Alaska Conservation Solutions

Global Warming Newsletter - March 2008

Subject:	Global Warming Newsletter - March 2008
Send date:	2008-04-01 02:20:58
Issue #:	33
Content:
Global Warming News from Alaska March 31, 2008 Reporting from The Front Line Dear Friends, The record thinning of the Arctic ice cap, the dramatic melting of mountain glaciers, and the collapse of the Wilkins Ice Shelf underscore our need to take urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As evidenced by the scientific studies described in this monthly report, our planet's cryosphere is, indeed, "crying out" to all of us to act. Simultaneously, more positive renewable energy and energy efficiency opportunities are presenting themselves as solutions. But, federal legislation and state legislation are needed to seize these opportunities. We must demand that our elected officials take action. Now. Alaska and Arctic Global Warming News - The Latest Evidence and Developments Arctic Ice Cap Thickness at All-Time Low According to a comprehensive satellite-based analysis conducted by NASA and others, "this winter's (Arctic) ice cover is much thinner overall and thus in a more vulnerable state heading into the summer melt season" (NASA, 3/18/08). Thicker ice, which is 6 or more years old, has declined from over 20% of the ice cap to just 6% (to see images and graphs from NASA depicting the decline in older, thicker ice, click here and view Figures 5 and 6). The total ice extent this winter was below the long-term 21-year average by 2.2%. It was, however, larger than in the previous three years, due to a cooler winter in many locations in the Arctic from La Nina conditions. Over 70% of the Arctic Ice Cap now consists of ice that is only one year old, and is merely 3 to 5 feet thick in the winter. Older ice can be 12 to 15 feet thick. Overall, there has been a 50% decrease in perennial (multi-year) ice between February 2007 and February 2008 (Reuters 3/18/08). "Although this March the area is slightly larger than last March, the area of [thick] perennial [multi-year] ice has reached an all time low," notes the manager of the Cryospheric Sciences Program at NASA (BBC 3/18/08). Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission Issues Final Report The legislatively created Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission has issued their final report; to view a copy of the entire 124-page report, click here. (See also, Anchorage Daily News 3/18/08; Fairbanks Daily News Miner 3/18/08). Focusing on adaptations, the report states: "The Commission found that climate change presents unavoidable challenges to the citizens of Alaska." In its Summary of Conclusions section, the report notes that "the State of Alaska is at the leading edge of impacts resulting from a warming climate" and that "impacts on Alaska 's fish and game assets are one of the most disconcerting signs of climate warming." Also, the report states, "Perhaps the most striking impacts in all of Alaska …are with the village relocation issue in Western Alaska." Concluding the report, the Commission recommends seven next steps including a coordinated process for village relocation; a review of existing capital planning statutes; the protection of public infrastructure; a small loan program for modifying buildings; and the passing of legislation to establish the Governor's Sub-Cabinet on Climate Change as a recognized state council. NOAA to Consider Listing Four Species of Ice Seals under Endangered Species Act The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced the initiation of a status review for four species of ice seals, to determine whether their listing under the Endangered Species Act is warranted (Federal Register, March 28, 2008). The four seals are the ribbon, bearded, ringed, and spotted seals. In December, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned NOAA to list the ribbon seal under the Endangered Species Act because of global warming and other factors. NOAA decided to exercise its prerogative and broaden the scope of the review to include three additional ice seal species, since they share similar habitat and biological requirements. NOAA's findings were based in part on predicted changes in sea ice habitat as a result of global climate change (NOAA News Release 3/26/08). Public comments on the status reviews are due May 27, 2008. Critical Legislative Opportunities Regarding Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency ACTION ITEMS! In the next few weeks, the Alaska State Legislature and the US Senate have the opportunity to support proposals that will significantly increase Alaska's renewable energy production and our energy efficiency capacity. HB 152: Establishing an essential Renewable Energy Fund for Alaska, HB 152 unanimously passed the State House last year, and now requires approval by Alaska 's State Senate. It also needs funding of at least $250 million, an amount that is supported by Governor Palin and the public, as reflected in the large number of votes this option received in the Governor's on-line poll. The bill is still in the Senate Finance Committee. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATORS AND URGE THEM TO PASS HB152 BEFORE THE END OF THE SESSION (APRIL 13). SB 289: SB 289 increases funding for home weatherization and energy efficiency. Recently, when addressing the State legislature, Senator Murkowski highly praised this legislation. This bill represents the quickest and most beneficial way to address the rising cost of energy in Alaska. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS AND URGE THEM TO PASS SB 289 BEFORE THE END OF THE SESSION (APRIL 13). Several weeks ago the US House of Representatives passed a critical bill to extend renewable energy production tax credits and energy efficiency credits. Unless extended, these important tax incentives will expire at the end of this year. The ball is in the US Senate's court. The last time this issue came before the Senate in February, it failed by a single vote. A new bill will be before the Senate in the next few weeks. It is vital that Senator Murkowski and Senator Stevens know how important these provisions are to Alaskans and vote for them. PLEASE CONTACT SENATOR STEVENS AND SENATOR MURKOWSKI AND ASK THEM TO VOTE TO EXTEND RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION TAX CREDITS AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY CREDITS. Polar Bear News Once again, polar bears were very much in the news this month. Lawsuit. The Secretary of Interior's decision regarding listing polar bears under the Endangered Species Act was due January 9. Unfortunately, Secretary Kempthorne has yet to issue the decision. As a result, three conservation organizations, including the Center for Biological Diversity, have filed a lawsuit (Associated Press 3/10/08). Inspector General Inquiry. The Department of Interior's inspector general has initiated a preliminary investigation concerning the delay in the Department's polar bear listing decision (Associated Press 3/7/08). Alaska Polar Bear Killed 250 Miles from the Coast. After making the longest inland trek ever documented -- 250 miles from the ocean -- a polar bear was killed near Fort Yukon Alaska. The previous inland record was 125 miles (Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 3/29/08; 3/28/08). Congressional Hearing Scheduled. Senator Boxer has scheduled an April 2 Congressional hearing regarding the delay in the polar bear listing. It is unclear whether Secretary Kempthorne will voluntarily attend (Associated Press 3/21/08). Hope. In the February 2008 edition of Alaska Magazine, USGS's leading polar bear biologist, Dr. Steven Amstrup, stated: "There is nothing in our studies that indicates this outcome [extinction] is irreversible." If we significantly decrease our greenhouse gas emissions in the next 40 years, we can maintain a population of polar bears in the Canadian Archipelago. Then when the Arctic Ice Cap recovers, polar bears in Alaska "can repopulate. There's still time" ("The Bone Pile," Alaska Magazine 2/2008). Other Alaska, Arctic and Antarctic Developments and Items of Note Wilkins Ice Shelf in Antarctica Collapsing. As evidenced by satellite images, the Wilkins Ice Shelf, on the southwest Antarctic Peninsula, has started to collapse (National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) 3/25/08). Specifically, NSIDC and the British Antarctic Survey announced, "Satellite imagery from the National Snow and Ice Data Center … reveals that a 13,680 square kilometer (5,282 square mile) ice shelf has begun to collapse because of rapid climate change in a fast-warming region of Antarctica." There was "a runaway disintegration of 405 square kilometers (160 square miles)." The western Antarctic Peninsula has warmed almost 5 °F in the last 50 years. More Antarctica News. This year, Devil's Bay glacier on the Antarctic Peninsula melted much more than it has in past years (Reuters 3/14/08). According to the head of the Argentine Antarctic Institute's Glaciology Division, "We've observed a tremendous ablation (reduction of ice at the foot of the glacier during the past year), which is really unusual." Also, analyses of boulders indicate that the thinning of glaciers in West Antarctica is 20 times faster than in the past (Reuters 3/3/08). Message from Petersburg: "We were the first!" Last month, we reported the following: "City of Craig Employs Wood Fire Heater. Craig is becoming the first town in Alaska to use waste wood in a wood fired boiler to heat buildings, saving an estimated $85,000 per year (Associated Press 2/11/08)." In response to this entry, the city of Petersburg sent us an e-mail noting that they started a wood burning program in October of 2007, "making briquettes from the plentiful waste wood our community creates. This year we will remove 500,000 lbs of wood and other combustibles from the waste stream to offset the cost of heating oil and stop burning fossil fuels. Good for Craig, but they weren't the first." Thanks, Petersburg ! Agrium Determines that Coal Gasification Project Uneconomic. Agrium Corp has abandoned its plans to develop a coal gasification project on the Kenai Peninsula after determining that it was uneconomic (Anchorage Daily News 3/16/08). The state of Alaska contributed $5 million and the federal government $2 million to assist in paying engineering costs for this project; and the Alaska Railroad had offered $2 billion in tax-free bonds for it. Alaska in the News Among numerous March news stories and commentaries about Alaska and the Arctic not referenced above, we especially recommend the following: Alaska Bee Sting Deaths and More. In an excellent Reuters article about the effect of global warming on insect-related immunological illnesses, a University of Alaska professor reported that in Fairbanks, "the yellow jacket population has increased tenfold and the first two sting-related deaths were reported" (Reuters 3/25/08). Overall, there has been a 50% increase in sting-related emergencies and a 3 to 4-fold increase in patients seeking treatment for "envenomation" between 1999 and 2006, according to Alaska scientists. The New "Cold War" and a New Claim. There were several good articles about the perils associated with the rush to claim the Arctic sea bed, given the melting Arctic Ice Cap. As a Reuters article notes, "Unlike the first Cold War…this century's model could pit countries that border the Arctic Ocean against each other to claim mineral rights" (Reuters 3/9/08). Of note, a US company, Arctic Oil & Gas, has filed a claim with the United Nations to serve as the sole "development agent" of Arctic seabed oil and gas. They want to be "lead manager" (Canwest 3/21/08). "Alaskan Changes Show That Congress Must Act." In an excellent New Hampshire editorial, the Concord Monitor describes many of the drastic impacts that global warming is having on Alaska and calls for Congress to pass the Lieberman-Warner greenhouse-gas reduction legislation (Concord Monitor 3/19/08). See also Keene Sentinel 3/30/08. Key National News National Research Council and Others Find Costly Impacts of Global Warming on Nation's Transportation Infrastructure The National Research Council has issued a report examining the impacts of climate change on our nation's transportation infrastructure (to see a summary of the report, click here) (New York Times 3/12/08). The report concludes that impacts to our nation's transportation system from climate change "will be widespread and costly in both human and economic terms and will require significant changes in planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of transportation systems." The greatest impacts will be from flooding of roads, railways, transit systems, and airport runways in coastal areas. The five major climate change factors will be: "1) increases in very hot days and heat waves; 2) increases in Arctic temperatures; 3) rising sea levels; 4) increases in intense precipitation events; and 5) increases in hurricane intensity" (National Academies Press Release 3/11/08). A national interagency team has also issued a lengthy report examining the impacts of climate change on Gulf Coast infrastructure. To view the report, click here. Large Increase in US Power Plant Greenhouse Gas Emissions Documented Unfortunately, according to EPA data, carbon dioxide emissions from 2006 to 2007 amounted to the largest increase in almost a decade. In analyzing the data, the Environmental Integrity Project calculated that emissions jumped 2.9 percent in 2007 (to see the report, click here). Coal-fired power plants account for almost one-third of the nation's total emissions from manmade sources. Updates on Lieberman-Warner Greenhouse Gas Reduction Legislation: Costs, Timing and More There were several important developments this month regarding the Lieberman-Warner (L-W) Climate Security Act Legislation (S.2191). EPA and other Analyses. The EPA issued an analysis of the impacts and economics of the L-W legislation (to review the 189 page report, click here). Among other key findings, EPA concluded that there would not be any international emissions leakage. Senator Lieberman stated that "EPA's detailed analysis indicates that the US can curb global warming without sacrificing economic prosperity" (Lieberman-Warner Press Release 3/14/08; eNewsUSA 3/17/08). EPA's analysis is one of three that have been produced. For an excellent article comparing these three cost analyses by the World Resources Institute, click here. Good for the Economy. The Yale School of Forestry has presented the seven biggest emission-reduction cost modeling assumptions for a very interesting "See for Yourself" comparative cost analysis tool (click here). Under certain assumptions, "the economy would grow more rapidly if emissions are reduced through national policy measures" (Yale Press Release 3/19/08). Timing - June. The Senate will address the Lieberman-Warner bill on the floor in June (Senator Boxer Statement 3/12/08). If the bill is weakened on the floor, it will be pulled. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency News There were several important renewable energy and energy efficiency developments this month. Substantial Sector Growth. Compared to 2006, in 2007 revenues from wind, solar, fuel cells and biofuel grew 40% to $77.3 billion (CNET News 3/11/08). Unfortunately, "energy developers say that the uncertainty around federal policy is already postponing projects from going forward…the failure to renew the tax credit and other incentives could bring the industry to a standstill." Wind – Navajo Nation and GE. GE achieved its second $1+ billion wind turbine contract this year (Reuters 3/7/08). In a separate development, the Navajo Nation announced an agreement with Citizen's Energy to generate 500 megawatts of electricity with as many as 300 turbines (Arizona Republic 3/28/08). Large Storage Batteries. Increasingly, some utility companies are using very large back-up batteries instead of relying on inefficient backup generation plants or building new peak capacity facilities (Reuters 3/9/08). For example, one company installed a 1-megawatt battery in West Virginia, which enabled it to delay construction of a new substation. In some cases, the cost of a large battery is 50% less than building a peaker plant (a plant that runs in times of peak energy use.) Cow manure. PG&E has started producing natural gas from cow manure that has been collected in an area covering almost 5 football fields, at a depth of 33 feet deep (Reuters 3/4/08). Public Transportation. As described in a study entitled "Broadening the Connection between Public Transportation and Energy Conservation," people who live near mass transit drive an average of 4,400 fewer miles a year (APTA 3/11/08; to see a copy of the report, click here). According to the president of APTA, "Investing in public transportation is one of the more effective ways to combat global climate change and conserve energy." In Brief – Other National News of Note Urgent Scientific Calls for Reduction in Atmospheric CO₂. Currently our atmosphere contains about 385 parts per million (ppm) of CO₂. In a thoughtful, important draft paper, NASA's Dr. James Hansen and eight other scientists conclude that we need to reduce our atmospheric concentration to 350 ppm. To review a copy of the paper, click here. Other new scientific studies, as described in an excellent Washington Post story, call for zero carbon emissions by mid-century (Washington Post 3/10/08). Coal News. Coal spot prices have increased by over 50% in the last five months, and US coal exports have been increasing in value while world coal consumption has expanded 30% in the last 6 years (Washington Post 3/20/08; St. Louis Post-Dispatch 3/9/08). In separate news, the US Department of Agriculture has suspended a low-interest loan program for the building of new coal-fired power plants by rural electric cooperatives (Washington Post 3/13/08). Finally, a lobbying group backed by the coal industry and others spent $3 million in 2007 to block renewable energy legislation and global warming legislative efforts (Associated Press 3/28/08). Global Warming Resulting in Earlier Spring Biology. According to more than 30 interviewed scientists, global warming is clearly accelerating the first signs of spring across the country (Associated Press 3/20/08). Earlier arrivals include maple pollen, field skippers, lilacs and robins. North of the Mason-Dixon Line, land has been greening up an average of eight hours earlier every year since 1982, according to satellite imagery. Key International News Mountain Glaciers Melting at a Record Pace Glaciers are melting at an unprecedented pace, according to the World Glacier Monitoring Service and the UN Environment Program (UNEP). Tracking reference glaciers in nine mountain ranges, scientists have found a doubling of the rate of melting and thinning between the years 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 (UNEP 3/16/08; Reuters 3/17/08). The thinning is the greatest since monitoring began. UNEP's Executive Director noted, "There are many canaries emerging in the climate change coal mine. The glaciers are perhaps among those making the most noise and it is absolutely essential that everyone sits up and takes notice" (Science Daily 3/18/08). Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency News There were many interesting international renewable energy and energy efficiency developments announced this month. Green Roofs. In Germany, England, Austria and Switzerland, among other countries, an increasing number of roofs are being planted with vegetation (International Herald Tribune 3/19/08). In Germany, approximately 14 million square meters of green roofs are being installed each year. Among other attributes, green roofs reduce the temperature of the surrounding air, cool buildings, add to urban biodiversity, and reduce storm water runoff. Wave-energy Powered Boat. A Japanese university professor has designed an oceangoing boat entirely powered by wave energy (New York Times 3/11/08). Currently he is sailing it from Hawaii to Japan, which represents the longest trip ever by a wave-powered vessel (to track his progress, click here). Britain Eliminates Residential Microgeneration Permit Requirements. To foster more renewable energy generation from home owners, Britain is eliminating permit requirements for microgeneration equipment such as solar panels and small wind turbines (Reuters 3/14/08). $10 Million in Prize Money Offered for 100-mph Cars. The X Prize Foundation is providing $10 million in prize money for the two best production-ready vehicles that achieve 100 miles per gallon or more. Half of the prize money will be awarded to a mainstream car and half to an alternative (small) car (Associated Press 3/20/08). In Brief – Other International News of Note OECD and Other International Reports Underscore Global Warming Threats. The 2008 Environmental Outlook Report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation (OECD) calls for timely action on global warming and other major environmental problems (Reuters 3/5/08). The secretary general of OECD notes that solutions to the key environmental challenges are available, achievable and affordable, especially when compared to the expected economic growth and the costs and consequences of inaction. In a separate study, two senior European Union officials conclude that global warming represents a severe security threat, including the growing rivalry with Russia over oil and mineral claims under the Arctic Ocean (Telegraph 3/10/08). Real Sea Level Rise Masked by Water Retained in Reservoirs. As numerous studies have demonstrated, global warming has increased the melting of glaciers and mountain ice packs, raising sea level. According to an important analysis in the journal Science, if it were not for man-made dams and reservoirs, sea level would actually be 1.2 inches higher than it is today (Mongabay.com 3/13/08). Using data from the International Commission on Large Dams' World Register of Dams, the researchers calculated how much water is stored in more than 29,000 worldwide reservoirs. Without the dams, sea levels would have increased by over 30% beyond that observed since 1961. Black Carbon/Soot May Be Greater Factor. Soot produced from diesel fuel, wood, coal, forest fires, barbeques, and cow dung may be contributing more to global warming than previously determined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (UC San Diego News Release 3/23/08; Los Angeles Times 3/25/08; Guardian 3/24/08). According to a new paper, soot could be the second most significant cause of global warming, after carbon dioxide, and could also be accelerating glacial loss. "The positive side of this discouraging story is we know how to cut down black carbon. We have reduced it. So this is something we can do now," notes one of the study's authors. More Ocean Acidification News. Ocean acidification will affect not only organisms with shells, but also other key marine organisms. For example, a new study reports that the reproductively significant filaments of both bull and winged kelps grow measurably slower in acidic seawater (Science News 3/15/08). Squid are more sluggish in more acidic water because oxygen transport is adversely affected. Furthermore, in a separate study, researchers found that damselfish in the Great Barrier Reef are growing asymmetrical ear bones because of less calcium in the water due to ocean acidification (The Australian 3/7/08). This asymmetry has several adverse consequences, including reducing the ability of these fish to find and settle on coral reefs. Case Closed – Global Warming Not Caused by Changes in the Sun. In a definitive study that relies on actual data, a new analysis demonstrates that changes in solar radiation have only accounted for 3% of the warming experienced since 1955 (ScienceNow 3/12/08). Global Warming Represents the Greatest Insurance Risk. Ernst & Young has declared climate change as the greatest property casualty threat facing the insurance industry (Ernst & Young 3/12/08). Upcoming Events and Other Announcements April 6 What: "Find Your Voice" training When: 2-5 pm Where: Alaska Center for the Environment, 807 G Street More Info: Learn how to become a public advocate: how to give public testimony, meet with your legislators, write letters to the editor, and other helpful techniques for getting your voice heard. Also learn about the legislative process and hear updates on specific bills in the Alaska legislature that affect our environment. Please RSVP to (907) 274-3639 or awenalaska@gmail.com. April 10-16 What: Global warming speaking tour by Deborah Williams Where: West Virginia (statewide) More Info: The President of Alaska Conservation Solutions gives numerous presentations on the alarming consequences of climate change in Alaska and West Virginia. Her talks focus on practical carbon-reducing strategies that not only reduce emissions but also protect human health, save money and increase America 's energy independence. Hosts include the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, NAACP, Friends of the Mountains, Sierra Club, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, and universities in Fairmont, Morgantown and Shepherdstown. For more information contact Margaret Manousoff at margaret@alaskaconservationsolutions.com or (907) 929-9370. April 17 What: Lecture on climate change by Bjorn Lomborg (International Polar Year Visiting Author Series) When: 7-9 pm Where: Charles W. Davis Concert Hall, UAF More Info: The controversial author of "Cool It" and "The Skeptical Environmentalist" presents a free public lecture. For more information call Cherie Solie at (907) 474-6264 or go to the International Polar Year website at www.ipy.alaska.edu. April 22-24 What: Annual Meeting of the Alaska Chapter of The Wildlife Society Where: Millennium Alaska Hotel, Anchorage More Info: Join wildlife researchers, managers, educators, students, and administrators from across the state. For more information, go to joomla.wildlife.org/alaska/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=179&Itemid=179 or contact Cindi Jacobson at cindi.jacobson@alaska.gov or (907) 267-2301. April 23-25 What: Wind-Diesel Workshop 2008 Where: Hotel Alyeska, Girdwood More Info: Topics include Operating Experience, Comparative Economics, Project Development, System Integration, Institutional Approaches, Lessons Learned, Markets, Emerging Concepts, Technology Updates, Test Center Reports, Development Plans, and Assessment of Barriers. For more information or to sponsor go to www.windpoweringamerica.gov/wind_diesel.asp. May 5-7 What: "After the Melt," an international conference on ecological responses to arctic climate change Where: University of Aarhus, Denmark More Info: For registration details and a full conference program, go to www.dmu.dk/International/Arctic/ipy/. May 27 What: Deadline for comments, information or data regarding listing ice seals as threatened or endangered species Where: On-line More Info: The National Marine Fisheries Service is soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding the status of ribbon, bearded, ringed and spotted ice seals. To submit electronically, go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Refer to Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) #0648–AV36. All comments received become public record and will generally be posted to the portal without change. NMFS will accept anonymous comments. As this monthly report illustrates, taking action on global warming is achievable, cost-effective and necessary. With hope and determination, Deborah Deborah L. Williams Alaska Conservation Solutions dlwilliams@gci.net http://www.alaskaconservationsolutions.com/ 907-929-9370 Your Subscription [SUBSCRIPTIONS]