On January 29, 2010 President Obama today announced that the Federal Government will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28 percent by 2020. While the base year was not specified in the press release (below) it is elsewhere defined as 2008, rather than the 2005 previously used by the U.S. Government or the base year of 1990 used by most other nations. As the nations largest purchaser of energy, this action has the potential to provide a significant stimulus for energy efficiency and innovation in the development of clean energy sources. This action follows the January 28th announcement of non-binding pledge to reduce national emissions of greenhouse gases by 17% reduction by 2020. This latter announcement was made in response to the Copenhagen Accord, has a base year of 2005, and is contingent upon action by the U.S. Congress.
Continue reading 'U.S. Federal Government to Reduce GHG Emissions by 28% by 2020.'»
Sphere: Related Content
Comprehension of a complex process is often aided by a clear, common understanding of the vocabulary. This is especially true in the study of climatology.
"Global Warming" and "Climate Change" are two terms that are often, and erroneously, used interchangeably. While it is important to know the difference between these two terms, we must also know how they interact.
Continue reading 'Terminology – Essential to Understanding Climate Change'»
Sphere: Related Content
A May, 2009 post on this site presented the results of a cooperative Yale and George Mason Universities study which reported that only about 51% of Americans believe that climate change is real and a serious problem. Other, recent polls are in agreement that only a slim majority believe in the reality of climate change, and some report that the number is declining. These findings are at odds with most other nations of the world. The United States also has a large number of stridently vocal “climate change deniers”, another apparent difference from other nations.
Continue reading 'Americans Need a Better Understanding of Science'»
Sphere: Related Content
I have written elsewhere, including this blog, about the folly of such “feel-good, green gestures” as screwing in compact fluorescent bulbs as a meaningful effort to address climate change. While such gestures may have some value as a sensitizing tool, or as as a reminder of the issue, actions of a far greater magnitude are required to slow the rate of climate change. The most effective action that any individual citizen can take is to maintain pressure upon their leaders to pass, and enforce meaningful laws and regulations that both restrict the emission of greenhouse gases and encourage innovation in developing new energy sources.
Continue reading 'To really save the planet, stop going green!'»
Sphere: Related Content
Twelve years ago the nations of the world met in Kyoto, Japan to chart a course of action that would reverse global warming. 187 nations ratified and signed the resulting “Kyoto Protocol”, pledging to reduce their emissions of the four major greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and sulphur hexaflouride) by varying amounts.
Continue reading 'Progress?'»
Sphere: Related Content
Much has been made over the purported ability of forests to act as a "sponge" removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Politicians have jumped on this bandwagon, as have those selling and promoting so called "carbon-offsets". However, basic biology dictates otherwise.
Continue reading 'Forests: a CO2 Reservoir, not a "Sponge"!'»
Sphere: Related Content
Sun, gravity and rocks – what do they have in common? They are the ultimate source of virtually all energy on earth. All fossil fuels, such as coal and oil; wood; and biofuels are organic compounds resulting from the capture of solar energy by plant photosynthesis. Solar energy also powers the air currents that we call "wind" and plays a major role in the hydrologic cycle. The natural decay of radioactive elements in rocks, primarily uranium, thorium and probably potassium, is the major source of heat at the earth's core (geothermal energy) and the nuclear fission or fusion of highly refined (concentrated) radioactive elements provides energy for power plants and our "atomic" weapons. The force of Earth's can be converted into hydropower by harnessing running water, while the gravitational pull of the moon provides a largely unexploited source of tidal energy.
Continue reading 'Sun, Gravity and Rocks'»
Sphere: Related Content
The United States Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) released a major, new report on June 15, 2008 detailing the science and impacts of climate change on the United States. The USGCRP was established by the Global Change Research Act of 1990 and includes participants from 13 Federal agencies and departments plus support from major universities and organizations. The new report describes current and future impacts of climate change upon the nation, its economy and society. Continue reading 'New Government Report Describes U.S. Climate Change Impacts'»
Sphere: Related Content
While the United States makes up only about 5% of the worlds population it is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. While the U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases per capita are greater than for any other nation, a recent study showed that Americans are divided about the reality of global climate change with only 51% of the population believing that climate change is real and is a serious problem. Continue reading 'Americans Don’t Agree About Climate Change'»
Sphere: Related Content
Two recent reports add to the growing evidence of animal migrations due to climate change. While wild animals provide a number of benefits to mankind such as the pollination of crops and control of pests, the introduction of new species can include pest species and can result in the spread of invasive plant seeds, spread damaging fungus and agricultural and human diseases, and alter existing predator/prey relationships. The arrival of new species can either positively or negatively impact agriculture, human health and the economy.
Continue reading 'Two Recent Studies Document Northward Migration of Animals'»
Sphere: Related Content
Comments (0) 
