Climate Change -

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.

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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.

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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.

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After several months delay due to political factors, Tata Motors of India today introduced their “peoples car”, the Nano.  The basic model of the 33hp, 2-cylinder car is being sold at the previously announced target price of 100,000 rupees (approx. $1,980 US), plus taxes and fees.  Two higher priced models add such amenities as heating and air conditioning and power windows.

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