Global Warming News from Alaska
March 30, 2007
Reporting from The Front Line

Dear Friends,

Voices from Alaska, and throughout the nation and the world, spoke clearly and forcefully this month about global warming. As a result, there is a lot of news to report.

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

Alaska Natives Present Over 140 Global Warming Resolutions to Congress

A distinguished group of Alaska Natives presented to Congress over 140 climate change resolutions from tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Alaska Native Organizations.

• The Alaska Native Global Warming Resolutions emphasized many significant adverse impacts from climate change, including: "Climate-related changes to the weather, food sources, and local landscapes undermine the social identity and cultural survival of Alaska Natives … as well as the enormous cost of relocating flooded villages."
• The Resolution called for "the United States Congress and the President of the United States to move forward on a national, mandatory program to reduce climate change pollution and promote development and adoption of renewable energy within a timeframe that prevents irreversible harm to public health, the community, and the environment."
• Anna Davidson, a Yupik from the Bethel area, worked with Alaska Native organizations on these resolutions because "I believe that global warming represents the single greatest threat to the future of Alaska Native cultures. Global warming is causing massive disruptions to our communities, our peoples, and our environment. Congress needs to act immediately." Heather Kendall-Miller with the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) also worked closely with tribes on the Resolution.

To read the Anchorage Daily News article about the resolutions click here, and to hear the Alaska Public Radio Network story click here.

Alaska Impacts from Global Warming Highlighted in Congressional Hearing

On March 20, the House Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals held a hearing entitled, "Towards a Clean Energy Future: Energy Policy and Climate Change on Public Lands."

• Chairman Jim Costa asked Alaska Conservation Solutions (AkCS) to testify about the adverse impacts from global warming on Alaska's public lands, as well as to examine renewable energy opportunities.
• AkCS's testimony summarized the dramatic, scientifically documented, adverse effects that global warming is having on national wildlife refuges, national parks and other public lands in Alaska, as well as the positive, renewable energy opportunities. To read e entire testimony click here (See PetroleumNews 3/26/07 ).
• The hearing also featured testimony from several other witnesses including Auden Schendler who testified about the impacts on the ski industry (Aspen Daily News 3/21/07).

Alaska Municipalities, the State Legislature, and Alaska’s Senators Are Making Additional Progress on Addressing Global Warming

Both Juneau and Homer made important strides in March, while several good bills progressed in the state legislature.

• Juneau's Mayor Bruce Botelho joined the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement. There are now over 400 mayors nationwide who have signed up. Subsequently, the Juneau Assembly voted to participate in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, sponsored by ICLEI (Resolution 2397(b)). Congratulations Mayor Botelho and Juneau.
• The Homer City Council also approved a resolution authorizing Homer to join the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign. Congratulations Homer.
• The bill creating a renewable energy fund, HB152, moved out House Community and Regional Affairs Committee, with a long list of bi-partisan co-sponsors.
• A bill that would require retail suppliers of electricity to disclose their sources of electricity, CSHB28, passed out of House Labor and Commerce.
• Senators Stevens and Murkowski are co-sponsoring legislation entitled Creating Renewable Energy through Science and Technology (CREST), which is designed to expedite the development of wind, solar, wave, geothermal and biofuels technology (Press Release 3/28/07). Senator Stevens has also introduced the Federal Agency Management Responsibility Act, which would establish efficiency goals for federal agencies and require federal buildings to use energy efficient light bulbs, more renewable energy, and more recycled content products, among other measures (Press Release 3/30/07).

Climate Change Day of Action a Success

On March 20th, thousands of individuals from 45 states came to Washington DC for the first Climate Change Day of Action, organized by the Alaska Wilderness League.

• Alaska was featured prominently, including presentations by Mayor Stanley Tocktoo from Shishmaref, Robert Thompson from Kaktovik, and Sarah James from Arctic Village (See Washington Post Article 3/21/07 ; Nation commentary ).
• Many Congressional representatives spoke passionately about the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to stop global warming, including Senator Boxer, Senator Kerry, Congressman Markey, and Congressman Waxman. At the Rally, Congressman Waxman announced the introduction, that day, of his Safe Climate Act.

Last Call for Comments on Polar Bear Listing

There are only ten days remaining to submit comments to the US Fish and Wildlife Service in support of listing polar bears as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The deadline is April 9. Comments can be submitted electronically at mailto:Polar_Bear_Finding@fws.govor 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 submitted comments click here (http://www.alaskaconservationsolutions.com/acs/be-heard.html).

FWS Memos Direct Alaska Employees Not to Discuss Polar Bears or Global Warming

The Alaska Office of the US Fish and Wildlife Service issued e-mails and model memos to restrict employees on foreign travel from discussing polar bears, global warming or sea ice.

• The memos required traveling employees to declare that they "understand the administration's position on climate change, polar bears, and sea ice and will not be speaking on or responding to these issues" (New York Times 3/8/07 ; San Francisco Chronicle 3/9/07).
• Congressional committees are investigating this development (Washington Post 3/10/07).
• More generally, the Government Accountability Project released a report entitled "Redacting the Science of Climate Change" that describes many other efforts by the Administration to suppress global warming information (click here).

Alaska in the News and in Reports

Among the many outstanding March news stories about Alaska not referenced above, we especially recommend the following:

• Nightline produced an exceptional segment on Shishmaref, featuring the plight of this community and its need to relocate because of global warming (http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2971911). BBC also published an excellent article about Shishmaref, closing with "The impact of global warming is vivid. Just ask the people of Shishmaref" (BBC 3/3/07).
• Several presenters discussed the impacts of global warming on marine ecosystems, fishing, and coastal communities at the ComFish forum in Kodiak. For a report on the presentations, including Dr. Jeff Short's statements about ocean acidification and Bob Pawlowski's observations about coastal changes, see the Kodiak Daily Mirror 3/19/07.
• For an article on the benefits to Alaska companies of managing and mitigating their exposure to climate-change risks see Journal of Commerce 3/18/07.
• The Los Angeles Times produced an excellent article entitled, "Global warming: enough to make you sick" that features Alaska's tropical oyster contamination episode (LATimes 2/25/07).
• A comprehensive article about some of the newly discovered impacts of global warming on permafrost in Alaska and the entire Arctic is found in Science News 3/10/07.
• Alaska in Montana. Alaska Conservation Solutions traveled to Montana to discuss the dramatic impacts from global warming in Alaska, and the implications for Montana. In over 10 speeches, AkCS spoke to approximately 1,000 Montanans. Press coverage included lengthy articles in: Missoulian 3/1/07; Bozeman Daily Chronicle 2/28/07 ; and the Missoulian Independent.
• Report. The Marine Conservation Alliance (which represents harvesters, processors and some coastal communities) published a report which, among other issues, highlights the growing impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems and the need to factor global warming into fishery management decisions. The report states that: "This long-term warming trend is changing the distribution, abundance, and behavior of important commercial species. It is also reducing production of organisms that sustain much of the marine food web, particularly in the Northern Bering Sea, because warming is occurring faster as high latitudes" (EurekAlert 3/22/07).

Key National News

Congressional Global Warming Legislative and Committee Developments

There were three major climate change Congressional highlights this month:

• Congressman Waxman has introduced an outstanding bill: The Safe Climate Act of 2007 (H.R. 1590) (For summary click here). It calls for emission reductions of 80% from 1990 levels by 2050, though a multi-faceted set of strategies: cap and trade, renewables, vehicle standards, and efficiency. It is co-sponsored by more than 125 members. For an excellent discussion on the need to take a comprehensive approach to climate change legislation, see NYTimes 3/28/07)
• Speaker Pelosi announced the membership of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. The Committee is being chaired by Congressman Ed Markey, and includes 14 others including ranking minority member Congressman Sensenbrenner (Washington Post 3/12/07). The committee will begin holding hearings after the Easter/Passover Recess.
• Former Vice President Al Gore testified in both the Senate and the House, receiving outstanding coverage. Mr. Gore presented a 10 point plan for addressing global warming, including recommendations on taxes, coal-fired power plants, CAFÉ, light bulbs, and SEC reporting (Truthout 3/24/07).

Good News and Bad News on Renewable Energy

The focus on renewable energy is intensifying. The good and bad news includes:

• Solar. The Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a new initiative with a group of companies to make solar technology affordable for everyone by 2015. DOE will invest up to $168 million for this effort, and the business members, including General Electric and Dow, will contribute an additional $189 million (Sciencenow 3/9/07).
• Wave and Tidal. In the last 3 years, nearly five dozen applications for ocean power have been filed with U.S. energy regulators. Very recently, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has filed for permits to study wave power at two California sites, and will be spending $3 million. PG&E intends to take a leadership role in wave power (LA Times 3/11/07). Also, the US will help fund research into harnessing the Pacific Ocean to generate energy for Pacific islands to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels (ABC Radio Australia 3/26/07)
• Cellulosic Ethanol. DOE announced that it will invest up to $385 million during the next four years for six biorefinery projects. These refineries will use non-food based biomass such as perennial grasses, agricultural waste, and forest residues. Together, with industry contributions, more than $1.2 million will be invested in these biorefineries, which will be located in Kansas, Florida, California, South Dakota, Virginia, and Colorado (Greenbiz.com 3/8/07).
• Geothermal. The Department of Energy has eliminated funding for geothermal power in its fiscal-year 2008 budget. A recent MIT study found that geothermal power – if funded -- could provide 100,000 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 80 million homes by 2050. DOE's previous geothermal program director left the Department when he recognized that DOE was cutting funding (Washington Post 3/13/07). On the good news side, Senator Lisa Murkowski successfully inserted $125 million into the Senate 2008 Budget Resolution for geothermal, ocean and small hydro power. We will monitor this development (Murkowski newsletter 3/23/07).
• Backyard Fuel Cells. Tired of too much policy discussion? For a wonderful article explaining how to set up your own backyard fuel cell click here.

Impacts from Global Warming Reported Across the Nation

• Lake Superior Much Warmer. According to scientists at the University of Minnesota, the summer surface temperature of Lake Superior has increased by about 4.5 o F since 1979 (earthtimes.org 3/22/07).
• Vermont Maple Syrup Industry Adversely Impacted. Winter temperatures in the Northeast have increased by 2.8 o F since 1971. A scientist at the University of Vermont, who has studied maple syrup production over the last 40 years, has determined that the season is progressively getting earlier and shorter to the detriment of the Vermont maple syrup industry, and is "convinced that it is climatic influence." Trees and production are moving into Canada (New York Times 3/3/07)
• Moose Populations Decline in Michigan Park. Warm summers on Isle Royale National Park have adversely affected moose in two ways: they eat less and are subject to increased infestations of ticks. Since 2002, the population has shrunk from over 1000 moose to 385 (Michigan Tech 3/11/07).
• Multiple Impacts in Summerhaven, Arizona. In an excellent NY Times article, multiple global warming impacts in the mountains above Tucson, Arizona are discussed. "The West has warmed more than any other place in the United States outside Alaska " observed Dr. Overpeck (NYTimes 3/27/07).

In Brief – Other National News of Note

More Corporations are Taking Steps to Reduce Emissions and Others Are Advocating for Congressional Action. Impressively, Bank of America has begun a $20 billion, ten year initiative to enhance the growth of environmentally sustainable business activities (for the full details, click here). General Motors announced its intent to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its US plants by 40% (Detroit News 3/22/07). Notably, 65 large investors, which collectively manage $4 trillion in assets -- including Merrill Lynch, the Capital Group and California Public Employees Retirement System -- asked Congress to pass stiff, mandatory laws addressing global warming, seeking reductions below 1990 levels of 60-90% (prnews 3/19/07) (Reuters 3/17/07).

New Bond Index Factors in Risks of Global Warming, As Does New Appraisal Service. JPMorgan and Innovest Strategic Value Advisors have created the first bond index – the JPMorgan Environmental Index Carbon Beta – to address the risks of global warming. Known as the JENI-Carbon Beta, this index factors in, for the first time, risks and opportunities associated with climate change (for more information click here). For property, Climate Appraisal Services, in association with University of Arizona scientists, is offering the nation's first online, address-based climate risk reporting service (http://www.climateappraisal.com/). Fee: $30 (ScienceDaily 3/27/07).

US Blocking Progress on International Front, While US Emissions are Projected to Rise. According to Germany's environment minister, the US blocked progress on two key global warming issues at the Group of Eight's March meeting by opposing both carbon emissions trading and rewards for developing nations that protect their natural assets. Apparently the United States was "not subtle" in its opposition (BBC News 3/17/07). At the same time, a draft government report shows that US emissions of greenhouse gases are projected to increase by 19% between 2000 and 2020, under the Bush Administration's policies (Associated Press 3/3/07).

Ocean Acidification Developments. The Center for Biological Diversity has petitioned California to regulate carbon dioxide under the Clean Water Act. Since clean water laws regulate pH levels, and because CO₂ increases the acidity of water, CBD asserts that states should regulate CO₂ emissions (Reuters 3/1/07). Elsewhere, in laboratory tests mussels and oysters showed diminished calcification abilities with projected century-end acidification levels (ScienceDaily 3/19/07). Finally, actual ocean acidity continues to accelerate from human generated CO₂, matching the prediction of computer models (Sciencenow 2/17/07).

Key International News

This Winter Was Warmest on Record

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the surface temperature of the earth from December through February was the warmest since records began in 1880 (NOAA 3/15/07).

• For this period, the temperature was 1.3°F above the 20 th century mean.
• The NOAA site shows very interesting temperature anomalies for these 3 months, including warmer than average temperatures for most of Alaska.

European Union Establishes the World's Leading Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals

The 27-member European Union (EU) has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20% from 1990 levels by the year 2020. If other nations agree to reduce emissions, the EU will increase their reductions to 30% (New York Times 3/10/07).

• The agreement also requires that 20% of energy comes from renewable sources (it now constitutes 7%), and will result in the phasing out of incandescent light bulbs through higher energy efficiency standards. Using compact fluorescents instead will reduce EU's carbon emission by up to 25 million ton per year (Telegraph 3/10/07).
• Prime Minister Tony Blair observed, "It gives Europe a clear leadership position on this crucial issue facing the world."

World's Cereal Crops Harmed By Global Warming

Between 1981 and 2002, rising temperatures caused a drop in wheat, corn and barley production of approximately 40 million tons per year as documented in a study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters (The Independent 3/26/07).

• "Most people tend to think of climate change as something that will impact the future, but this study shows that warming over the past two decades has already had real effects on global food supply," notes Dr. Christopher Field.
• The study demonstrates an inverse relationship between temperatures and crop yields. For every 0.5 o C increase in average temperatures, the crop yields fell between 3 and 5%.

New United Nations Secretary General and Others Express Great Concern about Global Warming

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, in his first statement on global warming observed, "the danger posed by war to all of humanity and to our planet is at least matched by the climate crisis and global warming"(BBC 3/2/07).

• The Secretary General noted that poor people living in Africa and small island states would suffer the most from global warming, even though they are least responsible for it.
• In England, the former director-general of the Meteorolgical Office and chairman of the royal Commission on Environmental Pollution said that global warming is a "weapon of mass destruction" (Independent 3/18/07).

In Brief – Other International News of Note

Brazil Hopes to Almost Triple Ethanol Exports in Seven Years. With an investment of about $13.4 billion to build 89 new production plants, Brazil hopes to nearly triple ethanol exports in the next 7 years. Destination: Japan (Bloomberg.com 3/14/07).

Canadians Believe Global Warming Second Most Important Issue. In a large poll, 30% of Canadians believe that global warming is the top issue for politicians to address, second only to health care that polled at 31% (CBC News 3/22/07). One other Canadian note: through an in depth statistical analysis, a Canadian professor has demonstrated that it is prudent to take action now to reduce human causes of greenhouse gases, regardless of whether or not you are convinced that global warming is mostly human caused ("Statistical Analysis Debunks Climate Change Naysayers", Science Daily 3/19/07).

Uganda to Plant 125 million Trees This Year. Because it has experienced unprecedented high temperatures, Uganda has launched a program to plant 125 million trees this year, with the expectation that every person in the country will plant at least 5 trees to help reduce global warming (Monitor 3/26/07).

Winter/Spring Changes from Global Warming Seen Throughout World. A story in The Independent observes, "the visible impact on Britain's wildlife has manifested itself in the form of earlier than normal breeding, egg-laying, nesting and flowering of plants and tress … linked to global warming in a whole series of scientific studies" (Independent 3/26/07) In Italy, a new study has determined that many plants are flowering 10 to 20 days earlier than usual. Farmers are also experiencing greater soil erosion due to warmer, drier weather (Planet Ark 3/16/07). Asia is experiencing shorter winters and less snow (Tokyo received no snow for the first time in 130 years) (Taipei Times 3/17/07).

New Developments/Investments in Renewable Energy and Carbon Capture. Portugal intends to invest $10.8 billion in renewable energy projects during the next 5 years, creating 10,000 new jobs and achieving a 45% renewable energy contribution to their total energy demand. The major sources will be wave, solar, wind and hydropower (International Herald Tribune 3/22/07). Canada will invest $156 million for carbon capture or other trial projects and has created a joint federal-Alberta panel to recommend how best to implement carbon capture technology (Canada.com 3/9/07). Norway is establishing a state-owned company to manage and enhance its carbon capture and storage projects. Norway plans to build the world's largest full-scale carbon capture and storage project at Mongstad (Reuters 3/5/07).

Cities at Risk from Global Warming Inundation. In a study published in the journal Environment and Urbanization, researchers reveal that more than two-thirds of the world's large cities are at risk from inundation from global warming (AP 3/27/07). Also, for an excellent analysis of the IPCC sea level numbers see RealClimate 3/27/07.

Global Warming Enhances Spread of Dengue Fever. Dengue fever is spreading throughout South America, and scientists and health professionals are pointing to global warming as fueling this epidemic (InterPressServiceNewsAgency 3/27/07). Brazil reported 85,000 cases in January and February 2007, almost a 30% increase from the same time period in 2006.

German Study Underscores Tremendous Costs of Global Warming. According to a study issued by the German Institute for Economic Research, global warming will cost Germany 800 million Euros by 2050 and 3 trillion Euros by 2100 (Spiegel Online 3/15/07). Similar to the Stern Report, this analysis makes the case that taking action is less costly than doing nothing.

Next IPCC Report to Be Issued April 6. Focusing on the impacts of global warming, the much anticipated, second installment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report will be issued April 6 (click here for an outline of the report). I will distribute a copy of the "Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability" report, and a brief summary, when it is issued.

Upcoming Events and Other Announcements

April 4

What: AWEN is hosting a screening of the European documentary, Unnatural Selection
Where: Taproot Cafe in the Huffman Plaza, Anchorage
When: Begins at 7:00 pm
More Info: mailto:info@awenalaska.org

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: Polar_Bear_Finding@fws.gov
More Info: Go to our BE HEARD page.

April 10

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.org

April 10

What: Citizens Against Global Warming
Where: Alaska Center for the Environment, Anchorage
When: 6:00 - 8:00 pm

April 12-13

What: Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission
Where: Anchorage Legislative Information Office, 716 W 4th Avenue, Suite 200, Anchorage
More Info: Public testimony will be taken on 4/12 from 6-8 PM and on 4/13 from 9-12pm and 1-3pm

April 14

What: Tropical Beach Party
Where: Westchester Lagoon, Anchorage
When: 10:00AM to 01:00PM;8:30am breakfast at Snow City 10am Meet at Elderberry Park to walk the coastal trail 11am Tropical Beach Party at Westchester Lagoon
More Info: Wear your Hawaiian shirt and bring something to grill.

April 21

What: Sustainable Energy Initiatives
Where: University Alaska Fairbanks Constitution Plaza Outside Wood Center, Fairbanks
When: 10:00AM to 11:00PM
More Info: Visit Step It Up

April 22

What: Earth Day Celebration - Sierra Club
Where: Russian Jack Chalet, Anchorage
When: 2-5pm

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 mailto:rgarrett@aidea.orgor Shannon Watson at UAF mailto:fnslw@uaf.edu

June 14

What: 10th Anniversary Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo
Where: House Cannon Caucus Room 345, Washington DC
More Info:(202) 347-2774

July 7

What: Al Gore hosts a 24-hour concert on all seven continents to highlight the dangers of global warming.
Where: Sydney, Australia ; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ; Shanghai, China ; London, England ; Kyoto, Japan ; Johannesburg, South Africa ; and a U.S. city that has yet to be determined
When: July 7
More Info: Click here

As this monthly report illustrates, the demands for governmental action on global warming are increasing in strength and numbers. Thank you for being part of the solution.