Global Warming News from Alaska
February 26, 2007
Reporting from The Front Line

Dear Friends,

Following the February 2 release of the stunning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report, the remainder of the month was dominated by calls for action. Major national and international corporations, religious organizations, and prominent individuals are demanding – with increased urgency – that Congress and others take meaningful actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions promptly.

In Alaska, attention has been focused on the disclosure of our first greenhouse gas emissions inventory, on the findings from the Alaska Forum on the Environment, and on the upcoming polar bear listing hearings, while the evidence of harm continues to mount.

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

Alaska's First Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast Released

The Center for Climate Strategies has prepared Alaska's first greenhouse gas emissions inventory and forecast for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. It covered all six greenhouse gases, and all major emitting sectors (Anchorage Daily News 2/16/07).

• The analysis concluded that Alaska emitted 43 million metric tons (MMt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂ e) gases in 1990, and 52 MMt in 2005, a 21% increase.
• Under the business-as-usual scenario, the analysis projects that Alaska will emit 61 MMt in 2020, a 42% increase from 1990 levels.
• The two largest emitters are industrial fuel use (41%) and transport (35%).
• CO₂ itself constitutes 91% of the greenhouse gas emissions in Alaska.
• Fortunately, Alaska is not predestined to increase its emissions as projected. The Center for Climate Strategies has worked with other states to develop plans to substantially reduce their projected emissions.
• For example, Arizona was projected to increase its emissions by 149% between 1990 and 2020, but has developed a plan to actually reduce emissions by 50% by 2040. See also: California (41% increase projected; 80% decrease planned by 2050); Maine (34% increase projected; 75% decrease planned by 2050), and many other states. (The Center for Climate Strategies PowerPoint presentation will be posted on our web site by March 5.)

Hearings Scheduled on Proposed Polar Bear Endangered Species Act Listing

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has scheduled three public hearings on their important proposed rule to list the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The hearing dates and locations are:

• Anchorage, March 1, 7 to 10 pm, Wilda Marston Theater, 3600 Denali St
• Washington, DC, March 5, 6 to 9 pm, Dept. of Interior Auditorium, 1849 C St.
• Barrow, March 7, 5 to 10 pm, Inupiat Heritage Center

The written comment deadline is April 9. Comments can be submitted electronically at Polar_Bear_Finding@fws.gov or mailed in hard copy to Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management Office, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99503.

• The proposed rule specifically states: “After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the polar bear as a threatened species under the Act is warranted….The Service seeks data and comments from the public on this proposed listing rule.”
• To see Alaska Conservation Solution's alert, with relevant polar bear data, click here.

Inuit Global Warming Case to Be Heard

On March 1, Inuits from Alaska, Canada, Russia and Greenland will present their case in Washington DC before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, asserting that the United States, through global warming related actions and inactions, has violated the Inuit's rights protected by the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man and other documents (Independent 2/9/07).

• Specifically, the argument will be made that “the impacts of climate change, caused by acts and omissions by the US, violate the Inuit's fundamental human rights....Because Inuit culture is inseparable from the condition of their physical surroundings, the widespread environmental upheaval resulting from climate change violates the Inuit's right to practice and enjoy the benefits of their culture."
• The delegation of Inuit will be lead by Sheila Watt-Cloutier, the former chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, who, like Al Gore, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work on global warming (Reuters 2/21/07).

Wind Farm Being Installed in Interior Alaska and other Business Innovations

A 9-kilowatt wind farm is currently being installed in the Healy area by two private entities, including Jim Norman of ABS Alaskan. This represents the first commercial wind farm in Interior Alaska.

• The wind farm will become part of Golden Valley Electric Association's new Sustainable Natural Alternative Power (SNAP) program.

At the Anchorage Business Roundtable on Climate Change, other innovative ideas were disclosed (Anchorage Daily News 2/17/07).

• ABR Inc. gives employees $3/day if they walk or bike to work and $1,500 towards the purchase of a hybrid vehicle.
• Bernie Karl described the latest developments associated with his successful, precedent setting geothermal power project, and proudly displayed a head of lettuce and other produce from his greenhouse (ADN photo # 22).
• Attorney Peter Van Tuyn now asks his clients to help contribute to offsetting travel produced carbon emissions (The Go Carbon Zero Program – for details click here and then click on Peter's article).

Alaska in the News

Among the many February news stories about Alaska that were not referenced above, we especially recommend the following:

• Senator Steven's legislation raising automobile efficiency standards has garnered a lot of positive, national attention. See stories in St. Petersburg Times 2/24/07, the LA Times 2/12/07 and the Anchorage Daily News 2/7/07.
• The plight of walruses with respect to global warming is described well in an Associated Press article published 2/25/07. An excellent additional article discusses the impact of global warming on ice seals. (Associated Press 2/26/07)
• Numerous excellent stories emerged from the Alaska Forum on the Environment including two outstanding public radio pieces, one by Elizabeth Arnold with National Public Radio (2/18/07 click here) and another by Lori Townsend of Alaska Public Radio (2/12/07 click here). See also TV coverage from KTUU (2/11/07 and 2/12/07) and KTVA (2/12/07).
• Residents from Shishmaref had a featured role in the American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting, and received excellent press about the dramatic, adverse impacts of global warming on their village, and their need to relocate as a result (AAAS News Release 2/18/07).

Key National News

Organizations and Prominent Individuals Demand Prompt Federal Action on Global Warming

Following the release of the IPCC's monumental report, numerous prominent organizations and individuals are calling for action by Congress to address global warming.

• The US Conference of Catholic Bishops is asking Congress to “act with urgency” in addressing global warming, noting that this issue reflects “a pre-eminent example of how our debate and decisions should reflect the pursuit of the common good, rather than the search for economic, political or other narrow advantage” (Independent Catholic News 2/9/07). Click here for text of letter.
• In its first consensus statement on climate change, the board of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) declared that global climate change is a “growing threat to society”, noting that “the longer we wait to tackle climate change, the harder and more expensive the task will be.” AAAS is the world's largest general scientific society (Houston Chronicle 2/18/07). Click here for text of consensus statement.
• Former chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, Paul Volcker spoke forcefully about the need to take action on global warming. “What may happen to the dollar, and what may happen to growth in China or whatever pale into insignificance compared with the question of what happens to this planet over the next 30 or 40 years if no action is taken” (Associated Press 2/6/07).
• Senator Boxer has called on President Bush to convene a global warming summit with the world's 12 largest emitters of greenhouse gases (2/6/07).

Conservative South Carolina Governor Creates Climate Change Group

Republican Governor Mark Sanford has issued an Executive Order creating a committee to review climate change impacts in South Carolina and formulate strategies to address those changes. In his Order he emphasized his conservative principles, observing that “while it's been my longtime belief as a conservative that I should exercise as many rights and freedoms as possible, those rights and freedoms end when they begin to infringe upon the rights of others….So based on this notion of some people losing rights and freedoms because of the actions of others – in either the quality of the air they breathe, geography they hold dear, the cost of their insurance, or future environmental impact to children they love, I think it is very reasonable for us to study climate change…” The committee has 6 objectives:

• Provide a comprehensive review of the ecological and economic impacts of global climate change in SC
• Propose ways to expand and improve the use of renewable energy sources
• Present recommendations encouraging energy conservation
• Review technological advances relating to energy efficiency and independence
• Compile an inventory and forecast of greenhouse gas emissions, presenting recommendations on reducing emissions, and
• Determine the economic benefits and feasibility associated with any recommended actions.
• The plan is due March 2008 (See Governor's Press Release and Executive Order 2/16/07).

Governors of Illinois and New Jersey Announce Substantial Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goals

• The Governor of Illinois has declared a statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal of 60% below 1990 levels by 2050. The Governor has created a Climate Change Advisory Group to define the strategies to implement these goals. Illinois has already taken many steps to lower emissions including reducing the overall number of state vehicles by 11% since 2003 and consuming more than 1 million gallons of biofuels in state vehicles since April 2004 (Governor's press release 2/13/07).
• The Governor of New Jersey issued an Executive Order to reduce greenhouse gas emission to 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2006 levels by 2050 (Governor's press release 2/13/07).

In Brief – Other National News of Note

City of Austin Intends to be the Nation's Leader in Addressing Global Warming. Mayor Will Wynn announced a plan that will, among other strategies: 1) power 100% of the city's facilities with renewable energy by 2012; 2) make the city fleet carbon neutral by 2020; and 3) make all new single-family homes zero net-energy capable by 2015. To see the entire remarkable plan click here and for the press release click here.

Prominent Messaging Consultant Shares Thoughts on Global Warming. For a fascinating interview with Frank Luntz, one of the nation's most prominent conservative messaging consultants, click here. He thinks the strongest way to message global warming and achieve a plan of action is to: 3) Emphasize polar bears; 2) Show people very visual images of the impacts of global warming; and 1) devise a plan for a solution that is embracing rather than divisive, and utilizes the notions of energy independence and efficiency.

Key International News

International Business and Religious Leaders Demand Action on Global Warming

Declaring that global warming is “an urgent problem that requires global action,” more than 90 major international corporations and organizations endorsed a statement calling for greenhouse gas emission reductions and policies to increase energy efficiency (Environment News Service 2/22/07).

• Signatories include Citigroup, Volvo, Rolls Royce, General Electric, Air France, Munich Re, and the World Council of Churches.
• The statement declares that governments throughout the world should set scientifically informed targets, including an ambitious but achievable interim, mid-century target for global CO₂ concentrations, for "stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system," in accordance with the stated objective of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• It also states: “Research indicates that heading off the very dangerous risks associated with doubling pre-industrial atmospheric concentrations of CO₂, while an immense challenge, can be achieved at a reasonable cost” (See full statement here).
• According to the chairman and CEO of Alcoa, “I am convinced that we can build a global plan of action on climate change in ways that create more economic opportunities than risks.”
• Notes chairman and CEO of General Electric, “Global businesses are assuming their just place as catalysts for action on climate change.”
• In a separate development, the Global Legislators Organization for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE) also issued a strong declaration about the need for developed as well as developing countries to take action on global warming (BBC 2/16/07).

Australia Announces Intent to Phase Out Incandescent Lights

Australia's environment minister announced that it is the government's intent to phase out incandescent light bulbs entirely within 3 year by increasing efficiency standards. Compact fluorescents will be able to meet these new standards, but incandescents, which generate more heat (90%) than light, will not.

• Australia used a similar regulatory method to phase out full-flow shower heads and full-size lavatory cisterns.
• “The most effective and immediate way we can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions is by using energy more efficiently…Electric lighting is a vital part of our lives; globally, it generates emissions equal to 70 percent of those from all the world's passenger vehicles” (New York Times 2/21/07).

In Brief – Other International News of Note

January 2007 Warmest on Record. According to NOAA, the earth was warmer in January 2007 than any other January on record. “ The combined global land and ocean surface temperature was 1.53°F (0.85°C) warmer than the 20th century average of 53.6°F (12.0°C) for January based on preliminary data, surpassing the previous record set in 2002 at 1.28°F (0.71°C) above the average” (NOAA 2/15/07).

World Bank Examines Impact of Sea Level Rise in 1 Meter on Developing Countries. According to a World Bank study, 60 million people in developing countries would need to abandon their homes with a rise of 1 meter in sea level. In countries such as Egypt and Vietnam with large settlements in river deltas, rising sea level would displace about one tenth of the population (Associated Press 2/13/07). There is also an excellent article in the Los Angeles Times about the impact of rising sea levels and other global warming impacts on Bangladesh (2/23/07).

Ireland Tax Dramatically Reduces Plastic Bag Use. In 2002, Ireland began taxing plastic bags, reducing their use by more than 90% and raising over 75 million euros. The number of bags used dropped from 328 per head to as low as 21 per head. The country is now increasing the tax per bag to 22 euro cents (29 cents US) from 15 euro cents (Planet Ark 2/22/07).

Rising Temperatures Result in Increased Hospitalization of Children. A University of Sydney study has linked global warming and hospital admissions for children under 6. Published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research, the study found that warmer temperatures resulted in increased emergency department visits in pre-schoolers for fever and gastroenteritis. Children are at greater risk of “overheating: because their brain's thermal regulation mechanism is not as well developed (Herald Sun 2/22/07).

British Children Losing Sleep over Global Warming. In a poll of 1,150 British children between 7 and 11, approximately 10% say that they regularly lose sleep over global warming. Many fear that they may suffer poor health as a result of climate change, and they are concerned about inundation and impacts of global warming on animals. About 15% of the children polled urge their parents to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GM TV 2/22/07 and National News 2/23/07).

$25,000,000 Offered for Greenhouse Gas Remover. Sir Richard Branson has offered a $25 million award for anyone who develops an economical way of removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. To win the award, the technology must remove at least 1 billion tons of greenhouse gases per year, be commercially viable, work for at least 10 years and not have countervailing harmful effects. Some have criticized this approach, noting that the focus should be on reducing the release of greenhouse gases, not trying to remove them from the atmosphere once there (Financial Times 2/10/07).

Dire Global Warming Forecast for China. The China Meteorological Administration has issued a ominous analysis and forecast regarding the impacts of global warming on that country. Among other official predictions, by 2050: temperatures will increase 2.3 to 3.3 degrees, glaciers will shrink by 27%, typhoons will become larger and more powerful and extreme rainfall would be much greater, sea levels will rise by 12 to 50 centimeters, and there will be more sandstorms due to increased desertification (Deutsche Presse 2/20/07).

European Environment Ministers Recommend 20% to 30% Cut in Emissions. The European Union environment ministers agreed on ambitious cuts in emissions: 20% below 1990 level, which could be increased to 30% if other industrialized countries participate. To become official, the target needs to be approved at the EU summit next month (Associated Press 2/21/07).

Upcoming Events and Other Announcements

March 1

What : Anchorage U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Public Hearing- regarding listing the polar bear as threatened
Where :Wilda Marston Theatre, Loussac Library, 3600 Denali Street, Anchorage.
When : 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
More Info : Cathy Rezabeck, Regional Outreach Coordinator, (907) 786-3351 or click here

March 5

What : Washington, DC U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Public Hearing- regarding listing the polar bear as threatened
Where : 6 to 9 pm, Dept. of Interior Auditorium, 1849 C St.
When : 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

March 6

What: Sitka Global Warming Group
Where : Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive, Sitka AK
When : 7:00 - 8:30 pm
More Info : mailto:soundsofalaska@yahoo.com

March 7

What : Barrow U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Public Hearing- regarding listing the polar bear as threatened
Where : Inupiat Heritage Center
When : 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
More Info : Cathy Rezabeck, Regional Outreach Coordinator, (907) 786-3351 or click here

March 17

What: Pump It Up Day- Be green and save green for Saint Patty's
Where :At designated gas stations across Anchorage- locations TBA
When : 10:00 am - 2pm
More Info : Click here

April 9

What : Deadline to comment on the Proposal to List the Polar Bear as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Where : Send an E-mail to: mailto:Polar_Bear_Finding@fws.gov
More Info : Go to our BE HEARD page.

April 24-26

What : Alaska Rural Energy Conference
Where : Westmark Hotel, Fairbanks
When : 3-day event with concurrent sessions on renewable energy, energy efficiency, training, fuel cells, village energy planning, and many other topics.
More Info : Rebecca Garrett at Alaska Energy Authority at mailto:rgarrett@aidea.orgor Shannon Watson at UAF mailto:fnslw@uaf.edu

As this monthly report illustrates, the demands for governmental action on global warming are increasing in strength and numbers. Many states are responding; but federal action is urgently needed. Thank you for being part of the solution.