Global Warming News from Alaska
May 31, 2007
Reporting from The Front Line

Dear Friends,

Four major global warming themes emerged in May. As demonstrated by the IPCC report, addressing global warming is feasible and economic. Fortunately, many new companies, cities, states, and countries are taking critical actions to reduce their emissions. However, world-wide emissions are increasing and the Bush administration and others are undercutting essential international efforts to address global warming. And, while all of this is happening, the negative impacts from global warming are accelerating, especially in polar regions. The Arctic Ice Cap, certain Alaska glaciers and Antarctica are melting more than previously predicted or observed.

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

Arctic Ice Cap Melting Much Faster Than Previously Estimated

Using prior data from ships and aircraft, together with satellite imagery, scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research and the National Center for Atmospheric Research have concluded that arctic sea ice is melting three times faster than previously calculated in models (Associated Press 5/1/07; NSIDC 4/30/07).

• Published in Geophysical Research Letters, the study calculates that Arctic Sea ice has declined by approximately 7.8% per decade between 1953 and 2006.
• The average rate of decline in previous models was "only" 2.5% per decade.
• This most recent study indicates that greenhouse gases have a greater role than previous models suggested. "Our study indicates that the impacts of greenhouse gases on Arctic sea ice are strong and growing," said NSIDC scientist and co-author Mark Serreze.

Bering Glacier Melting Faster Than Previously Estimated

Representing more than 15% of all the ice in Alaska, the Bering Glacier is melting twice as fast as previously believed, releasing approximately 8 trillion gallons of water a year into the ocean – or the equivalent of two Colorado Rivers (Detroit Free Press 5/12/07 ; Michigan Tech Media 5/10/07).

• The largest and longest glacier in North America, the Bering Glacier has retreated about a third of a mile per year. For its measurements, the scientists who conducted this study used state of the art sensor technology to measure the melting of the glacier.
• According to the co-director of the Michigan Tech Research Institute, this melt rate suggest that Alaska's glaciers could contribute to the world's oceans an amount of fresh water rivaling that of Greenland, and could change the circulation of ocean currents in the Gulf of Alaska.
• For an excellent discussion about glacier mass balance in North America, see Real Climate 5/24/07. This analysis notes, for example, that Alaska's Columbia Glacier which has also retreated dramatically, "is definitely responding to the climate of the last 30 years."

Extensive Melting in Western Antarctica Documented

According to satellite data, an area the size of California melted in Western Antarctica in January 2005 in response to warm temperatures (NASA 5/15/07 ; New York Times 5/16/07).

• This represents the most substantial melt observed in the last three decades.
• Melting even occurred at high elevations (higher than 6,600 feet) and at high latitudes (within 310 miles of the South Pole). This was previously considered unlikely.

Department of Natural Resources Solicited Geothermal Lease Applications

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources called for applications for geothermal leases adjacent to Mont Spurr and Augustine Volcano (Anchorage Daily News 5/17/07).

• This is the first Cook Inlet geothermal lease offering in 20 years.
• Mr. Spurr is located near the largest power grid for Alaska (See DNR request for details on their solicitation).
• According to DNR, 30 applications were submitted.

State Legislation Update

The first session of the Alaska Legislature has adjourned. Unfortunately, after passing unanimously in the House, the legislation creating a Renewable Energy Fund (HB 152) did not reach the floor of the Senate for a vote. The good news is that the Senate can pass this important bill next year. Alternatively, given her interest in promoting renewable energy, Governor Palin could place this bill on the upcoming Special Session agenda for passage.

Newtok Featured in National Story

The imperiled community of Newtok Alaska is featured in a stunning article by the New York Times entitled: "Engulfed by Climate Change, Town Seeks Lifeline."(New York Times 5/27/07).

• Reporter William Yardley traveled to Newtok, "the frontier of climate change" and observed the impacts of melting permafrost and receding shorelines on a community that must be moved because of global warming.
• There is no plan yet, or money, for how Newtok or other at-risk communities will move major buildings such as schools. The article notes that "village relocation in Alaska is not a priority at the White House."
• Newtok, like Shishmaref and Kivalina, is a federally recognized tribe. A senior planner with the Corps of Engineers, who prepared a report regarding the needs of several villages, believes that the communities should be moved as communities. "They are the very first of the people that were inhabiting North America thousands of years ago. Talk about a rich and unique American culture. Is it worth it? There's more to it than just economics."
• On a related note, Shishmaref has launched an excellent new web site regarding their relocation needs at http://www.shishmarefrelocation.com/.

Other Arctic Developments and Items of Note

• The Arctic Exhibit at the Smithsonian Modified. According to a former administrator at the Smithsonian, the museum diluted their exhibit entitled "Arctic: A Friend Acting Strangely" to interject more uncertainty and create more ambiguity regarding global warming. A scientific consultant on the project added that "I remember them telling me there was an attempt to make sure there was nothing in there that would be upsetting to any politicians…They're not stupid. They don't want to upset the people who pay them" (Associated Press 5/21/07).
• USDA Offers Grants for Rural Renewable Energy and Efficiency Improvements. According to Karen Dearlove, Special Projects Representative, the Department of Agriculture is providing grants for rural energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy projects. For more information, contact Karen at 907-761-7716.
• Will Steger Completes Arctic Journey. Traversing 1,000 miles over 78 days, Will Steger completed his global warming journey across the Canadian arctic. He heard about the influx of non-indigenous species, decreases in hunting days due to melting ice, and many other impacts (National Geographic 5/15/07).

Alaska and the Arctic in the News

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

• For an excellent analysis of the impacts of warming oceans on Alaska's marine environment, see "Warming ocean: so fish move north" by Doug O'Harra (Far North Science 5/21/07).The article is based, in part, on Dr. Gordon Kruse's testimony before the U.S. Senate. He also notes that Senator Ted Stevens issued a press release saying there needs to be targeted research on the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on fisheries.
• The Anchorage Daily News published an outstanding OpEd by Mary Walker, which emphasizes the human dimensions of global warming, especially with respect to human death and family tragedy. The OpEd stems from a meeting with two Russian indigenous leaders who described the dramatic, adverse impacts that global warming is having on walrus, reindeer, their communities, and especially their families (Anchorage Daily News 5/25/07).
• An Associated Press article examines the State of Alaska's opposition to the listing of the polar bear, and reactions to the State's questionable comments (Associated Press 5/6/07).
• For a comprehensive article regarding an Alaska Conservation Solutions presentation to the Kenai Peninsula Historical Society click here. As one participant noted, "It's a difficult subject, but necessary to understand because of how important it is" (Peninsula Clarion 5/7/07).
• Several Arctic indigenous leaders traveled to Washington DC and other locations to discuss the impacts of global warming. To read an excellent Reuters article about their observations, click here (Reuters 5/3/07).

Key National News

Global Warming Impact on Salmon in Northwest Analyzed

A group of eleven scientists presented a report to the Northwest Power Planning Council regarding the impacts of climate change on salmon (Associated Press 5/17/07). Among other findings:

• Temperatures in the Northwest have already increased nearly 2° F since 1900.
• More precipitation will fall as rain, as opposed to snow, causing higher winter flow rates and warmer water temperatures
• In Idaho and Oregon, more than 40% of rivers will be too warm for salmon by 2090, and in Washington the percentage will be 22%. Bull trout, which require even colder waters, will be even more greatly affected. To see the entire 146 page report, click here.
• Warmer waters contribute to premature hatching, weakened adults, and more parasites and diseases.

Recent Congressional Developments

There were numerous legislative developments this month, including:

• Global Warming Education Provision Passes House. The House of Representatives amended the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2007 (H.R.1867) to incorporate the development of formal and informal education materials concerning global warming, including K-12 curriculum, exhibits and audiovisual material. The amendment passed with a 252-165 vote (Honda press release 5/4/07).
• Department of Defense Global Warming Amendment Passes Committee. A provision requiring the Department of Defense to consider the national security risks created by global warming in several key strategy documents was successfully included in committee mark-up of the Senate Defense Authorization Act for FY2008 by a 19-6 vote (Clinton press release 5/25/07).
• Automobile Efficiency Measure Passes Senate Commerce Committee. Co-sponsored by Senator Inouye and Senator Ted Stevens, a bill that would increase average fuel economy to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, and make other advances, passed the Senate Commerce Committee (Reuters 5/9/07).
• Increased Global Warming Appropriations and Commission Proposed. The House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee reported a bill that includes increased funding for global warming issues and the creation of a 2-year "Commission on Climate Change and Adaptation." The Commission will be headed by the President of the National Academy of Sciences and include officials from federal agencies with major climate change responsibilities. The FY 2008 appropriation bill also includes a total of $267 million for climate change activities: $67 million for Interior agencies and $200 million for EPA (News from Congressman Norm Dicks 5/23/07).
• Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act and the Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007. Congressmen Norm Dicks, Jay Inslee and Jim Saxon introduced H.R. 2338, the Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act. The bill calls for improved science capacity for federal agencies to respond to global warming as well as a national strategy for protecting, acquiring and restoring wildlife habitat in order to build resilience to global warming (See analysis).These provisions are also included in a larger bill introduced by Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall, the Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007, H.R. 2337. Additional provisions include alternative energy and efficiency measures (See press release 5/16/07).
• Subsidies for Coal Prevalent. Numerous legislative provisions supporting the use of coal are currently in Congress. These include: loan guarantees for 6 to 10 large coal-to-liquid plants; tax credits for coal-based fuel of 51 cents per gallon; and authorization for the Air Force to adopt 25-year contracts for approximately a billion gallons a year of coal-based jet fuel. In 2004 and 2005, the coal industry spent $6 million on federal lobbying, triple what was spent each year from 2000 to 2004 (New York Times 5/29/07).
• Carbon Tax Proposed. Congressman Stark introduced the Save Our Climate Act, which imposes a progressive carbon tax designed to achieve an 80% reduction in emissions (Stark press release).

Bush Administration Opposes Germany's G-8 Efforts to Reduce Greenhouse Gases

The host of the next G-8 meeting, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, is seeking from the group of eight industrial members significant greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments – 50% reductions by 2050.

• Unfortunately, the Bush administration has made it clear that they oppose mandatory reductions (New York Times 5/26/07).
• In undiplomatic language, Bush administration negotiators complained that Merkel's proposal "crosses multiple red lines in terms of what we simply cannot agree to," adding: "We have tried to tread lightly but there is only so far we can go given our fundamental opposition to the German position."
• Fifteen Congressional Committee Chairmen urged the President not to weaken the proposed G-8 declaration (Letter 5/18/07).
• In a separate action, the Bush Administration will also firmly resist a European proposal to make airlines pay for aircraft emissions (Reuters 5/14/07).

In Brief – Other National News of Note

US Emissions Declined in 2006. According to initial estimates released by the Energy Information Administration, US carbon dioxide emissions fell by 1.3% in 2006, the first such decline since 2001. While the economy grew last year, emissions likely declined because of several factors including weather conditions, higher gasoline prices, and increased use of natural gas. While this is positive news, the Administration estimates US greenhouse gas emissions will rise more than 30% during the next 25 years (Washington Post 5/24/07).

States Seeking Stricter Vehicle Emission Standards. Twelve states, including California, are asking the Environmental Protection Agency for a waiver under the Clean Air Act that will enable them to utilize higher vehicle emission standards. The standards would require automakers to reduce exhaust by 25% from cars and light trucks and by 18% from SUVs. The EPA could take up to two years to make its decision, but California intends to sue if EPA has not acted by October. EPA can reject the waiver only if the states do not need the higher standards "to meet compelling and extraordinary conditions" or 2) the standards are inconsistent with other provisions of the Clean Air Act (Christian Science Monitor 5/29/07).

31 States Form Greenhouse Gas Registry. A new Climate Registry will start next year and include 31 states and two Canadian Provinces – British Columbia and Manitoba. The Registry will track, verify, and publicly report emissions across industry sectors, and include corporations, nonprofit groups and municipalities. The states involved represent 70% of the nation's population (Reuters 5/8/07).

Tribes Benefiting from Sale of Carbon Credits. Numerous tribes are initiating carbon sequestration projects. The Lummi in northwestern Washington purchased 1,700 acres that had been logged, reforested the land, and sold sequestration rights to a power company. The Nez Perce reservation is participating in an Indian tribe carbon portfolio created by the National Carbon Offset Coalition in Butte, Montana. As a senior policy analyst for the National Tribal Environmental Council notes, tribes "see climate change as a really big issue" (New York Times 5/8/07).

Extreme Summer Temperatures in Eastern United States Predicted. In the Journal of Climate, scientists published a study suggesting that summer temperatures in the eastern US could increase by almost 10° F by the 2080's due to global warming. Alarmingly, in cities like Washington, Chicago, and Atlanta, daily high temperatures in July and August could average between 100 and 110° F (United Press International 5/10/07).

Yahoo Pledges Carbon Neutrality and Launches Yahoo Green; and Walmart Cuts Mercury in CFLs. As the biggest US Internet media company, Yahoo has launched Yahoo Green (http://green.yahoo.com/) and pledged to become carbon neutral. The Yahoo Green site includes personal greenhouse gas emission strategies. Yahoo has approximately 500 million monthly users. Also this month, Walmart announced that it has worked with its suppliers to reduce the amount of mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs by as much as a third this year (Associated Press 5/10/07).

Renewable Energy Could Satisfy Significant Demand in US. The American Council on Renewable Energy has published a report concluding that by 2025 renewable energy could supply up to 50% of the nation's current electricity demand and 40% of our transportation fuel demand. To achieve these percentages, there need to be policy changes (CNN 5/2/07).

Energy Efficiency Opportunities are Many. Also this month, the McKinsey Global Institute presented a study that electricity consumption in residential buildings could be reduced by more than 35% by 2020 through the adoption of energy efficiency measures, such as compact fluorescents and high-efficiency water heaters and kitchen appliances. Consumption in commercial buildings could be reduced by 20%. Because of numerous market imperfections, the study concludes that there needs to be more stringent product standards (McKinsey & Company May 2007). The U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and other international academies, agree that energy efficiency standards, and other measures, are critically needed (See Statement 5/07). Unfortunately, the federal government recently refused to increase energy efficiency requirements for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems; but this decision is being challenged through two lawsuits, including one by Massachusetts (Planet Ark 5/8/07).

State of Washington Enacts Rigorous Greenhouse Gas Reduction Bill. Washington's new law, SB6001, seeks to reduce greenhouse gases by 50% below 1990 levels (News Tribune 5/3/07).

Key International News

Follow-up to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report on Needed Emission Reductions

On May 4, the IPCC issued its third report, concluding that cataclysmic global warming can be averted economically with current and projected technology. Alaska Conservation Solutions sent out a summary of the report on the 4th (to see the summary click here). For immediate access to the summary for policy makers report, click here.

• As Bill Hare and others note, the report "shows that it's economically and technically feasible to make deep emission reductions sufficient to limit warming to 2° C" (BBC 5/4/07).
• Unfortunately, after the IPCC report was published, the Global Carbon Project released an analysis showing that global carbon emissions have been growing at a much faster rate than used in the IPCC analyses. From 2000 to 2004, CO₂ emissions showed a 3% growth rate per year, which is triple the rate during the 1990s. The carbon intensity, the amount of CO₂ produced per unit of energy generated, of the world economy has also increased (Christian Science Monitor 5/22/07). Moreover, in a separate report, the US projects that global CO₂ emissions will increase by 59% from 2004 to 2030 (Reuters 5/21/07).

Southern Ocean Carbon Sink Saturated and Other Ocean News

In a study published in Science, researchers have determined that the Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean) has not increased its absorption of CO₂ since 1981, even though emissions have risen by 40% (ScienceAlert 5/18/07).

• In the past, the Earth's carbon sinks have absorbed about half of all human generated carbon emissions, and the Southern Ocean has accounted for 15% of this sink.
• Because the Southern Ocean is not absorbing additional emissions, atmospheric emissions will increase faster than predicted.
• In other ocean buffering news, two Pacific Ocean deep-sea scientific expeditions examining plankton reveal that the Pacific and other oceans might not be able to store as much carbon as previously calculated (Santa Cruz Sentinel 5/5/07).
• With respect to corals, a 6-year study has now linked warmer sea temperatures to the severity of coral diseases (ScienceNow 5/7/07)(Reuters 5/8/07). John Bruno, the study's lead author notes, "Our study suggests as global warming warms the oceans more and more, we could see more disease outbreaks and more severe ones."
• Finally, WWF and the Whale and Dolphin Society have published a report examining the adverse threats of global warming on whales, dolphins and porpoises (WWF 5/21/07).

Forestation and Deforestation

A study by Oxford-based Global Canopy Program reveals that deforestation has a significant impact on global warming, second only to the energy sector (Independent 5/14/07).

• The report estimates that deforestation accounts for up to 25% of the change in global emissions of greenhouse gases.
• Some believe that protecting forests and reforestation offer the "single largest opportunity for cost-effective and immediate reductions of carbon emissions."
• Fortunately, in response to the efforts by Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai of Kenya, the United Nations has received pledges to plant more than a billion trees (Reuters 5/22/07). To make a pledge, visit www.unep.org/billiontreecampaign/.

In Brief – Other International News of Note

Global Carbon Market Tripled. According to the World Bank, the global carbon market tripled from $11 billion in 2005 to $30 billion in 2006 (Reuters 5/2/07). "Conservatively, we think it's going to be worth $3 trillion," notes the chairman of Global Change Associates (MarketWatch 5/16/07).

Coalition Commits to Improve Energy Efficiency of Buildings. Five banks have each pledged up to $1 billion in loans to improve the energy efficiency of older buildings throughout the world. Upgrades can reduce energy use and costs by 20 to 50%. Advanced by the William J. Clinton Foundation, the first targets are 16 large cities including New York, Karachi, Mexico City, Mumbai, Chicago, and Houston. The participating banks are: Citigroup, UBS, Deutsche Bank, ABN Amro and JPMorgan Chase & Company (New York Times 5/17/07).

Netherlands Must Upgrade Dikes. At a cost of approximately $1 billion, Netherlands must upgrade their 30 kilometer dike to address mounting risks from rising sea levels and tsunamis (Planet Ark 5/24/07).

Land loss in Britain Due to Global Warming Reported and Impacts to Stream Life. Because of global warming, erosion and loss of coastal acreage in England has accelerated. On the east coast of Britain, farms, nature preserves, and villages are facing managed retreat (New York Times 5/4/07). A 25-year Cardiff University study found that Welsh streams and rivers have been impacted by global warming. The study predicts that abundance of macroinvertebrates in streams in the spring could decline by as much as 21% for every increase in temperature by 1° C (Release by Professor Ormerod 5/4/07).

Sweden Plans to Cut Emissions by 30%, But Currently Suffering from Beetle Infestation. By 2020, Sweden plans on reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. Emissions in Sweden have declined by approximately 7% since 1990 (Reuters 5/29/07). Unfortunately, one of the impacts that Sweden is already experiencing because of global warming is an expanded infestation of European spruce bark beetles, which for the first time last year were able to produce two broods per year (International Herald Tribune 5/2/07).

Rupert Murdoch's Businesses to Produce Zero Net Carbon Emissions by 2010. Once a global warming skeptic, Rupert Murdoch now believes that it is "our responsibility to take the lead on this issue." He announced that New Corp will be carbon neutral by 2010 (SMH 5/14/07).

Upcoming Events and Other Announcements

June 2

• What: Alaska Interfaith Power & Light Kick-Off
• Where: St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Anchorage on the corner of Lake Otis and Tudor
• When: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
• More Info: Keynote Speaker Rev. Sally Bingham - President of The Regeneration Project. Kindly R.S.V.P. by May 25 to Rev. Paul Klitzke, Alaska Interfaith Power & Light Project Director Alaska, at paul@akipl.org

June 2

• What: A Catholic Conversation on Climate Change: Protecting the Poor, Promoting Prudence, Pursuing the Common Good
• Where: Anchorage, AK
• More Info: This hearing, one of several being held around the country, will contribute to an ongoing, civilized and thoughtful dialogue with key stakeholders in the climate change debate. Taken together, it will give clearer direction and more precise action steps for the Catholic community in the United States. For more information, please call 907 242-0730 or email: ccleibert@aol.com

June 5

• What: The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the California Institute for Federal Policy Research invite you to a Congressional briefing on low carbon fuel standard policies and a draft policy report developed by the University of California in response to California's Executive Order S-1-07.
• Where: 406 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington DC
• When: 1:30 - 3 pm
• More Info: This briefing is open to the public and no reservations are required. Please feel free to forward this notice. For more information, contact Fred Beck at 202-662-1892 or fbeck@eesi.org

June 5

• What: The Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the National Geographic Society will host a conference to celebrate World Environment Day.
• Where: National Geographic Headquarters Grosvenor Auditorium 17th and M Streets, NW, Washington, D.C.
• When: 1:00 - 6:00 pm
• More Info: The Conference is open to the public, but registration is requested at rsvp.emb.washington@mfa.no

June 13

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

June 14 

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

September 27

• What: Poster Symposium: "Innovations in Wildlife Conservation: Reducing the Impact of Global Warming on America's Wildlife"
• Where: Washington DC
• When: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
• More Info: Please address all questions to: poster@defenders.org. For more information and to submit an abstract please visit: www.defenders.org/innovations/symposium2007

Finally, there are several excellent, new on-line resources that provide background information on global warming and also outstanding rebuttal information for dealing with skeptics. I highly recommend the following:

• "Climate change: a guide for the perplexed" (NewScientist 5/16/07)
• "Start here" (RealClimate 5/22/07)
• "How to Talk to a Climate Skeptic" (Grist.org)

Clearly, we need to be well informed as we work diligently to reduce greenhouse gases. And, we need to be even more motivated to combat increasing global emissions. The evidence is compelling; the need to act is now; and the future is in our hands.

With hope and determination,
Deborah