Global Warming News from Alaska
October 31, 2007
Reporting from The Front Line

Dear Friends,

It is fitting that this monthly report is being sent out on Halloween. As described below, the more we learn about the adverse impacts of human-caused global warming, the scarier it becomes. Global warming is the most significant demon our world is facing.

But in the spirit of Halloween we continue to have a choice. We can either to do nothing and bear the dire consequences (the trick), or take strong actions to reduce our emissions and reap the benefits of doing so (the treat).

Alaska and Arctic Global Warming News - The Latest Evidence and Developments

NOAA Issues Arctic Global Warming “Report Card”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), global warming had a substantial impact on the Arctic in 2007 (Reuters 10/17/07; to see the NOAA report, click here).

• The report designated red lights and yellow lights. The red lights indicated conditions in the Arctic where scientists have “a high level of confidence that things there are showing dramatic effects due to the warming temperatures.” Yellow lights indicate some mixed signals. No green lights were issued.
• The report card contains separate papers on important topics including:
  • “Sea Ice Cover”, stating “At the end of the 2007 melt season, the sea ice cover was 23 percent smaller than it was in 2005 and 39 percent below the long-term average from 1979 to 2000.” “Data from submarine-based observations indicate that the ice cover at the end of the melt season thinned by an average of 1.3 meters between the period 1956-1978 and the 1990s, from 3.1 meters to 1.8 meters” “perennial ice in March…a precipitous decrease in … extent in the last few years”; and
  • “Report on Reindeer Herds”, observing “the central barrens of Northwest Territories and Nunavut herds have declined by as much as 80% in the last 5 years.”

Walruses Forced onto Land

Due to the lack of Arctic sea ice, thousand of walruses -- far more than normal -- were forced on land in Alaska, instead of residing on their true habitat, the pack ice. They also showed up on land in July, a month earlier than ever recorded (Associated Press 10/5/07; Associated Press 10/7/07).

• The walruses were huddled in haulouts from Barrow to Cape Lisburne.
• According to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife walrus expert, “It's raising a bunch of conservation issues for us.”
• Officials are concerned about several serious issues: deadly stampedes, food stress, and disease. With respect to food stress, the executive director of the federal Marine Mammal Commission notes, “The big question is whether they will be able to find sufficient prey in areas where they are looking.”
• The FWS has also received reports about orphaned walrus calves.

Alaska Tundra Fires Hit New Record

A single, massive tundra fire burned more than 90,000 hectares (222,395 acres), the largest tundra fire ever to burn on Alaska's North Slope.

• Experts will be examining the impacts of that fire, and are concerned that exposed permafrost will melt more quickly, that plants will take years to recover, that food for caribou could be adversely affected, and that aquatic ecosystems might be altered by the release of nutrients (Nature 10/9/07).

Senator Stevens and Others Focus on Imperiled Coastal Communities

Senator Stevens and Senator Landrieu held a hearing in Anchorage to examine the federal response to Alaska's imperiled coastal communities (Anchorage Daily News 10/11/07).

• Witnesses included representatives from Shishmaref, Kivalina, Newtok, and Unalakleet, all of whom described the significant threats faced by their communities from coastal erosion due to global warming.
• Concerned that federal officials were not doing enough for these communities, Senator Stevens asked probing questions of the Corps of Engineers and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
• Senator Stevens will be holding follow-up meetings on November 19 – 20 to help facilitate coordinated actions, prioritizations, and responses.

Other Alaska and Arctic Developments and Items of Note

• Coast Guard to Have Base near Barrow. As the New York Times notes, “in one of the most concrete signs of the effect of a warming climate on government operations, the Coast Guard is planning its first operating base (in Barrow) as a way of dealing with the cruise ships and the tankers that are already beginning to ply Arctic waters” (New York Times 10/19/07). According to the Coast Guard commandant, “All we know is we have an operating environment we're responsible for and it's changing.” The Coast Guard also had a scouting crew fly from Barrow to the North Pole, noting, “this is a new area for us to do surveillance” (Associated Press 10/25/07).
• Ships May Avoid Northwest Passage. Despite the Coast Guards' plans to open a base near Barrow, an outstanding Reuters article indicates that shipping companies are generally not planning on using the Northwest Passage because it would be too unpredictable, difficult, dangerous and impractical (Reuters 10/4/07). “No one in the industry is really talking about the Northwest Passage being a serious alternative to the Panama Canal, even if it does open up at all,” according to the secretary of the International Chamber of Shipping in London, since navigating the Northwest Passage would be very difficult, with essentially no support infrastructure. However, it is anticipated that there would be shipping of minerals and other products from the region.
• Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission Holds Last Hearing; Proceedings on Line. On October 10, the Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission held its last hearing, and will now be preparing its final report which is due February 29 th. The public can submit comments to the Commission until February. To access the Commission's website and the testimony from prior hearings, click here.
• Two Congressional Hearings Examined Impacts on Arctic. On October 18th, the Select Committee on Energy Security and Global Warming held a hearing that examined the impacts of climate change on “Vulnerable Communities.” Mike Williams from Alaska testified on the impacts of global warming on Alaska Natives and American Indians. To review his outstanding testimony, click here. On October 17, the Committee heard testimony from Kassie Siegel at the Center for Biological Diversity about polar bears and Dr. Glenn Juday about forests and permafrost.
• Greenland Melting Faster. Greenland's southeastern ice is melting four times more rapidly than at the beginning of the decade (AFP 10/11/07). The head researcher noted, “Until 2004, the glacier mass in the southeastern part of the island lost about 50 to 100 cubic kilometres (12 to 24 cubic miles) per year. After this date, the melting rate accelerated to 300 cubic kilometres per year. It's a jump of 400 percent, which is very worrying." For two excellent articles about Greenland's dramatic melting-based changes see San Francisco Chronicle 10/19/07 and CNN 10/24/07.
• Alaska Center for Climate Assessment & Policy (ACCAP) Teleconferences. One final note, approximately once a month, ACCAP convenes a teleconference to review critical climate change issues. Two more teleconferences are scheduled this year (such as “The fate of Bering Sea mammals in response to climate change.” Past teleconference powerpoints (such as “Understanding Coastal Erosion in Alaska”) are posted on ACAAP's web site. For more information, click here.

Alaska and Polar Regions in the News. Among numerous October news stories and commentaries about Alaska and the Arctic not referenced above, we especially recommend the following:

• For an outstanding overview of the changes experienced in the Arctic and Antarctic from global warming, read the Washington Post (10/22/07). The author notes, “But it turns out that the polar regions are far more than simple alarms. What happens at the poles will – and is – affecting the rest of the world.” Documenting many of the changes that are occurring here, the article further correctly observes that “What is most alarming to the scientists is the speed at which it (the change) is unfolding.”
• LawyersUSA Travels to Baked Alaska. For an informative overview of Alaska legal activities and perspectives regarding global warming, see LawyersUSA 10/22/07. Staff writer Bill Ibelle traveled to Alaska, visited sites like Portage Glacier, and spoke with numerous Alaska lawyers and others about climate change at ground zero.
• Sustainable Buildings Featured. For an excellent article about the benefits of sustainable buildings and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in Alaska, click here (Anchorage Daily News 10/19/07). Notably, more than 40 communities in North America require some sort of LEED certification for city buildings. Hopefully Anchorage and other communities in Alaska will adopt similar provisions. Currently there are two buildings in construction in Anchorage that are seeking LEED certification.
• The Implications of “shocking pace” at which the Arctic Ice Cap melted is featured in an excellent Op Ed by Thomas Homer-Dixon that was published in the New York Times (10/4/07). He concludes that “In response to the new dangers of climate change, we need a…mobilization – of mothers, of students and of everyone with a stake in the future – now.”
• For an outstanding “ Green Room Viewpoint ” from explorer Glenn Morris, published by BBC, click here (BBC 10/15/07). After kayaking across part of the arctic, Morris observes “Rising temperatures are having an effect on every aspect of life in the Arctic.” Also, he notes, “Forget the rhetoric, the niceties, the political soundbites, the attempts to justify for economic reasons – every scientist, every hunter, every elder I spoke to, when asked when something should be done, were unequivocal in their response: ‘Now'.”

Key National News

Lieberman-Warner Global Warming Legislation Introduced.

Senators Lieberman and Warner have introduced the “America's Climate Security Act of 2007” (S.2191), together with the following co-sponsors: Senators Baucus, Cardin, Casey, Coleman, Collins, Dole, Harkin, and Klobuchar. (For a copy of the complete 219 page bill, click here; for a copy of the press release, click here; for a copy of the bill summary, click here.) This legislation is receiving the most attention on Capitol Hill.

• The legislation covers 75% of potential sources (such as power plants and oil refineries). It reduces emissions from these sources in steps, culminating in a 70% reduction below current levels by 2050.
• Through a cap and trade program, the legislation would generate hundreds of billions of dollars through the sale of pollution allotments, and it also specifies how this money and/or allotments would be distributed. For example 0.5% of the allotments would go to those tribal communities within the borders of the United States that face disruption or dislocation as a result of global climate change.
• The bill also allocates resources: to low- and middle-income families through such programs as the Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program; to protect fish and wildlife and habitat; to new technologies and investments; and to training a clean energy workforce.
• For an interesting analysis of the “state-of-play” of the various climate bills, with an emphasis on Lieberman-Warner, see The Nation 10/12/07.
• Also, the Pew Center has produced an excellent side-by-side comparison of all of the economy-wide, cap-and-trade proposals in Congress. To review this comparison, click here.

Global Warming and Fires

As California tragically burned this month, there was considerable analysis about the relationship between these fires and global warming.

• Many scientists have pointed to global warming as a factor (CNN 10/25/07). There is a strong connection between warming trends, early springs and wildfire activity.
• Catastrophic fires are also consistent with predictions from global warming models (Bend Weekly 10/26/07). As a bioclimatologist with the US Forest Service notes, “This (the California fires) is exactly what we've been projecting to happen, both in short-term fire forecasts for this year and the longer term patterns that can be linked to global climate change.”
• The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming has scheduled a hearing on fires and global warming on November 1. To read an essay by Dr. Steve Running, a prominent forest ecologist and IPCC author who will be testifying at the House hearing, click here .

Important, Positive City and State Developments

There were several significant advances at the city and state levels this month:

• Kansas Rejects Coal Power Plant Because of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has refused to grant an air quality permit for the expansion of a coal fired power plant, citing for the first time that greenhouse gases threaten public health and the environment (Planet Ark 10/19/07; Washington Post 10/19/07). The Secretary of KDHE noted, “I believe it would be irresponsible to ignore emerging information about the contribution of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to climate change and the potential harm to our environment if we do nothing.” Notably, throughout the US, plans for coal-fired power plants have been delayed or rejected in recent years. “In 2002 there were expectations of 12,000 megawatts of coal-fired power to be installed by 2005. Only 329 were actually installed.”
• Colorado Cities to Slash Emissions. Three Colorado Cities – Fort Collins, Denver and Lakewood – have adopted a plan to reduce CO₂ emissions by 37% by 2020 (Rocky Mountain News 10/10/07). They believe that the plan will save approximately $2.6 billion by 2020. The plan was produced by a group that included mining groups, environmentalists, electric utility officials and academics. There are 70 recommendations for cutting emissions, including renewable electricity standards of 30% by 2020.
• California Passes Energy Efficient Bills. California enacted laws to require more efficient lights – by 50% in 10 years; more efficient toilets; and water efficiency standards for new building (Associated Pres 10/12/07). Gov. Schwarzenegger also approved a provision that establishes a 10-year, $250 million subsidy program to help Californians buy solar water heaters.
• Ship Emissions. California and a group of environmental organizations have petitioned the federal government to regulate emissions from ships that dock at American ports, including cargo ships and cruise liners (Associated Press 10/3/07). About 3% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions come from marine vessels worldwide, and the percentage is growing. On a related note, a recent study for the International Maritime Organization makes the case that greenhouse gas emissions from shipping have been significantly underestimated, and are 50% higher than previously calculated, for a total of 1.2 billion tons (The Times 10/4/07).
• Seattle Achieves Kyoto Emission Reductions. Seattle has successfully reduced its emissions by 8% between 1990 and 2005 (Seattle Times 10/30/07). This occurred simultaneously with a population boom. Notes Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, "This is a remarkable milestone that shows how cities can lead the way in the fight against global warming." The reductions were attributable to energy conservation by households and businesses, and power production changes.

In Brief – Other National News of Note

House Passes Resolution on Renewable Energy. The House of Representatives passed a sense of the Congress resolution, which specified that by 2025 at least 25% of total U.S. energy must come from renewable sources (ENS 10/17/07). Presently, renewables constitute approximately 6% of the nation's energy needs. Congressman Goodlatte, a Virginia Republican who co-introduced the bill stated: “Increased development of renewable energy opens new markets for our nation's producers, provides consumers with a safe, sustainable, environmental friendly, and renewable source of energy, and decreases our nation's dependency on foreign oil.”

Observed Climate Trends in Northern Great Plains. In the northern Great Plains, average temperatures have increased more than 2°F in the past one hundred years, with some areas of Montana, southern North Dakota and South Dakota experiencing increases up to 5.5°F (The Minot Daily News 10/14/07). Continued warming will have adverse impacts on habitat, wildlife, tourism, hunting and fishing, and more. Currently, farmers are benefiting from selling carbon credits for no-till and other practices. Wind and geothermal also have outstanding potential.

Polls: Global Warming of Increasing Concern; Local Action Also Popular. A large national survey reveals that global warming is an increasingly urgent concern to Americans and also important presidential issue (Science Daily 10/1/07).

• Global warming is seen as urgent with 62% believing that only if society takes immediate and drastic action to reduce global warming will life on earth continue without major disruptions.
• Notably, 40% believe that a presidential candidate's position on global warming will be either extremely important or very important to them when casting their ballots (ANI 10/2/07). According to Anthony Leiserowitz, Director of the Yale Project on Climate Change, “With the presidential primaries and general election near, candidates should recognize that global warming has become an important issue for the electorate.”
• Automakers should increase fuel efficiency of cars to 35 mpg, even if it increased costs by $500, according to 85% of those polled; and electric utilities should produce at least 20% of their power from renewable energy sources, even at an increased cost of $100/year, according to 82% of those polled.
• Also 68% of Americans support a new international treaty that would require the US to reduce its emissions 90% by 2050.
• In an additional national poll by Yale's Leiserowitz, there was strong support for local action, including zoning laws to decrease suburban sprawl (68%) (Associated Content 10/07; the poll results).

Bush Administration “Eviscerates” Global Warming Health Impacts Testimony. According to a Center for Disease Control (CDC) official, the White House “eviscerated” the Senate testimony of the Director of CDC regarding the impacts of global warming on health, cutting the testimony from 14 to 4 pages (Associated Press 10/24/07). The remaining testimony did state that climate change “is anticipated to have a broad range of impacts on the health of Americans.” The Bush Administration admits that they heavily edited the testimony, taking out many of the details, and removing statements like “CDC considers climate change a serious public health concern” (VOAnews 10/26/07). The director of Physicians for Social Responsibility said, “This misuse of science and abuse of the legislative process is deplorable” (Washington Post 10/25/07).

Global Warming Dims Fall Colors. University of Vermont plant biologist believes that autumn has become too warm to create New England's brightest colors, since cold nights are needed (Associated Press 10/20/07). The leaves are now duller, going from green to brown, concurs a forestry professor at the University of New Hampshire

Home Insurance Cancellations. In the last 3 years, insurance companies have sent cancellation notifications to over three million homeowners reflecting increased risks from global warming (New York Times 10/15/07). These letters are now reaching Northeast homeowners.

Evangelicals Want to Address Global Warming. According to a recent poll, 84% of Evangelicals want laws to reduce man-made global warming (CBN 10/11/07). To review actual poll results, click here.

Economic Costs of Global Warming Examined. The University of Maryland has issued a report analyzing the economic costs of climate change to the nation (to see a summary of the report, click here). Among the five main conclusions: “Negative climate impacts will outweigh benefits for most sectors that provide essential goods and services to society,” and “Climate change impacts will place immense strains on public sector budgets.”

Greenhouse Gas Management Institute. Finally, a new on-line training program for greenhouse gas emission accounting, inventories, management and verification has been launched. For more information visit www.ghginstitute.org.

National Stories Worth Reading

In addition to the articles above, we recommend the following:

Green-Collar Solution. Thomas Friedman has produced another insightful column entitled “The Green-Collar Solution" (New York Times 10/17/07). In it he describes a green-collar jobs program called the Oakland Apollo Alliance that focuses on underprivileged youth and trains them to weatherize buildings. The founder of the programs seeks to tell our youth and others that “The green economy has the power to deliver new sources of work, wealth and health to low-income people – while honoring the Earth….We can make what is good for poor black kids, good for the polar bears and good for the country.”

GOP Presidential Views on Global Warming. The New York Times has published an interesting article exploring the global warming views of the major Republican candidates for the presidency (New York Times 10/17/07).

Fresh Water and Global Warming. For an excellent article about the impacts of global warming on the nation's fresh water supply, see New York Times 10/21/07. With respect to the Sierra Nevada, the article notes that by the second half of this century 30 to 70% of the snowpack will disappear. In the Southwest, there is substantial concern about a catastrophic reduction in the flow of the Colorado River, upon which 30 million people depend. The River is now at its lowest flow levels since measurements at Lee's Ferry began 85 years ago. Lake Mead is half empty.

Key International News

Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Concentrations Much Higher Than Previously Thought; Mass Extinctions Presaged

Over the last seven years, atmospheric CO₂ concentrations have soared 35% faster than expected, according to the Global Carbon Project, the University of East Anglia and the British Antarctic Survey (Global Carbon Project/PNAS 10/07). Atmospheric carbon concentrations, which are now 381 parts per million (ppm), are increasing by 1.93 ppm/year, the most since monitoring began, and much higher than in the 1990's (1.49 ppm/year) (ScienceNow 10/22/07). 381ppm is “the largest concentration in the last 650,000 years, and probably in the last 20 million years” (Carnegie Institution 10/22/07).

• There are three reasons for the surge: there has been an increase in the amount of carbon produced per dollar of productivity; our oceans and lands are absorbing less CO₂ than predicted; and global economic growth (ScienceDaily 10/23/07).
• In terms of carbon-intensity, carbon output per dollar of productivity has been increasing by 0.3% per year, as opposed to the prior 30 years when it was decreasing by an average of 1.3% per year.
• With respect to absorption, the amount of CO₂ being absorbed by the North Atlantic Ocean has decreased by half in the last 10 years (ABC News 10/20/07). This study was based on over 90,000 field measurements (BBC 20/07).
• In a separate study, scientists determined that four of the five major extinctions in the last 520 million years occurred when the world's tropical seas warmed seven degrees more than current temperatures. Unless current greenhouse gas emission rates are reduced, the Earth is on track to achieve that same level of extinction-based warming within 100 years (Associated Press 10/25/07).
• In a third study, a University of Washington professor found a connection between rising CO₂, lower oxygen levels, and massive extinctions (Associated Press 10/25/07).

IPCC and Al Gore Win Nobel Peace Prize. As almost everyone knows, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Al Gore shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.

• The Committee stated that through this award it was “seeking to contribute to a sharper focus on the processes and decisions that appear to be necessary to protect the world's future climate, and thereby to reduce the threat to the security of mankind. Action is necessary now, before climate change moves beyond man's control.” To review the announcement of the prize, click here. To see excerpts, click here.
• In response to the award, the IPCC noted that this “is a remarkable testament to the dedication and commitment of the thousands of experts and participants who have produced the Panel's rigorous and comprehensive assessments of climate change research” without any compensation. To read the official response of the IPCC, click here.
• Congratulations to all of the scientists, including Alaska's distinguished scientists, who so deservingly received this award.
• For additional reporting on the award, see New York Times 10/13/07; BBC 10/12/07; The Times, 10/12/07.

In Brief – Other International News of Note

It's More Humid, Too, Because of Human Emissions of Greenhouse Gases. Humidity has increased 2.2% in less than 30 years because of global warming. As noted by a co-author of the study published in Nature, “This humidity change is an important contribution to heat stress in humans as a result of global warming” (Associated Press 10/10/07; BBC 10/10/07). As the Associated Press story observes, “Climate scientists have now seen the man-made fingerprint of global warming on 10 different aspects of Earth's environment: surface temperatures, humidity, water vapor over the oceans, barometric pressure, total precipitation, wildfires, change in species of plants in animals, water run-off, temperatures in the upper atmosphere, and heat content in the world's ocean.”

Largest Offshore Wind Turbine to Be Built in England by California Company. In the kind of US leadership we can be proud of, a California company, Clipper Windpower, is developing a 7.5 megawatt offshore windturbine to be built in the northeast of England (Telegraph 10/5/07). To date, the largest wind turbine is 5 megawatts. The new turbine is called the Million Barrel Equivalent, because it is designed to offset the need to burn one million barrels of oil over its lifetime.

Biofuels Continue to Draw Criticisms. Two new studies reveal that the large production of biofuels could cause serious water shortages, food price increases, and pollution in China, India and the US (Telegraph 10/11/07). A third study raises substantial concerns that the nitrogen fertilizer used to produce biofuel crops creates more of the global warming gas, NO₂, than previously thought, and makes such crops as corn a net contributor to global warming (SciDev.net 10/5/07). The UN special rapporteur on the right to food called biofuels a crime against humanity (BBC 10/27/07).

Norway Determined to Be Leader in Addressing Global Warming. Norway's new energy minister, in her first public speech, declared, “Climate change is our time's biggest challenge” (Reuters 10/3/07). She also stated that “ Norway has a big responsibility in international climate cooperation (because it is such a large fossil fuel producer).”

An Inconvenient Truth Challenged. There was a lot of coverage this month about a judicial decision in England regarding the documentary An Inconvenient Truth. A judge ruled that the movie could be shown in English schools because it was broadly accurate about global warming, but that it had nine supposed inaccuracies (BBC 10/11/07). For instance, the judge pointed to the depiction of polar bear drownings as one of the inaccuracies; however, one of the authors of the polar bear study contacted Alaska Conservation Solutions to state that the judge was incorrect. To see the actual copy of the polar bear drowning study, click here . Also Real Climate did an excellent analysis of the judge's errors (RealClimate 10/15/07).

Ocean Acidity an Increasing Concern. According to an Australian scientist “Analysis of coral cores shows a steady drop in calcification over the last 20 years….There's not much debate about how it happens: put more CO₂ into the air above and it dissolves into the oceans….When CO₂ levels in the atmosphere reach about 500 parts per million, you put calcification out of business in the oceans” (ScienceDaily 10/19/07). Atmospheric CO₂ levels are currently over 380 ppm, a substantial increase from 305 in 1960. Small plankton with calcium shells are also adversely affected by ocean acidification.

Global Warming Projected to Have Tourism Impacts. A study by U.N. experts predicts altered travel patterns because of global warming that will threaten jobs and businesses in many tourism-dependent countries (Reuters 10/2/07). There are multiple reasons for this including: certain destinations becoming too warm, attractions suffering from global warming damage, and a desire to decrease carbon footprints.

Dramatic Car Emission Reductions Possible. An English study demonstrates that is possible to reduce emissions from cars by 30% within 10 years, by 50% by 2030, and by 80% by 2050 (The Times 10/10/07).

Snakes Not Dormant. For the very first time ever documented, snakes stayed active throughout winter in Tasmania (Mercury 10/29/07). Herpetologist Ian Norton points to climate change as the cause, noting “This is going to continue in the years ahead if the climate-change trend keeps on.”

UN Environment Program (UNEP) Calls for Urgent Action. In a comprehensive report authored by 390 experts over five years, UNEP's GEO-4 report calls for urgent action on global warming and other critical threats to the Earth (UNEP 10/25/07). “Failure to address these persistent problems, UNEP says, may … threaten humanity's survival. But, the objective is not to present a dark and gloomy scenario, but an urgent call for action.” The report also notes that in the last two decades, the response to some problems such as ozone depletion “has been courageous and inspiring” (Associated Press 10/07) (Telegraph 10/25/07).

Upcoming Events and Other Announcements

November 1

What: GLOBAL WARMING PRESENTATION WORKSHOP
Where: Alaska Conservation Alliance office, 810 N St. #203.
When: 11:30am to 1:30pm
More Info: If you are interested in participating in the training or have questions, please contact Mary Walker at (907) 929-9370 or by email: mwalker@alaskaconservationsolutions.com. Deborah Williams will provide the training. During this free 2-hour training, Deborah Williams will go through each slide of her comprehensive global warming PowerPoint presentation, discussing the science, solutions and effective communication tips. Our hope is that you will take action to combat global warming by sharing this information with others.  

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 – Anchorage
Where: Kincaid Park Chalet - Anchorage, AK
When: 11 am to 1 pm
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 3

What: The National Step It Up 2 Campaign – Fairbanks
Where: Golden Heart Plaza 1st & Cushman
When: 11:00 am
More Info: Gather at the statute next to the downtown Visitors' Center for a fun group photo to be sent into the national event and to our legislators. Let's get together and demand leadership on Climate Change!

November 6

What: Governor's Climate Change Sub-Cabinet 3rd Meeting
Where: The Globe Room, Elvey Building, UAF.
When: The meeting starts at 8:15 am, public testimony will be taken 8:30 - 9:00 am. Individual testimony will be limited to 3 minutes; testimony by order of sign-up.
More Info: The primary focus of this meeting is response planning, coastal erosion and costs.

November 6

What: You're invited to the Recycling Town Meeting
Where: Denali Elementary School Multipurpose Room -- 148 East 9th Avenue (Downtown)
When: 6:30 to 9 PM
More Info: Learn about new options for curbside and other recycling developments. Come tell us what you think! For more information call Kevin Harun at 343-4174

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: http://aceee.org/conf/07becc/07beccindex.htm

November 13

What: ACCAP Alaska Climate Teleconference - ESTIMATING FUTURE VALUE OF ALASKA PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AT RISK TO CLIMATE CHANGE - Peter Larsen
When: 10:00-11:00am
How: 1) With a regular telephone dial: 1-800-893-8850. 2) When prompted, enter the PIN code: 7531823 PLEASE MUTE YOUR PHONE DURING THE PRESENTATION. The audio is very sensitive and your external conversations and typing can be heard by other participants. Thank You.
More Info: Pre-registration is not required but is strongly encouraged. For further information and to register please contact: Sarah Trainor, ACCAP Coordinator and Research Scientist, (907) 474-7878, fnsft@uaf.edu.

November 13

What: Global Warming Working Group
Where: Northern Alaska Environmental Center 830 College Road - Fairbanks
When: Noon
More Info: Contact Lori Hanemann for more information 907-452-5021 x27

November 17

What: Introduction To Renewable Energy Systems For Your Home or Business
Where: Anchorage Unitarian Fellowship, 3201 Turnagain St
When: 9am-5pm
More Info: You will learn valuable methods of saving $$ with energy efficiency, including conducting a hands-on mini-energy audit of the building you are in. All who attend will receive a complimentary copy of Homepower Magazine and Solar Today; all participants receive a 10% discount on new renewable energy books on sale at the workshop. COST: Before November 12 - $80 ($60 for full-time students) After November 12 - $100 ($80 for full-time students) LUNCH: Bring your own or join our group delivery order of soup & sandwiches from the Middle Way Cafe! For more information, visit http://www.yourcleanenergy.us INSTRUCTOR: Andy Baker, PE, Independent Clean Energy Consultant SEATING IS LIMITED TO 20, PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!

November 19

What: Sitka Global Warming Group meeting
Where: Harrigan Centennial Hall
When: 7 PM
More Info: Dave Nicholls soundsofalaska@yahoo.com

December 11

What: ACCAP Alaska Climate Teleconference - LAST ICE: THE FATE OF BERING SEA MAMMALS IN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE - Gary Hufford, National Weather Service
When: 10:00-11:00am
How: 1) With a regular telephone dial: 1-800-893-8850. 2) When prompted, enter the PIN code: 7531823 PLEASE MUTE YOUR PHONE DURING THE PRESENTATION. The audio is very sensitive and your external
More Info: Sea ice in the Bering Sea is beginning to recede apparently in response to climate change. Walrus and Ribbon Seals seek ice floes as habitat where they breed, give birth and haulout to rest. This makes the walrus and ribbon seal vulnerable to and an indicator of climate change. There is also evidence that the walrus may play a role in the productivity of the Bering Sea by releasing nutrients trapped in pore waters of the bottom sediment when they feed. Join us for this teleconference to learn more and and discuss the potential implications of loss of these species.

 

Scared? Alarmed? We should be. But at the same time, we have many reasons to be optimistic. And, most importantly, we must be more determined than ever to take and demand action. There is still time to act and to make a significant difference.

With hope and determination,

Deborah

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

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