Alaska Conservation Solutions

Global Warming Newsletter - January 2008

Subject:	Global Warming Newsletter - January 2008
Send date:	2008-02-01 02:03:10
Issue #:	31
Content:
Global Warming News from Alaska January 31, 2008 Reporting from The Front Line Dear Friends, Global warming in Alaska, the Arctic, and Antarctica took center stage, once again, in the news. Polar bears, walruses, melting ice, lease sales, and emission inventories helped focus our nation's attention on climate change. Increasingly, however, another global warming issue is emerging: the impacts of greenhouse gases on public health. More scientific studies regarding health are being released, and organizations like the Red Cross are pointing to global warming as one of the greatest threats facing humankind. Fortunately positive actions continue to advance on all fronts: corporate, state, local, international, and even federal. We are making progress, but unquestionably, emission reduction actions and solutions must be accelerated. Alaska and Arctic Global Warming News - The Latest Evidence and Developments State of Alaska Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report Issued The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a draft greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) report (to access a copy of the report, click here). Public comments are due February 1. In 2005, Alaska's emissions were 52.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. This is about 79 tons per Alaskan, more than triple the national average of 24 tons per year (Anchorage Daily News 1/22/08), and constitutes a 22% increase since 1990. Oil companies represent the largest emitters, with BP topping the list at 10.7 tons per year. Overall, industry accounts for 41.5%. Transportation is the second major contributor at 36.5%, predominantly from the sale of jet fuel. Without meaningful intervention, emissions are projected to increase to 61.5 million metric tons by 2020. In issuing the draft report, Commissioner Larry Hartig noted: “We might well find ‘win-win' situations where energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions can both be lowered through a single action, such as through energy conservation or replacing a high-carbon source of energy with a less expensive low-carbon or renewable source of energy. The emissions report helps focus our attention” (DEC News Release 1/10/08). Polar Bears, Offshore Lease Sales, and Congressional Hearings In January, there was considerable attention directed towards polar bears and their melting habitat: Listing Delay. The Department of Interior (DOI) delayed its Endangered Species Act listing decision regarding polar bears (Reuters 1/7/08). The statutory deadline was January 9, 2008. It is unclear when the decision will be made, but DOI officials say that it will be within 30 days of the original deadline (National Geographic 1/7/08). Lease Sale 149. Despite numerous Congressional and other requests for more time (NYTimes 1/15/08), it does not appear as if DOI will be delaying its upcoming offshore lease sale in the Chukchi Sea, which is scheduled for February 6, 2008 (Govexec.com 1/22/08). Approximately one-half of US managed polar bears reside in the Chukchi Sea area. Oil is fatal to polar bears and MMS projects approximately a 40% chance of a major oil spill associated with the Chukchi Lease sale. Several groups, including the Community of Point Hope, have filed two lawsuits regarding the Lease Sale; one involving the production of documents (AP 1/29/08) and the other to stop damage from occurring from the lease sale (NYTimes 1/31/08). Congressionals Hearing and Bills. The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming held a high-profile hearing to examine the status of polar bears and the improper timing of the Chukchi Lease Sale (KTUU 1/18/08; Medill Reports 1/21/08; CQ Today 1/17/08 ). Alaska Conservation Solutions was honored to testify. To see the C-SPAN coverage of the hearing, click here; to review the written testimony from the five witnesses, click here. Chairman Markey introduced legislation to delay the lease sale; Senator Kerry introduced even broader legislation (Hill Heat 1/31/08). The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee also held a hearing on polar bears (CNSNews 1/31/08). The evidence presented at both these hearings demonstrated that our nation's treasured polar bears are, indeed, on thin ice. Melting Accelerates in Arctic and Antarctic New research has revealed unprecedented melting and thawing in polar regions. West Antarctica Ice Loss Accelerating. Scientists have disclosed that ice loss in Antarctica is increasing substantially, and is approaching that of Greenland (Washington Post 1/14/08; The Times 1/14/08). Vast ice sheets in western Antarctica have become more destabilized. “Something must be changing the ocean to trigger such changes, notes a NASA scientist, “We believe it is related to global climate forcing.” During the last decade, in West Antarctica, ice loss has increased by 59% to 132 billion metric tons in 2006; and along the peninsula, it has increased by 140%. Approximately 90% of the Earth's ice resides in Antarctica. The scientists reflect that “We've seen the same thing in mountain glaciers, in Greenland, Patagonia and the same thing in Alaska. We are seeing the same thing everywhere we look.” A recent study involving Alaska's Kennicott Glacier helps explain the contributions from meltwater and floodwater to accelerated glacier movement: University of Colorado at Boulder, Public Release 1/15/08. Greenland and Canadian Thaw Increased. According to a report in the Journal of Climate, global warming has caused the greatest melting of Greenland in 50 years (Reuters 1/15/08). The authors of this study note: “We attribute significantly increased Greenland summer warmth and ice melt since 1990 to global warming.” In a separate study, researchers have found that the Barnes Ice Cap on Canada's Baffin Island has been shrinking at almost 10 times the rate it was 25 years ago (Can West News Service 1/9/08). This is the oldest ice in Canada – “20,000 years plus.” Another study concludes that the ice caps on the northern plateau of Baffin Island have decreased by greater than 50% in the last half century, and will be gone in 50 years (University of Colorado Boulder 1/28/08). IPCC Chief Wants to Examine Melting of Greenland and Antarctica Ice Sheets. The chief of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Rajendra Pachauri, has declared that the IPCC's next report should examine the “frightening” possibility of the simultaneous rapid melting of Greenland's and Antarctica's ice sheets on sea level rise and other areas (Washington Post 1/14/08). On a related note: for an excellent analysis of recent melting glacier developments and their implication, see New York Times 1/8/08. As the article notes, the changes have been so fast and large that many glaciologists are “shell-shocked.” Importantly, distinguished scientists, like NASA's Eric Rignot, are now projecting the possibility of a 7 ½ foot sea level rise by the end of the century if emissions are not reduced. Other Alaska, Arctic and Antarctic Developments and Items of Note Global Warming Threatens Bering Sea Food Chain. According to a study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series, global warming will adversely affect the Bering Sea's phytoplankton, the base of the food chain (Mongabay.com 1/16/08). Currently, the Bering Sea supports large phytoplankton (diatoms), which are eaten by large zooplankton. But a warmer Bering Sea, such as predicted in 2100, will only produce smaller plankton (nanophytoplankton), resulting in a different and less productive ecosystem. This change also reduces the ability of the ocean to absorb carbon dioxide. “The experiments we did up there definitely suggest that the changing ecosystem may support less of what we're harvesting – things like pollock and hake” (USC Public Release 1/11/08). Kenai Borough Passes Global Warming Resolution. The Kenai Borough Assembly passed Resolution 2007-069 entitled “A Resolution Committing to the Development of a Local Climate Change Impact Plan” (click here). The Resolution calls upon the Mayor of Kenai to: develop a Climate Change Impact plan that assesses the vulnerabilities and opportunities associated with climate change and sets goals; and then implement a plan of action. World Winter Cities Association Issues Global Warming Declaration. Winter city mayors gathered in Nuuk Greenland, and issued a Declaration regarding global warming (Arctic Council 1/20/08). “As members of the World Winter Cities Association for Mayors…, we hereby recognize our collective obligation to send a global message highlighting the severity of global warming…and we participant cities recognize our duty to take a leading role in global society …as we make every effort to tackle the problem of warming.” To review the entire Declaration, click here. NET Metering Legislation Introduced – Hearing Set. Action Item Representative Paul Seaton has introduced HB 288, to institute a net metering policy in Alaska which will allow Alaskans to sell excess renewable energy they generate to their utilities (see Sponsor Statement; Homer News 1/10/08). This will promote renewable energy use in Alaska. Alaska is in a minority of states which do not have net metering policies. A hearing on the bill is scheduled for February 1, for more information, click here. Dangerously Watery Kusko 300 Dog Sled Race. One of the most important dog races in Alaska, the Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race, became the “Kusko Swim” because of warmer temperatures and a tropical storm (Anchorage Daily News 1/23/08). “Floatation devices wouldn't have been that bad of an idea” noted one of the mushers. More seriously, several mushers observed that “It's definitely life-threatening circumstances.” World famous musher Martin Buser said he was guiding his dogs through “thigh deep water. The dogs were swimming and the sled was floating behind.” Ultimately, the dogs and mushers all survived, but more than a dozen support snowmachines were “sunk in the battle of the ‘Kusko-swim'.” Alaska Forum on the Environment Next Month. If you have not done so already, we urge you to attend the Global Warming track of the Alaska Forum on the Environment, starting February 11 in Anchorage (AFE registration). This is the premiere global warming event in the state. There will be over 30 outstanding, nationally and internationally recognized, global warming scientific experts and policy experts. Critical Governor's Subcabinet Meeting Scheduled. On February 13, the Governor's Climate Change Sub-Cabinet will be holding a meeting to discuss their workplan for 2008, including their proposed mitigation and adaptation public engagement strategies. This is a very critical meeting, and public comment is invited. Location: Atwood Building, 550 West 7th, Anchorage, from noon to 5:00pm (to see agenda, click here). Alaska in the News Among numerous January news stories and commentaries about Alaska and the Arctic not referenced above, we especially recommend the following: Newtok. The Los Angeles Times featured an excellent article about Newtok, one of the communities in Alaska that has experienced the most coastal erosion (LA Times 12/27/07). According to Stanley Tom, “Time's running out.” In just the last few months, the ocean waters have advanced another 80 feet. Homer Youth For Environmental Action. For an inspiring article about the impact that youth can have on global warming decision-making and actions, read “HAYEA students lead way on environmental issues” (Homer News 1/10/08). Mayor of Homer Featured. Recently, a “State of the Climate” paper was signed by a group of almost 200 U.S. climate scientists, mayors and other experts. Homer Mayor James Hornaday was one of the signers and was featured in an excellent article (ABC News 1/24/08). Noting that Homer has experienced “massive glaciers melt(ing) away, bark beetle infestations…and encroaching sea levels (that have) erode(d) two-and-a-half feet of shoreline every year,” the article observes that Homer is taking action. Mayor Hornaday like others, however, is very frustrated that Bush and Congress have yet to define a national strategy. Incidentally, the report concluded that “the state of the nation's climate policy is poor.” Brooks Range Glacier. BBC published a fascinating article about the McCall Glacier in the Alaska Brooks Range and several scientists who have studied it since 1957 (BBC 12/25/07). The glacier has decreased ever since the first measurements were taken, but the rate has nearly doubled since 1994. If trends continue, “it's within the realm of possibility that the bulk of the glacier will be gone in 50 years” observes one of the scientists. Walruses. For an excellent article about the problems walruses face due to global warming, see Associated Press 12/24/07. NOTE: Should walruses be listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act? Watch for the possibility of a petition filing soon. Key National News Global Warming and the Presidential Election Global warming is definitely a factor, albeit as yet an insufficient factor, in the presidential election. Global Warming and New Hampshire. In an insightful OpEd in the Telegraph, Adam Markham observes that the real story from the New Hampshire primary “may be how important global warming was for the voters of New Hampshire and in particular, for John McCain's turnaround win" (Telegraph 1/9/08). Previous polling indicated that 84% of independents in New Hampshire think climate change is a serious issue. Interestingly, the primary occurred on a day of record-breaking warmth. Republican Views Outlined. An excellent Associated Press article describes the wide-ranging views concerning global warming held by the Republican candidates for president. (AP 1/24/08). As the article notes: “While the major presidential candidates agree global warming is real, the Republicans are sharply divided over what to do about it.” Candidates Romney and Giuliani both adamantly oppose a mandatory cap and trade system, while McCain and Huckabee support this approach. Notably, the former Republican National Committee chairman, Ken Mehlman, asserts that Republicans cannot afford to ignore global warming, since there is such a strong “left-right coalition” demanding action consisting of military leaders, religious leaders, sportsmen, environmentalists, and “a who's who of American business.” Insufficient Media Questioning. MoveOn posed the following question: “In the last year, the major TV networks asked the presidential candidates 2,679 questions. Pop quiz: How many were about global warming? A) 514 – after all, it's one of the top issues facing the country; B) 165 – as many as were asked about illegal immigration; or C) 3 – the same number asked about UFOs. If you guessed 3, you're right.” MoveOn has a petition to address this (click here). Also for a very entertaining look at the lack of global warming questioning, watch this brief YouTube video. US Companies, Cities, and States Continue to Make Emission Reduction Advances There were many important emission reduction measures announced in January: Monitoring Matters. A year-long government study using smart grid technology showed that if people can monitor their electricity usage, the peak load on utility grids could be reduced by up to 15% per year (New York Times 1/10/08). Safeway. Safeway has converted its entire U.S. truck fleet of more than 1,000 trucks to B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel (EnvironmentNewsService 1/21/08), which will reduce CO₂ emissions by 75 million pounds annually. Safeway is also a very large purchaser of renewable wind energy, and has installed new energy-efficient refrigeration technology. GM Invests in Waste-Based Ethanol Company. General Motors announced that it purchased an equity stake in Coskata, a company that plans to make ethanol from waste such as scrap plastic, municipal garbage, crop waste, and wood chips (New York Times 1/14/08). GE Invests in Renewables. GE will double its investments in renewable energy to $6 billion by 2010 (Financial Times 1/13/08). In two years, GE believes 25% of its energy will come from renewables. Intel Buys Record Breaking Renewable Energy Certificates. Intel announced it will purchase more than 1.3 kilowatts of renewable energy certificates, becoming the largest corporate purchaser of such certificates in the nation (Reuters 1/28/08). NYC Plastic Bag Regulations. The New York City Council passed legislation requiring retail chains and large stores to collect and recycle plastic shopping bags, the largest American city to do so (New York Times 1/10/08). State Action. For an overview of upcoming state actions, see “States combat global warming” (USA Today 1/20/08). For an in depth analysis of Florida's progress under Republican Governor Crist, especially with respect to Florida Light and Power see Palm Beach Post 12/30/07. More Global Warming Impacts Measured and Predicted The impacts from global warming continue to mount, and predictions become more dire: Salmon Imperiled in Northwest by Global Warming. The Independent Scientific Advisory Board has concluded that global warming could increase river temperatures by 2° F by 2040, imperiling salmon (Oregonian 1/6/08). Currently, steelhead are already avoiding the warmed Columbia River. Significantly in 2007, “days of unusually scorching heat and meager river flows killed more than 100 salmon last July in the Middle Fork of the John Day River, a tributary of the Columbia. That wiped out a large piece of the river's remaining salmon run. ‘We've had some fish kills, but they've never been this extensive,' said Tim Unterwegner, a state biologist who helped survey the dead fish.” According to another scientist, rising temperatures “potentially will make large areas of the Columbia Basin uninhabitable to these species in the not-too-distant future.” By 2040, approximately 20% of the rivers and streams in the Northwest will be at lethal temperatures for salmon. “It just truly scares the pants off you if you're a fisheries biologist,” states Jim Martin, former head of fisheries for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Impacts on Bird Ranges. In a study of 56 species of birds in North America, scientists found that their breeding ranges solely shifted northwards, indicating that climate change, not other factors, was responsible for the change (Mongabay.com 1/16/08). Smaller Snowpacks in the West a Result of Global Warming. Scientists have convincingly connected the shrinkage of snowpacks in America's western states to global warming (Science 12/21/07). Smaller snowpacks present numerous problems; as the lead author observes, “we're heading for a water crisis in the West.” Dengue. According to a commentary published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, “widespread appearance of dengue (disease) in the continental United States is a real possibility” because of global warming and poor mosquito control efforts (AFP 1/8/08). Currently dengue is incurable, and is especially dangerous in children and the elderly. In Brief – Other National News of Note Renewable Energy Tax Credit Extension Needed. *Action Item* Currently, unless extended by law, critical production tax credit (PTC) provisions for renewable energy will expire at the end of the year. This would have a major adverse impact on renewable energy investments (Christian Science Monitor 1/22/08). There is a strong effort to include a production tax credit extension in the Tax Stimulus package. We are pleased to report that both Senator Murkowski and Senator Stevens signed a letter urging inclusion of renewable tax credits in the Stimulus package, along with over 30 other senators. Fortunately, the Senate Finance committee included PTC extensions in the Senate version of the Tax Stimulus bill (click here). Now, we need to make sure that this is included in the final bill signed by the President. Please contact your House and Senate representatives and the White House. American Geophysical Union Calls for Emissions Reductions. The governing body of the prestigious American Geophysical Union (AGU) issued a statement declaring “Earth's climate is now clearly out of balance and is warming;” these changes are “best explained by the increased atmospheric abundances of greenhouse gases and aerosols generated by human activity during the 20th century,” and that there is a need to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by more than 50% globally by the end of this century to avoid the more catastrophic effects of global warming (AGU Statement; Live Science 1/24/08). The AGU has 50,000 members in 137 countries (BBC 1/24/08). Navajo Portable, Home-Based Solar/Wind Project a Success. A very promising, practical project has been successfully implemented by the Navajos for off-grid needs (Native American Times 1/22/08). The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority rents portable renewable energy units that consist of a 10 foot solar panel, a wind turbine and batteries. These units generate about 2 kilowatts per day for about $80/month, which is enough to power a small home, with some limitations. Renewable Energy Future. Scientific American published an outstanding analysis indicating that solar power plants could provide 69% of the nation's s electricity and 35% of our total energy by 2050, if given adequate subsidies combined with the use compressed air storage (Scientific American 12/16/07). The authors also conclude that by 2100, the US could generate 100% of the entire nation's electricity and more than 90% of total energy with the full array of renewable energy: solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass. Switchgrass Excellent Source of Ethanol. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists with the Department of Agriculture demonstrated that switchgrass produces 540% more ethanol energy than it requires to grow, which is far more efficient than corn (ScienceNOW 1/7/08; Reuters 1/10/08). Also, the switchgrass-to-fuel combustion life cycle emits approximately 94% less CO₂ than the lifecycle of gasoline. On average, one acre of switchgrass can produce 320 barrels of bioethanol (BBC 1/8/08). Focus the Nation. More than 1,500 high schools, colleges and universities participated in the project: Focus the Nation, designed to draw attention to the threats and solutions associated with global warming (ENS 1/29/08). This represents the largest teach-in in history. For further information, click here; to see The 2% Solution, click here. Key International News 2007 Second Warmest Year on Record for Globe; Warmest on Record for North America Based on data from thousands of weather stations around the world, climatologists at NASA have announced that 2007 was the second-warmest year on record (Washington Post 1/12/08). Both NASA and NOAA agree that seven of the eight warmest years on record have occurred since 2001. NASA also announced that the Northern Hemisphere has warmed faster than the Southern Hemisphere; and that 2007 was the very warmest on record for the Northern Hemisphere, with a 1.9° F increase over the 1951-1980 baseline. Most significantly, in the Arctic, 2007 was 4.1° F higher than the 1951-1980 average. There were many other startling weather statistics and occurrences in 2007 (Associated Press 1/2/08). “ U.S. weather stations broke or tied 263 all-time high temperature records,” and New York City experienced a tornado in August while Los Angeles had its driest year on record. New Studies and Statements Examine Impact of Global Warming on Health and Welfare Increasingly, global warming's adverse impacts on human health are being discussed. Direct Connection between CO₂ and Human Mortality. Looking solely at the direct impact of CO₂ on ozone and particulate air pollution related deaths, a Stanford scientist has completed a study that demonstrates that higher levels of carbon dioxide increase mortality from both ozone and particulates (Stanford News Service 1/3/08). “Ultimately, you inhale a greater abundance of deleterious chemicals due to carbon dioxide and the climate change associated with it, and the link appears quite solid.” This analysis helps support California's petition to the EPA to impose stricter CO₂ emission requirements on vehicles. British Medical Journal Analysis. In an article in the British Medical Journal, a professor of public health discussed the substantial added risks that global warming presents to health worldwide, in part because “climate change is beginning to damage our natural life-support system” (BMJ 1/24/08; Telegraph 1/25/08). The press release from the British Medical Journal is actually entitled: “Climate change poses a huge threat to human health.” Tropical Disease Strikes Europe. As a result of global warming, World Health Organization officials have identified the first example of a tropical disease causing an epidemic in a developed European country (Boston Globe 1/1/08). The disease, chikungunya, causes a high fever, intense joint pains that can last for months, and a rash. It is carried by tiger mosquitoes which first arrived in Italy in the 1990s with warmer temperatures. Red Cross Decries Global Warming. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has declared that climate change is one of the world's greatest threats (VOA 1/21/08). The Secretary-General of the Red Cross specifically stated, “There is no doubt in my mind that climate change is one of the greatest threats facing humanity today. It is fundamentally altering the entire humanitarian agenda and very nature of vulnerability.” They are seeking $292 million per year for two years to assist communities in addressing the impacts from global warming (Reuters 1/21/08). Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expand The renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors are growing significantly worldwide. Investments Soar. In 2007, investments in clean energy industries reached $117.2 billion, compared to $86.5 billion in 2006 (International Herald Tribune 1/2/08). In 2004 investments were only $28.6 billion. Wind, biomass, biofuels, solar and energy efficiency all showed substantial growth Germany Renewables Grow. In 2007, renewable energy constituted more than 14% of that country's power consumption, representing a 12% increase from 2006 (Reuters 1/8/08). Abu Dhabi's Dramatic Moves. At the World Future Energy Summit, the Crown Prince announced that Abu Dhabi is committing $15 billion to renewable energy projects in his country, the region, and throughout the world (ENS 1/22/08). As noted by Sultan Al Jaber, “Today, as global demand for energy continues to expand and as climate change becomes a real and growing concern, the time has come to look to the future” (Future Fuels 1/24/08). Abu Dhabi also announced the creation of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, which will award $2.2 million annually to individuals and organizations for their excellence in the innovation, development and implementation of sustainable energy solutions. For more on Abu Dhabi's substantial efforts to position itself as an energy leader post-oil, see “An Oil Giant's Green Dream” (Time 1/21/08). Finally, construction in Abu Dhabi of the world's first city with no carbon footprint will begin in February (Canada.com 1/22/08). Carbon Trading Increases Significantly. The world market for greenhouse gas emission credits increased 80% last year, reaching $60 billion (Reuters 1/18/07). Almost two-thirds of this trading volume occurred on the European Union's emission trading program. LED Future Looking Brighter. The global market for energy efficient, non-mercury containing light emitting diodes (LEDs) is projected to grow from $205 million in 2006 to $985 million in 2011 (San Jose Business Journal 1/14/08). LEDs became 10 to 15% less expensive in 2007. In Brief – Other International News of Note Salmon in Japan and Korea Jeopardized by Global Warming. Researchers at the University of Hokkaido University have analyzed the impacts of warming temperatures on dog salmon. If the globe's temperature increases by 3.4° by the end of the century, as projected in some global warming scenarios, suitable habitats in Japan would “completely disappear” (Yomiuri 1/3/08). In a separate study, salmon returns have been declining on the eastern Korean Peninsula. Impact of Global Warming on Poor Countries Quantified. A University of California study has determined that greenhouse emission from rich countries have imposed $2.3 trillion in damages to low-income countries (Christian Science Monitor 1/24/08). Britain's Coast Being Hammered by Climate Change. A new study examines numerous impacts from global warming on Britain's coastlines and marine life (BBC 1/16/08). For example, increased roughness of coastal waters is resulting in 30% of England's coastline being eroded. Also, there has been a 70% decline in the cold water plankton, Calanus finmarchicus, since 1960, as well as reduced availability of prey fish for some seabirds. Tree Planting and Free Plastic Bag Ban in China. China will plant 2.5 billion trees in 2008 (AFP 1/15/08). Also, starting June 1, merchants cannot distribute free plastic bags and the production of ultra-thin bags will be prohibited (Reuters 1/9/08). China currently uses up to 3 billion plastic bags daily. France Reduces Emissions. French greenhouse gas emissions decreased 2.5% in 2006 compared to 2005, and were 4% lower than 1990 (AFP 1/22/08). France is on target to meet its Kyoto Protocol goals, which are an 8% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012. Upcoming Events and Other Announcements February 1 What: NET Metering Legislation Hearing Where: You can testify at your local Legislative Information Office (LIO). For a directory of Legislative Information Offices in Alaska, go to: http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/misc/lios.php When: 3pm More Info: Rep. Paul Seaton has introduced HB 288, to institute a net metering policy in Alaska which will allow Alaskans to sell excess renewable energy they generate to their utilities. For more information on the hearing, click here. February 2 What: Recycling Task Force meeting Where: UAF's Wood Center ballroom When: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm More Info: FNSB Assemblyman, Mike Musick, has scheduled a public meeting to discuss the prospect of moving Fairbanks toward a more “sustainable” lifestyle that reduces the public waste stream and protects the environment. February 11-15 What: The ALASKA FORUM on the ENVIRONMENT Where: Egan Convention Center, Anchorage More Info: The conference includes a nationally acclaimed Global Warming track, starting February 11. For more information, go to http://www.akforum.com/ February 11 What: Sitka Global Warming Group Where: Harrigan Centennial Hall When: 7pm More Info: Please visit the Sitka Global Warming website or email soundsofalaska@yahoo.com February 13 What: Sub-Cabinet on Climate Change meeting When: Noon to 5 pm Where: Atwood Building, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 240, Anchorage More Info: Visit the Sub-Cabinet on Climate change website for more information and to download a draft agenda. Thank you for continuing to be involved in addressing the tremendous threats and opportunities associated with global warming. Your efforts matter. With hope and determination, Deborah Deborah L. Williams Alaska Conservation Solutions dlwilliams@gci.net http://www.alaskaconservationsolutions.com/ 907-929-9370 Your Subscription [SUBSCRIPTIONS]