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

Dear Friends,

As the world continues to emit greenhouse gases at unsustainable, record breaking rates, the costs from global warming mount. As discussed in this report, the increased costs to Alaska's public infrastructure alone, between now and 2030, is projected to be as high as $6.1 billion. This is just a tiny fraction of the massive total costs that global warming imposes throughout the world because of its adverse effects on human health, cultures, fish and wildlife, fire management, vegetation, military risks, ice and snow, water supplies, sacred waterways, drought, flooding, heritage sites, inundation, food sources, and more. Nevertheless, as this report emphasizes there is an abundance of good news and reasons for hope as we work towards comprehensive action to reduce emissions.

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

Damage from Global Warming to Alaska's Public Infrastructure Projected to Cost up to $6.1 billion by 2030

The University of Alaska's Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER), has issued an in-depth analysis concluding that climate change could make it between $3.6 and $6.1 billion more expensive to build and maintain public infrastructure in Alaska between now and 2030, an increase of up to 20%. (To review ISER 6/07 study, click here.) This calculation does not include increased expenses to private infrastructure or relocation costs for communities like Shishmaref.

• To conduct the study, ISER developed a data base consisting of nearly 16,000 individual elements of public infrastructure. Water and sewer systems represent the greatest share of extra costs (30%), followed by roads (25%) and airport runways (24%).
• These costs are just a small fraction of the total costs of climate change to Alaska. As the lead author of the study noted: "There are a million other issues related to climate change. This is just one component" (New York Times 6/28/07). (See also Associated Press 6/27/07

Startling Global Warming Evidence from Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Hearing in Kotzebue

The Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission held their first hearing in rural Alaska, and received substantial evidence about many impacts effecting western, northwestern and interior Alaska.

• Northwest Arctic Borough Mayor Martha Whiting noted that ice conditions are "completely changing" and have contributed to the death of two experienced hunters (Fairbanks Daily News Miner 6/29/07).
• Representatives from Newtok and Kivalina, two of the coastal villages that must be relocated, also testified. They made a compelling case for their plight, emphasizing both the erosion damage that they are experiencing and their need for resources and coordinated government assistance for their critical relocation.
• Jim Dau, area Wildlife Biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, highlighted the dramatic changes that he has seen. Among other troubling developments, four years ago he started observing -- for the first time -- massive tundra land slumps, which have increased in number during the last two years. Also, he expressed concerns about increasing icing events that threaten caribou survival.
• Other witnesses discussed the following changes: unpredictable weather; drying lakes and ponds; damage to infrastructure; flooded tundra ice cellars; changing fish and wildlife populations; thinner and more dangerous ice conditions; diseased trees; diminished river flows; and renewable energy opportunities.

Religious Leaders Call for Climate Change Action in Alaska

One June 2, religious representatives in Alaska held a meeting and explored the faith-based reasons to address global warming. The conference featured two nationally recognized leaders: John Carr, Secretary for Social Development and World Peace for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Rev. Sally Bingham, President of Interfaith Power and Light. According to Rev. Bingham: "Every religion calls for us to be protectors of creation and to serve the poor, so the (global warming) is a religious issue at its core"(KTUU 6/2/07 ; KTVA 6/4/07).

• Rev. Bingham came to launch the Alaska Chapter of Interfaith Power and Light (IPL). Already over a dozen church leaders in Alaska have joined, representing over 4,000 people. Nationally, IPL consists of over 1,000 congregations in 23 states and is dedicated to reducing the causes of global warming. To learn more about IPL and to sign up, visit their website at http://www.theregenerationproject.org/index.htm. To read an excellent article about Rev. Bingham's Alaska visit and views, see Anchorage Daily News 6/4/07.
• John Carr discussed why faith compels Catholic action on climate change, emphasizing the three principles that direct the church's increasing activity on global warming: prudence, common good and protection of the poor. For an outstanding summary of Mr. Carr's thoughtful analysis, see Anchorage Daily News 6/6/07).
• For information on how to obtain a DVD of the Alaska Catholic Conference on Climate Change, or for how to become involved in activities taking place in Alaska's archdioceses, contact Coleen at ccleibert@aol.com.

Tree-line Changing as Alaska's Kenai Mountains Warm

Two Alaska Pacific University graduate students have documented significant changes in the tree-line in the Kenai Mountains (Refuge Notebook 6/1/07).

• Using a rigorous methodology that compared aerial photos from 1951 with photos from 1996, the graduate students found that closed-canopy forest points above 1500 feet doubled from 8% to 16%.
• Most dramatically, 20% of the tundra above 1500 feet has disappeared, having changed to shrub or open-woodland.
• Changes were greater on northern exposures than southern exposures, but overall, tree-line had increased by almost three feet each year since 1951.

Arctic Changes Continue to Mount

Numerous Arctic changes fueled by global warming were reported this month.

• In north-eastern Greenland between 1996 and 2005, studied species on average shifted their spring behavior forward by two weeks, including when plants flowered, birds laid their first eggs, and insects and other animals emerged (Guardian 6/19/07). For some species, advancement occurred by over 30 days in just a decade.
• A study by British scientists of 300 glaciers in Antarctica shows that they are moving more quickly into the ocean than before – a 12% increase in the average rate of movement between 1993 and 2003 (Independent 6/6/07). This is due to thinning and increased buoyancy.
• NASA scientists report that Greenland's snows have also been melting more, at higher altitudes, over more days. In 2006 snowmelt occurred more than 10 days longer than average (NASA 5/29/07).
• A new island adjacent to Greenland, named Warming Island, has emerged from beneath the retreating ice (See USGS photos here).

Other Alaska and Arctic Developments and Items of Note

• Climate Change Calendar Available. The 2008 edition of the award-winning Alaska Coastal Calendar is now available. Visually stunning and filled with information, the theme of this 16-month calendar is the impact of climate change on Alaska and the Arctic. To order online, click here or phone (888) 789-0090.
• "Arctic Tale" Movie Examines Impacts of Global Warming on Polar Bears and Walruses. The company that produced "March of the Penguins" will release a new film entitled "Arctic Tale" on July 25. Based on 10 years of filming in the Arctic, the film documents the challenges that polar bears and walruses face due to global warming (Reuters 6/7/07).
• Soot on Snow Contributes to Global Warming. In an article in the Journal of Geophysical Research, some scientists have calculated through models that soot on snow has contributed substantially to the warming of the arctic (Scientific American 6/8/07).
• 150 Alaska Native Resolutions on Global Warming Presented to the National Congress on American Indians (NCAI). NCAI held their summer meeting in Anchorage, and held many sessions examining the impacts of global warming on Alaska Natives and American Indians. At the conference, Heather Kendall-Miller of the Native American Rights Fund and Anna Davidson of Alaska Conservation Solutions presented 150 resolutions from Alaska Native tribes, corporations and organizations calling for Congressional action to impose mandatory emission reductions (KTUU 6/10/07).

Alaska in the News

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

• The first system specifically designed to monitor ocean acidification has been installed in the Gulf of Alaska. Increasing acidification is caused by higher concentrations of dissolved carbon dioxide, and represents a growing threat to the world's oceans (Science Daily 6/14/07).
• For an excellent article regarding Shishmaref's Relocation website, see Alaska Journal of Commerce 6/19/07.
• An important renewable energy development involving geothermal power is described in excellent detail in Petroleum News 6/17/07. Naknek Electric Association plans to complete seismic testing and modeling this summer for a potential 50 megawatt geothermal plant in Western Alaska that could power up to 30 communities.
• A recent international conference on the impacts of global warming on Alaska's boreal forest is summarized in an Associated Press story 6/1/07. The article notes that there is no silver lining in this area; rather: "when it comes to warming's effect on Alaska's boreal forest, (Dr.) Buck Sharpton said he sees only challenges: fire, insects and diseases."
• NPR's Science Friday came to University of Alaska Fairbanks to explore global warming developments. A very good summary of the show can be found here (Rozell 6/13/07). According to Dr. Terry Chapin, one of the world's leading authorities on global warming: "Things are getting desperate enough now that we need to throw away our conservatism and just act."
• The impact of global warming on Kittlitz's Murrelets, a species that relies on glaciers, is discussed in Navigating the Arctic Meltdown: Kittlitz's Murrelets. Populations of these murrelets in Prince William Sound have declined from 63,000 in the 1970's to 1,969 in 2001, a 97% drop; with similar declines in Glacier Bay and Kenai Fjords. As federal scientists note: "The fate of Kittlitz's murrelets likely hinges on the fate of Alaska's glaciers."

Key National News

Global Warming Affecting West

Throughout the West, the impacts from global warming are increasingly being documented by scientists and reported by others:

• During a hearing before a Senate Energy and Natural Resources subcommittee, witnesses testified that snowfall is declining at statistically significant rates, that Lake Mead could be empty in 10 years, that populations of Pacific salmon in the Northwest could drop between 20% and 40% by 2050; and that western trout population could decline by more than 60% (McClatchy 6/7/07).
• At the June meeting of the Western Governors Association (WGA), "top climate scientists…offered Western governors a global warming assessment worthy of the Old Testament: drought, wildfire, floods and pestilence" (Salt Lake Tribune 6/13/07). The incoming chair of WGA, Governor Freudenthal of Wyoming, vowed to keep the organization focused on climate change and on high energy costs. "It is clear that this is certainly the issue of our time and it makes no sense for us to ignore what is the 900 pound gorilla of policy decisions." The Western Governors passed a policy resolution entitled "Transitioning the West to Clean Energy and Energy Security", which calls for more energy efficiency and renewable energy development (See Statement, http://www.westgov.org/wga/policy/07/Clean-energy.doc).

Recent Congressional Developments

There were numerous legislative developments this month, including:

• Senate Energy Bill Raises Vehicle Fuel Economy Standards But Fails To Address Other Important Needs. For the first time since 1975, the Senate passed legislation that raises fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon (mpg) to be achieved by 2020. The current average is approximately 25 mpg. However, there are no provisions for increases in fuel economy after 2020. The bill also requires increases in the production of biofuels. Unfortunately, the Senate failed to vote on an amendment that would have required utilities to provide 15% renewable energy by 2020; and the Senate defeated a provision that would have reduced oil and gas subsidies to provide funding for renewable energy development (New York Times 6/22/07).
• Interior Appropriations Bill Funds Commission on Climate Change Adaptation. The House of Representatives passed the Interior Appropriations bill, H.R. 2643, which includes $50 million for a new Commission on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c110:1:./temp/~c110ctMYoX:e73758):. The bill also has a strong section, Section 501, calling for mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c110:1:./temp/~c110ctMYoX:e147649).
• Religious Leaders Call for Action on Global Warming. In a hearing before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, numerous religious leaders spoke passionately about the need to address global warming Presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, Rev. Schori stated: "While many in the faith community represented here today may disagree on a variety of issues, in the area of global warming we are increasingly of one mind. The crisis of climate change presents an unprecedented challenge to the goodness, interconnectedness and sanctity of the world God created and loves" (Reuters 6/22/07). President of the Evangelical Environmental Network, Rev. Ball stated that a majority of evangelicals "believe that a vigorous response to global warming is a spiritual and moral imperative" (San Jose News 6/7/07).

Miscellaneous Good News

It's summer, so let's enjoy a list of miscellaneous good news:

• New Jersey Sets Most Ambitious Reduction Goals. New Jersey has passed legislation that cap emissions at 80% of 2006 levels by 2050. This represents the most far reaching goal that any state has passed (New York Times 6/22/07).
• Hertz and Avis to add hybrids to fleet. By 2008 Hertz will add 3,400 Toyota Prius hybrids to its fleet, while Avis Budget Group will make 1,000 Prius's available now (Associated Press 6/15/07).
• Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plant Launched. Nevada Solar One, a 64 megawatt parabolic trough solar power plant, will begin operation. It is the first large solar thermal power plant to be built in 15 years.
• North Dakota Farmers and Ranchers Receive $2 Million for Carbon Reduction Strategies. The North Dakota Farmers Union announced $2 million in payments to its state's farmers and ranchers who engage in no-till and other carbon reduction strategies. The money comes from carbon credits sold on the Chicago Climate Exchange (Associated Press 6/6/07).
• Colleges Pledge Carbon Neutrality. Representatives from 284 colleges have signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, which is a pledge to eliminate or offset all of their greenhouse gas emissions. According to the President of Arizona State, "Universities are huge institutions with huge carbon footprints, but they also are laboratories for concepts of sustainability." The president of Cornell adds, "We're saying that sustainability is no longer an elective" (New York Times 6/13/07).
• Oregon Passes Renewable Energy Law. Oregon enacted a rigorous renewable portfolio standard (RPS) law which requires that 25% of power delivered by the state's biggest utilities come from renewable sources by 2025 (Reuters 6/8/07). At least 24 states now have RPS laws (note: Alaska does not).
• Cities Reducing Carbon Footprint. A survey conducted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors reveals innovative, broad-based solutions for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions at the municipal level. Of the 134 responding cities, 97% are using more energy efficient lighting and 74% reported using alternative fuels or hybrid technology for their vehicles (Survey summary 6/22/07).

In Brief – Other National News of Note

Department of Interior Creates Climate Change Task Force. Declaring the study of climate change "a priority for both departmental leaders and employees in the field", Secretary Kempthorne created an Interior Department Climate Change Task Force. Consisting of three subcommittees – legal and policy issues; land and water management issues; and scientific issues – the task force will examine climate change impacts on habitat management, water resource management, disaster management, and devising new management responses. The Task Force will also examine additional opportunities for energy conservation and renewable energy, as well as monitoring needs (DOI News Release 5/31/07)).

Loss of Satellite Capacity Puts Global Warming Studies in Serious Jeopardy. A confidential report to the White House from NOAA and NASA reveals that the U.S. will lose virtually all of its climate sensors in the next few years, placing "the overall climate program in serious jeopardy." As existing satellites expire during the next few years, they are not being replaced with adequate climate instruments that can collect needed data over long periods. The US will have to rely on European satellites for most of the climate data (Associated Press 6/5/07).

Exxon Claims It is Not a Denier. Exxon's global spokesman recently stated, "We're very much not a denier," According to the company's head of public affairs, Exxon considers a U.S. law regarding greenhouse gas emissions as inevitable and prefers an "upstream cap and trade system with a price protector or a carbon tax" (Reuters 6/14/07).

New Global Warming Corporate Scorecard Released. The organization Climate Counts has released a company scorecard ranking 56 major corporations. Some companies scored 0, including Amazon.com, Wendy's and Burger King. High ranking companies include Nike and Canon (Climatecounts scorecard).

Key International News

G-8 Vows "Strong and Early Action to Tackle Climate Change"

Because of the Bush Administration's strong objections, leaders of the G-8 nations did not adopt a mandatory emission reduction target at their most recent meeting. Instead, they agreed to "substantial" greenhouse gas emission reductions and to "consider seriously" halving global emissions by 2050 when setting a global goal for emissions reductions (LA Times 6/8/07). For a copy of the entire Declaration, click here.

Recent International Scientific Developments Regarding Climate Change

Scientists continue to refine their observations and predictions regarding global warming, as well as find new, troubling impacts from rising temperatures. Some of the highlights from this month include:

• Toxics and Global Warming. A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry demonstrates that previous exposures to certain chemicals can reduce an organism's ability to survive changes in temperature, suggesting that environmental contaminants become more lethal as temperatures rise. The scientists conclude: "not only does temperature influence the sensitivity of fish to a toxic chemical, but chemical exposure also affects the temperature tolerance of fishes" (Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 2007).
• More Rain. Using actual data, scientists have determined that precipitation has increased 6.5% per degree Celsius rise, with wide variations around the globe. This is much greater than models predicted and has major ramifications for future flooding damage.
• Heat Deaths Outweigh Cold Deaths. In a Harvard School of Public Health study, researchers found that during heat waves in 50 US cities, there was a 5.74% increase in deaths, while during cold snaps death rates increased by 1.59%. Altogether over the past 25 years, excessive heat exposure caused more than 8,000 deaths in the US (InsiderMedicine 6/29/07).
• UN Study on Melting Ice and Global Warming Released. Written by more than 70 experts, the UN Environment Program has released a new 238-page report entitled " Global Outlook for Ice and Snow " Upon releasing the report, the head of the Program stated, "Fate of the world's snowy and icy places as a result of climate change should be cause for concern in every ministry, boardroom and living room across the world" (Reuters 6/4/07).

New Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects Announced

Several new, innovative renewable energy projects were announced this month, including:

• New Wave Energy Technology. A new, below-surface device designed to capture the energy of waves is being developed and tested off the coast of Scotland. The Archimedes Wave Swing is a cylinder-shaped buoy that operates at least 19 feet below the ocean's surface (BBC 6/13/07).
• Floating Wind Turbine. Two international companies announced plans to research and design an offshore floating wind turbine (Reuters 6/26/07). "We want to produce a lot of energy out of sight."
• More Efficient Passenger Jets. The European Union is considering funding new technologies which could reduce airline carbon emissions by 20 to 40%, while reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 40 to 60% (International Herald Tribune 6/12/07).
• Huge Investments in Renewable Energy. Between 2005 and 2006, investments in renewable energy rose 43%, leading the UN to conclude that renewable energy could provide about one-fourth of the world's electricity by 2030 (Guardian 6/21/07).
• Dubai to Create a Green, Carbon Neutral City. The capital of the United Arab Emirates has launched a plan to build a $5 billion zero-carbon city that will house an energy, science and technology community. Although it will be surrounded by a petroleum rich desert, the city will be free of cars and powered by renewable energy from wind and solar farms (IPS 6/15/07).

In Brief – Other International News of Note

UN Secretary Focuses on Global Warming. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called climate change the "defining issue of our era" and stated that political will is "desperately" needed to make significant emission reductions and assist with adaptation needs (allAfrica 6/11/07).

China Has Surpassed US as Major CO₂ Emitter. China surpassed the U.S. in emissions of CO₂ by 8% in 2006. On a per capita basis, however, China "only" emits about 10,500 pounds of carbon dioxide per person, while the United States emits approximately 42,500 pounds per person (Associated Press 6/20/07).

Ecuador to Keep Oil Underground if Compensated. Ecuador offered to leave oil from its biggest deposit underground if it is paid to protect surrounding areas (Reuters 6/6/07). The country seeks $350 million/year, which is about half of the annual revenues Ecuador believes it would make from the Ishpingo-Tambococha-Tiputini (ITT) oilfield. Part of the oilfield is located inside the Yasuni National Park which supports indigenous peoples, rare jaguars and river dolphins.

Upcoming Events and Other Announcements

July 7

• What: Live Earth, a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series that will bring together more than 100 music artists and 2 billion people to trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis.
• Where: New York, London, Johannesburg, Rio, Shanghai, Tokyo, Sydney, Hamburg
• More Info: Click Here

July 7

• What: Global Connections (Friends of Live Earth)
• Where: Student Housing Commons on the UAA campus,  click here for a map to the Commons 
• When: 6:30 to 10pm
• More Info: For more information about the Global Connections Party contact USUAA at 786-1205 or for more info on Live Earth + band line-up click here.  Global Connections is brought to you by: the Union of Students at UAA, Alaska Conservation Solutions, the UAA Chancellors Sustainability Council, the UAA Sustainability Club, The Department of Residence Life, Alaska Wildland Adventures, KTUU, Defenders of Wildlife, and Sierra Club.

July 7

• What: Fairbanks Climate Conversations (Friends of Live Earth)
• Where: Ken Kunkel Goldstream Community Center, Fairbanks, AK University to Ballaine. Go to the end of Ballaine, turn LEFT on Goldstream Rd. Community Center is past Ivory Jacks on the LEFT side.
• When: 6-10pm
• More Info: Fairbanks Climate Conversations is a local community potluck for locals to gather and share food and talk about Climate Change. Bring a potluck dish...for more info on Live Earth + band line-up click here. 

July 7

• What: Chair 5 – Girdwood's Official Live Earth Concert Headquarters
• Where: Girdwood, AK
• When: 7-10pm
• More Info: Click here

July 10

• What: Global Warming Working Group ~ Brown Bag Lunch
• Where: Northern Alaska Environmental Center, 830 College Road, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 
• When: Noon
• More Info: Contact Lori Fickus at lori@northern.org

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, in addition to the articles highlighted above, I recommend the following:

• "A Saturated Gassy Argument" by Spencer Weart, in RealClimate 6/26/07. This excellent piece debunks the denialist arguments that CO₂ in the atmosphere is already saturated and that water vapor negates the effects of more CO₂.

As the information in this monthly report reconfirms, the evidence regarding global warming is compelling; the need to act is now; and the future is in our hands.

With hope and determination,
Deborah