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if they are burried deep enough they are but if get attacked not very green then
Bush was saying uranium power plants are "green" friendly.
Let's hope it's not too late to save my favorite planet.
Senate Negotiators Reach Compromise On Auto Milage MandatesLast update: 6/21/2007 4:43:39 PM(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones NewswiresJune 21, 2007 16:43 ET
Putting Solar Energy On A Sound Footing
8th June 2007
University of Utah physicists developed small devices that turn heat into sound and then into electricity. The technology holds promise for changing waste heat into electricity, harnessing solar energy and cooling computers and radars.
"We are converting waste heat to electricity in an efficient, simple way by using sound," says Orest Symko, a University of Utah physics professor who leads the effort. "It is a new source of renewable energy from waste heat."
Five of Symko’s doctoral students recently devised methods to improve the efficiency of acoustic heat-engine devices to turn heat into electricity. They will present their findings on Friday, June 8 during the annual meeting of the Acoustical Society of America at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center hotel.
Symko expects the devices could be used within two years as an alternative to photovoltaic cells for converting sunlight into electricity. The heat engines also could be used to cool laptop and other computers that generate more heat as their electronics grow more complex. And Symko foresees using the devices to generate electricity from heat that now is released from nuclear power plant cooling towers.
The project has received $2 million in funding during the past two years, and Symko hopes it will grow as small heat-sound-electricity devices shrink further so they can be incorporated in micromachines (known as microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS) for use in cooling computers and other electronic devices such as amplifiers.
Using sound to convert heat into electricity has two key steps. Symko and colleagues developed various new heat engines (technically called "thermoacoustic prime movers") to accomplish the first step: convert heat into sound.
Then they convert the sound into electricity using existing technology: "piezoelectric" devices that are squeezed in response to pressure, including sound waves, and change that pressure into electrical current. "Piezo" means pressure or squeezing.
Most of the heat-to-electricity acoustic devices built in Symko’s laboratory are housed in cylinder-shaped "resonators" that fit in the palm of your hand. Each cylinder, or resonator, contains a "stack" of material with a large surface area – such as metal or plastic plates, or fibers made of glass, cotton or steel wool – placed between a cold heat exchanger and a hot heat exchanger.
When heat is applied – with matches, a blowtorch or a heating element – the heat builds to a threshold. Then the hot, moving air produces sound at a single frequency, similar to air blown into a flute.
"You have heat, which is so disorderly and chaotic, and all of a sudden you have sound coming out at one frequency," Symko says.
Then the sound waves squeeze the piezoelectric device, producing an electrical voltage. Symko says it’s similar to what happens if you hit a nerve in your elbow, producing a painful electrical nerve impulse.
Longer resonator cylinders produce lower tones, while shorter tubes produce higher-pitched tones.
Devices that convert heat to sound and then to electricity lack moving parts, so such devices will require little maintenance and last a long time. They do not need to be built as precisely as, say, pistons in an engine, which loses efficiency as the pistons wear.
Symko says the devices won’t create noise pollution. First, as smaller devices are developed, they will convert heat to ultrasonic frequencies people cannot hear. Second, sound volume goes down as it is converted to electricity. Finally, "it’s easy to contain the noise by putting a sound absorber around the device," he says
Agricultural Land Used As A Carbon Sink
8th June 2007
The huge potential of agricultural soils to reduce greenhouse gases and increase production at the same time has been reinforced by new research findings at NSW Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Wollongbar Agricultural Institute.
Trials of agrichar - a product hailed as a saviour of Australia’s carbon-depleted soils and the environment - have doubled and, in one case, tripled crop growth when applied at the rate of 10 tonnes per hectare.
Agrichar is a black carbon byproduct of a process called pyrolysis, which involves heating green waste or other biomass without oxygen to generate renewable energy.
Tim Flannery, Australian of the Year and renowned scientist, conservationist, writer and explorer, is a major advocate of agrichar and pyrolysis.
In The Bulletin magazine, Flannery recently ranked “fostering pyrolysis-based technologies” fourth among his five steps for saving the planet, because they convert crop waste into fuel and agrichar which can be used to enhance soil fertility and store carbon long-term.
NSW DPI senior research scientist Dr Lukas Van Zwieten said soils naturally turn over about 10 times more greenhouse gas on a global scale than the burning of fossil fuels.
“So it is not surprising there is so much interest in a technology to create clean energy that also locks up carbon in the soil for the long term and lifts agricultural production,” he said. The trials at Wollongbar have focused on the benefits of agrichar to agricultural productivity.
“When applied at 10t/ha, the biomass of wheat was tripled and of soybeans was more than doubled,” said Dr Van Zwieten.
“This percentage increase remained the same when applications of nitrogen fertiliser were added to both the agrichar and the control plots.
“For the wheat, agrichar alone was about as beneficial for yields as using nitrogen fertiliser only.
“And that is without considering the other benefits of agrichar.”
Regarding soil chemistry, Dr Van Zwieten said agrichar raised soil pH at about one-third the rate of lime, lifted calcium levels and reduced aluminium toxicity on the red ferrosol soils of the trial.
“Soil biology improved, the need for added fertiliser reduced and water holding capacity was raised,” he said.
The trials also measured gases given off from the soils and found significantly lower emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide (a greenhouse gas more than 300 times as potent as carbon dioxide).
NSW DPI environmental scientist Steve Kimber said an added benefit for both the farmer who applies agrichar and the environment is that the carbon in agrichar remains locked up in the soil for many years longer than, for example, carbon applied as compost, mulch or crop residue.
“We broadly categorise carbon in the soil as being labile (liable to change quickly) or stable – depending on how quickly they break down and convert into carbon dioxide,” he said.
“Labile carbon like crop residue, mulch and compost is likely to last two or three years, while stable carbon like agrichar will last up to hundreds of years.
“This is significant for farmer costs because one application of agrichar may be the equivalent of compost applications of the same weight every year for decades.
“For the environment, it means soil carbon emissions can be reduced because rapidly decomposing carbon forms are being replaced by stable ones in the form of agrichar.”
Unfortunately, agrichar is not widely available. BEST Energies Australia, a company involved with NSW DPI in the trials, has a pilot plant at Gosford which is producing minimal amounts for research purposes.
“We are hoping the technology will take hold and pyrolysis plants will be built where there is a steady stream of green or other biomass waste providing clean energy that is carbon negative,” Dr Van Zwieten said.
“But until pyrolysis plants are up and running, the availability of agrichar for farmers will be scarce.”
House Appropriations Panel Rejects 08 Funding To Expand SPR-2Last update: 6/6/2007 6:46:39 PMWASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--The U.S. House Appropriations Committee rejected on Wednesday the Bush administration's request for funding to double the capacity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and instead boosted funding for research and development into clean energy technologies. The Department of Energy earlier this year began expanding the SPR in a two-stage process from around 727 million barrels of crude now to 1.5 billion barrels by 2027, selecting prospective sites for expansion. WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--The U.S. House Appropriations Committee rejected on Wednesday the Bush administration's request for funding to double the capacity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and instead boosted funding for research and development into clean energy technologies. The Department of Energy earlier this year began expanding the SPR in a two-stage process from around 727 million barrels of crude now to 1.5 billion barrels by 2027, selecting prospective sites for expansion. Kirsten Brost, Appropriations Committee spokeswoman, said in a statement that the panel rejected the Department of Energy request for $168 million for administration costs for the expansion, "to instead invest in conservation measures and alternative fuels." The committee boosted total energy spending for fiscal year 2008 to $31.6 billion, $1.1 billion more than President Bush requested. It approved spending of $1.9 billion for research and development of technologies that it said would reduce the country's dependence on foreign sources of crude and cut greenhouse gases, almost $640 million more than the administration sought. Department of Energy spokeswoman Megan Barnett said doubling the size of the SPR would provide an additional layer of protection for the nation's long-term energy security. "We will continue to work with Congress on this important matter that will help ensure that adequate fuel supplies are available to the American people in the case of a severe supply disruption," Barnett told Dow Jones Newswires. The current SPR holds the approximate equivalent of 55 days of net imports while expansion of its capacity to 1.5 billion barrels would provide almost 100 days of net import protection, she said. Solar energy, biomass, vehicle technology and carbon dioxide sequestration research and development all saw increased levels of funding. The panel also cut funding for the President's Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, which would create a cartel of suppliers of enriched nuclear fuel as part of an anti-proliferation effort. Instead, the Appropriations Committee approved $100 million to establish an International Atomic Energy Agency nuclear fuel bank to create a reliable source of nuclear fuel for countries. "It is unnecessary to rush into a plan that continues to raise concerns among scientists and has only weak support from industry given that there are reasonable options available for short-term storage of nuclear waste and that this project will cost tens of billions of dollars and last for decades," Brost said. -By Ian Talley, Dow Jones Newswires, 202 862 9285; ian.talley@dowjones.com Kirsten Brost, Appropriations Committee spokeswoman, said in a statement that the panel rejected the Department of Energy request for $168 million for administration costs for the expansion, "to instead invest in conservation measures and alternative fuels." The committee boosted total energy spending for fiscal year 2008 to $31.6 billion, $1.1 billion more than President Bush requested. It approved spending of $1.9 billion for research and development of technologies that it said would reduce the country's dependence on foreign sources of crude and cut greenhouse gases, almost $640 million more than the administration sought. Department of Energy spokeswoman Megan Barnett said doubling the size of the SPR would provide an additional layer of protection for the nation's long-term energy security. "We will continue to work with Congress on this important matter that will help ensure that adequate fuel supplies are available to the American people in the case of a severe supply disruption," Barnett told Dow Jones Newswires. The current SPR holds the approximate equivalent of 55 days of net imports while expansion of its capacity to 1.5 billion barrels would provide almost 100 days of net import protection, she said. Solar energy, biomass, vehicle technology and carbon dioxide sequestration research and development all saw increased levels of funding. The panel also cut funding for the President's Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, which would create a cartel of suppliers of enriched nuclear fuel as part of an anti-proliferation effort. Instead, the Appropriations Committee approved $100 million to establish an International Atomic Energy Agency nuclear fuel bank to create a reliable source of nuclear fuel for countries. "It is unnecessary to rush into a plan that continues to raise concerns among scientists and has only weak support from industry given that there are reasonable options available for short-term storage of nuclear waste and that this project will cost tens of billions of dollars and last for decades," Brost said. -By Ian Talley, Dow Jones Newswires, 202 862 9285; ian.talley@dowjones.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires
Pelosi Statement on Legislation Addressing Energy Independence and Global WarmingLast update: 6/5/2007 7:41:00 PMWASHINGTON, June 5, 2007 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on legislation addressing energy independence and global warming: "Any legislation that comes to the House floor must increase our energy independence, reduce global warming, invest in new technologies to achieve these goals and create good jobs in America. "Any proposal that affects California's landmark efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or eliminate the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions will not have my support." SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House
Brendan Daly or Nadeam Elshami of Office of the Speaker of the House, +1-202-226-7616Copyright (C) 2007 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
seems headed that way
Maybe once the blame game is over, developing countries may do something.
Global warming 'is three times faster than worst predictions'
By Geoffrey Lean, Environment Editor
Published: 03 June 2007
Global warming is accelerating three times more quickly than feared, a series of startling, authoritative studies has revealed.
They have found that emissions of carbon dioxide have been rising at thrice the rate in the 1990s. The Arctic ice cap is melting three times as fast - and the seas are rising twice as rapidly - as had been predicted.
News of the studies - which are bound to lead to calls for even tougher anti-pollution measures than have yet been contemplated - comes as the leaders of the world's most powerful nations prepare for the most crucial meeting yet on tackling climate change.
The issue will be top of the agenda of the G8 summit which opens in the German Baltic resort of Heiligendamm on Wednesday, placing unprecedented pressure on President George Bush finally to agree to international measures.
Tony Blair flies to Berlin today to prepare for the summit with its host, Angela Merkel, the German chancellor. They will discuss how to tackle President Bush, who last week called for action to deal with climate change, which his critics suggested was instead a way of delaying international agreements.
Yesterday, there were violent clashes in the city harbour of Rostock between police and demonstrators, during a largely peaceful march of tens of thousands of people protesting against the summit.
The study, published by the US National Academy of Sciences, shows that carbon dioxide emissions have been increasing by about 3 per cent a year during this decade, compared with 1.1 per cent a year in the 1990s.
The significance is that this is much faster than even the highest scenario outlined in this year's massive reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - and suggests that their dire forecasts of devastating harvests, dwindling water supplies, melting ice and loss of species are likely to be understating the threat facing the world.
The study found that nearly three-quarters of the growth in emissions came from developing countries, with a particularly rapid rise in China. The country, however, will resist being blamed for the problem, pointing out that its people on average still contribute only about a sixth of the carbon dioxide emitted by each American. And, the study shows, developed countries, with less than a sixth of the world's people, still contribute more than two-thirds of total emissions of the greenhouse gas.
On the ground, a study by the University of California's National Snow and Ice Data Center shows that Arctic ice has declined by 7.8 per cent a decade over the past 50 years, compared with an average estimate by IPCC computer models of 2.5 per cent.
In yesterday's clashes, masked protesters hurled flagpoles, stones and bottles and attacked with sticks forcing police to retreat. The police said they were suffering "massive assaults" and that the situation was "very chaotic". They put the size of the demonstration at 25,000; organisers said it was 80,000.
Further reading: Go to pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.0700609104
Also in this section
NASA Head Criticized For Remarks On Global WarmingLast update: 5/31/2007 1:48:05 PMWASHINGTON (AP)--The head of NASA drew criticism from scientists when he said he was not sure global warming was a problem and added that it would be "arrogant" to assume the world's climate should not change in the future. "I have no doubt that global - that a trend of global warming exists," NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said in a taped interview that aired Thursday on National Public Radio. "I am not sure that it is fair to say that is a problem we must wrestle with." "I guess I would ask which human beings, where and when, are to be accorded the privilege of deciding that this particular climate that we have right here today, right now, is the best climate for all other human beings. I think that's a rather arrogant position for people to take," Griffin said. Jerry Mahlman, a former top scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who is now at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, said Griffin's remarks showed he was either "totally clueless" or "a deep anti-global warming ideologue." James Hansen, a top NASA climate scientist, said Griffin's comments showed "arrogance and ignorance," because millions of people will likely be harmed by global warming in the future. White House science adviser Jack Marburger said he was not disturbed by Griffin's remarks, but distanced them from President George W. Bush, who on Thursday announced an international global warming proposal. "It's pretty obvious that the NASA administrator was speaking about his own personal views and by no means representing or attempting to represent the administration's views or broader policy," Marburger told The Associated Press. "He's got a very wry sense of humor and is very outspoken." NASA spokesman David Mould said the radio interviewer was trying to push Griffin into saying something about global warming. NASA's position is that it provides scientific data on the issue, but policy makers are the ones who decide, he said. (END) Dow Jones Newswires
Research Finds That Earth's Climate Is Approaching `Dangerous' PointLast update: 5/31/2007 12:49:00 PMNEW YORK, May 31, 2007 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- NASA and Columbia University Earth Institute research finds that human-made greenhouse gases have brought the Earth's climate close to critical tipping points, with potentially dangerous consequences for the planet. From a combination of climate models, satellite data, and paleoclimate records the scientists conclude that the West Antarctic ice sheet, Arctic ice cover, and regions providing fresh water sources and species habitat are under threat from continued global warming. The research appears in the current issue of Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. Tipping points can occur during climate change when the climate reaches a state such that strong amplifying feedbacks are activated by only moderate additional warming. This study finds that global warming of 0.6 degrees C in the past 30 years has been driven mainly by increasing greenhouse gases, and only moderate additional climate forcing is likely to set in motion disintegration of the West Antarctic ice sheet and Arctic sea ice. Amplifying feedbacks include increased absorption of sunlight as melting exposes darker surfaces and speedup of iceberg discharge as the warming ocean melts ice shelves that otherwise inhibit ice flow. The researchers used data on earlier warm periods in Earth's history to estimate climate impacts as a function of global temperature, climate models to simulate global warming, and satellite data to verify ongoing changes. Lead author James Hansen, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, New York, concludes: "If global emissions of carbon dioxide continue to rise at the rate of the past decade, this research shows that there will be disastrous effects, including increasingly rapid sea level rise, increased frequency of droughts and floods, and increased stress on wildlife and plants due to rapidly shifting climate zones." The researchers also investigate what would be needed to avert large climate change, thus helping define practical implications of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. That treaty, signed in 1992 by the United States and almost all nations of the world, has the goal to stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gases "at a level that prevents dangerous human-made interference with the climate system." Based on climate model studies and the history of the Earth the authors conclude that additional global warming of about 1 degree C (1.8 degrees F) or more, above global temperature in 2000, is likely to be dangerous. In turn, the temperature limit has implications for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), which has already increased from the pre-industrial level of 280 parts per million (ppm) to 383 ppm today and is rising by about 2 ppm per year. According to study co-author Makiko Sato of Columbia's Earth Institute, "the temperature limit implies that CO2 exceeding 450 ppm is almost surely dangerous, and the ceiling may be even lower." The study also shows that the reduction of non-carbon dioxide forcings such as methane and black soot can offset some CO2 increase, but only to a limited extent. Hansen notes that "we probably need a full court press on both CO2 emission rates and non-CO2 forcings, to avoid tipping points and save Arctic sea ice and the West Antarctic ice sheet." A computer model developed by the Goddard Institute was used to simulate climate from 1880 through today. The model included a more comprehensive set of natural and human-made climate forcings than previous studies, including changes in solar radiation, volcanic particles, human-made greenhouse gases, fine particles such as soot, the effect of the particles on clouds and land use. Extensive evaluation of the model's ability to simulate climate change is contained in a companion paper to be published in Climate Dynamics. The authors use the model for climate simulations of the 21st century using both "business-as-usual" growth of greenhouse gas emissions and an "alternative scenario" in which emissions decrease slowly in the next few decades and then rapidly to achieve stabilization of atmospheric CO2 amount by the end of the century. Climate changes are so large with "business-as- usual," with additional global warming of 2-3 degrees C (3.6-5.4 degrees F) that Hansen concludes "'business-as-usual' would be a guarantee of global and regional disasters." However, the study finds much less severe climate change - one-quarter to one-third that of the "business-as-usual" scenario - when greenhouse gas emissions follow the alternative scenario. "Climate effects may still be substantial in the `alternative scenario,' but there is a better chance to adapt to the changes and find other ways to further reduce the climate change," said Sato. While the researchers say it is still possible to achieve the "alternative scenario," they note that significant actions will be required to do so. Emissions must begin to slow soon. "With another decade of 'business-as- usual' it becomes impractical to achieve the 'alternative scenario' because of the energy infrastructure that would be in place," says Hansen. For related images and more information on this story, please visit on the Web: For more information about the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and the Columbia University Earth Institute visit:
SOURCE NASA
Leslie McCarthy, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, New York, +1-212-678-5507Copyright (C) 2007 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
LIVE EARTH JAPAN REVEALEDLast update: 5/29/2007 11:15:00 AMSpecial Kyoto Broadcast Event, Artist Lineups and Ticketing Information Announced Today Tokyo Concert and Kyoto Event Part of the 24-Hour, 7-Continent Concert Series to Combat Global Warming Expected to Reach Over 2 Billion People on 7/7/07 Tickets Go On Sale Saturday, June 9 TOKYO, May 29, 2007 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Live Earth Founder and Producer Kevin Wall joined with Tatsu Kitagawa, the principal of Live Earth Japan office, at a press conference today to announce the artist lineup and ticketing information for Live Earth Japan. Wall announced that Japan is the only country hosting two events as part of the 24-hour, 7-continent Live Earth concert series to combat global warming. Makuhari Messe in Tokyo will host a daylong official Live Earth concert. A special broadcast event will be held at the To-ji Buddhist Temple in Kyoto later in the day. Live Earth will begin in Sydney, Australia on July 7, 2007 and continue across all 7 continents with official concerts in Tokyo, Japan; Shanghai, China; Johannesburg, South Africa; London, United Kingdom; Hamburg, Germany; Istanbul, Turkey; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before concluding in New York, United States.
Live Earth Tokyo will feature the following acts live on stage: AI Ai Otsuka Ayaka Cocco Genki Rockets Kumi Koda Linkin Park Rihanna Rize And others to be announced at a later date.The special Kyoto broadcast event will feature the following acts live on stage:
Michael Nyman Rip Slyme Yellow Magic Orchestra And others to be announced at a later date.Tickets for Live Earth Tokyo at Makuhari Messe go on sale June 9. Additional information is available at TELEDOME, a 24-hour telephone information service that provides information on the event and how to purchase tickets - 0180-993-717. Live Earth Tokyo tickets are JY10,000 and can be purchased in the following ways:
-- PIA - order via mobile at 0570-02-9535 -- Lawson - order via mobile 0570-084-637 (*L code is not required) -- CN Playguide - 0570-08-9922 -- Ticket Navi - order via and pickup at any convenience store (Lawson, FamilyMart, 7-11, Sunkus, etc.) -- eplus - order via Ticket prices for the special music event in Kyoto is: SS/JPY15, 000, S/JPY9, 000, A (standing) /JPY7, 000. Kyoto tickets are available exclusively via eplus internet access -- . The information service of the Kyoto event is: 0570-06-9985 (from 30th May). Event organizers encourage all ticket buyers to use public transportation to get to the venue. Live Earth was founded by Kevin Wall, who served as Worldwide Executive Producer of the Live 8 concert series in 2005. Live Earth will bring together more than 100 of the world's top music acts to inspire an audience of over two billion people to trigger a mass movement to combat global warming. Live Earth seeks to inspire its global audience to make meaningful and lasting changes in their lives and spur action by corporations and governments to turn the tide on global warming. "Live Earth is about engaging an unprecedented audience with solutions to the climate crisis, said Wall. "This blockbuster lineup of chart-topping Japanese and international music acts will help Live Earth reach its goal by attracting a huge audience in Japan, Asia and the rest of the world." Live Earth marks the beginning of a multi-year campaign led by the Alliance for Climate Protection and other international non-governmental organizations to move individuals, corporations and governments to take action to solve global warming. Former Vice President of the United States Al Gore is the Chair of the Alliance for Climate Protection and a Partner of Live Earth. "Live Earth is taking place across all seven continents because the climate crisis affects us all -- and all of us must be a part of the solution," Gore said. "Live Earth will engage individuals, corporations and governments to take action against the climate crisis." Exclusive online media partner MSN is helping Live Earth reach people in every corner of the globe. Live Earth Tokyo will be streamed live on 7/7/07 at . MSN's 39 localized web portals worldwide attract 465 million monthly users. Live Earth Japan will be broadcast on NHK and Fuji Television Broadcast Company, and to more than 100 countries worldwide as part of the global television feed. The Live Earth production team will implement new "green event" guidelines that will address the major areas of impact of live events, including recycling, food and beverages, packaging, transportation, energy, water usage, and the event site itself. From power generation at the concerts to garbage generated by concert goers, Live Earth will seek to "design out" waste and become the model for future live events. smart has joined Live Earth as an Official Partner. Its motto "Open your mind" summarizes smart's approach to building cars, and it's this thinking that has resulted in arguably the most ecologically-sound and environmentally-relevant car of our time: the smart fortwo. Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (PHG) is a global leader in healthcare, lifestyle and technology, delivering products, services and solutions through the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Philips, as the world's leading lighting supplier, joins Live Earth as Global Lighting Partner. Philips has put environmental product improvement at the heart of its business with its EcoDesign program since 1994 and is increasing its green product range year-by-year. The company was the first to introduce the energy saving light bulb back in 1980 and is already campaigning together with the lighting industry, NGOs, energy suppliers, governments and retailers to switch to energy saving lighting in streets, offices, buildings and homes, as soon as possible. Live Earth is being produced globally by Control Room, of which Kevin Wall is the CEO. Control Room has produced and distributed more than 60 concerts since its founding in 2005 featuring Beyonce, Madonna, Green Day and the Rolling Stones, among others. For more information, visit and . SOURCE Live Earth
Live Earth Global Headquarters, Yusef Robb, +1-323-384-1789, press@liveearth.org, orLive Earth Japan Office, Miyairi \ Sano, info@liveearth-japan.jp
Philips Exec Supports Call To Ban Incandescent Light BulbsLast update: 5/23/2007 11:46:54 AMAMSTERDAM (Dow Jones)--The chief executive of Royal Philips Electronics NV's (PHG) lighting division said Wednesday he supports the call of the Dutch government to ban the sale of incandescent light bulbs. Dutch Minister of Environmental Affairs Jacqueline Cramer said on Monday that she would propose that the government ban the sale of the traditional bulbs in four years. This "clear signal is very good" and in line with guidelines that Philips set for itself," Theo van Deursen said in an interview with Dow Jones Newswires. The increasing demand and interest for energy-efficient lighting sources is helping to boost sales and profitability at Philips' lighting business, he noted. Energy-saving light bulbs cost more than incandescent light bulbs and have "above-average margins," Van Deursen said. Philips Lighting unit targets a margin on earnings before interest, taxes and amortization, or Ebita, of around 12%, and an annual comparable sales growth of 6%. During the first quarter of the year, Philips Lighting posted an 8% comparable sales growth, partly attributable to the demand for energy-efficient light bulbs. Van Deursen said that the demand for these products is accelerating and that Philips Lighting might surpass its sales target this year. -By Mathijs Schiffers, Dow Jones Newswires; +31-20-5890270; mathijs.schiffers@dowjones.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires
Centex Homes Offers Sharp Solar Electricity Systems in New Home Development in Naples, FloridaLast update: 5/22/2007 9:00:24 AMSolar Panels and Battery Back-Ups Installed on 89 Homes in New Community HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., May 22, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Centex Homes will offer solar electricity systems from Sharp, the world's leading provider of solar cells, on 89 homes in The Quarry, a new community north of Naples, Florida. Sharp solar systems will be offered on several single-family and estate homes in two "solar neighborhoods" within The Quarry community, designed to augment the power supplied to each home from the grid. "Centex is committed to balancing land conservation with responsible development, and The Quarry is being built on that principal," said Paul Rondeau of Centex Homes. "We are proud to take the lead in building homes equipped with solar power and encourage other developers to follow suit in bringing the long term benefits of solar to homeowners." The 2.1-kilowatt systems will help owners control monthly utility costs, especially during times of peak energy consumption, such as during the day in summer months. Each system will also have eight garage-housed 100-amp-hour batteries that will power critical loads like a refrigerator, microwave and a few outlets in case of a power failure. Construction of the homes will take place over the next three to five years. "Centex's primary reason for choosing solar energy was to build a development that operates in harmony with the natural habitat, but homeowners will also enjoy the long-term benefit of lower electricity costs," said Ron Kenedi, vice president, Solar Energy Solutions Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. Sharp's Solar Energy Solutions Group is a unit of Sharp Electronics Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan. Sharp is the world market leader in solar panel production, with annual worldwide production capacity of 710 MW, and offers both standard and integrated roof modules for home applications. Sharp also is the U.S. market leader and maintains solar panel assembly operations at its manufacturing facility in Memphis, TN. The solar manufacturing facility assembles a variety of panels for residential and commercial installations. Further information on Sharp's commitment to solar energy, its product line, and the ways in which Sharp makes it easy to go solar is available online at . Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, solar energy solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(R) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, SharpVision(R) projection products, Insight(R) Microwave Drawers(R), and Notevision(R) multimedia projectors. For more information visit Sharp Electronics Corporation at . SOURCE: Sharp Electronics Corporation
I remember you talking about that... excellent way to help out.
yes we do, after my stocks take off we are getting a solar power system for our home.
Real problem on our hands...
“This is serious,” said Corinne Le Quéré, of the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), two of the world’s leading environmental research centres. “This is the first time that we’ve been able to say that climate change itself is responsible for the saturation of the Southern Ocean sink. “With the Southern Ocean reaching its saturation point more CO2 will stay in our atmosphere. Since the early 1980s the carbon sink hasn’t changed. In the same period the emissions have gone up by 43 per cent.”
The TimesMay 18, 2007
Rapid rise in global warming is forecastLewis Smith, Environment Reporter
The oceans are losing the capacity to soak up rising man-made carbon emissions, which is increasing the rate of global warming by up to 30 per cent, scientists said yesterday.
Researchers have found that the Southern Ocean is absorbing an ever-decreasing proportion of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The excess carbon, which cannot be absorbed by the oceans, will remain in the atmosphere and accelerate global warming, they said.
The reduced ability to absorb carbon is thought to be a result of high winds acting on ocean currents bringing deeper waters that already contain high levels of carbon to the surface.
The higher winds are themselves believed to have been caused by climate change due to a combination of changes in the ozone layer and carbon emissions.
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The scientists from countries including Britain, France and Germany, said their findings marked the first time that one of the world’s natural “carbon sinks” had been shown to be weakened by Man’s own actions.
Ian Totterdell, a climate modeller at the Met Office Hadley Centre, described the research as “an important piece of work”.
He said: “This is the first time we have been able to get convincing evidence that a change in the uptake of CO2 by the oceans is linked to climate change.
“It’s one of many feedbacks we didn’t expect to kick in until some way into the 21st century.”
While a reduction in absorption rates by carbon sinks has long been forecast, the discovery that the Southern Ocean is mopping up less of Man’s carbon emissions has come at least two decades earlier than expected.
The Southern Ocean is the world’s biggest marine carbon sink and accounts for 15 per cent of all the carbon taken out of the atmosphere. Temperatures are already predicted to rise by almost 1.5C (2.7F) by the middle of the century, without taking into account any further emissions caused, for example, by the rapid construction of fossil fuel power plants in China and India.
The weakening of the Southern Ocean’s absorption rates– which could be in the range of 5 to 30 per cent– is likely to result in an increase in the rate at which temperatures rise, scientists say.
“This is serious,” said Corinne Le Quéré, of the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), two of the world’s leading environmental research centres. “This is the first time that we’ve been able to say that climate change itself is responsible for the saturation of the Southern Ocean sink. “With the Southern Ocean reaching its saturation point more CO2 will stay in our atmosphere. Since the early 1980s the carbon sink hasn’t changed. In the same period the emissions have gone up by 43 per cent.”
Dr Le Quéré led a team measuring atmospheric carbon dioxide, which found that, despite this rise in emissions since 1981, the quantity absorbed by the ocean was static.
Since the industrial revolution an estimated 500 giga-tonnes of carbon dioxide has been released into the atmosphere through the use of fossil fuels, cement manufacture and changes in land use.
About a quarter of this has been absorbed by the oceans and a further quarter taken up by vegetation.
The research, published in Science, identified changes in wind patterns caused by climate change as being the direct cause of the weakened ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
While able to pinpoint the hole in the ozone layer and carbon emissions as the man-made causes of the increased winds, the researchers were unable to identify which of them had the greater effect.
The net quantity of carbon dioxide absorbed by the Southern Ocean remained at 0.3 billion tonnes a year from 1981 to 2004, according to calculations by the research team.
In 1981 it absorbed 0.6 billion tonnes from the atmosphere but emitted 0.3 billion tonnes back into it. In 2004 it absorbed 0.8 billion tonnes but emitted 0.5 billion tonnes. In the report they said that climate models project more intense Southern Ocean winds if CO2 levels continue to increase over the next century.
The researchers accepted there were limits to the data available from the Southern Ocean and that “the magnitude of the CO2 sink is heavily disputed”.
Professor Chris Rapley, director of BAS, said uncertaintities remained, but the findings were “a serious concern”.
He said the reduced efficiency of the ocean to act as a carbon sink would make it harder to reduce emissions to levels that were low enough to limit temperature rises to 2C.
;s carbon emissions has come at least two decades earlier than expected.
The Southern Ocean is the world’s biggest marine carbon sink and accounts for 15 per cent of all the carbon taken out of the atmosphere. Temperatures are already predicted to rise by almost 1.5C (2.7F) by the middle of the century, without taking into account any further emissions caused, for example, by the rapid construction of fossil fuel power plants in China and India.
The weakening of the Southern Ocean’s absorption rates– which could be in the range of 5 to 30 per cent– is likely to result in an increase in the rate at which temperatures rise, scientists say.
“This is serious,” said Corinne Le Quéré, of the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), two of the world’s leading environmental research centres. “This is the first time that we’ve been able to say that climate change itself is responsible for the saturation of the Southern Ocean sink. “With the Southern Ocean reaching its saturation point more CO2 will stay in our atmosphere. Since the early 1980s the carbon sink hasn’t changed. In the same period the emissions have gone up by 43 per cent.”
Dr Le Quéré led a team measuring atmospheric carbon dioxide, which found that, despite this rise in emissions since 1981, the quantity absorbed by the ocean was static.
Since the industrial revolution an estimated 500 giga-tonnes of carbon dioxide has been released into the atmosphere through the use of fossil fuels, cement manufacture and changes in land use.
About a quarter of this has been absorbed by the oceans and a further quarter taken up by vegetation.
The research, published in Science, identified changes in wind patterns caused by climate change as being the direct cause of the weakened ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
While able to pinpoint the hole in the ozone layer and carbon emissions as the man-made causes of the increased winds, the researchers were unable to identify which of them had the greater effect.
The net quantity of carbon dioxide absorbed by the Southern Ocean remained at 0.3 billion tonnes a year from 1981 to 2004, according to calculations by the research team.
In 1981 it absorbed 0.6 billion tonnes from the atmosphere but emitted 0.3 billion tonnes back into it. In 2004 it absorbed 0.8 billion tonnes but emitted 0.5 billion tonnes. In the report they said that climate models project more intense Southern Ocean winds if CO2 levels continue to increase over the next century.
The researchers accepted there were limits to the data available from the Southern Ocean and that “the magnitude of the CO2 sink is heavily disputed”.
Professor Chris Rapley, director of BAS, said uncertaintities remained, but the findings were “a serious concern”.
He said the reduced efficiency of the ocean to act as a carbon sink would make it harder to reduce emissions to levels that were low enough to limit temperature rises to 2C.
Have
Bush: Climate Change Is 'A Serious Issue'Last update: 5/17/2007 12:50:43 PM
By Henry J. Pulizzi
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--President George W. Bush said he spent a lot of time discussing climate change with outgoing U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair Thursday, with both men agreeing that global warming is a serious problem. "This is a serious issue and the United States takes it seriously," Bush said in remarks in the Rose Garden following his meeting with Blair. Bush said he and Blair, who announced last week that he's stepping down at the end of June, also discussed Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and the Middle East peace process. Bush and Blair will see each other again at next month's Group of Eight summit in Germany. The host of that meeting, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, hopes the leaders can address global warming, an area where the Bush administration and Europe have differences. "The important thing is we see it's possible for people to come to together" on an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address energy security, Blair said. Though Bush said Thursday's meeting wasn't "a farewell deal," he and Blair lavishly praised one another and pledged that U.S.-U.K. relations would remain close when Blair is succeeded by Gordon Brown. "It's a controversial relationship, at least over in my country, but I've never doubted its importance," Blair said. "I believe that we will remain a staunch and steadfast ally in the fight against terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere." The prime minister's friendship with Bush, and his decision to join the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, battered his popularity at home, however, and likely hastened his departure from Downing Street. Asked if he is partly to blame for Blair's leaving office, Bush said "Could be." He later added, "I don't know." Blair showed no signs of backing away from Bush. "I've admired him as a president, and I regard him as a friend," he said. "I have taken the view that Britain should stand shoulder to shoulder with America after September the 11th. I have never deviated from that view. I do not regret that view." It's unclear if Brown will take the U.S.-U.K. alliance in a new direction, but Bush said he's met the man and "thought he was a good fella." Though most of Thursday's press conference was devoted to their controversial relationship, serious business was conducted earlier in the morning and at a dinner Wednesday. Bush and Blair discussed Iraq in a video conference with commanders and ambassadors in Baghdad, and expressed concern about ongoing violence in Gaza. Bush repeated that if international efforts to convince Iran to abandon its effort to get a nuclear weapon fail, new U.N. sanctions should be enforced. He also said he and Blair agreed to improve defense cooperation by trying to cut barriers to trade in defense goods, services and information. On climate change, Bush said he wants to work "constructively" with other G8 leaders. "I've got some good ideas as to how to convince China and India to be a part of a global solution," Bush said. "In respect of climate change, I welcome very much what the president has said today," Blair said.
-By Henry J. Pulizzi, Dow Jones Newswires
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Climate Momentum Shifting: Prominent Scientists Reverse Belief in Man-made Global Warming - Now Skeptics
May 15, 2007
Posted by Marc Morano – Marc_Morano@EPW.Senate.Gov - 9:14 PM ET
Climate Momentum Shifting: Prominent Scientists Reverse Belief in Man-made Global Warming - Now Skeptics
Growing Number of Scientists Convert to Skeptics After Reviewing New Research
Following the U.S. Senate's vote today on a global warming measure (see today's AP article: Senate Defeats Climate Change Measure,) it is an opportune time to examine the recent and quite remarkable momentum shift taking place in climate science. Many former believers in catastrophic man-made global warming have recently reversed themselves and are now climate skeptics. The names included below are just a sampling of the prominent scientists who have spoken out recently to oppose former Vice President Al Gore, the United Nations, and the media driven “consensus” on man-made global warming.
The list below is just the tip of the iceberg. A more detailed and comprehensive sampling of scientists who have only recently spoken out against climate hysteria will be forthcoming in a soon to be released U.S. Senate report. Please stay tuned to this website, as this new government report is set to redefine the current climate debate.
In the meantime, please review the list of scientists below and ask yourself why the media is missing one of the biggest stories in climate of 2007. Feel free to distribute the partial list of scientists who recently converted to skeptics to your local schools and universities. The voices of rank and file scientists opposing climate doomsayers can serve as a counter to the alarmism that children are being exposed to on a daily basis. (See Washington Post April 16, 2007 article about kids fearing of a “climactic Armageddon” )
The media's climate fear factor seemingly grows louder even as the latest science grows less and less alarming by the day. (See Der Spiegel May 7, 2007 article: Not the End of the World as We Know It ) It is also worth noting that the proponents of climate fears are increasingly attempting to suppress dissent by skeptics. (See UPI May 10, 2007 article: U.N. official says it's 'completely immoral' to doubt global warming fears )
Once Believers, Now Skeptics ( Link to pdf version )
Geophysicist Dr. Claude Allegre, a top geophysicist and French Socialist who has authored more than 100 scientific articles and written 11 books and received numerous scientific awards including the Goldschmidt Medal from the Geochemical Society of the United States, converted from climate alarmist to skeptic in 2006. Allegre, who was one of the first scientists to sound global warming fears 20 years ago, now says the cause of climate change is "unknown" and accused the “prophets of doom of global warming” of being motivated by money, noting that "the ecology of helpless protesting has become a very lucrative business for some people!" “Glaciers’ chronicles or historical archives point to the fact that climate is a capricious phenomena. This fact is confirmed by mathematical meteorological theories. So, let us be cautious,” Allegre explained in a September 21, 2006 article in the French newspaper L'EXPRESS. The National Post in Canada also profiled Allegre on March 2, 2007, noting “Allegre has the highest environmental credentials. The author of early environmental books, he fought successful battles to protect the ozone layer from CFCs and public health from lead pollution.” Allegre now calls fears of a climate disaster "simplistic and obscuring the true dangers” mocks "the greenhouse-gas fanatics whose proclamations consist in denouncing man's role on the climate without doing anything about it except organizing conferences and preparing protocols that become dead letters." Allegre, a member of both the French and U.S. Academy of Sciences, had previously expressed concern about manmade global warming. "By burning fossil fuels, man enhanced the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which has raised the global mean temperature by half a degree in the last century," Allegre wrote 20 years ago. In addition, Allegre was one of 1500 scientists who signed a November 18, 1992 letter titled “World Scientists' Warning to Humanity” in which the scientists warned that global warming’s “potential risks are very great.”
Geologist Bruno Wiskel of the University of Alberta recently reversed his view of man-made climate change and instead became a global warming skeptic. Wiskel was once such a big believer in man-made global warming that he set out to build a “Kyoto house” in honor of the UN sanctioned Kyoto Protocol which was signed in 1997. Wiskel wanted to prove that the Kyoto Protocol’s goals were achievable by people making small changes in their lives. But after further examining the science behind Kyoto, Wiskel reversed his scientific views completely and became such a strong skeptic, that he recently wrote a book titled “The Emperor's New Climate: Debunking the Myth of Global Warming.” A November 15, 2006 Edmonton Sun article explains Wiskel’s conversion while building his “Kyoto house”: “Instead, he said he realized global warming theory was full of holes and ‘red flags,’ and became convinced that humans are not responsible for rising temperatures.” Wiskel now says “the truth has to start somewhere.” Noting that the Earth has been warming for 18,000 years, Wiskel told the Canadian newspaper, “If this happened once and we were the cause of it, that would be cause for concern. But glaciers have been coming and going for billions of years." Wiskel also said that global warming has gone "from a science to a religion” and noted that research money is being funneled into promoting climate alarmism instead of funding areas he considers more worthy. "If you funnel money into things that can't be changed, the money is not going into the places that it is needed,” he said.
Astrophysicist Dr. Nir Shaviv, one of Israel's top young award winning scientists, recanted his belief that manmade emissions were driving climate change. ""Like many others, I was personally sure that CO2 is the bad culprit in the story of global warming. But after carefully digging into the evidence, I realized that things are far more complicated than the story sold to us by many climate scientists or the stories regurgitated by the media. In fact, there is much more than meets the eye,” Shaviv said in February 2, 2007 Canadian National Post article. According to Shaviv, the C02 temperature link is only “incriminating circumstantial evidence.” "Solar activity can explain a large part of the 20th-century global warming" and "it is unlikely that [the solar climate link] does not exist,” Shaviv noted pointing to the impact cosmic- rays have on the atmosphere. According to the National Post, Shaviv believes that even a doubling of CO2 in the atmosphere by 2100 "will not dramatically increase the global temperature." “Even if we halved the CO2 output, and the CO2 increase by 2100 would be, say, a 50% increase relative to today instead of a doubled amount, the expected reduction in the rise of global temperature would be less than 0.5C. This is not significant,” Shaviv explained. Shaviv also wrote on August 18, 2006 that a colleague of his believed that “CO2 should have a large effect on climate” so “he set out to reconstruct the phanerozoic temperature. He wanted to find the CO2 signature in the data, but since there was none, he slowly had to change his views.” Shaviv believes there will be more scientists converting to man-made global warming skepticism as they discover the dearth of evidence. “I think this is common to many of the scientists who think like us (that is, that CO2 is a secondary climate driver). Each one of us was working in his or her own niche. While working there, each one of us realized that things just don't add up to support the AGW (Anthropogenic Global Warming) picture. So many had to change their views,” he wrote.
Mathematician & engineer Dr. David Evans, who did carbon accounting for the Australian Government, recently detailed his conversion to a skeptic. “I devoted six years to carbon accounting, building models for the Australian government to estimate carbon emissions from land use change and forestry. When I started that job in 1999 the evidence that carbon emissions caused global warming seemed pretty conclusive, but since then new evidence has weakened the case that carbon emissions are the main cause. I am now skeptical,” Evans wrote in an April 30, 2007 blog. “But after 2000 the evidence for carbon emissions gradually got weaker -- better temperature data for the last century, more detailed ice core data, then laboratory evidence that cosmic rays precipitate low clouds,” Evans wrote. “As Lord Keynes famously said, ‘When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?’” he added. Evans noted how he benefited from climate fears as a scientist. “And the political realm in turn fed money back into the scientific community. By the late 1990's, lots of jobs depended on the idea that carbon emissions caused global warming. Many of them were bureaucratic, but there were a lot of science jobs created too. I was on that gravy train, making a high wage in a science job that would not have existed if we didn't believe carbon emissions caused global warming. And so were lots of people around me; and there were international conferences full of such people. And we had political support, the ear of government, big budgets, and we felt fairly important and useful (well, I did anyway). It was great. We were working to save the planet! But starting in about 2000, the last three of the four pieces of evidence outlined above fell away or reversed,” Evans wrote. “The pre-2000 ice core data was the central evidence for believing that atmospheric carbon caused temperature increases. The new ice core data shows that past warmings were *not* initially caused by rises in atmospheric carbon, and says nothing about the strength of any amplification. This piece of evidence casts reasonable doubt that atmospheric carbon had any role in past warmings, while still allowing the possibility that it had a supporting role,” he added. “Unfortunately politics and science have become even more entangled. The science of global warming has become a partisan political issue, so positions become more entrenched. Politicians and the public prefer simple and less-nuanced messages. At the moment the political climate strongly supports carbon emissions as the cause of global warming, to the point of sometimes rubbishing or silencing critics,” he concluded. (Evans bio link )
Climate researcher Dr. Tad Murty, former Senior Research Scientist for Fisheries and Oceans in Canada, also reversed himself from believer in man-made climate change to a skeptic. “I stated with a firm belief about global warming, until I started working on it myself,” Murty explained on August 17, 2006. “I switched to the other side in the early 1990's when Fisheries and Oceans Canada asked me to prepare a position paper and I started to look into the problem seriously,” Murty explained. Murty was one of the 60 scientists who wrote an April 6, 2006 letter urging withdrawal of Kyoto to Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper which stated in part, "If, back in the mid-1990s, we knew what we know today about climate, Kyoto would almost certainly not exist, because we would have concluded it was not necessary.”
Botanist Dr. David Bellamy, a famed UK environmental campaigner, former lecturer at Durham University and host of a popular UK TV series on wildlife, recently converted into a skeptic after reviewing the science and now calls global warming fears "poppycock." According to a May 15, 2005 article in the UK Sunday Times, Bellamy said “global warming is largely a natural phenomenon. The world is wasting stupendous amounts of money on trying to fix something that can’t be fixed.” “The climate-change people have no proof for their claims. They have computer models which do not prove anything,” Bellamy added. Bellamy’s conversion on global warming did not come without a sacrifice as several environmental groups have ended their association with him because of his views on climate change. The severing of relations came despite Bellamy’s long activism for green campaigns. The UK Times reported Bellamy “won respect from hardline environmentalists with his campaigns to save Britain’s peat bogs and other endangered habitats. In Tasmania he was arrested when he tried to prevent loggers cutting down a rainforest.”
Climate scientist Dr. Chris de Freitas of The University of Auckland, N.Z., also converted from a believer in man-made global warming to a skeptic. “At first I accepted that increases in human caused additions of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere would trigger changes in water vapor etc. and lead to dangerous ‘global warming,’ But with time and with the results of research, I formed the view that, although it makes for a good story, it is unlikely that the man-made changes are drivers of significant climate variation.” de Freitas wrote on August 17, 2006. “I accept there may be small changes. But I see the risk of anything serious to be minute,” he added. “One could reasonably argue that lack of evidence is not a good reason for complacency. But I believe the billions of dollars committed to GW research and lobbying for GW and for Kyoto treaties etc could be better spent on uncontroversial and very real environmental problems (such as air pollution, poor sanitation, provision of clean water and improved health services) that we know affect tens of millions of people,” de Freitas concluded. de Freitas was one of the 60 scientists who wrote an April 6, 2006 letter urging withdrawal of Kyoto to Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper which stated in part, “Significant [scientific] advances have been made since the [Kyoto] protocol was created, many of which are taking us away from a concern about increasing greenhouse gases.”
Meteorologist Dr. Reid Bryson, the founding chairman of the Department of Meteorology at University of Wisconsin (now the Department of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, was pivotal in promoting the coming ice age scare of the 1970’s ( See Time Magazine’s 1974 article “Another Ice Age” citing Bryson: & see Newsweek’s 1975 article “The Cooling World” citing Bryson) has now converted into a leading global warming skeptic. In February 8, 2007 Bryson dismissed what he terms "sky is falling" man-made global warming fears. Bryson, was on the United Nations Global 500 Roll of Honor and was identified by the British Institute of Geographers as the most frequently cited climatologist in the world. “Before there were enough people to make any difference at all, two million years ago, nobody was changing the climate, yet the climate was changing, okay?” Bryson told the May 2007 issue of Energy Cooperative News. “All this argument is the temperature going up or not, it’s absurd. Of course it’s going up. It has gone up since the early 1800s, before the Industrial Revolution, because we’re coming out of the Little Ice Age, not because we’re putting more carbon dioxide into the air,” Bryson said. “You can go outside and spit and have the same effect as doubling carbon dioxide,” he added. “We cannot say what part of that warming was due to mankind's addition of ‘greenhouse gases’ until we consider the other possible factors, such as aerosols. The aerosol content of the atmosphere was measured during the past century, but to my knowledge this data was never used. We can say that the question of anthropogenic modification of the climate is an important question -- too important to ignore. However, it has now become a media free-for-all and a political issue more than a scientific problem,” Bryson explained in 2005.
Global warming author and economist Hans H.J. Labohm started out as a man-made global warming believer but he later switched his view after conducting climate research. Labohm wrote on August 19, 2006, “I started as a anthropogenic global warming believer, then I read the [UN’s IPCC] Summary for Policymakers and the research of prominent skeptics.” “After that, I changed my mind,” Labohn explained. Labohn co-authored the 2004 book “Man-Made Global Warming: Unraveling a Dogma,” with chemical engineer Dick Thoenes who was the former chairman of the Royal Netherlands Chemical Society. Labohm was one of the 60 scientists who wrote an April 6, 2006 letter urging withdrawal of Kyoto to Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper which stated in part, “’Climate change is real’ is a meaningless phrase used repeatedly by activists to convince the public that a climate catastrophe is looming and humanity is the cause. Neither of these fears is justified. Global climate changes all the time due to natural causes and the human impact still remains impossible to distinguish from this natural ‘noise.’”
Paleoclimatologist Tim Patterson, of Carlton University in Ottawa converted from believer in C02 driving the climate change to a skeptic. “I taught my students that CO2 was the prime driver of climate change,” Patterson wrote on April 30, 2007. Patterson said his “conversion” happened following his research on “the nature of paleo-commercial fish populations in the NE Pacific.” “[My conversion from believer to climate skeptic] came about approximately 5-6 years ago when results began to come in from a major NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) Strategic Project Grant where I was PI (principle investigator),” Patterson explained. “Over the course of about a year, I switched allegiances,” he wrote. “As the proxy results began to come in, we were astounded to find that paleoclimatic and paleoproductivity records were full of cycles that corresponded to various sun-spot cycles. About that time, [geochemist] Jan Veizer and others began to publish reasonable hypotheses as to how solar signals could be amplified and control climate,” Patterson noted. Patterson says his conversion “probably cost me a lot of grant money. However, as a scientist I go where the science takes me and not were activists want me to go.” Patterson now asserts that more and more scientists are converting to climate skeptics. "When I go to a scientific meeting, there's lots of opinion out there, there's lots of discussion (about climate change). I was at the Geological Society of America meeting in Philadelphia in the fall and I would say that people with my opinion were probably in the majority,” Patterson told the Winnipeg Sun on February 13, 2007. Patterson, who believes the sun is responsible for the recent warm up of the Earth, ridiculed the environmentalists and the media for not reporting the truth. "But if you listen to [Canadian environmental activist David] Suzuki and the media, it's like a tiger chasing its tail. They try to outdo each other and all the while proclaiming that the debate is over but it isn't -- come out to a scientific meeting sometime,” Patterson said. In a separate interview on April 26, 2007 with a Canadian newspaper, Patterson explained that the scientific proof favors skeptics. “I think the proof in the pudding, based on what (media and governments) are saying, (is) we're about three quarters of the way (to disaster) with the doubling of CO2 in the atmosphere," he said. “The world should be heating up like crazy by now, and it's not. The temperatures match very closely with the solar cycles."
Physicist Dr. Zbigniew Jaworowski, chairman of the Central Laboratory for the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Radiological Protection in Warsaw, took a scientific journey from a believer of man-made climate change in the form of global cooling in the 1970’s all the way to converting to a skeptic of current predictions of catastrophic man-made global warming. “At the beginning of the 1970s I believed in man-made climate cooling, and therefore I started a study on the effects of industrial pollution on the global atmosphere, using glaciers as a history book on this pollution,” Dr. Jaworowski, wrote on August 17, 2006. “With the advent of man-made warming political correctness in the beginning of 1980s, I already had a lot of experience with polar and high altitude ice, and I have serious problems in accepting the reliability of ice core CO2 studies,” Jaworowski added. Jaworowski, who has published many papers on climate with a focus on CO2 measurements in ice cores, also dismissed the UN IPCC summary and questioned what the actual level of C02 was in the atmosphere in a March 16, 2007 report in EIR science entitled “CO2: The Greatest Scientific Scandal of Our Time.” “We thus find ourselves in the situation that the entire theory of man-made global warming—with its repercussions in science, and its important consequences for politics and the global economy—is based on ice core studies that provided a false picture of the atmospheric CO2 levels,” Jaworowski wrote. “For the past three decades, these well-known direct CO2 measurements, recently compiled and analyzed by Ernst-Georg Beck (Beck 2006a, Beck 2006b, Beck 2007), were completely ignored by climatologists—and not because they were wrong. Indeed, these measurements were made by several Nobel Prize winners, using the techniques that are standard textbook procedures in chemistry, biochemistry, botany, hygiene, medicine, nutrition, and ecology. The only reason for rejection was that these measurements did not fit the hypothesis of anthropogenic climatic warming. I regard this as perhaps the greatest scientific scandal of our time,” Jaworowski wrote. “The hypothesis, in vogue in the 1970s, stating that emissions of industrial dust will soon induce the new Ice Age, seem now to be a conceited anthropocentric exaggeration, bringing into discredit the science of that time. The same fate awaits the present,” he added. Jaworowski believes that cosmic rays and solar activity are major drivers of the Earth’s climate. Jaworowski was one of the 60 scientists who wrote an April 6, 2006 letter urging withdrawal of Kyoto to Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper which stated in part: "It may be many years yet before we properly understand the Earth's climate system. Nevertheless, significant advances have been made since the protocol was created, many of which are taking us away from a concern about increasing greenhouse gases."
Paleoclimatologist Dr. Ian D. Clark, professor of the Department of Earth Sciences at University of Ottawa, reversed his views on man-made climate change after further examining the evidence. “I used to agree with these dramatic warnings of climate disaster. I taught my students that most of the increase in temperature of the past century was due to human contribution of C02. The association seemed so clear and simple. Increases of greenhouse gases were driving us towards a climate catastrophe,” Clark said in a 2005 documentary "Climate Catastrophe Cancelled: What You're Not Being Told About the Science of Climate Change.” “However, a few years ago, I decided to look more closely at the science and it astonished me. In fact there is no evidence of humans being the cause. There is, however, overwhelming evidence of natural causes such as changes in the output of the sun. This has completely reversed my views on the Kyoto protocol,” Clark explained. “Actually, many other leading climate researchers also have serious concerns about the science underlying the [Kyoto] Protocol,” he added.
Environmental geochemist Dr. Jan Veizer, professor emeritus of University of Ottawa, converted from believer to skeptic after conducting scientific studies of climate history. “I simply accepted the (global warming) theory as given,” Veizer wrote on April 30, 2007 about predictions that increasing C02 in the atmosphere was leading to a climate catastrophe. “The final conversion came when I realized that the solar/cosmic ray connection gave far more consistent picture with climate, over many time scales, than did the CO2 scenario,” Veizer wrote. “It was the results of my work on past records, on geological time scales, that led me to realize the discrepancies with empirical observations. Trying to understand the background issues of modeling led to realization of the assumptions and uncertainties involved,” Veizer explained. “The past record strongly favors the solar/cosmic alternative as the principal climate driver,” he added. Veizer acknowledgez the Earth has been warming and he believes in the scientific value of climate modeling. “The major point where I diverge from the IPCC scenario is my belief that it underestimates the role of natural variability by proclaiming CO2 to be the only reasonable source of additional energy in the planetary balance. Such additional energy is needed to drive the climate. The point is that most of the temperature, in both nature and models, arises from the greenhouse of water vapor (model language ‘positive water vapor feedback’,) Veizer wrote. “Thus to get more temperature, more water vapor is needed. This is achieved by speeding up the water cycle by inputting more energy into the system,” he continued. “Note that it is not CO2 that is in the models but its presumed energy equivalent (model language ‘prescribed CO2’). Yet, the models (and climate) would generate a more or less similar outcome regardless where this additional energy is coming from. This is why the solar/cosmic connection is so strongly opposed, because it can influence the global energy budget which, in turn, diminishes the need for an energy input from the CO2 greenhouse,” he wrote.
More to follow...
Related Links:
Senator Inhofe declares climate momentum shifting away from Gore (The Politico op ed)
Scientific Smackdown: Skeptics Voted The Clear Winners Against Global Warming Believers in Heated NYC Debate
Global Warming on Mars & Cosmic Ray Research Are Shattering Media Driven "Consensus’
Global Warming: The Momentum has Shifted to Climate Skeptics
Prominent French Scientist Reverses Belief in Global Warming - Now a Skeptic
Top Israeli Astrophysicist Recants His Belief in Manmade Global Warming - Now Says Sun Biggest Factor in Warming
Warming On Jupiter, Mars, Pluto, Neptune's Moon & Earth Linked to Increased Solar Activity, Scientists Say
Panel of Broadcast Meteorologists Reject Man-Made Global Warming Fears- Claim 95% of Weathermen Skeptical
MIT Climate Scientist Calls Fears of Global Warming 'Silly' - Equates Concerns to ‘Little Kids’ Attempting to "Scare Each Other"
Weather Channel TV Host Goes 'Political'- Stars in Global Warming Film Accusing U.S. Government of ‘Criminal Neglect’
Weather Channel Climate Expert Calls for Decertifying Global Warming Skeptics
ABC-TV Meteorologist: I Don't Know A Single Weatherman Who Believes 'Man-Made Global Warming Hype'
The Weather Channel Climate Expert Refuses to Retract Call for Decertification for Global Warming Skeptics
Senator Inhofe Announces Public Release Of "Skeptic’s Guide To Debunking Global Warming"
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Site Web Search: Advanced Search Browse Archive 'Five Years Left To Save The Planet'
Updated: 12:30, Tuesday May 15, 2007
Our planet is just five years away from climate change catastrophe - but can still be saved, according to a new report.
Planet is five years from disasterThe World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) warns governments have until 2012 to "plant the seeds of change" and make positive moves to limit carbon emissions.
If they fail to do so, the WWF's Vision For 2050 warns "generations to come will have to live with the compromises and hardships caused by their inability to act".
"We have a small window of time in which we can plant the seeds of change, and that is the next five years," James Leape, from the WWF, said.
"We cannot afford to waste them. This is not something that governments can put off until the future."
Between now and 2050, the world's energy needs are expected to double.
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But the Climate Solutions document says technologies already available could be harnessed to produce enough sustainable energy to power the planet while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60-80%.
The WWF report also states that nuclear power is not necessary to cut carbon emissions.
The finding is in stark contrast to the UK Government's insistence upon the need to go nuclear.
Keith Allott, head of WWF-UK's climate change programmes, said: "This report shows that although the scale of the climate change challenge can seem daunting, it can be tackled provided we act with real urgency.
"We can slash carbon emissions and meet global energy demand without resorting to the red herring of nuclear power.
"The big question is whether the world's statesmen will have the strength and vision to make this happen - and Britain will be key to that."
NJ Firefighters Fear Wildfire Will Spread If Strong WindsLast update: 5/16/2007 10:18:29 AMTRENTON, N.J. (AP)--Firefighters in New Jersey kept an anxious eye on the weather Wednesday as they battled a massive wildfire that had consumed about 20 square miles of brush after a military jet dropped a flare on a bombing range. With the dry conditions, strong wind gusts quickly fanned the blaze through the Warren Grove Gunnery Range about 25 miles north of Atlantic City. Showers and thunderstorms were forecast for Wednesday, but so were 20 mph winds that could spread the flames. No deaths or injuries had been attributed to the fire, but it forced the evacuation of about 2,500 homes. Lt. Col. James Garcia, a spokesman for the New Jersey Air National Guard, said the fire was believed to have been started Tuesday afternoon with a flare dropped from an F-16 fighter jet. The same range was involved when a National Guard jet accidentally strafed an elementary school with large-caliber rounds in 2004 during a training exercise. Firefighters worked overnight to create fire breaks along the Garden State Parkway in effort to contain the blaze, and state police said they would close a portion of the toll road if visibility became dangerously low. The people evacuated in southern New Jersey included residents of several retirement communities, patients from a nursing home and students from an outdoor survival school. Nearly 700 people were in shelters Wednesday morning, said Drew Lieb of the New Jersey State Police. The fire destroyed three homes and 12 to 15 were heavily damaged in Ocean County, N.J., said Forest Fire Service assistant division warden Chris Irick. (END) Dow Jones Newswires
win a rolex while helping feed/save a big cat from global warming
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/rolex.htm
REUTERS UPDATE 2-US Senate panel sets 35 mpg auto standard by 2020 [GYDCDJT]
(Adds details of bill, industry position)
By John Crawley
WASHINGTON, May 8 (Reuters) - A U.S. Senate committee approved a bill on Tuesday that would make automakers sharply boost the fuel efficiency of vehicles to help cut American dependence on imported oil by the end of the next decade.
But two senior Republicans said the plan, the first of its kind approved by the Commerce Committee since the early 1990s, was unfair to struggling U.S.-based auto companies that depend on sales of less efficient sport utility vehicles and pickups.
"We need to make sure we are fair across the board to all manufacturers. There are some inherent disadvantages, especially on the truck issue," said Sen. Trent Lott of Mississippi.
The proposal would require that the nation's fleet of passenger cars and light trucks -- SUVs, minivans and pickups -- improve fuel efficiency by 4 percent annually beginning in 2011 and average 35 miles per gallon by 2020.
Four percent gains would be expected annually after that but no long-term target was set. The Transportation Department would set mileage formulas for individual vehicle classes, based on weight and size.
Momentum has been building in Congress for lawmakers to respond to soaring gas prices -- over $3 a gallon in some areas -- and address U.S. dependence on imported oil, especially from the volatile Middle East.
Environmental and consumer groups, as well as some powerful lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled Congress, say reducing automobile fuel use is the quickest and most dramatic way to cut fuel use.
Gasoline demand accounts for nearly half of the average daily U.S. consumption of 20.9 million barrels of oil. The Senate bill, proponents say, would save 2.1 million barrels of gasoline and other auto fuel per day by 2025. That is roughly the amount of refined products the U.S. imports now.
The measure, Democrats estimate, would also reduce tailpipe emissions by 18 percent.
Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, the ranking Republican on the commerce panel and a former chairman, said senators worked to avoid hurting domestic manufacturers but said the final product was too rigid -- a chief fear of the industry.
However, Sen. Daniel Inouye, the Commerce Committee chairman, said the proposal was not perfect but "we've reached a stage where most parties would say this is fair."
Inouye said the full Senate could take up the bill in June.
Light trucks must get 24 mpg by 2011 while cars must currently average 27.5 mpg. The truck standard was changed last year. The passenger car requirement has not been updated for nearly 20 years.
The U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee is working on a similar bill, which could emphasize alternative fuels over straight savings via the federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program, the road taken by the Senate.
Major auto manufacturers call the Senate plan unworkable, saying the Transportation Department estimates compliance costs alone could exceed $114 billion before the next decade is out.
Domestic giants like General Motors Corp. <GM.N>, Ford Motor Co. <F.N>, and DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group <DCXGn.DE> would bear the brunt of those costs as their fleet mix is weighted toward SUVs, pickups and minivans, which get far lower gas mileage than popular sedans made by Japanese rivals like Toyota Motor Corp. <7203.T>.
But big Asian manufacturers also have concerns with the legislation since they are stepping up production of bigger SUVs and pickups.
(c) Reuters 2007. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
08May07 19:33 GMT
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REUTERS Wal-Mart says in solar power pilot project [GYBKRTQ]
NEW YORK, May 7 (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. <WMT.N> said on Monday that as part of a new solar power pilot project, it is purchasing solar power from BP Solar, SunEdison LLC, and PowerLight for 22 combined Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Clubs and a distribution center in Hawaii and California.
The world's largest retailer, which is working toward the goal of one day being supplied by 100 percent renewable energy, said each solar power generating system installed can provide up to 30 percent of the power for the store on which it is installed.
"Pilot project stores are expected to achieve savings over their current utility rates immediately--as soon as the first day of operation," said David Ozment, director of energy for Wal-Mart, in a statement.
SunEdison will provide four solar power systems in Hawaii and four in California, while PowerLight and BP Solar will each supply seven systems in California.
PowerLight is a subsidiary of SunPower Corp <SPWR.O>.
The installations are subject to receiving the appropriate permits and approvals in their respective states, the company said.
Wal-Mart said the total solar power production from the 22 sites is estimated to be as much as 20 million kilowatt-hours per year.
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07May07 15:00 GMT
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Press Release Source: Shandong Jindalu
Electric Car Manufacturer Shandong Jindalu Plants 1,000 Trees With ZAP in China
Thursday May 3, 8:00 am ET
Shandong Jindalu Dedicates Project to New Factory, "Green Collar Jobs" in Ling Xian
LING XIAN, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Chinese electric car pioneer Shandong Jindalu planted 1,000 trees in China as part of a US-China joint venture with ZAP (OTCBB:ZAAP - News) of the United States.
Source: Shandong Jindalu
· View Multimedia Gallery
Employees of Shandong Jindalu recently completed the project in honor of Earth Day 2007 to plant 1,000 trees in the city of Ling Xian, near the factory where the electric cars are manufactured. Officials from Shandong Jindalu and ZAP launched the project in October 2006 with the planting of the "America-China Friendship Tree" at Ling Xian Middle School. The trees were planted with the support of the Chinese government who allocated land to be used for this purpose.
"We have been amazed by the support everyone has shown for this project," said Yong Jiang, representing the factory in China. "Everyone is talking about green collar jobs. These workers are hardcore environmentalists because their own personal livelihood is combined with making the world a better place."
According to Shandong Jindalu president Mr. Lu, 1000 trees were planted to honor their commitment on past XEBRA production as well as in dedication to a new manufacturing facility planned for completion this summer.
Shandong Jindalu and ZAP entered into a strategic partnership last year to fight global warming by designing, manufacturing and marketing electric vehicles. Experts say that two of the best ways to fight global warming are to use electric vehicles in place of gas vehicles, and plant trees to absorb C02 emissions. The two companies have agreed that for each vehicle delivered, trees would be planted, with an overall goal to plant one million trees by 2010.
ZAP says that it takes approximately 200 trees to absorb the carbon dioxide emissions from one gas car annually. Electric cars reduce automotive emissions by 90 percent compared to gas cars, including the emissions from power plants.
As part of the venture, Shandong Jindalu and ZAP are challenging individuals, businesses, corporations, governments and other groups to join its "Million Tree Challenge." The two companies have linked up with tree planting organizations around the world to plant trees in equatorial regions for as little as $0.10 a tree. ZAP says that over 67,000 trees have already been planted so far in the name of the challenge. To join in the tree planting efforts, visit http://www.zaptrees.org.
Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
REUTERS Beating global warming needn't cost the earth: U.N. [GXYQMGF]
By David Fogarty
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Humans must make sweeping cuts in greenhouse gas emissions in the next 50 years to keep global warming in check, but it need cost only a tiny fraction of world economic output, a major U.N. report said on Friday.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said keeping the temperature rise within 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 F) would cost only 0.12 percent of annual gross domestic product.
"It's a low premium to pay to reduce the risk of major climate damage," Bill Hare, a Greenpeace adviser who co-authored the report told Reuters after marathon talks that ran over their four-day schedule to finalize the document.
The report "shows that it's economically and technically feasible to make deep emission reductions sufficient to limit warming to 2 degrees," he said.
To keep within that limit, which scientists and the European Union say is needed to stave off disastrous climate changes, carbon dioxide emissions need to fall 50 to 85 percent by 2050, said the report, the third in a series.
However, technological advances, particularly in more efficient energy use and production, meant such targets were within reach, it said.
It stressed the use of nuclear, solar and wind power, more energy-efficient buildings and lighting, as well as capturing and storing carbon dioxide spewed from coal-fired power stations and oil and gas rigs.
But A U.S. environmental official rejected some options detailed in the report for cutting emissions as too costly.
"There are measures that come currently at an extremely high cost because of the lack of available technology," said James Connaughton, head of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
These scenarios, he said, would bring cuts in world gross domestic product of up to 3 percent. "That would of course cause global recession, so that is something that we probably want to avoid," Connaughton said in a telephone briefing.
China, expected to soon overtake the United States as the world's biggest greenhouse gas producer, said rich countries must not keep clean energy technologies to themselves.
"It is something the developing countries have been asking for many years, but up till now it has not happened," said Zhou Dadi, director of China's Energy Research Institute and a co-author of the report.
The panel also said for the first time that lifestyle changes could help fight global warming.
It gave no examples, but IPCC chairman Rajendra Pachauri said these could include turning down the thermostat and eating less red meat, which could cut animal methane emissions.
'NO EXCUSE'
The report, agreed by scientists and officials from more than 100 countries, reviews the latest science on the costs and ways to curb emissions growth. It is meant as a blueprint for governments without telling them exactly what to do.
Its clear message, however, was that the ball was now in government courts. "There is no excuse for waiting," European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said a "comprehensive package on the way forward" needed to be launched at a December U.N. climate change conference in Bali, Indonesia, so there was no gap when the Kyoto Protocol's first phase runs out in 2012.
In some cases, the IPCC said, technology could bring major benefits, such as cutting health costs by tackling pollution.
Even changing planting times for rice or managing livestock herds better could cut emissions of methane, said the report, which draws on the work of 2,500 scientists.
Two previous IPCC reports this year painted a grim future of human-induced global warming causing more hunger, droughts, heat waves and rising sea levels that would drown low-lying islands.
Asia's population is most at risk from rising seas and more powerful storms. One in 10 people, mainly in Asia, live in highly vulnerable coastal areas, an international study published last month found.
The steeper the emissions cuts, the greater the cost to the global economy, the report said.
The cost of limiting greenhouse gases in 2030 to stabilization levels of between 445 and 710 parts per million (ppm) CO2-equivalent ranges from a 3 percent decrease in global GDP to a small increase, it said.
However, regional costs might differ significantly from global averages, it added. Greenhouse gas concentrations are now at about 430 ppm CO2-equivalent.
(Additional reporting by Darren Schuettler in Bangkok, Deborah Zabarenko in Washington and Patrick Worsnip at the U.N.)
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04May07 19:03 GMT
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REUTERS US rejects 'high cost' global warming scenarios [GXYLRKG]
By Deborah Zabarenko, Environment Correspondent
WASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuters) - The White House rejected on Friday what it called "high cost" scenarios to tackle global warming that were spelled out in the latest report by a United Nations panel on climate change.
"There are measures (for reducing greenhouse gas emissions) that come currently at an extremely high cost because of the lack of available technology," said James Connaughton, head of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
These expensive scenarios, he said, would bring cuts in world gross domestic product of as much as 3 percent.
"Well, that would of course cause global recession, so that is something that we probably want to avoid," Connaughton said in a telephone briefing after the release in Bangkok of the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
One example of a currently prohibitively expensive fix would be to produce power from coal with no emissions, he said.
The latest document -- the third in a series -- offers a range of scenarios, pegged to different so-called stabilization levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Measured in parts per million, the current level is about 430.
One version that would put the stabilization level of greenhouse gases in 2030 between 445 and 535 parts per million estimates the negative impact on gross domestic product at less than 3 percent over more than two decades. The annual impact was estimated at less than 0.12 percent.
Other scenarios have more modest goals for 2030, with higher stabilization rates of greenhouse gases and less impact on the global economy. Connaughton noted these strategies have "relatively little economic cost and ... potentially significant economic and health benefits."
These include increased energy efficiency and air pollution controls, he said.
WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY
Overall, he and other Bush administration officials praised the report as offering a range of options, including some the United States is already pursuing, including increased energy efficiency, renewable fuels and new technologies.
The United States is the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. Environmentalists, corporate groups and some U.S. lawmakers have been pushing for a federal law to cap carbon emissions, but the White House has urged voluntary limits.
The Bangkok report stressed the need for immediate action, a cause taken up by U.S. environmental groups.
"We have a window of opportunity, but it won't stay open forever," said Steve Cochran, national climate campaign director at Environmental Defense. "Anyone pushing for delay is pushing for higher costs and longer odds."
"It's especially troubling that the Bush administration was seeking last-minute changes to play down the report's conclusion that quick, affordable action can limit the worst effects of global warming," Larry Schweiger, president of the National Wildlife Federation, said in a statement.
Rep. Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat who heads the new U.S. House of Representatives global warming committee, said in an e-mail: "There is no silver bullet to stop global warming."
"We should be raising fuel economy, shifting to renewable fuels such as cellulosic ethanol, deploying technology to boost efficiency, reducing our need for additional power plants. With scientists, business and the American people all supporting action, Congress needs to get on board with real solutions today."
(c) Reuters 2007. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
04May07 15:52 GMT
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Global Warming Solvable With Action, UN Scientists Say [GXYJGRY]
Statement of National Audubon Society President John Flicker in Response to Today's UN IPCC Report
NEW YORK, May 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement of National Audubon Society President John Flicker in response to today's UN IPCC report:
"This latest report from the world's scientists makes it clear that people and governments have it within their power to curb global warming, but that time is running short. Humans caused the problem, and it's up to humans to fix it.
"There is much good news here and even reason for optimism if we listen and heed the call to action. The report confirms that many of the technologies we need to address the problem already exist and simply need to be deployed in a serious way. The U.S. can start filling the scientists' prescription by rapidly adopting emissions caps, renewable electricity standards, energy conservation measures, and improving fuel efficiency.
"The report makes it clear that voluntary measures have had no effect -- these cannot be take 'em or leave 'em approaches. The world's best scientists are telling us that it will take serious changes backed by the force of law if we want to minimize the risk to people and wildlife.
"Every poll confirms that the American public is clamoring for solutions to this grave threat. The clock is ticking and the White House has failed to lead the way. Now it's up to Congress to set the course that science prescribes to lead us away from the threats of global warming and toward a brighter energy future."
Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.
For more information visit http://www.audubon.org. SOURCE National Audubon Society
Tony Iallonardo of National Audubon Society, +1-202-861-2242 ext. 3042 04May07 14:09 GMT
Source PRN PR Newswire
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REUTERS US-based index allows bets on global warming fight [GXVTPZW]
NEW YORK, May 2 (Reuters) - Boston-based group KLD Research & Analytics licensed an index on Wednesday that allows investors to bet on companies taking steps to combat global warming.
KLD says its Global Climate 100 Index holds small to large-cap companies whose activities reduce the social and economic consequences of climate change.
The weighted index holds 100 companies ranging from the energy and utility sectors to industrials and consumer products. Some of the companies invest in efficiency and buy power from renewable sources.
That differentiates the index from pure-play renewable energy investment products, KLD spokesman Chris McKnett said.
"We are trying to provide investors exposure to the global climate solutions value chain. The sources of climate change are dispersed across the economy and our view is that sustainable solutions also have to be dispersed across the economy," he said in telephone interview.
Last quarter the index achieved a return of 5.87 percent and annualized returns since the index's inception in the summer of 2005 were 22.38 percent, KLD said.
Among companies the index holds are Whole Foods Market, Inc. <WFMI.O>, which purchases renewable energy credits to offset 100 percent of its electricity needs in North America, and Itron, Inc. <ITRI.O>, which manages the delivery and use of energy and water to increase efficiency.
It also holds Japanese company Sekisui Chemical Co. <4204.T>, which has built homes that operate on solar energy since 1998.
KLD licensed the index with Fixed Income Securities, L.P.
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02May07 18:19 GMT
Symbols: de;SUI de;SUIF de;SUIX de;WFM de;WFMF de;WFMS de;WFMX gb;WFMI jp;4204 us;ITRI us;SKSU us;WFMI
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REUTERS US environment satellites in jeopardy - scientists [GXVTKJF]
By Deborah Zabarenko, Environment Correspondent
WASHINGTON, May 2 (Reuters) - Environmental satellites that monitor global warming are in jeopardy because of cost cuts, as military and human spaceflight programs get larger shares of the U.S. budget, a science policy expert said on Wednesday.
"Environmental research and development has been hit particularly hard over the last few years ... The satellite capability that's projected over the next few years looks pretty bleak," said Kei Koizumi, an expert on science budget policy at the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Budget cuts will mean that some existing satellites won't be replaced when they reach the end of their lifespans and some other planned satellite launches have been canceled.
Earth-observing satellites watch for oncoming storms and forecast daily weather as well as looking for signs of global warming and other phenomena. Weather forecasters who rely on their data would also be affected by any gaps in service.
This week, scientists using NASA's Aura satellite reported the Arctic ice cap is melting about three times faster than computer models suggested.
Koizumi said the squeeze on environmental-observation programs, including those that watch from Earth's surface as well as those in space, is part of an overall reduction in money for domestic programs in the proposed 2008 budget.
"In the overall budget, Congress and the president have so far reduced domestic spending as the primary way of reducing the deficit," Koizumi said by telephone. "And clearly they have not reduced military spending. In fact it keeps growing, primarily because the cost of our war keeps increasing ...
"There are several ways to try to control a budget deficit and policy makers so far have chosen one way, which directly impacts many of these civilian research programs," he said.
LESS MONEY FOR CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE
One example is the U.S. Climate Change Science Program, where funding dropped from $2 billion as recently as 2004 to $1.5 billion in the proposed 2008 budget, Koizumi said.
Koizumi's comments were in line with a statement released this week by the science association's board.
"The network of satellites upon which the United States and the world have relied for indispensable observations of Earth from space is in jeopardy," the board said. "Declines will result in major gaps in the continuity and quality of the data gathered about the Earth from space."
The U.S. National Research Council came to the same conclusion in an earlier analysis which found U.S. global observations of the environment are "at great risk," and that the next generation of Earth-observing satellites will be "generally less capable" than the current ones.
The subject was touched on on Wednesday at a U.S. House of Representatives hearing on NASA's space science programs and the Bush administration's proposed 2008 budget.
Witnesses at the hearing acknowledged that the lion's share of NASA's budget is meant to pay to develop spacecraft to replace the shuttle fleet, slated for retirement in 2010, and to finish construction of the International Space Station.
Lennard Fisk, a former NASA official now on the National Research Council's Space Studies Board, warned that the number of Earth observation missions -- which he linked directly to the pace of scientific discovery -- is slipping from about seven missions a year in the mid-1990s to about five now and less than two missions annually by 2010.
Fisk called this downward trend "clearly unacceptable" in the field of Earth observation: "In Earth science, society is demanding to know the consequences of global climate change in order to plan our future."
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02May07 18:05 GMT
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Polar Bear Tourism for a Warming Planet: Natural Habitat Raises the Bar on Eco Travel [GXVSFRK]
Polar Bear Tourism for a Warming Planet: Natural Habitat Raises the Bar on Eco Travel
BOULDER, Colo., May 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The polar bear has become something of a global warming poster child. Following the World Wildlife Fund's announcement -- that if current climate trends continue unabated, polar bears could become extinct by the end of this century -- tourism to icy environs is on the rise. "It's natural to want to see these incredible creatures while we still can," says Ben Bressler, Founder and Director of Natural Habitat Adventures, known for its intimate, small-group expeditions to visit polar bears in northern Manitoba's Hudson Bay area. "But it's crucial that travelers take responsibility for making sure visits don't further endanger fragile habitats."
It's not just famously frigid climates at risk. Climate change affects species from insects to top-of-the-food-chain carnivores in various habitats around the globe. The responsible travel experts at Natural Habitat Adventures stress the importance of checking tour outfitters' eco-credentials before planning a trip. For example, Natural Habitat Adventures offsets all of its travelers' tour-related carbon emissions; and giving back to the communities it visits is standard practice, as are its strict conservation standards.
Natural Habitat Adventures offers 6- to 8-day polar bear expeditions with four separate itineraries from October 11 - November 19, 2007. Rates start at $3,795 per person, double occupancy, for the 6-day "Classic Polar Bears." Group size is limited, and all trips arrive and depart from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Founded by Bressler in 1985, Natural Habitat Adventures provides once-in-a-lifetime expeditions offering rare small-group encounters with wildlife in more than 30 countries. A member of Adventure Collection and exclusive Conservation Travel Provider to World Wildlife Fund, the company has been featured by such media as USA Today and Newsweek International, and was ranked top tour operator on Conde Nast Traveler's 2006 Green List. For additional information, visit www.NatHab.com or call 800-543-8917.
5 to See Before They're Gone
Polar bears are far from the only wildlife threatened by global climate change. Natural Habitat Adventures highlights five more at-risk examples -- and where and when to visit:
1) Penguins, Antarctica, February
2) Harp Seals, Canada's Magdalen Islands, February and March
3) Monarch Butterflies, Mexico, January - March
4) Sea Turtles, Mexico, August - October
5) Orcas, British Columbia, August
All Natural Habitat Adventures trips are carbon neutral. For more information, visit www.NatHab.com.
Darla Worden
WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations
Jackson, Wyoming/Denver, Colorado
307.734.5335
SOURCE Natural Habitat Adventures
Darla Worden of WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, Jackson, Wyoming/Denver, Colorado, +1-307-734-5335, for Natural Habitat Adventures 02May07 17:00 GMT
Source PRN PR Newswire
Categories: NWI/ENV NWI/LEI NWI/TRA MST/I/POL MST/I/RCS MST/L/EN MST/R/US/CO TGT/PRX
Greater Reforestation Efforts Needed to Improve Forest Health and Assist with California... [GXVSFNK]
Greater Reforestation Efforts Needed to Improve Forest Health and Assist with California Efforts to Fight Global Warming, Say Forest Foundation, Forest Service Retirees
AUBURN, Calif.--(Business Wire)--While Americans celebrated Arbor Day last week, it was not a time of celebration for those concerned about the future of forests on federal land in California.
Tens of thousands of acres of burned federal forests in California are turning to brush after years without the re-planting needed to restore and ensure forests for future generations, two groups said today.
And, without the reforestation, there are fewer trees to absorb carbon gases that contribute to global warming.
Nearly four years after fires burned more than 133,000 acres of California's national forests in 2003, a survey by The Forest Foundation of Forest Service data found that less than 1 percent were replanted by the Forest Service.
The result has an impact on more than just the forests - it limits the amount of carbon that could be absorbed by forests in California. According to the non-profit group American Forests, a restored acre has the ability of absorbing and storing 200 tons of carbon dioxide - or the equivalent of absorbing carbon emitted by 35 minivans.
"We are allowing our forests to turn to fire-prone brush and we are losing an opportunity to plant trees that could absorb carbon," said George M. Leonard, Chair of the National Association of Forest Service Retirees and former Associate Chief of the US Forest Service. "Experience has shown that prompt rehabilitation and replanting of burned areas is the surest and quickest way to restore these burned forests. Active replanting is necessary to keep these forests, protect against catastrophic wildfire and fight global warming."
While low-intensity natural wildfires historically created forest clearings and ecological conditions conducive to forest regeneration, more recent catastrophic fires often degrade soil quality and destroy forests so completely that natural regeneration likely will take decades to centuries, if it happens at all.
"Arbor Day gives Americans the opportunity to plant trees - and they should," said John Stuart, Ph.D., CSU Humboldt professor and Forest Foundation Scientific Advisory Board member. "But we have to face the fact that we've turned our backs on our forests by not replanting them."
The lack of reforestation stands in stark contrast to past efforts to reforest. In 1993, for example, following the 1992 Cleveland fire in California that consumed more than 20,000 acres, reforestation occurred - leaving us today with trees that are 15 to 20 feet tall. As part of an experiment, a small "ecoplot" was left untouched to see what would happen. Today, that land is filled with brush.
"Replanting and stewardship are critical for Californians to have healthy forests in the future," Stuart said. "Not only do the forests provide us with a unique renewable resource for wood products, they also can fight global warming as nothing else can. Our failure to replant will cost us future, sustainable forests and much more."
Unlike government-owned lands, private forest landowners quickly remove dead trees and other fuels for additional fires and then replant. For example, after the 2000 Storrie fire in Plumas and Lassen Counties, local private land manager W.M. Beaty and Associates removed dead trees and fuels on the 3,200 acres it managed that burned in the fire. Its reforestation efforts, including the planting of nearly one million trees, were completed by 2004. Some trees in this young, mixed conifer forest are now 6-7 feet tall.
Note: Photos of forests turning to brush are available by contacting Kathleen Kahrl at The Forest Foundation, tel. 1 866 241 8733, email: kk@calforestfoundation.org
About The Forest Foundation
The Forest Foundation is a non-profit organization that strives to conserve our forests and keep them healthy by sharing the knowledge of forestry experts with the public. Based in Auburn, Calif., its programs include scientific research, community outreach, education programs, and forestry exhibits. For more information, visit www.calforestfoundation.org.
About the National Association of Forest Service Retirees (NAFSR)
The National Association of Forest Service Retirees is a national, nonprofit organization of former Forest Service employees and associates who possess a unique body of knowledge, expertise and experience in the management of the National Forests and other forestland. NAFSR members strive to contribute to the understanding and resolving of natural resource issues through periodic review and critiques of agency policies and programs. For more information, visit http://www.fsx.org/NAFSRpg.html.
The Forest Foundation Kathleen Kahrl, 866-241-8733 kk@calforestfoundation.org
Copyright Business Wire 2007 02May07 17:00 GMT
Source BW Business Wire
Categories: MST/G MST/I/POL MST/L/EN MST/R/NME MST/R/US MST/R/US/CA TGT/BWB
REUTERS Arctic ice cap melting 30 years ahead of forecast [GXTKRWM]
By Deborah Zabarenko, Environment Correspondent
WASHINGTON, May 1 (Reuters) - The Arctic ice cap is melting much faster than expected and is now about 30 years ahead of predictions made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a U.S. ice expert said on Tuesday.
This means the ocean at the top of the world could be free or nearly free of summer ice by 2020, three decades sooner than the global panel's gloomiest forecast of 2050.
No ice on the Arctic Ocean during summer would be a major spur to global warming, said Ted Scambos, a glaciologist at the National Snow and Ice Center in Colorado.
"Right now ... the Arctic helps keep the Earth cool," Scambos said in a telephone interview. "Without that Arctic ice, or with much less of it, the Earth will warm much faster."
That is because the ice reflects light and heat; when it is gone, the much darker land or sea will absorb more light and heat, making it more difficult for the planet to cool down, even in winter, he said.
Scambos and co-authors of the study, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, used satellite data and visual confirmation of Arctic ice to reach their conclusions, a far different picture than that obtained from computer models used by the scientists of the intergovernmental panel.
"The IPCC report was very careful, very thorough and cautious, so they erred on the side of what would certainly occur as opposed to what might occur," Scambos said in a telephone interview.
ICE-FREE SUMMER
The wide possibility of what might occur included a much later melt up north, or a much earlier one, Scambos said.
"It appears we're on pace about 30 years earlier than expected to reach a state where we don't have sea ice or at least not very much in late summer in the Arctic Ocean," he said.
He discounted the notion that the sharp warming trend in the Arctic might be due to natural climate cycles. "There aren't many periods in history that are this dramatic in terms of natural variability," Scambos said.
He said he had no doubt that this was caused in large part by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which he said was the only thing capable of changing Earth on such a large scale over so many latitudes.
Asked what could fix the problem -- the topic of a new report by the intergovernmental panel to be released on Friday in Bangkok -- Scambos said a large volcanic eruption might hold Arctic ice melting at bay for a few years.
But he saw a continued warm-up as inevitable in the coming decades.
"Long-term and for the next 50 years, I think even the new report will agree that we're in for quite a bit of warming," Scambos said.
"We just barely now, I think, have enough time and enough collective will to be able to get through this century in good shape, but it means we have to start acting now and in a big way."
(c) Reuters 2007. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
01May07 18:48 GMT
Source RTRS Reuters News
Categories: CO2 ENV IDS/TEXT INTEREST/ABN INTEREST/AFA INTEREST/C INTEREST/CSA INTEREST/D INTEREST/E INTEREST/G INTEREST/GNS INTEREST/GRO INTEREST/LBY INTEREST/M INTEREST/MTL INTEREST/O INTEREST/OIL INTEREST/PGE INTEREST/RBN INTEREST/REULB INTEREST/RNP INTEREST/RWS INTEREST/RWSA INTEREST/SOF INTEREST/U NEWS PKG/RTRWD PKG/TDWPS POL SCI US WASH MST/B/BRK MST/G/ENV MST/G/EXE MST/G/POL MST/G/SPA MST/L/EN MST/R/G7 MST/R/NME MST/R/US TGT/RON
Nice find, I like this statement:
“It’s 20 light years. We can go there,” said Dimitar Sasselov, of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, who studies the structure and formation of planets.
One day man will go there... IMO
Way to go Tiffany, perhaps this project will help researchers and scientist find cheaper and better ways to capture solar power.
"Comprised of 6,394 solar panels and covering 104,000 square feet, Tiffany's new solar arrays will supply on average approximately 30 percent of Tiffany's distribution centers' electrical load at peak demand times. Additionally, lighting upgrades that reduce electrical use and improve lighting quality will help achieve an overall estimated annual project value of more than $500,000 in savings"
Tiffany & Co. Dedicates One of the East Coast's Largest Solar Projects [GXHRLMM]
PARSIPPANY, N.J.--(Business Wire)--Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF), one of the world's premier jewelers, today marked the addition of clean, emissions-free, renewable solar power to its energy portfolio with the dedication of one of the East Coast's largest commercial solar projects. Tiffany's has deployed 1.3 megawatts of solar energy at the company's retail distribution centers in Whippany (680 kilowatts) and Parsippany (656 kilowatts).
At a ceremony attended by New Jersey's Office of Economic Growth, New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Tiffany celebrated the success of the project - designed, deployed and operated by PowerLight, a subsidiary of SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWR). Installed in the summer 2006, the solar panels generate enough energy during the day to power more than 1,300 New Jersey homes.
"Integrating solar power into our energy portfolio is one step in our efforts to help address the climate change challenges we are confronting," said Michael Kowalski, chairman and CEO of Tiffany & Co. "It is part of our broader goal of sustainable style, bringing our customers enduring designs while upholding our commitment to help protect the beauty of the natural world and to responsibly use the natural resources it provides."
"Investing in renewable energy is critical for our nation's long term economic and energy security, as well as the health of our environment," said Chief of New Jersey Office of Economic Growth Gary Rose. "By diversifying our energy portfolio with solar energy, and other renewable power resources, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels while driving a new high-tech economic sector."
"Tiffany's investment in solar electricity illustrates the company's responsible approach to energy use," said Tom Werner, CEO SunPower. "By leveraging solar power, Tiffany is helping all of New Jersey's residents. The energy savings accrued by this solar array will reduce pressure on the grid, especially during peak demand hours -- at times when state transmission lines are the most constrained."
"Solar is an environmentally sound energy source, as well as practical and affordable. Solar is an especially smart energy choice for New Jersey utility customers because it helps reduce utility costs," noted Tom Leyden, PowerLight's managing director of East Coast Operations.
Solar power yields significant environmental benefits to New Jersey and the entire metropolitan New York area. By reducing reliance on fossil-fuel generated electricity, Tiffany's solar power system spares the environment from thousands of tons of harmful emissions, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, which are major contributors to smog, acid rain and global warming. Over the next 30 years, the solar generated electricity will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by more than 15,500 tons. These emissions reductions are equivalent to planting 4,400 acres of trees, removing 3,100 cars or not driving 37 million miles on New Jersey's roadways.
Comprised of 6,394 solar panels and covering 104,000 square feet, Tiffany's new solar arrays will supply on average approximately 30 percent of Tiffany's distribution centers' electrical load at peak demand times. Additionally, lighting upgrades that reduce electrical use and improve lighting quality will help achieve an overall estimated annual project value of more than $500,000 in savings.
PowerLight PowerGuard(R) was selected as the best solar electric technology application for Tiffany's expansive flat rooftops at their NJ distribution facilities. PowerGuard is a patented, non-penetrating lightweight photovoltaic roofing assembly that delivers clean solar electricity to the building while protecting the roof from damaging effects of weather and UV radiation, as well as insulating the building to reduce heating and cooling costs.
The project was underwritten in part by rebate incentives provided by the NJ Clean Energy Program, which is managed by the NJ BPU.
About Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. operates jewelry and specialty retail stores and manufactures products through its subsidiary corporations. Its principal subsidiary is Tiffany and Company. The Company operates TIFFANY & CO. retail stores and boutiques in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe and engages in direct selling through Internet, catalog and business gift operations. Other operations include consolidated results from ventures operated under trademarks or trade names other than TIFFANY & CO. For additional information, please visit www.tiffany.com
About SunPower
SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR) designs, manufactures and markets high-performance solar electric technology worldwide. SunPower's high-efficiency solar cells and panels generate up to 50 percent more power per unit area than conventional solar technologies and have a uniquely attractive, all-black appearance. SunPower's PowerLight subsidiary is a leading global provider of large-scale solar power systems, with over 100 megawatts installed. For more information on SunPower please visit the SunPower website at www.sunpowercorp.com. SunPower is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: CY).
SunPower is a registered trademark of SunPower Corp. PowerLight is a registered trademark of PowerLight Corp. PowerGuard is a registered trademark of PowerLight Corp. Cypress is a registered trademark of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Tiffany & Co. Linda Buckley, 212-277-5900 linda.buckley@tiffany.com or SunPower Corporation Helen Kendrick, 408-240-5585 hkendrick@sunpowercorp.com
Copyright Business Wire 2007 23Apr07 16:24 GMT
Symbols: de;S9P de;S9PF de;S9PS de;S9PX us;SPWR us;TIF
Source BW Business Wire
Categories: MST/I/EEI MST/I/OIS MST/I/POL MST/I/RTB MST/I/RTS MST/L/EN MST/R/NME MST/R/US MST/R/US/CA MST/R/US/NJ MST/R/US/NY TGT/BWB
UPC Wind's Proposed 57 Megawatt Stetson Wind Project in Maine Reaches Major Milestones [GXHLKRJ]
BOSTON--(Business Wire)--UPC Wind, a leading North American wind power company, today announced key milestones for its proposed 57 megawatt (MW) Stetson Wind Project, which will be situated on a ridge in Washington County, Maine. With the promise to provide revenue and new jobs for the surrounding area, the project has received support from key community leaders including the Chairman of the Washington County Commissioners. In addition, the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) recently deemed the project's rezoning petition as complete, which will set the stage for a full review of the project by LURC along with public hearings.
"We are pleased that UPC Wind has proposed this project for Washington County as it will bring important benefits to the community including jobs and clean wind technology," said Chairman Christopher Gardner of the Washington County Commissioners. "We are impressed with the initial plans presented by UPC Wind and we look forward to making the Stetson Wind Project a reality."
The proposed Stetson Wind Project will produce over 150 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually - enough to power about 27,500 homes per year. Generating that amount of electricity using oil and gas would emit 107,500 metric tons of pollutants; the Stetson Wind Project will emit no pollutants. The project would consist of the construction and operation of 38 GE 1.5 MW wind turbines. With about 5,000 GE 1.5MW turbines in service in the U.S. as of today, they are considered the most reliable in the wind industry.
As part of the project, UPC Wind expects to employ hundreds of people during the design, engineering and construction of the facility, with the potential for local employment on road, foundation and electrical line construction work. The proposed site was carefully selected based on a number of factors including 1) the ridge's location is an excellent source of wind, 2) the location has no residential property currently closer than 2,500 feet, and 3) minimal environmental impact. The ridge, which had historically been used for logging, provides existing roads that will be improved during construction, and two-thirds of the needed transmission lines will be in the same area as existing electric lines.
"Together with UPC Wind's facility in Mars Hill, the proposed Stetson Wind Project will generate enough clean wind energy to power about 50,000 homes," said Paul Gaynor, President and CEO of UPC Wind. "Although this project is still in the early planning and permitting stages, we are encouraged by the positive feedback we have received from Commissioner Gardner and the people of Washington County. We consider the people of Maine our long-term partner in the effort to increase America's sources of clean and renewable energy, and will continue to work closely with them throughout this process."
In addition to increasing domestic energy production and increasing energy security, wind power is considered cost competitive with conventional sources of electricity, such as oil or gas. Unlike traditional polluting sources of energy, wind has no fuel cost, therefore serving as a natural hedge against volatile fuel prices, which constitutes a significant portion of monthly electricity bills in most markets in the US. Wind power also emits no greenhouse gases or other damaging pollutants.
About UPC Wind
UPC Wind is based in Newton, Massachusetts, with offices in Maine, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, California, Oregon and Hawaii. UPC Wind is an American-owned company, with a proven track record of developing, owning and operating well-sited, community-friendly wind farms that increase energy independence. Additional information on UPC Wind can be found at www.upcwind.com.
UPC Wind Travis Small, 617-443-9933 x356 tsmall@rasky.com
Copyright Business Wire 2007 23Apr07 13:08 GMT
Source BW Business Wire
Categories: MST/G MST/I/OIS MST/I/POL MST/L/EN MST/R/NME MST/R/US MST/R/US/MA TGT/BWB
Barack Obama Unveils Initiative to Combat Global Warming [GXFLZCK]
DURHAM, N.H.--(Business Wire)--Today, Barack Obama joined students and researchers working to increase the use of biofuels on UNH's Durham campus, to unveil his plan for a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard (NLCFS). In January 2007, California Governor Schwarzenegger issued an executive order to establish a low carbon fuel standard for transportation fuels sold in California. Obama's proposal would create a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard (NLCFS) based on the California proposal.
"This is our generation's moment to save future generations from global catastrophe by creating a market for clean-burning fuels that can stop the dangerous transformation of our climate," said Obama. "In states like New Hampshire and California, people are taking the lead on producing fuels that use less carbon. It's time we made this a national commitment to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and take the equivalent of 32 million cars' worth of pollution out of the atmosphere."
Barack Obama believes that the United States needs to take significant steps to use oil more efficiently in order to deal with the challenge of climate change and to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. One important way to use oil more efficiently is for the nation to transition towards fuels that emit less carbon dioxide.
"It will take a grassroots effort to make America greener and end the tyranny of oil. This Earth Day should mark the beginning of a nationwide effort to harness our technology, our ingenuity and our will to achieve energy independence in our time," continued Obama.
Obama's proposal would require that all transportation fuels sold in the U.S. contain 5 percent less carbon by 2015 and 10 percent less carbon by 2020. By requiring less carbon intensive fuels, this national standard has the following benefits:
- The market, rather than the government would determine which fuels are used by fuel distributors and blenders to meet the NLCFS. Because biofuels are less carbon-intensive than gasoline, the NCLFS would spur greater production of renewable fuels.
- The NCLFS would also create an incentive for the production of more flexible-fuel vehicles that can run on ethanol and more plug-in hybrid vehicles that run on electricity.
The Obama proposal includes a banking and credit trading mechanism to allow providers of cleaner burning fuel to trade allowances to other producers or bank allowances against future carbon reductions.
The estimated impact of the Obama proposal would be dramatic, both in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing dependence on foreign oil. According to one estimate, the NCLCFS would reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by about 180 million metric tons in 2020, the equivalent of taking about 32 million cars off the road and it would also reduce the annual consumption of gasoline derived from foreign oil imports by about 30 billion gallons in 2020.
Obama for President Bill Burton or Jen Psaki, 312-819-2423
Copyright Business Wire 2007 20Apr07 16:07 GMT
Source BW Business Wire
Categories: MST/G MST/I/OIS MST/L/EN MST/R/NME MST/R/US MST/R/US/NH TGT/BWB
40 MILES IN ON EAST COAST UNDER 12' OF OCEAN
FLORIDA GONE
LOUISIANA GONE
MISSISIPPI GONE
100 MILLION PEOPLE HOMELESS OR DEAD
20 meters in 500 years... I can't even comprehend the devastation that would cause.
"But he said 10,000 years ago sea levels rose 20 meters in 500 years -- a relatively short span -- after the collapse of the continental ice sheets."
REUTERS Sudden sea level surges threaten 1 billion - study [GXDJSNJ]
By Michael Kahn
SAN FRANCISCO, April 19 (Reuters) - More than 1 billion people live in low-lying areas where a sudden surge in sea level could prove as disastrous as the 2004 Asian tsunami, according to new research presented on Thursday.
New mapping techniques show how much land would be lost and how many people affected by rapid sea level rises that are often triggered by storms and earthquakes, a U.S. Geological Survey-led team determined.
E. Lynn Usery, who led the team, said nearly one-quarter of the world's population lives 100 feet (30 meters) below sea level -- the size of the biggest surge during the 2004 tsunami that pulverized villages along the Indian Ocean and killed 230,000 people.
"What we are suggesting is what kind of areas are at risk (in) a catastrophic event," Usery told a meeting of the Association of American Geographers.
"The fact that there are that many people living at that sea level means there are probably a lot of people potentially in harm's way."
The team also found that a 100-foot (30-meter) rise in sea level would cover 3.7 million square miles (9.5 million sq km) of land worldwide.
A rise of just 16 feet (5 meters) would affect 669 million people and 2 million square miles (5.4 million sq km) of land would be lost.
Sea levels are currently rising about 0.04 to 0.08 inches (1 to 2 millimeters) each year, making it unlikely such a scenario would suddenly occur across the globe, Usery said.
But he said 10,000 years ago sea levels rose 20 meters in 500 years -- a relatively short span -- after the collapse of the continental ice sheets.
"It can happen in a short period of time if we look at the historical data," Usery said.
More importantly, he said, the new mapping technique provides detail that was previously unavailable and gives policymakers better tools to prepare for potential disasters. With just a mouse click on the computer, researchers can gauge how much land would be lost at various sea levels, and where.
The team developed its own mapping projection software and then plugged in U.S. Geological Survey data on population, elevation and different types of land cover.
"This can be used by nations in the world to put contingency plans in place," Usery said. "We haven't had data sets at this kind of resolution before."
The impetus for the project came after the 2004 tsunami and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 underlined the devastating impact sudden sea level surges can have on those living in coastal areas, Usery said.
Even though people know low-lying areas like the Netherlands or many parts of Asia are at risk of flooding, many do not realize just how big a risk they are facing.
"A 30-meter surge in Florida would leave the whole state covered except for a little plateau area," Usery said.
(c) Reuters 2007. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
19Apr07 20:22 GMT
Source RTRS Reuters News
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