The world we leave our children

Posted on | February 27, 2009 | Comments Off

by First Lady Michelle Obama

“I’ve often spoken about my most important job — being a mom — and like mothers and fathers everywhere, the health and safety of our children is our top priority,” the First Lady said on a visit to EPA headquarters. “This is what it is all about: the future. And in many ways, it starts with all of you. You ensure that the water we drink is safe, that the air we breathe is clean, and that the polluted fields and abandoned factories in our neighborhoods all over this nation are cleaned up and restored.”

Hundreds of employees turned out to see the First Lady, whom EPA administrator Lisa Jackson introduced as “an icon” of grace, class and style. And some took heart in what the First Lady assured them would be “a new day” at the EPA.

“We are just thrilled to be working for an administration that respects the work we do, environmental work but public service more specifically,” said Beth Hall, who works in the ground water and drinking water office (pool report).

‘Technology is the Key’ to Coping with Global Warming and Growth

Posted on | February 27, 2009 | 3 Comments

by the World Bank

May 21, 2008—Can all developing countries grow as fast as the fastest growing economies without causing global greenhouse gases to spiral out of control?

The answer is no, unless technology and new techniques are used to “radically” reduce the amount of energy needed to produce goods, as well as cut CO2 emissions, says the Growth Report. “That is the only way developing countries can grow rapidly without subjecting the world to potentially catastrophic global warming,” it adds.

Climate models suggest coastal erosion from global warming may threaten more than 1 million people by 2050 in the Nile delta in Egypt, the Mekong delta in Vietnam, and the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta in Bangladesh, notes the report.

It adds that fast-growing developing countries like China and India that generate a lot of CO2 must take part in efforts to mitigate global warming if the world is to succeed. However, they are resisting, partly because committing to cut emissions might threaten their growth, and partly because they consider such commitments unfair as most of the CO2 in the atmosphere was generated by high income countries.

The report says that uncertainties about the impact of climate change and the cost of cutting carbon will be resolved over time. The world, therefore, should not lock itself into precise, quantitative commitments for the far-flung future. “It should anticipate that information will improve—and leave some options open.”

“In particular, for developing countries that are on a fast growth trajectory, we need to be very sensitive on the way in which targets are set for them and on the way in which technology and financial systems are applied to countries,” says Lord John Browne, former CEO of British Petroleum.

Global Carbon Tax or ‘Cap and Trade’ Urged

Nations should instead consider a global carbon tax or a “cap and trade” system that would allow countries to emit a given amount of CO2 or sell permits to other countries. Enough greenhouse gas permits should be awarded to developing countries to allow them to grow, says the report.

A carbon tax or cap and trade system will take years to design, negotiate and implement, it adds. In the meantime, advanced nations should cut emissions aggressively and pay more generous subsidies to energy efficiency and carbon reduction technologies.

Netherlands And Thailand Under Water?

Posted on | February 27, 2009 | Comments Off

In 2008, the World Bank suggested that the Netherlands could soon be under the sea. The government and people of the Netherlands took the advice to heart and are taking serious actions.

Cor Dijkgraaf, a Dutch city planner, has taken the same advice to Thailand. In a recent seminar, Cor compared the two countries.

“[Global warming] will affect the national economy, the whole country and the whole population if sea level rises. So it should be a national issue here in Thailand as well,” Dijkgraaf said.

A rise in the sea level of 40 cm, more violent storms and salt water intrusion are among the biggest concerns.

United States Pushes For Cap-And-Trade

Posted on | February 26, 2009 | Comments Off

President Obama spoke up about America moving toward a cap-and-trade market. “Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.”

Duke Energy Corp. and BlackRock Inc. backed the President’s push for a market-based cap on greenhouse gas emissions.

The Edison Electric Institute also supports the President’s plan. Recently, Edison reported their objectives:
“Our issues are at the center of the debates over economic policy, energy strategy, national security and the environment,” Kuhn said. “We are excited by the challenge and optimistic that we – by continuing to work with all of the stakeholders and policymakers involved – can help form the right framework to transform the way our industry works and the way the nation addresses its energy future.”

Kuhn said the electric industry’s success will rest upon aggressive action in four key areas: Energy efficiency, smart grid and advanced electricity transmission technology, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and advanced, low- and carbon-free electric generating technologies.

On the other hand, those with concerns for the environmen were disappointed that the President did not mention the need for increasing nuclear power.