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IN THE NEWS
REPORTS AND RESOURCES
Enabling Adaptation: Priorities for Supporting the Rural Poor in a Changing Climate (Manish Bapna, Heather McGray, Gregory Mock, Lauren Withey – June 2009)
http://www.wri.org/publication/enabling-adaptation-climate-change
http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/publications/scifi.shtml
Earth Portal
http://www.earthportal.org/?p=1515
The Earth Portal is a comprehensive resource for timely, objective, science-based information about the environment. It is a means for the global scientific community to come together to produce the first free, expert-driven, massively scaleable information resource on the environment, and to engage civil society in a public dialogue on the role of environmental issues in human affairs.
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Web resources:
The Hub: Resources for a Clean Energy Economy
http://climateprogress.org/2009/07/25/the-hub-resources-for-a-clean-energy-economy/
The Center for American Progress has partnered with allies to compile the arguments, stories, and state-by-state data needed to show that the clean-energy economy will create good jobs, lower consumer costs, spur innovation and entrepreneurship, and position America as a global leader in the new low-carbon energy era. The key sub-topics covered by The Hub are Jobs, Consumer Savings, Cost of Inaction, Competitiveness, and the Power of Investment.
Georgetown State-Federal Climate Resource Center
http://www.law.georgetown.edu/gcc/
The Georgetown State-Federal Climate Resource Center (also known as the Georgetown
Climate Center or “GCC”) is the only center focused on the nexus of state and federal law and policy for climate change and energy. The GCC works to distill, analyze, and communicate information based on work at the state level and serves as a resource for those crafting new climate and energy policies. It brings together state leaders and federal officials to address climate policy challenges; monitors state, federal, and international developments; responds to information requests from state and federal policymakers; and provides analytical support to states seeking to promote their role in climate policy. The GCC also sponsors briefings and conferences.
Articles:
USDA Sees House Climate Bill Yielding Long-Term Benefits for Agriculture (7/22/09)
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/07/22/22greenwire-usda-sees-house-climate-bill-yielding-long-ter-74914.html
Oregon Governor Signs Greenhouse Gas Bills (7/22/09)
http://www.ktvz.com/Global/story.asp?S=10774125
Senate Likely To Follow House Lead on Pollution Permits (8/4/09)
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=1&docID=cqmidday-000003186457&mp=Most_Emailed
Shaheen Introduces Forest Conservation Bill (8/6/09)
http://wbztv.com/wireapnewsnh/Shaheen.s.bill.2.1116991.html
Reports:
WCI Offsets Committee White Paper: Offset Definition and Eligibility Criteria
http://www.westernclimateinitiative.org/components/com_publiccomments/documents/WCI-Offset_Definition_and_Criteria_072409.pdf
The Western Climate Initiative (WCI) Partner jurisdictions have released a white paper on Offset Definition and Eligibility Criteria. The white paper examines options for defining an offset, as well as options for each of the offset criteria required by the WCI Program Design Recommendations: real, additional, verifiable, and permanent. The Offset Committee provides in this white paper an overview of approaches that other systems have taken in defining them, an evaluation of the policy and operational considerations, and a discussion of implementation options of the criteria.
The Offset Committee is soliciting stakeholder feedback on the options presented in this white paper to help inform its recommendations to the WCI Partner jurisdictions. Written comments will be received until August 21, 2009.
The Use of Offsets to Reduce Greenhouse Gases
http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/104xx/doc10497/08-03-Offsets.pdf
The Congressional Budget Office released a brief that discusses how activities with emissions that are not subject to limits in a cap-and-trade program might lower the burden of reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. Both existing climate policies, such as the European Union’s Emission Trading System, and policies under consideration, such as the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACESA) of 2009, which was recently passed by the House of Representatives, have recognized the potential for actions— such as disposing of waste in different ways, changing methods of farming, and reducing deforestation— to “offset” the extent to which the use of fossil fuels must be reduced to meet a chosen target for total GHG emissions.
Preliminary Observations on Options for Distributing Emissions Allowances and Revenue under a Cap-and-Trade Program
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09950t.pdf
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Web resources:
EWP’s Climate Change Policy Resources for Rural Communities
http://ewp.uoregon.edu/policy/climate/
In collaboration with Good Company and the Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition, the University of Oregon’s Ecosystem Workforce Program (EWP) has created a guide to help rural community leaders consider potential climate change policies and evaluate how to advocate for sustainability efforts for their communities. The guide explains the nuts and bolts of policy proposals such as cap-and-trade systems to limit greenhouse gas emissions, carbon offsets, and the expansion of “green-collar” jobs. The document also guides community members through a range of questions to consider for each policy in order to address how it may affect their community. Resources also include information about regional and state-level climate change regulatory efforts and protocols, as well as power maps to help community leaders understand the federal and congressional decision-making process as it pertains to climate change.
Articles:
Government Study Warns of Climate Change Effects (6/16/2009)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/16/science/earth/16climate.html?_r=2&ref=science
Career forester named US Forest Service chief (6/17/2009)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hbkTrRoazx3GMBlyNCUoTQE8rsGQD98SN4O02
Forest Footprint aims to Reward Companies that Save Trees (6/22/2009)
http://ecosystemmarketplace.com/pages/article.news.php?component_id=6802&component_version_id=10303&language_id=12
In Close Vote, House Passes Climate Bill (6/26/2009)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/26/AR2009062600444.html
Senate climate debate focuses on economic impact (7/7/2009)
http://thehill.com/business–lobby/senate-climate-debate-focuses-on-economic-impact-2009-07-07.html
G8 agrees to climate targets despite differences with developing nations (7/8/2009)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/08/g8-climate-carbon-emission-targets
Senate Ag panel begins to stake its claim in cap-and-trade bill (7/20/2009)
http://www.eenews.net/EEDaily/2009/07/20/1/
Reports:
Cap and Trade 101: A Climate Policy Primer
http://www.sightline.org/research/energy/res_pubs/cap-and-trade-101
In Cap and Trade 101: A Climate Policy Primer, Sightline sorts out the details on what’s emerging as the most popular and comprehensive policy solution to the enormous challenge of climate change. Sightline’s primer also looks at current bills, such as the American Clean Energy and Security Act.
Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States
http://www.globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific-assessments/us-impacts/
The report summarizes the science and the impacts of climate change on the United States, now and in the future. It focuses on climate change impacts in different regions of the U.S. and on various aspects of society and the economy such as energy, water, agriculture, and health. It’s also a report written in plain language, with the goal of better informing public and private decision making at all levels.
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Web resources:
Redefining Progress Newsletters
http://www.rprogress.org/index.htm
Redefining Progress partners with grassroots organizations, policymakers, businesses, labor unions, and educators to empower people and strengthen communities throughout the United States through unbiased research, innovative tools, and smart solutions. The organization’s newsletter provide updates on developments in sustainable and equitable economic development.
The Climate TechBook
http://www.pewclimate.org/climate-techbook
The Pew Center on Global Climate Change assembled this guide to low-carbon technology options. Greenhouse gas emissions come from diverse sources across the economy. The magnitude of emissions and diversity of sources means that no single technology, policy, or behavioral change will be able to “solve” climate change. Rather, a portfolio of solutions is needed. A wide range of technologies already exist, or are currently under development, to facilitate greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Weathervane
http://www.weathervane.rff.org
Weathervane, a digital forum on climate policy from environmental economics think tank Resources for the Future, has long been valued by journalists and policymakers for providing nonpartisan, rigorous, and straightforward analysis of key climate issues.
Articles:
Government Study Warns of Climate Change Effects (6/16/2009)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/16/science/earth/16climate.html?_r=1&ref=earth
Senate Committee Looks to Complete Energy Bill Markup as Floor Battles Await (6/15/2009)
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/06/15/15greenwire-senate-committee-looks-to-complete-energy-bill-13069.html
Lawmakers in Farm Belt Try to Steer Climate Bill (6/12/2009)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124476424454208299.html
Climate change may displace up to 200 million (6/10/2009)
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/06/10/climate.change.refugees/
Vilsack advocates for carbon credits (6/4/2009)
http://www.capitalpress.info/main.asp?SectionID=67&SubSectionID=782&ArticleID=51751&TM=43652.57
No Climate Change Fix without New Land Use, Farming Policies (6/4/2009)
http://www.reuters.com/article/gwmEnergy/idUS243798517420090604
California forests hold one answer to climate change (6/1/2009)
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-forests-carbon1-2009jun01,0,3122894.story
Climate Bill Clears Hurdle, but Others Remain (5/21/2009)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/22/us/politics/22climate.html?_r=2
Reports:
Global Warming’s Six Americas 2009: An Audience Segmentation Analysis
http://environment.yale.edu/uploads/6Americas2009.pdf
This report introduces how different American audiences perceive climate change by briefly describing each audience and highlighting how they differ from one another; it concludes with detailed demographic, attitudinal, and behavioral profiles of each group. This research provides essential knowledge that can be leveraged by climate educators and communicators throughout American society, including local, state, and national governments, academic institutions, environmental organizations, businesses, faith groups, doctors and scientists, and the media. Successfully addressing this challenge will require a diversity of messages, messengers, and methods, each tailored to meet the needs of different target audiences. This research provides a solid foundation, grounded in social science, to facilitate the changes required to achieve a transition to a low-carbon future.
The Climate Gap: Inequalities in How Climate Change Hurts Americans & How to Close the Gap
http://college.usc.edu/geography/ESPE/perepub.html
The “Climate Gap” is the sometimes hidden and often unequal impact climate change will have on people of color and the poor in the United States. This report helps to document the Climate Gap, connecting the dots between research on heat waves, air quality, and other challenges associated with climate change. It also explores how we might best combine efforts to both solve climate change and close the Climate Gap — including an appendix focused on California’s global warming policy and a special accompanying analysis of the federal-level American Clean Energy Security Act.
State of the Voluntary Carbon Markets 2009
http://ecosystemmarketplace.com/documents/cms_documents/StateOfTheVoluntaryCarbonMarkets_2009.pdf
This report was created to answer fundamental questions about the voluntary carbon markets such as transaction volumes, credit prices, project types, locations, and the motivations of buyers in this market. Over the past several years, these markets have not only become an opportunity for citizen consumer action, but also an alternative source of carbon finance and an incubator for carbon market innovation. As the voluntary carbon markets have rapidly gained traction, the answers, to these questions have become increasingly important to investors, policymakers, and environmentalists alike.
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Web resources:
U.S. Climate Change Science Program Library
http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/default.htm
The lead scientific body of the federal government charged with climate change research has a broad array of resources available on the likely impacts of climate change both for natural systems and human communities.
Forests for the Future: Indigenous Forest Management in a Changing World
http://dte.gn.apc.org/GNSCON.htm
Forests for the Future is published by Indonesia’s Indigenous Peoples’ Alliance, AMAN, and Down to Earth. It marks AMAN’s tenth anniversary and aims to assist efforts to develop community-based models which present a more achievable, viable and just way of addressing the challenges of sustainability, poverty reduction and upholding the rights of indigenous peoples.
The Greenhouse Gas Management Institute
http://www.ghginstitute.org/
The Institute offers training and workshops on greenhouse gas accounting, auditing and management for a range of individual and professional purposes. Interactive and online learning options are available.
Articles:
Obama’s Budget Holds Firm on Cap-And-Trade Auction (5/11/2009)
http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/18160
Career conservationist picked to oversee Forest Service (5/6/2009)
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/05/06/06greenwire-career-conservationist-picked-to-oversee-fores-19116.html
House Democrats ‘moving ahead’ on climate bill, majority leader says (4/27/2009)
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/04/28/28greenwire-house-dems-moving-ahead-on-emissions-bill–hoy-10706.html
Gore and Gingrich bump heads at House climate hearing (4/24/2009)
http://www.grist.org/article/2009-04-24-gore-and-gingrich-bump-heads/
Boxer Will Create Climate Working Groups (4/22/2009)
http://www.rollcall.com/news/34174-1.html
Vilsack Appoints Environment Adviser (4/20/2009)
http://www.porkmag.com/directories.asp?pgID=675&ed_id=7388
EPA Says Emissions Are Threat to Public (4/18/2009)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/17/AR2009041701453.html
Dying trees may exacerbate climate change (4/16/2009)
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/090416/full/news.2009.369.html
Reports:
Potential Impacts of Climate Change in the United States
http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=10107
This report from the Congressional Budget Office summarizes the current state of scientific understanding of the potential effects of projected changes in climate and related developments including changes in the physical environment and associated economic and impacts. The discussion focuses mainly on projections of impacts in the United States but also refers to impacts elsewhere that could be particularly severe and could indirectly affect the United States. The paper draws from various primary and secondary sources, particularly the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a major national assessment recently released by the National Science and Technology Council in the Executive Office of the President, and a number of surveys published by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program, which integrates executive-branch research on climate and global change.
Adaptation of Forests and People to Climate Change
http://www.iufro.org/science/gfep/
This book is the first product of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests’ Global Forest Expert Panels (GFEP) initiative. GFEP is a new mechanism for providing objective and independent scientific assessments of key forest-related issues to support international processes and decision-making at the global level. It is led and coordinated by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO).
Forest Carbon Offsetting Trends Survey 2009
http://www.ecosecurities.com/Standalone/Forest_Carbon_Offsetting_Trends_Survey_2009/default.aspx
Find out what 120 global, multinational and regional organizations attitudes are to forest carbon projects in general. In addition the report also examines the motivating factors behind corporate decisions to purchase forest carbon offsets and the perceptions which organizations have regarding the additional community and biodiversity benefits that many forestry projects often provide.
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Web resources:
CVal: A Carbon Valuation Tool for Foresters and Private Forest Landowners http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr180.html
The CVal spreadsheet is a powerful tool that will help foresters, managers, and project developers work with private forest landowners to assess the economic profitability of participating in carbon markets. CVal provides a discounted cash flow analysis based on a full accounting of variables, including tract size, carbon sequestration rate, carbon price, and enrollment and trading costs. Automated, financial break-even analyses in the macros version quickly assess threshold values of key variables for profitable projects, and the program readily performs “what if” calculations after storing starting values. CVal was designed to evaluate managed forest and afforestation projects traded on the Chicago Climate Exchange, but its methodology could be adapted for other trading mechanisms and agricultural sequestration projects.
Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Science http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090318_climateliteracy.html
The guide presents information that is deemed important for individuals and communities to know and understand about Earth’s climate, impacts of climate change, and approaches to adaptation or mitigation. Principles in the guide can serve as discussion starters or launching points for scientific inquiry. The guide aims to promote greater climate science literacy by providing this educational framework of principles and concepts.
Planners Energy and Climate Database
http://www.planning.org/research/energy/database/index.htm
This database provides examples of communities that have taken steps to integrate energy and climate change issues into planning, states that have addressed climate change issues in plans or policies, and other relevant documents to help planners understand and address energy and climate change. You can search this database by region, state, type of planning tool, topic, time frame, scale, or community size, using the search options in the left-hand column. Results are sorted according to relevance. If you have too many or too few results returned, try narrowing or broadening your search parameters. Resources are regularly being added to this database, so check back periodically to find new resources.
Articles:
Climate Equity Alliance Establishes Principles For Green Economic Reform (4/10/2009) http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/009729.html
Obama Adviser Hints at Compromise on Cap-and-Trade Emission Allowances (4/9/2009)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/08/AR2009040802467.html?hpid=topnews
Obama climate pledges get cautious EU welcome (4/5/2009) http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5340Z820090405
Economy Thwarts Regional Cap-And-Trade Plan on Climate (4/3/2009)
http://news.opb.org/article/4691-economy-thwarts-regional-cap-and-trade-plan-climate/
Inslee Energy Ideas are Integral Part of “Robust, Bold” Energy and Climate Legislation (4/3/2009) http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/97165
Report outlines possible effects of warming on California (4/2/2009)
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-climate2-2009apr02,0,1696993.story
House Climate Bill Aims to Please Environmental and Business Interests (4/1/09)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/31/AR2009033103683.html
Hoyer leads Dems seeking forestry credits in emissions bill (3/27/2009)
http://www.eenews.net/eenewspm/2009/03/27/1/
Dems to shelve fast-track process on cap-and-trade bill, for now (03/23/2009)
http://www.eenews.net/EEDaily/2009/03/23/1/
Seeing the Forest for the Carbon – From Space (3/21/2009)
http://www.forestcarbonportal.com/article.php?item=339
Wyden attacks Obama cap-and-trade revenue plan (3/11/2009)
http://www.eenews.net/eenewspm/2009/03/11/1/
Reports:
A Federal Public Lands Agenda for the 21st Century
http://www.umt.edu/publicland/NABreport.pdf
New realities are fundamentally changing the nature of public land management and use in the 21st Century. The warming global climate, unprecedented energy demand, and rapid growth and development in the West are among the major factors pushing changes on our public lands to an extent not seen since World War II. Indeed, demographic shifts and lifestyle changes affect everything from governance practices to the ways in which our public lands are valued and used. The report urges the new administration and Congress to consider a variety of options to improve public land management.
California Climate Action Team Report
http://www.climatechange.ca.gov/publications/cat/
The document, which officials called the “the ultimate picture to date” of global warming’s likely effect on California, consists of 37 research papers that examine an array of issues including water supply, air pollution and property losses.
FAO’s State of the World’s Forests 2009
http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/10554/icode/
The dual challenges of economic turmoil and climate change are bringing the management of forests to the forefront of global interest. The report notes that the need to reform forestry institutions and increase investments in science and technology are key to the better management of forests.
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Web resources:
Union of Concerned Scientists’ Cap-and-Trade Backgrounder
http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/solutions/big_picture_solutions/cap-and-trade.html
This piece provides a general overview of the cap-and-trade approach to limiting greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Topics include how a basic cap-and-trade program works, key elements of a well-designed cap-and-trade program, lessons from existing cap-and-trade programs, and some reasons why cap-and-trade alone is not sufficient to address the suite of issues associated with climate change.
EPA’s State and Local Governments Page
http://epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/stateandlocalgov/index.html
State and local governments play an important role in meeting the national goal of reducing greenhouse gas intensity by 18 percent by 2012. They are participating in national voluntary programs and initiatives, analyzing the costs and benefits of actions and developing and applying innovative programs and strategies that achieve wide-ranging benefits to businesses, the environment and public health. EPA supports states and communities in these activities by encouraging voluntary approaches and providing technical assistance and tools.
McKinsey & Company’s Climate Change Special Initiative
http://www.mckinsey.com/clientservice/ccsi/
This British consulting firm is among the world’s leaders on economic analysis of climate change policy options.
Canadian Communities Guidebook for Adaptation to Climate Change
http://www.forestry.ubc.ca/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=xsexCSatHjo%3d&tabid=2455&mid=5415&language=en-US
This Guidebook builds on the rich experiences of researchers within Environment Canada’s Adaptation and Impacts Research Division (AIRD) working with decision-makers on practical projects focused on climate change and sustainable development. It provides a process closely tied to on-going planning cycles to help decision-makers incorporate climate change science, impacts, adaptation, and mitigation solutions into their sustainable development initiatives. This Guidebook provides the needed assistance in help Canadians interpret the potential consequences of climate change impacts in the local context and how to develop adaptation actions and responses to address the anticipated consequences.
Articles:
EPA will regulate greenhouse gases, says US climate chief (02/24/2009)
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2237090/epa-regulate-greenhouse-gases
Empowering local communities through carbon credits (02/24/2009)
http://www.joachimezeji.com/empowering-local-communities-through-carbon-credits/
Fixing climate wrongs will be key to protecting human rights (02/23/2009)
http://www.panda.org/what_we_do/knowledge_centres/climate_change/news/?uNewsID=157261
NASA-Funded Carbon Dioxide Map Of U.S. Released On Google Earth (02/23/2009)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090222184453.htm
Birds’ Movements Reveal Climate Change In Action (02/20/2009)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090220191837.htm
Less water, more heat forecast for state: Report details climate change in Washington (02/11/2009)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/399586_climate11.html
State not ready for ‘climate refugees’: Scientists warn of migration, sickness
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/399958_climate13.html?source=mypi
‘Cap and trade’ emissions bill passes out of House committee (02/18/2009)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/400641_capandtrade19.html
Timber companies and environmental groups agree on the outlines of a climate plan (02/19/2009)
http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/02/19/1/
Reid Pushing for Climate Change Bill (02/20/2009)
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/R/REID_CLIMATE?SITE=SCCOL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Conservation groups look for a niche in climate funding (02/23/2009)
http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/02/23/5/
Obama puts climate and energy atop his priorities list in his first address to Congress (02/24/2009)
http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2009/2/24/184835/368/
Turf War Looms Over Climate Bill (02/25/2009)
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/02/25/25climatewire-rangels-memorial-day-markup-plans-raise-prosp-9874.html
Budget Expects Revenue From Limits on Emissions (02/26/2009)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/25/AR2009022503360.html?wprss=rss_politics/congress
Lawmakers probe public lands and global warming link (03/02/2009)
http://www.eenews.net/EEDaily/2009/03/02/8/
Nature gets makeover in forest lab (03/02/2009)
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/03/02/nature_gets_makeover_in_forest_lab/?page=1
Northwest Scientists Testify to Congress on Warming (03/04/2009)
http://news.opb.org/article/4427-northwest-scientists-testify-congress-warming/
Senate leader says energy, climate bills will be combined (03/05/2009)
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/03/05/05climatewire-senate-dems-to-put-energy-emissions-bills-in-10009.html
Reports:
Fire suppression and fuels treatment effects on mixed-conifer carbon stocks and emissions
http://projects.atlas.ca.gov/docman/view.php/151/749/Fuel%20Treatment%20effects%20on%20carbon%20North%20et%20al%20Eco%20Apps.pdf
Western Climate Initiative’s 2009-2010 Work Plan
http://www.westernclimateinitiative.org/ewebeditpro/items/O104F21097.pdf
This work plan describes the approach to operating the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) over the next 12 to 18 months. The WCI is a cooperative effort of U.S. states and Canadian provinces that are collaborating to identify policies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including the design and implementation of a regional cap-and-trade program.
From 1st to 2nd-Generation Biofuel Technologies
http://www.iea.org/Textbase/publications/free_new_Desc.asp?PUBS_ID=2079
The current debate over biofuels produced from food crops has pinned a lot of hope on “2nd-generation biofuels” produced from crop and forest residues and from non-food energy crops. This report, produced jointly with International Energy Agency Bioenergy, examines the current state-of-the-art and the challenges for 2nd-generation biofuel technologies. It evaluates their costs and considers policies to support their development and deployment.
Smart Choices for Biofuels
http://www.worldwatch.org/files/pdf/biofuels.pdf
This joint study by the Worldwatch Institute and the Sierra Club highlighs the need for important policy reforms increase the use of biofuels. The report outlines the economic and environmental impacts of first-generation biofuels such as corn ethanol, proposes strategies to make the biofuels industry more sustainable, and offers specific policy recommendations.
UNEP Year Book 2009: New Science and Developments in Our Changing Climate
http://www.unep.org/publications/UNEP-eBooks/UNEP_YearBook2009_ebook.pdf
The UNEP Year Book 2009 presents work in progress on scientific understanding of global environmental change, as well as foresight about possible issues on the horizon. The aim is to raise awareness of the interlinkages among environmental issues that can accelerate the rates of change and threaten human wellbeing. The chapters of this Year Book track the same trajectory as our awareness of environmental change. Transformations are inherent to this trajectory and are taking place on many fronts: from industrial agriculture to eco-agriculture; from a wasteful society towards a resource efficient one; and from a triad of competing interests among civil society, the private sector, and governments to a more cooperative model based on mutual benefits.
Draft Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2007
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prepares the official U.S. Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks to comply with existing commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In an effort to engage the public and researchers across the country, the EPA has instituted an annual public review and comment process for this document. The availability of the draft document is announced via Federal Register Notice and is posted on the EPA web site. Copies are also mailed upon request. The public comment period is generally limited to 30 days; however, comments received after the closure of the public comment period are accepted and considered for the next edition of this annual report.
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Web resources:
Institute for Local Government
http://www.cacities.org/index.jsp?displaytype=§ion=climate&zone=ilsg
Web page provides information on the California Climate Action Network specific for local governments: cities and counties. Includes links to best practices for preparing for climate change; a report exploring climate policy at the local level; and more.
The Pacific Northwest Climate CIGnal
Issue #16, Winter 2009
Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington
http://cses.washington.edu/cig/outreach/newsletter.shtml
“In this Issue
1. Pacific Northwest climate outlook
2. Pacific Northwest streamflow forecast updates
3. The Washington Climate Change Impacts Assessment conference (2.12.09) and other meetings
4. CIG researcher Philip Mote to head the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute
5. Greenhouse gas emissions increase in US
6. Recent U.S. Climate Change Synthesis and Assessment reports
7. Frequently asked questions about climate models
8. Recent CIG publications”
Articles:
Democrats Pen Principles for Climate-Change Bills
Senate Panel Sets Goal of Creating Cap-and-Trade System
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/03/AR2009020303458.html
Ecologists report quantifiable measures of nature’s services to humans (02/02/2009)
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-02/esoa-erq012909.php
Growing Optimism for U.S. Climate Change Bill (02/02/2009)
http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/39220
CLIMATE: Post-Kyoto talks in House’s spotlight (02/02/2009)
http://www.eenews.net
SOCIETY: Activists push for carbon tax to ease health and poverty-related issues (01/30/2009)
http://www.eenews.net
Climate Change’s Impact On Invasive Plants In Western US May Create Restoration Opportunities (01/30/2009)
ScienceDaily
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090127112055.htm
“A new study by researchers at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs has found that global climate change may lead to the retreat of some invasive plant species in the western United States, which could create unprecedented ecological restoration opportunities across millions of acres throughout America. At the same time, global warming may enable other invasive plants to spread more widely.”
Barker: Senators support logging as stimulus (01/26/2009)
http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/646011.html
ENERGY POLICY: New USDA chief pushes for expanded biofuels support in stimulus (01/26/2009)
http://www.eenews.net
Global Warming: Tree Deaths Have Doubled Across The Western U.S. (01/25/2009)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090122141222.htm
Warming Trends Alter Conservation (01/25/2009)
Experts Think Old Paradigm of Fixed Boundaries Will Not Work as Sea Levels Rise
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/24/AR2009012401728.html?wprss=rss_business
Study Ties Tree Deaths To Change in Climate (01/23/2009)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012202473.html
Clyburn Leads Charge For Rural Stimulus (01/08/2009)
http://www.nrwa.org/NRWAupdates/UpdateArchive/congress_daily_article.htm
Reports:
Forest Carbon in the United States: Opportunities and Options for Private Lands
http://www.pacificforest.org/policy/forestcarbon.html
“Whether our private forests accumulate carbon, release carbon, or are lost entirely as carbon sinks will be a major determinant of how quickly and cost-effectively the U.S. can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Amounts of forest carbon sequestration are falling. Since 1990, U.S. forests have stored less carbon each year because of conversion and unsustainable harvest.
“This report describes management approaches on private forests that will lead to lasting net increases in carbon stocks. It also identifies causes of forest carbon loss, proposes ways to develop a domestic forest carbon market, and outlines the principles of forest carbon accounting.”
An Assessment of Biomass Harvesting Guidelines
Forest Guild
http://www.forestguild.org/publications/research/2009/biomass_guidelines.pdf
“A new report by the Forest Guild, An Assessment of Biomass Harvesting Guidelines, is the first comprehensive review of these biomass harvesting guidelines. The report provides recommendations to ensure that new guidelines promote sustainable use of biomass from forests.”
“‘New interest in woody biomass is a double-edged sword,’ says Dr. Zander Evans, Forest Guild Research Director and the report’s author. ‘If harvested sustainably, biomass can meet some of our energy needs and leave our forests healthier than they are now. However, without appropriate guidance, biomass harvests can seriously degrade our forests.’”
Climate Policy at the Local Level: A Survey of California’s Cities and Counties
By Ellen Hanak, Louise Bedsworth, Sarah Swanbeck, and Joanna Malaczynski
Public Policy Institute of California
http://www.ppic.org/main/publication.asp?i=849
“California has taken center stage in national and international efforts to fight global warming. This survey of over 300 of the state’s cities and counties puts the spotlight on the role California’s local governments are playing. It finds that there is already considerable local involvement in activities related to climate change. However, many efforts are still focused on municipal operations and facilities, rather than on the broader community. Better information on successful programs and funding sources, and greater clarity in state law on conformity with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) will help further local efforts.”
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Web resources:
Equity Blog, A Community of Voices, A Movement for Change
http://www.equityblog.org/2008/12/23/stimulus-for-whom/?msource=MAILSTIM
Introduces a four-page analysis, “Stimulus for Whom,” which outlines how the U.S. Stimulus package could promote equity in the U.S.
United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Source Book: Green Stimulus Proposals
http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=IssueItems.View&IssueItem_ID=ce27babd-d579-40ce-91e9-7b41510d97d3
Downloadable testimonies heard by the Committee in December 2009, rural green jobs included.
Articles:
Western wish list for Obama (12/22/2008)
The hopes and worries of 11 key Westerners
http://www.hcn.org/issues/40.23/the-sick-and-tired-west?utm_source=wcn1&utm_medium=email
Interaction Between Water And Forest: Challenge To Water Policies And Forest Management (12/31/2008)
ScienceDaily
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081231084344.htm
“Incorporating results from forest hydrology studies in water policies can help avoid uncertainty and confusion caused by the current difficulties in transferring research findings to different countries and regions, varying forest types and species and diverse forest management regimes. In addition, institutional mechanisms to enhance synergies in forests and water administrations are needed at national and regional levels.”
The Top ClimateBiz Stories of 2008 (12/31/2008)
http://www.climatebiz.com/blog/2008/12/31/top-climatebiz-stories-2008
In Obama’s Team, Two Camps on Climate (01/02/2009)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/03/washington/03enviro.html?_r=1&ref=science
FORESTS: Once reducers of CO2, Canada’s trees now contribute to global warming (01/05/2009)
http://www.eenews.net
FORESTS: BLM finalizes plan to triple logging in western Ore. (01/05/2009)
http://www.eenews.net
STATES: The nation’s first cap-and-trade system could expand to cars (01/06/2009)
http://www.eenews.net
CLIMATE: Pelosi says House can pass cap and trade, but timetable is uncertain (01/06/2009)
http://www.eenews.net
Reports:
Rights and Resources Initiative. 2008. Seeing People Through The Trees: Scaling Up Efforts to Advance Rights and Address Poverty, Conflict and Climate Change. Washington DC: RRI. Available on-line: http://www.rightsandresources.org/publication_details.php?publicationID=737
Abstract: “Forest areas have an integral role in the development agenda of the next several decades because of the myriad challenges that converge within their landscapes. Donor agencies and policy-makers can change historical patterns of forest governance and management as a first and critical step toward addressing the impending global challenges of climate change, ongoing conflict and persistent poverty.
“The report references past models of forest management to demonstrate the weaknesses in prior governance structures while emphasizing gaps and opportunities for the strategic involvement of the international community. The key messages and recommendations to emerge from this literature speak to the global development community, country governments and civil society regarding their roles in forest tenure reform and improved governance.”
Beane, J.L., J.M. Hagan, A.A. Whitman, and J.S. Gunn. 2008. Forest Carbon Offsets: A Scorecard for Evaluating Project Quality. Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences Report MCCS NCI 2008-1, Brunswick, Maine; available on-line: http://www.manometmaine.org.
“Forests worldwide play a vital role in removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Forest offset projects are an appealing and abundant type of offset project, particularly in the voluntary carbon markets, in part because of the many other societal values forests provide, such as clean water and wildlife habitat (Hamilton et al. 2008). However, forest projects present some unique challenges for technical legitimacy, in particular the issues of additionality, permanence, and leakage. With this scorecard we provide a relatively simple scoring system to evaluate the technical rigor of any forest offset project. It is the first publicly available ranking tool tailored specifically to forest carbon offset projects.”
Matthew D Hurteau, George W Koch, Bruce A Hungate (2008) Carbon protection and fire risk reduction: toward a full accounting of forest carbon offsets. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment: Vol. 6, No. 9, pp. 493-498.
http://www.esajournals.org/toc/fron/6/9
Abstract: “Management of forests for carbon uptake is an important tool in the effort to slow the increase in atmospheric CO2 and global warming. However, some current policies governing forest carbon credits actually promote avoidable CO2 release and punish actions that would increase long-term carbon storage. In fire-prone forests, management that reduces the risk of catastrophic carbon release resulting from stand-replacing wild-fire is considered to be a CO2 source, according to current accounting practices, even though such management may actually increase long-term carbon storage. Examining four of the largest wildfires in the US in 2002, we found that, for forest land that experienced catastrophic stand-replacing fire, prior thinning would have reduced CO2 release from live tree biomass by as much as 98%. Altering carbon accounting practices for forests that have historically experienced frequent, low-severity fire could provide an incentive for forest managers to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire and associated large carbon release events.”
Frederick J Swanson, Charles Goodrich, Kathleen Dean Moore (2008) Bridging boundaries: scientists, creative writers, and the long view of the forest. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment: Vol. 6, No. 9, pp. 499-504.
http://www.esajournals.org/toc/fron/6/9
Abstract: “The Long-Term Ecological Reflections program brings together ecologists, creative writers, and philosophers at sites of long-term ecological research to advance understanding of ecological change and of our evolving relationship with the natural world. Developed as an analog to the Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) program sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the Reflections program attempts to bridge the sciences and humanities in places like the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest LTER site (Oregon) and Mount St Helens (Washington State), where participants reflect, share ideas, and write. Records of these reflections are posted as primary, raw data (eg journal entries and video interviews) on a webpage, and completed works are published in widely circulated journals. This growing body of material demonstrates the importance of taking the long view in building ecological knowledge. The writings display the value of metaphor and story in communicating such knowledge to the public.”
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