Alaska Conservation Solutions

Dear Friends,

Progress. It is now official: the Department of Interior has listed polar bears as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, due to global warming. As this monthly report describes, the polar bear listing represents one of the many steps taken during the last 31 days. Unfortunately, though, even as greenhouse gases continue to increase in our atmosphere. We now know that we have 28% more carbon dioxide in our atmosphere than anytime in the last 800,000 years.

June promises to present other critical opportunities to act. Right now, the Senate is debating the Climate Security Act, which would significantly reduce emissions through a nationwide cap-and-trade system. The clock is ticking; the impacts are mounting; the evidence is overwhelming; and the time to act is now.

Alaska and Arctic Global Warming News
The Latest Evidence and Developments

Polar Bears Listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act

On May 14, the Department of Interior listed polar bears as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. This is an important development, not only for polar bears, but also for the battle against global warming.

• The Rationale: Secretary Kempthorne based his listing decision on three factors: sea ice is critical to the survival of polar bears; sea ice “has dramatically melted in recent decades;” and reliable models project future significant loss of sea ice due to climate change (Secretary Kempthorne's Speech 5/14/08; Scientific American 5/14/08; New York Times 5/15/08).
• The Rule: Specifically, the rule states, “We find, based on the best available scientific and commercial information, that polar bear habitat…is declining…that this decline is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, and that this loss threatens the species throughout all of its range.” To review the actual 93-page final rule, as published in the Federal Register, click here.
• The Meaning. What does this listing actually mean with respect to the protection of polar bears, polar bear habitat, and greenhouse gas emission reductions? Listing will provide numerous additional protections for polar bears through consultation, the designation of critical habitat and the creation of a Recovery Plan. In its accompanying 4(d) Rule, however, the Department has tried to circumscribe the reach and implications of its listing decision (to view the interim final 4(d) rule, click here.)
• The New Lawsuits. In response to the listing decision and the 4(d) rule, lawsuits have been filed and threatened. The Center for Biological Diversity, NRDC and Greenpeace have asked a federal district court to reject the Department of Interior's 4(d) Rule (Associated Press 5/20/08).The State of Alaska has announced its intention to file two lawsuits challenging the listing decision (Associated Press 5/21/08). Of note, in an on-line poll conducted by Alaska largest news station, KTUU, 60% of the respondents disagreed with the state's polar bear lawsuit (KTUU 5/21/08).
• Other Reactions. Among other reactions, the editorial board of the Anchorage Daily News stated that “Listing was (the) right call” (Anchorage Daily News 5/18/08); see also: Fairbanks Daily News Miner 5/25/08; Reuters 5/16/08; Associated Press 5/18/08 – (“It's not about saving the polar bear as much as the polar bear saving us.”)
• Recognition and Thanks. This listing represents a tremendous amount of work and dedication. Special thanks go to Scott Schliebe and others at the US Fish and Wildlife Service; Steve Amstrup and others at USGS; Kassie Siegel and the tremendous legal team at the Center for Biological Diversity; and all of you for your comments on the listing.

New Evidence Regarding Adverse Impacts of Climate Change on Caribou

Caribou calves are dying in Alaska and Greenland, and Alaska's largest caribou herd has experienced a substantial decline.

• Greenland Caribou Study. “Fewer caribou calves are being born and more of them are dying in West Greenland as a result of a warming climate,” according to a new scientific analysis (Penn State 5/1/08; National Geographic 5/12/08). Because of global warming, “the timing of plant growth has advanced, but calving has not,” resulting in “trophic mismatch.” This is in addition to the stressors of thaw-freeze cycles, ice-crust formation, and severe storms.
• Decline in Alaska's Western Arctic Caribou Herd. “ Alaska's largest caribou herd shrank by more than 20 percent between 2003 and 2007, according to a new count from the state Department of Fish and Game (Anchorage Daily News 5/18/08). Warm winter periods are a likely factor, according to the state's lead biologist studying the Western Arctic herd. In 2005, caribou “died in droves” from starvation after warm weather and rain in December caused an “iron-hard crust of snow” that covered this herd's food.
• Alaska Caribou Calves Dying. Caribou calves are dying before reaching maturity in the southern Alaska Peninsula herd. “Calves are being born to healthy-seeming cows but dying well before they reach adulthood….In 2007, only one calf per 200 cows was spotted” (Dutch Harbor Fisherman 5/23/08). Hunting of this herd has been closed.
• Canada. Biologists point to the adverse impacts of global warming on the Peary caribou in Canada. Caribou now face deeper winter snows that are crusted over, as well as hot, dry summers that promote “parasites, biting flies, and fires that destroy lichen” (Canwest 5/11/08).
• Sami Plea. To read a moving testimonial about global warming from a member of the Sami community in Norway, whose family has been herding reindeer since the 1400s, see Independent 5/10/08. Herds have plummeted and herders have been harmed due to thinner ice.

State Subcabinet on Climate Change Issues Reports and Launches Mitigation and Adaptation Advisory Groups

The State's Sub-Cabinet on Climate Change has four Work Groups.

• Immediate Needs Report Issued. The Immediate Needs Work Group issued its final, 86-page report to the Sub-Cabinet (to review the report, click here; see also Anchorage Daily News 5/12/08). State representatives worked with the Corps of Engineers, village representatives, and others to identify and describe the most urgent community needs resulting from global warming. The report recommends numerous specific actions and appropriations, especially for seawalls and for planning regarding evacuations, emergency operations, and relocation. Fortunately, the State Legislature included the Work Group's recommendations in the state budget and funded 35% of the specified initial needs (the “state's share”). We hope that Congress will fund the other 65%.
• Comprehensive Climate Change Impacts Summaries Issued. To assist the Sub-Cabinet's Adaptation Advisory Group, the National Commission on Energy Policy (NCEP) prepared a comprehensive, concise listing of all of the impacts from climate change on the State of Alaska, grouped into the following four categories: Health and Culture; Public Infrastructure; Natural Systems and Economies Based on Natural Systems; and Other Economic Activities; see also Summary. The next meeting of the Adaptation Advisory Group is July 16 in Fairbanks. The Mitigation Advisory Group will be meeting next on July 15, also in Fairbanks.

Fire Island Wind Project – and the State Energy Cost Relief Proposal

There is good news to report, and some challenges ahead.

• Fire Island Wind Appropriation Approved. The Fire Island Wind Project (adjacent to Anchorage) is a “go.” The Governor did not veto the Legislature's $25 million appropriation for the undersea cable (APRN 5/26/08). We want to thank everyone who wrote the Governor and urged her not to veto this expenditure. Without question, this legislative session was historic in its spending on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and weatherization. The legislature appropriated over $375 million for these efforts.
• State Energy Cost Relief. The Governor announced her intent to have the legislature address state energy cost relief in a special session (Anchorage Daily News 5/16/08). The Governor's initial $1.2 billion plan would give $475 million to electric utilities to reduce all electricity bills by 60% (including large corporations). The plan would also give every Alaskan man, woman and child eligible for a Permanent Fund Dividend check in 2008 a $100 per month “Energy Debit Card,” which would cost the state treasury $729 million. This plan has been sharply criticized by economists, legislators, and others as a very expensive step in the wrong direction, especially since it distorts price signals, promotes unsustainable consumption (as opposed to helping people conserve energy), is extremely expensive, provides massive corporate windfalls, is susceptible to fraud, and would be difficult, if not impossible, to phase out (Anchorage Daily News 5/18/08; Anchorage Daily News 5/17/08). The conservation community has issued an alternative proposal to provide energy cost relief and promote energy conservation and efficiency. To see this alternative, click here.

Other Alaska, Arctic and Antarctic Developments and Items of Note

• Juneau Cuts Electrical Usage by 40%. Demonstrating that people and communities can dramatically reduce their energy use through energy conservation and efficiency measures, Juneau has cut its electrical usage by as much as 40% after it lost its low-cost hydropower energy due to an avalanche (to see actual statistics, click here). For example, on Tuesday April 15, right before the avalanche, Juneau consumed 1006 MWh. Then on Tuesday May 27, Juneau only consumed 598 MWh. Indeed, it can be done! Congratulations, Juneau.
• Serious Insect Stings Increase Significantly. According to a study in the Alaska Epidemiology Bulletin, insect stings have increased substantially over the last 10 years, and have been occurring farther north (Anchorage Daily News 5/18/08). Specifically, there has been a seven-fold increase in insect stings in Northern Alaska, and two people died in 2006.
• Additional Global Warming Based Endangered Species Act Filings and Activities. The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) has filed a listing petition for the spotted, bearded and ringed seals (Associated Press 5/29/08; Guardian 5/30/08). Also CBD has filed a notice to sue on its walrus petition (CBD 5/27/08).
• Arctic Methane Likely Responsible for Atmospheric Rise. Last year methane concentrations in the atmosphere increased by 0.5%, after being stable for a decade. Biological sources in the warming Arctic were likely responsible for most of that increase, according to several indicators (BBC 5/23/08). To read about methane release from thawing permafrost in Russia, see Chicago Tribune 5/4/08.

Alaska and Arctic in the News

Among numerous other May news stories and commentaries about Alaska and the Arctic, we especially recommend the following:

• Dividing up the Territory. Foreign Affairs magazine published an outstanding article discussing the issues surrounding territorial claims to the seabed of the Arctic Ocean and Arctic shipping. Both of these topics have “heated up” in response to the melting of the Arctic Ice Cap (Foreign Affairs March/April 2008). Also, the five Arctic countries signed a declaration agreeing to work more cooperatively to limit environmental and human risks associated with the melting of the Arctic ice cap, and concluding that no new accords were necessary to resolve territorial disputes (New York Times 5/29/08).
• Going Green in Wasilla, Alaska. The Wasilla based radio station, KMBQ-FM, has announced that it will broadcast primarily using solar and wind power, and will also reduce its energy use. To read a very positive story about this from the Alaska Journal of Commerce, click here.
• Arctic versus Antarctic. For an excellent article about the different impacts of climate change on the Arctic versus the Antarctic, see EOS May 2008 and Reuters 5/5/08.
• Kivalina Global Warming Lawsuit. For an insightful article analogizing Kivalina's global warming lawsuit to the tobacco lawsuits of the 1990s, see Atlantic Monthly June 2008.
• Arctic and Global Warming Articles Compiled. An important special issue of Ecological Applications examines the impacts from the loss of sea ice due to climate change on Arctic marine mammals (click here). Also, the Encyclopedia of Earth has published numerous articles about Global Warming, especially as it affects the Arctic. For a list of articles, click here.

Key National News

Global Warming Legislation Being Debated by Senate – Week of June 2!

On June 2, the US Senate will begin debating the passage of the Climate Security Act.

• Boxer-Lieberman-Warner Substitute – Good for Alaska and Tribes. An excellent revised bill, S. 3036, has been introduced as a substitute to the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (S. 2191). The substitute is 491 pages long; to view it, click here. The legislation would result in approximately $50 billion coming to Alaska for adaptation (see Section 624) and, in addition, it creates a Tribal Climate Change Assistance Fund (see Section 624) that would generate approximately an additional $37.5 billion. The first purpose of the Tribal Fund is “to provide assistance to Indian tribes that face disruption or dislocation as a result of climate change,” which would apply to communities like Shishmaref, Kivalina and Newtok. Overall S.3036 requires covered sources to reduce emissions by 18% below current levels by 2020 and 71% below current levels by 2050.
• Over 1,700 Scientists Urge Action. Over 1,700 scientists and economists have signed a letter urging Congress to take action to achieve immediate, deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (to see a copy of the letter and signatories click here; Union Concerned Scientists 5/29/08). The letter calls for a reduction in greenhouse gases “on the order of 80 percent below 2000 levels by 2050.”
• Other Responses. Fortunately, numerous very large corporations – including Alcoa, General Electric, and PG&E Corporation – together with labor unions, local and state governments, faith groups, and others are calling on the Senate to vote for the Climate Security Act (Senate Environment and Public Works Committee 5/30/08). Not surprisingly, the conservative group Club for Growth has launched an expensive media campaign to urge key senators not to vote for legislation (Grist 5/27/08).
• ACTION ITEM: Please contact your senators TODAY! For Alaskans, please call Senator Stevens (202-224-2354) and Senator Murkowski (202-224-5301; 1-877-829-6030); or e-mail Senator Murkowski (click here) and Senator Stevens (click here) and urge them to vote for the Climate Security Act.

Numerous Very Important Reports Issued

In May, several key global warming reports were issued.

• Costs of Inaction on Global Warming “Staggering.” According to a comprehensive analysis by researchers at Tufts University, inaction on global warming will annually cost the US economy up to 3.6% of GDP (or $3.8 trillion) by 2100. Just four categories of global warming impacts (hurricanes, increased energy costs, real estate losses and water costs) alone represent 1.8% of GDP (or almost $1.9 trillion) annually by 2100 (NRDC 5/22/08).Without emission reductions, the report predicts that the temperature increase in Alaska in the next 100 years will be 18 degrees F, while most of the rest of the US will experience an increase of 13 degrees (Bloomberg News 5/22/08).
• National Scientific Assessment Released. The overdue “Scientific Assessment of the Effects of Global Change on the United States” was issued on May 29. For a copy of this important report, click here. “It synthesizes the effects of global change on natural and human environments, agriculture, water resources, social systems, energy production and use, transportation, and human health. It analyzes both current trends and future trends.” Many of the global warming impacts on Alaska that are summarized in the report are listed in the Fairbanks Daily News Miner 6/1/08.
• Another Dire Report. In a report commissioned by the US Department of Agriculture, the US Climate Change Science Program synthesized a thousand scientific papers and concluded that global warming is already adversely affecting the nation's forests, water resources, wildlife and farmlands, and that these impacts will increase over the next 25 to 50 years (to see the report, click here; Washington Post 5/28/08).
• Ocean Acidification Much Worse Than Predicted. In a recent field survey, scientists measured pH levels in ocean waters off the coast of the US, Canada and Mexico, and found pH measurements as low as 7.6. They had not predicted levels less than 8.0 (Telegraph 5/22/08). According to Dr. Richard Feely, “This means ocean acidification may be seriously impacting marine life on the continental shelf right now” (Seattle Times 5/22/08). Since the Industrial revolution, oceans have absorbed 525 billion tons of CO₂.
• Wildlife Adaptation Report. The Defenders of Wildlife has issued an excellent report examining wildlife adaptation needs and strategies. To see the report, click here.
• US Carbon Dioxide Emissions Increase 1.6%. The Energy Information Administration reports that CO2 emissions in the US increased by 1.6% in 2007, primarily from the residential, commercial, and electric power sectors (AFP 5/20/08)

Reducing Emissions – New and Old Strategies

Individuals and businesses are using numerous strategies to reduce their energy consumption:

• Increased Bus and Light Rail Use. The President of the American Public Transportation Association reports very high rates of growth in transit use (New York Times 5/10/08). In just a year, transit use in some cities in the West and South has grown by more than 15%. “The future of mass transit in this country has never been brighter,” notes BART's general manager.
• Best Green Cost Effective Business Practices. The Environmental Defense Fund has prepared a list of more than 20 innovative processes that are especially good for business and good for the environment (EDF ; GreenBiz 5/21/08).
• More Gardening. Nurseries and seed wholesalers are experiencing marked increases in the number of people buying vegetable seeds and starter plants. This year, 39% of people with backyards intend to grow vegetables, up 5% from last year (Christian Science Monitor 5/15/08).
• Energy Efficiency. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has issued a 60-page report that notes, “the United States can cost-effectively reduce energy consumption by an additional 25-30 percent or more over the course of the next 20-25 years” (to see the report, click here). Since 1970, energy efficiency has satisfied approximately three-fourths of our nation's increased demand.

In Brief – Other National News of Note

Wind Power – 20%. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, wind energy could provide 20% of our nation's electricity by 2030 (Reuters 5/12/08).

Congress Has Still Not Extended Renewable Energy Tax Credits – Projects Imperiled. In large part because of persistent White House veto threats, Congress has not yet passed joint legislation to extend renewable energy tax credits. Projects such as a $1 billion solar energy plant in Arizona will likely be abandoned if the Investment Tax Credit is not extended (Christian Science Monitor 5/6/08). Most recently, by a vote of 263-160, the House passed a tax package that includes $17 billion for renewable energy. This would be paid for by requiring some corporations with offshore offices to submit more taxes; the White House has threatened another veto (Associated Press 5/21/08).

350. A new campaign has been launched regarding the need to reduce carbon dioxide in our atmosphere to 350 ppm, based on Dr. Jim Hansen's analysis, which is also supported by Sir David King. To read an article by Bill McKibben on the campaign, click here; to go to the campaign's web site, click here.

Record Oil Company Profits. For the first quarter of 2008, Exxon made $10.9 billion in profits, 17% greater than last year's first quarter (Independent 5/2/08). BP and Shell collectively made $14.2 billion in profits for the first quarter. These massive profits were amassed despite the fact that there was a drop in oil production. The Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming issued a report showing what the companies have done with these profits: primarily stock buy-backs and executive pay raises. Last year, the five largest oil companies made a combined $123 billion in profits. The Committee's report found that the companies only invested $10 million in renewable energy alternatives (Select Committee Release 5/21/08 and Report).

Key International News

Most Carbon Dioxide and Methane in Atmosphere in 800,000 Years

The latest, deepest ice cores from Antarctic demonstrate that we have a lot more CO₂ and methane in our atmosphere than anytime in the last 800,000 years (prior ice cores went back 650,000 years) (Reuters 5/15/08).

• “We can firmly say that today's concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane are 28 and 124 percent higher respectively than at any time during the last 800,000 years,” notes one of the authors of the report.
• To accomplish this analysis, scientists drilled a 10,500 feet deep ice core, and extracted ancient air from bubbles in the ice.
• During the last 800,000 years, carbon dioxide has fluctuated between 172 and 300 parts per million. Due to human emissions of carbon dioxide since the Industrial Revolution, it is now 384 parts per million.

Several Very Important Studies and Reports Issued

Several important reports were issued this month, underscoring the adverse impacts from global warming.

• Massive World-wide Analysis. Scientists from around the world “analyzed data from published papers on 829 physical systems and some 28,800 plant and animal systems, stretching back to 1970.” Their analysis revealed a picture of changes on continental scales (Columbia University 5/14/08). Entitled “Attributing physical and biological impacts to anthropogenic climate change,” the NASA-led paper “links Earth impacts to human-cause climate change” on a global scale (NASA 5/14/08). There are now more than 27,000 examples of how the world has been impacted by warmer temperatures since 1970 (Daily Mail 5/15/08).
• Less Oxygen. Warmer waters hold less oxygen. A team of scientists analyzed the oxygen content of tropical waters since 1960 and found that dissolved oxygen in some areas declined by more than 15% (ScienceNOW 5/1/08).
• Lake Baikal Warms. A study analyzing 60 years of data regarding Lake Baikal reveals “significant warming of surface waters and long-term changes in the food web of the world's largest, most ancient lake” (ENS 5/2/08). “Warming of this isolated but enormous lake is a clear signal that climate change has affected even the most remote corners of our planet,” notes a study co-author. Lake Baikal contains 20% of the world's fresh water and has warmed over 2°F since the 1940s.

Positive Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Other Developments

Progress continues to be made on several fronts.

• Sorghum “Miracle Crop.” With its high positive energy balance and ability to grow in adverse conditions, sorghum is an ideal “smart crop”, according to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) (AFP 5/13/08). Sorghum produces about eight units of energy for every unit it uses; requires little or no irrigation; and is not in high demand in the international food market.
• Unilever to Eliminate Unsustainable Palm Oil from Products. In a move commended by Greenpeace and others, Unilever has committed to discontinuing the use of any unsustainable palm oil from it products (BusinessGreen 5/2/08).
• Brazil Uses Renewable Energy. Over 46% of Brazil's energy comes from renewable sources, primarily sugarcane and hydroelectric power (Mongabay 5/13/08). This compares with 7% in the US. It costs approximately $1 per gallon to produce ethanol from sugar cane in Brazil. “Brazil has effectively replaced 26 percent of its gasoline with sugar-cane based fuel grown on 5 percent of its crop area.”
• $8 Billion Investment in US. The world's largest renewable energy operator, the Spanish company Iberdrola, plans to invest $8 billion in the US between 2008 and 2010 for wind-power generation (AFP 5/18/08). It wants to have 15% of the wind power market here.
• Video Conferencing. According to Eyenetwork, “there's a growing trend among firms around the globe to replace trips with high-end videoconferencing as concerns about climate change soar in tandem with airfares and other travel expenses” (Eyenetwork 5/25/08).
• Tidal Power Advances. For the first time, tidal power is contributing to Great Britain's national grid (Telegraph 5/27/08). Up to 20% of Britain's power could be generated using tidal power.

In Brief – Other International News of Note

Sweden Success Story. Through a combination of strategies, Sweden has cut its carbon emissions by 9%, while achieving economic growth of 44% between 1990 and 2006 (Guardian 5/5/08). Among other actions, Sweden introduced a carbon tax in 1991; it has increased its use of bioenergy; it uses heat pumps; it provides green car rebates; and, in certain cities, it imposes congestion charges. Sweden is especially proud of its carbon tax, noting the country's carbon emissions would have been 20% larger without the tax.

Shell Backs Out of Wind Project. Shell backed out of the world's largest offshore wind project (the London Array project, which intends to build as many as 341 wind turbines and generate 1,000 megawatts of electricity) (Times 5/1/08). Shell had a 33% stake in the project. Its withdrawal provoked anger and disappointment.

History of Global Warming Science. To read an excellent timeline regarding the history of the discovery of human-caused global warming, see CNN 5/14/08. Bottom line: we have understood the basic science of global warming since the 1800's. It is time to take action.

Upcoming Events and Other Announcements

June 2-4

• What: Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) Town Hall meetings about the Statewide Energy Plan
• Where: 25 communities throughout Alaska
• More Info: For details about the Alaska Energy Plan and the Town Hall meeting schedule, click here.

June 5

• What: Alaska Youth for Environmental Action Benefit
• When: 5:30-8:30pm
• Where: Hilltop Ski Chalet, Anchorage , Alaska
• More Info: Help AYEA Meet their $15,000 Match! $45 for adults, $15 for students (college and younger).

June 6

• What: Cook Inletkeeper reception
• When: 5:30pm
• Where: Snow Goose Restaurant
• More Info: Meet and mingle with Cook Inletkeeper board and staff, and learn about climate change, salmon research and energy/coal issues. Please RSVP to Joan Stempniak at joan@inletkeeper.org by June 3.

June 7

• What: Alaska Ocean Festival 2008
• When: Noon-10pm
• Where: West Delaney Parkstrip, Anchorage
• More Info: Join musicians, speakers, artists, fishermen, ocean recreationists and ocean conservation groups to learn about the importance of healthy oceans and to celebrate the bounty of Alaska's many marine resources. For more information, click here.

June 11

• What: “The Triple Top Line: Creating Abundance through Green Building,” lecture by Tom Paladino
• When: 7pm
• Where: Marston Theater, Loussac Library, Anchorage
• More Info: Tom Paladino, founder of a visionary green building consulting firm, discusses innovative ideas and proven processes for design integration, based on his experience with the more than 300 green and LEED projects. Free. For more information, contact Ruth Fitzpatrick at 907-770-4323.

June 14

• What: Hands-on Biodesel Brewing Class
• When: 12:30pm
• Where: APU Kellogg Campus at Spring Creek Farm, 6404 N. Lossing Road, Palmer
• More Info: Make your own fuel with Arctic Vegwerks. Participants will learn how to collect oil, test it, and create a small batch of biodiesel to take home. Registration required. $39 fee includes the use of all safety equipment, lab supplies and ingredients for a test batch. To register, call Will Taygan at 907-688-5288 or go to http://www.alaskabiodiesel.org/.

This monthly report once again reinforces: the costs of global warming inaction are unacceptable, while the costs of action are affordable and necessary. Now, we must demand action. Today.

With hope and determination,
Deborah