Info

Today's Climate

March 15, 2010

By SolveClimate Staff from SolveClimate.com: Today's Climate Headlines. Published on March 15, 2010.

Australia '0.7 Degrees Warmer Over Past 50 Years' (AFP)

Australia's top science body said on Monday temperatures had risen about 0.7 degrees Celsius (0.44 Fahrenheit) in the last 50 years, describing the finding as "significant evidence" of climate change.

Money Spent on Tar Sands Projects Could Decarbonize West (Guardian)

The $380 billion cost of developing Canada's tar sands between now and 2025 could be used to decarbonize the Western economy by funding ambitious solar power schemes in the Sahara or a European-wide shift to electric vehicles, according to a new report.

Climate Target Divides Environment Ministers (EurActiv)

EU environment ministers are meeting today to debate their strategy for climate negotiations, but no consensus is emerging about whether the EU should raise its target for emission reductions for 2020 from 20% to 30 percent. 

Carbon-Capture Plant Planned for Scotland (The Times) 

Plans for a "green" coal plant in Scotland, the first in the UK with carbon capture technology, are to be lodged with the Scottish government today. If it gets the go-ahead, it will be the first new fossil-fuel power station in Scotland since 1973.

Deep-Sea Volcanoes Play Key Climate Role: Scientists (Reuters)

A vast network of undersea volcanoes pumping out nutrient-rich water in the Southern Ocean plays a key role in soaking up large amounts of CO2, acting as a brake on climate change, scientists say.

Won't Resign Over One Mistake, Says Pachauri (Indian Express)

The UN IPCC chairman, Rajendra Pachauri, on Monday said that he would not resign over what he called "one mistake" reported in the IPCC report.

Scientists Warn of Demise of Canadian Climate Research (The Canadian Press) 

When government funding for the decade-old Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences dries up at the end of the year, scientists say the aftershocks of its departure will be felt not only in Canada but by researchers around the globe.

Solar Energy Firms Seen Vulnerable: Barron's (Reuters)

Shares of a number of solar energy companies have become vulnerable as the Obama administration has turned out to be a lot less lucrative for green investors than originally hoped, Barron's said. 

China, Not UN, Controls Supply for CO2 Offsets, Stanford Says (Bloomberg) 

China's power to set prices for electricity from wind farms is dictating the supply of tradable emission credits in the UN carbon market, the world's second biggest, according to a report from Stanford University.

Conn. Would Waive Student Loans in 'Green' Jobs (AP)

State legislation under debate in Connecticut would waive thousands of dollars in loans for students who earn degrees or certificates in green technology and other jobs.

Kenya Plans 280 Megawatt Geothermal Plants Within Three Years (Bloomberg)

Kenya plans to build geothermal power plants over the next two to three years that will have the capacity to generate 280 MW of electricity, Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi said.

Big Auto and EU Face Off Over Green Van Targets (Reuters)

Europe's vanmakers have gone a long way toward meeting proposals to curb climate-warming emissions, but as debate on the 2016 targets kicks off big auto is seen digging its heels in over the last mile.

March 14, 2010

By SolveClimate Staff from SolveClimate.com: Today's Climate Headlines. Published on March 14, 2010.

China Alleges Diplomatic Snub at Copenhagen Summit (AP)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said he was snubbed at last year's Copenhagen climate conference and fired back Sunday at critics who accuse China of arrogance.

Japan Faces Rocky Path to Emissions Trading System (Reuters)

Japan faces a rocky path to launching an emissions trading system after the government approved legislation on Friday that was vague on how the scheme would set limits on emissions.

U.S. to Abstain From Voting on Eskom World Bank Loan (Bloomberg)

The U.S. will abstain from voting on a $3.75 billion World Bank loan requested by South Africa’s state-owned power utility to help fund a new coal-fired plant.  

Kerry: Energy Bill More About Jobs (AP)

Sen. John Kerry, hoping to win over wavering senators, said he is pushing environmental reforms to create jobs and spark energy independence, with climate benefits along "for the ride."

Chu: Schumer Effort to Alter Stimulus Energy Grants Would Kill Jobs
(The Hill)

Energy Secretary Chu warned against a Senate effort to impose "buy American" requirements on certain renewable power projects funded with grants authorized in the 2009 stimulus law, saying he is "a little afraid" it will "kill a lot of jobs." 

NOAA Director Urges Better Explanations of Climate (AP)

Climate change is here and scientists need to do a better job of explaining it to the public, the director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration told reporters in a briefing. 

UN Climate Claims on Rainforests Were Wrong, Study Suggests (Telegraph) 

A new study, funded by NASA, has found that the most serious drought in the Amazon for more than a century had little impact on the rainforest's vegetation. The finding appears to contradict claims made by the UN IPCC.

UK: Government Adverts Banned for Overstating Climate Change (Sunday Times)

Two government advertisements that use nursery rhymes to warn people of the dangers of climate change have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for exaggerating the potential harm.

RGGI Auction Volume Up 42% (Environmental Leader)

Trading of carbon permits under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative rose 42% in the most recent trading session — the seventh such auction — bringing the total amount of proceeds generated to $582.38 million.

Made in the U.S.A.: Efficiency Materials (Green Inc.)  

According to a recent study commissioned by efficiency advocates, equipment like caulking and insulation — basic tools for retrofitting the country's homes and businesses — is almost entirely made in the United States.

German State Premier Seehofer Objects to Solar Cuts (Reuters) 

Bavaria state premier Horst Seehofer — one of three parties in Angela Merkel's center-right coalition — said that the German government's plans to cut state-mandated solar power incentives are excessive.

U.S. Beats Canada in Green Investments: Report (Canwest News Service)

The Obama administration is spending eight times more per person on new renewable energy, public transit and energy efficiency measures than Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government, concludes a new analysis. 

State Support Key to U.S. Nuclear Revival (Reuters)

Full support from state regulators is viewed as critical to keep the U.S. nuclear revival moving forward, utility executives said last week at the IHS CERA energy conference in Houston. 

Al-Qaida Suspect from NJ Worked at 6 Nuke Plants (AP)

An American seized in Yemen in a sweep of suspected al-Qaida members had been a laborer at six U.S. nuclear power plants, and authorities are investigating whether he had access to sensitive information or materials that would be useful to terrorists.

March 12, 2010

By SolveClimate Staff from SolveClimate.com: Today's Climate Headlines. Published on March 12, 2010.

Japan's Cabinet Endorses Cap-and-Trade Climate Bill (Bloomberg)

Japan's Cabinet has endorsed a climate draft law today that would cap industrial emissions and thrust the second-biggest economy into the $125 billion market for trading carbon credits.

Meeting on Deforestation Boosts Morale, Budget (AP)

A conference bringing together more than 60 nations Thursday added $1 billion to the fight against deforestation and boosted the morale of those hoping to save the world's forests - a key defense against global warming.

White House Finalizing Rules to Cut Car Emissions (Reuters)

The White House is finalizing rules on the first U.S. greenhouse gas emission standard for automobiles, which would raise average fuel economy 42% by 2016, in a bid to slash oil imports and fight climate change.

Americans Show Less Concern About Global Warming (Bloomberg)

Americans are less concerned about the threat of climate change than they were two years ago and almost half say the seriousness of global warming is overblown, a Gallup Organization Inc. poll shows.

EPA to Allow States Address Rising Ocean Acidity (AP)

The U.S. EPA said it will consider ways the states can address rising acidity levels in oceans, which pose a serious threat to shellfish and other marine life.

Climate Change Pushing Bird Species 'Towards Extinction:' U.S. (AFP)

Climate change is pushing some bird species "towards extinction," U.S. Interior Secretary Salazar warned Thursday, as a new report on the threats facing North American birds was released.

Pairing Oil Recovery With Carbon Capture a Win-Win for U.S.: Report (Greenwire) 

Enhanced oil recovery -- a technique that stimulates aging wells -- combined with carbon capture and storage could slash U.S. petroleum imports if there is a strong price on carbon, according to a report commissioned by NRDC.

Western U.S., Canada Go Own Way on Carbon Trading (Reuters) 

As U.S. prospects for a national climate bill fade, five U.S. states and Canadian provinces are on track to start a cap-and-trade market for CO2 in 2012, say officials who see fading federal momentum boosting regional efforts.

U.S. Carbon Traders Fear Pink Slips (Reuters)

Wall Street was supposed to become the capital of a global carbon trading market worth a trillion dollars a year but now many who thought green trading desks would be the next big thing are fearing the pink slip.

Five Countries Fall Behind on European Renewable Energy Goals (Green Inc.)

The European Commission said on Thursday that five countries — Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium, Denmark and Malta — were failing to meet goals for renewable energy but that they could make up their quotas by buying electricity from North Africa and the Balkans. 

Group: Polluters Use Offsets to Avoid Carbon Cuts (AP)

Major European polluters are buying their way out of making big cuts to greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing carbon offsets that pay for environmental programs in developing nations, a nonprofit group said Friday.

Sarkozy to Press G20 on Climate Funding (Reuters)

France will push the Group of 20 countries to impose a tax on financial transactions to raise billions of dollars to help developing nations fight climate change, President Nicolas Sarkozy said Thursday.

Stern Backs $100 Billion IMF Climate Fund Plan (Environmental Finance)

A climate fund proposed by the International Monetary Fund to raise $100 billion a year by 2020 has won support from climate change economics guru Nicholas Stern, who called it a "creative and constructive idea."

U.S. Smart-Grid Grants Won't Be Taxed (Sustainable Business)

The U.S. Departments of Treasury and Energy announced that grants under the $3.4 billion Smart Grid Investment Grant program will not be subject to federal taxes.

U.S.'s SunEdison to Build Solar Plant in Italy (Reuters) 

U.S. solar company SunEdison backed by Spain's Banco Santander will invest 200-250 million euros to build Europe's biggest solar plant in Italy to expand in the booming solar market there.

Mysterious Electric Car Firm Bursts Onto U.S. Market in Job Salvation Push (Business Green) 

Unknown electric-car maker Aurica Motors emerged as an unlikely savior for the U.S. auto industry this week, announcing plans to take over a Toyota factory in Fremont, California when the Japanese car manufacturer vacates the plant at the end of the month.

March 11, 2010

By SolveClimate Staff from SolveClimate.com: Today's Climate Headlines. Published on March 11, 2010.

U.S. Governors Ask Congress To Stop EPA Rules (Wall Street Journal)

Governors of 18 U.S. states on Wednesday urged Congress to stop "harmful" EPA regulation of greenhouse-gas emissions, saying the agency isn't equipped to deal with "the very real potential for economic harm."

Sen. Levin: Climate Bill Must Take Go-Slow Approach with Factories (The Hill)

Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) has provided Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) a wish list of items for climate change legislation that includes a minimum 10-year delay before greenhouse gas limits are imposed on industrial facilities. 

Virginia Passes Offshore Drilling Bills (Washington Business Journal)

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed legislation that would apportion any state revenue from offshore drilling toward transportation and energy research, but fiscal experts said it's highly uncertain when the state could realize any revenue from such activity. 

Obama's Trade Goal Fights His Clean-Energy Plan at Export Bank (Bloomberg) 

Pres. Obama's goals of boosting U.S. exports and combating climate change are colliding as the U.S. Export-Import Bank expands financing for oil, gas, mining and power-plant projects.

Senate Bill Expands Offshore Wind Incentives to 2020 (Sustainable Business)

U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) introduced legislation that would extend production and investment tax credits for offshore wind power until 2020.

RI Business Group Opposes Wind Power Agreement (AP) 

An organization that represents some of Rhode Island's largest electricity users has come out against a proposed power-purchase agreement between National Grid and the developer of a wind farm in state waters.

China Climate Chief Criticizes U.S. (Wall Street Journal)

China's chief climate official called for the U.S to do more in providing financing and technology in the global fight against climate change, as international negotiators struggle to find a mutually acceptable way of tackling the problem.

China Unsure on Warming Cause, To Stick with CO2 Cuts (Reuters)

China's top climate negotiator said that the cause of global warming was still not clear but the problems it was creating were so serious that the world must anyway act to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Deforestation Conference to Turn Plans to Action (AP)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy will open a daylong conference Thursday of some 40 nations to start turning efforts to end deforestation into action.

Developers Lament Loss of Federal Wind Subsidies in Canada (Green Inc.)

The Canadian Wind Energy Association is expressing disappointment with the federal government’s recent decision not to expand the ecoEnergy program — which delivered subsidies to renewable energy developers — in its new budget. 

Solar Prospectors Chase ’Gold Mine’ Deals in China, Israel (Bloomberg)

Solar developers across the globe are rushing to Italy, Israel and China to lock in the world’s highest subsidized electricity rates before they’re cut back.

Shale Gas Could Supply 100 Years of Consumption: Study (Reuters)

The natural gas shale boom in North America has more than doubled discovered gas resources and can supply more than a century of consumption at current rates, an IHS CERA study released Wednesday said.

Utility to Install Solar on Warehouse Roofs (AP)

Southern California Edison is leasing space on roofs of about 50 warehouses in the Inland Empire region east of Los Angeles to generate 250 MW of electricity from solar power.

Czech Renewable Energy Exceeds Grid Safety Limit (Reuters) 

The installed capacity of wind and solar energy projects approved in the Czech Republic is nearly four times what can be safely fed into the country's electricity grid, energy distributors said.

March 10, 2010

By SolveClimate Staff from SolveClimate.com: Today's Climate Headlines. Published on March 10, 2010.

Kerry Says 'Great Deal' of Consensus Reached on Climate Policy (Bloomberg)

Senator John Kerry said a bipartisan group of 14 lawmakers achieved a "great deal of consensus" on energy policy at the White House yesterday, and he's moving "rapidly" to introduce legislation on the subject.

Obama Wants Climate Bill Passed This Year: Senator (Reuters)

President Obama still wants Congress to pass a climate bill this year, Republican Sen. Susan Collins told reporters on Tuesday after meeting with the president.

Wind Industry Blitzes Hill on Schumer Bill, Renewable Mandate (Greenwire)

The wind industry is hitting Congress this week in a lobbying blitz aimed at securing a national RES and stopping a Senate measure that would prohibit federal grants from going to companies that manufacture outside America.

NRG Wins Energy Department Grant (The Hill)

NRG Energy will get $154 million from the Energy Department for a carbon capture and sequestration project, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced Tuesday. NRG will match the amount of investment.

U.S. 'Cap and Trade' Rebranded 'Pollution Reduction' (Reuters)

Senators pushing climate legislation have decided to scrap the name "cap and trade," which has become a dirty word on Capitol Hill, and rebrand the scheme as "pollution-reduction targets."

Green Stimulus Hit by Slow Spending (Financial Times)

The global green economic stimulus of 2009 has so far achieved little, with only a fraction of the money promised for environmental projects being spent, according to a study from HSBC bank.

Hedegaard Sets Out Strategy for Global Climate Talks (European Voice)

Connie Hedegaard, the European commissioner for climate action, set out a strategy to restore momentum to international talks, even though she admitted the chances of getting a global climate deal by the end of this year were slim.

EU to Call for Urgent Aid on Climate Projects in Poorer Nations (Bloomberg)

EU finance ministers meeting next week will call on rich nations to "urgently mobilize" on the first round of climate aid for developing countries, according to a draft document obtained by Bloomberg.

EPA: U.S. Saw Record Decline in Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2008 (Los Angeles Times)

High gasoline prices, a slow economy and a cool summer caused U.S. greenhouse gas emissions to fall nearly 3% in 2008 from 2007 levels, the EPA said, the largest year-over-year drop the agency has recorded since 1990.

First Solar Wins PG&E Contract for 300 Megawatts in California (Bloomberg)

First Solar, the world’s largest maker of thin-film solar modules, won a contract to supply 300 MW to PG&E Corp.'s utility from a project it's building in Southern California.

Chevron to Cut 2,000 Jobs (Financial Times)

Chevron, the second biggest oil company in the U.S., said on Tuesday it will cut a further 2,000 positions in its refining and marketing division as it reduces its global downstream workforce by 3,900 employees or about 20% over two years.

Energy Dept. Still Sees $3-Plus Gasoline Coming (AP)

The Energy Department still expects pump prices to climb past $3 per gallon as more motorists hit the road in the spring and summer driving seasons.

James Hansen Keen on Next-Gen Nuclear Power (The Australian)

According to NASA scientist James Hansen, because the threat of global warming is so serious and renewables are far from providing baseload power, nations must crank up support for so-called third and fourth generation nuclear systems.

March 9, 2010

By SolveClimate Staff from SolveClimate.com: Today's Climate Headlines. Published on March 09, 2010.

China and India Endorse Copenhagen Climate Accord (Reuters)

China and India joined almost all other major greenhouse gas emitters today in signing up to the climate accord struck in Copenhagen, boosting a deal strongly favored by the United States.

Obama Will Meet with Key Senators on Energy and Climate (The Hill)

Obama will meet with Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), along with 11 other senators and administration officials on Tuesday, in a closed-door meeting to address climate legislation that has stalled in the Senate.

Western Govs Say States Best Regulate Coal Ash (AP)

The Western Governor's Association is resisting a move by the EPA to reclassify coal ash as hazardous and is urging the Obama administration to let the states regulate the waste instead.

California Watchdog Sees Climate Policy Job Losses (Reuters)

California's aggressive climate change policy is likely to lead to modest job losses in the near term due to higher energy costs and other factors, the state's independent budget watchdog said.

U.S. EPA Chief Slams Attempted Delays on Climate (Reuters)

U.S. EPA chief Lisa Jackson fought back on Monday against Senate attempts to challenge the agency's authority to regulate global warming emissions, saying delaying action would be bad for the economy.

American Petroleum Says Supports Carbon Fee Because It's Easier To Demonize (Wonk Room)

The American Petroleum Institute's Jack Gerard explained that the "support" from the oil industry for a carbon fee on petroleum will come in the form of "signs at the gas pump letting people know they’re paying more because of U.S. efforts to deal with climate change."

S.Africa, India, Indonesia Seek Top UN Climate Job (Reuters)

South Africa, India and Indonesia are vying to win the UN's top climate change job, a key post to build trust between poor and rich in 2010 after the failed Copenhagen talks.

European Activists Sue Over Biofuels Studies (Green Inc.)

Environmental lawyers and activists on Monday sued the European Commission for failing to release studies investigating the impact of biofuels on the environment.

IMF Suggests How to Raise Climate Funds (AP)

The head of the IMF has proposed a plan for the world's governments to pool together to raise money needed to adapt to climate change, a rare step for an organization that normally does not develop environmental policies.

Asia Seen as Growth Driver for Voluntary CO2 Market (Reuters)

Fear of Western-imposed carbon tariffs on goods and services from Asia is likely to drive growth in offsetting emissions by large firms in the region, a voluntary carbon market executive said.

Wal-Mart Settles Environmental Complaints Over Calif Stores (Wall Street Journal)

Wal-Mart said Monday it has reached settlements with environmental groups over greenhouse-gas emissions associated with its operations, allowing planned expansions at three of its California stores to proceed.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Grows Into a Political Force (Los Angeles Times)

Several major companies left the Chamber of Commerce over its climate policies, but since then many more firms have joined and made substantial contributions, chamber President Tom Donohue said, in a worrying trend for the Obama administration.

UK Offshore Wind Costs at Least Twice Nuclear: Study (Reuters)

Generating Britain's electricity from offshore wind farms is likely to be at least twice as expensive as nuclear power, according to a new report by engineering consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Sahara Desert Solar Project Seeks Feed-In Tariffs (Bloomberg)

The Desertec Industrial Initiative will work with Morocco in the next month to arrange negotiations with the EU to provide feed-in tariffs for electricity produced by using large mirrors in the desert, Paul van Son, who heads the initiative, said.

U.S. and Europe 'Outsource' Greenhouse Gas Emissions (LiveScience)

One-third of CO2 emissions associated with the goods and services consumed in rich countries is being emitted outside the borders of those nations, mostly in the developing world, a new study finds.

Women Hit by Climate Change Head to Capitol Hill (Reuters)

Women hit hard by the effects of climate change -- drought, floods, sea level rise and crop failure -- gathered on Monday to plan a Capitol Hill push for U.S. legislation to curb emissions.

Exelon CEO Gets $12M in '09 Compensation (AP)

The top executive of the nation's largest nuclear power company received total compensation of $12 million in 2009, down 1% from 2008, according to an AP calculation of figures disclosed in a regulatory filing on Monday.

March 8, 2010

By SolveClimate Staff from SolveClimate.com: Today's Climate Headlines. Published on March 08, 2010.

EU Warns Climate Loopholes Could Lead to CO2 Rise (Reuters)

Loopholes in the UN climate treaties could actually amount to an increase in global-warming emissions over the next decade, and must be closed, a draft EU report shows.

Head of Pocasset Wampanoag Sends Salazar Letter Supporting Cape Wind (Cape Cod Today)

Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe Chairman George Spring Buffalo sent a letter of support for the Cape Wind project to Interior Secretary Salazar. The move is in direct opposition to the stand taken by the Wampanoag Tribe of Mashpee.

Energy Groups to Launch Plan for European 'Super-Grid' (Financial Times)

An ambitious plan for a $36 billion electricity "super-grid" in the North Sea connecting the UK, Germany and Norway will be launched in London on Monday by a group of 10 leading European companies.

Smart Grid Spending Powers Ahead in Asia (Reuters)

Japan, South Korea and China are investing about $9 billion this year in "smart grid" systems, with China alone seen investing $7.3 billion, a commitment that is expected to outpace the United States.

Australia: States at Sea Over Coastal Levels (The Australian)

Australia's six state governments have four different figures for predicted sea-level rise caused by climate change, leaving developers and councils confused and sparking calls for a federal takeover of coastal climate planning.

Calgary Pols Question Power Utility’s Sponsorship of Palin Chat (Canadian Press)

Two municipal politicians are raising questions about why a city-owned power utility chipped in taxpayer dollars to bring Sarah Palin to a sold-out event in Calgary.

German GHG Emissions Fall by 8% (Argus)

Germany's greenhouse gas emissions fell by 8 percent last year on the back of the economic crisis, the steepest year-on-year emissions decline since the existence of the federal republic of Germany, the environment ministry said.

EDF Nuclear Reactor Carries 'Chernobyl-Size' Explosion Risk (Guardian)

French anti-nuclear campaigners say a new third-generation power plant being built by utility EDF in Normandy carries an accident risk of "Chernobyl proportions."

Sarkozy Seeks Funding, Training for Nuclear Energy (Reuters)

International development banks must finance civilian nuclear projects to help emerging nations build energy plants, French Pres. Sarkozy said on Monday, laying out ambitious plans to develop the industry.

BYD Plans to Start European Car Sales Next Year (Bloomberg)

BYD Co., the automaker backed by Warren Buffett, plans to start selling electric and hybrid cars in western Europe next year as the first Chinese company to market such vehicles in the region.

British Rivers Could Power 850,000 Homes (Telegraph)

The Environment Agency will reveal that controversial hydropower turbines have the potential to generate enough electricity to power 850,000 homes – around 3% of the UK's residential electricity demand.

UK: Home Power Generation Dream Suffers a Blow (Times)

Red tape is strangling a scheme designed to encourage millions of families to generate their own electricity with home-mounted solar panels, wind turbines and heat pumps, according to the UK’s biggest manufacturer of central heating equipment.