Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Carbon Poker

Terry Tamminen — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:38:00 -0400

I had a dream about watching one of those high stakes poker games that you see on TV these days. There were bit players who you knew, from the few colored chips in front of them, would soon fold - - but the two "whales" at the table were Barack Obama and Hu Jintao. They each had so many chips on the table that you could barely see their cowboy shirts, but the purpose in their deadly stares could not be obscured, even by the dark black Ray Bans that shaded their eyes.

Obama wasted no time putting his ante smack in the middle of the green felt for all to see - - roll back greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% lower by 2050 (a statement made just 14 days after he was elected). Hu countered with a commitment to reduce energy consumption by 20%. Cards were dealt and the players tugged on their caps (Hu's read "Made in China" and Obama's proclaimed "Copenhagen", an obscure reference to either the failed Chicago bid for the 2016 Olympics or the upcoming climate talks).

The American Prez made the first bet - - adopting California's greenhouse gas limits on tailpipes as the national standard. The crowd murmured as they realized this meant he was betting on executive power instead of Congress. The Chinese Prez countered with a commitment to replace 15% of dirty fossil fuels with clean energy, like wind and solar, by 2020. The crowd gasped audibly, realizing that this would double China's current renewable energy supply.

Mr. Cool and Mr. Harmonious took and tossed cards, each betting bold plans to measure and register greenhouse gas sources; out-compete each other on a carbon market; and save more trees than anyone thought possible - - raising the stakes higher and higher, a pile of loot that made it hard for one to even see the other, let alone get a real read of their respective poker faces. Aides tugged at the sleeves of each man, whispering words of advice or caution, but the shrewd observer knew these competitors needed no guidance - - they were playing for keeps.

As often happens in dreams, reality and fantasy merged - - the closer I looked at the loot on the table, the more it resembled a blue, spinning globe. Were the Presidents playing for wealth, the future of a planet, or both?

I awoke with adrenaline pumping, the final result unknown, wondering if anyone else had distilled the words and deeds of these two world powerhouses into anything resembling my dream, or if most people had failed to see the high-stakes poker game that was going on in world capitals, UN speeches, and government announcements day by day. The media has largely failed to add up what's going on in both countries already, which allows Hu and Obama to make these pledges, so how would average citizens or investors know?

Yes, carbon will soon have more than a penny-ante price, but if we play the game shrewdly at Copenhagen and beyond, this may be a game with many winners and a dream for a more sustainable, resilient economy come true.

The Myth of Battery Cars

Terry Tamminen — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:31:00 -0400

As the world beats a path to Copenhagen for the December 2009 UN meeting to craft a new deal on climate change solutions, one of the biggest challenges remains our addiction to oil. About 40% of global greenhouse gases come from oil, when you include exploration, development, refining, transportation, and combusting it. A few years ago, the US government hailed corn-based ethanol as the alternative/savior, but when food prices skyrocketed because of a misguided policy to subsidize farmers (and when science showed the greenhouse gas benefits were small or non-existent), the rush was on to find another magic bullet.

Now the US government, led by Energy Secretary Steve Chu, has put on their Don Quixote armor again and is pouring lots of taxpayer dollars into batteries for cars. While I am the first to say there will be no silver bullet, only silver buckshot - - we need ALL alternatives to oil - - it's time to dump the battery-powered car in the same policy landfill as corn-based ethanol.

First, Chu admitted to Congress that it would take billions of R&D funding and many years to develop batteries that are practical for cars in everyday use. He was being optimistic, given the laws of physics - - there's only so much you can reduce the weight and charging times for batteries, not to mention the scarce and toxic materials needed to produce them. And car engineers spend lifetimes taking a few pounds out of a car to make it more fuel efficient, regardless of how it is powered. Why would we want a fleet of inefficient cars that carry around half a ton of excess luggage?

Second, this notion that battery cars require no new infrastructure is nonsense. A recent article in Science magazine highlighted the need for more powerplants, transmission lines, and home/office chargers to serve even a small % of the transportation fleet, if it was dependent on battery recharging. As an example, the Tesla battery sports car takes 37 hours to recharge with normal household current and 8 hours if you install a special high-voltage charger that costs thousands of dollars. Moreover, on a hot July day in California, if even a few hundred thousand of the state's 30 million vehicles were attached to the grid, the overloaded system would routinely blackout unless it was upgraded at the cost of billions. Battery car enthusiast Shai Agassi announced he intends to bring his battery cars to San Francisco and would build 250,000 charging stations around the Bay Area alone - - does that sound like new infrastructure to you?

Third, range matters. Yes the average commuter may only need 30 or 40 miles a day, something they can get from batteries today, but many people live in multi-family apartments and have no access to a charger on a daily basis. Many more can only afford one car and want one that can go longer distances when needed. I recently drove 150 miles to Palm Springs from Los Angeles in my hydrogen powered electric car (the hydrogen is converted to electricity by the fuel cell, which powers the same electric motor as a Tesla or any other electric car). I refueled in 7 minutes and was ready to return that afternoon. The Tesla or any other battery car available today would still be at the recharging station 30 miles short of Palm Springs, not to mention the problem of getting back in the same day.

Battery enthusiasts say we will have swapping stations, so in a few minutes you can drop off discharged batteries and pick up full charged ones. Maybe, but then every car will essentially have to have multiple sets of batteries made for it, so there are enough to go around at swapping stations awaiting the need. What does that take in terms of resources and greenhouse gas pollution in the manufacture (and ultimate disposal) of all of those batteries?

Fourth, size matters. There's a reason that battery cars so far are all small. Tesla chose the sports car because it was cool and would brand their company, but also because it is small and light which helps with range (even so, the range is far less than 200 miles). Other car companies toying with battery cars are focused on very small sedans for the same reason. Anyone who needs a larger car or truck will have a very long wait to get one powered by batteries.

Finally, how the electricity is produced will determine how clean battery power is, which is also true of hydrogen production. The need to build all of the new infrastructure, batteries (maybe multiple sets), and charging stations has to be added into that lifecycle analysis, otherwise we're making the same mistakes we made with ethanol - - a mirage of sustainability by looking only at the end use.

The bottom line is that battery cars are no more viable at this time for solving our oil addiction on a large-scale basis than corn-based ethanol. Battery enthusiasts like to bash hydrogen power for vehicles, but are unwilling to address these fundamental problems with their preferred technology any more than Congress people from corn states are willing to be honest about the lifecycle costs of ethanol.

Once we are honest about these challenges, perhaps we can move ahead with real solutions. Otherwise, Copenhagen will be a very cold place this coming December.

Small Changes/Big Impact

Kristina Haddad — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:04:00 -0400

By Andria Mack, Guest Blogger

Not too long ago, I left my career in hotel management and found myself working for an environmental non-profit organization. I have to admit that the reason I wound up there had less to do with my passion for the environment than my need for a steady gig to support myself. However, when I read the job posting working as the executive assistant to an environmental "power player," I thought that perhaps I might benefit from exposing myself to a little green culture. Boy, did I have a lot to absorb!

I'm an L.A. local who recently moved back after living in San Francisco for about 15 years, so I am at least ahead of some people in the sense that I believe in the reality that is global warming. I believe that we, as humans, have contributed to this predicament. (And the fact that there are some who don't believe that - including one former VP nominee who shall remain nameless - leaves me speechless!) I am proud of the fact that I had previously worked for a hospitality company (JDV Hotels) that practiced green policies and practices designed to "...educate their employees and guests, reduce waste and toxins, conserve natural resources and partner with local and environmentally-friendly businesses," and I manage to always throw my plastic water bottles in the nearest blue recycling bin. Beyond that I am [in my newly formed environmentally conscious opinion] woefully behind in my responsibility to our planet.

So what does a single woman who can't afford a Toyota Prius or Honda Clarity do to help the climate? First, I replaced the bulbs in my home with energy-efficient light bulbs. According to The Nature Conservancy "...they reduce the amount of fossil fuels that utilities burn. You will save 100 pounds of carbon for each incandescent bulb that you replace with a compact fluorescent, over the life of the bulb." I even got a few free ones from my utilities company! Next, I continued a practice that I picked up from living in San Francisco, and I walk to my destinations whenever feasible. I specifically moved into a neighborhood where I have easy access to my local grocery store, museum and other shops. Since I live alone, my grocery runs are never that huge, so I can easily walk to my neighborhood market and carry my groceries home. And speaking of grocery shopping, I absolutely adore the kicky canvas shopping bags that I purchased to replace using plastic or paper. (Not only do plastic bags take hundreds of years to decompose, but plastic bag manufacturing adds to the tons of carbon emissions each year.) I replaced my multiple [plastic] bottled water purchases with a cool reusable zen-patterned aluminum Sigg water bottle. Next on my list is to check my tires on a monthly basis to see that they are fully inflated so I'm burning less gas.

My minor efforts might not seem like much, but it's a start. And, most importantly, it was easy to do. I don't think I'm alone in sometimes feeling like I'm powerless to do anything to help counteract the effects of global warming. So many people just do NOTHING when they feel powerless, but hopefully they too will realize how easy it is to take these first simple steps.

So, after making these minor lifestyle changes, I calculated my carbon footprint and found that my estimated greenhouse gas emissions are 11 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent per year, which is below the U.S. national average. (Interesting fact: the world average is only 5.5 per person.) Not bad for someone who's still saving her pennies for a hybrid car!

Billions: The Big Picture

Jenna Cittadino — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:01:00 -0400

I admit that my last blog may not have convinced many people that it is urgent to act on global warming unless you are a cat lover like I am. So this time around I'm going to make my point by discussing a topic we can all relate to: cars.

According to Daniel Sperling, "...more than one billion vehicles populate the earth today" (Two Billion Cars: Driving Towards Sustainability). He warns that we are rapidly approaching two billion cars (probably in about 15 years) primarily due to an increase in demand from developing countries such as China and India, as well as continued population growth. Matt Rosenberg says, "The world's current... growth rate is about 1.14%, representing a doubling time of 61 years. We can expect the world's population of 6.5 billion to become 13 billion by 2067 if current growth continues" (geography.about.com).

Are we ready for an extra billion cars on the road? Are we ready for an extra 6.5 billion people inhabiting this earth?

Last November, President Obama announced greenhouse gas reduction targets for the United States. The targets aim to reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and an additional 80% by 2050 (www.uctv.tv). These targets seem attainable, but what happens when there are twice as many cars on the road and twice as many people inhabiting the earth? Luckily the targets stay the same even though the variable changes. If stray cats don't convince you the time to act is now, perhaps that will.

We are fortunate there are people in this world such as Senator Fran Pavley. Fran was a middle school teacher from Agoura Hills, CA, who left that challenge to work for the California State Assembly (and eventually for the State Senate). She has authored some of California's "gold standard" climate change legislation including Assembly Bill 1493 (Pavley), which was signed into law in 2002. AB1493 directed the California Air Resources Board to adopt regulations that require carmakers to reduce global warming emissions from new passenger cars and light trucks beginning in 2009. The regulations are projected to achieve a 23% reduction in global warming from new vehicles by 2012 and a 30% reduction in global warming emissions from new vehicles by 2016. 17 other states have also adopted or have announced plans to adopt California's vehicle emission standard.

In 2007, the EPA denied California a waiver to set more stringent auto emissions and fuel efficiency standards than required by federal law. In response, California and 15 other states filed suit against the federal government. In early 2009, President Obama signed a memorandum requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider the application by California.

Transportation is a significant source of GHG emissions, accounting for almost 28% of total U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2004 (according to the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004, published in 2006 by the US EPA).

Therefore, it is imperative to regulate tailpipe emissions and pave the way for alternative fuel vehicles to rule the road in order to reach emissions reduction targets.

This is also an incredible opportunity for Detroit. By following the Pavley bill regulations for new vehicles they produce, car manufactures can have a major impact on tailpipe emissions reductions and can hold an important place in history. Not to mention, their sales will likely skyrocket since cars that get excellent miles per gallon are in high demand. Not only is this an opportunity for them to save their companies, but this is their responsibility to their consumers.

The time to act is now. This is not just about us today, but about the 6.5 billion children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren...I think you get the big picture.

I left my heart in San Francisco . . . and Seattle and Portland. . .

Kristina Haddad — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:34:00 -0500

Recently I traveled to the above mentioned cities and forgive me Los Angeles (where I currently reside) but I fell in love. It's wasn't just the physical beauty, the food, the culture, what sealed the deal for me was - yes - call me shallow - each cities public transportation. Living in Los Angeles for the last 17 (gulp) years I have been married to my car for better or worse - a necessity in this sprawling city. There are a few, including my husband who manage to go at least 75% of the time without a car - in his case relying on the bus system and a bicycle to deliver him to his destination. I myself have attempted to be a consumer of public transportation in Los Angeles but unfortunately with the exception of a few bus lines I have been left frustrated.

Take for example getting to the airport. San Francisco, Seattle and Portland all have bus and/or subway systems that enable a visitor to get to their destination without a car or taxi. Los Angeles well - a slightly different story. I live approximately 10 miles from LAX. Trying to do my part to cut GHG emissions on one recent trip out of town I was determined to take the bus to the airport - I mean why not? Can't be that difficult? 10 miles? After working with the LA Metro Trip Planner it calculated that it would take me about an hour to get there and two to three bus changes. "Hello, Yellow Cab?"

Cut to arriving in Seattle on an unusually sunny fall day. Determined to not take a cab I ask about getting into town by bus or train. Voila! Take this Metro Transit bus and it will take you here, there, everywhere - all for the price of a donut - what could be better. And along the way - I get the benefit of seeing the sites and soaking in the local flavor. Alas off to San Francisco for the holidays and again - the Bay Area Rapid Transit (i.e. BART) took me and my husband right into the heart of the city. Portland, ah, Portland, the crème de la crème of public transportation - their Max Light Rail system would make your mouth water.

So what is a Los Angelite supposed to do - or others that live in public transportation disadvantaged cities? Perhaps what I should do (I'm thinking of this as I write) is give what the city does have a chance - a little love if you will. Maybe take the bus once a week? Take the metro on the weekends? Maybe all that's missing here is the will of the city's people to take advantage of a system that has been awarded "Outstanding Transportation System for 2006" by the American Public Transportation Association. Who knew huh?

Yes - L.A. does have a bus and rail system and it serves thousands of the city's citizens. However - for many of us - the system is inefficient - the bottom line is you simply can't easily get from destination A to destination B easily or quickly. But that said, I'll give it a try . . . hopefully with more ridership the city's officials will finally bring to L.A. a new subway system that could be the envy of the nation's top cities. And then maybe I could finally profess my love to this much aligned city and say, like in the Randy Newman song "I love L.A.!"

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

Land Use and My Bicycle

Kristina Haddad — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:53:00 -0400

(By SASHA ABELSON, Guest Blogger to the Climate Program)

When I first moved to LA I told people I hoped to find a job close to home which did not involve an hour commute to and from the office. The response to this statement was generally one of uncontrollable laughter. I, however, did not think it was funny.

I was born and raised in New York City and the idea of walking to work was not a foreign concept to me. In fact, in all of my years as a New Yorker, I was able to get to each place of employment on foot. I always enjoyed my walk to work, and I appreciated the fact that it was indeed possible to walk to work.

I am now a resident of LA and my current commute takes me approximately 10 minutes - on my bike. I will always remember that I am one of the lucky ones! A colleague of mine just explained to me how she spent 3 hours last night traveling the 19.1 miles to her home.

My goal to live near work goes beyond the desire to avoid traffic and arrive at the office with windswept hair and tanned forearms. It has to do with effective land use, and a need to have a relationship with the land that is both environmentally friendly and economically viable. Nearly 40% of California's greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. As the population continues to grow and sprawling suburbs continue to be developed, the state's greenhouse emissions will continue to soar unless it dramatically changes the way it builds cities and suburbs

An article in the LA Times discussed a report, "Growing Cooler: Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change."[1] This report concluded that compact development such as mixing housing and businesses in denser patterns, with walkable neighborhoods, could be as effective at lowering emissions as some state and national climate policies. According to the study, compact development would allow consumers to spend less on gas while saving money in taxes that would otherwise be spent on pumping water and building new roads to far-away suburbs.

Frankly, I am thrilled with my 10 minute commute, my once monthly trip to the pump, my lower CO2 emissions, and my not-so-LA-approach to urban planning and land use. Who's laughing now?

[1] http://articles.latimes.com/2007/sep/21/local/me-climate21

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

Where's the Beef?

Kristina Haddad — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:28:00 -0400

Last Thursday I had the privilege of listening to a panel of climate change experts at a conference which was moderated by NAF's Climate Policy Director Terry Tamminen. Among the panel was a diverse group including Nobel Peace Prize Laureate R.K. Pachauri. At the conclusion of an incredibly stimulating panel discussion each of the participants was asked what they do in their own life to stop global warming. Dr. Pachauri, without pause, answered "I don't eat meat."

Being a vegetarian I realize food is a sensitive subject. I put it in the category of money, politics and religion. After all it's one thing to tell someone to change out a light bulb, but another to tell someone to give something up, which for some, brings great pleasure. However, when you realize the impact meat consumption has in terms of environmental degradation, public health, animal welfare, the poor and yes, climate change, it suddenly makes this American staple a bit less appetizing.

An article written by the famed cookbook author Mark Bittman for the New York Times, entitled "Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler" - does an outstanding job of summarizing the meat dilemma (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/weekinreview/27bittman.html?_r=2). In the article he notes the results of a calculation made by Gidon Eshel, a geophysicist at the Bard Center, and Pamel A. Martin, an assistant professor of geophysics at the University of Chicago. Eshel and Martin calculated that if Americans were to reduce meat consumption by just 20% it would be as if we all switched from a standard sedan to a Prius. Another study he quotes that was conducted by the National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science in Japan estimated that 2.2 pounds of beef is responsible for the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the average European car every 155 miles and burns enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for nearly 20 days. His article articulates many of the issues related to meat consumption but there was one fact that struck me most profoundly: though some 800 million people on the planet now suffer from hunger or malnutrition, the majority of corn and soy grown in the world feeds cattle, pigs and chicken.

I'm not naïve and understand that meat is part of the American identity - a cowboy, a steak (a Marlboro cigarette) and a horse are images that project the essence of America, the West in particular. But instead of eating meat on a daily basis or even a weekly basis we might want to take a cue from the folks who live on the ancient island of Crete. The Cretan population is known to be one of the longest living groups of people on the earth and have a simple diet that is both healthy and easy on the earth. The Cretan diet food pyramid below shows where meat stacks up -- once a month the pyramid suggests.

As Mr. Bittman concludes his article he quotes Mark W. Rosegrant, Director of Environment and Production Technology at the nonprofit International Food Policy Research Institute who foresees "a stronger public relations campaign in the reduction of meat consumption - one like that around cigarettes - emphasizing personal health, compassion for animals and doing good for the poor and the planet." Now that sounds like a campaign a Nobel Laureate might get behind.

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