Alaska Conservation Solutions

Dear Friends,

Candidly, this has been a challenging month. Despite having over 50 Senators in favor of moving forward, two critical pieces of global warming legislation were thwarted by filibusters. The Arctic Ice cap continues to melt. Extreme weather events and fires are causing tremendous damage throughout the nation and the world. The list goes on.

The good news is that new federal leadership is just around the corner, literally only a few months away. In 2009, we will begin addressing nationally the dramatic challenges of and opportunities arising from global warming in a very meaningful way. Also, states, localities, businesses, and individuals continue to make important progress.

There are many bases for hope and optimism. And, there will be action soon. Thank you for continuing to be part of the solution.

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

Arctic Sea Ice Update: News and Implications

The National Snow and Ice Data Center is now electronically publishing a daily update on the status of the Arctic Ice Cap (to access it, click here).

• Extreme Melt. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, “Arctic sea ice (is) still on track for extreme melt” (NSIDC 6/3/08). In a separate set of analyses, 11 out of 14 research teams have independently projected that the ice will retreat this year as much as it did last year, or more (NY Times Dot Earth 6/10/08).
• Ice Free North Pole. Some scientists are predicting that the area directly over the North Pole will be ice free this summer for the first time, or that there is at least a 50-50 chance that it will be ice free (National Geographic 6/20/08; Associated Press 6/27/08).
• Implications for Permafrost and Greenhouse Gas Release. Scientists have determined that he “rate of (air) warming increases substantially during rapid (Arctic Sea) ice loss, especially during autumn,” and this air warming extends as far as 900 miles inland. New scientific models show that if the rate of summer sea-ice loss persists, warming across permafrost areas could increase by up to 3.5 times the rate predicted in previous climate models (ScienceNOW 6/10/08) and along the Arctic coasts by up to 9 °F (Reuters 6/10/08).This could result in the release of billions of metric tons of carbon dioxide and methane. Central Alaska is especially at risk.
• What's in Question. Arctic soils “are believed to hold about 30 percent of all the carbon stored in the world's soil” (Independent 6/14/08).

Current Cooler Temperatures in Alaska Related to La Niña.

In an excellent analysis, scientist Ed Berg explains how Alaska's recent cooler temperatures are related to La Niña (Kenai Refuge Notebook 6/6/08).

• La Niña. According to Berg, “It has been a long winter and a late spring in Alaska …Basically, we are coming off a 10-month La Niña and a classic La Niña winter…which affects the whole Pacific basin including Alaska.” La Niñas occur when there is a cool band of water that spreads along the equator in the Pacific. The El Niño-La Niña cycle has a substantial impact on temperatures in the Kenai Peninsula (with 60% correlation) and on many other parts of Alaska.
• Warmer Days Likely Ahead. “A series of ocean temperature models predict continued warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean and the onset of an El Niño by late summer.” This will result in warmer temperatures in the fall and winter. But some models instead show a return to another La Niña.

Other Alaska, Arctic and Antarctic Developments and Items of Note

• Impact of Global Warming on Southern Whales. The World Wildlife Fund has issued a report exploring the projected adverse impacts on southern whales from global warming – especially due to the retreat of Antarctic sea ice (Reuters 6/19/08; to see the report, click here). Blue whales are especially at risk.
• Higher Energy Prices in Rural Alaska and Response. The Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage has issued a study exploring the costs of fuel oil in rural Alaska, and has found that some rural residents are paying much more than others (ISER May 2008). In Falls Pass, the price in November 2007 was $2.90 per gallon versus $6.25 in Lime Village. The Governor's latest “energy cost relief” proposal would provide $1,200 to virtually all Alaska residents, regardless of the costs of energy in their community (Anchorage Daily News 6/21/08). This proposal is being criticized on this basis and other bases (Anchorage Daily News 6/24/08). The costs to Alaska's poorest families for power and heat represents 40% of a rural Alaskan's income, versus 4% for someone living in Anchorage.
• Net Metering Comments Sought. The Regulatory Commission of Alaska has issued an Order (Order No. 6) in docket R-06-05, and stated that they are “inclined to adopt the proposed PURPA language and open a new docket to craft a specific net metering/interconnection regulation….(but) before making a final determination on net metering and the other EPAct standards, we wish to further develop the record.” They are calling for the submission of comments by July 28. To view the RCA website and this docket, click here. The RCA is also seeking further comments on fossil fuel efficiency standards and fuel source diversity.

Alaska and Arctic in the News

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

• Global Warming and Disease in Yukon River King Salmon. The Los Angeles Times published an outstanding article about the emergence of the disease Ichthyophonus hoferi in Yukon River king salmon, as a result of globally warmed water temperatures (Los Angeles Times 6/15/08). This disease and its implications illustrate the fact that, with global warming, “cold-temperature barriers are giving way, allowing parasites, bacteria and other disease-spreading organisms to move toward higher latitudes.” When salmon with “Ich” are smoked/dried, the salmon do not turn into rich red strips of salmon jerky, instead they turn “black and oily like strips of greasy rotten mango.” The work of Dr. Richard Kocan has been instrumental in understanding this disease and its spread in Yukon Kings due to global warming.
• Arctic Trees, Bushes and Global Warming. In an excellent article in ScienceNews (ScienceNews 6/20/08), Dr. Terry Chapin notes, “Effects of vegetative changes will be felt first and most strongly locally – in the Arctic.” On the eastern slopes of Siberia's northern Ural Mountains, north of the Arctic Circle, tree line has advanced 20 to 60 meters up the mountains, overrunning tundra in some places. Dr. Glenn Juday points out other factors that can promote tree expansion, such as tundra fires. Shrubbification has also occurred extensively. All of this will decrease albedo and likely increase the release of greenhouse gases.
• Bernie Karl on YouTube. Environmental Defense Fund has produced a series of YouTube videos on renewable energy and other topics. Alaska's own Bernie Karl is featured on the geothermal clip. To see it, click here.
• For an excellent article about the impacts of climate change on transportation infrastructure, with an emphasis on Alaska, see National Society of Professional Engineers Magazine June 2008. The article emphasizes the need “for public and private infrastructure owners to incorporate climate change analysis in capital and renewal planning.”

Key National News

Global Warming Cap and Trade Legislation Blocked in the Senate

Unfortunately, the debate on and passage of the Climate Security Act (S.2191) and the Boxer-Lieberman-Warner substitute (S.3036) were blocked by a filibuster (AFP 6/6/08; Reuters 6/6/08).

• The Vote. Sixty votes are needed to stop a filibuster. The cloture vote was 48-36. However, 6 additional Senators, who were not present, sent written messages to Senator Boxer stating that they would have voted in favor of ending the filibuster if they had been there; so the vote actually would have been 54-36. To see how the Senators voted, click here; to review the 6 absent senate votes, click here. Both Senators Obama and McCain stated that they would have voted for cloture. President Bush had previously announced that he would veto the bill (Reuters 6/2/08). Notably, certain coal, electricity, and other businesses spent tens of millions of dollars to defeat the bill (Telegraph 6/3/08).
• Alaska Senators. Neither Senator Stevens nor Senator Murkowski voted in favor of cloture, despite the fact that S.3036 contained approximately $50 billion in adaptation funds for Alaska (Section 624) and an additional $37 billion for tribes (Section 625) (see Anchorage Daily News Compass 6/16/08). In an informal KTUU poll, 78% of Alaskans said that Alaska's senators should support climate-change legislation to wean the country off fossil fuels even if it raises energy prices (KTUU 6/3/08).
• House Efforts. Two new pieces of global warming legislation have been introduced in the House. Congressman Lloyd Doggett from Texas has filed the Climate Market Auction, Trust and Trade Emissions Reduction System (MATTERS) Act, H.R.6316, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, and starts by auctioning 85% of the allowances. Furthermore, Congressman Ed Markey from Massachusetts has introduced the Investing in Climate Action and Protection Act (H.R.6186), which reduces greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050 (to see summary, click here).

Renewable Energy Legislation Also Blocked in Senate

The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act (H.R.6049) was also stopped in the Senate by a filibuster.

• The Vote. The vote to end the filibuster was 52- 44. Sixty votes were needed (to see the votes, click here).
• Alaska Senators. Neither Senator Stevens nor Senator Murkowski voted to end the filibuster, even though the bill not only included critical tax credits for renewable energy, but also included $3 billion in Energy Conservation Bonds to help state and local governments reduce energy costs, $3 billion in funding to continue the Secure Rural Schools Act, and tax relief for Exxon Valdez plaintiffs.
• Critique. For an insightful critique, see Thomas Friedman's column 6/22/08. Regrettably, because no final action has been taken in Congress, the renewable energy tax credits are due to expire at the end of the year.

More Heavy Rains, Droughts, and Heat Due to Global Warming

The U.S. Climate Change Science Program – a joint effort of 14 government agencies – released a startling 162-page report entitled “Weather and Climate Extremes in a Changing Climate (to see the report, click here). Bottom line: the weather is getting more extreme, and, according to the report, these “changes in some weather and climate extremes are attributable to human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases” (Gannett 6/19/08).

• Weather Extremes Will Increase. Many extreme weather events are already occurring due to human emission of greenhouse gases. As a report co-chair notes, “We will continue to see some of the biggest impacts of global warming coming from changes in weather and climate extremes” (ScienceDaily 6/20/08).
• Fewer Cold Periods and Increased Heavy Downpours. The report disclosed that during the last decade there were fewer cold snaps than during any other decade in the historical record (Washington Post 6/20/08). Also, heavy downpours have been increasing three times more than average over the past century.
• Looking Ahead. Future projections include:
  1. on average precipitation is likely to be less frequent but more intense;
  2. heat waves are very likely to become more common;
  3. there is a higher likelihood that droughts will become more frequent and severe in some regions; and
  4. there will be fewer cold nights.
• More Fires. In a separate study, a U.S. Department of Agriculture scientist predicts that fire acreage in the northwest will increase from less than a million hectares in 2002 to almost 2 million hectares in 2080 due to global warming (NewScientist 6/21/08).

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Latest Developments

Some of the latest developments designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include:

• Car Greenhouse Gas Labels. Starting in January 2009, all new vehicles in California for sale will be required to post an Environmental Performance window sticker, which includes a “Global Warming Score” (MSNBC 6/20/08).
• Utility Renewable Energy Developments. Duke Energy wants to spend $100 million to install 20 megawatts of solar panels on homes, stores, factories, and schools (Reuters 6/10/08). PG&E has entered into a contract to produce 106.8 megawatts of solar thermal-biofuel hybrid power from local agricultural waste, livestock manure and solar energy. The plant will use solar power when the sun is shining and biomass when it is not (Reuters 6/12/08). Finally, for an excellent overview article about the status of solar energy in the U.S., see Reuters 6/13/08.
• Bicycling on the Rise. In some parts of Europe, up to 30% of personal trips are by bike. In the US, that number is less than 1%. However, bicycling is on the rise, especially in bike-friendly cities like Portland (Reuters 6/13/08).
• Brookings Report. Brookings has issued a thoughtful report that focuses on how metropolitan areas can reduce their carbon footprint (click here).
• Connecticut to Reduce Emissions by 80%. The Governor of Connecticut signed legislation that requires the state to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 2001 levels by 2050, and 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 (Governor's Press Release 6/9/08). For an excellent summary of all of the state reduction targets see Reuters 6/24/08.
• Benefits of Energy Efficiency. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has issued a report entitled: “Positive Returns: State Energy-Efficiency Analyses Can Inform U.S. Energy Policy Assessment (click here).” Their analysis demonstrates that energy efficiency will generate jobs, improve the national economy, reduce greenhouse gases and have a positive benefit-cost ratio. With respect to energy efficiency, the Governor of Oregon has outlined numerous energy efficiency proposals, in an effort to make Oregon the nation's leader in cutting greenhouse gas emissions (Daily Journal of Commerce 6/18/08).

In Brief – Other National News of Note

NASA Office of Public Affairs at Fault on Global Warming. NASA's inspector general's office “found that during the fall of 2004 through early 2006, the NASA Headquarters Office of Public Affairs managed the topic of climate change in a manner that reduced, marginalized or mischaracterized climate change science made available to the general public,” and that this was “inconsistent” with governing laws (New York Times 6/3/08). On a related note, NASA's Dr. James Hansen's latest perspective on global warming can be viewed here. In an interview with the Associated Press, he emphasized that “this is the last chance” (Associated Press 6/23/08).

A Surprising Impact from High Oil Prices. An interesting impact from increased oil prices is that “the rising cost of shipping everything from industrial-pump parts to lawn-mower batteries to living-room sofas is forcing some manufacturers to bring production back to North America and freeze plans to send even more work overseas” (Wall Street Journal 6/13/08).

Global Warming Destabilizing. The Chairman of the National Intelligence Council testified in front of Congress that global warming “will aggravate existing problems such as poverty, social tensions, environmental degradation, ineffectual leadership and weak political institutions…All of this threatens the domestic stability of a number of African, Asian, Central American and Central Asian countries….the conditions exacerbated by the effects of climate change could increase the pool of potential recruits into terrorist activity” (CNN 6/25/08).

Key International News

Oceans Warming Faster, and Impacts from a More Acidic Ocean

This month scientists revealed that the ocean has warmed more than previously calculated. There was also an important study involving ocean acidification.

• Warming and Expanding. After correcting previous data and computational errors, an international team of scientists determined that “the rate of ocean warming from 1961 to 2003 is about 50 percent larger than previously reported” (Reuters 6/19/08; Telegraph 6/18/08). Notably, the ocean stores more than 90% of the heat in the earth's climate system.
• Ocean Acidification. In a “ready made, natural” science experiment, scientist have studied the difference between a natural marine ecosystem with normal pH of 8.1 to 8.2 and an adjacent ecosystem in more acidic 7.9 pH water (due to underground, carbon dioxide spewing volcano vents) (ScienceNow 6/9/08). Overall, there were 30% fewer species in the more acidic waters. No calcareous algae grew on sea grass in the more acidic waters, while the calcareous algae covered more than 60% of the sea floor where there was normal pH. Urchins and other echinoderms were also absent from the more acidic waters. This study is especially relavent, because if we do not reduce emissions humans will cause the entire ocean to reach 7.9 pH.
• Note: an important film on ocean acidification, entitled “A Sea Change,” will be released this fall. To learn more about it and watch a film trailer, click here.

Positive Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Other Developments

There have been many positive international developments and findings with respect to energy efficiency and renewable energy this month, including:

• Reducing Emissions by 15% through Computers and Telecommunication. According to an exciting and thorough analysis by the Climate Group and McKinsey, computers and telecommunications can be used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 15% (Bloomberg 6/20/08). Examples include: efficiently directing loads on power grids, guiding freight, and improving building light and heating efficiencies. This will save $800 billion annually by 2020. To access the report, click here.
• Great Britain Promotes Decentralized, Home-Based Power. Great Britain is launching a major initiative to encourage homeowners to generate their own power through solar panels and wind turbines. Individuals who take advantage of this program “will be able to sell back surplus electricity at premium prices to the national grid” (Times 6/22/08). Currently, Germany provides premium rates for energy sold to the grid.
• Automobile News. Honda has started commercially producing its new zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell car (Associated Press 6/16/08). It will be available in Southern California for lease starting in July and will provide fuel efficiency equivalent to 74 miles per gallon. Toyota announced that it will start producing a plug-in hybrid car with “next generation lithium ion batteries” by 2010 (Associated Press 6/10/08).
• Green Roofs in Mexico City. Mexico City is initiating a green roofs program on 100,000 square feet of publicly owned roof space each year, and offering tax breaks for individuals and businesses who install their own green roofs (Reuters 6/6/08). The goal is to reduce carbon emissions by 4.4 million tons a year through the planting of grasses and other plants on rooftops.
• Canadian Provinces Agree to Cap-and-Trade Program. Canada's two biggest provinces, Ontario and Quebec, have agreed to establish a cap-and-trade system by 2010 (Reuters 6/3/08).

European News and Accomplishments on Global Warming

Europe continues to make notable progress in reducing its carbon footprint and in setting new, commendable goals.

• EU Emissions Drop. European Union greenhouse gas emissions dropped 7.7% between 1990 and 2006 (AFP 6/21/08). The decline in 2006 was primarily due to lower nitrous oxide emissions from chemical plants. Also, EU reduced it energy use by 2.2% in 2007 compared to 2006 (Telegraph 6/20/08). In contrast, global consumption of energy increased by 2.4%.
• Germany Continues to Make Major Advances. Germany approved a greenhouse gas reduction package designed to help it achieve its 40% emission reduction target by 2020 (compared to 1990 levels). The new laws include rules to increase home efficiency by 30%, truck tolls, and power line installation for wind power (Reuters 6/19/08). Also, Germany reduced its use of energy in 2007 by 5.6% from 2006 levels (Telegraph 6/20/08).
• Russia's New Focus on the Environment. President Dmitry Medvedev announced that “Ecology is a question of national security” (AFP 6/22/08). As AFP notes, “Since taking office last month he has placed a new emphasis on the environment, ordering measures to reduce by 40 percent the amount of energy Russia uses per unit of gross domestic product by 2020.” He believes it is time for Russia to turn its attention to the environment.
• NATO Call to Action on Climate Change. The Secretary-General of NATO urged an expansion of the organization's role to include critical emerging threats, including climate change (Associated Press 6/3/08). “Climate change could confront us with a whole range of unpleasant developments – developments which no single nation state has the power to contain.”

In Brief – Other International News of Note

New Climate Change Related Insurance Products. Insurance companies are developing new products to address economically based climate change risks (Reuters 6/19/08). For example, one type of policy “can protect firms from potentially higher costs if they have to offset their energy use by buying credits in a carbon market in order to meet federal regulations.”

Low Elevation Island Nation Calls for Action. The President of Kiribati, a low-elevation island nation, announced that global warming is an issue of human survival, not economic development, and that the international community has a moral responsibility to help his nation relocate (Nature 6/6/08). As the Executive Director of the United National Environment Program responded, “It's a humbling prospect when a nation has to begin talking about its own demise, not because of some inevitable natural disaster…but because of what we are doing on this planet” Associated Press 6/6/08). Kiribati is already relocating some of its shoreline village communities.

Upcoming Events and Other Announcements

July 8

• What: Public hearing on the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) Plan for Promoting Efficient Responsible Geothermal Energy Development on Federal Lands
• When: 5:30-7:30pm
• Where: Alaska Energy Authority, 813 W. Northern Lights Boulevard, Anchorage
• More Info: The public is invited to submit comments regarding leasing geothermal resources in the Western States and Alaska. For more information, click here. Written comments on the Draft PEIS may be submitted by e-mail to geothermal_EIS@blm.gov or by fax at 1-866-625-0707.

July 12

• What: "Polar Bears and Climate Change"
• When: 4pm
• Where: Elim Café, 561 W. Dimond Blvd., Anchorage
• More info: Join the Alaska Zoo education staff for this hands-on, kid-friendly presentation. For more information, contact Rikki Evens at 267-4228 or revans@akcb.com.

August 9th

• What: Alaska Renewable Energy Fair
• When: 11am-9pm
• Where: Memorial Block, Delaney Park Strip, Anchorage
• More Info: Listen to live music and learn about developing Alaska's vast renewable energy resources at the annual street fair sponsored by Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP). For schedule, click here.

September 24-27

• What: "Seeking Balance in a Changing North," the Fifth Open Assembly of the Northern Research Forum (NRF)
• Where: Anchorage Museum, Anchorage, Alaska
• More Info: The event is being organized by the NRF, together with the 5th NRF Host Organizing Committee representing the Office of the Governor of Alaska, Office of the Mayor of Anchorage, U.S. Arctic Research Commission, Inuit Circumpolar Council, Institute of the North, University of Alaska Anchorage, Alaska Native Science Commission, The Northern Forum, Chickaloon Village Traditional Council, Anchorage Museum of History and Art, Cinza Research, and Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau. For on-line registration and other information, click here.

October 17-19

• What: "Bioneers in Alaska: Creating Sustainable Communities"
• Where: UAA
• More Info: Practical, cutting-edge solutions for restoring the Earth and its people, presented by the 5th annual conference of Bioneers in Alaska. For more information, go to http://www.sustainak.org.

November 7-9

• What: 12th Annual Sitka WhaleFest: "A Celebration of our Diverse and Abundant Marine Wildlife"
• Where: Various Sitka locations
• More Info: For schedule and symposium presenters, go to http://www.sitkawhalefest.org.

All of us at Alaska Conservation Solutions wish you a wonderful 4th of July, as we work together to achieve independence from our addiction to fossil fuels. We look forward to celebrating a true Independence Day in 2009 with our country on a new course – a course that will end our harmful addictions, avoid global warming catastrophes, and demonstrably benefit current and future generations economically, culturally and morally.

With hope and determination,
Deborah