Tom Wilbanks argues that avoiding severe climate change impacts will require dramatically improving our ability to inform decisions about response options. Information professionals will play a critical role in determining if we are successful. The document discusses the challenges of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations, accelerating technological change, improving data integration and connecting science to decisions. Realizing the potential of information to help address climate change will require agency support and developing national climate services.
This document is a letter from Thomas Kuhn of the Edison Electric Institute to Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham regarding a proposal for the electric power industry to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The letter outlines a plan for the Electric Power Industry Climate Initiative (EPICI) to work with the Department of Energy to reduce carbon intensity in the power sector by 3-5% over the next decade through individual company actions and joint industry initiatives. It requests that the government implement policies to support low-carbon technologies and activities to help the industry meet this voluntary goal.
The Massachusetts Zero Net Energy Buildings Task Force developed recommendations to transform the state's building sector and create a pathway toward zero net energy buildings by 2030. Their recommendations include establishing energy performance standards for new construction and existing buildings, measuring and reporting actual energy use, designing incentives to reduce financial and regulatory barriers, and education and training programs. Collectively, these recommendations aim to dramatically reduce building energy use and carbon emissions through a comprehensive set of policies, programs, and mandates.
Center on Clean Air Policy- State Roundtable On Global ClimateObama White House
The document summarizes a roundtable discussion organized by the Center for Clean Air Policy to address global climate change at the state level. The roundtable brings together key environmental and energy regulators from 13 states to discuss strategies that provide multiple pollutant benefits and fall under states' authority. Topics covered include energy efficiency, renewable energy programs, transportation planning, and emission reduction goals. The roundtable aims to help states determine appropriate climate policy responses based on their economic and political contexts. It has already led to pilot programs and increased information sharing between states to advance climate policy goals. The organizers propose expanding participation to additional states.
The Bush administration is aggressively pushing industries to voluntarily commit to specific reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2012 in an effort to demonstrate that mandatory reductions are unnecessary. Senior officials are collecting written promises from industries to curb emissions. While the administration says this approach can work, many scientists and environmental groups say the targeted reductions are too modest and binding international agreements are still needed to adequately address climate change. There is also criticism that the effort is really a mandatory program disguised as voluntary.
This letter from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) updates power company representatives on climate change activities and initiatives. It discusses recent recommendations accepted by EEI's Board of Directors to support voluntary climate programs and facilitate industry collaboration. EEI is developing options for voluntary climate activities and establishing collaborative initiatives for members. It requests responses to evaluate potential new initiatives focused on renewables and energy services.
This document is a letter from Thomas Kuhn of the Edison Electric Institute to Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham regarding a proposal for the electric power industry to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The letter outlines a plan for the Electric Power Industry Climate Initiative (EPICI) to work with the Department of Energy to reduce carbon intensity in the power sector by 3-5% over the next decade through individual company actions and joint industry initiatives. It requests that the government implement policies to support low-carbon technologies and activities to help the industry meet this voluntary goal.
The Massachusetts Zero Net Energy Buildings Task Force developed recommendations to transform the state's building sector and create a pathway toward zero net energy buildings by 2030. Their recommendations include establishing energy performance standards for new construction and existing buildings, measuring and reporting actual energy use, designing incentives to reduce financial and regulatory barriers, and education and training programs. Collectively, these recommendations aim to dramatically reduce building energy use and carbon emissions through a comprehensive set of policies, programs, and mandates.
Center on Clean Air Policy- State Roundtable On Global ClimateObama White House
The document summarizes a roundtable discussion organized by the Center for Clean Air Policy to address global climate change at the state level. The roundtable brings together key environmental and energy regulators from 13 states to discuss strategies that provide multiple pollutant benefits and fall under states' authority. Topics covered include energy efficiency, renewable energy programs, transportation planning, and emission reduction goals. The roundtable aims to help states determine appropriate climate policy responses based on their economic and political contexts. It has already led to pilot programs and increased information sharing between states to advance climate policy goals. The organizers propose expanding participation to additional states.
The Bush administration is aggressively pushing industries to voluntarily commit to specific reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2012 in an effort to demonstrate that mandatory reductions are unnecessary. Senior officials are collecting written promises from industries to curb emissions. While the administration says this approach can work, many scientists and environmental groups say the targeted reductions are too modest and binding international agreements are still needed to adequately address climate change. There is also criticism that the effort is really a mandatory program disguised as voluntary.
This letter from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) updates power company representatives on climate change activities and initiatives. It discusses recent recommendations accepted by EEI's Board of Directors to support voluntary climate programs and facilitate industry collaboration. EEI is developing options for voluntary climate activities and establishing collaborative initiatives for members. It requests responses to evaluate potential new initiatives focused on renewables and energy services.
The document discusses the increasing dependence on computer technology and its future applications and impacts. It predicts that technology will continue penetrating more areas of life like communication, education, business, and relationships. While acknowledging benefits, it expresses concern that over-reliance on technology for communication could undermine people's ability to communicate face-to-face, which is important for humanity. The document concludes that while the growth of technology is inevitable, its impacts may not be entirely positive.
Mitigation and adaptation of climate change in aquacultureramjan5
This document discusses mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change in aquaculture. It notes that aquaculture production will need to increase significantly to meet growing global food demand, but faces challenges from climate change impacts like rising temperatures, sea levels, and extreme weather. The document outlines how climate change affects aquaculture through impacts on ecosystems, operations, communities and economies. It emphasizes the need for climate-smart aquaculture and resilient species to help ensure food security under changing conditions.
The military aims to procure 1 gigawatt of renewable energy each for the Army, Navy, and Air Force by 2020. The military is pursuing renewable energy projects to improve operational efficiency and energy security for military bases. Developing renewable energy projects for the military presents advantages but also risks related to contracting with the Department of Defense. The Army is establishing a task force and contracting process to meet with developers and address issues around regulations, bureaucracy, and federal contracting.
The State of Solar Energy, 2014: Is Solar Energy now mainstream? What can we expect for 2015.
This step by step slideshare outlines the facts that put solar energy as the new energy source for the next decade.
This document proposes an energy plan to transition the US from fossil fuel dependence to renewable sources over 50 years. It outlines how the current reliance on coal, oil and gas negatively impacts both the economy and environment through issues like global warming, health costs, crop damage, and foreign oil dependence. The plan recommends using natural gas in the short term while expanding solar, wind, geothermal and other renewables. It argues this mix of sources can meet US energy demands sustainably while improving security, health and reducing pollution.
Adapting my business - Cómo evaluar la información climática en una empresa -...Factor CO2
Bernd Eggen. Formerly senior climate change consultant, UK Met Office ofreció esta ponencia dentro del evento "Adapting my business" organizado por Factor CO2 y celebrado el 7 de junio en Casa América, Madrid
This document summarizes the work of the National Energy Action (NEA) charity in addressing fuel poverty in the UK. It discusses how fuel poverty is caused by a combination of energy inefficient homes, low incomes, health issues and high fuel costs. It notes that fuel poverty negatively impacts millions of households' health. The document then examines the UK government's new approach to defining and addressing fuel poverty, and discusses some gaps and challenges that still remain, including a need for more partnership between health and energy sectors.
Sustainability concepts in Civil Engineering - Module-2Abhilash B L
This presentation gives you Information regarding Resource degradation, climate change regional and local environmental issues, carbon Credits and carbon trading, carbon footprint, carbon sequestration - carbon capture and storage (CCS) environmental management standard ISO 14,000 series, life-cycle analysis scope and goal, Biomimicking
Peter Garforth: The Power of Energy Efficiency - Creating Globally Competitiv...MichiganLandUse
Peter Garforth, Principle of Garforth International LLC, gave this presentation titled: The Power of Energy Efficiency: Creating Globally Competitive Communities at the Energy Efficiency and Local Economic Opportunity Summit on June 14th, Traverse City, Michigan
Understanding Renewable Energy in KenyaGrace Mwaura
Presentation at the annual fundraising dinner of the Rotaract of Milimani in Nairobi. Proceeds from this dinner will go towards installing a biogas plant at a Childrens Home in one of the Nairobi slums. Totally humbled by the commitment of these young professionals,and sharing with them my insights tonight!
EPA denied a petition to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles for three reasons: 1) EPA lacks authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate CO2 emissions for climate change; 2) regulating vehicle fuel economy to reduce CO2 emissions is assigned to DOT by Congress; and 3) regulating GHG emissions now would be premature without more scientific study. The petition was filed in 1999 by environmental groups but EPA is now taking final action to deny it to avoid unnecessary litigation.
The article discusses three main topics:
1. Peru and the US agreed to strengthen relations and cooperation in the forestry sector, including sustainable management of mahogany and cedar and capacity building programs.
2. Colombia declared a new 12,000 hectare regional national park in Santander to prevent mining and protect the environment and water access for local communities.
3. Disney invested $7 million to conserve forests in the Congo Basin, Peru, and the US through partnerships with conservation organizations to reduce carbon emissions and protect habitats and biodiversity.
This document provides a summary of the first issue of the newsletter CONNECTED, which discusses climate and energy issues from a transatlantic perspective. In the opening editorial, Jennifer Morgan of the World Resources Institute argues that the US and EU should commission a joint risk assessment of climate change and work more closely with China on transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The newsletter also highlights Germany's new national energy concept, California's progress on implementing a cap-and-trade system, and a new US strategy on rare earth metals. Interviews and reports provide updates on renewable energy and green jobs initiatives in both Europe and the US.
The WWF report identifies solutions to meet growing global energy demand through 2050 without exceeding a 2-degree Celsius temperature rise. It finds that existing sustainable energy technologies could meet demand if deployed rapidly and at scale. However, urgent action is needed in the next 5 years to set policies driving this transition, as delays will increase costs and risks. Key solutions identified are improving energy efficiency, stopping deforestation, developing renewable technologies concurrently, building infrastructure for flexible fuels, replacing coal with gas in the near-term, and implementing carbon capture and storage. Global cooperation and leadership are imperative to guide investment towards sustainable options.
The document discusses opportunities for transitioning to a low-carbon economy through innovation. It notes that traditional energy efficiency solutions are insufficient and that moving to low-carbon energy sources requires decoupling energy consumption from greenhouse gas emissions. Information and communication technologies can play an important role by helping address issues with renewable energy sources and enabling reliable services even when renewable power availability fluctuates. The document advocates developing zero-carbon strategies using renewable energy to allow continued growth without increasing emissions.
This document summarizes recent research from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. It discusses the challenges of limiting global warming to 2°C, including that most sectors like shipping are failing to meet emission reduction commitments and that stabilization will require significant economic and lifestyle changes. New focus areas of research are mentioned like smart grids, food security, and policies for high-emitting countries. Concerns are raised about pursuing shale gas and policies not supporting the needed scale of emission cuts.
Supply Trends- What are the Impacts on Transmission? ScottMadden, Inc.
Todd Williams, director at ScottMadden, presented, “Supply Trends – What Are The Impacts on Transmission?” at Infocast’s 15th Annual Transmission Summit. This presentation focused on important developments in generation and how they will impact transmission.
Supply uncertainty is at unprecedented levels, primarily driven by EPA regulations, decreasing natural gas prices and renewable energy portfolio requirements. The impacts of a shift in electric generation moves from coal to natural gas needs to be examined closely, such as the the unknowns associated with growing interdependency of gas and electric industries. The impact of new generation, extended outages for retrofits, and required transmission must be understood by transmission planners and operators to ensure continued grid reliability. The mismatch in planning cycles between generation and transmission makes this even more problematic.
John pearson uk low carbon experience and se asia work jakarta oct 2011E-Idea
The document discusses the UK's experience with the green economy and climate change act. It outlines the UK's legally binding targets to reduce emissions by 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. It also discusses the committee on climate change, which found that emissions increased by 3% and that increased efforts are needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a faster rate. The document provides information on the UK's green deal program and low carbon transport initiatives.
The document discusses the increasing dependence on computer technology and its future applications and impacts. It predicts that technology will continue penetrating more areas of life like communication, education, business, and relationships. While acknowledging benefits, it expresses concern that over-reliance on technology for communication could undermine people's ability to communicate face-to-face, which is important for humanity. The document concludes that while the growth of technology is inevitable, its impacts may not be entirely positive.
Mitigation and adaptation of climate change in aquacultureramjan5
This document discusses mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change in aquaculture. It notes that aquaculture production will need to increase significantly to meet growing global food demand, but faces challenges from climate change impacts like rising temperatures, sea levels, and extreme weather. The document outlines how climate change affects aquaculture through impacts on ecosystems, operations, communities and economies. It emphasizes the need for climate-smart aquaculture and resilient species to help ensure food security under changing conditions.
The military aims to procure 1 gigawatt of renewable energy each for the Army, Navy, and Air Force by 2020. The military is pursuing renewable energy projects to improve operational efficiency and energy security for military bases. Developing renewable energy projects for the military presents advantages but also risks related to contracting with the Department of Defense. The Army is establishing a task force and contracting process to meet with developers and address issues around regulations, bureaucracy, and federal contracting.
The State of Solar Energy, 2014: Is Solar Energy now mainstream? What can we expect for 2015.
This step by step slideshare outlines the facts that put solar energy as the new energy source for the next decade.
This document proposes an energy plan to transition the US from fossil fuel dependence to renewable sources over 50 years. It outlines how the current reliance on coal, oil and gas negatively impacts both the economy and environment through issues like global warming, health costs, crop damage, and foreign oil dependence. The plan recommends using natural gas in the short term while expanding solar, wind, geothermal and other renewables. It argues this mix of sources can meet US energy demands sustainably while improving security, health and reducing pollution.
Adapting my business - Cómo evaluar la información climática en una empresa -...Factor CO2
Bernd Eggen. Formerly senior climate change consultant, UK Met Office ofreció esta ponencia dentro del evento "Adapting my business" organizado por Factor CO2 y celebrado el 7 de junio en Casa América, Madrid
This document summarizes the work of the National Energy Action (NEA) charity in addressing fuel poverty in the UK. It discusses how fuel poverty is caused by a combination of energy inefficient homes, low incomes, health issues and high fuel costs. It notes that fuel poverty negatively impacts millions of households' health. The document then examines the UK government's new approach to defining and addressing fuel poverty, and discusses some gaps and challenges that still remain, including a need for more partnership between health and energy sectors.
Sustainability concepts in Civil Engineering - Module-2Abhilash B L
This presentation gives you Information regarding Resource degradation, climate change regional and local environmental issues, carbon Credits and carbon trading, carbon footprint, carbon sequestration - carbon capture and storage (CCS) environmental management standard ISO 14,000 series, life-cycle analysis scope and goal, Biomimicking
Peter Garforth: The Power of Energy Efficiency - Creating Globally Competitiv...MichiganLandUse
Peter Garforth, Principle of Garforth International LLC, gave this presentation titled: The Power of Energy Efficiency: Creating Globally Competitive Communities at the Energy Efficiency and Local Economic Opportunity Summit on June 14th, Traverse City, Michigan
Understanding Renewable Energy in KenyaGrace Mwaura
Presentation at the annual fundraising dinner of the Rotaract of Milimani in Nairobi. Proceeds from this dinner will go towards installing a biogas plant at a Childrens Home in one of the Nairobi slums. Totally humbled by the commitment of these young professionals,and sharing with them my insights tonight!
EPA denied a petition to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles for three reasons: 1) EPA lacks authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate CO2 emissions for climate change; 2) regulating vehicle fuel economy to reduce CO2 emissions is assigned to DOT by Congress; and 3) regulating GHG emissions now would be premature without more scientific study. The petition was filed in 1999 by environmental groups but EPA is now taking final action to deny it to avoid unnecessary litigation.
The article discusses three main topics:
1. Peru and the US agreed to strengthen relations and cooperation in the forestry sector, including sustainable management of mahogany and cedar and capacity building programs.
2. Colombia declared a new 12,000 hectare regional national park in Santander to prevent mining and protect the environment and water access for local communities.
3. Disney invested $7 million to conserve forests in the Congo Basin, Peru, and the US through partnerships with conservation organizations to reduce carbon emissions and protect habitats and biodiversity.
This document provides a summary of the first issue of the newsletter CONNECTED, which discusses climate and energy issues from a transatlantic perspective. In the opening editorial, Jennifer Morgan of the World Resources Institute argues that the US and EU should commission a joint risk assessment of climate change and work more closely with China on transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The newsletter also highlights Germany's new national energy concept, California's progress on implementing a cap-and-trade system, and a new US strategy on rare earth metals. Interviews and reports provide updates on renewable energy and green jobs initiatives in both Europe and the US.
The WWF report identifies solutions to meet growing global energy demand through 2050 without exceeding a 2-degree Celsius temperature rise. It finds that existing sustainable energy technologies could meet demand if deployed rapidly and at scale. However, urgent action is needed in the next 5 years to set policies driving this transition, as delays will increase costs and risks. Key solutions identified are improving energy efficiency, stopping deforestation, developing renewable technologies concurrently, building infrastructure for flexible fuels, replacing coal with gas in the near-term, and implementing carbon capture and storage. Global cooperation and leadership are imperative to guide investment towards sustainable options.
The document discusses opportunities for transitioning to a low-carbon economy through innovation. It notes that traditional energy efficiency solutions are insufficient and that moving to low-carbon energy sources requires decoupling energy consumption from greenhouse gas emissions. Information and communication technologies can play an important role by helping address issues with renewable energy sources and enabling reliable services even when renewable power availability fluctuates. The document advocates developing zero-carbon strategies using renewable energy to allow continued growth without increasing emissions.
This document summarizes recent research from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. It discusses the challenges of limiting global warming to 2°C, including that most sectors like shipping are failing to meet emission reduction commitments and that stabilization will require significant economic and lifestyle changes. New focus areas of research are mentioned like smart grids, food security, and policies for high-emitting countries. Concerns are raised about pursuing shale gas and policies not supporting the needed scale of emission cuts.
Supply Trends- What are the Impacts on Transmission? ScottMadden, Inc.
Todd Williams, director at ScottMadden, presented, “Supply Trends – What Are The Impacts on Transmission?” at Infocast’s 15th Annual Transmission Summit. This presentation focused on important developments in generation and how they will impact transmission.
Supply uncertainty is at unprecedented levels, primarily driven by EPA regulations, decreasing natural gas prices and renewable energy portfolio requirements. The impacts of a shift in electric generation moves from coal to natural gas needs to be examined closely, such as the the unknowns associated with growing interdependency of gas and electric industries. The impact of new generation, extended outages for retrofits, and required transmission must be understood by transmission planners and operators to ensure continued grid reliability. The mismatch in planning cycles between generation and transmission makes this even more problematic.
John pearson uk low carbon experience and se asia work jakarta oct 2011E-Idea
The document discusses the UK's experience with the green economy and climate change act. It outlines the UK's legally binding targets to reduce emissions by 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. It also discusses the committee on climate change, which found that emissions increased by 3% and that increased efforts are needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a faster rate. The document provides information on the UK's green deal program and low carbon transport initiatives.
Energy efficiency improvements can provide multiple macroeconomic benefits:
1. They act as a hedge against volatility in fossil fuel prices, stabilizing economies and inflation rates. Analysis shows a $10 rise in oil prices leads to a 0.94% decline in GDP for oil importing nations.
2. Energy efficiency investments can help reduce unemployment through job creation. Estimates find meeting EU 2020 targets could create 2 million jobs, and improvements in buildings could generate 2.59 million jobs by 2030.
3. Lower energy bills from efficiency boost disposable income and economic demand. Addressing "fuel poverty" also yields health and economic benefits since the fuel poor suffer health issues from cold homes.
IPCC key messages from the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) and from the Special...ipcc-media
The document summarizes key findings from the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report and Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C. It finds that human influence has clearly warmed the climate and continued emissions will amplify risks. Limiting warming to 1.5°C would require global carbon neutrality by 2050 and deep emissions cuts by 2030, but provides greater benefits than 2°C. Rapid transitions are needed across energy, land, urban and industrial systems through measures like decarbonization, electrification, and carbon removal. Urgent action is required to mitigate climate change and ensure a sustainable future.
The document summarizes a presentation given by Leaders in Energy on scenarios for achieving 100% renewable energy globally by 2030. The presentation included an overview of renewable energy analyses by Janine Finnell of Leaders in Energy, support for achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030 by Silvia Leahu-Aluas, and a roadmap presented by Adriaan Kamp. The analyses examined pathways for transitioning energy systems in the US and globally to be powered entirely by renewable sources like wind, water, and solar by 2030-2050. Achieving high renewable targets would require aggressive changes to infrastructure but is technically and economically feasible.
Presentation by Janine Finnell, Founder of LERCPA - and in our 2nd Google Hangout on Energy Transition.:
Scenario's for a 100% Renewable Energy Architecture
This document discusses energy efficiency policies and sustainable energy. It notes that many countries are implementing energy efficiency policies to address issues like global warming and dependence on fossil fuels. Energy efficiency and renewable energy are seen as key to sustainable energy policy. The document then discusses several countries' and regions' policies around energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and renewable energy development, including the European Union, China, and the United States. It also discusses the Kyoto Protocol and concepts like the environmental Kuznets curve and carbon capture and storage.
Seth Kaplan presentation at EUCI conference on Renewable Energy Markets in Ne...Seth Kaplan
The document discusses the history and future of renewable energy markets, arguing that [1] environmental concerns, especially around climate change, have been and will continue to be the key driver, [2] current policy instability stems partly from ambivalence but climate change requires bold action, and [3] the future will be defined by a struggle between preserving fossil fuel industries and building out clean energy technologies sufficiently to stabilize the climate.
A #COP26 presentation by Zainab Usman of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Katie Auth of Energy for Development, building on this paper: September 28, 2021
REFRAMING CLIMATE JUSTICE FOR DEVELOPMENT: SIX PRINCIPLES FOR SUPPORTING INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE ENERGY TRANSITIONS IN LOW-EMITTING ENERGY-POOR AFRICAN COUNTRIES
By Mimi Alemayehou, Katie Auth, Murefu Barasa, Morgan Bazilian, Brad Handler, Uzo Iweala, Todd Moss, Rose Mutiso, Zainab Usman
Advancing inclusive and equitable energy transitions is one of this century’s most vital global challenges, and one in which development finance will play a crucial role. References to justice and equity are widespread in international climate policy, and are increasingly being used by development organizations to guide their own work, including support for energy transitions.
But prevailing definitions of climate justice rarely fully capture the priorities, challenges and perspectives of low-emitting energy-poor countries, the vast majority of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. When applied to development policy, this gap risks prioritizing near-term emissions reductions over broader support for economic development and energy transformation, with comparatively little climate benefit. This could severely hinder poverty alleviation, development, and climate resilience — the very opposite of justice. We need energy transitions that are truly ‘just and inclusive.’ What does this mean for development funders and financiers, and how should it drive their approach to supporting energy transitions in the lowest-income countries?
Overcoming Obstacles to High Penetration Renewable Energy in the United StatesBruce Cohen
This document provides an overview of renewable energy in the United States. It discusses the various state and regional programs promoting renewable energy development, including 29 states with Renewable Portfolio Standards and 26 with Energy Efficiency Standards. It also outlines major federal initiatives like the EPA's Clean Power Plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. While progress has been made, the document notes that critical market and regulatory reforms will still be needed to significantly alter the country's energy profile and meet global climate commitments. Barriers to reform are also examined along with examples of how some jurisdictions are attempting to overcome obstacles to transition to higher renewable energy.
Today’s renewable energy sources are very important for lots of countries. Therefore, many countries start to change and implement their policies. Especially, in Turkey and Europe the importance of solar and wind energies influence the energy policies.
This document discusses potential leadership roles for the Communications Research Centre (CRC) in developing a national Green IT strategy in Canada. It recommends that CRC establish a pilot program to host government applications on its GreenStar Network and offer virtualization services to departments. This would allow CRC to assess the actual energy costs of computing, establish an incentive mechanism where departments are rewarded for reducing physical infrastructure, and negotiate with Public Works to receive credits for measurable energy reductions achieved through Green IT solutions. The document also provides background on climate change impacts, trends in climate policy and regulations, case studies of Green IT programs at other organizations, and other potential roles for CRC in certifying the carbon impact of IT and demonstrating Green IT solutions to small and medium enterprises.
This chapter introduces environmental science and discusses its goals of understanding and solving environmental problems. It describes how hunter-gatherers, the agricultural revolution, and the industrial revolution impacted the environment. It also distinguishes between renewable and nonrenewable resources and classifies major environmental problems as resource depletion, pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
Using Classroom Activities and Interactive Web Tools to Explore The Earth Carbon Cycle
Tommy Jasmin, CIMSS/SSEC, UW-Madison at the ESIP Summer Meeting in Santa Fe, NM
The document provides information about climate change and global warming. It defines key terms like weather, climate and greenhouse gases. It discusses the evidence that climate change is caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels and releasing greenhouse gases. It also notes some of the observed impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures, sea level rise, and more extreme weather events. Finally, it discusses some actions that can be taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Students are now able to examine geo-referenced locations from both satellite imagery from space and field observations on the ground using an integrated "SEES" (Space-Earth Earth-Space) model. Teachers are incorporating real-time satellite data and remote sensing technologies into their classrooms to foster geospatial thinking. Students are also collaborating with NASA to build small satellites, or "CubeSats", in order to make observations of Earth from space and visualize their future.
The document describes the Sampling the Sea project, which aims to educate students about oceans through collecting and sharing data, images, and stories about fish using social media and partnerships with NASA GLOBE and ePals. The project hopes to aggregate student data on Google Earth/Ocean to show regional fisheries sustainability and link it to lessons on fishing ecology, sustainability, and fish consumption. Feedback is sought from attendees to help the project grow.
The document outlines NOAA's plans to establish a National Climate Service (NCS) to better serve the needs of stakeholders and the public regarding climate information. The NCS will work to advance understanding of climate change and predict climate impacts through improved climate science, observations, assessments and decision support tools. Key priorities include increasing understanding and preparation for climate impacts on water resources, coastal resilience, marine ecosystems and climate extremes. The NCS will also work to inform climate mitigation options. Meeting challenges such as establishing partnerships, ensuring credible science-based information and balancing user and science needs are discussed.
The document summarizes education programs and resources available through the US Department of Energy (DOE) and its national laboratories, with a focus on programs at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). It describes DOE's role in supporting basic research across various scientific fields and initiatives to advance STEM education. Specific programs highlighted at ORNL include internships, teacher professional development programs, outreach to Appalachian students, and partnerships bringing research into classrooms.
Digital Earth Watch is a citizen science program that uses PicturePosts to monitor environmental changes through digital images. PicturePosts are poles with cameras that automatically take repeat photographs of the surrounding landscape. The photos are uploaded to the project website, where they can be viewed and analyzed over time to track things like plant growth, land cover changes, water levels, and sky or canopy conditions. The program aims to support environmental monitoring, education, and community planning efforts through the use of these geotagged, time-stamped images.
The document discusses global climate change and provides information about rising global temperatures, greenhouse gas concentrations, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It summarizes the IPCC's key findings over time that the evidence for warming is strong and human activity is the dominant cause of recent global warming. It also describes resources and a program to train teachers to promote climate literacy.
The ESIP Federation is a consortium of over 100 Earth science partners, formed in 1998 by NASA and presently funded by NASA and NOAA. It is a data- and technology-centric community that spans interests from data centers to researchers to application developers. The Federation aims to make Earth science data more usable and accessible, increase data use, and leverage technologies to improve data flow. It does this through technical activities like standards development and societal benefit areas like air quality and climate. The Federation has had successes in building data systems, developing specifications, and facilitating collaborations across agencies.
This document discusses EPA resources for educators. It provides an overview of EPA, its mission to protect human and environmental health, and the key issues it addresses. The document outlines various EPA programs and resources that can help educators, including grants, teaching tools, and training opportunities. It also describes some of EPA's databases and reports that provide environmental data, such as the Report on the Environment, and how these resources can be used in education. The document proposes developing an Educator's Guide to help teachers utilize environmental indicators from the Report on the Environment in their classrooms.
The document outlines NOAA's plans to establish a National Climate Service (NCS) to better serve the needs of stakeholders and the public regarding climate science and services. The NCS will work to understand and anticipate changes in climate, share climate knowledge and information, and help communities adapt to climate impacts. Key priorities of the NCS include providing information on climate impacts to water resources, coastal resilience, marine ecosystems, and climate extremes. The NCS will also work to establish regional partnerships and user engagement to ensure climate services are useful, credible and based on the best available science.
1. Energy and Climate:
Realizing Information
Potentials to Help Get
Climate Responses Right
Tom Wilbanks
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Summer Meeting, ESIP Partnership
Knoxville, TN
July 21, 2010
2. Avoiding Serious Impacts from Climate Change
Will Be Virtually Impossible Unless We
Dramatically Improve Our Response Options,
Which Depends on Vastly Improving Our Ability to
Inform Decisions About Them :
• Severe climate change now appears to be a more likely future
than moderate climate change
• Avoiding such a future is a profound challenge both for
acquiring information and for communicating it effectively –
and soon
• Information professionals (and those who support their work)
will play critical roles in determining whether we are successful
or not
Managed by UT-Battelle
for the U.S. Department of Energy
3. Setting the Context for Sorting Through the
Connections:
• Sustainable development vulnerabilities involve three dimensions:
– Exposure to threats
– Sensitivity to threats
– Capacity to cope with threats
• Climate change vulnerabilities are shaped considerably by the
magnitude of the exposure dimension, e.g.:
– Limited climate change: e.g., stabilizing GHG concentrations below 350
ppm – no more than 1-2 degrees C global mean temperature increase
– Moderate climate change: e.g., stabilizing GHG concentrations at 450 ppm,
or at most 550 ppm – mean temperature increase of 2.5 - 4 degrees C
– Severe climate change: e.g., stabilizing GHG concentrations at 650 to 850
ppm, or higher (or not) – mean temperature increase of 5 – 8 degrees C or
higher
Managed by UT-Battelle
for the U.S. Department of Energy
4.
5. What Does This Imply For Energy Policy And
Technology -- Technology Uses To Stabilize At 550
ppm?
The Difference Made Up By:
End-use efficiency
End-use efficiency
improvement
improvement
Nuclear energy
Non-biomass renewable energy
Biomass energy
Natural gas: steady
The Difference Made Up By:
Oil: beginning to decline
5 Managed by UT-Battelle
for the U.S. Department of Energy
6. As Daunting As That Challenge Would Be,
Expectations Are Already Changing Rapidly
About Climate Change Impact Vulnerabilities And
Risks In The Future:
• Impacts are already emerging more rapidly than
predicted even 5-10 years ago
• We are currently on a path that is worse than any
scenario ever considered (until very recently)
6 Managed by UT-Battelle
for the U.S. Department of Energy
7. Why Worry?
7 Managed by UT-Battelle
for the U.S. Department of Energy
8. Scenarios (“RCPs”) That Have Recently Been
Developed For IPCC Show Much More Severe
Climate Change Than Previously Considered (Nature,
February 11, 2010)
• Lower bound overshoot (not likely to be achievable): ~450
ppm
• Mid-range stabilization scenarios in a 650-860 ppm range
– Would probably mean warming in 5-8oC range
– Would mean dangerous, even catastrophic impacts for many
regions and sectors
• Upper bound rising (unlikely business as usual): above
1300 ppm
8 Managed by UT-Battelle
for the U.S. Department of Energy
9. Consider Some Recent Projections Of An
A1fi-type Future For Nine New England
States:
http://www.northeastclimateimpacts.org
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for the U.S. Department of Energy
10. 10 Managed by UT-Battelle
for the U.S. Department of Energy
11.
12. This Situation Is Very Sobering:
• The climate of 2030 has already been determined by
emissions to date
• The climate of 2070 will be determined by emissions
between now and 2030, but prospects for major changes
in trends in the next two decades are not bright
• 450 ppm stabilization (<3°C average warming) –
traditionally considered the ceiling for coping – is almost
certainly no longer achievable
• Most likely, we have already accepted such impacts as the
acidification of the oceans, the loss of Arctic ice, and the
loss of very large numbers of biological species
12 Managed by UT-Battelle
for the U.S. Department of Energy
13. What Are Our Options?:
• Response options are:
– “Mitigation:” reducing exposures by reducing GHG emissions
– “Adaptation:” reducing sensitivities and/or improving coping
capacities
– “Geoengineering:” intervening in earth systems to reduce solar
radiative forcing or increase carbon uptakes
• Both mitigation and adaptation are needed, and they
support each other:
– Mitigation is essential to keep climate change moderate, but impacts
cannot be avoided and progress is slow – so M needs A
– Adaptation is essential to cope with impacts, but some impacts will
test limits of adaptation – so A needs M
13 Managed by UT-Battelle
for the U.S. Department of Energy
14. But the Challenges Are Truly Daunting:
• Stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions at a relatively
moderate level requires quick responses to two challenges:
– Very substantial reductions in emissions by the US and other
industrialized counties within several decades
– Stabilization of emissions from China, India, and other rapidly
developing economies without sacrificing economic growth
• The certainty of substantial regional, sectoral, and social
impacts means that adaptation is inescapable
– Considerable potentials and co-benefits, but mobilization has hardly
begun
– Limits to adaptations are much more likely with more severe climate
change (IPCC SREX special report under way…)
14 Managed by UT-Battelle
for the U.S. Department of Energy
15. And International Perspectives on Responses
Are Diverging:
• At the Copenhagen COP this past December:
– Big countries, both industrialized and developing, focused on finding a way
to make progress in reducing the rate of growth in GHG emission
reductions, aiming for stabilization not too far above 450 ppm
• Voluntary commitments, not enforceable treaty agreements
• Depending on observations to support social pressure… -- verification is a
challenge of considerable interest in the remote sensing community
– Small developing countries focused on dramatic limitations on emissions
plus major support for adaptation, aiming for stabilization below 350 ppm
• Said that the big country approach means catastrophes for many small
countries, such as low-lying island nations
• Promised growing future opposition to international agreements that do not
meet their needs
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16. Is Global Emission Reduction Possible?
• The Asian dilemma: GHG emission growth increasingly driven by China and
India, but energy is a key to their development
• Both expected to more than double their energy use between 2004 and 2030 –
from 10% of world energy consumption in 1990 to 25% in 2030 (only 40 years)
• Domestic coal projected to supply 80% of electricity in China and 70% in India
in 2030
• Realistic alternatives are difficult to find, but they may include:
– Pushing efficiency improvement and natural gas use in place of coal (but foreign
policy implications of possible energy dependence on Russia?)
– Accelerating innovative energy technological change – and demonstrations by
industrialized countries: e.g., carbon capture and storage (but time lag)
– Encouraging development incentives for accelerated technology shifts, e.g.:
• Partnerships, including sharing of intellectual property (IPR obstacles)
• Market incentives for Asian technology leadership (China and solar energy?)
16 Managed by UT-Battelle
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17. How Can Technological Change Be Accelerated
as an Essential Part of the Answer? (I)
• Accelerating energy technological change as an essential
part of the answer: a need for transformational innovation
– A recent analysis at ORNL concluded that meeting U.S. goals of
both climate protection and energy security requires a high
probability of success for all 11 energy technologies considered – a
long shot at best
– In fact, there is a growing sense of urgency about
“transformational” energy technological change – not eventually,
but soon: calls for national commitments comparable to the Apollo
mission to the moon or the Manhattan project
– The issue is how to induce discoveries, not just incremental changes:
e.g, the role of DARPA in the IT revolution – ARPA-E???
– But transformational discoveries will have to be coupled with
unprecedentedly innovative transitions to the new technologies if
they are going to be in time to avoid disruptive impacts
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18. How Can Technological Change Be Accelerated
As an Essential Part of the Answer? (II)
• Accelerating energy technological change as an essential
part of the answer: broadening global engagement in the
search
– Chances of a technology breakthrough are greater if we can reach
and mobilize the best talent globally in the discovery process
– This requires transferring to them what current science and
technology knows and does, to be integrated with local knowledge to
stimulate distributed discovery and innovation
– The information technology revolution can be a powerful enabler of
access to S&T knowledge, if intellectual property rights obstacles
can be overcome
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19. The Connections with Information Are Unavoidable:
• Raising awareness of the need for transformational change
– Communicating the urgency
– Monitoring and reporting what is happening – trends, emerging
impacts – as a basis for adaptive action
• Accelerating the pace of discovery by mobilizing more
talent to make it happen
– Getting current scientific and technical knowledge spread much
more widely – and quickly (transcending IPR issues…)
– Spotting good ideas and accelerating their development
• Getting new options into use more quickly than we
currently know how to do
– Informing public opinion that shapes policy environments
– Informing consumer choices
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20. What Are the Core Information Challenges?(I):
• Getting the right science, not just getting the science right:
– Informing S&T agendas, not just using what emerges
– Recognizing that current agendas for S&T, including current data
systems, were designed to meet needs of the past
• Improving our ability to connect science and decisions:
– Two very important recent NAS/NRC reports:
• NAS/NRC, Informing Decisions in a Changing Climate, 2009
• “Informing Effective Decisions about Climate Change,” panel report of the NAS
Committee on America’s Climate Choices, July 2010
– One lesson: effective decision support depends on iterative
interactions between top-down information suppliers and bottom-
up information users
20 Managed by UT-Battelle
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21. What Are the Core Information Challenges?(II):
• Meeting needs and challenges related to data integration
– Sensor-based data (space and in-situ) with other data
– Environmental data with socioeconomic data
• Recognizing that knowledge co-evolves from a combination
of science and experience:
– Improving our ability to learn from experience as well as scientific
observation and research…
– At the same time, (a) using experience to guide evolving observation
and research agendas and (b) using fruits of observation and
research to inform evolving practices
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22. The Potentials for Strengthening the Role of
Information Are Expanding Rapidly:
• The IT revolution, which has changed the world of
information access and exchange: hardware and software
• The emerging science of “informatics:”
– From relational data bases to the semantic web: query-based
searches (accessing sources that are pre-electronic?)
– Mushrooming options for visualization
– Rapidly growing capacities for interactivity
• New approaches for “user assists”, e.g.:
– Expert system shells
– Simplified “community” modeling platforms for user
experimentation
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23. Realizing These Potentials to Help Get Climate Change
Responses Right Needs Agency Support:
• Program and management support:
– Human resource challenges in agencies as well as in the research
community
– Support at all levels: the “social benefits of earth observing
systems” example…
– Including a wider range of agencies, including those involved in
drivers and impacts: DOE, DOI, DOD, DHS, HUD, In, …
• The move toward national climate services: an emerging
focus:
– Pioneering sophisticated pathways for connecting scientific data and
knowledge with user needs
– Engaging programs at all levels – and pursuing stronger program-
user interfaces
23 Managed by UT-Battelle
for the U.S. Department of Energy