With the inauguration of President-elect Obama close at hand, anticipation of a radical reorientation of United States climate change policy has reached a fever pitch. Referring to the recently concluded UN climate conference convened in Poznan, Poland, a December 14th Op-Ed published by the Independent boldly declares “Obama can outgreen Poznan”.
But before we declare ‘case closed’ on the climate crisis, let’s remember how far behind the emissions curve the United States has fallen in recent years. Federal legislation that regulates GHG emissions has yet to make it to President Bush’s desk. A few proposals cleared the House of Representatives, but stalled in the Senate. Second, it is instructive to note that the bill that almost passed in the Senate, the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008, does not come close to meeting either European Union or Kyoto emissions reduction promises. The Climate Security Act proposes reducing emissions by 19% below 2005 levels by 2020. Also, California’s recently passed ‘sweeping curbs’ on emissions only commit the state to reaching 1990 levels by 2020. In contrast, European Union member states recently agreed to a 20% cut in emissions by 2020, compared with 1990 levels (which are also too low to get the job done).
The moral of this story is: the World should not wait around for America to take the lead in the fight against global warming. Yes, positive change is coming. But it is overly optimistic to think that the United States can ‘turn on a dime’ on this still contentious issue and champion the kinds of cuts that are necessary to avert significant warming of our planet.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Obama Picks Nobel Winning Scientist for Energy Secretary
According to press reports, President-Elect Barak Obama will appoint Nobel Prize winning physicist Stephen Chu as Secretary of Energy. Chu, who is currently Director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), is a long time advocate of science based approaches to addressing global climate change. Dr. Chu has also spearheaded efforts to make LBNL "the world leader in alternative and renewable energy research, particularly the development of carbon-neutral sources of energy." Other newly announced members of the Obama team include former Clinton Administration EPA Administrator Carol Browner, who will take on a newly created White House post that will oversee energy and environmental policy.
Clearly, change is afoot in America. It is high time that the ideologues that have harassed the Federal government scientific community for the past 8 years find a new line of work.
Clearly, change is afoot in America. It is high time that the ideologues that have harassed the Federal government scientific community for the past 8 years find a new line of work.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Jobs, Energy and Global Warming: Can We Fix Them All At Once?
Since Barack Obama’s election on November 4th, the press has become obsessed with his transition plans. Who will Obama choose to help him lead us out of the deepening economic crisis that confronts America? The nation’s current number one concern is jobs. In October, the unemployment rate rose to a 14 year high of 6.5% and many predict that it could go as high as 8.5% by next year, which would make it the fastest jump in trough to peak joblessness since WWII.
However, while unemployment has shot to the top of list of priorities, the next administration cannot afford to wait to act on other pressing matters; namely energy independence and climate change. Inflation, while tame at the moment, will again rear its ugly head as the hard realities of population growth, economic recovery in parts of the developing world and ‘peak oil’ drive up the price of energy. Also, with carbon dioxide emissions increasing by 3% per year (which exceeds even the most pessimistic predictions of the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report on climate change), time is running out before global warming reaches a precarious tipping point beyond which we will lose our ability to stabilize global temperatures.
A Golden Opportunity for Change?
As many commentators have pointed out in recent weeks, America seems to be caught in the throes of a once in a generation transition. Like most generational transitions, this one has been sparked by a severe crisis. Just as the Great Depression transformed the relationship between government, industry and the American people, our current crisis has the potential to both grow our economy and reinvent our relationship with the planet.
The Chinese use a two character phrase to express the concept crisis, weiji. The character wei is variously translated as unsafe, harmful or dangerous, while the character ji can be translated as ‘key link’ or opportunity. In other words, with crisis comes opportunity. In a rare moment of clarity, most Americans seem to be aware of the reasons behind their present predicament and are open to change. So, with a little creative thinking and strong leadership, all three of our most pressing challenges; jobs, energy and global warming can all be dealt with in one fell swoop. Here’s how.
Stop Subsidizing High Carbon Emitting Industries
First and foremost, the Federal government must immediately stop subsidizing high carbon emitting industries (oil, gas, mining, etc.) and their allies. They should no longer be allowed free or near free use of public ‘commons,’ i.e. Federal lands, our atmosphere and public waterways to deposit their damaging byproducts. Polluters should be required to pay to clean up their own messes. New, tougher restrictions on all types of pollution should include immediate imposition of a hard greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cap and trade system with 100% auctioning of GHG emissions credits and point of use carbon taxes similar to those currently in place in British Columbia. Economists estimate that these initiatives alone could generate $100-150 billion per year in revenue. And, don’t feel sorry for the oil and mining industries. They will still make money. In 2007, the top five US oil companies made more than $100 billion in profits. I think they can get by on a mere $50 billion, don’t you?
Invest in New Energy Industries
Second, the Federal government should make massive new investments in alternative energy research and development (cellulosic bio-fuels, wind, solar, tide, geothermal, etc.) and provide tax subsides, loans and grants to alternative energy producers. Governments at all levels should also provide incentives for firms and citizens to conserve energy. Encouraging energy efficiency is the fastest and cheapest way to wean ourselves off of fossil fuels and also provide financial relief to cash strapped families.
There are plenty of things high carbon emitting firms can go do clean up their acts and embrace a greener future. Dozens of former auto factories and industrial foundries have already been converted into assembly lines for solar panels and wind turbines. Long existing industrial powerhouses that have already committed to offering lower carbon products and services such as General Electric are growing much more quickly than their more environmentally challenged competitors. If Ford, GM and Chrysler want government bailouts, they should have to commit to higher CAFE standards (and start selling the high fuel efficiency autos they already produce in Europe and Asia). They should also be forced to replace senior managers who, for decades, have fought all forms of environmental regulation and embraced SUV production until their last dying breath, even as global competitors innovated and produced more fuel efficient and popular vehicles.
Enlist a New ‘Green Corps’ to Build Low Carbon Infrastructure for America
Low carbon companies will not only help to build a more sustainable economy, but can also provide millions of jobs to former employees of failing high carbon industries. We do not have to repeat the mistakes of the early 1980s, when heavy industry collapsed under the stress of foreign competition, and many hard working Americans found themselves unemployable because their old skills did not match the new needs of the global marketplace. Ronald Reagan chose to let these victims of globalization fend for themselves. What I am talking about here is a massive jobs training program that helps workers transition into ‘green collar’ jobs. Government should also provide resources to schools at all levels to help them prepare workers for a low carbon future.
Many government buildings, schools, roads and bridges that we still use today were built under the auspices of the Works Progress Administration, a 1930s government program that provided employment to millions of Americans during the dark days of the Depression. While those investments have served us well, to grow a low carbon economy both government and the private sector must reorient their investment dollars to build infrastructure that will help us wean ourselves off of fossil fuels. America needs railroads and bike paths not freeways; subway systems, not airports. Virtually all American cities lack adequate public transportation. And public transportation projects should be designed to encourage higher density in urban cores and discourage suburbanization. This will not only save energy, but also revitalize cities and strengthen communities. And all of those still standing WPA buildings could greatly benefit from energy efficiency upgrades.
Another critical investment we need to make is to update the nation’s aging power grid. The current configuration does not allow efficient transfer of power from one part of the country to another. This is a critical issue because an updated grid would help low carbon power providers, say hydroelectric power producers, to sell energy to regions which currently depend on coal to power their cities and towns. An updated grid would permit universal implementation of ‘net metering,’ or the two-way transfer of electricity from would-be micro-energy producers who have installed solar panels or wind turbines on their own property back to electric utilities and then on to other consumers. Also, our current electric grid is not configured to provide sufficient juice to run the millions of electric plug in vehicles that may hit American roads during the next decade allow vehicle batteries to be used as temporary storage repositories for electricity produced during evening non-peak hours that is presently wasted.
We Must Change the Status Quo
No doubt, many naysayers will do whatever they can to convince us that there is no way we can simultaneously fix the triple barreled threat of unemployment, energy scarcity and global warming to the future health of our nation. But it is also clear that we cannot accept the status quo. Whatever direction we take, government will need to invest to put people back to work and stimulate the economy. Whether we choose to prop up high carbon industries or build a new low carbon economy, it will cost lots of money in the short term. But the long term benefits gained from following a cleaner, greener path into the future are great. We owe it both to ourselves and our progeny to begin building a low carbon economy now.
However, while unemployment has shot to the top of list of priorities, the next administration cannot afford to wait to act on other pressing matters; namely energy independence and climate change. Inflation, while tame at the moment, will again rear its ugly head as the hard realities of population growth, economic recovery in parts of the developing world and ‘peak oil’ drive up the price of energy. Also, with carbon dioxide emissions increasing by 3% per year (which exceeds even the most pessimistic predictions of the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report on climate change), time is running out before global warming reaches a precarious tipping point beyond which we will lose our ability to stabilize global temperatures.
A Golden Opportunity for Change?
As many commentators have pointed out in recent weeks, America seems to be caught in the throes of a once in a generation transition. Like most generational transitions, this one has been sparked by a severe crisis. Just as the Great Depression transformed the relationship between government, industry and the American people, our current crisis has the potential to both grow our economy and reinvent our relationship with the planet.
The Chinese use a two character phrase to express the concept crisis, weiji. The character wei is variously translated as unsafe, harmful or dangerous, while the character ji can be translated as ‘key link’ or opportunity. In other words, with crisis comes opportunity. In a rare moment of clarity, most Americans seem to be aware of the reasons behind their present predicament and are open to change. So, with a little creative thinking and strong leadership, all three of our most pressing challenges; jobs, energy and global warming can all be dealt with in one fell swoop. Here’s how.
Stop Subsidizing High Carbon Emitting Industries
First and foremost, the Federal government must immediately stop subsidizing high carbon emitting industries (oil, gas, mining, etc.) and their allies. They should no longer be allowed free or near free use of public ‘commons,’ i.e. Federal lands, our atmosphere and public waterways to deposit their damaging byproducts. Polluters should be required to pay to clean up their own messes. New, tougher restrictions on all types of pollution should include immediate imposition of a hard greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cap and trade system with 100% auctioning of GHG emissions credits and point of use carbon taxes similar to those currently in place in British Columbia. Economists estimate that these initiatives alone could generate $100-150 billion per year in revenue. And, don’t feel sorry for the oil and mining industries. They will still make money. In 2007, the top five US oil companies made more than $100 billion in profits. I think they can get by on a mere $50 billion, don’t you?
Invest in New Energy Industries
Second, the Federal government should make massive new investments in alternative energy research and development (cellulosic bio-fuels, wind, solar, tide, geothermal, etc.) and provide tax subsides, loans and grants to alternative energy producers. Governments at all levels should also provide incentives for firms and citizens to conserve energy. Encouraging energy efficiency is the fastest and cheapest way to wean ourselves off of fossil fuels and also provide financial relief to cash strapped families.
There are plenty of things high carbon emitting firms can go do clean up their acts and embrace a greener future. Dozens of former auto factories and industrial foundries have already been converted into assembly lines for solar panels and wind turbines. Long existing industrial powerhouses that have already committed to offering lower carbon products and services such as General Electric are growing much more quickly than their more environmentally challenged competitors. If Ford, GM and Chrysler want government bailouts, they should have to commit to higher CAFE standards (and start selling the high fuel efficiency autos they already produce in Europe and Asia). They should also be forced to replace senior managers who, for decades, have fought all forms of environmental regulation and embraced SUV production until their last dying breath, even as global competitors innovated and produced more fuel efficient and popular vehicles.
Enlist a New ‘Green Corps’ to Build Low Carbon Infrastructure for America
Low carbon companies will not only help to build a more sustainable economy, but can also provide millions of jobs to former employees of failing high carbon industries. We do not have to repeat the mistakes of the early 1980s, when heavy industry collapsed under the stress of foreign competition, and many hard working Americans found themselves unemployable because their old skills did not match the new needs of the global marketplace. Ronald Reagan chose to let these victims of globalization fend for themselves. What I am talking about here is a massive jobs training program that helps workers transition into ‘green collar’ jobs. Government should also provide resources to schools at all levels to help them prepare workers for a low carbon future.
Many government buildings, schools, roads and bridges that we still use today were built under the auspices of the Works Progress Administration, a 1930s government program that provided employment to millions of Americans during the dark days of the Depression. While those investments have served us well, to grow a low carbon economy both government and the private sector must reorient their investment dollars to build infrastructure that will help us wean ourselves off of fossil fuels. America needs railroads and bike paths not freeways; subway systems, not airports. Virtually all American cities lack adequate public transportation. And public transportation projects should be designed to encourage higher density in urban cores and discourage suburbanization. This will not only save energy, but also revitalize cities and strengthen communities. And all of those still standing WPA buildings could greatly benefit from energy efficiency upgrades.
Another critical investment we need to make is to update the nation’s aging power grid. The current configuration does not allow efficient transfer of power from one part of the country to another. This is a critical issue because an updated grid would help low carbon power providers, say hydroelectric power producers, to sell energy to regions which currently depend on coal to power their cities and towns. An updated grid would permit universal implementation of ‘net metering,’ or the two-way transfer of electricity from would-be micro-energy producers who have installed solar panels or wind turbines on their own property back to electric utilities and then on to other consumers. Also, our current electric grid is not configured to provide sufficient juice to run the millions of electric plug in vehicles that may hit American roads during the next decade allow vehicle batteries to be used as temporary storage repositories for electricity produced during evening non-peak hours that is presently wasted.
We Must Change the Status Quo
No doubt, many naysayers will do whatever they can to convince us that there is no way we can simultaneously fix the triple barreled threat of unemployment, energy scarcity and global warming to the future health of our nation. But it is also clear that we cannot accept the status quo. Whatever direction we take, government will need to invest to put people back to work and stimulate the economy. Whether we choose to prop up high carbon industries or build a new low carbon economy, it will cost lots of money in the short term. But the long term benefits gained from following a cleaner, greener path into the future are great. We owe it both to ourselves and our progeny to begin building a low carbon economy now.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Our Lifestyles—Her Life
Dr. Jonathan Harrington Journal Entry, July 1, 2030:
My wife Kathy and I are having a wonderful time at Glacier National Park. Yesterday, my daughter Kela, her seven-year-old daughter Maria, Kathy, and I rode in a hydrogen-powered tour bus along Lake McDonald. We were on our way to the newly built Glacier Lodge. The old one burned down during the Great Montana Fire of 2027 when 50 percent of the National Park’s forest was destroyed. Dark brown swaths of dead trees still linger in the distance. The mountains still stand tall, majestic reminders of God’s handiwork, but the Park’s alpine ecosystem is under severe stress. The lake level has also dropped over the years because of declining snow pack and glacial runoff.
As we walked around the grounds of the lodge Maria asked me, “Waigong, [Chinese for “grandfather”] where did they get the name Glacier Park?” I responded, “Well Maria, Glacier Park used to have glaciers. They were beautiful sights, and could be seen right here from the road.” She inquired, “Like the ones they used to have on Mount Shasta?” “Yes,” I responded.
“Did I ever tell you about the first time I visited here?”
“Yes, Waigong you did,” she said, thinking to herself, “here we go again, another boring story! “
I continued. “What do you think happened to the glaciers?”
She answered, “It was probably global warming. I heard all about it in school. The teacher said that in the olden days people used to use too much coal and oil and it made things warmer. Everyone knew that this was hurting Mother Earth, but they did not do anything about it until it was too late.”
Curious, she then asked, “Grandpa, did you use too much oil?”
“Yes, I did. We all did. We tried to stop, but old habits die hard.”
Maria added, “I really don’t like global warming. All the trees around our house are sick. The Orca whales are almost gone. I saw a video at school about all the little children around the world who do not have enough food to eat or water to drink because the hot air has made the water float up into the sky and turned their land into desert. Hurricanes are getting bigger and more dangerous every year. I’m scared. Are we going to die?”
That last comment reminded me of something that Kela said to me almost twenty-five years before. We had gone to watch a movie about global warming called An Inconvenient Truth. After the show I asked Kela. “What do you remember most about the movie?” She had been especially affected by a graphic showing what would happen to Shanghai if sea levels rose by twenty feet. She blurted. “We are going to die. We live on an island. And what about Grandma and Grandpa in Shanghai? They will drown!”
I reassured her that our house was high enough on the hill that it would not be swallowed up by the lake we live on, Lake Washington. As far as Shanghai was concerned, I told her that people there would probably try to build a big wall around the city to protect it. She responded. “Baba, do you mean like the one in New Orleans?” I did not know how to answer.
Finally, I reassured her. “Well, they can come live with us.”
Twenty-five years later, little Maria wondered out loud. “Grandpa, when will the glaciers come back?” I grimaced. “I don’t know, honey. It could be a long, long time.”
Is this the future we want? I remember when I was in high school, we constantly worried about the great and powerful weapons of mass destruction invented by the “Greatest Generation.” Politicians, East and West, kept building more and nuclear bombs, and threatened to use them. The World we knew stood at the precipice of destruction. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed. Nuclear weapons are still around, but the likelihood that they may be used to destroy the planet is remote.
Well, a new generation faces an even more threatening crisis; and one not of its own making. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence that human-created greenhouse gas emissions are warming our World, causing mass extinctions and destroying global ecosystems; captains of industry, politicians, parents and consumers continue to hoard, pump, scrape and extract the Planet’s dwindling resources like there is no tomorrow.
Stoking the fires of global warming is a bit like shooting craps in Las Vegas. On a good day you might win a few bucks, but the longer you play, the greater the chance you will roll snake eyes. In the end, the House usually wins. Well, humanity has been playing the global warming game for almost two centuries. Yes, it is true that past generations have benefited from cheaper energy and resources. But now our luck is running out.
We need to step away from our game of ‘cosmic dice’ before it is too late. Some scientists say the upward march of global water and air temperatures may become irreversible in as little as ten years. But we still have a window of opportunity to change the way we live; to reduce our use of fossil fuels, buy less, conserve more, recycle and reuse, take public transportation etc. to save the World that we know. I am filled with hope that my daughter’s generation can take the lead and forge a better, more sustainable future. But time is short. We need to act now.
My wife Kathy and I are having a wonderful time at Glacier National Park. Yesterday, my daughter Kela, her seven-year-old daughter Maria, Kathy, and I rode in a hydrogen-powered tour bus along Lake McDonald. We were on our way to the newly built Glacier Lodge. The old one burned down during the Great Montana Fire of 2027 when 50 percent of the National Park’s forest was destroyed. Dark brown swaths of dead trees still linger in the distance. The mountains still stand tall, majestic reminders of God’s handiwork, but the Park’s alpine ecosystem is under severe stress. The lake level has also dropped over the years because of declining snow pack and glacial runoff.
As we walked around the grounds of the lodge Maria asked me, “Waigong, [Chinese for “grandfather”] where did they get the name Glacier Park?” I responded, “Well Maria, Glacier Park used to have glaciers. They were beautiful sights, and could be seen right here from the road.” She inquired, “Like the ones they used to have on Mount Shasta?” “Yes,” I responded.
“Did I ever tell you about the first time I visited here?”
“Yes, Waigong you did,” she said, thinking to herself, “here we go again, another boring story! “
I continued. “What do you think happened to the glaciers?”
She answered, “It was probably global warming. I heard all about it in school. The teacher said that in the olden days people used to use too much coal and oil and it made things warmer. Everyone knew that this was hurting Mother Earth, but they did not do anything about it until it was too late.”
Curious, she then asked, “Grandpa, did you use too much oil?”
“Yes, I did. We all did. We tried to stop, but old habits die hard.”
Maria added, “I really don’t like global warming. All the trees around our house are sick. The Orca whales are almost gone. I saw a video at school about all the little children around the world who do not have enough food to eat or water to drink because the hot air has made the water float up into the sky and turned their land into desert. Hurricanes are getting bigger and more dangerous every year. I’m scared. Are we going to die?”
That last comment reminded me of something that Kela said to me almost twenty-five years before. We had gone to watch a movie about global warming called An Inconvenient Truth. After the show I asked Kela. “What do you remember most about the movie?” She had been especially affected by a graphic showing what would happen to Shanghai if sea levels rose by twenty feet. She blurted. “We are going to die. We live on an island. And what about Grandma and Grandpa in Shanghai? They will drown!”
I reassured her that our house was high enough on the hill that it would not be swallowed up by the lake we live on, Lake Washington. As far as Shanghai was concerned, I told her that people there would probably try to build a big wall around the city to protect it. She responded. “Baba, do you mean like the one in New Orleans?” I did not know how to answer.
Finally, I reassured her. “Well, they can come live with us.”
Twenty-five years later, little Maria wondered out loud. “Grandpa, when will the glaciers come back?” I grimaced. “I don’t know, honey. It could be a long, long time.”
Is this the future we want? I remember when I was in high school, we constantly worried about the great and powerful weapons of mass destruction invented by the “Greatest Generation.” Politicians, East and West, kept building more and nuclear bombs, and threatened to use them. The World we knew stood at the precipice of destruction. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed. Nuclear weapons are still around, but the likelihood that they may be used to destroy the planet is remote.
Well, a new generation faces an even more threatening crisis; and one not of its own making. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence that human-created greenhouse gas emissions are warming our World, causing mass extinctions and destroying global ecosystems; captains of industry, politicians, parents and consumers continue to hoard, pump, scrape and extract the Planet’s dwindling resources like there is no tomorrow.
Stoking the fires of global warming is a bit like shooting craps in Las Vegas. On a good day you might win a few bucks, but the longer you play, the greater the chance you will roll snake eyes. In the end, the House usually wins. Well, humanity has been playing the global warming game for almost two centuries. Yes, it is true that past generations have benefited from cheaper energy and resources. But now our luck is running out.
We need to step away from our game of ‘cosmic dice’ before it is too late. Some scientists say the upward march of global water and air temperatures may become irreversible in as little as ten years. But we still have a window of opportunity to change the way we live; to reduce our use of fossil fuels, buy less, conserve more, recycle and reuse, take public transportation etc. to save the World that we know. I am filled with hope that my daughter’s generation can take the lead and forge a better, more sustainable future. But time is short. We need to act now.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
United States tosses away 30% of all food produced
United States tosses away 30% of all food produced: report
Article can be viewed at: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=88ef5435-97e3-4f83-b234-68d74a3c19ed
STOCKHOLM (Reuters Life!) - The United States and some other developed states throw away nearly a third of their food each year, according to a report that said on Thursday the world was producing more than enough to feed its population...
"Have ever wondered why there are so many starving people and persistent fresh water shortages around the world? Careless misuse of the Earth's scarce resources is one of the main culprits!"
Article can be viewed at: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=88ef5435-97e3-4f83-b234-68d74a3c19ed
STOCKHOLM (Reuters Life!) - The United States and some other developed states throw away nearly a third of their food each year, according to a report that said on Thursday the world was producing more than enough to feed its population...
"Have ever wondered why there are so many starving people and persistent fresh water shortages around the world? Careless misuse of the Earth's scarce resources is one of the main culprits!"
Check out some recent blog entries at www.basilandspice.com!
Author & Book Views On a Healthy Life! - LIVING GREEN - Why Buy Locally Grown Produce?
http://www.basilandspice.com/living-green/
Check out some of my recent posts on food and climate at www.basilandspice.com!
http://www.basilandspice.com/living-green/
Check out some of my recent posts on food and climate at www.basilandspice.com!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Food production and global warming
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Feeling the heat of food security
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7553958.stm
Reforming the economics of food production and supply would be beneficial for a number of environmental and social problems, argues Peter Baker. A key issue, he says, is understanding the energy involved in putting food on your plate.
Price, taste and nutritional value are the main driving factors behind most consumers’ decisions about what foods they eat. But many environmentalists believe that they should also consider the amount of “embodied” energy; or energy used to produce, transport, consume and dispose of agricultural products. One way of measuring this phenomenon is to compare the amount of embodied or “lifecycle” energy (measured in calories) required for fruit or produce production with the energy received by consumers when they ingest a product. For instance, tomato production in the USA requires four times as much caloric energy as the caloric value of the tomatoes created. In a fossil-fuel driven world, food production is a growing contributor to the greenhouse gases that are warming our world.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7553958.stm
Reforming the economics of food production and supply would be beneficial for a number of environmental and social problems, argues Peter Baker. A key issue, he says, is understanding the energy involved in putting food on your plate.
Price, taste and nutritional value are the main driving factors behind most consumers’ decisions about what foods they eat. But many environmentalists believe that they should also consider the amount of “embodied” energy; or energy used to produce, transport, consume and dispose of agricultural products. One way of measuring this phenomenon is to compare the amount of embodied or “lifecycle” energy (measured in calories) required for fruit or produce production with the energy received by consumers when they ingest a product. For instance, tomato production in the USA requires four times as much caloric energy as the caloric value of the tomatoes created. In a fossil-fuel driven world, food production is a growing contributor to the greenhouse gases that are warming our world.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Fighting Global Warming with Food - Environmental Defense Fund
There are lots of ways Americans can help fight climate change and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Buying a car or truck with better gas mileage. Using compact fluorescent bulbs. For those who choose it, even eating just a little less meat can help. View article at http://www.edf.org/article.cfm?contentID=6604.
More scientific research is being done every day on the relationship between food consumption and GHG emissions. Conclusions of this U. Chicago study mirror my own analysis in The Climate Diet, which states that even minor changes in diet can have a big environmental impact. The main culprit here is meat, and especially beef. In my book, I compare two meals cooked for a family of four, one with a steak main dish and the other with a fish fillet. Choosing fish over steak reduces the GHG impact of the meal from 99.9 lb (45.5 kg) to 15.2 lb (6.9 kg). These figures only include emissions from food production, processing and distribution, not preparation. Avoid cooking and you can reduce your climate impact even more!
More scientific research is being done every day on the relationship between food consumption and GHG emissions. Conclusions of this U. Chicago study mirror my own analysis in The Climate Diet, which states that even minor changes in diet can have a big environmental impact. The main culprit here is meat, and especially beef. In my book, I compare two meals cooked for a family of four, one with a steak main dish and the other with a fish fillet. Choosing fish over steak reduces the GHG impact of the meal from 99.9 lb (45.5 kg) to 15.2 lb (6.9 kg). These figures only include emissions from food production, processing and distribution, not preparation. Avoid cooking and you can reduce your climate impact even more!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Climate Talks Lag on CDM Reform
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Mechanics of curbing climate change
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7444881.stm
Negotiators from more than 172 countries are meeting in Bonn to hammer out a deal that may culminate in a new global climate agreement. In this week's Green Room, UN climate chief Yvo de Boer argues that negotiators want to see more of the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism, not less...
While the climate crisis continues to deepen, political leaders continue to delay real changes in policy that will make a difference. One case in point is the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which allows heavy polluters to pay firms, mostly in the developing world, to reduce their GHG emissions in return for carbon credits. Sounds like a good idea? Maybe, if in fact, the investments really do result in additional real reductions in emissions that would not have otherwise have been achieved without the CDM agreements. But the current system is so lax, that many of these investments may not bring the real reductions they promise. Countries need to find the political will to make sure that CDM really works as advertised before expanding the system in any post-Kyoto agreement.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7444881.stm
Negotiators from more than 172 countries are meeting in Bonn to hammer out a deal that may culminate in a new global climate agreement. In this week's Green Room, UN climate chief Yvo de Boer argues that negotiators want to see more of the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism, not less...
While the climate crisis continues to deepen, political leaders continue to delay real changes in policy that will make a difference. One case in point is the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which allows heavy polluters to pay firms, mostly in the developing world, to reduce their GHG emissions in return for carbon credits. Sounds like a good idea? Maybe, if in fact, the investments really do result in additional real reductions in emissions that would not have otherwise have been achieved without the CDM agreements. But the current system is so lax, that many of these investments may not bring the real reductions they promise. Countries need to find the political will to make sure that CDM really works as advertised before expanding the system in any post-Kyoto agreement.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wind power trumps nuclear
While much of the US economy continues to lag, there are a few bright spots. One is wind power. Wind power investment and production is booming globally. It shows how forward thinking and investment in new technologies can create economic growth while helping the environment. Firms and governments that ignore alternative energy and higher efficiency do so at their own peril in an increasingly globalized marketplace. It should also be noted that wind power investment is far cheaper than nuclear power, and brings a much faster return on investment. The typical nuclear power plant takes more than a decade to build. The first new batch of US plants will not come online until 2017 at the earliest, while other technologies can start paying dividends right now, at lower cost and with greatly reduced risk to the public. Here is a recent article on progress made in the wind power industry http://www.enn.com/energy/article/36949.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Species extinctions accelerating
An epidemic of extinctions: Decimation of life on earth - Nature, Environment - The Independent
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/an-epidemic-of-extinctions-decimation-of-life-on-earth-829325.html
Species are dying out at a rate not seen since the demise of the dinosaurs, according to a report published today – and human behaviour is to blame. Emily Dugan counts the cost...
Species are dying off at 10,000 times the natural rate of extinction. Between 1960 and 2000, animal populations declined by 30%. The five main reasons for this decline are all human induced: climate change, pollution, destruction of natural habitats, the spread of invasive species and the overexploitation of species. Noted biologist Edward Wilson estimates that there are more than 10,000,000 species on the planet. And the most devastating effects of global warming are just beginning to appear. This devastation is mostly avoidable. Why are we doing this to our planet?
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/an-epidemic-of-extinctions-decimation-of-life-on-earth-829325.html
Species are dying out at a rate not seen since the demise of the dinosaurs, according to a report published today – and human behaviour is to blame. Emily Dugan counts the cost...
Species are dying off at 10,000 times the natural rate of extinction. Between 1960 and 2000, animal populations declined by 30%. The five main reasons for this decline are all human induced: climate change, pollution, destruction of natural habitats, the spread of invasive species and the overexploitation of species. Noted biologist Edward Wilson estimates that there are more than 10,000,000 species on the planet. And the most devastating effects of global warming are just beginning to appear. This devastation is mostly avoidable. Why are we doing this to our planet?
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Eleven Things You Can do to Become A Climate Friendly Consumer
Most of us do not realize that our shopping and eating habits have a major impact on the climate. The average family of four generates more than 4 pounds of trash per person per day; most of it never gets recycled. A big part of this waste stream is product packaging. Also many of our favorite foods, especially beef products, require massive amounts of resources to produce. Up to 56% of all US farmland is dedicated to producing cattle feed and related products.
Here are 11 tips that can help you to cut down on the trash make both healthy and climate friendly eating choices:
1. Avoid packaged food products.
2. Consider reducing or eliminating consumption of meat, especially red meat.
3. Increase vegetable consumption.
4. Buy locally produced organic fruits and vegetables.
5. Avoid non-seasonal foods that have to be shipped from thousands of miles away.
6. Frequent farmers markets.
7. Compost more often.
8. Avoid producers that practice inhumane animal treatment practices.
9. Use products made from sustainably harvested or recycled materials.
10.Give non-material gifts, or use recycled wrapping paper and boxes.
11.Just buy less: free yourself from advertisers and reconnect with your friends and family.
For more information, visit http://www.climatediet.com
Here are 11 tips that can help you to cut down on the trash make both healthy and climate friendly eating choices:
1. Avoid packaged food products.
2. Consider reducing or eliminating consumption of meat, especially red meat.
3. Increase vegetable consumption.
4. Buy locally produced organic fruits and vegetables.
5. Avoid non-seasonal foods that have to be shipped from thousands of miles away.
6. Frequent farmers markets.
7. Compost more often.
8. Avoid producers that practice inhumane animal treatment practices.
9. Use products made from sustainably harvested or recycled materials.
10.Give non-material gifts, or use recycled wrapping paper and boxes.
11.Just buy less: free yourself from advertisers and reconnect with your friends and family.
For more information, visit http://www.climatediet.com
Sunday, April 27, 2008
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | 'Unexpected growth' in CO2 found
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | 'Unexpected growth' in CO2 found
"About half of emissions from human activity are absorbed by natural "sinks" but the efficiency of these sinks has fallen, the study suggests."
A recent study by the Global Carbon Project has found that global levels of atmospheric CO2 increased 35% more quickly than previously predicted. Part of the increase is due to reductions in energy efficiency by fossil fuel using technologies. Technological gains achieved during the 1990s have slowed. The other major contribution comes from ‘positive feedbacks’ from our own climate system. As the world warms, greenhouse gases that have been ‘sequestered’ in the Earth’s sediments (ex. permafrost in Siberia), forests (deforestation) or oceans are now being released at a higher rate into the atmosphere. Temperature increases of 10 F or more in Arctic regions over the past 50 years have unleashed a wave of new methane emissions that may be almost impossible to arrest without urgent action to slow global warming.
Now is the time to personally commit to reducing our climate footprint! Government and industry has not taken sufficient action to reverse these trends.
"About half of emissions from human activity are absorbed by natural "sinks" but the efficiency of these sinks has fallen, the study suggests."
A recent study by the Global Carbon Project has found that global levels of atmospheric CO2 increased 35% more quickly than previously predicted. Part of the increase is due to reductions in energy efficiency by fossil fuel using technologies. Technological gains achieved during the 1990s have slowed. The other major contribution comes from ‘positive feedbacks’ from our own climate system. As the world warms, greenhouse gases that have been ‘sequestered’ in the Earth’s sediments (ex. permafrost in Siberia), forests (deforestation) or oceans are now being released at a higher rate into the atmosphere. Temperature increases of 10 F or more in Arctic regions over the past 50 years have unleashed a wave of new methane emissions that may be almost impossible to arrest without urgent action to slow global warming.
Now is the time to personally commit to reducing our climate footprint! Government and industry has not taken sufficient action to reverse these trends.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Inexpensive Earth Day makeover to reduce your carbon footprint
One of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day is to take a few easy steps to reduce energy consumption around the house. Here are some really low cost-high impact purchases /suggestions that will reduce your carbon footprint:
1. Two cartons of rope caulk: Use to seal drafty windows from unwanted air infiltration.
2. Battery charger: Replace hundreds of disposable batteries by charging your own.
3. Small shopping bag: Get a "Chico Bag" which is a nylon bag that fits in your purse or pocket.
4. Tire air gauge: Keep those car tires properly inflated for better gas mileage and higher driving safety.
5. CFL bulbs: Switch out a few incandescent bulbs for CFL equivalents. Watch out for power company rebate programs that can make the new bulbs as cheap as the other technology.
6. Pick up two to three larger reusable shopping bags: These now come in all shapes and sizes. You can get them for virtually free from government or certain retailers.
7. Install low flow shower heads and faucet aerators: Reduce water flow from 2-3 gallons per minute to 1 gallon per minute. This will also cut back on your hot water bill.
8. Add a water displacement container to your existing toilets: This reduces water required for flushing.
9. Get a shower timer: Try to limit your shower time by using a timer. Any clock will do, or pick up an hour glass timer for a few dollars.
10. And, of course, your diet would not be complete without your own copy of The Climate Diet, your guide to easy lifestyle changes that can be adapted to almost any lifestyle to reduce your carbon footprint.
For more info, visit http://www.climatediet.com
1. Two cartons of rope caulk: Use to seal drafty windows from unwanted air infiltration.
2. Battery charger: Replace hundreds of disposable batteries by charging your own.
3. Small shopping bag: Get a "Chico Bag" which is a nylon bag that fits in your purse or pocket.
4. Tire air gauge: Keep those car tires properly inflated for better gas mileage and higher driving safety.
5. CFL bulbs: Switch out a few incandescent bulbs for CFL equivalents. Watch out for power company rebate programs that can make the new bulbs as cheap as the other technology.
6. Pick up two to three larger reusable shopping bags: These now come in all shapes and sizes. You can get them for virtually free from government or certain retailers.
7. Install low flow shower heads and faucet aerators: Reduce water flow from 2-3 gallons per minute to 1 gallon per minute. This will also cut back on your hot water bill.
8. Add a water displacement container to your existing toilets: This reduces water required for flushing.
9. Get a shower timer: Try to limit your shower time by using a timer. Any clock will do, or pick up an hour glass timer for a few dollars.
10. And, of course, your diet would not be complete without your own copy of The Climate Diet, your guide to easy lifestyle changes that can be adapted to almost any lifestyle to reduce your carbon footprint.
For more info, visit http://www.climatediet.com
Monday, April 14, 2008
Seattle ditches throw away bags
On April 2nd Greg Nickels, Mayor of Seattle, announced a proposal to levy a 20 cent ‘green fee’ on all plastic shopping bags. The measure would also ban foam containers presently used by restaurants and other retail establishments. Seattleites use more than 360 million bags a year and tens of billions end up in the trash worldwide. Plastic bags are small in weight, but have an oversized effect on the environment. While recyclable, most end up in landfills, where they sit for hundreds of years while their toxic components slowly seep into the soil, potentially endangering water quality. They also pose a hazard to fish and wildlife. If enacted, Seattle would join a number of other countries and jurisdictions that have already levied taxes or banned plastic bags altogether including San Francisco, Sweden, Ireland and even China. To help people adjust to the new regime, the City promises to provide one reusable bag to every citizen. Says Nickels, "the answer to the question 'paper or plastic' is neither: Both harm the environment."
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Want to learn more about how to cut your carbon footprint?
Don't forget to take a look at my new book, The Climate Diet, for easy to use lifestyle strategies that you can use to reduce your carbon footprint.
The Climate Diet is the must-have guide to the most important diet ever. If we all participate, the greenhouse gas emissions bulge can be beaten, leaving us with a slim healthy planet now and for the future. For more information about this book, visit http://www.climatediet.com.
Jonathan Harrington interviewed by Newsweek about 'food miles.'
Sounds Good, But ...
We can't afford to make any more mistakes in how to 'save the planet.' Start by ditching corn ethanol.
Apr 14, 2008 Issue
http://www.newsweek.com/id/130628
Sharon Begly, Senior Editor and science writer for Newsweek, recently interviewed Jonathan Harrington about the issue of 'food miles.’ The article, entitled "Sounds Good But...We can't afford to make any more mistakes in how to 'save the planet," addresses a number of prevailing misconceptions about how we can reduce our carbon footprint. For instance, many people believe that products produced close to home are invariably more climate friendly than those transported from far away. Unfortunately, this may not be the case. More often than not, emissions resulting from the transportation of products from the orchard, farm or factory floor to our local market only constitute a small percent of the total climate impact of our consumption. Let’s look at an example. UK based, The Carbon Trust, recently completed a ‘lifecycle analysis’ for potato chips made by Walkers, the UK’s largest snack food producer. In addition to transportation, raw material processing, manufacturing, marketing, storage, consumer use and disposal and recycling all contribute to the greenhouse gases that are warming our world. The study examined everything from potato production to cooking and distribution methods. The researchers found that farmer land use and production practices, energy used for frying, packaging and waste disposal contribute most to the carbon footprint of the product, while transportation accounted for only around 10% of total emissions.
Dr. Harrington does not say that consumers should not buy local. Supporting local producers, especially organic farmers, strengthens the local economy, government and community. But we should try not to over-inflate the significance of ‘food miles’ in our consumer behavior. And remember, the only surefire way for us to reduce our carbon footprint is to just consume less.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
BBC: Tuvalu struggles to hold back tide
BBC NEWS Science/Nature Tuvalu struggles to hold back tide
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci...
During a King Tide, which is what the islanders call the highest tides of the year, waves rolling off the ocean can have a devastating effect.
"As sea levels rise, low lying island nations like Tuvalu are fast becoming uninhabitable. Just building walls to hold back the sea is not enough. Tuvalu’s coral laden soil is quite porous, which allows sea water to seep into low lying areas all over the islands, contaminating both water supplies and arable land. So, while it may continue to be physically possible to live on the islands for many decades, the economic viability of the state is already under severe threat."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci...
During a King Tide, which is what the islanders call the highest tides of the year, waves rolling off the ocean can have a devastating effect.
"As sea levels rise, low lying island nations like Tuvalu are fast becoming uninhabitable. Just building walls to hold back the sea is not enough. Tuvalu’s coral laden soil is quite porous, which allows sea water to seep into low lying areas all over the islands, contaminating both water supplies and arable land. So, while it may continue to be physically possible to live on the islands for many decades, the economic viability of the state is already under severe threat."
Earth Hour: Canada Special
TheStar.com Earth Hour Earth Hour: Small steps could go a long, long way
http://www.thestar.com/Special...
What: Cities around the world will turn off their lights for 1 hour. The Toronto event is sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, Toronto Star, City of Toronto and Virgin Mobile.
"On March 29th, 2008 at 8 PM (local time) millions of people around the world will turn off their lights to raise awareness about global warming and energy conservation. For most of us, our biggest contribution to global warming is excessive use of electricity. In the US, most electricity is generated by coal-fired power plants. If we all turn off our lights (and powered down other energy using appliances) for just one hour, we can collectively reduce CO2 emissions by thousands of tons. You can learn more about earth hour at www.earthhour.org."
http://www.thestar.com/Special...
What: Cities around the world will turn off their lights for 1 hour. The Toronto event is sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, Toronto Star, City of Toronto and Virgin Mobile.
"On March 29th, 2008 at 8 PM (local time) millions of people around the world will turn off their lights to raise awareness about global warming and energy conservation. For most of us, our biggest contribution to global warming is excessive use of electricity. In the US, most electricity is generated by coal-fired power plants. If we all turn off our lights (and powered down other energy using appliances) for just one hour, we can collectively reduce CO2 emissions by thousands of tons. You can learn more about earth hour at www.earthhour.org."
Slate: Should I buy wool or cotton
If I want to help the environment, should I buy wool or cotton? - By Brendan I. Koerner - Slate Maga
http://www.slate.com/id/218295...
With the February chill about to hit, I'm in the market for a cozy new sweater. Ordinarily I'd opt for wool, but I wonder whether all those methane-belching sheep are killing the planet. Cotton seems like a sensible alternative, but I'm sure it's not without problems...
"These days, green fashion is all the rage. Major fashion houses have jumped into the fray. Want to spend $2,000 on a handbag and save the environment at the same time? No problem say the denizens of the runway (as long as you do not factor in the incredible amount of resources used by luxury chains to market that little wonder of environmental ingenuity). However, for those of us who live on a more meat and potatoes budget, we occupy ourselves with more mundane musings like: what is the more climate friendly fabric? Cotton or wool? You decide. (The correct answer is organic cotton, which is barely discussed in the article. Hemp is even better)".
http://www.slate.com/id/218295...
With the February chill about to hit, I'm in the market for a cozy new sweater. Ordinarily I'd opt for wool, but I wonder whether all those methane-belching sheep are killing the planet. Cotton seems like a sensible alternative, but I'm sure it's not without problems...
"These days, green fashion is all the rage. Major fashion houses have jumped into the fray. Want to spend $2,000 on a handbag and save the environment at the same time? No problem say the denizens of the runway (as long as you do not factor in the incredible amount of resources used by luxury chains to market that little wonder of environmental ingenuity). However, for those of us who live on a more meat and potatoes budget, we occupy ourselves with more mundane musings like: what is the more climate friendly fabric? Cotton or wool? You decide. (The correct answer is organic cotton, which is barely discussed in the article. Hemp is even better)".
BBC: Church to step up climate fight
BBC NEWS Science/Nature Church to step up climate fight
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci...
In a statement, senior figures in the movement said evidence of man-made global warming was "substantial". Southern Baptists are the largest protestant group in the country.
Climate protection is fundamentally a moral issue. Many US evangelicals are pushing fellow church members to start getting serious about acknowledging the moral responsibility all believers have to care for the environment. For more on this, visit www.creationcare.org
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci...
In a statement, senior figures in the movement said evidence of man-made global warming was "substantial". Southern Baptists are the largest protestant group in the country.
Climate protection is fundamentally a moral issue. Many US evangelicals are pushing fellow church members to start getting serious about acknowledging the moral responsibility all believers have to care for the environment. For more on this, visit www.creationcare.org
BBC: Zeroe carbon goal needs firm foundation
BBC NEWS Science/Nature Zero carbon goal needs firm foundation
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci...
There is no "magic bullet" solution when it comes to meeting the UK government's ambitious target of making new homes "zero-carbon" by 2016, says Imtiaz Farookhi. In this week's Green Room, he argues that poor use of technology will be just as bad as doing nothing at all.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci...
There is no "magic bullet" solution when it comes to meeting the UK government's ambitious target of making new homes "zero-carbon" by 2016, says Imtiaz Farookhi. In this week's Green Room, he argues that poor use of technology will be just as bad as doing nothing at all.
BBC: Map sheds light on hothouse world
BBC NEWS Science/Nature Map sheds light on hothouse world
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci...
The estimates could help researchers model the effect on the seas of long-term climate changes, an Australian-led team reports in Science.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci...
The estimates could help researchers model the effect on the seas of long-term climate changes, an Australian-led team reports in Science.
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