Global Warming News from Alaska
September 30, 2007
Reporting from The Front Line

Dear Friends,

In September, the negative impacts from global warming were extremely stark and alarming in Alaska and the Arctic. The Arctic Ice cap shrunk to a record new low; the community of Kivalina had to be evacuated; the USGS came out with two new disturbing studies, including one involving polar bears; there was a massive tundra fire and a record breaking tundra fire season; and field evidence confirmed the adverse effects of increasing temperatures on the future of the boreal forest.

All of these findings underscore the need for action; and constitute a compelling basis for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through comprehensive, economy-wide legislation - immediately. We can save part of the Arctic ice cap and a core polar bear population, if we act urgently.

This evidence presented in this monthly report should not be a basis for despair, but a call to action.

Alaska and Polar Global Warming News – The Latest Evidence and Developments

Arctic Ice Cap Shrinks to New Low and Substantially Thins, Shattering Previous Records

The Arctic Ice Cap melted to 4.13 million square kilometers, dramatically less than the previous minimum of 5.32 million square miles set in September 2005 (BBC 9/21/07). The 1.19 million km² loss is equivalent to the area of California and Texas combined. To view the excellent site from the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), which shows the stark images of the Ice Cap loss, click here (see also trends click here, to see NOAA site click here).

• Calling the decline "astounding", Dr. Mark Serreze, senior research scientist at the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) stated, "It's almost an exclamation point on the pronounced ice loss we've seen in the past 30 years" (CNN 9/17/07).
• An area the size of Florida melted away in just 6 days (ABC News 9/10/07).
• In a comprehensive, prospective study, USGS scientists predict a 40% decline in summer ice in the Beaufort Sea by 2050, as well as a 40% decline in Bering Sea winter ice (Associated Press 9/9/07). While in the 1980's sea ice receded 30 to 50 miles off the north coast of Alaska, the projections indicate a 300 to 500 mile retreat by 2050.
• The Arctic ice cap has also thinned. Using satellite data, the NSIDC found that while most of the Arctic sea ice in the 1980s was around 5 years old and 2-3 meters thick, the oldest ice that can be found now is only 2-3 years old and "much more of the Arctic is about 1 meter thick" (MSNBC 9/24/07). This evidence is being confirmed by field results, which show a 50% thinning as compared to 2001. Large areas of Arctic sea-ice are, in fact, only one meter thick (ScienceDaily 9/14/07).
• For a good examination of how the loss of the Arctic ice cap affects America's West, especially by increasing drought conditions, see "Vanishing Ice Worries West" (Union-Tribune 9/27/07).

Polar Bears Seriously Threatened by Shrinking Ice

The United States Geologic Service (USGS) published a dire study that predicts the loss of polar bears from Alaska by 2050, together with an overall elimination of two-thirds of the global population (Anchorage Daily News 9/8/07; Washington Post 9/8/07; to see actual studies, click here).

• Notes leading polar bear researcher, Dr. Steven Amstrup, "Our results have demonstrated that as the sea ice goes, so goes the polar bear" (Christian Science Monitor 9/13/07).
• Fortunately, the study indicates that a core population of polar bears can continue to survive near Canada. If we reduce greenhouse gases quickly and meaningfully, this core population can serve as the basis for rebuilding a larger population. In other words, with greenhouse gas reduction actions, polar bears will not go extinct. Alaska Conservation Solutions has been quoted as stating: "Our generation has the ability to write a death sentence for the polar bear, or to take action to assure that the species survives."

Congressional Committee Hears New Evidence about Tundra Fires, Decreased Tree Growth, and an Imperiled Shishmaref

The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming held a briefing on the impacts of global warming on Alaska and the Arctic in Washington DC on September 24 (Anchorage Daily News 9/26/07; Fairbanks Daily News Miner 9/26/07; KTUU 9/25/07). Highlights included:

• Dr. Glenn Juday from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, provided new evidence regarding tundra fires and decreased tree growth. With respect to tundra fires, he compiled data and calculated that in 2007 Alaska experienced a dramatic, record breaking number of acres of tundra burned.
• As of September 28th, the largest tundra fire in question is still burning, and is now over 220,000 acres, making it the biggest tundra fire ever recorded on the North Slope (Associated Press 9/28/07). It started with a lightening strike July 16. According to a nearby field scientist, "It's a tremendous fire. It's visible from 50 miles away by its plumes, and it obscured a third of the northern sky."
• Also, Dr. Juday's field work this summer bolstered his previous work that showed an inverse relationship between boreal forest tree growth and temperatures: the warmer the temperature, the less the tree growth. Analyzing tree rings, Dr. Juday found that in the very warm summer of 2005, there was almost no tree growth whatsoever. Furthermore, only 48% of healthy trees in the area studied in 1986 were alive in 2007, with most dieing because of high temperatures.
• The Mayor of Shishmaref, Stanley Tocktoo, also testified, emphasizing the impacts that global warming is having on his community and his federally recognized tribe. Noting that the people of Shishmaref have occupied this area for at least 4,000 years (according to archeological evidence), Mayor Tocktoo provided graphic photographs and video footage regarding the erosion that is occurring on Shishmaref because of global warming.
• The attending members of the Select Committee, including Chairman Markey, were very moved by the testimony. Other witnesses included Alaska Conservation Solutions, Sue Hazeltine from USGS, and Dr. Robert Corell.

Alaska Governor Issues Administrative Order on Global Warming Sub-cabinet and Joins Western Climate Initiative as Observer

Noting that climate change is not only an environmental issue, but also is "a social, cultural and economic issue important to all Alaskans", Governor Palin signed Administrative Order 238, which charges her sub-cabinet with creating a climate change strategy (Administrative Order 238; Governor's Announcement 9/14/07; see also the Sub-cabinet's Website, click here).

• According to the Governor, "We are already seeing the effects (of climate change). Coastal erosion, thawing permafrost, retreating sea ice and record forest fires affect our communities and our infrastructure."
• The sub-cabinet will "consolidate the state's knowledge about the expected effects of global warming in Alaska, recommend measures and policies to prepare our communities and residents to respond to expected effects, and guide the state's participation in local, regional and national efforts to curb and to respond to global warming."
• The Administrative Order specifically charges the Sub-cabinet with developing recommendations regarding "the opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Alaska sources, including the expanded use of alternative fuels, energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, land use management and transportation planning."
• In her press release, the Governor emphasized that the sub-cabinet "will be looking at ways to develop, support and expand renewable energy resource programs and to promote aggressive development of renewable energy sources such as geothermal, wind, hydroelectric, tidal and in-stream energy."
• The Governor also signed a letter that adds Alaska as an observer to the Western Climate Initiative. To view information about the Western Climate Initiative, click here.

Alaska Cities Continue to Take Steps Forward To Reduce Global Warming

Several Alaska cities made important progress on addressing global warming this month.

• By a vote of 7-1, the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly passed Resolution No. 2007-40, entitled "A Resolution Committing to the Development of a Local Climate Change Impact Plan" (click here). By participating in the ICLEI Climate Resilient Community grant program, the Borough will produce a concise plan that address both adaptation needs and opportunities and describe "opportunities made available from reducing the use (of) fossil fuels through alternative energy uses, increases in energy efficiency and conservation." (For additional background, see also Fairbanks Daily News Miner 9/10/07).
• The City of Homer's Global Warming Task Force has issued a draft Climate Action Plan for community comment. Presented at a forum in September, the climate group accepted considerable public comment on how to reduce carbon emissions in Homer 12% by 2012 and 20% by 2020 (Homer News 9/19/07). In contrast, the business as usual scenario predicts a 79% increase in emissions from 2000 levels by 2012. The Homer Sustainability Forum also presented an excellent program in September featuring Bernie Karl, Alaska Conservation Solutions, and other speakers. Among several developments that were disclosed, Homer Electric Association announced that they have developed interconnectivity standards and have started implementing them (Peninsula News 9/11/07). Homer is on the move!

Other Alaska and Arctic Developments and Items of Note

• Kivalina Forced to Evacuate. The community of Kivalina, one of the three most imperiled coastal communities in Alaska, was forced to evacuate almost all of its residents as storm surges threatened their community (Associated Press 9/13/07; Anchorage Daily News 9/14/07). Kivalina has lost approximately 100 feet of coastline in the past three years. Tribal Administrator Colleen Swan observed that "The people have lost their peace of mind. Since the village started eroding, we have lost a lot of land and people have become fearful of the fall storms."
• Grey Whales Not Recovered. New genetic studies demonstrate that historic Pacific grey whale populations were between approximate 76,000 and 118,000 individuals, while currently there are only 22,000 (Washington Post 9/11/07; Sciencenow 9/10/07). "The whale's prey has moved steadily north, and that stresses the whales." Researchers see "skinny whales", notes a NOAA scientist. A warming Bering Sea could impair recovery, according to a co-author of the study.
• Polar Bear Comment Period Re-Opened. The Fish and Wildlife Service has re-opened the comment period for 15 days on whether or not to list the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act – comments are due October 5. This re-opening allows the public to respond to the nine studies recently published by the U.S. Geological Survey, including the polar bear report and the ice cap report described above. Comments can be submitted by e-mail to: Polar_Bear_Finding@fws.gov. For further information on all aspects of the proposed listing, including links to the studies, click here.
• Sea Ice Day Launched. The International Polar Year has created "Sea Ice Day" and a new website with information for educators and others about sea ice and sea ice ecology. For more information, click here.
• Good News on Peatlands. Thawing of peatlands across Canada and Russia has raised concerns about the release of methane. Fortunately, recent research indicates that thawing also encourages the growth of plants that absorb carbon dioxide, offsetting the methane emissions (ScienceNOW 9/20/07).
• Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission Hears Global Warming Evidence from Barrow. On September 26th, the Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission held a hearing in Barrow. The Commission heard extensive evidence about the adverse impacts from global warming, including: hunting and whaling are harder because of shrinking ice; ice cellars are filing up with water; drying meat is rotting or getting moldy; unusual birds are arriving; the ocean has parts of the coast around Barrow and eliminated beachfront; historic village sites are being washed away; walruses have nothing in their stomachs, and the tundra is drier than ever (Fairbanks News Miner 9/27/07). North Slope Borough Mayor Edward Itta said, "It is a cause for concern and alarm."
• Alaska Global Warming MySpace Site Launched. A wonderful young woman, who is an Anchorage High School student and Alaska Conservation Solutions volunteer, has launched an Alaska global site on MySpace, to reach out to other youth. She writes: "Hello my name is Megan Webb. As a concerned youth, I wanted to be able to spread the word about the severity of Global Warming by creating a MySpace page dedicated to global warming. The hope is that this page will provide the answers and opportunities for fellow teens to learn more, educate, and take a stand on Global Warming. Please come check out this page @ www.myspace.com/alaskathisiswhyitshot.com  and show your support. We must be the change we want to see in the world. Hope to hear from you. ~Megan Webb" Thank you, Megan!

Alaska in the News

Among numerous September news stories and commentaries about Alaska and the Arctic not referenced above, we especially recommend the following:

• Senator Stevens and Senator Murkowski published two Opinion pieces in the Anchorage Daily News describing their views on global warming policy and their co-sponsorship of the Low Carbon Economy Act Anchorage Daily News 9/12/07; 9/13/07). They note: "Our winters and summers have been 3 to 5 degrees warmer of late, and Arctic sea ice has shrunk by an area twice the size of Texas. Most glaciers are retreating, permafrost is warming and tundra lakes are evaporating. Forests have dried, triggering record wildfires. The oceans, becoming more acidic, threaten the vitality of our marine resources." (For another statement from Senator Stevens on global warming see KTUU 9/4/07).
• The United States has an old and poorly staffed icebreaker fleet (Seattle Times 9/20/07). According to a National Research Council panel, "U.S. icebreaking capability is now at risk of being unable to support national interests", including research.
• Shishmaref was not only featured in the briefing conducted by the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, but also in other news. Senator Stevens visited Shishmaref, and an excellent story about this imperilled community was reported by KTUU 9/4/07. Senator Stevens will be leading another trip to Shishmaref in October with Senator Landrieu from Louisiana.

Key National News

Court Upholds State-Based Car Emission Reduction Standards

A federal judge ruled that states could legally require automobiles to produce less carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, since states have the power to regulate air pollutants (Reuters 9/13/07; International Herald Tribune 9/13/07).

• Fourteen states have enacted such laws, including Vermont and California. The applicable legislation requires a 30% reduction in emitted CO₂ from new cars by 2009. Automakers challenged these laws on several grounds.
• The judge noted, "It is improbable that an industry that prides itself on its modernity, flexibility and innovativeness will be unable to meet the requirements of the regulation, especially with the range of technological possibilities and alternatives currently before it."
• An additional item of note. One of the nation's most vocal global warming skeptics, Dr. Patrick Michaels, withdrew as an expert witness in this case rather than disclose his funding sources (SEJ 9/19/07). According to court documents, he has lost large contributions in the past from greenhouse gas emitting companies when their identities were disclosed.

Recent Bush Administration Global Warming Developments: Criticisms and Statements.

There were numerous developments involving the Bush Administration this month that deserve highlighting, including:

• General Accounting Office (GAO) Criticizes Lack of Federal Land Management Response to Global Warming. The Congressional investigatory agency, GAO, has issued a 184-page report that criticizes the Bush administration for failing to address the significant effects of global warming on our national parks, refuges, forests, marine sanctuaries, and other federal lands (Associated Press 9/6/07; Washington Post 9/7/07; to see the actual report, click here). The GAO report focuses on four representative management units, including the Chugach National Forest in Alaska, and describes the substantial impacts that have already occurred due to global warming. The report notes that land managers, "have limited guidance about whether or how to address climate change and therefore, are uncertain about what action, if any, they should take….Without such guidance, their ability to address climate change and effectively manage resources is constrained."
• National Academy of Sciences Expresses Concerns about Bush's Climate Research Program. The Bush Administration established the Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) in 2002 to replace an earlier global warming research program. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) found that CCSP has made good progress in determining the human causation of global warming, but the program has made "inadequate progress" on how people might reduce human contributions to climate change and how they might respond to the impacts (Environmental News Service 9/14/07). Of the annual budget of $1.7 billion, only $25 to $35 million is directed to examining the social aspects of global warming, including mitigation and adaptation strategies. Also the program has not adequately addressed or communicated the impacts of climate change on regional and local scales, or on water, health and agriculture. Looking forward, NAS called the Bush administration's plans to reduce funding for Earth monitoring programs "perhaps the single greatest threat to the future success of CCSP."
• Bush's Chief Scientist Admits Human Causation of Global Warming and Raises Concerns. The chief scientist for President Bush, Dr. Marburger, stated that climate change is unequivocal and that the Earth may become "unlivable" without reductions in CO₂ emissions (BBC 9/14/07). He further noted, "I think there is widespread agreement on certain basics, and one of the most important is that we are producing far more CO₂ from fossil fuels than we ought to be."
• President Bush Expresses Concerns about Global Warming, but Still Only Seeks Voluntary Reductions. President Bush recently stated that "global temperatures are rising and that this is caused largely by human activities" (LA Times 9/29/07). He further noted that "energy security and climate change are two of the greatest challenges of our time" and that "we acknowledge there is a problem." While he did call on countries to set a long term goal for reducing greenhouse gases, he did not call for mandatory emission reductions, prompting Senator Boxer to characterize his statements as "little more than empty words."

Positive City, Corporate and State Developments.

There were several exciting advances at the city, state, and corporate levels this month:

• County Powered 100% on Wind. Montgomery County in Pennsylvania has become the first county in the US powered exclusively by wind (Environment News Service 9/28/07). They have entered into a 29 million kilowatt hour wind energy purchase that will power all county facilities.
• City of Seattle Starts Global Warming Education Campaign. Launched by Mayor Greg Nickels, the Seattle Climate Action Now Campaign is designed to educate individuals on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Seattle Times 9/21/07). To see the excellent website, click www.seattlecan.org. Mayor Nickels notes: "Because we don't think about future generations, they will never forget us. That's a pretty lousy legacy to leave."
• Dell Pledges Carbon Neutrality. Dell Computers became the first major computer manufacturer to commit to carbon neutrality (Environment News Service 9/26/07). Dell will adopt more energy efficiencies, maximize purchases of renewable power, and offset their remaining emissions.
• Wal-Mart Expands Efforts to Suppliers. Wal-Mart will start requesting its suppliers to measure and report their carbon footprint, beginning with suppliers of DVDs, toothpaste, soap, milk, beer, vacuum cleaners and soda pop (Washington Post 9/25/07).
• For an excellent summary of recent coal industry developments entitled "The Coal Industry is in Deep Trouble", see Rachel's Democracy & Health News 9/20/07.
• Illinois Become Leader on Renewables and Energy Efficiency. The governor of Illinois has signed legislation that requires 25% of its energy be generated from clean, renewable energy by 2025 (Environment Illinois 8/28/07). The law also requires important energy efficiency measures.

In Brief – Other National News of Note

Ocean Acidity Concerns Raised. A group of 25 leading scientists concluded that if carbon dioxide emissions are not reduced significantly, these emissions will raise the acidity of the ocean by mid-century to the point of violating EPA standards (Carnegie Institution 9/19/07). In a paper published in the Geophysical Research Letters, the scientists also state that acidity-CO₂ based "changes in ocean chemistry within the ranges predicted for the next decades and centuries present significant risks to marine biota." Atmospheric CO₂ emissions need to stay below 500 to avoid violating the EPA standards. Dr. Caldeira notes: "We need to start thinking about carbon dioxide as an ocean pollutant."

Congressman Dingell Releases Draft Legislation. Rep. John Dingell issued draft legislation for comment that would impose a 50 cent/gallon gas tax on automobile and jet fuel and a $50 tax on each ton of carbon produced from oil, natural gas and coal (Reuters 9/28/07; to see the draft, click here). The draft legislation would also eliminate the tax benefit for homes over 4,200 square feet.

Bill to Phase Out Incandescent Light Bulbs Introduced. Senator Stevens is co-sponsoring a bill that would require light bulbs be 300% more efficient by 2020, and that would also phase out 40-, 60-, 75- and 100-watt incandescent bulbs by 2014 (Anchorage Daily News 9/13/07). Senator Stevens noted: "energy efficient lighting will save consumers billions in energy costs and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

Report Examines Impacts of Global Warming on American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Natural Resources Law Center at University of Colorado-Boulder has issued a report titled: "Native Communities and Climate Change: Protecting Tribal Resources as Part of National Climate Policy" (To see Executive Summary, click here). "While climate change will affect everyone it will affect some disproportionately, and Native American communities are among the most vulnerable to a changing climate," notes the principal author of the report (Announcement 9/17/07).

New Calls for Corporate Disclosure on Impacts from Global Warming. There have been two important developments in this area. Ten states, New York City and two groups have petitioned the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require companies to disclose the risks that global warming presents to their profitability (New York Times 9/18/07). Very little reporting to the SEC occurs now (Washington Post 9/18/07). Also, New York's Attorney General has launched an investigation into 5 energy companies to assess whether they properly disclosed the financial risks from coal-fired power plants (New York Times 9/16/07).

Health Impacts from Global Warming Examined. Heat related deaths will increase substantially due to global warming according to a study that projected the lethal implications of hotter temperatures in 21 US cities (Baltimore Sun 9/6/07; to see the study, click here). New York, for example, would experience 3,888 additional deaths. Also, leading cardiologists believe that increasing temperatures will cause more heart attacks due to hardening of the arteries (AP 9/5/07). Finally, a brain eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, that has killed 6 people in the US this year, is "heat-loving." A Center for Disease Control scientist notes, "In future decades, as temperatures rise, we'd expect to see more cases" (Associated Press 9/29/07).

Scientists Have Hope. Dare we have hope in the face of so many dire predictions regarding global warming and implementation challenges? Yes, according to leading climate change scientists in a must read article (AP 9/23/07). Reflecting the views of others, Dr. James Hansen notes: "I am always surprised when people get depressed rather than energized to do something. It's not too late to stabilize climate….I'm am not about to give up."

Key International News

Global Warming Highlighted by World Leaders as a Devastating Problem, Including Threat to International Security and Global Equality

• The Secretary-General. In a speech before the United Nations, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stated, "If we do not act now, the impact of climate change will be devastating (BBC 9/25/07). "Inaction now will prove the costliest action of all in the long term" (New York Times 9/24/07). In an excellent OpEd by the Secretary General, he states "Henceforth, climate change will no longer be a primarily environmental concern. It has become a matter of strategic consequence – a core political issue for every government on earth" (International Herald Tribune 9/27/07).
• The Pope. Pope Benedict reaffirmed his deep concern about global warming by stating "Care of water resources and attention to climate change are matters of grave importance for the entire human family (Reuters 9/5/07). He further noted "Encouraged by the growing recognition of the need to preserve the environment, I invite all of you to join me in praying and working for greater respect for the wonders of God's creation."
• Global Equality. UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband stated that climate change represents the "greatest long-term threat" to achieving global equality (BBC 9/28/07).
• Global Security. According to an analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (ISS), unaddressed global warming represents a catastrophic threat to global security on par with nuclear war (Reuters 9/12/07). Also, Australian Federal Police Commissioner stated that global warming, not terrorism, represents the century's biggest security challenge (Reuters 9/24/07).
• Iraq War Based on Oil. In a related development, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan stated in his new book "I'm saddened that it is politically inconvenient to acknowledge what everyone knows: The Iraq War is largely about oil" (Reuters 9/17/07).
• Mobilization. To address global warming, former President Clinton has called for the US to unleash "the greatest concentration of economic activity since we mobilized for World War II" while embracing new energy technology and regulatory incentives (Financial Times 9/23/07).

Countries Adopt More Stringent Timeline for Phase Out of CFCs

In a very positive development, the 191 countries that signed the Montreal Protocol have agreed to accelerate the phase out of the greenhouse gas and ozone destroyer: HCFC's (AP 9/24/07; BBC 9/24/07).

• Developing countries agreed to phase out HCFC production and use by 2020, which is 10 years prior to the previous target date. Developing countries have until 2030.
• HCFC-22 is 11,700 times more powerful greenhouse gas than CO₂ (Telegraph 9/17/07).

Recent International Advances in Renewables, Energy Efficiencies, and Labeling

The potential for reducing greenhouse gases through the expansion of renewable energy and energy efficiencies continues to expand.

• Wind in India. India has the fourth-largest installed capacity for wind power in the world, and in the future, wind has the potential to supply 12% of India's energy needs (The International News 9/29/07).
• Wind in Taiwan. Taiwan will be increasing its wind power generation by more than five-times, following an investment of $915 over the next three years (Planet Ark 9/28/07).
• Green Roofs. A new study shows that covering city buildings in vegetation can cool local temperatures by between 3.6 and 11.3 °C (NewScientist 9/28/07). This not only diminishes the urban island heat effect, but it also results in reducing the demand for air conditioning.
• Carbon Footprint Labeling. How much carbon is used to produce and retail a bag of potato chips? The result will be printed on a Walker potato chip bag – 75 grams. The British company, Walker Crisps, has become the first company to participate in the Carbon Trust's carbon labeling program, with other companies like Coca-Cola and Kimberly-Clark to follow (ABC News 9/14/07; BBC 9/19/07). Participating companies also agree to reduce their carbon footprint.

In Brief – Other International News of Note

International Poll Results Show Strong Support for Action on Global Warming. In a survey of over 22,000 people in 21 countries, over 65% said that "it is necessary to take major steps starting very soon" to address global warming (BBC 9/25/07).

Penguins at Risk Because of Global Warming. Penguins face serious population decreases throughout their range, according to the Conservation Status of the World's Penguins (The Australian 9/5/07). The emperor colony shown in the film March of the Penguins has declined by over 50% since the 1960s, announced seabird ecologist, Dr. Wolf. The Adelie penguin population near the U.S. Palmer Station has shrunk by 80% since 1974, and Dr. William Fraser predicts these birds to be extinct in eight years (MSNBC 9/11/07). Winter temperatures near the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula have increased between 9 and 11 °F in 50 years.

Sea Level Rise Examined. What does globally-warmed sea level rise look like and mean? To review an excellent article with numerous links see AP 9/25/07.

Shell Oil Calls for Mandatory Limits. With respect to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the President of Shell Oil recently stated, "I think that voluntary is not fast enough. I think it's time for government to lead on this issue" (Reuters 9/25/07). Noting further, he said "If government doesn't lead on this, it's not going to happen. It's as simple as that." He also observed that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission should adopt rules to require companies to disclose their carbon emissions.

A Strategy for Addressing China and India. A senior U.S. diplomat announced a possible strategy for engaging China and India on global warming reductions (Reuters 9/25/07). If these two countries fail to lower their emissions, other countries could impose a greenhouse gas tax on goods exported from those countries. "You could probably find a WTO-compliant way – for example you could require goods to have to pay a fee related to the carbon expended in manufacture," notes the U.S. ambassador to the European Union.

Upcoming Events and Other Announcements

October 2-3

• What: Climate and Fisheries: A Look at Current Climate Trends and What's in Store for Alaska's Fisheries
• Where: Anchorage, AK
• When: Oct 2 - Noon-8pm & Oct 3 - 9am-4pm
• More Info: The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has invited Dr. James E. Overland, an expert in physical oceanography and climate change, and Dr. Richard A. Feely, an expert in ocean chemistry and climate change, to address fisheries managers in Alaska on the potential effects of climate change on fisheries in the North Pacific and the Arctic Oceans. Contact World Wildlife Fund at 907.279.5504

October 3

• What: Green Star's climate change initiative with the Anchorage business community: LEEP (Lighting Energy Efficiency Pledge).
• Where: University Center Mall in Anchorage
• When: 2-6 pm
• More Info: Green Star will be providing resources, lighting audits, calculators, tools and publicity to assist Anchorage businesses to update their lighting to energy efficient technologies. The Mayor and others will help kick off this 18-month program.

October 5

• What: Public comment period reopened for listing the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act
• More Info: The US Fish and Wildlife Service reopened the public comment period for 15 days from September 20th until October 5th. The comment period will give the public an opportunity to review and respond to recent research conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey on polar bear populations. Comments can be submitted by e-mail to: Polar_Bear_Finding@fws.gov This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it. Further information about polar bear management in Alaska and on the proposed Endangered Species Act listing of polar bears worldwide, can be found at: http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/mmm/polarbear/issues.htm

October 10

• What: Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission
• Where: Anchorage, AK
• When: TBA
• More Info: The agenda for the 6th and last hearing has yet to be determined. Teleconference service will be available throughout the Legislative Information Office system, and for offnet sites, you may dial (888) 295-4546. Please click here to learn more about commission members and previous meetings.

October 11

• What: Senator Stevens will sponsor a field hearing on erosion in Alaska
• Where: Anchorage, location TBA
• When: TBA
• More Info: Senator Landrieu will also be in attendance as well as Federal and State witnesses and representatives from Newtok, Shishmaref and Kivalina.

October 13

• What: Cold Climate Homebuilding Workshop
• Where: Schaible Auditorium, Bunnell Bldg., UAF Campus, Fairbanks
• When: 9am to 5pm
• More Info: Free. Includes manual with CD. Call 474-6366 or 1-800-478-8324 to register or for more information.

October 15-17

• What: The 13th Annual Alaska Tribal Conference on Environmental Management (ATCEM)
• Where: Marriott Hotel, 820 W. 7th Ave, Anchorage
• More Info: This year's theme is "HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT, HEALTHY PEOPLE." Session Topics include: Planning and Preparing for Environmental Action, Outreach and Education: Getting Communities Involved, and Implementation: Hands on Demonstrations. Also included will be Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Indian General Assistance Program (IGAP) training. For more information, contact the Rural Alaska Sanitation Coalition (RASC) Coordinator at 1-800-560-8637 or email us: atcemgroup@anthc.org This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

October 15-18

• What: Arctic Energy Summit
• Where: Will be held at various venues.
• More Info: This is an International Polar Year event. For more information, go to https://www.confmanager.com/main.cfm?cid=680 . For additional information, contact the Institute of the North at 907-771-2444 or via email at institute@institutenorth.org This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

October 19-21

• What: Fourth Annual Bioneers in Alaska Conference: a 3-day event that inspires and unifies
• Where: Anchorage, AK
• More Info: (907)373-0909, info@sustainak.org, www.sustainak.org, www.bioneers.org

October 22-27

• What: Alaska Federation of Natives Conference
• Where: Carlson Center, Fairbanks.
• More Info: To download the tentative agenda, go to http://www.nativefederation.org/convention/2007ConventionSchedule.php

October 28-30

• What: Circumpolar Housing Forum: Sustainable Northern Shelter in a World of Diminishing Resources
• Where: Fairbanks, Alaska
• When: All Day
• More Info: The Cold Climate Housing Research Center and the University of Alaska Fairbanks have partnered with other agencies and businesses concerned about the effects of climate change on housing in the circumpolar North to bring about this exciting new conference. Panel topics include: Building Science and Technology in the North, Energy Systems and Infrastructure, Appropriate Sustainable Design of Buildings and Communities, and Integration of Ideas and Development of Future Research. Visit http://www.cchrc.org/forum.html for more info about the Forum, including a schedule and registration information, or call 907-457-3454.

November 2-5

• What: The First Youth Climate Summit
• Where: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
• More Info: Youth from across the country will convene in Washington, DC to change the climate on global warming in the United States. Together, they will create a shift in the fight for a clean and just energy future. Registration will be available soon at http://powershift07.org/register

November 3

• What: The National Step It Up 2 Campaign
• Where: TBD in Anchorage, AK
• When: 11 am to Noon
• More Info: "On April 14, 2007, a citizen's movement to fight climate change was launched. On November 3rd we'll see which of our politicians will join us in taking on the greatest challenge of our time. We'll gather at places across the country named after historic leaders to demand that our representatives address four key priorities to stop global warming. It will be a historic day in every way." For more information visit http://stepitup2007.org/

November 7-9

• What: Behavior, Energy, and Climate Change Conference! The first-ever Behavior, Energy and Climate Change Conference ("BECC") is a national conference focused on understanding the behavior and decision-making of individuals and organizations and on using that knowledge to help accelerate our transition to an energy-efficient and low-carbon economy.
• Where: Sacramento, California
• More Info: The conference program and registration details will be announced soon on the conference web site at http://aceee.org/conf/07becc/07beccindex.htm

The dramatic, adverse changes from global warming described in this report underscore the urgency to act. Fortunately, there are so many remarkable initiatives and opportunities, which provide hope and determination.

Thank you for everything you are doing to understand and address global warming,
Deborah

Deborah L. Williams
Alaska Conservation Solutions
dlwilliams@gci.net
http://www.alaskaconservationsolutions.com/
907-929-9370

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