Global Warming News from Alaska
April 30, 2008
Reporting from The Front Line

Dear Friends,

The amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is increasing at a record pace. As disclosed this month, the concentration of this most prevalent greenhouse gas increased by 2.4 parts per million in 2007. Unfortunately, methane concentrations have also started to increase again.

We must act. More and more scientists and policy makers are calling not only for emission caps, but also for dramatically increased spending on renewable energy and other greenhouse gas reduction research and technology activities.

Fortunately, there are several very positive developments to report on the energy conservation and renewable energy front. In particular, the Alaska State legislature passed two significant bills with substantial funding: the Alaska Renewable Energy Fund (with $50 million in appropriations) and an expansion of the Home Energy Conservation and Weatherization programs (with $300 million in funding). These programs will serve as models for others.

As the evidence mounts – from starving polar bears wandering 250 miles from the coast to changes in the jet stream – the compelling case for taking action at every level increases.

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

Alaska Legislature Passes and Funds Groundbreaking Greenhouse Gas Reduction Laws: The Renewable Energy Fund (HB 152) and The Home Energy Conservation and Weatherization Program (SB 289)

• HB 152. Before adjourning, the Alaska State Legislature passed HB 152, creating the Renewable Energy Grant Fund. The Legislature also appropriated $50 million to this fund with an expressed expectation that an additional $200 will be appropriated in subsequent years.
• HB 152 Findings. In the findings for HB 152, the legislature stated, “the continued competitiveness and stability of the state's economy requires that the legislature consider national trends toward renewable energy development;” and that “renewable energy technology development promotes industry and creates jobs.” (For the full text of the legislation, click here.)
• The Fund's Administration. The fund will be administered by the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA), with the assistance of an Advisory Committee. All interested parties who want to submit renewable energy proposals should watch for AEA's upcoming “Request for Proposals.”
• The Task Force. HB 152 also created an Alaska Renewable Energy Task Force and charged it with preparing a report that includes “an assessment of future statewide renewable energy needs;” and “recommendations for a statewide energy plan to fulfill the state's renewable energy needs.”
• SB 289. SB 289 amended existing laws to expand the scope of Alaska's home weatherization program and to explicitly include an energy efficiency program. The legislature then appropriated $300 million: $200 million for weatherization and $100 million for energy efficiency.
• The Program's Administration. The weatherization and energy efficiency (home energy rebate) programs will be administered by the Alaska Housing and Finance Corp (AHFC), which will subcontract with certain local housing authorities and non-profits. To find out more about these programs and eligibility, see AHFC's excellent website or call 907-330-8455. Note: this legislation not only will reduce Alaska's carbon footprint, but it will also create a lot of new jobs. For example AHFC anticipates the training and hiring of over 60 new energy raters, the largest such effort in the nation.
• Fire Island Wind Project Update: Action Alert! The Alaska Legislature also appropriated $25 million for the Fire Island Wind Farm. Governor Palin needs to hear from Alaskans immediately about the importance of this critical project to our state's renewable energy future. Last year the Governor vetoed it (along with other Railbelt energy projects). In general, however, the Governor has been a champion for renewable energy. To send a message to Governor Palin about the benefits of expanding Alaska's renewable energy capacity with Fire Island, click here: sarah.palin@alaska.gov or call 907-465-3500 or fax 907-465-3532.
• Overall. The actions of the State legislature reflect the strong, broad support throughout Alaska for renewable energy and energy conservation, as evidenced by polling (91% of Alaskans support more investment in renewable energy); editorials from conservative voices (see Voice of the Times 4/2/08); and OpEds from progressive voices (see Anchorage Daily News 3/31/08). There was also tremendous leadership on these issues both in the legislature and from organizations such as REAP and Alaska Conservation Alliance. Congratulations!

Increased Precipitation in the Arctic Primarily Due to Global Warming

A new study published in the journal Science demonstrates that precipitation in the Arctic has increased by 7% during the last 50 years, primarily due to human-caused global warming (National Geographic News 4/25/08).

• After carefully testing different possible causes for this increase, Dr. Francis Zwiers stated, “Our conclusion is that, by a long shot, the best explanation for the change in Arctic precipitation is that it's due to human influence.” The atmosphere can transport more moisture towards the poles with a warmer climate.
• Impacts on Ocean Currents. More fresh water flowing into the Arctic Ocean could seriously disrupt oceanic circulatory patterns, because freshwater is less dense and less likely to sink.
• Impacts on Grazing Animals. When rain falls during cold periods it can cause rain-on-snow, which makes it very hard for animals such as caribou and muskoxen to access food. One scientist noted that more difficult precipitation events and their adverse impacts on caribou and muskoxen “are a big deal for these people in the North, who can least afford it.” Note: This season, emergency feed for reindeer in ice-affected areas in Scandinavia cost approximately $3 million, half of which was paid for by the government (Reuters 4/2/08).

Multiple Factors and Vulnerabilities May be Adding to Melting Ice Cap and Arctic Warming

Several studies and analyses this month pointed to additional factors that are likely adding to the record-breaking decline of the Arctic ice cap as well as overall warming.

• Fewer Clouds. Unusually sunny weather last summer contributed to the record loss of Arctic ice in 2007, according the National Center for Atmospheric Research (ScienceDaily 4/22/08). According to the lead author, “In a warmer world, the thinner sea ice is becoming increasingly sensitive to year-to-year variations in weather and cloud patterns. A single unusually clear summer can now have a dramatic impact.” The summer of 2007, however, while having less cloud cover than normal, was not as clear as five earlier years. Those previous years did not have the same impact on sea ice, tho, since there was more ice and it was thicker.
• Black Carbon. A new study published in the journal Nature Geoscience suggests that black carbon (the absorbing component of soot) is a contributor to global warming (MSNBC 4/8/08). To further test this and other hypotheses, NASA is flying a plane with almost thirty airborne sensors over the Arctic to examine what is in the atmosphere, and to monitor soot deposited on snow (KTUU 4/24/08).

Polar Bear News

Once again, polar bears were very much in the news this month.

• Court Sets Listing Decision Deadline – May 15. A federal judge has ordered Secretary Kempthorne to issue his polar bear listing decision by May 15, noting that the Department of Interior has “been in violation of the law requiring them to publish the listing determination for nearly 120 days” (Associated Press 4/29/08). In their earlier court filings, the Department said they needed at least 10 more weeks, even though the Alaska Office of the US Fish and Wildlife Service had forwarded a decision report to the Secretary's office in December (Associated Press 4/18/08). Also of note, Secretary Kempthorne refused to testify about the listing at a Senate hearing on the issue (Washington Post 4/3/08).
• A Long Way from Home and Starving. Polar bears continue to be located and then killed hundreds of miles from the ocean. The most recent incident involved three polar bears (a mother and two cubs) that had roamed more than 400 kilometers south of their usual range. “Even if the polar bears had not been killed, and instead had been relocated to the Arctic Ocean, …they likely would not have lived much longer given how close to death they were from starvation” (CBC News 4/4/08). According to a polar bear expert, this is another indication of the impacts from global warming (CBC News 4/3/08).
• Most Sensitive – Narwhals, Polar Bears and Others. Employing a quantitative index analysis, researchers have determined that the Arctic marine mammals most sensitive to climate change are the narwhal, polar bear, hooded seal, bowhead whale and walrus, “primarily due to their reliance on sea ice and specialized feeding” (Ecological Society of America 4/23/08; Associated Press 4/26/08). The report also concludes that only reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can ultimately protect Arctic marine mammals.

Other Alaska, Arctic and Antarctic Developments and Items of Note

• Juneau Cuts Electrical Usage by 30%. Demonstrating that it can be done, Juneau has cut its electrical usage by as much as 30% within a week after it lost its low-cost hydropower energy (due to an avalanche) (Associated Press 4/29/08). As the AP story observes, “Energy conservation is a hard sell in much of the U.S., but Juneau has proved that people will change their ways if the financial incentives are big enough.” The strategy has been, “Turn off, turn down, unplug.”
• ISER Analyzes Impacts of Lieberman-Warner on Alaska. The University of Alaska's Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) issued an excellent analysis of some of the impacts of the Lieberman-Warner (LW) carbon emission reduction legislation on Alaska (ISER 4/11/08). ISER concluded that LW will “greatly increase the demand for Alaska North Slope gas” and that the “‘netback' wellhead value of the North Slope gas would be higher – by between $3 and $6 per mcf (1000 cubic feet), ” which will stimulate construction of the natural gas pipeline, will substantially increase the royalty value of the gas to the State of Alaska, and will boost employment. A higher wellhead (“netback”) value is also likely to be true for crude oil. Alaska is a net seller of energy by a 9 to 1 ratio; therefore, there would be sufficient revenues to offset an increase in consumer energy prices in the state.
• World Wildlife Fund Report. In a 123-page report, the World Wildlife Fund summarizes the “massively accelerated” decline in summer sea ice and “much greater” reduction of the Greenland Ice Sheet, as well as other new Arctic impacts. According to the lead author, “There is a huge global significance to what happens in the Arctic ” (The Canadian Press 4/25/08).
• Alaska Climate Change Subcabinet Advisory and Technical Appointments Announced and Meeting Scheduled. The Governor's Subcabinet on Climate Change has selected over 100 Alaskans to serve on Advisory and Technical Work Groups to create, during the next year, the State's carbon footprint reduction plan and an adaptation plan (click to see the announcement; to see the appointments click here and here). The first meetings are scheduled for May 15 and 16 and will be open to the public.
• Alaska Energy Authority Announces Statewide Energy Meetings. Between April 28 and June 4, the Alaska Energy Authority will hold a series of 25 public meetings throughout the state to examine the future of energy: specifically, what resources should be developed and what resources should not be developed and why. To see the entire schedule, click here.
• Impacts of Global Warming on Canada's Mackenzie Delta. Scientists are documenting bigger storm surges in the Mackenzie Delta region because of receding ice. According to a Reuters article, “The researcher said greater than expected storm surges and coastal flooding should be a concern for companies looking at drilling in the energy-rich Mackenzie Delta and areas of the Beaufort Sea” (Reuters 4/4/08).

Alaska in the News

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

• Fishing and Transportation Plan Needed. According to Senator Ted Stevens and others, “It's time that we really worked on really an aggressive approach to protect the Arctic” from rogue fisherman from other nations and from transportation threats (Anchorage Daily News 4/4/08). Senator Stevens believes that we have just two or three years left to develop a plan.
• Alaska Global Warming Impacts Addressed in West Virginia. Alaska Conservation Solutions traveled to West Virginia to present its “Reporting from the Frontline” powerpoint to numerous audiences and to discuss what this evidence means to West Virginians (see press coverage by The Charleston Gazette, Bluefield Daily Telegraph, The Daily Athenaeum and West Virginia Public Broadcasting). Also, Alaska Conservation Solutions has posted its West Virginia slides on the website; to access them, click here.
• Shishmaref. For an excellent article on Shishmaref's road-related relocation efforts read The Tundra Drums 4/18/08.

Key National News

States and Cities Take Action

Once again, states and cities throughout the nation have led the way this month on taking important climate change actions, including the following:

• California to Create Global Warming Solutions Center. The California Public Utilities Commission unanimously voted to create a $60 million/year “California Institute for Climate Solutions” using customer surcharges from the state's major electric utilities (Mercury News 4/10/08). The Institute will focus on research, technology transfer, and workforce development.
• Miami-Dade County Climate Change Task Force Issues Report. Knowing how much is at stake in southern Florida if global warming continues, the Miami-Dade County Climate Change Task Force has issued a report that summarizes what is at stake and urges the adoption of 35 recommendations (Miami Herald 4/22/08). Based on an analysis by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, there is $3.5 trillion in economic damage at risk by 2070.
• Importance of State Renewable Energy Standards. To read an outstanding article that examines how state renewable energy requirements have promoted the deployment of renewable energy, see: “Changing the Current” (Washington Post 4/22/08). Twenty-five states now mandate that a certain percentage of electricity must be generated by renewable energy sources. As Sempra Energy observes, these standards are “very much affecting the way we do business.” Notably, last year wind power constituted 30% of all new U.S. generating capacity.
• States and Cities Sue EPA. Because EPA has still failed to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, despite last year's U.S. Supreme Court decision, 17 states, several cities, and others have sued the agency (ENS 4/2/08). Notes Massachusetts's Attorney General, “Once again the EPA has forced our hand, which has resulted in our taking this extraordinary measure to fight the dangers of climate change.”
• 18 Governors Pledge to Take Action. The Governors of 18 states, including California, Kansas, Illinois and New Jersey, met and pledged to take additional action to address global warming. The resulting declaration stated, “Rewarding and encouraging meaningful and mandatory federal and state climate action is the key to success… and we have no time to lose.” (To review the declaration, click here.)
• LA Adopts a Strict, Green Building Law. A ground-breaking Los Angeles “Private Sector Green Building Plan,” just signed into law, requires all new commercial buildings and high-rise residential structures with more than 50,000 square feet of floor space to meet strict LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. It also applies to low-rise developments of 50 units or more and major renovations (ENS 4/23/08; to see a copy of LA's entire plan, click here).

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency News

There continues to be exciting news on several fronts related to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

• Hybrids and Electric Cars. The number of hybrids registered in the nation rose 38% in 2007, and hybrids now constitute 2.2% of the U.S. market share (Associated Press 4/21/08). Of note, overall automotive sales declined 3% in 2007. In separate news, the Norwegian automaker Think Global will begin selling its low-priced electric cars, known as Think City, in the U.S. by the end of the year (Los Angeles Times 4/22/08).
• Wind. Legendary Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens announced that he will spend $10 billion (yes, billion) to build the world's largest wind farm, utilizing 2,700 wind turbines to generate 4,000 megawatts of electricity. He anticipates a 25% return on his investment (Reuters 4/18/08). More generally, global wind capacity grew 27% in 2007 (Reuters 4/10/08). The US is the second-largest wind producer in the world (18% of total) after Germany.
• Not Enough – Not Nearly Enough. A group of scientists have determined that renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies have not been developed or deployed fast enough to begin to stabilize the world's climate (Denver Post 4/3/08). “Enormous advances” are needed and US government investments are “only a drop in the bucket compared to what's necessary.”

Impacts of Global Warming on Fishing and Hunting

A new coalition of mainstream hunting and fishing groups, including Ducks Unlimited, Wildlife Management Institute, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and Trout Unlimited, have compiled a series of fact sheets examining the impacts of global warming on our nation's fish and wildlife. They are also calling for action (Associated Press 4/10/08; to see the coalition's Seasons' End web site, click here). For example:

• Impacts on Fish. By the end of the century, approximately 97% of wild trout could disappear from lower Appalachian streams, and up to 42% of trout and salmon habitat could be lost (see fact sheet).
• Impacts on Waterfowl. The prairie pothole regions could lose as much as 90% of their wetlands, resulting in up to a 69% decline in North America's breeding ducks (see fact sheet). Also, changes in Alaska's and Western Canada's boreal forests could jeopardize up to 12 to 15 million waterfowl.

In Brief – Other National News of Note

Inadequate Focus on Global Warming in Presidential Debates. Sadly, out of 2,372 questions asked in the 17 presidential debates and major interviews, only 8 questions mentioned global warming or climate change (New York Times 4/19/08).

US Emissions Decline in 2006. According to the EPA, greenhouse gas emissions declined 1.1% in 2006. Americans used less electricity due to increased fuel prices, and burned less fossil fuel due to increases in renewable energy. Overall emissions have increased by 14.7% from 1990 to 2006 (ENS 4/15/08). To review the EPA inventory report, click here.

President Bush Announces Voluntary Emission Reduction Goals. Arguing against mandatory measures, President Bush announced a voluntary goal of halting the growth of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, primarily by relying on advances in technology (Washington Post 4/17/08). President Bush's announcement garnered considerable criticism. For example, the German Environment Minister declared, “The president has made a disappointing speech that does not match up to the global challenge (Deutsche Welle 4/17/08). Nicholas Kristof observed, “Imagine if President Bush announced a plan for Iranian and North Korean nuclear programs that declared: They will cease accumulating nuclear weapons by 2025. We will accomplish this through incentives and voluntary action, without mandates. Mr. Bush would be ridiculed, but in essence, that's the plan he announced for climate change on Wednesday” (New York Times 4/20/08).

New Economic Analysis of Carbon Caps. A new economic analysis of cap-and-trade policies by Environmental Defense Fund concludes, “For the United States as a whole, the forecasted [adverse economic] impacts appear so small as to be immeasurable against the backdrop of a dynamic, growing economy.” (To see the study, click here.)

Key International News

Second Warmest March Ever Recorded

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), March 2007 temperatures were the second warmest ever recorded for that month.

• Although the US only experienced average March temperatures, in Asia temperatures were 3.2 °F degrees warmer than the 20th century average.
• “While Asia had its greatest January snow cover this year, warm March readings caused a rapid melt and March snow cover on the continent was a record low” (Associated Press 4/17/08).
• Alaska experienced its 17th warmest March on record.
• Recordkeeping has taken place for 129 years.

Atmospheric Greenhouse Gas Concentrations Increased Substantially in 2007

Unfortunately, the concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere increased markedly in 2007 (Associated Press 4/23/08).

• The concentration of carbon dioxide increased by 2.4 part per million (ppm), and is now 384 ppm. This represents a 37% increase from the pre-Industrial Revolution levels of 280 ppm.
• After almost a decade of little or no increase, methane concentrations increased by 27 tons, or 0.5% (BBC 4/24/08).

Stronger Ocean Waves, Jet Stream Shifts, Warmer Oceans, and Other Ocean and Shore Impacts from Global Warming

There were many studies and analyses announced this month that examined the impacts of global warming on oceans, storms, jet streams and other water- and weather-related areas.

• Stronger Ocean Waves. Based on small tremor (microseism) evidence, scientists have determined that strong wind-generated waves have risen in intensity during the last 30 years (National Geographic News 4/25/08). Microseisms are created by the impact of waves on the coasts, and have increased in intensity by a few percent a decade between 1972 and 2008. This indicates that the powerful ocean storms that create these waves are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
• Jet Stream Shifts. The Northern Hemisphere jet stream has shifted measurably during the past few decades. Between 1979 and 2001, the jet stream in the northern hemisphere shifted approximately 12 miles north per decade and has also weakened (MSNBC 4/21/08). These changes are consistent with global warming models. The Southern jet streams are also moving. These shifts affect rain and hurricane patterns.
• Much Warmer Oceans. A third of the world's ocean areas have experienced two to four times more warming than the average trends reported in the IPCC report (Reuters 4/9/08). The Baltic Sea has warmed the most.
• More Sea Level Rise Predicted. There continue to be additional analyses indicating that sea level will rise more than predicted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (BBC 4/16/08). Using a model that links temperatures to sea level for the last 2,000 years, a team of scientists predicts that sea level will increase by between 0.8 meters and 1.5 meters (or 4.9 feet) by the end of the century. The model accurately mimics tide gauges over the last 300 years.
• Ocean Absorbing Less Carbon Dioxide. The North Atlantic is only absorbing about half the amount of CO₂ it did in the mid-1990s (Reuters 4/17/08). This means that more CO₂ is remaining in the atmosphere, accelerating warming.
• Scotland's Eroding Coastline. Approximately 740 miles of Scottish coastline (or 12%) has already succumbed to serious erosion, and more is at stake (Scotsman 4/9/08). Also, populations of common seals and Arctic terns have decreased dramatically, while some other species have increased. There has also been a 70% drop in zooplankton since the mid-1960s.

In Brief – Other International News of Note

Global Warming Not Caused by Changes in Cosmic Rays. Some skeptics have argued that global warming has been caused by changes in solar winds, cosmic rays, and related cloud formation. This theory was a central tenant of the film The Great Global Warming Swindle. Now, after careful analysis of actual data, a team of scientists has found no consistent relationship between increases in solar wind activity and cloud formation. (BBC 4/3/08). As one researcher noted, "We tried to corroborate Svensmark's [the skeptic's] hypothesis, but we could not; as far as we can see, he has no reason to challenge the IPCC - the IPCC has got it right. So we had better carry on trying to cut carbon emissions."

Global Warming Models Accurate. Recent research has also dealt a blow to another skeptic's favorite arguments. Skeptics often argue that climate models are not accurate. A new study by researchers at the University of Utah shows that current models are quite accurate (University of Utah 4/3/08).The researchers note: “The best models are now capable of simulating present-day climate with accuracy approaching conventional atmospheric observations.

Global Warming, Eucalyptus Tree, and Koalas. Global warming is not good for koalas or other animals that eat eucalyptus leaves. Scientists have determined that increased levels of carbon dioxide result in reduced levels of nitrogen and other nutrients in eucalyptus leaves, and in more tannin toxins (ANI 4/6/08). The amount of protein in the leaves also falls sharply. This may explain the recent declines in the numbers of brushtail possums and greater gliders, which also rely on eucalyptus leaves.

Geo-engineering Threatens Ozone Layer. Some scientists have suggested injecting sulfate particles into the stratosphere to cool the earth. Recent research demonstrates that this strategy would have a very “perilous” impact on the earth's critical ozone layer (National Center for Atmospheric Research 4/24/08).

More Military-Based Concerns about Global Warming. A major defense think tank, the Royal United Services Institute, has issued a report that states, “If climate change is not slowed and critical environmental thresholds are exceeded, then it will become a primary driver of conflicts between and within states,” and “Climate impacts will force us into a radical rethink of how we identify and secure our national interest” (Telegraph 4/28/08). For example, “No strategy for long run peace and stability in Afghanistan can possibly succeed unless local livelihoods can survive the impact of a changing climate on water availability and crop yields.”

Upcoming Events and Other Announcements

May 1 - June 4

• What: Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) Town Hall meetings about the Statewide Energy Plan
• Where: 25 communities throughout Alaska
• More Info: Details about the Alaska Energy Plan and the Town Hall meeting schedule are available at http://www.akenergyauthority.org/.

May 1

• What: "Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities," a free public lecture by Dr. Robert W. Corell
• When: 7:30pm
• Where: Wendy Williamson Auditorium, UAA
• More Info: Dr. Corell will address how the Arctic region, more than any other region in the world, provides a bellwether, a "canary-in-the-mine" for the world at-large as climate change impacts more directly lower latitudes in the coming decades. He will discuss how climate change is taking place within the context of many other ongoing changes, including globalization, poverty and hunger, land use changes, rapid growth in the human population, and changes in cultural, governance, and economic conditions. He will also explain how impacts on the environment and society result not from climate change alone, but from the interplay of all of these changes.

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 6

• What: Public hearing on the Anchorage Recycling Plan
• When: 5pm
• Where: Assembly Chambers, Loussac Library
• More Info: To see the plan, go to www.muni.org/sws/recycling.cfm.

May 6 & 10

• What: Polar-Palooza
• When: 6-9pm on May 6th; 9am-4:30pm on May 10
• Where: Anchorage Museum
• More Info: Anchorage Polar-Palooza teams up with Project WILD and Project Learning Tree to present a workshop geared toward middle and high school educators and students. Explore the many ways the rapidly changing Arctic and Antarctic affect the health and functioning of the entire earth system. Topics include ice physics, endangered species, global changes and solutions. The workshop is available for credit. For registration and more information, contact John Tyson, Project WILD Coordinator, at (907) 267-2216 or john.tyson@alaska.gov.

May 8 & 10

• What: Polar-Palooza
• When: 6-9pm on May 8th; 9am-4:30pm on May 10
• Where: Museum of the North, Fairbanks
• More Info: Fairbanks Polar-Palooza teams up with Project WILD and Project Learning Tree to present a workshop geared toward middle and high school educators and students. Explore the many ways the rapidly changing Arctic and Antarctic affect the health and functioning of the entire earth system. Topics include ice physics, endangered species, global changes and solutions. For registration and more information, contact John Tyson, Project WILD Coordinator, at (907) 267-2216 or john.tyson@alaska.gov.

May 15 & 16

• What: Governor's Subcabinet Advisory Group Meetings (Mitigation on the 15th and Adaptation on the 16th)
• When: 10-4 each day
• Where: Alaska Pacific University, Room 105 Carr Gottstein Building
• More Info: To see web site, click here

May 20

• What: FREE Global Warming Training by Deborah Williams, Alaska Conservation Solutions
• Where: tba
• When: 11:30am - 1:30pm (on-line) and 5:30-7:30pm (live in Anchorage)
• More Info: Learn to inform others about climate change with AkCS's Powerpoint presentation, Global Warming in Alaska. Light dinner included at evening session. For more information contact Margaret Manousoff at 907-929-9370 or margaret@alaskaconservationsolutions.com.

May 27

• What: Deadline for comments, information or data regarding listing the ribbon seal as a 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: http://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.

May 28-30

• What: Alaska Municipal League Communities Conference on Climate Change
• Where: University of Alaska, Anchorage
• More Info: Designed for local elected officials and professional staff alike, this two-day meeting will provide practical help for local governments to begin, or to advance, their response to the climate change challenge. For details or to register, go to www.akml.org/conference/climatechange/.

Internship Opportunity:

ALASKA CONSERVATION SOLUTIONS, the state's most focused voice in global warming education and advocacy, is looking for an intern to help out this summer for 8 weeks in June and July (exact dates flexible.) The project mainly involves public outreach and education regarding the Alaska Carbon Calculator and Alaska Carbon Reducer features on our site. A stipend of $1000 is offered. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and references to margaret@alaskaconservationsolutions.com ASAP. For questions or more information, contact Margaret Manousoff at 907-929-9370.

This monthly report once again reinforces that the costs of global warming inaction are exorbitant and unacceptable, while the costs of action are affordable and necessary. As Time Magazine concludes in their excellent cover story How to Win the War on Global Warming, “Going green: What could be redder, whiter and bluer than that?” (Time 4/17/08).

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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