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Climate Change News from the Front Line
giving voice and finding solutions to the impacts of climate change in Alaska
Alaska Conservation Solutions
October 2010 newsletter |
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| Scientists ... Speak Up! | |
In recent essays researchers provide a review on arguments both for and against scientists' moving into the realm of policy advocacy. The arguments for advocacy held up better than the arguments against it. The authors conclude that scientists have a "moral obligation to advocate to the best of their ability in the interest of helping society" (Yale Forum on Climate Change & the Media, 10/12/10). ACTION ALERT: Share your research in this newsletter. Contact penny@akcenter.org. |
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| Dear Friends, | |
Although it is unclear how concerns about climate change regulations will affect the outcome of the midterm elections, one thing is certain: skepticism about climate science has become one of the many litmus tests for candidates. The use of climate science as a weapon to skewer political opponents does not bode well for bipartisan progress on climate after the election. However you choose to vote, make sure that you take the environment into account and consider it just as seriously as other issues. Although the climate crisis represents a threat to all living beings, it is also a unique opportunity to help improve and enhance living standards through cleaner, more sustainable technologies, products, and services. Spread the word!
With hope and determination,
Penny Bauder
Project Director, Alaska Conservation Solutions |
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| ALASKA, ARCTIC, AND ANTARCTIC NEWS | |
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Renewable Energy Critical to Rural Survival | |
As rural Alaska continues to struggle with high energy prices, efforts are increasing to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Alaska Village Electric Cooperative hopes to substantially reduce the diesel fuel used in its member communities by employing wind power because "fuel costs are killing rural Alaska" (The Cordova Times, 10/2/10). ACTION ALERT: Support renewable energy in Alaska by lending your voice to the Fire Island Wind Project. We need to make sure our utilities sign a power-purchase agreement in November or we'll be paying through our monthly bills for this missed opportunity. Click here for more information. |
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Alaska Housing Finance Home Energy Rebate Program Is One of Nation's Best | |
The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy recently announced that AHFC's Home Energy Rebate Program is one of the most exceptional state-led energy efficiency programs in the United States. AHFC's Home Energy Rebate Program received one of 10 honorable mentions awarded (Marketwire, 10/13/10). ACTION ALERT: Get your home ready for winter by attending the REAP energy efficiency monthly forum at the Anchorage Museum on Nov. 10 from 6-8pm. |
| New Wind for Schools Turbine Goes Up in Juneau | | The U.S. Coast Guard installed a wind turbine at its station in Juneau to teach students in Juneau-area schools about science and energy. The turbine will produce approximately 10 percent of the station's electrical load, and be used as part of the new Wind for Schools in Alaska program (U.S. Coast Guard News Release, 10/12/10). ACTION ALERT: Get up to date on Alaska's wind potential by downloading the Renewable Energy Alaska Project's Wind Power in Alaska Update. |
| Denali Park to Get Micro Hydro Power | | Alaska's U.S. senators have co-sponsored a bill that would result in a small micro hydro power generator in Denali National Park and Preserve. "A micro-hydro project will reduce the Kantishna Roadhouse's diesel consumption. This means better air quality for the park, fewer truck trips on the single park road, a better experience for all park visitors, and a better bottom line for the Kantishna Roadhouse," Senator Begich wrote (The Alaska Journal of Commerce, 10/8/10). |
| Climate Change May Cause Arctic Conflict | | A new study shows how diminishing ice in the North Pole is causing global interests within the region to grow. As a result, major Arctic powers like the United States and Russia are increasingly asserting their presence in the region. Military officials fear that climate change may lead to conflict as a race for resources unfolds (Guardian, 10/11/10). ACTION ALERT: Download a report released by the University of Alaska Fairbanks that offers international policymakers guidance for navigating the political and practical ramifications of shipping in the Arctic. |
| Arctic Shipping Will Hasten Ice Melt | | As the ice-capped Arctic Ocean warms, ship traffic will increase at the top of the world. Unfortunately, a research team says this growing Arctic ship traffic will bring with it air pollution that has the potential to accelerate climate change in the world's northern reaches. And it's more than a greenhouse gas problem -- engine exhaust particles could increase warming by some 17-78 percent, the researchers say (Science Daily, 10/26/10). |
| Arctic Continues to Warm | | The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's annual Arctic Report Card confirmed that the Arctic remains vulnerable to climate change. The report, based on the findings of 69 international researchers and 176 scientific references, states that Arctic sea ice reached the third lowest recorded minimum since 1979 and Arctic snow cover duration was at a record minimum (NOAA Arctic Report Card, 10/21/10). ACTION ALERT: Protect the Arctic by speaking up to help stop climate change. Join the Citizen's Climate Lobby's Million Letter March by clicking here. |
| Warmer Arctic Probably Permanent | | The signs of climate change were all over the Arctic this year -- warmer air, less sea ice, melting glaciers -- which probably means this weather-making region will not return to its former, colder state. In an international assessment of the Arctic, scientists said, "Return to previous Arctic conditions is unlikely" (Science News Daily, 10/21/10). |
| Climate Change Extends Arctic Fishing | | Officials in Nunavut's Baffin Island fishery say climate change has benefited their business somewhat, thanks to longer fishing seasons in recent years. The Baffin Fisheries Coalition says its turbot and shrimp fishing seasons have lengthened dramatically in the past decade because of a warming Arctic climate (CBC News, 10/25/10). |
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| U.S. To Double Solar Output | | The Obama administration approved what will be the world's largest concentrated solar power plant and one that will more than double all of U.S. solar output. "The Blythe Solar Power Project is a major milestone in our nation's renewable energy economy and shows that the United States intends to compete and lead in the technologies of the future," the Interior Secretary said in announcing the approval (MSN, 10/25/10). ACTION ALERT: Lower your carbon footprint by making smart purchasing decisions while you shop. Download the ClimateCounts free iPhone App to view climate scorecards from hundreds of companies. |
| Administration Unveils First-Time Efficiency Limits for Big Trucks | | The Obama administration continued its push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, proposing the first-ever emissions limits for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. The requirement would require a 20 percent cut in emissions and fuel use from long-haul tractor-trailer trucks for model years 2014 to 2018 (The Hill, 10/25/10). |
| Judge Orders Administration to Decide if Polar Bears Are Endangered | | A U.S. District Judge ordered the Obama administration to clarify whether polar bears are endangered under U.S. law. The legal status of polar bears remains in question after the Obama administration supported the former President George W. Bush administration's rule that polar bears are merely threatened. If polar bears are found to be endangered, there may be legal means to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Endangered Species Act (The Washington Post, 10/20/10). |
| EPA Focus Turns to Climate Change | |
The Environmental Protection Agency released its five-year fiscal plan, which highlights the agency's five main goals, the first of which is to take action on climate change and improve air quality. The agency states that it will actively regulate greenhouse gas emissions despite mounting opposition from members of Congress and more than 90 lawsuits filed against the agency (EPA Press Release, 10/7/10). |
| U.S. Forests Offset 11 Percent of CO2 Emissions Annually | | The USDA Forest Service released a report that says U.S. forests offset roughly 11 percent of industrial carbon emissions annually, which is equal to the emissions from about 135 million cars. The report also shows that the amount of carbon stored in forests has increased steadily since 1990 because total forestland area has increased and carbon storage density is growing (Reuters, 10/19/10). |
| Climate Change to Cause Extreme World Drought | | The United States and many other heavily populated countries could face extreme drought in the next 30 years unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, a new study finds. Warming temperatures associated with climate change will likely create increasingly dry conditions that have rarely, if ever, been observed in modern times, according to the study (USA Today, 10/20/10). |
| Acidification of Oceans May Contribute to Global Declines of Shellfish | | According to a new study, the acidification of the Earth's oceans due to rising levels of carbon dioxide may be contributing to a global decline of clams, scallops, and other shellfish by interfering with the development of shellfish larvae. The researchers reported that larvae grown at pre-industrial CO2 concentrations had higher survival rates, grew faster, and had thicker and more robust shells than those grown at the modern concentration (Science Daily, 10/3/10). |
| 10/10/10 Climate Change "Work Party" a 7000+ Event Success | | Tens of thousands of climate advocates organized and attended at least 7,347 events in 188 countries and all 50 states -- the largest climate grassroots day of action in history. One day of action won't solve the climate crisis, but on 10/10/10, world leaders were shown that the climate movement is alive and growing (Reuters, 10/11/10). |
| Slowing Population May Be Best Way to Lower CO2 | | A new study concluded that slowing population growth may be one of the most effective methods of reducing CO2 emissions. The study results show that slowing population growth may result in up to 29 percent of the emissions reductions necessary by 2050 to avoid harmful climate change. The study also showed that an aging population in the next 90 years may reduce emissions by 20 percent (Reuters, 10/11/10). |
| Mediterranean Nations Agree to Combat Climate Change | | Some 15 Mediterranean countries, including Israel and the Palestinian Authority, agreed to work together to combat the effects of climate change. The countries signed a declaration which called for "contributing to the emergence of low carbon, resource efficient and climate resilient economies." The agreement among the Mediterranean nations to address the problem of global warming, despite political conflicts between some of them, was hailed by some as a diplomatic breakthrough (AFP, 10/23/10). |
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This newsletter is produced by Alaska Conservation Solutions, a program of the Alaska Center for the Environment, Alaska's largest home-grown citizen's group working to enhance Alaskans' quality of life by protecting wild places, fostering sustainable communities, and promoting recreational opportunities. Alaska Conservation Solutions was founded in 2005 to draw attention to the pervasive consequences of climate change in Alaska and to pursue solutions and responses to the problems. Please join ACE to support our work. |
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