Global Warming News from Alaska
November 28, 2007
Reporting from The Front Line

Dear Friends,

As this monthly report illustrates, the toll from global warming continues to surprise and escalate. From humpback whales in the Arctic Ocean to a quadrupling of natural disasters, we are witnessing significant climate change.

Fortunately, we have many opportunities to take action, from supporting a comprehensive Energy Bill to reducing our own carbon footprint. Substantial advances in renewable energy, together with ground-breaking state, local and corporate actions, continue to offer hope and inspiration.

As we enter the holiday season, the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and future generations is to take meaningful action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and others have determined that we really have the technological and economic capacity to do this. And, we must.

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

Humpback and Fin Whales Reported in the Arctic Ocean; and Guadalupe Fur Seal Rescued in Kachemak Bay

For the first time ever reported, humpback whales have been sighted in the Arctic Ocean, far north of their previous range (Associated Press 11/7/07). Fin whales, the second longest whales in the world, were recorded in the Chukchi Sea.

• Government scientists and regulators were very surprised that the humpbacks were found in areas currently being explored for oil and gas development in the Arctic Ocean.
• Currently, the permits for oil and gas activities in the area do not cover impacts on humpbacks. This species is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
• Since humpbacks are not associated with pack ice, a spokeswoman with NOAA stated that we might be observing shifts in distribution caused by climate change.
• In Kachemak Bay in Southcentral Alaska, a Guadalupe fur seal was spotted and then rescued. This is the first time this species has been seen in Alaska or anywhere north of Washington (Homer News 10/31/07). Earlier this year, 16 Guadalupe fur seals were found dead off the Oregon and Washington coastline.

Alaska Native Youth Testifies about Global Warming and is Attacked

Over 5,000 youth from across the nation participated in a global warming gathering in Washington, DC entitled Power Surge (VOA 11/13/07). Many Alaska youth participated. To hear the articulate concerns of our next generation, the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming held a hearing. One of the invited witnesses was Cheryl ("Charlee") Lockwood from St. Michael, Alaska.

• Charlee provided powerful and moving testimony about the impacts from global warming on her Yup'ik community of St. Michael. (To see her testimony, click here; see also Anchorage Daily News 11/6/07).
• Unfortunately, Rush Limbaugh demeaned her testimony repeatedly on his radio show, saying it made him "want to puke," and making many racially offensive and improper comments (Native American Times 11/6/07).
• A very thoughtful editorial decrying Rush Limbaugh's attack noted "Cheryl Charlee Lockwood – and a lot of other people along Alaska 's coast – truly have emotional and urgent concerns about climate change. Congress should hear what they have to say. A difficult and sometimes emotional debate regarding climate change lies ahead, and we had better be able to count on young Alaskans to take that debate forward fairly and intelligently (Fairbanks Daily News Miner 11/8/07). See also Seattle Post Intelligencer 11/13/07 and the response of Senator Lisa Murkowski.

Arctic Exhibit at Smithsonian Modified

An in-depth article by the Washington Post documents numerous changes made to the Smithsonian's exhibit on Global Warming in the Arctic, which downplayed impacts and emphasized "scientific uncertainty" (Washington Post 11/16/07).

• The exhibit was delayed for six months so that the exhibition could be scrutinized by higher-level officials in other government agencies.
• A NASA scientist involved in the project believed that: "Something strange happened…for the focus to be shifted from scientific content to political content."
• One example of a change that was made involved the exhibit's introduction panel. Originally it stated "Over the past 50 years, the average temperatures across the Arctic have risen by nearly twice as much as the global average." Subsequently it read: "The Earth's climate is changing – and it always has."

Helping Shishmaref and other Alaska Communities at Risk from Global Warming

As the year 2007 comes to an end, there are opportunities to donate to and learn more about our nation's communities most at risk from global warming.

• Shishmaref now has a donation option on its website. To make a donation to the community's critical relocation efforts, click here.
• To understand and help others appreciate the erosion process that threatens Shishmaref, Kivalina and other communities, the Unitarian Church of Palo Alto has developed an outstanding demonstration project that can be used as an educational tool for youth and adults alike (to read an excellent article about the project, click here). Created by Ben Hammett, who visited Shishmaref last year on behalf of his church, the demonstration project is one of many notable actions that the Church is taking to help Shishmaref.
• The opening sentence of an overview article published by Reuters notes, "At risk from surging storm waves and floods, Alaska's coastal villagers are dealing with the immediate consequences of climate change –threats to their health, safety and even their ancestors' graves." To see the entire 11/9/07 article, click here.
• The LA Times published an in depth story about Kivalina (11/25/07).
• On Sunday, December 9th at 9pm, Nickelodeon/MTV will broadcast "A Global Warning from the Kids of the World," featuring youth from six locations, including Shishmaref.

Less Sea Ice Increases Polar Bear Mortality in Hudson Bay

After analyzing 20 years of data, US and Canadian scientists have found greater mortality among young and old polar bears in Western Hudson Bay during those years with earlier ice break-up and less ice (Nature 11/23/07).

• According to one of the scientists, "The earlier the break-up, the poorer the survival."
• For young and old polar bears, survival decreased by 2% for each additional ice-free week.
• In a different study involving more southerly bears, scientists found that bears of comparable length weighed 15% less now than those captured 20 years ago.

Other Alaska and Arctic Developments and Items of Note

• Planktonic Species Migrate Across Oceans Because of Smaller Ice Cap. A Pacific Ocean species of phytoplankton has migrated across the Arctic Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean as a result of diminishing ice (Nature Reports 10/18/07). Seen for the first time in the Atlantic for 800,000 years, the diatom has now colonized the Labrador Sea. As the author notes: "The true significance of the event lies not in the single species introduction but in a barrier being breached between the two oceans…potentially playing havoc with the ecosystem."
• Alaskans Support Renewable Electricity Standard in Energy Bill. In a November state-wide poll conducted by Anne Hays, 78% of the respondents who answered yes or no, asserted that Senator Stevens and Senator Murkowski should support the Renewable Electricity Standard in the Energy Bill before Congress. To review the poll results, click here.
• Opportunity to Express Support to Governor Palin for Renewable Energy. Governor Palin is seeking input on how to allocate Alaska 's anticipated oil tax surplus. Investing in renewable energy is one of the options provided. To make your voice heard on this topic prior to December 3, click here, and go to the Voices Across Alaska button.
• Holiday Gift Suggestions. Are you still wondering what to give family and friends for the holidays? Here are three suggestions.
  • Alaska Global Warming Calendar (Visually stunning and filled with information, the theme of this 16-month calendar is the impact of climate change on Alaska and the Arctic. To order online, click here or phone (888) 789-0090);
  • Earth Under Fire by Gary Braasch (This outstanding book features scores of breathtaking photos and excellent text examining the impacts of global warming in the Arctic and throughout the world); and
  • Denali Green Tags (To help a friend or family member achieve carbon neutrality for 2007, you can purchase carbon offsets for them, click here.)

Alaska and Polar Regions in the News

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

• Arctic Glaciers. An article in The Star entitled, "Big thaw yields surprises" describes the status of melting glaciers in the Arctic, and some recent archeological and other finds (The Star 11/17/07).
• An Alaska Faith-Based Call for Passage of the Energy Bill. The Anchorage Daily News published an excellent OpEd from Reverand Paul Klitzke, Project Director of Alaska Interfaith Power and Light, in which he strongly encourages Alaska 's Congressional delegation to support the Energy Bill (click here). Noting that the Energy Bill contains "critical renewable energy and energy efficiency measures", Rev. Klitzke believes, as a person of faith, that he is compelled to act and urges others to do so too.
• Alaska "Step It Up Rallies" Successful. Alaska joined other states throughout the nation in calling for action on global warming in well attended Step It Up rallies. For a good description of the Anchorage event, at which Commissioner Larry Hartig and other prominent representatives spoke, see Anchorage Daily News 11/3/07.
• Alaska Goes to China. A very interesting and informative website – Chinadialogue – published an overview of the impacts of global warming on the Arctic and the resulting policy responses and challenges. To review the November 19th article, either in English or Chinese, click here."

Key National News

Congress to Consider Critical Energy Bill

Earlier this year, the Senate and the House passed separate energy bills. The House bill included many outstanding provisions, including a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) and substantial funding for renewable energy research and development. The Senate version included a critical provision to increase car fuel efficiency (better known as CAFE standards). When Congress returns to DC next week, members will likely have the opportunity to vote on a single, comprehensive Energy Bill.

• To achieve necessary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, it is hoped that the combined bill will include both the RES standards and the CAFE standards, in addition to other critical measures such as extending by four years the production tax credits for renewable energy investments.
• The Union of Concerned Scientists analysis of the House's 15-percent-by-2020 national renewable electricity standard (RES) , found it would generate more than a 450 percent increase in the nation's clean energy use over 2005 levels. It would also reduce global warming pollution by 126 million metric tons per year by 2020, equal to removing as many as 21 million of today's cars and trucks off the road.
• With respect to corporate average fuel economy, the Senate bill increases the average from the current 27.5 to 35 mpg by 2020. In Japan, the average is 45 mpg (Washington Post 6/22/07).
• I will issue an action alert as soon as we know the details of the final bill.
• In the meantime, please contact your Congressional representatives and urge them to support a comprehensive Energy Bill that includes RES, a CAFE increase, and the production tax credit extension. To find your congressional representatives, click here.

Global Warming Threat to National Security

A group of security and climate specialists have issued a detailed report outlining the significant risks associated with global warming entitled "The Age of Consequences: The Foreign Policy and National Security Implications of Global Climate Change" (Associated Press 11/8/07; IPS News 11/10/07). Sponsored by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Center for a New American Security, the synopsis of the report notes that "Global climate change poses not only environmental hazards but profound risks to planetary peace and stability as well." (Click here for a link to the report.)

• The experts found that due to global warming, the US can expect more population migrations, an increase in diseases, greater conflicts over resources (especially in Africa), and a restructuring of global power.
• According to the report, "Climate change has the potential to be one of the greatest national security challenges that this or any other generation of policy makers is likely to confront."
• If emissions are unaddressed, "the collapse and chaos associated with extreme climate change futures would destabilize virtually every aspect of modern life" similar to nuclear holocaust.
• Click here to read another thoughtful analysis summarizing some of the major threats from climate change to our national security, which was published in Nature. Among other quotes, the article notes that the CEO of the Center for a New American Security states: "Confronting climate change will be this generation's Cold War, only much more difficult because it could literally undermine the very notion of societal stability."

Important and Positive State and City Developments

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

• Midwestern Governors Sign Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. Ten mid-western leaders including the governors of Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Kansas, Ohio, South Dakota and the Premier of Manitoba signed an Accord that will develop a market-based and multi-sector cap-and-trade mechanism; a tracking system; and other steps to achieve significant reduction targets (Midwestern Governor's Press Release; New York Times 11/14/07; to see the actual accord and platform, click here and here). Additional governors adopted an Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform that addresses energy efficiency, renewable electricity and other topics. Also mid-Western governors established a cooperative regional initiative to address a bioproduct procurement program: renewable electricity transmission: renewable fuel corridors and advanced bioenergy permitting. This is a significant development.
• Colorado Issues Climate Plan. The Governor of Colorado issued the Carbon Action Plan which includes a greenhouse gas reduction target of 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and an 80% reduction by 2050. Governor Ritter proclaimed that climate change "threatens our economy, our Western way of life and our future. It will change every facet of our existence, and unless we address it and adapt to it, the results will be catastrophic for generations to come" (Press Release 11/5/07).
• State-based Cap and Trade. To access an excellent article that discusses cap and trade at the state level, entitled "The Fight Against Global Warming: Another Way States Can Reign in Greenhouse Gas Emissions," click here.
• Mayors Meet. Over 700 mayors have now signed the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Approximately 100 of these mayors met in Seattle in November to compare strategies and success stories at the Climate Protection Summit (New York Times 11/2/07). Several of these mayors were from Alaska, or had attended Mayor Begich's Alaska global warming conference last September. One of these mayors, Dan Coody from Fayetteville, noted "I'm so excited to be here and talk about this I can't stand it."

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Developments

Every month there are numerous renewable energy and energy efficiency developments that underscore their tremendous potential for reducing our carbon emissions and dramatically reducing our dependence on politically unstable fossil fuels.

• Bacteria Plus Waste Water Makes Hydrogen Fuel. Scientists have announced a breakthrough in the production of clean hydrogen fuel (Science NOW 11/13/07; Reuters 11/12/07). In a microbial fuel cell, the researchers employed common bacteria and acetic acid, which can be produced from biodegradable materials. In the presence of acetic acid, cellulose, or other volatile acids, the bacteria release electrons, creating electricity. The solution then only needs a little more outside electricity to produce substantial quantities of hydrogen gas, ultimately using only a tenth as much energy as water electrolysis. According to the scientists, applications of this technology include: "you could go to a farm, where there's lot of cellulose or …agricultural cellosic residues, take that and make hydrogen there." This technology is available now. The hydrogen gas contains almost three times as much energy as added from the external power supply.
• More Biomass Advances. An excellent New York Times article highlights the efforts of companies that are focusing on technology and chemistry to turn plant matter into fuel (New York Times 11/9/07). For example, the company Range Fuels is using waste from softwood logging operations and plans on producing 20 million gallons of ethanol a year. According to Range Fuels there is enough waste wood available in Georgia alone to make 2 billion gallons of ethanol a year. Oak Ridge National Laboratory calculated that there is technically enough available biomass in our nation to replace more than 1/3 of our nation's gasoline consumption.
• Offshore Wind and Ocean Energy Environmental Impact Statement Released. The Department of Interior has released it final Environmental Impact Statement for potential renewable energy use of the Outer Continental Shelf (Miami Herald 11/6/07; EERE News 11/7/07; the EIS). Until a final policy is in place, the Department will accept applications for assessment and testing. The draft policy is expected to be issued in the spring. Conservationists applaud the potential use of our nation's outer continental shelf for the production of renewable energy, instead of only fossil-fuel based energy.
• Zero Emission Car. For a description of the Ekotrike, a zero emission car, see Salt Lake Tribune 11/22/007.
• The Benefits of Promoting Energy Efficiency. Twenty years ago, Massachusetts initiated an energy efficiency program for consumers, funded by a ¼ cent per kilowatt hour fee on customer bills. This program has saved participating customers more than $2.5 billion; reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 14.5 million tons, and reduced 530 megawatts of demand (the equivalent of 2 power plants) (Boston.com 11/12/07). Savings have come from improved lighting efficiency, weatherization, energy efficient appliances, and special controls.
• Google to Invest Heavily in Renewable Energy. Google has announced that it intends to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in renewable energy technology, including hiring engineers and energy experts (New York Times 11/27/07). The goal of the initiative, known as RE is to produce renewable energy that is less expensive than coal.