which maps out how we will deliver the UK’s target of getting 15% of all energy (electricity, heat and transport) from renewables by 2020, and the Government’s Low Carbon Transport Plan which sets out how to reduce carbon emissions from domestic transport by up to 14% over the next decade."
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Green Jobs Plans Could Solve 'Twin Crises'
Green Jobs Plans Could Solve 'Twin Crises' | OneWorld.net (U.S.)
According to the Worldwatch report, green jobs are "still an exception" in most developing countries, which account for some 80 percent of the world's workforce, and where nearly 500 million people still earn no more than $1 a day.
Other issues that concerned researchers include the rising level of informality in the global economy, a lack of rules and standards to help ensure decent jobs, and the fact that environmental costs are too often externalized, making it harder for green enterprises to compete.
"Given all of the uncertainties in today's world, it's time for a bold commitment and international cooperation to promote green economies that support conservation, low carbon technologies, recycling, and local communities," said Renner. "I can't see how we'll escape our twin economic and environmental crises if we don't."
Saturday, July 18, 2009
UNDP | Environment and Energy | Sustainable Energy
UNDP | Environment and Energy | Sustainable Energy: "6 November 2006 - Energizing Poverty Reduction: A Review of the Energy-Poverty Nexus in Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers - This report examines to what degree energy-poverty dynamics are reflected in the current policies and plans set forth in national poverty reduction strategies. Using 54 Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers as the basis of its analysis, the report concludes that although energy’s centrality to the MDGs is well accepted at the conceptual level - as evidenced by its recognition in various international and intergovernmental forums, including the recent 2005 World Summit – the same cannot be said so easily at the operational level, where energy is still by and large seen as a single-sector, ‘hardware’-driven issue, with limited linkages between energy service delivery and impacts on poverty reduction and the achievement of the MDGs. The present treatment of the energy-poverty nexus as observed in the reviewed PRSPs - particularly the lack of energy targets with specific timelines and the low levels of public investment being made in energy - suggests that many PRSPs fall short of supporting the achievement of national MDGs. Urgent attention is needed to redress this situation as countries try to integrate the MDGs into their PRSPs and other national development strategies."
UNDP | Environment and Energy | Sustainable Energy
UNDP | Environment and Energy | Sustainable Energy: "7 May 2007 - Ad Melkert Speech to the Commission on Sustainable Development - Speech delivered by Under Secretary-General and UNDP Associate Administrator Ad Melkert at a high-level ministerial session of CSD-15. He noted the billions who live without access to basic energy services, and their resultant entrenchment in poverty, and spoke about the nexus between the achievement of the MDGs, and the positive impact of that thrust towards alleviating the poverty entrenchment while mitigating climate change issues. Melkert additionally articulated that cooperation and harmonization among international agencies and national leadership were critical to the goal of effecting “tangible improvements to the lives of the poor.”"
Greentech Media: For Cheap Clean Energy, Go Geothermal, Study Says
Greentech Media: For Cheap Clean Energy, Go Geothermal, Study Says: "For Cheap Clean Energy, Go Geothermal, Study Says
An NYU Stern study says geothermal energy is the cheapest renewable energy out there, and could compete with coal with about $3.3 billion in government research funding.
Geothermal energy is the cheapest form of clean energy out there, with wind energy a close second - and both could become cheaper than fossil fuel-fired energy if governments will direct more research funding to them.
That's according to a new report from New York University Stern, which calls for governments to start putting more money into geothermal and wind power research to yield faster and more dramatic improvements than money put into solar research.
Geothermal energy was singled out as the cheapest renewable energy source out there, and could become competitive with coal and gas-fired power with about $3.3 billion in research and development spending, the report said.
The United States got about 2800 megawatts of geothermal energy in 2006, or 0.3 percent of the total. But it only costs 4 to 6 cents per kilowatt hour to make on average, according to DOE's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy division - close to the ultra-cheap price of energy made from coal, but without coal power's massive carbon emissions."
An NYU Stern study says geothermal energy is the cheapest renewable energy out there, and could compete with coal with about $3.3 billion in government research funding.
Geothermal energy is the cheapest form of clean energy out there, with wind energy a close second - and both could become cheaper than fossil fuel-fired energy if governments will direct more research funding to them.
That's according to a new report from New York University Stern, which calls for governments to start putting more money into geothermal and wind power research to yield faster and more dramatic improvements than money put into solar research.
Geothermal energy was singled out as the cheapest renewable energy source out there, and could become competitive with coal and gas-fired power with about $3.3 billion in research and development spending, the report said.
The United States got about 2800 megawatts of geothermal energy in 2006, or 0.3 percent of the total. But it only costs 4 to 6 cents per kilowatt hour to make on average, according to DOE's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy division - close to the ultra-cheap price of energy made from coal, but without coal power's massive carbon emissions."
UNDP | Environment and Energy | Sustainable Energy
UNDP | Environment and Energy | Sustainable Energy: "Energy is central to sustainable development and poverty reduction efforts. It affects all aspects of development -- social, economic, and environmental -- including livelihoods, access to water, agricultural productivity, health, population levels, education, and gender-related issues. None of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) can be met without major improvement in the quality and quantity of energy services in developing countries. UNDP's efforts in energy for sustainable development support the achievement of the MDGs, especially MDG 1, reducing by half the proportion of people living in poverty by 2015. Through an integrated development approach, UNDP works to help create enabling policy frameworks, develop local capacity and provide knowledge-based advisory services for expanding access to energy services for the poor."
Biofuels Could Hasten Climate Change
Biofuels Could Hasten Climate Change: "Conversion of forest to oil palm also results in significant impoverishment of both plant and animal communities. Other tropical crops suitable for biofuel use, like soybean, sugar cane and jatropha, are all likely to have similar impacts on climate and biodiversity.
“Biofuels are a bad deal for forests, wildlife and the climate if they replace tropical rain forests,” says research scientist Finn Danielsen, lead author of the study. “In fact, they hasten climate change by removing one of the world’s most efficient carbon storage tools, intact tropical rain forests.”
As countries strive to meet obligations to reduce carbon emissions under one international agreement (Kyoto Protocol), they may not only fail to meet their obligations under another (Convention on Biological Diversity) but may actually hasten global climate change.
According to the study, reducing deforestation is likely to represent a more effective climate-change mitigation strategy than converting forest for biofuel production, and it may help nations meet their international commitments to reduce biodiversity loss."
“Biofuels are a bad deal for forests, wildlife and the climate if they replace tropical rain forests,” says research scientist Finn Danielsen, lead author of the study. “In fact, they hasten climate change by removing one of the world’s most efficient carbon storage tools, intact tropical rain forests.”
As countries strive to meet obligations to reduce carbon emissions under one international agreement (Kyoto Protocol), they may not only fail to meet their obligations under another (Convention on Biological Diversity) but may actually hasten global climate change.
According to the study, reducing deforestation is likely to represent a more effective climate-change mitigation strategy than converting forest for biofuel production, and it may help nations meet their international commitments to reduce biodiversity loss."
New UF Test Could Help Third World Farmers Improve Soil, Fight Global Warming
New UF Test Could Help Third World Farmers Improve Soil, Fight Global Warming: "The process provides a cost-effective way to measure carbon in large plots of land, said James W. Jones, a distinguished professor of agricultural and biological engineering with UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Crop soils in poor countries are often carbon-depleted due to farmers' reliance on primitive agricultural practices that remove carbon -- a crucial nutrient that helps soil resist erosion and promotes plant growth -- but never replace it, Jones said.
Carbon left in soil could one day be used as part of an emissions trading program under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. But first, researchers will need to develop pilot projects to demonstrate that the amount of carbon stored in the soil can be measured accurately through time, said Sandra Brown, a senior scientist at Winrock International, a nonprofit agricultural research organization in Little Rock, Ark.
And, she said, the global warming treaty would need to be amended as well to allow richer countries to exceed their greenhouse emissions limits in exchange for investing in agriculture projects."
Crop soils in poor countries are often carbon-depleted due to farmers' reliance on primitive agricultural practices that remove carbon -- a crucial nutrient that helps soil resist erosion and promotes plant growth -- but never replace it, Jones said.
Carbon left in soil could one day be used as part of an emissions trading program under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. But first, researchers will need to develop pilot projects to demonstrate that the amount of carbon stored in the soil can be measured accurately through time, said Sandra Brown, a senior scientist at Winrock International, a nonprofit agricultural research organization in Little Rock, Ark.
And, she said, the global warming treaty would need to be amended as well to allow richer countries to exceed their greenhouse emissions limits in exchange for investing in agriculture projects."
Kyoto Treaty Is ‘Failing The World’s Poor’, Say Scientists
Kyoto Treaty Is ‘Failing The World’s Poor’, Say Scientists:
"Science News Kyoto Treaty Is ‘Failing The World’s Poor’, Say Scientists
ScienceDaily (Apr. 23, 2009) — Initiatives aimed at cutting emissions while encouraging economic development are failing the world’s poorest countries, leading scientists from Oxford University are warning.
They say that payments from rich countries to fund development schemes in poor nations are unequally distributed because investors choose stronger, more stable states like China, India and Brazil instead of much poorer nations such as Chad, Nigeria and Sudan.
In their new paper published in the first issue of the journal Climate and Development, Dr Chuks Okereke and Dr Heike Schroeder analyse the links between carbon cuts, economic development and justice for developing countries.
The paper assesses the existing initiatives for greenhouse gas reductions, such as the ‘Clean Development Mechanism’ (CDM). The CDM is part of the Kyoto climate change treaty and allows industrialised nations with emissions reduction commitments to invest in projects that reduce emissions in developing countries as an alternative to their own countries. These certified emission reduction (CER) credits, are traded and sold, and used by industrialised countries to a meet a part of their emission reduction targets.
The paper calls into question the effectiveness of these initiatives and is calling for a ‘climate justice development’ fund to be established to pay for climate change adaptation and low carbon development in poor countries, and provide insurance for investors. The scientists add that the post-Kyoto climate change agreement should be more closely tied to world trade and other international treaties.
Dr Okereke, from the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, said: ‘The current system isn’t working because it lumps too many countries together and ignores the socio-economic gulfs between them. Measures that were intended for all developing countries have ended up helping only a few. Investors only invest where they know they’ll get a return and in many cases, rich governments and private investors have been put off by political turbulence in the countries that most need help.
‘This new fund would help solve that problem. It would target the poorest and most vulnerable nations and provide insurance against political turbulence and misuse. The post-Kyoto treaty must emphasise low carbon development without neglecting adaptation; at the moment, the reverse is the case,' said Dr Schroeder, from the Environmental Change Institute.
‘Developed countries have failed the developing world on climate change. We are now looking to key developing countries like China, Mexico and Brazil to demonstrate leadership on this important issue. And they are.’
Journal reference:
1. Okereke et al. How can justice, development and climate change mitigation be reconciled for developing countries in a post-Kyoto settlement? Climate and Development, 2009; 1 (1): 10 DOI: 10.3763/cdev.2009.0008"
"Science News Kyoto Treaty Is ‘Failing The World’s Poor’, Say Scientists
ScienceDaily (Apr. 23, 2009) — Initiatives aimed at cutting emissions while encouraging economic development are failing the world’s poorest countries, leading scientists from Oxford University are warning.
They say that payments from rich countries to fund development schemes in poor nations are unequally distributed because investors choose stronger, more stable states like China, India and Brazil instead of much poorer nations such as Chad, Nigeria and Sudan.
In their new paper published in the first issue of the journal Climate and Development, Dr Chuks Okereke and Dr Heike Schroeder analyse the links between carbon cuts, economic development and justice for developing countries.
The paper assesses the existing initiatives for greenhouse gas reductions, such as the ‘Clean Development Mechanism’ (CDM). The CDM is part of the Kyoto climate change treaty and allows industrialised nations with emissions reduction commitments to invest in projects that reduce emissions in developing countries as an alternative to their own countries. These certified emission reduction (CER) credits, are traded and sold, and used by industrialised countries to a meet a part of their emission reduction targets.
The paper calls into question the effectiveness of these initiatives and is calling for a ‘climate justice development’ fund to be established to pay for climate change adaptation and low carbon development in poor countries, and provide insurance for investors. The scientists add that the post-Kyoto climate change agreement should be more closely tied to world trade and other international treaties.
Dr Okereke, from the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, said: ‘The current system isn’t working because it lumps too many countries together and ignores the socio-economic gulfs between them. Measures that were intended for all developing countries have ended up helping only a few. Investors only invest where they know they’ll get a return and in many cases, rich governments and private investors have been put off by political turbulence in the countries that most need help.
‘This new fund would help solve that problem. It would target the poorest and most vulnerable nations and provide insurance against political turbulence and misuse. The post-Kyoto treaty must emphasise low carbon development without neglecting adaptation; at the moment, the reverse is the case,' said Dr Schroeder, from the Environmental Change Institute.
‘Developed countries have failed the developing world on climate change. We are now looking to key developing countries like China, Mexico and Brazil to demonstrate leadership on this important issue. And they are.’
Journal reference:
1. Okereke et al. How can justice, development and climate change mitigation be reconciled for developing countries in a post-Kyoto settlement? Climate and Development, 2009; 1 (1): 10 DOI: 10.3763/cdev.2009.0008"
Kyoto Protocol - Encyclopedia of Earth
Kyoto Protocol - Encyclopedia of Earth: "Kyoto Protocol
Lead Author: Michael Grubb (other articles)
Article Topics: Environmental policy, Climate change and International environmental issues
This article has been reviewed and approved by the following Topic Editor: Kristen Hite (other articles)
Last Updated: May 12, 2008
The Kyoto Protocol, named after the city where it was agreed to by negotiators in December 1997, is a treaty intended to implement the objectives and principles agreed in the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The core idea is that stabilizing the atmosphere (the UNFCCC's 'ultimate objective') will require governments to agree to quantified limits on their greenhouse gas emissions, through sequential rounds of negotiations for successive 'commitment periods.'
The Protocol establishes the general architecture of sequential negotiations and defines specific first-period (2008-2012) commitments for certain industrialized countries (almost synonymous with those in Annex I to the UNFCCC), intended to fulfill the UNFCCC requirement for 'leadership' by industrialized nations. These national 'assigned amounts' limit emissions of the six main anthropogenic greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), of which CO2 accounts for about 80%) to reduce these emissions by a certain percentage of 1990 levels by the end of the first commitment period in 2012. To reach these emissions reductions targets, the Protocol offers mechanisms to increase the flexibility, reach, and efficiency of the commitments. Emissions trading allows countries to exchange emission allowances, while Joint Implementation (JI) and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) allow commitments to be offset against investments in emission-reducing projects worldwide.
The Protocol contains a range of other, more limited, provisions including national emissions reporting, a supplementarity principle, technology standards, and means for their development and transfer. It also stipulates that negotiations on future commitments should start by 2005. While the UNFCCC includes broad global participation and signatories, the Kyoto Protocol has been more politically charged and has fewer participating parties. As of June 2007, 175 nations were parties to the Kyoto Protocol, representing approximately 60 percent of the global emissions for Annex I countries. Although the US government, under then-President William J. Clinton, signed (and designed significant portions of) the Treaty, it was never submitted to the Senate for ratification. U.S. President George W. Bush later repudiated the Protocol. Consequently, although the U.S. is the largest greenhouse gas emitter in Annex I, it is not a party to the Kyoto Protocol.
Following a long drawn-out ratification decision by Russia, Kyoto entered into force on 16 February 2005, with about 130 countries having ratified. Australia has also refused to ratify but says it intends to fulfill its emissions target and will participate in negotiations on subsequent commitments.
Further Reading
* UNFCCC. Kyoto Protocol: Full Text.
* U.S. Energy Information Administration. Summary of the Kyoto Report.
Citation
Grubb, Michael (Lead Author); Kristen Hite (Topic Editor). 2008. 'Kyoto Protocol.' In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth September 7, 2007; Last revised May 12, 2008; Retrieved July 17, 2009]. <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Kyoto_Protocol>"
Lead Author: Michael Grubb (other articles)
Article Topics: Environmental policy, Climate change and International environmental issues
This article has been reviewed and approved by the following Topic Editor: Kristen Hite (other articles)
Last Updated: May 12, 2008
The Kyoto Protocol, named after the city where it was agreed to by negotiators in December 1997, is a treaty intended to implement the objectives and principles agreed in the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The core idea is that stabilizing the atmosphere (the UNFCCC's 'ultimate objective') will require governments to agree to quantified limits on their greenhouse gas emissions, through sequential rounds of negotiations for successive 'commitment periods.'
The Protocol establishes the general architecture of sequential negotiations and defines specific first-period (2008-2012) commitments for certain industrialized countries (almost synonymous with those in Annex I to the UNFCCC), intended to fulfill the UNFCCC requirement for 'leadership' by industrialized nations. These national 'assigned amounts' limit emissions of the six main anthropogenic greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), of which CO2 accounts for about 80%) to reduce these emissions by a certain percentage of 1990 levels by the end of the first commitment period in 2012. To reach these emissions reductions targets, the Protocol offers mechanisms to increase the flexibility, reach, and efficiency of the commitments. Emissions trading allows countries to exchange emission allowances, while Joint Implementation (JI) and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) allow commitments to be offset against investments in emission-reducing projects worldwide.
The Protocol contains a range of other, more limited, provisions including national emissions reporting, a supplementarity principle, technology standards, and means for their development and transfer. It also stipulates that negotiations on future commitments should start by 2005. While the UNFCCC includes broad global participation and signatories, the Kyoto Protocol has been more politically charged and has fewer participating parties. As of June 2007, 175 nations were parties to the Kyoto Protocol, representing approximately 60 percent of the global emissions for Annex I countries. Although the US government, under then-President William J. Clinton, signed (and designed significant portions of) the Treaty, it was never submitted to the Senate for ratification. U.S. President George W. Bush later repudiated the Protocol. Consequently, although the U.S. is the largest greenhouse gas emitter in Annex I, it is not a party to the Kyoto Protocol.
Following a long drawn-out ratification decision by Russia, Kyoto entered into force on 16 February 2005, with about 130 countries having ratified. Australia has also refused to ratify but says it intends to fulfill its emissions target and will participate in negotiations on subsequent commitments.
Further Reading
* UNFCCC. Kyoto Protocol: Full Text.
* U.S. Energy Information Administration. Summary of the Kyoto Report.
Citation
Grubb, Michael (Lead Author); Kristen Hite (Topic Editor). 2008. 'Kyoto Protocol.' In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth September 7, 2007; Last revised May 12, 2008; Retrieved July 17, 2009]. <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Kyoto_Protocol>"
Common but differentiated responsibility - Encyclopedia of Earth
Common but differentiated responsibility - Encyclopedia of Earth: "Common but Differentiated Responsibility and Sustainable Development
The recognition of the importance of the inextricable links that tie the CBDR to all three pillars of sustainable development (environmental protection, economic development and social progress) brings forth the understanding that the historical responsibilities for environmental degradation are but one of a larger set of consequences stemming from an unequal distribution of the benefits deriving from the exploitation of natural resources along the North-South axis, and the second sentence of Principle 7 of the Rio Declaration clearly provides a normative framework in this respect: 'The developed countries acknowledge the responsibility that they bear in the international pursuit of sustainable development in view of the pressures their societies place on the global environment and of the technologies and financial resources they command'.
The International Law Association in its 2002 New Delhi Declaration of Principles of International Law Relating to Sustainable Development, maintains that the principle entails 'a duty to co-operate in the achievement of global sustainable development,' and requires the recognition of 'the special needs and interests of developing countries and of countries with economies in transition,' and those 'affected adversely by environmental, social and developmental considerations.'
Application of the principle in the Climate Regime
The practical consequences of the CBDR are that differential obligations are imposed on the parties to a Multilateral Environmental Agreement. The prime example is the Kyoto Protocol, where only countries listed in Annex I (developed countries and countries with economy in transition) have quantified emissions reduction obligations under the agreement. Additionally, the UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol establish general obligations of cooperation towards technology transfer, and provide for financial assistance for mitigation and adaptation to developing countries through the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). The GEF operates two funds under the UNFCCC, the Special Climate Change Fund and the Least Developed Countries Fund; it also operates the Kyoto Protocol Adaptation Fund. These are all mechanisms aimed at operationalizing the CBDR.
The preamble of the UNFCCC acknowledges 'that the global nature of climate change calls for the widest possible cooperation by all countries and their participation in an effective and appropriate international response, in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and their social and economic conditions'. Article 3(1) of the Convention adds the leadership role that developed countries should take, and after reaffirming the principle of common but differentiated responsibility, it states that 'the developed country Parties should take the lead in combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof.'"
The recognition of the importance of the inextricable links that tie the CBDR to all three pillars of sustainable development (environmental protection, economic development and social progress) brings forth the understanding that the historical responsibilities for environmental degradation are but one of a larger set of consequences stemming from an unequal distribution of the benefits deriving from the exploitation of natural resources along the North-South axis, and the second sentence of Principle 7 of the Rio Declaration clearly provides a normative framework in this respect: 'The developed countries acknowledge the responsibility that they bear in the international pursuit of sustainable development in view of the pressures their societies place on the global environment and of the technologies and financial resources they command'.
The International Law Association in its 2002 New Delhi Declaration of Principles of International Law Relating to Sustainable Development, maintains that the principle entails 'a duty to co-operate in the achievement of global sustainable development,' and requires the recognition of 'the special needs and interests of developing countries and of countries with economies in transition,' and those 'affected adversely by environmental, social and developmental considerations.'
Application of the principle in the Climate Regime
The practical consequences of the CBDR are that differential obligations are imposed on the parties to a Multilateral Environmental Agreement. The prime example is the Kyoto Protocol, where only countries listed in Annex I (developed countries and countries with economy in transition) have quantified emissions reduction obligations under the agreement. Additionally, the UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol establish general obligations of cooperation towards technology transfer, and provide for financial assistance for mitigation and adaptation to developing countries through the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). The GEF operates two funds under the UNFCCC, the Special Climate Change Fund and the Least Developed Countries Fund; it also operates the Kyoto Protocol Adaptation Fund. These are all mechanisms aimed at operationalizing the CBDR.
The preamble of the UNFCCC acknowledges 'that the global nature of climate change calls for the widest possible cooperation by all countries and their participation in an effective and appropriate international response, in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and their social and economic conditions'. Article 3(1) of the Convention adds the leadership role that developed countries should take, and after reaffirming the principle of common but differentiated responsibility, it states that 'the developed country Parties should take the lead in combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof.'"
.: Capital News :.
.: Capital News :.: "Kenya Climate Change Working Group Convenor, Susy Wandera said the continent now needed a better deal at the upcoming Copenhagen meeting.
“Africa has only about three percent of the CDM projects. What we want now is funding in the adaptation fund and we don’t want donor institutions like the World Bank to control those funds,” she said.
She expressed fear that if the donor agencies controlled the funds, they would create obstacles and the intended recipients of the money; in this case the communities would not receive it."
“Africa has only about three percent of the CDM projects. What we want now is funding in the adaptation fund and we don’t want donor institutions like the World Bank to control those funds,” she said.
She expressed fear that if the donor agencies controlled the funds, they would create obstacles and the intended recipients of the money; in this case the communities would not receive it."
.: Capital News :.
.: Capital News :.: "“Our advantage is that when you lead such a course it means that you are going to be recognised globally and that means that when it comes to climate change, when people need intervention on a global level, whether it is the European Union or World Bank, they will always focus on Kenya,” Ms Shebesh added.
She said African parliamentarians would also lead the way through a campaign dubbed ‘Black and Green’ to sensitise people on Climate Change.
‘Black’ would stand for the African people while ‘Green’ is the environment.
“This campaign is going to be launched in South Africa because that is where the Pan African Parliament sits but Kenya is going to be the pilot and show case of how the ‘Black and Green’ initiative can work in a country,” said the MP."
She said African parliamentarians would also lead the way through a campaign dubbed ‘Black and Green’ to sensitise people on Climate Change.
‘Black’ would stand for the African people while ‘Green’ is the environment.
“This campaign is going to be launched in South Africa because that is where the Pan African Parliament sits but Kenya is going to be the pilot and show case of how the ‘Black and Green’ initiative can work in a country,” said the MP."
Kenya prepares for climate change - COP15 United Nations Climate Change Conference Copenhagen 2009
Kenya prepares for climate change - COP15 United Nations Climate Change Conference Copenhagen 2009: "“You know planning is everything. You cannot have a Vision 2030 that doesn’t incorporate the risk factor (from climate change). What if we don’t have a good crop. What if we have locusts invading our farms, or any other disaster,” nominated MP Rachael Shebesh tells Capital News."
ACT ON CO2 | Home
ACT ON CO2 | Home: "Featured today
Met Office publication Warming: Climate change - the factsClimate change – your essential guide
Download the Met Office booklet on climate change."
Met Office publication Warming: Climate change - the factsClimate change – your essential guide
Download the Met Office booklet on climate change."
Western Institutions Bankrolling Dirty Power in Developing Countries | SolveClimate.com
Western Institutions Bankrolling Dirty Power in Developing Countries | SolveClimate.com: "Western Institutions Bankrolling Dirty Power in Developing Countries
by Mindy S. Lubber - Jul 15th, 2009
in
* No More Dirty Coal
* ADB
* Big Business
* Clean Tech Sector
* Coal
* Developing Nations
* Environmentalists
* Investors
* World Bank
In Washington, it's a popular climate conundrum everyone talks about: Even if the U.S. lowers its greenhouse gas emissions, China and India are on track to dwarf the entire western world's as they build enormous coal-fired power plants. Politicians of all stripes regularly say we must get China and India to use less coal, the dirtiest of fossil fuels, to power their emerging economies.
But who do you think is financing all these new coal plants in the developing world?
Try the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other international public financial institutions supported by the world's wealthiest nations."
by Mindy S. Lubber - Jul 15th, 2009
in
* No More Dirty Coal
* ADB
* Big Business
* Clean Tech Sector
* Coal
* Developing Nations
* Environmentalists
* Investors
* World Bank
In Washington, it's a popular climate conundrum everyone talks about: Even if the U.S. lowers its greenhouse gas emissions, China and India are on track to dwarf the entire western world's as they build enormous coal-fired power plants. Politicians of all stripes regularly say we must get China and India to use less coal, the dirtiest of fossil fuels, to power their emerging economies.
But who do you think is financing all these new coal plants in the developing world?
Try the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other international public financial institutions supported by the world's wealthiest nations."
Worldchanging: Bright Green: Climate Follies: Bankrolling Dirty Power in Developing Countries
Worldchanging: Bright Green: Climate Follies: Bankrolling Dirty Power in Developing Countries: "Why then does it finance coal? Here's what the World Bank's Chief Economist has to say: 'Because coal is often cheap and abundant, and the need for electricity is so great, coal plants are going to be built with or without our support. Without our support, it is the cheaper, dirtier type of coal plants that will proliferate.'
Not true says the Center for Global Development. It says most new coal plants that are built without World Bank funds, at least in India, ARE the cleaner, so-called 'supercritical' type because the operating and fuel costs of the supercritical coal plants are cheaper.
More to the point, supercritical coal plants are only slightly cleaner, producing about 15 percent less C02 than traditional coal plants, according to EDF. They are still not as clean as even a natural gas-fired plant.
Which leads me to alternatives. Clearly, bringing electricity to the world's poor is a goal we can all get behind, but there's a better way to do it: Renewables, energy efficiency and grid modernization. International financial institutions should be scaling up their support for these rather than financing coal.
Today the Bank spends twice as much on fossil fuel projects as new renewable energy and energy efficiency projects combined and five times as much as new renewables alone.
That's a missed opportunity when large-scale renewables are so feasible in the developing world. Take Gujarat State in India, where a monstrous 4,000-megawatt coal-fired plant, the Tata Mundra, is being built with World Bank support. More than 7,000 megawatts of renewable energy are also in the works there -- with no help from international development banks. AES, a US based energy company, is constructing a $1.2 billion 1,000 megawatt solar thermal array as part of that plan.
Think how many more renewable energy projects could be built if public international financial institutions changed their lending priorities.
Equally important, international financial institutions must also tighten the definition of 'low carbon.' Supercritical coal plants now meet that feeble standard, which gives the World Bank's claim that 40 percent of its energy lending is 'low carbon' a hollow ring.
These reforms are imperative, for if we do not slow the rise of CO2 emissions from coal in the developing world, no amount of emissions cuts in industrialized nations will make a difference.
Mindy Lubber is president of Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and other public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change.
This piece originally appeared in The Huffington Post"
Not true says the Center for Global Development. It says most new coal plants that are built without World Bank funds, at least in India, ARE the cleaner, so-called 'supercritical' type because the operating and fuel costs of the supercritical coal plants are cheaper.
More to the point, supercritical coal plants are only slightly cleaner, producing about 15 percent less C02 than traditional coal plants, according to EDF. They are still not as clean as even a natural gas-fired plant.
Which leads me to alternatives. Clearly, bringing electricity to the world's poor is a goal we can all get behind, but there's a better way to do it: Renewables, energy efficiency and grid modernization. International financial institutions should be scaling up their support for these rather than financing coal.
Today the Bank spends twice as much on fossil fuel projects as new renewable energy and energy efficiency projects combined and five times as much as new renewables alone.
That's a missed opportunity when large-scale renewables are so feasible in the developing world. Take Gujarat State in India, where a monstrous 4,000-megawatt coal-fired plant, the Tata Mundra, is being built with World Bank support. More than 7,000 megawatts of renewable energy are also in the works there -- with no help from international development banks. AES, a US based energy company, is constructing a $1.2 billion 1,000 megawatt solar thermal array as part of that plan.
Think how many more renewable energy projects could be built if public international financial institutions changed their lending priorities.
Equally important, international financial institutions must also tighten the definition of 'low carbon.' Supercritical coal plants now meet that feeble standard, which gives the World Bank's claim that 40 percent of its energy lending is 'low carbon' a hollow ring.
These reforms are imperative, for if we do not slow the rise of CO2 emissions from coal in the developing world, no amount of emissions cuts in industrialized nations will make a difference.
Mindy Lubber is president of Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and other public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change.
This piece originally appeared in The Huffington Post"
BusinessWorld Online: Strategic Perspective -- By Rene B. Azurin: "No deal on a warming planet"
BusinessWorld Online: Strategic Perspective -- By Rene B. Azurin: "No deal on a warming planet": "Thursday, July 16, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
FREE PREVIEW
Opinion
Strategic Perspective
By Rene B. Azurin
No deal on a warming planet
In game theory, a player who can avoid sharing in the cost of achieving an outcome the benefits from which he cannot be prevented from enjoying anyhow profits the most. This unfair reality is why talks among leaders of 17 developed and (large) developing countries at L’Aquila in Italy last week ended up in no deal yet on global warming. If all countries save a few agree to share the burden of solving the problem and the problem is solved, all benefit, and the few who refused the burden benefit more than the others."
FREE PREVIEW
Opinion
Strategic Perspective
By Rene B. Azurin
No deal on a warming planet
In game theory, a player who can avoid sharing in the cost of achieving an outcome the benefits from which he cannot be prevented from enjoying anyhow profits the most. This unfair reality is why talks among leaders of 17 developed and (large) developing countries at L’Aquila in Italy last week ended up in no deal yet on global warming. If all countries save a few agree to share the burden of solving the problem and the problem is solved, all benefit, and the few who refused the burden benefit more than the others."
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: U.S. regains some footing - National voices - Merced Sun-Star
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: U.S. regains some footing - National voices - Merced Sun-Star: "In his speech in L'Aquila, Italy, Obama said the G-8's collective effort on climate change was an important start, but that reaching the goals 'would not be easy.'
That's a gigantic understatement. Finding common ground on reducing pollution and creating new alternative energy sources among rich nations and poor ones would be difficult enough if the world economy were booming.
Doing so in the teeth of a severe global recession is a jigsaw puzzle of competing geopolitical interests.
Poor nations see no reason to limit the kind of carbon fuel-based industries that are key to their development if wealthier nations won't do so first. To convince them otherwise might require heavy subsidies that developed nations say they can't afford.
Diplomatic progress often is measured in millimeters, and so it was on this trip. But the G-8's agreement, however hesitant, on global climate change is important, as is the step toward reducing the world's nuclear arsenal. Distracted Americans should pause and take note."
That's a gigantic understatement. Finding common ground on reducing pollution and creating new alternative energy sources among rich nations and poor ones would be difficult enough if the world economy were booming.
Doing so in the teeth of a severe global recession is a jigsaw puzzle of competing geopolitical interests.
Poor nations see no reason to limit the kind of carbon fuel-based industries that are key to their development if wealthier nations won't do so first. To convince them otherwise might require heavy subsidies that developed nations say they can't afford.
Diplomatic progress often is measured in millimeters, and so it was on this trip. But the G-8's agreement, however hesitant, on global climate change is important, as is the step toward reducing the world's nuclear arsenal. Distracted Americans should pause and take note."
Questions remain for developing world over Miliband energy plan | Ekklesia
Questions remain for developing world over Miliband energy plan | Ekklesia: "Questions remain for developing world over Miliband energy plan
By agency reporter
15 Jul 2009
New government plans to dramatically boost renewable energy in the UK and cut greenhouse gas emissions are extremely encouraging, says Christian Aid.
However, the development agency fears that the package announced today by Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, may not protect people in developing countries who are already suffering the effects of climate change.
“The government’s plans are good news for UK energy security, jobs and progress towards a low-carbon economy,” said Christian Aid climate policy expert Alison Doig.
“Our fear is that they will not achieve enough to help keep the global temperature rise below 2C and safeguard people in developing countries from dangerous climate change.
“We also question whether, by aiming at cuts of only 34 per cent by 2020, the Government has shown enough ambition to inspire courageous commitments by other industrialised countries in the talks leading up to the UN climate conference in Copenhagen.
“If ministers are serious about leading the world on global warming, then they need to lead for everyone – not just rich countries.”
Dr Doig added: “We are concerned that carbon markets remain a central plank of government plans for achieving its carbon budget targets. This opens the door to offsetting – which is a permit to pollute, shifting the burden of our emissions reductions on to poor countries, so we can continue with business as usual.”"
By agency reporter
15 Jul 2009
New government plans to dramatically boost renewable energy in the UK and cut greenhouse gas emissions are extremely encouraging, says Christian Aid.
However, the development agency fears that the package announced today by Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, may not protect people in developing countries who are already suffering the effects of climate change.
“The government’s plans are good news for UK energy security, jobs and progress towards a low-carbon economy,” said Christian Aid climate policy expert Alison Doig.
“Our fear is that they will not achieve enough to help keep the global temperature rise below 2C and safeguard people in developing countries from dangerous climate change.
“We also question whether, by aiming at cuts of only 34 per cent by 2020, the Government has shown enough ambition to inspire courageous commitments by other industrialised countries in the talks leading up to the UN climate conference in Copenhagen.
“If ministers are serious about leading the world on global warming, then they need to lead for everyone – not just rich countries.”
Dr Doig added: “We are concerned that carbon markets remain a central plank of government plans for achieving its carbon budget targets. This opens the door to offsetting – which is a permit to pollute, shifting the burden of our emissions reductions on to poor countries, so we can continue with business as usual.”"
New Method May Help Allocate Carbon Emissions Responsibility Among Nations
New Method May Help Allocate Carbon Emissions Responsibility Among Nations: "New Method May Help Allocate Carbon Emissions Responsibility Among Nations
ScienceDaily (July 15, 2009) — Just months before world leaders are scheduled to meet to devise a new international treaty on climate change, a research team led by Princeton University scientists has developed a new way of dividing responsibility for carbon emissions among countries."
ScienceDaily (July 15, 2009) — Just months before world leaders are scheduled to meet to devise a new international treaty on climate change, a research team led by Princeton University scientists has developed a new way of dividing responsibility for carbon emissions among countries."
Questions remain for developing world over Miliband energy plan | Ekklesia
Questions remain for developing world over Miliband energy plan | Ekklesia: "New government plans to dramatically boost renewable energy in the UK and cut greenhouse gas emissions are extremely encouraging, says Christian Aid.
However, the development agency fears that the package announced today by Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, may not protect people in developing countries who are already suffering the effects of climate change."
However, the development agency fears that the package announced today by Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, may not protect people in developing countries who are already suffering the effects of climate change."
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Kyoto Protocol - Encyclopedia of Earth
Kyoto Protocol - Encyclopedia of Earth: "Kyoto Protocol
Lead Author: Michael Grubb (other articles)
Article Topics: Environmental policy, Climate change and International environmental issues
This article has been reviewed and approved by the following Topic Editor: Kristen Hite (other articles)
Last Updated: May 12, 2008
The Kyoto Protocol, named after the city where it was agreed to by negotiators in December 1997, is a treaty intended to implement the objectives and principles agreed in the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The core idea is that stabilizing the atmosphere (the UNFCCC's 'ultimate objective') will require governments to agree to quantified limits on their greenhouse gas emissions, through sequential rounds of negotiations for successive 'commitment periods.'
The Protocol establishes the general architecture of sequential negotiations and defines specific first-period (2008-2012) commitments for certain industrialized countries (almost synonymous with those in Annex I to the UNFCCC), intended to fulfill the UNFCCC requirement for 'leadership' by industrialized nations. These national 'assigned amounts' limit emissions of the six main anthropogenic greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), of which CO2 accounts for about 80%) to reduce these emissions by a certain percentage of 1990 levels by the end of the first commitment period in 2012. To reach these emissions reductions targets, the Protocol offers mechanisms to increase the flexibility, reach, and efficiency of the commitments. Emissions trading allows countries to exchange emission allowances, while Joint Implementation (JI) and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) allow commitments to be offset against investments in emission-reducing projects worldwide.
The Protocol contains a range of other, more limited, provisions including national emissions reporting, a supplementarity principle, technology standards, and means for their development and transfer. It also stipulates that negotiations on future commitments should start by 2005. While the UNFCCC includes broad global participation and signatories, the Kyoto Protocol has been more politically charged and has fewer participating parties. As of June 2007, 175 nations were parties to the Kyoto Protocol, representing approximately 60 percent of the global emissions for Annex I countries. Although the US government, under then-President William J. Clinton, signed (and designed significant portions of) the Treaty, it was never submitted to the Senate for ratification. U.S. President George W. Bush later repudiated the Protocol. Consequently, although the U.S. is the largest greenhouse gas emitter in Annex I, it is not a party to the Kyoto Protocol.
Following a long drawn-out ratification decision by Russia, Kyoto entered into force on 16 February 2005, with about 130 countries having ratified. Australia has also refused to ratify but says it intends to fulfill its emissions target and will participate in negotiations on subsequent commitments."
Lead Author: Michael Grubb (other articles)
Article Topics: Environmental policy, Climate change and International environmental issues
This article has been reviewed and approved by the following Topic Editor: Kristen Hite (other articles)
Last Updated: May 12, 2008
The Kyoto Protocol, named after the city where it was agreed to by negotiators in December 1997, is a treaty intended to implement the objectives and principles agreed in the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The core idea is that stabilizing the atmosphere (the UNFCCC's 'ultimate objective') will require governments to agree to quantified limits on their greenhouse gas emissions, through sequential rounds of negotiations for successive 'commitment periods.'
The Protocol establishes the general architecture of sequential negotiations and defines specific first-period (2008-2012) commitments for certain industrialized countries (almost synonymous with those in Annex I to the UNFCCC), intended to fulfill the UNFCCC requirement for 'leadership' by industrialized nations. These national 'assigned amounts' limit emissions of the six main anthropogenic greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), of which CO2 accounts for about 80%) to reduce these emissions by a certain percentage of 1990 levels by the end of the first commitment period in 2012. To reach these emissions reductions targets, the Protocol offers mechanisms to increase the flexibility, reach, and efficiency of the commitments. Emissions trading allows countries to exchange emission allowances, while Joint Implementation (JI) and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) allow commitments to be offset against investments in emission-reducing projects worldwide.
The Protocol contains a range of other, more limited, provisions including national emissions reporting, a supplementarity principle, technology standards, and means for their development and transfer. It also stipulates that negotiations on future commitments should start by 2005. While the UNFCCC includes broad global participation and signatories, the Kyoto Protocol has been more politically charged and has fewer participating parties. As of June 2007, 175 nations were parties to the Kyoto Protocol, representing approximately 60 percent of the global emissions for Annex I countries. Although the US government, under then-President William J. Clinton, signed (and designed significant portions of) the Treaty, it was never submitted to the Senate for ratification. U.S. President George W. Bush later repudiated the Protocol. Consequently, although the U.S. is the largest greenhouse gas emitter in Annex I, it is not a party to the Kyoto Protocol.
Following a long drawn-out ratification decision by Russia, Kyoto entered into force on 16 February 2005, with about 130 countries having ratified. Australia has also refused to ratify but says it intends to fulfill its emissions target and will participate in negotiations on subsequent commitments."
Common but differentiated responsibility - Encyclopedia of Earth
Common but differentiated responsibility - Encyclopedia of Earth: "Application of the principle in the Climate Regime
The practical consequences of the CBDR are that differential obligations are imposed on the parties to a Multilateral Environmental Agreement. The prime example is the Kyoto Protocol, where only countries listed in Annex I (developed countries and countries with economy in transition) have quantified emissions reduction obligations under the agreement. Additionally, the UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol establish general obligations of cooperation towards technology transfer, and provide for financial assistance for mitigation and adaptation to developing countries through the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). The GEF operates two funds under the UNFCCC, the Special Climate Change Fund and the Least Developed Countries Fund; it also operates the Kyoto Protocol Adaptation Fund. These are all mechanisms aimed at operationalizing the CBDR.
The preamble of the UNFCCC acknowledges 'that the global nature of climate change calls for the widest possible cooperation by all countries and their participation in an effective and appropriate international response, in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and their social and economic conditions'. Article 3(1) of the Convention adds the leadership role that developed countries should take, and after reaffirming the principle of common but differentiated responsibility, it states that 'the developed country Parties should take the lead in combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof.'"
The practical consequences of the CBDR are that differential obligations are imposed on the parties to a Multilateral Environmental Agreement. The prime example is the Kyoto Protocol, where only countries listed in Annex I (developed countries and countries with economy in transition) have quantified emissions reduction obligations under the agreement. Additionally, the UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol establish general obligations of cooperation towards technology transfer, and provide for financial assistance for mitigation and adaptation to developing countries through the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). The GEF operates two funds under the UNFCCC, the Special Climate Change Fund and the Least Developed Countries Fund; it also operates the Kyoto Protocol Adaptation Fund. These are all mechanisms aimed at operationalizing the CBDR.
The preamble of the UNFCCC acknowledges 'that the global nature of climate change calls for the widest possible cooperation by all countries and their participation in an effective and appropriate international response, in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and their social and economic conditions'. Article 3(1) of the Convention adds the leadership role that developed countries should take, and after reaffirming the principle of common but differentiated responsibility, it states that 'the developed country Parties should take the lead in combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof.'"
India should take global climate change lead: British expert
India should take global climate change lead: British expert: "Stern said India should make the following four demands upon rich industrialized countries:-
- strong performance toward meeting their targets for 2020, 2025 and 2030, with reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 80 percent by 2050 with a 1990 baseline;
- financial support through the markets and elsewhere for actions taken in the developing world, and strong support in the battle against deforestation;
- the development of new green technologies, which should be shared with developing countries; and
- substantial assistance to developing countries to help them adapt to the impact of climate change over the next few decades.
He said the annual flow of finance from rich countries to the developed world should be in the region of $200 billion per year by the 2020s."
- strong performance toward meeting their targets for 2020, 2025 and 2030, with reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 80 percent by 2050 with a 1990 baseline;
- financial support through the markets and elsewhere for actions taken in the developing world, and strong support in the battle against deforestation;
- the development of new green technologies, which should be shared with developing countries; and
- substantial assistance to developing countries to help them adapt to the impact of climate change over the next few decades.
He said the annual flow of finance from rich countries to the developed world should be in the region of $200 billion per year by the 2020s."
Climate Change: Challenge, Opportunity and Justice
Foresight » Readers » USA » Climate Change: Challenge, Opportunity and Justice: "Climate Change: Challenge, Opportunity and Justice
Chandrashekhar Dasgupta
The threat of climate change cannot be met without a truly revolutionary transformation of the energy sector. Ever since the 18th century, with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, human beings have been burning increasing quantities of hydrocarbon fuels, particularly coal and petroleum. The progressive accumulation in the atmosphere of the carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the use of these fuels is the main cause of global warming. Thus, tackling climate change requires a massive shift of tectonic proportions from hydrocarbons to renewable energy (solar, wind, tidal, etc) and nuclear energy. Currently available technologies permit only limited applications of renewable energy. Major technological breakthroughs are needed for the transformational shift to renewable energy that is now imperative.
Energy security considerations powerfully reinforce the case for a shift from oil to renewable energy. Unlike coal, global petroleum reserves are heavily concentrated in politically unstable, volatile or conflict-prone countries. Oil prices have been subject to sharp fluctuations. Most industrialised countries tend to be net importers of oil. Energy security calls for reduced dependence on a commodity whose price and assured availability is subject to significant uncertainty.
In fact, long before climate change appeared on the international agenda, energy security concerns led the United States to perceive the importance of renewable energy. 'Oil dependence is a problem we can solve. We have the political consensus and the technological opportunity. This is a moment to seize', declared President Nixon in January 1974, after the embargo imposed by the Arab states in the previous year drove up oil prices from three to eleven dollars per barrel. To perceive the national interest is one thing; to act upon it is another. For the past quarter century, despite periodic reaffirmations, the United States has failed to translate this vision of energy security into reality. Vested interests in the oil industry have triumphed over the declared national interest of the United States. In recent years, concerns about climate change have added to existing anxieties about energy security and now is the time for a massive shift to renewable energy."
Chandrashekhar Dasgupta
The threat of climate change cannot be met without a truly revolutionary transformation of the energy sector. Ever since the 18th century, with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, human beings have been burning increasing quantities of hydrocarbon fuels, particularly coal and petroleum. The progressive accumulation in the atmosphere of the carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the use of these fuels is the main cause of global warming. Thus, tackling climate change requires a massive shift of tectonic proportions from hydrocarbons to renewable energy (solar, wind, tidal, etc) and nuclear energy. Currently available technologies permit only limited applications of renewable energy. Major technological breakthroughs are needed for the transformational shift to renewable energy that is now imperative.
Energy security considerations powerfully reinforce the case for a shift from oil to renewable energy. Unlike coal, global petroleum reserves are heavily concentrated in politically unstable, volatile or conflict-prone countries. Oil prices have been subject to sharp fluctuations. Most industrialised countries tend to be net importers of oil. Energy security calls for reduced dependence on a commodity whose price and assured availability is subject to significant uncertainty.
In fact, long before climate change appeared on the international agenda, energy security concerns led the United States to perceive the importance of renewable energy. 'Oil dependence is a problem we can solve. We have the political consensus and the technological opportunity. This is a moment to seize', declared President Nixon in January 1974, after the embargo imposed by the Arab states in the previous year drove up oil prices from three to eleven dollars per barrel. To perceive the national interest is one thing; to act upon it is another. For the past quarter century, despite periodic reaffirmations, the United States has failed to translate this vision of energy security into reality. Vested interests in the oil industry have triumphed over the declared national interest of the United States. In recent years, concerns about climate change have added to existing anxieties about energy security and now is the time for a massive shift to renewable energy."
15 July 09 - Press Release - UK at forefront of a low carbon economic revolution - Department of Energy and Climate Change
15 July 09 - Press Release - UK at forefront of a low carbon economic revolution - Department of Energy and Climate Change: "15 July 09 - Press Release - UK at forefront of a low carbon economic revolution
UK Low Carbon Transition PlanA comprehensive plan to move the UK onto a permanent low carbon footing and to maximise economic opportunities, growth and jobs was published by the Government today.
The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan plots out how the UK will meet the cut in emissions set out in the budget of 34% on 1990 levels by 2020. A 21% reduction has already been delivered – equivalent to cutting emissions entirely from four cities the size of London.
Transforming the country into a cleaner, greener and more prosperous place to live is at the heart of our economic plans for Building Britain’s Future and ensuring the UK is ready to take advantage of the opportunities ahead. By 2020:
* More than 1.2 million people will be in green jobs
* 7 million homes will have benefited from whole house makeovers, and more than 1.5 million households will be supported to produce their own clean energy
* 40% of electricity will be from low carbon sources, from renewables, nuclear and clean coal
* We will be importing half the amount of gas that we otherwise would
* The average new car will emit 40% less carbon than now.
The Transition Plan takes a cost effective route to reducing carbon and keeps the overall impact on the consumer to a minimum. Today’s plan will not increase average energy bills by 2015, compared to now. By 2020, the impact of ALL climate change policies, both existing and new, will be to add, on average, an additional 8% - or £92 - to today’s household bills. Since 2000 £20 billion has been spent tackling fuel poverty, assisting millions of households in the UK. The Plan includes greater powers for the regulator Ofgem to protect the consumer and, following new legislation, new resources for discounts off the bills of some of the most vulnerable households.
The Transition Plan is the most systematic response to climate change of any major developed economy, and sets the standard for others in the run up to crucial global climate talks in Copenhagen in December."
UK Low Carbon Transition PlanA comprehensive plan to move the UK onto a permanent low carbon footing and to maximise economic opportunities, growth and jobs was published by the Government today.
The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan plots out how the UK will meet the cut in emissions set out in the budget of 34% on 1990 levels by 2020. A 21% reduction has already been delivered – equivalent to cutting emissions entirely from four cities the size of London.
Transforming the country into a cleaner, greener and more prosperous place to live is at the heart of our economic plans for Building Britain’s Future and ensuring the UK is ready to take advantage of the opportunities ahead. By 2020:
* More than 1.2 million people will be in green jobs
* 7 million homes will have benefited from whole house makeovers, and more than 1.5 million households will be supported to produce their own clean energy
* 40% of electricity will be from low carbon sources, from renewables, nuclear and clean coal
* We will be importing half the amount of gas that we otherwise would
* The average new car will emit 40% less carbon than now.
The Transition Plan takes a cost effective route to reducing carbon and keeps the overall impact on the consumer to a minimum. Today’s plan will not increase average energy bills by 2015, compared to now. By 2020, the impact of ALL climate change policies, both existing and new, will be to add, on average, an additional 8% - or £92 - to today’s household bills. Since 2000 £20 billion has been spent tackling fuel poverty, assisting millions of households in the UK. The Plan includes greater powers for the regulator Ofgem to protect the consumer and, following new legislation, new resources for discounts off the bills of some of the most vulnerable households.
The Transition Plan is the most systematic response to climate change of any major developed economy, and sets the standard for others in the run up to crucial global climate talks in Copenhagen in December."
Global crisis, a chance for education - Tunisian Minister
Global crisis, a chance for education - Tunisian Minister: "Global crisis, a chance for education - Tunisian Minister
News - Africa news
Tunisia - The world economic crisis, instead of being a handicap, may be an opportunity for students and the education sector to develop, the Tunisian minister of Education and Training, Hatem Ben-Salem, said on Wednesday in Tunis at the opening of the conference for Finance and Education ministers on the economic downturn and education.
In his opening speech at the conference meant to commit African Education and Finance ministers to have talks with their foreign partners on the options aiming at sustaining Africa's efforts in the domain of education and economic development, Mr Salem urged his peers from other countries not to consider the global crisis as a fatality, but as an opportunity.
Taking the case of Japan, he said that Tunisia was one of the first countries to have understood that the crisis was not a fatality but could be used on the other hand to develop the education sector by investing in Information Communica tion Technology (ICT).
'There is a way to better invest in education, thanks to ICT which the country has already invested in,” said the Tunisian Education minister who stressed that it is not only about the acquisition of equipment but mainly about how to exploit it and “set up a process so that it be a key for knowledge”.
“Today, thanks to this strategy, the Tunisian schools are being revived despite the global economic downturn,” he said.
Sources said that the Tunisian government invested more than 30% of its national budget in education and together with Denmark are the two countries that invest the most in the education sector.
The three-day conference, which opened on Wednesday is initiated by the Agency for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank, brings together ministers from about 30 sub-Saharan countries.
Tunis - 15/07/2009"
News - Africa news
Tunisia - The world economic crisis, instead of being a handicap, may be an opportunity for students and the education sector to develop, the Tunisian minister of Education and Training, Hatem Ben-Salem, said on Wednesday in Tunis at the opening of the conference for Finance and Education ministers on the economic downturn and education.
In his opening speech at the conference meant to commit African Education and Finance ministers to have talks with their foreign partners on the options aiming at sustaining Africa's efforts in the domain of education and economic development, Mr Salem urged his peers from other countries not to consider the global crisis as a fatality, but as an opportunity.
Taking the case of Japan, he said that Tunisia was one of the first countries to have understood that the crisis was not a fatality but could be used on the other hand to develop the education sector by investing in Information Communica tion Technology (ICT).
'There is a way to better invest in education, thanks to ICT which the country has already invested in,” said the Tunisian Education minister who stressed that it is not only about the acquisition of equipment but mainly about how to exploit it and “set up a process so that it be a key for knowledge”.
“Today, thanks to this strategy, the Tunisian schools are being revived despite the global economic downturn,” he said.
Sources said that the Tunisian government invested more than 30% of its national budget in education and together with Denmark are the two countries that invest the most in the education sector.
The three-day conference, which opened on Wednesday is initiated by the Agency for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank, brings together ministers from about 30 sub-Saharan countries.
Tunis - 15/07/2009"
Companies eye massive solar energy undertaking | Cooler Planet News
Companies eye massive solar energy undertaking | Cooler Planet News: "Companies eye massive solar energy undertaking
A group of European companies are working on a proposal that could turn into one of the most ambitious solar energy projects in the history of the industry.
A Wall Street Journal report describes the project as an effort by 12 European companies that could see solar thermal applications developed in the Sahara Desert starting by 2015.
The companies are said to be investing about $2.5 million each for the project in its first year, with an eye on developing a network of solar thermal plants across North Africa in the coming years. The report also notes that the project could potentially generate as much as 15 percent of Europe's electricity by 2050.
Elsewhere, a report by AFP says that project could eventually create up to 2 million jobs while also contributing heavily to the energy needs of countries the solar energy plants would be located in.
The report goes on to say that the project will require about 6,000 square kilometers of land, and that facilities are already being constructed in places like Tunisia and Egypt that could become part of the future network."
A group of European companies are working on a proposal that could turn into one of the most ambitious solar energy projects in the history of the industry.
A Wall Street Journal report describes the project as an effort by 12 European companies that could see solar thermal applications developed in the Sahara Desert starting by 2015.
The companies are said to be investing about $2.5 million each for the project in its first year, with an eye on developing a network of solar thermal plants across North Africa in the coming years. The report also notes that the project could potentially generate as much as 15 percent of Europe's electricity by 2050.
Elsewhere, a report by AFP says that project could eventually create up to 2 million jobs while also contributing heavily to the energy needs of countries the solar energy plants would be located in.
The report goes on to say that the project will require about 6,000 square kilometers of land, and that facilities are already being constructed in places like Tunisia and Egypt that could become part of the future network."
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A short rant on G8 apathy
Blast - A short rant on G8 apathy - Boston's Online Magazine
A short rant on G8 apathy
By Sachin Seth
July 13
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The 2009 G8 summit in L’Aquila, Italy was a massive letdown. Personally, I didn’t expect much more. The G8 operates under the guise of real leadership, when really the summit has become nothing more than a glorified vacation for the world’s most powerful leaders. But as we’ve seen in the past and present, power does not equal intelligence.
Empty threats were issued toward political powers in Iran. The very foundation of democracy is threatened in the divided country, but the world’s “saviors” offered nothing.
The strong foundation of the worldwide economic recession shook not one bit; no economic plans were laid out. In the worst economic crisis in about 80 years, the richest offered no solutions.
In perhaps the largest disappointment of the summit the leaders made such a wavering, uncommitted “commitment” to climate change, simply declaring that the eight superpowers had agreed to “substantially reducing global emissions by 2050.” Weak. Those who have been lambasted and forced to be environmentally-friendly were flipped off by their own leaders.
The plan drafted in L’Aquila, according to the LA Times, specifies no real interim targets either, just that global emissions reduction progress will be reviewed every so often.
Sadly enough, the recession will hinder climate control progress as well as the ability of developing countries to adapt to changes that have already occurred. Some groups predict that as much as $150 billion is needed every year to aid regions in developing countries that have already been affected by climate change. No one has that money, and may not any time soon since no solid economic revisions were drafted.
Other countries have demanded the G8 dramatically reduce their emissions by as much as 40 per cent. From these eight leaders however, there was no urgency. No commitment. No sense.
In 2010, the leaders meet in Muskoka, Ontario. By then, even more criticism will be launched their way. Hopefully it knocks some sense into them.
Sachin Seth is the Blast Magazine world news reporter. He writes the Terra blog. You can follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/sachinseth
Gmail - [Fwd: 2nd International Conference on Biofuels for Africa] - jelel.ezzine@gmail.com
Dear collegues,
On behalf of the organizing committee, we are pleased to invite you to participate in the 2nd International Conference on Biofuels for Africa. The conference will be held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on November 11-13, 2009. This second conference, is co-organized with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), on the theme :
« BIOFUELS : ENHANCING DEVELOPMENT OR INCREASING FOOD INSECURITY ? »
The major objectives of the conference are as follows :
ü take bearings on biofuels’ responsibility on raw materials’ price increase and global food crisis
ü propose an analysis on biofuels’ use and applications per field and according to national development strategies that could be put in place
ü discuss on the risks and strongholds associated with specific technical choices and confront them with opportunities
ü Present applicable methodologies and assessment tools to determine the potential impacts of biofuels on social, economic, and environmental conditions.
For further information, and to download the conference leaflet, please go to www.biofuel-africa.org
To contact the conference staff, write to biocarburant2009@2ie-edu.org
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Very best regards.
Debate on Clean Energy Leads to Regional Divide
Debate on Clean Energy Leads to Regional Divide - NYTimes.com
Article Tools Sponsored By
By MATTHEW L. WALD
Published: July 13, 2009
WASHINGTON — While most lawmakers accept that more renewable energy is needed on the nation’s grid, the debate over the giant climate-change and energy bill now before Congress is exposing a fundamental rift. For many players, the energy not only has to be clean and free of carbon-dioxide emissions, it also has to be generated nearby.
The division has set off a fight between Eastern and Midwestern politicians and grid officials over parts of the bill dealing with transmission lines and solar and wind energy. Many officials, including President Obama, say that the grid is antiquated and that thousands of miles of new power lines are needed to allow construction of wind farms and solar fields in the most promising spots. Many of the best wind sites are in the Midwest, far from the electric load in populous East Coast cities.
An influential coalition of East Coast governors and power companies fears that building wind and solar sites in the Midwest would cause their region to miss out on jobs and other economic benefits. The coalition is therefore trying to block a mandate for transcontinental lines.
They want the wind farms built in rural New England and offshore from Massachusetts to Delaware, and for now it appears that they may get a chance to do that. They are campaigning to keep a provision out of the legislation that would mandate a huge super-high-voltage grid, with the cost spread among millions of electric customers.
“While we support the development of wind resources for the United States wherever they exist,” the governors warned in a May 4 letter to House and Senate leaders, “this ratepayer-funded revenue guarantee for land-based wind and other generation resources in the Great Plains would have significant, negative consequences for our region.”
Getting Serious About Climate Change
Op-Ed Contributor - Getting Serious About Climate Change - NYTimes.com
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By PAUL HOHNEN and JEREMY LEGGETT
Published: July 12, 2009
Climate “policy as usual” is not working. In the 20 years since serious global discussions on climate change have been underway, atmospheric greenhouse-gas concentrations and average temperatures have continued to rise.
During the 1990s, the talk was mostly about the need to prevent climate change. Now, adapting to climate change is given equal or greater priority. This shift of focus is an admission of failure.
To save the environment we will need unprecedented action — and a great deal of luck. But the change we need is nowhere in sight. Having participated in U.N. negotiations and countless climate conferences in recent decades, we confess to a dreadful sense of déjà vu as we approach the December 2009 Climate Summit in Copenhagen.
There will be fresh scientific warnings and calls for collective responsibility and urgent action. A few climate skeptics will get more than their share of media attention, but they will not dent the underlying science.
The business sector will highlight its ability to deliver emission-reducing technologies while at the same time urging pragmatism on the inevitability of burning more coal.
Nongovernmental organizations will hang we-told-you-so banners from the moral high ground.
When it gets down to the hard negotiations, however, the discussions will result in 11th hour lowest-common-denominator compromises. The overall effect will be to weaken almost every nation’s commitments to action.
In terms of what is needed to peak greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, and then reduce them by at least 50 percent (relative to 1990 levels) by 2050, the dirty little secret is that not even the most ambitious agreement will meet this goal.
If this assessment is correct, there is a need for a major rethink on how the global community approaches the issue. While no one has all the answers, here’s a set of suggestions:
It’s defense of the planet, stupid. The Copenhagen meeting is not just another diplomatic talkfest. It must be seen as a global security conference about the survival of life on earth as we know it. It would help negotiators get a sense of the stakes if they likened the challenge to that of stopping the impact of an incoming asteroid or deterring an alien invasion. Collective urgent action, in which all players compete to contribute and recognize there are no winners, is required.
Obama's to-do list grows after overseas trip
Obama's to-do list grows after overseas trip - Washington Times
Two days after Mr. Obama told Russian President Dmitry Medvedev his plans for missile defense were aimed at Iran, Mr. Medvedev rejected that, saying he still viewed plans for a defense site in Eastern Europe as a threat.
And even as the Russian president signed on to the Group of Eight major economies document calling for 80 percent emissions cuts by 2050, his adviser told reporters they couldn't meet the target and said it was "unacceptable."
The Russians weren't the only ones who balked at the climate change agenda. Developing countries such as China, Brazil and India, rejected Mr. Obama's and Western European leaders' request that they agree to cut their greenhouse emissions.
Still, the National Security Network, a liberal-leaning advocacy group, said Mr. Obama did get much of what he wanted from the trip: a unified statement from the G-8, including Russia, condemning Iran's nuclear program as well as a $20 billion world commitment - $5 billion more than expected - for food aid to developing countries, with new good-government strings attached to the funding.
Obama's to-do list grows after overseas trip
Obama's to-do list grows after overseas trip - Washington Times
Two days after Mr. Obama told Russian President Dmitry Medvedev his plans for missile defense were aimed at Iran, Mr. Medvedev rejected that, saying he still viewed plans for a defense site in Eastern Europe as a threat.
And even as the Russian president signed on to the Group of Eight major economies document calling for 80 percent emissions cuts by 2050, his adviser told reporters they couldn't meet the target and said it was "unacceptable."
The Russians weren't the only ones who balked at the climate change agenda. Developing countries such as China, Brazil and India, rejected Mr. Obama's and Western European leaders' request that they agree to cut their greenhouse emissions.
Still, the National Security Network, a liberal-leaning advocacy group, said Mr. Obama did get much of what he wanted from the trip: a unified statement from the G-8, including Russia, condemning Iran's nuclear program as well as a $20 billion world commitment - $5 billion more than expected - for food aid to developing countries, with new good-government strings attached to the funding.
Scotland Could be 100 per cent Renewable in only 20 Years
allmediascotland : New Report: Scotland Could be 100 per cent Renewable in only 20 Years
New Report: Scotland Could be 100 per cent Renewable in only 20 Years
WWF Scotland
14/07/2009
Region : All
New report shows a cleaner, greener energy future for Scotland is possible
A new report, published today (Tuesday 14 July) shows for the first time that a truly sustainable energy future is achievable for Scotland, meeting climate change, renewable energy and energy saving targets and creating new economic opportunities while protecting sensitive environments and maintaining security of supply.
The Power of Scotland Renewed report [1], based on research by independent energy analysts Garrad Hassan, and commissioned by Friends of the Earth Scotland, the World Development Movement, WWF Scotland and RSPB Scotland, shows that there is enormous potential to increase generation of electricity from renewable sources during the next two decades, so much so that by 2030 renewable energy can meet between 60% and 143% of Scotland’s projected annual electricity demand.
Climate Change Brings New Diseases.
"As its name suggests, the West Nile virus, a leading cause of a form of meningitis and a neuro-invasive disease, has until recently been reported mostly in tropical and sub-tropical African regions. But it is now about to become a global virus. 'Due to climate change, regions with moderate temperatures, that is most of Europe and North America, are now facing diseases that were thought completely exotic in these areas,' says Thomas Mettenleiter, president of the German Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, also known as the Friedrich- Loefller Institute (FLI), based in the Riems, a Baltic Sea island 200 km north of Berlin." ...
http://www.morungexpress.com/right_column/28455.html
http://www.morungexpress.com/right_column/28455.html
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