Climate Change

Climate Change and Microfinance: It's Not Easy Being Green?

Leila Seradj — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:02:00 -0500

The unofficial color of the new millenium is beginning to evoke less images of Kermit the Frog, and more impressions of the lively discourse on environmental sustainability.

What with "green" on everyone's tongues, it was only a matter of time before the question of environmentally-friendly practices arose in the microfinance realm. Green Microfinance, an organization devoted to harnessing the power of renewable energy to microfinance, is facilitating this week's microLINKS Speaker's Corner on Microfinance and Climate Change, which poses three questions to its participants:

What is the impact of microenterprise and microfinance clients on the natural environment?
How can MFIs promote environmental sustainability while still meeting their "core mission" of reducing poverty?
What is the role of donors and investors in ensuring environmental sustainability of an MFI and their clients?

These issues are important, but one can't help but wonder if there's a fourth question that also needs to be asked: What can microfinance do to help protect livelihoods threatened by climate change?

In 2001, the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change surmised that "the impacts of climate change will fall disproportionately upon developing countries and the poor persons within all countries."

And last year, IPCC Chairman R.K. Pachauri re-emphasized this forecast in his Nobel Lecture:

"...the impacts of climate change on some of the poorest and the most vulnerable communities in the world could prove extremely unsettling. And, given the inadequacy of capacity, economic strength, and institutional capabilities characterizing some of these communities, they would remain extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and may, therefore, actually see a decline in their economic condition, with a loss of livelihoods and opportunities to maintain even subsistence levels of existence."

Unfortunately, it seems that as the destructive effects of climate change begin to manifest themselves, spending shifts from long-term sustainable development programs to emergency relief. In Tanzania, where drought has had grave effects on the energy sector, health, and food prices, Richard Muyungi, the deputy-director for the environment in the office of the Tanzanian vice-president, attests that this is already evident.

It's clear, then, that the devastating impact of climate change on the livelihoods of many in the developing world is something that needs to be taken into consideration if we're to be vigilant about decreasing dependency on foreign assistance. Climate change has already had an impact upon land, the value of property in the developing world, and on low-income individuals' ability to cultivate resources and leverage their assets. When assistance is shifted from providing long-term access to sustainable financial services to communities, and toward emergency relief, this only intensifies the problem.

So while efforts to "green" microenterprises in developing countries are both crucial and commendable, the need to provide safeguards for livelihoods of those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change is likewise imperative.

In a speech made earlier this year, IMF Deputy Managing Director Takatoshi Kato insisted that countries' efforts to adapt to climate change must fit with their broader development agenda, maintaining that social and economic development "is one of the most powerful ways to increase the capacity to adapt to climate change":

"Rising income levels can create the fiscal space needed to meet additional demands on public spending, both on climate-related public goods... and to protect programs affected by climate change."

He continued:

"There may be opportunities for spending that is ‘pro-development' and that helps adapt to climate change at the same time.... Nonetheless, it is important to guard against the possibility that efforts to adapt to climate change would detract from wider developmental objectives."

If development and climate change are, as Britain's international development secretary stated in February, "inextricably linked," how can development programs and assistance be focused so as to help sustain livelihoods? What role can microfinance play in order to protect the assets of low-income individuals who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change? Some food for thought as we enter tomorrow's Speaker's Corner on Microfinance and Climate Change.

Call It America

Terry Tamminen — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:09:00 -0500

The day after Barack Obama was elected as our next President, Ethan Bronner wrote in the New York Times...

"There is a country out there where tens of millions of white Christians, voting freely, select as their leader a black man of modest origin, the son of a Muslim. There is a place on Earth - - call it America - - where such a thing happens."

No matter who we supported in the election, I suspect that now each of us feels pride that our nation overcame its past and dared to reinvent its future. But in sending Mr. Obama to the White House, we did more than send "a black man of modest origin" - - we sent ourselves. Like Jimmy Stewart in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" we sent a man that has some part in him that resembles something good and constructive in each one of us.

So why not go beyond metaphor and actually send ourselves to Washington? Given the economic crisis and the imposing challenges ahead - - from climate change to a widening gulf between haves and have-nots - - now is the time to answer the question posed to a nation more than four decades ago. Knowing that he will find his own soaring and inspirational rhetoric, I doubt Mr. Obama will repeat John Kennedy's challenge, but it's hard not to hear those words like a song we can't get out of our heads - - "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."

So let's "go to Washington" with our new President by offering a literal answer to that question this time. If every American and every business volunteered to do one thing to make our communities safer, more prosperous, and more equitable, that would equate to over 300 million contributions to a better America. We could commit to spend a few hours a week helping out at a local school or senior center; we could pound nails for groups like Habitat for Humanity; we could adopt a classroom and help teachers get supplies and extra books; we could pledge a small % of our profits to charities that do many of these things for us.

If each of us does one small thing, to quote another great President "the world will little note nor long remember what we say here." But the impact of those contributions will amount to more than any bailout plan Congress or our new President could devise. We will work our way out of the current challenges, economic and otherwise, much faster and with much more hope and joy in our hearts than by waiting timidly for Washington to do it all for us.

In the end, we will remind the world that is indeed America..."where such a thing happens."

Bail-out or Build-out?

Terry Tamminen — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:34:00 -0400

As Washington and Wall Street dicker over a financial rescue plan, everyone is missing the real opportunity to fix the problem. Some see the variously proposed plans as bailouts of dumb borrowers and dumber lenders, while others view it as a chance to restore liquidity to the marketplace so we can all have access to credit again, whether it's for student loans or to finance the acquisition of industrial machinery.

But when the "Great Depression" struck America more than 70 years ago, we didn't just make more money available and hope people would borrow it to jump start the economy. President Roosevelt put us back to work, building bridges, highways, schools, and water projects. All of that infrastructure has served us well over the years, although at the time it must have looked like a lot of pork barrel spending designed to keep workers off of street corners and out of soup kitchens. What if we could do something like that again, but this time, make it a build-out that had fantastic economic, environmental, and social return on the invested capital?

In 2003, President Bush spoke about hydrogen cars in his State of the Union address. Shortly thereafter, the American Petroleum Institute (API) warned that building a hydrogen fueling infrastructure that could reach all Americans would cost $140 billion. Although I'm sure the API had no reason to use scare tactics and biased estimates (well, OK, maybe I'm not THAT sure), let's assume that's an accurate figure.

If we built those fueling stations, we would also need vehicles that run on hydrogen. It takes about $5,000 to retrofit a car or truck to run on hydrogen. Yup, almost any car or truck (or bus or train for that matter) that currently runs on gasoline or diesel fuel will also run on hydrogen gas. It's not the most efficient use of hydrogen (a fuel cell, which converts hydrogen to electricity and thereby powers an electric motor in an all-electric car is far more efficient), but anything is more efficient than digging oil out of the ground and making it into transportation fuel. Let's say we convert 50 million cars and trucks nationwide to run on hydrogen - - that's $250 billion more.

So for just under $400 billion, we could eliminate the need for all of the oil we now import (and a lot of the domestic supply for that matter). We would have given tens of thousands of Americans jobs in the design, building, and servicing of hydrogen fueling stations; and tens of thousands more would be working in the new retrofit business. Detroit could now start making new hydrogen powered cars, knowing that the marketplace accepts these products, so we would simultaneously revitalize our domestic auto industry.

We could recoup 100% of this investment when retailers sell hydrogen fuel with a few cents per unit sales tax, just like the gasoline tax. But we would recoup it even faster with the payroll and business taxes generated from all of the new employment and businesses created with this program.

So there you have it - - a domestic jobs program that will kick the oil addiction, solve global warming, create new industries and jobs that can't be outsourced to India or China, eliminate billions in annual subsidies to oil companies and billions more that we now spend on defense costs to protect our oil supply. For half what we will spend on Wall Street and 20% of what we have spent securing oil in Iraq so far, we will have social, economic and environmental prosperity for as far as the eye can see.

This build-out sounds crazy at first blush until you realize that we already produce 3 trillion cubic feet of hydrogen in America every year, but use the majority of that to strip sulfur from petroleum to make gasoline instead of just putting the hydrogen right into our cars. How crazy is that?! No, make no mistake, we can do this and reap all of the benefits.

Now if we just had another Roosevelt around to get us started...

Live from the CGI: President Clinton Exclusive II – Energy, the Environment and T. Boone Pickens

Jamie Zimmerman — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:24:00 -0400

Last night, in the few minutes we weren’t talking about the financial crisis and the impending bailout, President Clinton waxed political on the potential for energy investment in the United States. According to the President, the near-certain reality of approving legislation liberalizing off-shore drilling should be seen as a political opportunity for progressives interested in sustainable environment and combating climate change. But if we’re going to “give” drilling to the right, the left should negotiate hard for the environment, including:

Extending solar and wind energy tax credits from three years to ten;
The creation of a fee collection system to modernize the electricity grid;
$10,000 tax credits for purchasing plug-in electric hybrid cars, and;
Compressed natural gas for trucks

On the subject of T. Boone Pickens, whose advertising campaigns have sparked intrigue across the USA, Clinton commented, “Boone Pickens is a god-send to this effort.” More specifically, Pickens’ plan is to modernize the electricity grid and harness the wind to power the whole of the United States. This is something reportedly is something wind can actually do, with the right grid. And despite few fiscal incentives to invest in this new technology (something President Clinton suggests need immediate remedy), there is currently two-year waiting list for wind-powered mills.

But why is off-shore drilling inevitable? In Clinton’s mind, even though he knows for a fact that there is no more than 6 months of oil in the arctic refuge that the legislation would open to drilling, the fact of the matter is that the government has got to “get real.” Everyday Americans are hurting in a big way, and they see gas prices as the cause of so much of their pain. This short-term solution is a political necessity. But, if “there is going to be drilling, let’s get something for it.”

Climate News Roundup: September 12 - September 18, 2008

Kristina Haddad — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:27:00 -0400

Friday, September 12, 2008

AVIATION: U.S.-bound flight from New Zealand to showcase ways to save time and fuel. A major initiative to help cut airline flight times, burn less fuel, and reduce harmful carbon emissions is to be presented today by the FAA at the San Francisco International Airport. Los Angeles Times, California. 12 September 2008. [Registration Required]

CARBON MARKETS: World carbon standards to relax. World greenhouse gas markets probably will relax their notions of what constitutes a carbon credit to encourage more people to reduce emissions of planet-warming gases, the head of the Chicago Climate Exchange said. Reuters. 12 September 2008.

BANGLADESH: Bangladesh launches climate change action plan. Bangladesh, one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, has launched a strategy to help the nation adapt to threats such as rising sea level, water-logged land and increased salinity. Nature. 12 September 2008.

GREENWASHING: MTV ad attacks 'greenwash' firms. MTV is launching a global marketing push to tackle climate change that includes a TV ad attacking businesses guilty of "greenwash" - deliberately misleading consumers about their eco-credentials. London Guardian, England. 12 September 2008.

Monday, September 15, 2008

INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE TALKS: Australia, China and US in climate talks. Australia has brought together the world's two major greenhouse gas polluters, China and the US, to search for common ground on cutting carbon emissions - including clean coal technologies - while protecting security of energy supplies. Sydney Australian, Australia. 15 September 2008.

CHINA - CARBON TRADING: Environment exchanges waiting for trading. On August 5, two environment and energy exchanges opened almost simultaneously in Beijing and Shanghai, the first of their kind in China. China Daily. 15 September 2008.

STATE POLICY (CO): Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission rules may be a model for other states. Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission members' tentative endorsement of several new rules may garner the attention of several states as they look to regulate the ongoing energy boom in the American West. Glenwood Springs Post Independent, Colorado. 15 September 2008.

GREEN CITIES - SOLAR: Berkeley council to vote on solar tax district. Berkeley is expected to make a major leap forward Tuesday in its first-in-the-nation plan to allow homeowners to pay for solar energy systems through their property taxes. San Francisco Chronicle, California. 15 September 2008.

GREEN CITIES - CFLs: DWP is poised to deliver energy-efficient light bulbs. In what appears to be the nation's largest giveaway of compact fluorescent light bulbs, the Department of Water and Power plans to hire crews to deliver 2.4 million bulbs to every household in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Daily News, California. 15 September 2008.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

STATE POLICY: States aim to cut gases by making polluters pay. Ten states are about to undertake the nation's most serious effort yet to tackle climate change, but there are worries that it may fail to reduce pollution. New York Times. 16 September 2008. [Registration Required]

CARBON REGULATION: Carbon regulation could hit 1 million U.S. firms: study. The prospect of U.S. regulation of climate-warming carbon dioxide has sparked a pre-emptive outcry from the Chamber of Commerce, which warned of bureaucratic gridlock if proposed limits are put in place. Reuters. 16 September 2008.

TARGETS: Carbon targets too low to ensure a stable, long-term climate, expert warns. Scientists may have to turn back time and clean the atmosphere of all man-made carbon dioxide to prevent the worst impacts of global warming, one of Europe's most senior climate scientists has warned. London Guardian, England. 16 September 2008.

CARBON TRADING: Lehman Brothers shuts carbon trading desk. Lehman Brothers shut down its carbon emissions trading desk after the bank filed for bankruptcy protection, putting a number of projects - mostly by small companies in developing countries - in jeopardy. Reuters. 16 September 2008.

ALGAE BIOFUELS: 'Huge interest' in algae biofuel. An algae biofuel developer is about to seek up to $20 million to fund international expansion after discovering it can make a crude oil substitute. Christchurch Press, New Zealand. 16 September 2008.

LEDS: LEDs May Be Ready To Take Off Thanks To Improved Technology 9/16/2008 - Using LEDs for general lighting may finally be a bright idea. In the past few years, light-emitting diodes have made huge advances in energy efficiency. Industry sources and outside experts say LEDs are now the most energy-efficient lighting source available. They use far less energy than other bulbs, last a lot longer, and cost less to use over their lifetime. For now, the lights still cost more than the average consumer is used to spending on a light bulb - a lot more. Prices for LEDs on the market today can be more than five times what an incandescent bulb costs. However, the LEDs use about 85% less energy and last 30 times longer. They also use about half as much energy and last five times longer than compact fluorescent lights. For more read Clean Technology Insight 9/16/08

UK - TARGETS: Think Tank Says UK Will Miss 2020 CO2, Renewable Energy Targets 9/16/2008 - Independent think tank Cambridge Econometrics predicted that the U.K. will miss its targets on renewable energy and carbon emissions reductions. The group's report forecasts that by 2020, just 4.25% of U.K. energy consumption will come from renewable sources, far short of the 15% target agreed with the European Union earlier this year. It predicts the U.K. government will also miss its target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010, instead achieving only a 12.4% reduction. By 2020, the group says CO2 emissions are on track to be 14% below 1990 levels. This is largely because electricity generation from carbon intensive sources like coal- and gas-fired power plants will still make up a significant proportion of U.K. power generation up to 2020, the report said. For more read Clean Technology Insight 9/16/08

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

IMPACTS: 10 ways global warming could hurt your health. Scientists all over the globe have observed changes that are impacting individuals' health--and have also created models to predict where we might be headed. US News & World Report. 17 September 2008.

ELECTRIC CARS: Chevy Volt's unveiling sparks questions about financing. GM executives acknowledge that the $25 billion the industry is seeking in federal loan guarantees would help subsidize the hybrid car's development and production. Los Angeles Times, California. 17 September 2008. [Registration Required]

ELECTRIC CARS: All-electric vehicles no magic bullet - US scientist. A future of all-electric cars coasting along streets and highways may be illusory, given that their range may be cut in half by aggressive drivers speeding along with the air conditioning blasting, US scientists said on Monday. Reuters. 17 September 2008.

FORESTS - OPINION: The Sierra forests can prevent Global Warming. Judging by recent statements, it isn't clear whether the state recognizes the outsize role California's forests play in naturally absorbing carbon emissions, or the quantity of carbon dioxide released when these forests are irresponsibly clear-cut. San Jose Mercury News, California. Opinion, 17 September 2008.

EMISSIONS TRADING - JAPAN: Japanese Trading Houses To Act As Brokers For Emissions Trades 9/17/2008 - The Japanese government will allow trading houses and financial institutions to act as intermediaries in emissions trading trials, which are to begin next month, The Nikkei learned Tuesday. The market for trading global warming gas emissions provides an opportunity for companies that have exceeded their reduction targets to sell their surpluses and for firms missing their goals to make up the shortfalls by buying credits. To realize a viable trading system, it will encourage a wide variety of companies to participate. Nippon Steel Corp. (5401) and other major steelmakers have already decided to come onboard. For more read Clean Technology Insight 9/17/08

Thursday, September 18, 2008

CO2 STORAGE: Emissions may be stored under sea. Parts of the sea-bed between Northern Ireland and Scotland could become a storage facility for carbon dioxide, according to a new study. BBC, United Kingdom. 18 September 2008.

GREEN CITIES - SOLAR: Berkeley, Calif. approves city-backed solar loans. The California city has approved a new financing scheme for loans to homeowners who install rooftop solar panels, a landmark programme that could inspire other US cities to follow suit. London Guardian, United Kingdom. 18 September 2008.

STATE POLICY (CA): Tackling greenhouse gases would boost California's economy, air board study says. Taking strong measures to reduce greenhouse gases to combat global warming would help California's economy, boost employment and increase household savings and personal income, according to a new analysis. San Francisco Chronicle, California. 18 September 2008.

ELECTRIC CARS: Tesla Motors to build plant, headquarters in San Jose. Tesla Motors Inc., aiming to be the first high-volume maker of electric cars, plans to build a $250-million plant to produce sedans in San Jose and move its headquarters to the same facility. Bloomberg News. 18 September 2008.

FEDERAL POLICY - RENEWABLE ENERGY: Senate Energy Tax Deal Trims Credits On Renewable Energy 9/18/2008 - Senate negotiators made significant cuts in proposed extensions of tax credits for wind and other forms of renewable energy in order to reach a bipartisan compromise that is expected to pass the Senate this month. The new Senate energy tax legislation, details of which were released Wednesday afternoon, would extend tax credits for wind energy production for one year only, through 2009. Tax credits for geothermal, biomass and other renewable energy sources eligible for the production credit would be extended for two years, through 2010. The solar energy investment tax credit would be renewed for eight years through 2016, as would tax credits for residential solar projects. The Senate deal would make the residential solar credit much more generous by removing the $2,000 cap, which covers just a small fraction of what a typical residential solar-electric system would cost. For more read Clean Technology Insight 9/18/08

NEW TECHNOLOGY - GREEN BUILDING: European Steelmakers, Rio Tinto Partner On Low CO2 Project 9/18/2008 - European steelmakers and diversified miner Rio Tinto PLC have agreed to collaborate on building an environmentally friendly steel plant that uses new technology to reduce CO2 emissions. A consortium of 48 European companies and organizations from 15 European countries, including the world's largest steelmaker ArcelorMittal and Germany's ThyssenKrupp AG have formed a group called the Ultra-Low Carbon Dioxide Steelmaking Group, or ULCOS, to cooperate on creating new technology to reduce steelmaking CO2 emissions by at least 50%. ULCOS has partnered with Rio Tinto to use the miner's technology along with its own to build a pilot plant in Voelkingen, Germany, near the French border. For more read Clean Technology Insight 9/18/08

CARBON OFFSETS: GE/AES Venture Partners With Google On Carbon Offset Projects 9/18/2008 - A joint-venture between AES Corp. and General Electric Co. will develop projects with Google Inc. to offset greenhouse gas emissions, with the search engine giant using most of the reductions to erase its own carbon footprint. Greenhouse Gas Services announced the agreement Wednesday, saying the first project will be in North Carolina. GE and AES launched Greenhouse Gas Services about a year ago to develop offsets projects and sell the credits they produce to companies looking to meet climate change goals. The Google partnership will likely develop a handful of projects in the U.S. and abroad to start, with Greenhouse Gas Services keeping a fraction of the emission offsets for resale, said Mauricio Vargas, chief executive of Greenhouse Gas Services. For more read Clean Technology Insight 9/18/08

To Drill or Not to Drill?

Jenna Cittadino — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:10:00 -0400

That is the question of my blog this week. Watching Rudy Giuliani speak at the Republican Nation Convention last Wednesday and listening to thousands of people chant, "Drill, baby, drill," I realized how confused our country is on this, well, confusing issue. Somehow we arrived at a place where Republicans and Democrats are more divided than ever, and over issues like offshore drilling, which had once been off limits by both parties. I believe people are misinformed, because if the facts were understood, the choice would be clear, no matter what your party affiliation.

The major misconception I've observed is that offshore drilling will lower high gas prices. The fact is that if these projects were to start today, it would take years before new refineries would affect the market...if ever. Not to mention the amount of oil that could be produced is tiny in comparison with the amount that is produced worldwide. And let's face it-these refineries really can't start producing today, because realistically it would take years to build a new refinery and.... large amounts of money.

Since there seems to be a consensus with both parties that we have a problem with our oil addiction, why not get over that addiction by investing that money into developing alternative fuel infrastructures and converting more cars to run on alternative fuels? Terry Tamminen, Executive Director of the Climate Policy Program of the New America Foundation, says that just 20% of the cost of the current war in Iraq could have completed an alternative fuel infrastructure in our country and converted the majority of cars to run on alternative fuel. Even former president of Shell's U.S. operation, John Hofmeister, said, "The internal combustion is a great invention that has served us well for a century, but it is time for us to move on" (www.newsweek.com/id/142130).

I believe the majority of the population wants this to happen. A recent event illustrates this shift. Last week my husband and I were in an accident which totaled our car. This dumped us into the car market, which I learned is a very strange market at the moment: Priuses are in the "luxury" car price range, the Kelly bluebook value for a Honda Civic has actually increased, and the fun new 2009 Honda Fits are so hot that no dealer can hold them through a weekend (and the asking price is $4,000 over the regular price!). Meanwhile, I had an exchange with someone today who said that he wants to buy a Suburban because "they're so cheap right now and the money [he] will save will just go towards gas" (he'll still find he loses out big time with those gas bills!). Who would have thought 10 years ago that a tiny hatchback would be a hot commodity and that one could hardly give a Suburban away? There was also an article in the LA Times yesterday that called the '94 Geo Metro a "dream machine" because of its fuel efficiency, and stated that "the '92 Civic hatchback gets 60 mpg." Interestingly enough, the Geo Metro was made by the now struggling General Motors-if only they had realized what was good for the environment was good for them.

The car market is reflecting what people want and need: fuel efficient, reliable cars. If we begin offshore drilling, we will be backtracking and only fueling our problem (pardon the pun). In Senator Obama's acceptance speech for the Democratic Presidential Nomination he claimed that in 10 years our country will no longer be dependant on foreign oil. I agree this dependence needs to end, but I would like to take it a step further and ask that in 10 years our cars no longer be dependent on oil. Period. I would like to believe that saving money, preserving our health by eliminating cancer and asthma causing toxins, and protecting the planet so our children can survive are issues both Democrats and Republicans can agree on.

Climate News Roundup: August 15 - August 21, 2008

Kristina Haddad — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:54:00 -0400

Friday, August 15, 2008

GREEN JOBS: Oregon creates hot jobs in green energy. The green energy sector in Oregon is an economic and environmental success story in an area hard-pressed for family-wage jobs, an example of "green collar" employment blossoming in reaction to high energy costs and concerns about global warming. Portland Oregonian, Oregon. 15 August 2008.

SOLAR ENERGY: Two large solar plants planned in California. The plants will cover 12.5 square miles of central California with solar panels, and in the middle of a sunny day will generate about 800 megawatts of power, roughly equal to the size of a large coal-burning power plant or a small nuclear plant. New York Times. 15 August 2008. [Registration Required]

ALGAE: Algae could help cut coal plants' carbon emissions. With international attention focused on carbon dioxide and its role in global climate change, power companies might find a hero in humble algae. Louisville Courier-Journal, Kentucky. 15 August 2008.

SOLUTIONS: Portland gym will run on pedal power. People will do more than burn energy at a gym set to open Sept. 1 on Northeast Alberta Street. They'll also create it. At the Green Microgym, human energy will be harnessed from fitness bikes and converted to electricity. Portland Oregonian, Oregon. 15 August 2008.

CARBON CREDITS: Farmers earn carbon credits. It's been a year since Montana farmers cut the record wheat harvest of 2007, but carbon traders say for many there's still money to be made from a bumper crop trapped beneath the sod. Billings Gazette, Montana. 15 August 2008.

GOVERNOR'S BORDER CONFERENCE: Schwarzenegger says U.S.-Mexico border unites. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday urged fellow governors on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to cooperate on issues from water management to building a green economy. Associated Press. 15 August 2008.

ELECTRIC CAR: San Jose in talks with Tesla for electric-car plant. City officials and Tesla executives confirmed Thursday that San Jose is on the short list of Bay Area locations for the factory that will build the silent-running, zero-emission electric cars. San Jose Mercury News, California. 15 August 2008.

ELECTRIC CAR: GM Gives First Look At Production-Ready Chevy Volt 8/15/2008 - General Motors Corp. on Thursday showed off the first images of the production version of its battery-powered Chevrolet Volt. The auto maker, racing to ready the electric Chevy for production by 2010, made significant changes to the exterior of the vehicle the company first unveiled at the 2007 Detroit auto show. Bob Boniface, GM director of advanced design, displayed sketches of the final Volt at an automotive conference in Traverse City, Mich. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/15/08

Monday, August 18, 2008

GREEN CITIES: L.A. could learn a thing or two from Portland. The city is a veritable transit utopia where light rail goes to the airport, parking restrictions increase public transit use and free streetcar service benefits downtown businesses. Los Angeles Times, California. 18 August 2008. [Registration Required]

ALT CAR: Zero emissions drive to green fund. A Melbourne engineer who has built a zero-emissions hydrogen engine has welcomed the proposed doubling of the green car fund, which would make $1 billion available for low-carbon vehicle research by 2011. Sydney Australian, Australia. 18 August 2008.

CARBON STORAGE: Carbon storage test called key to coal's future. With a formal site groundbreaking today, researchers are preparing to test a technology that would allow carbon dioxide to be stored underground instead of released into the air. Bristol Herald Courier, Tennessee. 18 August 2008.

CARBON TRADING: Carbon trading NZ link studied. Climate change experts meeting in Auckland this week will discuss linking the Australian and New Zealand emissions trading markets to expand the range of low-cost carbon abatement options available. Sydney Australian, Australia. 18 August 2008.

CARBON CREDITS: CEZ To Buy Emissions Credits From Chinese Power Company 8/18/2008 - Czech power company CEZ AS has signed a contract to buy carbon credits from biomass power generator Hunan Liang of China, CEZ's spokeswoman Eva Novakova said at the weekend. CEZ Chairman Martin Roman signed the contract over the weekend in China and didn't release further details except to say the Chinese bio-mass power plant would likely have an excess of 300,000 carbon credits by 2012. As CEZ will buy the surplus credits from a non-European seller, they are likely be sold at a favorable rate, local analysts said. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/18/08

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

FEDERAL AGENCIES: Anti-regulation aide to Cheney is up for energy post. A senior Cheney aide is the leading contender to become a top official at the Energy Dept. This would put one of the administration's most ardent opponents of environmental regulation in charge of forming department policies on climate change. Washington Post. 19 August 2008. [Registration Required]

IMPACTS: Environmental conflicts to increase. Environmental experts say that armed conflicts would rise in the future to unprecedented levels due to competition for meager natural resources which are already under pressure due to climate change. Africa Science News Service, Africa. 19 August 2008.

CARBON LABELING: Japan to label goods' carbon footprints. Japan is planning to label consumer goods to show their carbon footprints in a bid to raise public awareness about global warming, an official said Tuesday. Agence France-Presse. 19 August 2008.

CHINA - GREEN INVESTMENT: China replaces UK for green investors. China has displaced the UK in rankings of the most attractive destinations for renewable energy investment, according to Ernst & Young, the professional services firm. The UK dropped from fourth to sixth place in E&Y's index, swapping places with China. London Financial Times, United Kingdom. 19 August 2008.

ELECTRIC CAR: GM set to bring Volt electric car to Europe. General Motors is planning to rebadge its Chevrolet Volt electric car as an Opel and bring it to Europe as part of the US carmaker's plans to expand the model range of its highly anticipated new vehicle. London Financial Times, United Kingdom. 19 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (WI): Wisconsin Panel Approves Climate Change Plan 8/19/2008 - A task force appointed by Wisconsin's governor is recommending increased investment in renewable resources and a series of targets for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions to 75% of 2005 levels by 2050. The investment and proposed emission cuts are among several recommendations made by the Task Force on Global Warming, a panel that includes representatives from industry, agriculture, environmental and tribal groups, appointed on April 5, 2007 by Gov. Jim Doyle. Doyle established the panel to seek policy initiatives on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The task force's report will be reviewed by the governor, who has the authority to implement some of the recommendations without legislative approval.

JAPAN - CARBON CAPTURE: Japan To Launch Carbon Capture And Storage Initiative 8/19/2008 - The government plans to team up with power utilities, oil companies and other businesses to carry out large-scale testing of the carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, The Nikkei learned. The Nikkei reported in its Tuesday morning edition that under the plan Japan CCS Co., a joint venture among 29 companies, is to work toward commercializing a CCS technology in around fiscal 2011 by using a coal power plant in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, as a pilot project. The power plant is operated by Clean Coal Power R&D Co., a joint venture established by the 10 major power utilities. The 250,000kw facility discharges roughly 1 million tons of carbon dioxide a year.

Wednesday August 20, 2008

GREEN INVESTMENT - GEOTHERMAL: Google puts US$10 mln into new geothermal technology. Google Inc Tuesday said it would invest more than US$10 million in an emerging geothermal energy technology as part of its effort to lower the cost of electricity from renewable sources. Reuters. 20 August 2008.

Thursday, August, 14, 2008

GEOTHERMAL: Australian "hot rocks" offer 26,000 yrs of power. Barely one percent of Australia's untapped geothermal energy could produce 26,000 years worth of clean electricity, scientists said, as the government announced a a A$50 million (US$43 million) project to help develop the technology. Reuters. 21 August 2008.

FORESTS: Paying to save the forests. Climate change has added new impetus to forest conservation efforts as we increasingly appreciate how efficiently forests sequester carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Discover. 21 August 2008.

SHAREHOLDER RESOLUTION: Climate resolutions 'having big impact.' Climate change-related shareholder resolutions have achieved breakthrough resultsin the U.S., reflecting growing investor concerns over global warming, according to a coalition of investors. London Financial Times, United Kingdom. 21 August 2008.

GEOTHERMAL: Drilling for hot rocks. For $1 billion over the next 40 years, the U.S. could develop 100 gigawatts of electricity generation that emits no air pollution and pumps out power to the grid even more reliably than coal-fired power plants, according to scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Scientific American. 21 August 2008.

GREEN CITIES: Bloomberg calls for alternative energy. Outlining his vision for a dramatic reconfiguration of urban energy sources, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg says he is exploring potential for installing turbines and other alternative energy generators throughout New York City, in the water and on bridges and skyscrapers. Washington Post. 21 August 2008. [Registration Required]

IMPACTS - ECONOMY: Scientists urge US to protect economy from climate. Eight scientific organizations urged the next U.S. president to help protect the country from climate change by pushing for increased funding for research and forecasting, saying about $2 trillion of U.S. economic output could be hurt by storms, floods and droughts. Reuters. 21 August 2008.

POST-KYOTO: Climate negotiators reconvene this week in Ghana. Negotiators meet in Ghana this week to resume work on a new climate change treaty and discuss ways to prod developing countries to join the fight against global warming. Associated Press. 21 August 2008.

POST-KYOTO: Africa meeting key step in climate talks: UN climate chief. Rich nations will come under pressure at climate talks in Africa this week to get specific about how quickly and by how much they intend to cut their carbon footprints, said the UN climate chief. Agence France-Presse. 21 August 2008.

HYDROGEN: Tucson man uses hydrogen to increase fuel efficiency. We're all concerned about how much it costs to fill our gas tanks these days, but one local man has taken matters into his own hands to get more out of each tank - he uses hydrogen. Tucson KMSB TV, Arizona. 21 August 2008.

CHINA - E-WASTE: China to regulate recycling of electronic waste. China on Wednesday approved a draft law on the management of electronic waste, aiming to reduce the pollution it causes. Xinhua News Agency, China. 21 August 2008.

FEDERAL POLICY - EMISSIONS: US court says states can lift emission monitor bar. A US federal court on Tuesday overturned an EPA rule that prevented state and local authorities from raising emissions monitoring requirements for polluting units such as chemical plants and oil refineries. Reuters. 21 August 2008.

GREEN CITIES: NYC mayor spins back his turbine idea for city. Mayor Michael Bloomberg is backing off his suggestion to put windmills on city bridges and rooftops after newspapers mocked the idea with photo illustrations of turbines on the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. Associated Press. 21 August 2008.

COAL-TO-LIQUID: Crow coal-to-liquid plant may use too much water. "One of the most technologically advanced, sophisticated energy projects on the planet" is what Gov. Brian Schweitzer called a proposal to build a coal-to-liquid plant somewhere on the 2.2 million acre Crow Reservation in southeast Montana. Billings Outpost, Montana. Opinion, 21 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (ND): Going backwards: Building an oil refinery in South Dakota. In South Dakota, politicians and business leaders are cheering a massive oil refinery planned for the state's southeast corner. If built, it will be the first oil refinery constructed in the United States in more than 30 years. High Country News. Opinion, 21 August 2008.

GREEN CITIES: Lighting Science To Install LED Street Lights In NYC Pilot 8/21/2008 - The Big Apple and a city-based architectural firm have shined some light on Lighting Science Group Corp., which is the only company selected to provide LED lights for a street-light pilot project in New York City . New York-based architectural lighting design firm Office for Visual Interaction Inc. and Lighting Science have signed a contract with the city for six lights, and if successful, they could potentially replace the city's 300,000 street lights or supply new lights. OVI designed the light poles and New York-based Lighting Science is making a new light emitting diode product for this use. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/21/08

Climate News Roundup: August 8 - August 14, 2008

Kristina Haddad — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:58:00 -0400

Friday, August 8, 2008

SOLAR HIGHWAY: Oregon installs first highway solar project. In an attempt to spur the spread of solar power, the Oregon Department of Transportation on Thursday unveiled the nation's first solar panel project on a major U.S. highway. Portland Oregonian, Oregon. 8 August 2008.

EMISSIONS TRADING: Boost for emissions trading scheme. European Union and United Nations systems for tracking the use of carbon credits will be connected before December, a move that should significantly facilitate emissions trading. London Financial Times, United Kingdom. 8 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (WI): Wisconsin Energy Plans New 150MW Wind Farm For 2010 8/8/2008 - Wisconsin Energy Corp. is planning to build a new wind farm with a capacity of around 150 megawatts by 2010 as utilities across Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula prepare to meet new environmental standards, Clean Technology Investor has learned. Wisconsin Energy, which already has the largest wind farm operating in the state of Wisconsin, is looking to further develop its wind business, said spokesman, Brian Manthey, in an interview with Clean Technology Investor. . For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/8/08

CAR CHARGING STATIONS: Tepco Plans 1,000 Car-Charging Sites Around Tokyo 8/8/2008 - Tokyo Electric Power Co. plans to have up to 200 recharging stations for electric vehicles up and running in the Tokyo area in fiscal 2009, with an eye toward expanding the network to 1,000 or so in about three years, The Nikkei reports in its Friday edition. Tepco has already developed a quick-charging device that allows an electric car to run 40 kilometers on a five-minute charge and 60 kilometers on a 10-minute charge. It plans to install the device in line with the planned launch of electric vehicles by Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the maker of Subaru automobiles, in fiscal 2009. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/8/08

AVIATION EMISSIONS: New Group Aims To Help Airlines Manage EU Fuel, Emission Rules 8/8/2008 - Three aviation fuel management companies announced on Thursday the formation of a joint venture aimed at helping the commercial airline industry meet new European Union regulations that require the tracking of aviation emissions. Flight Sciences Global Partners, the spawn of California-based Flight Sciences International, Belgium-based Sabena Flight Academy Consulting, and Canada-based BMB Fuel Consulting Services, will focus on fuel emissions consulting and will be based in Brussels. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/808

STATE POLICY (CA): Drive For Natural Gas Vehicles Faces Big Test In California 8/8/2008 - The notion of spending taxpayers' money to help fill U.S. roads with natural gas-fueled vehicles faces a major test when voters in California, the nation's largest auto market, go to the polls in November. Natural gas providers are spending millions of dollars on advertising to convince Californians to pass a ballot initiative allowing the state government to invest in the now-tiny market for natural gas-fueled cars and trucks. The push comes as gas producers, emboldened by a windfall of domestic production, press federal lawmakers to help expand the market for gas as a means for reducing dependence on foreign oil and cutting greenhouse-gas emissions. If the California ballot initiative passes, up to a million vehicles fueled by compressed natural gas, or CNG, could ultimately end up on the state's roads. If the proposal - called Proposition 10 - fails, backers will face a tougher task selling authorities on the wisdom of investing in infrastructure for natural gas-fueled vehicles, compared with spending on biofuels or electric cars and trucks. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/8/08

BIOFUELS: EPA Chief Denies Request To Cut Biofuels Mandate 8/8/2008 - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson on Thursday denied a request to cut by half the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation's fuel supply, a victory for the nation's corn growers and ethanol makers. The EPA chief found that a 2007 law that ramped up ethanol production was not posing severe economic harm, brushing aside complaints from Texas Gov. Rick Perry that the diversion of corn to ethanol production was damaging the state's beef, chicken and dairy industries, which use corn as a food staple. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/8/08

WIND ENERGY: UK Govt Gives Conditional OK To 2 Wind Farms Totaling 390 MW 8/8/2008 - U.K. Business Secretary John Hutton announced conditional approval for two wind farm developments in northeast England with a total generating capacity of 390 megawatts. Approvals for the two wind farms depend on technical solutions to mitigate the effects on military defense radar equipment nearby. StatoilHydro ASA and Evelop Projects are developing the 315 MW Sheringham Shoal offshore wind farm, located off the coast of Norfolk. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/8/08

Monday, August 11, 2008

GREEN CITIES - EMISSIONS: US cities to measure CO2 emissions. Twenty-one US cities, including New York and New Orleans, have announced they will measure their greenhouse gas emissions, in a joint effort to seek ways to halt and reverse global warming. Agence France-Presse. 11 August 2008.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

GREEN BUILDING: Green report pushes for carbon-neutral construction. British Columbia is escalating its war on greenhouse gases, examining a measure that will require some new buildings to be carbon neutral as early as 2016 - and every new building to have no carbon footprint by 2020. Toronto Globe and Mail, Ontario. 12 August 2008.

IMPACTS: How giants of the deep are helping us to understand climate change. As elephant seals dive and hunt in one of the most inaccessible environments on Earth, they are feeding back information that is helping to shed light on the climate, using sensors that have been stuck to their coats. Edinburgh Scotsman, Scotland. 12 August 2008.

REGIONAL INITIATIVES: Governors to develop Southern energy plan. Southern governors, whose states represent one of the nation's major energy-producing regions, are working on a comprehensive plan to reduce the South's carbon footprint and create jobs. Associated Press. 12 August 2008.

AUTO IDLING: Idling for 3 mins burns fuel required for travelling 1 km. Automobile experts have estimated that a vehicle that idles for three minutes with the air-conditioner on, burns fuel required for travelling one km. Bombay Economic Times, India. 12 August 2008

JAPAN/POST-KYOTO: Too Early To Commit Post-Kyoto Target -Japan METI 8/12/2008 - It is too early for Japan to set a medium-term numerical target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions in a post-Kyoto treaty world, given that the U.S., the developed world's largest emitter, is unlikely to come up with a definitive position before a new president is elected, a senior Japanese government official said. "Unless the U.S. lays out its plan, India and China won't tell us anything. Without any idea on what these large emitters will do, it's not wise (for Japan) to commit any numerical target," said Jun Arima, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Deputy Director-General for Environmental Affairs. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/12/08

CHINA - ENERGY AUDITS: China To Audit Public Facilities To Achieve Energy Cut Target 8/12/2008 - China will audit public facilities' energy conservation efforts annually starting this year, as part of the government's efforts to achieve its energy reduction target for 2010. The State Council said on Monday that it will require public facilities including state agency departments and government-sponsored organizations to record their use of electricity, oil, gas, coal and heat, and to seek ways to reduce consumption. Under the new regulation to take effect Oct. 1, state agencies will submit energy conservation reports every March from next year. China aims to reduce energy use per unit of gross domestic product by 20% in 2010 compared with 2005. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/12/08

Wednesday August 13, 2008

CHINA - AUTO TAX: China raises consumption tax on big cars, cuts tax on small ones in move to fight pollution. China is raising its sales tax on big cars to as high as 40 percent, and drastically cutting taxes on small cars, in its latest attempt to combat emissions that contribute to heavy blankets of smog over most of its cities. Associated Press. 13 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (CA): Highway 50 plan may not be green enough for state. In what appears to be a California first, state highway officials are shelving a major Highway 50 widening plan in Sacramento until they can study whether the expansion will contribute to global warming. Sacramento Bee, California. 13 August 2008.

REGIONAL INITIATIVES (WCI): Group says industry lobbyists try to 'water down' climate initiative. There's an accusation recently floated by the Sierra Club that lobbyists for big industries, including utility and transportation sectors, are "pushing hard to water down" efforts of the Western Climate Initiative. Salt Lake Deseret Morning News, Utah. 13 August 2008

REGIONAL INITIATIVES (RGGI): NY joins alliance to cut CO2 emissions from power plants. New York has joined a regional system to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the state's power plants. Catskill Daily Mail, New York. 13 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (MA): Governor Deval Patrick signed two important bills further positioning Massachusetts as a leader in clean energy and environmental stewardship: the Green Jobs Act, which will support development of the clean energy technology industry that will move Massachusetts toward the green economy of the future, and the Global Warming Solutions Act, which will make Massachusetts a national leader in climate protection. www.mass.gov/governor

ALGAE/FUEL: Sapphire Energy Bets Big On Algae For Fuel 8/13/2008 - Sapphire Energy and its backers are sold on the potential of algae-derived biofuels, and this could set them on the crest of a tidal wave in the energy world, or leave them sinking into obscurity. The privately held San Diego company says it is producing at experimental levels a liquid fuel made from algae that is chemically identical to gasoline, and would be compatible with the current energy infrastructure. As the fuel is derived from carbon dioxide-soaking plant matter, the product wouldn't contribute to climate change. And unlike some other biofuels, such as corn-based ethanol, it doesn't require agricultural land to be produced. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/13/08

JAPAN - EMISSIONS: Japan Utilities Emitted More CO2 In FY07 8/13/2008 - Japan's 10 major power companies emitted 14.3% more carbon dioxide in fiscal 2007 than in the previous year, in part because an earthquake and an accident caused some nuclear power plants to be shut down, The Nikkei reported in its Wednesday edition. The increased CO2 output by the utilities pushed up the country's overall emissions by about 4%. This means that corporations and households will feel the pressure to take additional steps to cut emissions, given that Japan is committed to cut its fiscal 2008-12 greenhouse gas output by 6% from the fiscal 1990 level under the Kyoto Protocol. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/13/08

Thursday, August, 14, 2008

CARBON SEQUESTRATION: Carbon sequestration frustration. Burying CO2 from coal-fired plants could increase other pollutants, a new study suggests. Power plant emissions that cause acid rain, water pollution and ozone layer depletion may actually be made worse by capturing and pumping CO2 deep underground. Science News. 14 August 2008.

CARBON OFFSETS: Why carbon offsets backfire. With a city motto of "Exclusively Industrial," the town of Vernon was already a pollution magnet. Then offsets made it worse. Mother Jones. 14 August 2008.

SOLAR ENERGY: Sunlight on mirrors. A technology that uses mirrors to concentrate solar power could provide millions of homes with clean energy. Environmental Science & Technology. 14 August 2008.

AFRICA: African firms start to take action on climate change. With global warming expected to hit Africa hard, some companies in the "forgotten continent" are taking action themselves to fight climate change. Reuters. 14 August 2008.

CARBON CREDITS: New fund for carbon projects. Local companies which want to get carbon credits from their businesses yet face financial obstacles can now get a booster shot from the government. Straits Times, Singapore. 14 August 2008.

REGIONAL INITIATIVES (WCI): Climate change: Regional strength. The regional Western Climate Initiative will give this state and others considerable power to address global warming and fossil-fuel dependence. Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Washington. Editorial, 14 August 2008.

ALTERNATIVE FUELS: General Motors, PTT To Develop Alternative Fuels For Vehicles 8/14/2008 - General Motors Corp., the world's biggest car maker, said Thursday it will tie up with Thai energy conglomerate PTT PCL to develop alternative fuels for vehicles. "GM will act as a catalyst, a facilitator and a conduit to support the development and sharing of the latest technology to address energy and environmental issues confronting the Asean region," GM chairman and chief executive Richard Wagoner said in a statement. Possible collaboration between the two companies includes conducting research in areas of cellulosic ethanol and other non-food crops, expansion of biodiesel sources, development of CNG bifuel and dual fuel, as well as the development of low-cost hybrid, fuel cell and diesel engine technology for Thailand and Southeast Asian countries, said GM. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/14/08

Climate News Roundup: August 1 - August 7, 2008

Kristina Haddad — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:53:00 -0400

Friday, August 1, 2008

WIND ENERGY: Wind energy: Much potential, but also daunting challenges. Pioneers in the emerging wind-power industry are touting their product as The Next Big Thing as they chart a course to produce at least 20 percent of the nation's electricity in just over two decades. McClatchy Newspapers. 1 August 2008.

STATES/EPA - LEGAL: California moves ahead with plan to sue EPA. Fed up with the federal government's refusal to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, California announced it will lead five states and New York City in a landmark lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency. Long Beach Press-Telegram, California. 1 August 2008.

CALIFORNIA UTILITIES: L.A. utility wary of California's emissions strategy. Hailed as a step in the right direction to fight climate change, California's proposed greenhouse gas reduction policy has worried some of its most valued customers. Associated Press. 1 August 2008.

SOLAR CELLS: Solar-cell material can soak up more sun. Today's solar cells absorb only visible light, wasting the infrared that makes up half of the Sun's output that reaches Earth. But a new material can absorb infrared too, and should make it possible to hike the power solar cells can produce, say researchers. New Scientist, England. 1 August 2008.

NUCLEAR: Nuclear future uncertain as French deal stalls. Plans for the next generation of UK nuclear power stations faced uncertainty today after France's EDF failed to agree a takeover of British Energy. London Independent, England. 1 August 2008.

RECYCLING - CARPET: Carpet recycling is gaining ground. In 2002, after negotiations with federal officials and environmental groups, US carpet manufacturers set a goal of recycling 40 percent of discarded carpeting by 2012. Since then, the number of local carpet collectors has risen from five to more than 50. San Francisco Chronicle, California. 1 August 2008.

BRITISH COLUMBIA - AUTO EMISSIONS LAWSUIT: B.C. wants to file legal brief to support California tailpipe emission suit. California may be getting some support from British Columbia in the state's bid for tougher pollution standards for cars. Canadian Press. 1 August 2008.

OFFSHORE DRILLING: Governors take stand against offshore drilling. West Coast governors urged the federal government Tuesday to keep new oil drilling rigs out of their waters and to spend more money on programs to restore the health of the Pacific Ocean. Tacoma News Tribune, Washington. 1 August 2008.

INTERNATIONAL - COAL: A dangerous untruth. Opposing plans for new coal-fired power plants in developed countries has become an international frontline of climate change politics. London Guardian, England. Opinion, 1 August 2008.

CO2 PIPELINE: CO2 Pipeline Proposals Start To Gain Interest 8/1/2008 - Carbon dioxide pipelines aren't common outside of the oil patch now, but the notion of a network of pipes crisscrossing the U.S. as part of a system to reduce the nation's emissions of greenhouse gases is gaining ground. Early interest is forming in a web of pipes, comparable to the network in place for natural gas, to move emissions captured from power plants to underground storage sites. Some state and provincial governments are starting to mull transportation options as they study the prospects for carbon sequestration. And at least one private-equity backed company already envisions a "carbon highway," delivering thousands of tons of the heat-trapping gas to safe storage sites. "It is something we have got to have answers for soon," said Bill Hoback, bureau chief of the Illinois state office of coal development. Illinois officials are in the early stages of studying the transportation of CO2, with the expectation that federal limits on emissions will require heavy emissions reductions from coal-fired power plants. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/1/08

CARBON CAPTURE: ADA-ES Picked By DOE For Emissions Reduction Project 8/1/2008 - Specialty chemical manufacturer ADA-ES Inc. said that the Department of Energy has selected it to develop a technology that will capture carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants. Littleton, Colo.-based ADA-ES will be the prime contractor for what is expected to be a several million dollar project with the DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory and several industry participants. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/1/08

CHINA - LED LIGHTING: Cree Launches LED Educational Center In China 8/1/2008 - Light-emitting diode company Cree Inc. opened an educational center near its sales office in Shenzhen, China to teach clients and others the importance of quality in the LED industry. The course it runs - which will be taught in Mandarin - will teach lighting designers and manufacturers about the basics of LEDs, how to properly use the Cree product and how to troubleshoot. Durham, N.C.-based Cree makes LED chips that are widely used by other companies in LED products. The company also makes LED lighting fixtures. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/1/08

CHINA: The Climate Group Hails China's Low-Carbon Export Push 8/1/2008 - China, the world's biggest carbon emitter, is embarking on a "clean revolution" by seizing more low carbon export opportunities, showing that developing nations can also profit from renewable energy investment, independent organization The Climate Group said. By 2020 China intends to produce 12 million tons of low carbon fuel and double its proportion of renewable energy to 15%. Moreover, the country is introducing higher fuel efficiency standards for cars which would be 40% higher than those in the U.S. In order to meet its ambitious 2020 renewable energy goals, the country needs to invest a further $398 billion by increasing its annual spending from $12 billion in 2007 to $33 billion in the future, the group said in a report titled "China's Clean Revolution." For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/1/08

Monday, August 4, 2008

GREEN CITIES: Las Vegas bets on environmentalism. The popular image of this desert gambling mecca is that of indulgence and indiscriminate consumption. Words that rarely come to mind: Conservation. Sustainability. Green. USA Today. 4 August 2008.

IMPACTS: Climate change could cost N.J. billions. Climate change will wallop New Jersey by 2100, endangering lives and causing tens of billions of dollars in losses, according to a recent report issued by the University of Maryland. Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania. 4 August 2008. [Registration Required]

SOLUTIONS - BAMBOO: Bamboo can play a deep role in saving the globe. An agricultural scientist says bamboo absorbs three to four times as much CO2 as any other tree and can scrub pollution from septic tanks and factory effluents as it has a natural affinity for nitrogen, phosphorous and heavy metals. The Hindu, India. 4 August 2008.

CARBON STORAGE - OHIO: Ohio counties take lead in study of underground carbon storage. Ohio researchers have gone underground - performing cutting-edge environmental experiments that are pushing the state to the front of a race to stem global warming. Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ohio. 4 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (FL): Crist open to drilling, but not too near shore. With gasoline just below $4 a gallon, Gov. Charlie Crist says he has to keep an open mind when it comes to drilling off Florida's coastline. But he has his limits. Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Florida. 4 August 2008.

CHINA: China likely to broaden anti-pollution monitoring. China is likely to introduce new pollution monitoring measures in 2009 and learn from action taken during the Olympics to try and ensure Beijing does not sink back into smog, officials said on Sunday. Reuters. 4 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (MA): A tax credit to save some green. The $1.78 billion environmental bond bill approved by the Legislature last week provides the state with $366 million to protect open space from the pressure of development over the next five years. Boston Globe, Massachusetts. Editorial, 4 August 2008.

SPAIN: Spanish Government Approves EUR245M Energy-Saving Plan 8/4/2008 - Spain's cabinet Friday approved a EUR245-million energy saving and efficiency plan for 2008-11 that aims to cut oil consumption by about 44 million barrels. That would be the equivalent of 10% of the country's annual oil imports over the four-year period, the Industry Ministry said in a release. The plan targets the transport sector, industry and households, with 31 measures to boost the use of electric or hybrid cars and public transport, as well as of energy-saving light bulbs and household appliances. The measures will cost the government EUR245 million. The plan includes a pilot project to introduce electric car targets to achieve an electric or hybrid car fleet in Spain of 1 million vehicles by 2014. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/4/08

STATE POLICY (OR): Oregon PUC Rules In Favor Of Third-Party Financing 8/4/2008 - The Oregon Public Utility Commission has ruled that third-party financing models for building and operating solar facilities on premises owned by utilities are legitimate under its and the state's rules. In a release, the Salem, Ore.-based commission said that the question arose when PacifiCorp and Honeywell International Inc. earlier this year asked for a ruling specifying the rights and responsibilities of all parties in three-way generating agreements. Those agreements allow the likes of Pacificorp and Honeywell to collect federal and state tax credits. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/4/08

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

GREEN CITIES: Newsom signs the nation's most stringent green building codes. San Francisco took a major step to cement its reputation as the most environmentally progressive U.S. city, signing into law stringent green building codes for new construction and renovations. San Francisco Chronicle, California. 5 August 2008.

EPA GLOBAL WARMING POLICY: Union slams EPA chief for ignoring staff on global warming. EPA chief Stephen Johnson stunned his staff last month when he publicly opposed their proposals for regulating greenhouse gas emissions, four union officials representing EPA staff working on global warming policies said. McClatchy Newspapers. 5 August 2008.

CARBON STORAGE - FORESTS: Virgin forests more efficient at storing carbon. Untouched natural forests store three times more carbon dioxide than previously estimated and 60 per cent more than plantation forests, a new Australian study of "green carbon" and its role in climate change says. Reuters. 5 August 2008.

CARBON CREDITS - FARMERS: Carbon Credit Program generates $8 million for farmers, ranchers. More than 2,300 farmers and ranchers will receive checks in the mail this week for capturing and storing carbon dioxide in their soil through the National Farmers Union Carbon Credit Program. Dunn County News, Wisconsin. 5 August 2008..

CARBON TRADING - CHINA: China Starts First Carbon Trading Exchange In Beijing 8/5/2008 - China Tuesday launched the country's first carbon trading exchange in Beijing to trade carbon emission quotas, the Xinhua News Agency reported on its Web site. Beijing expected the platform to raise domestic carbon prices, which are far lower than international levels, the report said. Domestic carbon prices are at 8-10 euros per ton compared with the international prices of 17 euros per ton. The exchange will allow carbon trading in a more transparent and informative process to help in increasing their prices, it said. China has been the biggest beneficiary of carbon trading, according to the World Bank, which says it now produces more than 70% of all the world's carbon emission projects. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/5/08

STATE POLICY (ID): Idaho Power Plans To Invest $71M To Convert To Smart Meters 8/5/2008 - Idaho Power Corp. plans to convert all the power meters in its service area to advanced metering technology over three years starting next January, at an estimated cost of $71 million. The utility, which serves an area populated by nearly one million people in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon, filed a request with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to install the advanced metering system, also known as smart meters. Smart meters are thermostats which have communications and monitoring technology in them to allow customers and utilities to better understand their energy usage and costs during peak and off-peak hours. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/5/08

JAPAN - EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS: Japan Environment Minister Calls For 25%-Plus Cut In Emissions 8/5/2008 - Japan should aim to have its greenhouse gas emissions down by more than 25% from the 1990 level around the 2020-30 period, Environment Minister Tetsuo Saito said Monday. "I would like to make an announcement at the appropriate time next year," Saito said in reference to setting a medium-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for the country. On the carbon credit trading system that is to launch in October on a trial basis, Saito said: "We need to create a full-scale system that is linked with the world's markets by 2012, which is when the Kyoto Protocol expires." For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/5/08

EU - CARBON TRADING: ECX Exchange Says July CO2 Volumes Almost Triple To 346M Tons 8/5/2008 - Carbon exchange European Climate Exchange, or ECX, said Monday volumes in July reached a record 346 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, almost three times more than in the same period last year. "July experienced significant price volatility" in the trading benchmark contracts, the London-based exchange said in a statement. The December 2008 contracts based on European Union Allowances traded at EUR29.33 a ton at the beginning of July and fell to EUR22.06/ton on the last trading day of the month. The Certified Emission Reductions contracts to December 2008 began the month at EUR21.91/ton and dropped to EUR17.72/ton by the end of July, it said. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/5/08

Wednesday August 6, 2008

STATE POLICY (MD): Gov. O'Malley announces plans for more sustainable transportation fuel system. Governor O'Malley yesterday was joined by Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and administration officials to present roadmap for a more sustainable transportation fuel system in Maryland, beginning with the construction of four new E-85 fuel pumps throughout Maryland. Bay Media Services, Maryland. 6 August 2008.

GREEN CITIES: San Francisco's carbon footprint is shrinking, mayor says. San Francisco has cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5 percent from 1990 levels and is on track to meet its goal of a 20 percent reduction in four years, Mayor Gavin Newsom said today. San Francisco Chronicle, California. 6 August 2008.

FED POLICY - CAFÉ STANDARDS: Environmentalists push tougher fuel standard. Environmental groups urged federal regulators Monday to toughen proposed fuel economy rules for cars and trucks through 2015, saying a goal of 35 m.p.g. by 2020 in last year's energy bill should be moved up five years because of high gasoline costs. Detroit Free Press, Michigan. 6 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (KY): Beshear clears roads for electric car plant. Gov. Steve Beshear signed an executive order Tuesday allowing low-speed electric vehicles on some state roads in an effort to lure an electric car manufacturing plant to Kentucky. Lexington Herald-Leader, Kentucky. 6 August 2008.

ECO-FRIENDLY TUGBOAT: Eco-friendly tugboat makes waves at P.E.I. firm. A Prince Edward Island company, Xero Point Green Technology, is developing the power system for the tugboat for American firm Foss Maritime Company, the largest operator of tugboats in the U.S. Canwest News Service, Canada. 6 August 2008.

E-WASTE: Greenpeace cites rising e-waste in Africa. Greenpeace called on the world's electronics companies to eliminate hazardous chemicals from their products, saying toxic waste from wealthy nations' gadgets ends up being dumped in poor countries despite laws prohibiting it. Associated Press. 6 August 2008.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE POLICY (OBAMA): 1M hybrids on road by 2015. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Monday the nation should set a goal of putting 1 million plug-in electric hybrid vehicles on the road by 2015, offering $4 billion in federal aid to meet the ambitious goal. Detroit News, Michigan. 6 August 2008.

GREEN CITIES: Newsom pledges city will harvest power from sea. Mayor Gavin Newsom pledged Monday that San Francisco will begin generating electricity from the power of the sea - at least on a demonstration basis - before he leaves office. San Francisco Examiner, California. 6 August 2008.

FUEL CELLS: Nissan: Developed Advanced Battery For Fuel Cell Cars 8/6/2008 - Nissan Motor Co. said Wednesday that it has developed an advanced battery for fuel cell cars and will roadtest vehicles with this advanced battery by the end of this year. The auto maker is in the middest of efforts to catch up with domestic rivals Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. in the development of fuel cell cars. Such vehicles run on electricity generated by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and emit only water. Nissan, in which Renault owns a 44% stake, aims to launch its new fuel cell model sometime after 2010. Compared with the company's previous generation battery, the cost of the new battery - a key factor for fuel cell cars to reach a mass-market - has been cut by 35%. The company didn't disclose how much it costs now. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/6/08

WAVE ENERGY: Renewable Energy, Triton To Develop Bermuda Wave Farm 8/6/2008 - Renewable Energy Holdings PLC is working with Triton Renewable Energy Ltd. to build a 2 megawatt test wave farm in Bermuda, and eventually a grid-connected 20 MW farm. The companies will use Renewable Energy Holdings' wave power technology and engineering services and Bermuda-based Triton will help develop the project. The companies will then look for a power purchase agreement with the Bermuda utility, they said in a statement. The companies couldn't be reached for comment. Renewable Energy's wave power technology is expected to be available for commercial applications in 2009. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/6/08

Thursday, July 31, 2008

IMPACTS: Prepare for global temperature rise of 4C, warns top scientist. The UK should take active steps to prepare for dangerous climate change of perhaps 4C according to one of the government's chief scientific advisers. London Guardian, England. 7 August 2008.

IMPACTS: Will grasslands overtake U.S. forests due to warming? Climate change may cause grasslands to spread to parts of the United States that are currently covered in forest, a new study says. National Geographic News. 7 August 2008.

GREEN TECH CONTEST: U.S. Energy Department gives $100K to clean-technology start-up contest. The California Clean Tech Open, the 3-year-old business competition for entrepreneurs working to turn ideas into companies, got a big boost from the Department of Energy on Tuesday - $100,000 to foster green-building technologies. San Jose Mercury News, California. 7 August 2008.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Software tool to cut PC's energy use offered for free. More than half of the energy used by computers is wasted, and an industry group says a simple piece of software will help solve that problem. San Jose Mercury News, California. 7 August 2008.

GREEN BUILDING: 'Green' building codes sprout up across USA. As energy costs rise, more states and cities are adopting policies that encourage or require new construction to be energy-efficient. USA Today. 7 August 2008.

NUCLEAR: Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump cost soars 67 pct. The planned US nuclear waste dump at Yucca Mountain in Nevada will cost billions more than previously estimated due to a hike in the amount of waste it will have to dispose of and inflation, the Energy Department said Tuesday. Reuters. 7 August 2008.

HYDROGEN: Hydrogen generators get a test drive in the search for fuel economy and lower emissions. An alternative to the cold turkey approach of hopping on a bike may be to gradually wean ourselves off of our gasoline addiction. Reno News and Review, Nevada. 7 August 2008.

ELECTRIC CAR: $10 million invested in Zap electric cars. Zap, a Santa Rosa firm that makes electric cars, said an entrepreneur from Dubai has invested $10 million in the Bay Area company at the same time officials in Kentucky are plying it with incentives to move its factory from China to the Bluegrass State. San Francisco Chronicle, California. 7 August 2008.

BIO-WASTE: BIODenham Invests $60M To Turn Sewage Into Fertilizer Gold 8/7/2008 - Boston-based Denham Capital has committed $60 million to develop ten plants that convert municipal bio-solid waste into fertilizer. The plants will be developed by VitAG Corp., a Beech Island, S.C.-based company that has developed technology in partnership with Ferrate Technologies LLC, which manufactures a bio-solid deodorizer and with undisclosed engineering, fertilizer and equipment companies, according to a statement from the companies. Traditionally, fertilizer is made with natural gas as one of its components, and using the VitAG technology, means creating a more sustainable -- and potentially cheaper -- alternative given rising natural gas prices. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/7/08

EU/U.N. CARBON TRADING: 8/7/2008 - The European Union will link its carbon trading accounting system with that of the U.N. before December, so that CO2 credits earned outside the E.U. can count within the bloc, the Commission said Wednesday. Under the U.N. Kyoto protocol to fight climate change, countries that have an emission reduction target can earn sellable certified emission reduction credits, or CERs, by setting up CO2-cutting projects in developing countries. Once the U.N. certificate registry is linked with the European one, companies and countries will be able to count the U.N certificates as credits within the European emission allowances system. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/7/08

RGGI AUCTIONS: RGGI Signs On World Energy Solutions To Manage Auctions 8/7/2008 - World Energy Solutions Inc. said it signed a contract with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to design and manage its regional carbon dioxide allowance auctions. It is another sign that states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic intend to implement their program and not wait for the Federal government to push through its own cap-and-trade plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/7/08

SOLAR ENERGY: High Oil Prices Prompt Europeans To Turn To Solar Power 8/7/2008 - High oil and gas prices have made residential solar energy more economical for households, sparking a jump in European demand. Germany and France are among the governments underwriting the shift to solar by allowing consumers to sell the energy they produce using photovoltaic cells - which convert sunlight directly into electricity - to the national grid at a profit. In the U.K., the government grants help with the cost of solar installation, but there's no national tariff system For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/7/08

SOLAR ENERGY: Mitsubishi Electric To Step Up Marketing For Home Solar Systems 8/7/2008 - Mitsubishi Electric Corp. will beef up its marketing framework for home photovoltaic systems, increasing sales agencies trained for the firm's proprietary installation procedures by 50%, Nikkei reported. The company aims to lift domestic sales in the residential solar power systems business to 9 billion yen in fiscal 2008, up a little more than 10% on the year. Sales agents can obtain a designation as certified installers upon completion of technical training and after passing a test. As certified agents, they can offer a 10-year maintenance warranty, a favorable feature for marketing efforts. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/7/08

Let’s Look Beyond the Haze

Terry Tamminen — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:12:00 -0400

I was in Beijing last week and noticed the smog, of course, but as China grapples with Olympics and air quality I also saw something much more important. China is serious about energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases.

In recent months, the Chinese government has closed over 21 gigawatts of the dirtiest, most inefficient power plants. They didn't do this just for a temporary clean air benefit around Beijing - - it was done permanently all across the country. They also closed inefficient foundries, furnaces, and cement makers in huge numbers.

The government is in talks with major manufacturers, provincial leaders, and experts from places like California's Energy Commission (the agency that is largely responsible for making the Golden State 40% more energy efficient than the rest of America) to squeeze out all of the inefficient machinery, power generators, and heating/air conditioning equipment. They're also doing the obvious - - one official told me that the government will replace 2 billion incandescent light bulbs in the next year with more efficient ones.

It looks like China has learned a lesson that we are slowly grasping in the US - - that efficiency is the cheapest form of energy supply and is good for the environment and economy simultaneously. The big difference is that too many US businesses still resist state and federal efficiency or renewable energy policies in the misguided belief that a short term cost is harder to bear than a long term benefit. Maybe after the Olympic fever subsides, it might be useful for execs from some of those entrenched businesses to take vacation in China and see/hear for themselves.