http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/environment-north-carolina-statement-on-carbon-disclosure-project http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/environment-north-carolina-statement-on-carbon-disclosure-project Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-north-carolina-is-getting-hotter http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-north-carolina-is-getting-hotter Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/study--global-warming-could-double-smog-days-in-n_c_-cities http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/study--global-warming-could-double-smog-days-in-n_c_-cities Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report--north-carolina-temperatures-on-the-rise  The maximum temperature in Raleigh was 2.0°F above average in 2006, according to a new report released today by Environment North Carolina.  Environment North Carolina said this warmer-than-normal weather is indicative of what North Carolina can expect with continued global warming. “Throw out the record books, because global warming is raising temperatures in North Carolina and across the country,” said Environment North Carolina Field Organizer Margaret Hartzell.  “The long-term forecast is for more of the same unless we quickly and significantly reduce global warming pollution from power plants and passenger vehicles.” According to the National Climatic Data Center, the 2006 summer and 2006 overall were the second warmest on record for the lower 48 states.  2007 is on track to be the second warmest year on record globally.    To examine recent temperature patterns in the United States, Environment North Carolina compared temperature data for the years 2000-2006 from 255 weather stations located in all 50 states and Washington, DC with temperatures averaged over the 30 years spanning 1971-2000, or what scientists call the “normal” temperature.   Key findings for North Carolina include:  •           In 2006, the average temperature was 2.4°F above normal in Greensboro, more degrees above normal than any other city studied in the state.  Nationally, the average 2006 temperature was at least 0.5°F above normal at 87% of the locations studied.  •           In 2006, Greensboro, Raleigh, and Asheville all experienced average maximum temperatures — the highest temperatures recorded on a given day — of 2.0°F above normal or more.  •           Greensboro experienced average minimum temperatures — the lowest temperatures recorded on a given day, usually at night — of 2.1°F above normal in 2006 and 2.1°F above normal during the 2006 summer.  Warmer nighttime temperatures exacerbate the public health effects of heat waves, since people need cooler nighttime temperatures to recover from excessive heat exposure during the day.•           Raleigh’s above-average temperatures in 2006 are part of a broader warming trend since 2000.  Between 2000 and 2006, the average temperature was 1.1°F above the 30-year average in Raleigh.  Nationally, the average temperature during this seven year period was at least 0.5°F above normal at 87% of the locations studied.   In April 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that North America could experience significant water stress, forest fires, and “an increased number, intensity, and duration of heat waves” as temperatures continue to rise.  “Scientists are sounding alarm bells about the impacts of continued global warming,” stated Hartzell.  “The good news is that those same scientists say we can avoid the worst effects of global warming by taking bold action now to reduce global warming pollution.”   To avoid the worst consequences of global warming, the United States must halt increases in global warming emissions now, cut emissions by at least 15-20% by 2020, and slash emissions by at least 80% by 2050.   “The better news is that we have the technology at our fingertips to cut global warming pollution and forge a cleaner, more secure energy future,” said Hartzell. The United States could substantially reduce its global warming pollution by using existing technologies to make power plants, businesses, homes, and cars more efficient and generate more electricity from clean, renewable sources, such as wind and solar power.   Congress is poised to consider global warming legislation this fall.  The Safe Climate Act in the U.S. House and the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act in the U.S. Senate are the only bills that would reduce pollution to levels that scientists say are needed to prevent the worst effects of global warming.   “The heat is on Congress to take decisive action to curb global warming,” stated Hartzell.  “Environment North Carolina calls on North Carolina’s representatives to support the only bill that does what scientists say we need to do. We commend Representative Heath Shuler, the only member of North Carolina’s congressional delegation to co-sponsor the Safe Climate Act.” concluded Hartzell.  http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report--north-carolina-temperatures-on-the-rise Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-north-carolina-global-warming-pollution-up-171-since-1960 Southeast Pollution Increase the Largest in the Country Raleigh—Global warming pollution in North Carolina http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-north-carolina-global-warming-pollution-up-171-since-1960 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-cities-and-states-achieving-impressive-results-in-fight-against-global-warming On the eve of the first legislative hearing in the U.S. House on comprehensive proposals to fight global warming, Environment North Carolina released a new report today that details more than 20 examples of cutting-edge policies and practices that communities, states, and countries are using to reduce global warming pollution. The report highlights Arlington, Virginia’s commitment to transit-oriented development, which eliminates an estimated 35,000 single-passenger automobile trips to workplaces each day, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by tens of thousands of tons every year. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-cities-and-states-achieving-impressive-results-in-fight-against-global-warming Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:28:27 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/worlds-scientists-global-warming-could-wipe-out-1/4-of-all-species2 Approximately 20-30 percent of plant and animal species are at increasing risk of extinction if the global average temperature increases by another 2.2 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a major consensus report released today by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).  The IPCC is a United Nations body charged with assessing the scientific record on global warming. “More droughts, floods, forest fires, and heat waves are in store for us and for future generations, unless we act boldly to reduce global warming pollution.  This consensus report from the world’s scientists should be a direct challenge to the U.S. Congress.  It paints a clear and disturbing picture of the consequences of failing to take serious action,” said Margaret Hartzell, Field Associate with Environment North Carolina The panel concludes “with high confidence” that human-caused warming over the last three decades “has had a discernible influence on many physical and biological systems.”  While the report warns of increasing droughts, floods, heat waves, water stress, forest fires, and coastal flooding in the U.S., it finds that “many impacts can be avoided, reduced, or delayed” by quickly and significantly reducing global warming pollution. Cars and power plants are the largest sources of U.S. global warming pollution, but the U.S. could reduce its emissions immediately using on-the-shelf technologies to improve energy efficiency and shift to renewable energy sources. Major findings of today’s report for North America include the following:WATER STRESS: “Warming in western mountains is projected to cause decreased snowpack, more winter flooding, and reduced summer flows, exacerbating competition for over-allocated water resources.” FOREST FIRES: “Disturbances from pests, diseases, and fire are projected to have increasing impacts on forests, with an extended period of high fire risk and large increases in area burned.”HEAT WAVES: Cities that currently experience heat waves are expected to face “an increased number, intensity, and duration of heat waves,” threatening people’s health, particularly that of elder Americans. In addition, the report points to large-scale climate events that have the potential to “cause very large impacts,” including the at least partial deglaciation of the Greenland ice sheet, and possibly the West Antarctic ice sheet, raising sea levels by 13 to 20 feet over centuries to millennia.“This report makes clear that we are going down a dangerous road.  Fortunately, there is still time to choose another direction—toward better energy efficiency and more renewable energy.  Congress should lead the way by passing strong legislation to reduce global warming pollution enough to avoid the nightmare scenarios in this report,” added Hartzell The IPCC today released the Summary for Policymakers of the second volume of its Fourth Assessment Report, entitled “Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability.”  The second volume synthesizes the peer-reviewed research on the current and predicted impacts of global warming on human health, the environment, and wildlife.  Additional volumes, examining options for reducing future warming and a final synthesis report, are due out later this year.  The full Fourth Assessment Report includes input from more than 2,500 experts worldwide.   The IPCC was established by the United Nations Environmental Program and the World Meteorological Organization in 1988 with a mandate to assess the state of knowledge on global warming on a “comprehensive, objective, open and transparent basis” and to generate documents that reflect a consensus among those involved.  In 1990, 1995, and 2001, the IPCC issued its prior assessments. Hartzell also noted that the report is inherently conservative because it reflects the consensus of hundreds of parties, including industry groups and governments opposed to taking action to reduce global warming pollution. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/worlds-scientists-global-warming-could-wipe-out-1/4-of-all-species2 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/supreme-court-rebukes-bush-administration-inaction-on-global-warming http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/supreme-court-rebukes-bush-administration-inaction-on-global-warming Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-north-carolina-global-warming-pollution-up-36-since-1990 North Carolina Clean Energy Act would stem rising pollution levelsRaleigh, NC—Global warming pollution in North Carolina increased by 36% between 1990 and 2004, according to The Carbon Boom, a new analysis of state fossil fuel consumption data by Environment North Carolina.  This is the first time that 2004 state-by-state data on carbon dioxide emissions have been released.    “Given the risks from global warming, it’s incredibly irresponsible for North Carolina’s global warming pollution to increase.  It’s like the doctor telling you that you need to go on a serious diet, but instead you go straight for the Ben & Jerry’s,” said Environment North Carolina Field Associate Margaret Hartzell.  The Carbon Boom comes less than a week after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a U.N. body charged with assessing the scientific record on global warming, released its consensus report on the current and projected impacts of global warming.  The report warned of increasing droughts, floods, heat waves, water stress, forest fires, and coastal flooding in the United States but concluded that “many impacts can be avoided, reduced, or delayed” by quickly and significantly reducing global warming pollution.  Advocates touted the Clean Energy Act (HB 77), introduced by Reps. Pricey Harrison, Grier Martin, Jim Harrell, and Carolyn Justice, as a first, critical step towards curbing the state’s global warming pollution.  The measure would ensure that clean, renewable sources of energy make up at least 10 percent of electricity sales by 2020, and is expected to cut global warming pollution by at least 13.6 million tons each year when fully implemented.  Sen. Charlie Albertson has introduced a similar measure in the state senate. “Global warming pollution is skyrocketing in North Carolina just as scientists are sounding alarms that we must rapidly reduce pollution to protect future generations, said Rep. Pricey Harrison.  “The Clean Energy Act would be the state’s first step towards significantly curbing global warming pollution.” Rep. Harrison serves on the Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change, which has already recommended several policies to cut greenhouse gases, including a renewable energy standard similar to the Clean Energy Act.  In its final report due in 2008, the Commission is expected to recommend additional policies to curb global warming pollution.   “The good news is that we have the technology at our fingertips to cut global warming pollution in North Carolina and across the nation and forge a cleaner, more secure energy future,” said Rep. Grier Martin.  “The Clean Energy Act is part of that new energy future.” Using data compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy, The Carbon Boom examines trends in carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel consumption between 1990 and 2004, the most recent year for which state-by-state data are available. Major findings of the report for North Carolina include: North Carolina ranked 4th nationwide for the largest absolute increase in carbon dioxide emissions over the 15 year period.Carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants jumped by 50% between 1990 and 2004, rising from 46.1 million metric tons to 69.4 million metric tons, the fourth highest increase in absolute carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants.Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel consumption grew from 110 million metric tons to 149.2 million metric tons between 1990 and 2004, an increase of 36% In addition to state efforts to reduce global warming pollution, advocates called for federal action.  The Safe Climate Act (H.R. 1590) and the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act (S. 309) would limit global warming pollution to levels that current science says are needed to prevent the worst effects of global warming.  The bills would freeze U.S. global warming emissions in 2010 and reduce emissions by about 15% by 2020 and by 80% by 2050. “To protect future generations, state and national leaders must take decisive action to cut global warming pollution, concluded Hartzell.   http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-north-carolina-global-warming-pollution-up-36-since-1990 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/major-international-report-on-global-warming-impacts-due-to-be-released On Friday, April 6, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global body charged with assessing the scientific record on global warming, is expected to issue the second volume of its Fourth Assessment Report on global warming.  Prepared and reviewed by more than 2,500 of the world’s most respected scientists, the consensus IPCC report will provide a comprehensive assessment of the peer-reviewed research on global warming.  This volume of the report, entitled “Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability,” will examine the actual and predicted impacts of global warming on human health, the environment, and wildlife.   Key Findings: Pollution Increasing Drought, Food and Water Shortages, Harm to Wildlife  Based on past IPCC reports and the science published in the five years since the last IPCC impacts report, this report is expected to conclude that human-caused global warming is already increasing drought and heat waves, lessening water availability, and damaging wildlife habitat.  Many of these impacts are expected to worsen as temperatures rise in the coming century.   In addition to global observations and predictions, the report will analyze the regional impacts of global warming.  Previous reports have predicted declining crop yields in many regions, water shortages for large portions of the world’s population, including those in the Western U.S., increased flooding due to sea-level rise, and more frequent intense precipitation events. Specifically, the report will address the following:How is global warming already affecting ecosystems, economies, and human health worldwide?  In North America?To what extent is human-caused global warming pollution responsible for these changes?How will global warming affect water resources, food production, coastal developments, industry, immigration patterns, and biodiversity in the future?  How certain are scientists of each of these predictions?What are the options for adapting to changes caused by global warming?  IPCC Process and BackgroundThe IPCC was established by the United Nations Environmental Program and the World Meteorological Organization in 1988 with a mandate to assess the state of knowledge on global warming on a “comprehensive, objective, open and transparent basis” and to generate documents that reflects a consensus among those involved.[i]  In 1990, 1995, and 2001, the IPCC issued its prior assessments.   The Assessment Report consists of three working groups — each focused on a different aspect of global warming — plus a final synthesis document. Over the course of 2007, the Fourth Assessment Report will be rolled out in four parts as follows:Working Group I: The Scientific Basis was released on February 2 and concluded that global warming is “unequivocal.”  Projections for future temperature increase ranged from 2 to more than 11 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on our future emissions of global warming pollutants.[ii]     Working Group II: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability will be released on April 6. Working Group III: Mitigation is slated for release on May 4.Final Synthesis Report is scheduled for release on November 16.  More than 2500 experts from 130 countries contributed to the Fourth Assessment Report, creating a truly comprehensive review of the peer-reviewed research on global warming.[iii]  Each IPCC report is subject to two rounds of review, first by experts in the appropriate field and then by experts and governments.[iv]  Finally, representatives of every country involved in the report meet in the days before the report is released to approve each line of the summary for policymakers.  For the impacts report, representatives from over 100 countries will meet in Brussels, Belgium from April 2 to April 5 to carry out the line-by-line approval process.   On April 10, IPCC authors and editors will hold regional press briefings on the localized impacts of global warming.  For North America, that briefing location and contact information will be available the week before the release at http://www.ipcc.ch/regional_press_briefings.htm. IPCC Assessment Likely Will Understate the ProblemBecause the IPCC requires approval by numerous reviewers, including experts from awide range of governments and stakeholders, it is an inherently conservative document that may understate the global warming problem.  A February 2007 paper by Dr. Stefan Rahmstorf in Science found that global average temperatures and sea-levels have actually risen faster than predicted by previous IPCC reports.[v]  Also, the report may not include some important developments from recent months.  Major Reductions in Global Warming Pollution NeededScience is clear about what we need to do to avoid the worst consequences of global warming: stabilize worldwide emissions of the pollutants that cause global warming by the end of the decade and reduce them by more than half by mid-century. To do its fair share, the United States should stabilize its global warming emissions at or below today’s levels by the end of this decade and reduce emissions by at least 15-20% by 2020 and by at least 80% by 2050. The United States can achieve these reductions using energy efficiency and renewable energy and in doing so break our reliance on fossil fuels, enhance our long-term economic and national security, and once again lead the world as a positive force for change. Two bills in Congress this year would achieve those science-based reductions.  Representative Waxman’s Safe Climate Act and Senators Sanders and Boxer’s Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act would both reduce emissions by 80% by 2050 by requiring improved efficiency and increased use of renewable energy.  [i] Principle Governing IPCC Work, Approved at the Fourteenth Session (Vienna, 1-3 October 1998) on 1 October 1998, amended at the 21st Session (Vienna, 3 and 6-7 November 2003) and at the 25th Session (Mauritius, 26-28 April 2006).  Available at http://www.ipcc.ch/about/princ.pdf[ii] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Climate Change 2007: Working Group I: The Scientific Basis, Summary for Policymakers.[iii] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, website, visited March 21, 2007, available at http://www.ipcc.ch/[iv] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC Adopts Major Assessment of Climate Change Science, Media Advisory, available at http://www.ipcc.ch/press/prwg2feb07.htm[v] Stefan Rahmstorf, A Semi-Empirical Approach to Projecting Future Sea-Level Rise, Science Express, 14 December 2006 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/major-international-report-on-global-warming-impacts-due-to-be-released Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/ignoring-science-and-law-bush-administration-blocks-state-progress-on-curbing-global-warming-emissions-from-cars Raleigh, NC-The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency formally denied California’s request for a Clean Air Act waiver of preemption today, blocking the efforts of thirteen states that seek to require automakers to cut pollution from automobile tailpipes. “The EPA has turned a blind eye to science, law and the critical role that the states are playing in tackling global warming,” said Environment North Carolina Director Elizabeth Ouzts. “If the Bush administration isn’t going to lead the way on global warming, the least they can do is get out of the way of states that are taking action.” In late 2004, California adopted first-of-their-kind standards requiring cars and light-duty trucks to limit emissions that contribute to global warming. Since then, 12 other states—Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington—have adopted the tailpipe standards that will cut emissions from new automobiles by 30 percent by 2016. At least five other states, including Arizona, Minnesota and Florida, are moving ahead with adoption of the program. The EPA sat for two years on California’s request for a waiver under the Clean Air Act before EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson announced in December 2007 that the agency would bar implementation of the standards. Now, there is evidence that Administrator Johnson acted against a unanimous recommendation of the agency’s professional staff. “The agency’s failure to give states the go-ahead marks a clear political choice to cater to powerful special interests rather than moving America forward in the fight against global warming,” said Ouzts. California and more than a dozen other states have filed suit against the EPA for failing to heed science and the law in denying California’s request for a federal waiver of pre-emption under section 209(b) of the federal Clean Air Act. In addition, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has introduced legislation (S. 2555) that would grant the federal waiver for California, allowing that state and others to move forward with the program. Environment North Carolina is working to ensure that Senators Dole and Burr support the legislation that will give states like North Carolina the green light to put clean cars on the road. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/ignoring-science-and-law-bush-administration-blocks-state-progress-on-curbing-global-warming-emissions-from-cars Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:53:17 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-coal-plant-to-increase-global-warming-pollution http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-coal-plant-to-increase-global-warming-pollution Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:53:35 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-coal-plant-would-aid-global-warming http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-coal-plant-would-aid-global-warming Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/pollution-blamed-for-global-warming-in-authoritative-scientific-report Raleigh, NC—The world’s scientists are more than 90% certain that human activity – primarily burning fossil fuels to power cars, power plants, and factories – is responsible for most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century, according to a consensus report released early this morning by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a United Nations body charged with assessing the scientific record on global warming. The report finds that warming of the climate is “unequivocal” and warns that temperatures could further increase substantially if serious action is not taken to reduce emissions of the pollutants that cause global warming. Cars and power plants are the largest sources of these emissions, though the U.S. could reduce its emissions immediately using on-the-shelf technologies to improve energy efficiency and shift to renewable energy sources. “Sections of this report read like the Book of Revelations.  But there’s still time to protect future generations if Congress puts strict limits on global warming pollution,” said Environment North Carolina Field Associate Margaret Hartzell. Today’s report is the first volume of the IPCC’s Fourth Assessment Report.  It synthesizes the peer-reviewed research published prior to 2006 on the science underlying global warming.  Additional volumes, examining global warming impacts and options for reducing future warming, are due out later this year.  The full report includes input from more than 2,500 experts worldwide.  The IPCC released its last assessment report in 2001. Among the major findings of today’s report include the following: Human Activities to Blame: It is very likely (>90%) that human activities – primarily burning fossil fuels – have caused most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century. Record Temperatures: 11 of the last 12 years rank among the 12 warmest years on record.  Cold days, cold nights, and frost have become less frequent, while hot days, hot nights, and heat waves have become more frequent. More Intense Tropical Storms: There has been an increase in intense hurricane and tropical typhoon activity since about 1970.  The report also finds that it “is likely that future tropical cyclones (typhoons and hurricanes) will become more intense, with larger peak wind speeds and more heavy precipitation” associated with warmer oceans. Hartzell noted that the report is inherently conservative because it reflects the consensus of hundreds of parties, including industry groups and governments opposed to taking action to reduce global warming pollution.  In addition, the report does not include any research published in 2006, though there have been major research developments on sea level rise and hurricane intensity, among many other areas. The United Nations Environmental Program and the World Meteorological Organization established the IPCC in 1988. “If lawmakers still needed a wake up call, this certainly is it.  Now, it’s time to get to work to pass meaningful legislation that reduces pollution quickly enough and sufficiently enough to avoid the worst effects of global warming,” concluded Hartzell. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/pollution-blamed-for-global-warming-in-authoritative-scientific-report Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/epa-blocks-states-from-cutting-global-warming-pollution-from-vehicles “EPA has turned a blind eye to http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/epa-blocks-states-from-cutting-global-warming-pollution-from-vehicles Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:51:48 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/grassroots-and-science-score-points-in-new-global-warming-bill-but-more-needed Environment North Carolina Statement on Introduction of America's Climate Security ActWe applaud Senators Lieberman and Warner for their leadership on global warming.  Time is running out to stop the worst effects of global warming, and this bill is an important starting point for action. The progress that we’ve made so far on this bill is testament to the power of the grassroots movement of Americans demanding decisive action on global warming and a growing understanding of the urgency of the science by our political leaders. Without the leadership of Senators Sanders and Boxer and Representative Waxman and their tireless efforts to ensure that science dictates the U.S. response to global warming, we never would have progressed this far. To rise to the challenge of global warming, this new bill must be strengthened.  Three changes are essential: The bill must achieve faster and deeper cuts in pollution, which is what the science demands.  The pollution caps in the bill aim to reduce total U.S. global warming emissions by about 11% by 2020 and by just over 50% by 2050.  Additional, modest reductions may be achieved through other policies in the bill, but those reductions are difficult to quantify and are not guaranteed.  According to the current science, the United States must reduce its total global warming emissions by at least 15% by 2020 and by at least 80% by 2050.  In addition, periodic reviews of the bill’s scientific adequacy must trigger additional pollution-reduction requirements. Flexibility mechanisms in the bill must be tightened to prevent undermining the goals of the bill.  The bill currently allows companies to exceed their pollution limits by paying sources not covered by the program to reduce emissions.  Ensuring that a ton of pollution from such “offsets” equals a ton of real reductions is a major challenge.  In addition, offsets delay the transition to cleaner technology that will be needed to achieve deep future cuts in emissions.  Under the bill, a company could theoretically meet its entire 2020 pollution-reduction requirement through offsets.  The number of offset reductions allowed under the bill must be significantly lowered. Polluters must be required to pay for every ton of pollution they put into the atmosphere.  The bill gives hundreds of billions of dollars to polluters for free, which will create windfall profits, such as has occurred in Europe, and take vital resources away from easing America’s transition to a clean energy future.  In the United Kingdom alone, windfall profits from emission trading have been estimated at nearly $2 billion.  These profits come directly from the pocketbooks of consumers.  Under this bill, just under half (49%) of the pollution permits would initially be given to polluters for free, and it will take 25 years (until 2036) before we stop handing polluters free money.  http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/grassroots-and-science-score-points-in-new-global-warming-bill-but-more-needed Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:14:31 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-extreme-downpours-up-16-percent-in-north-carolina Raleigh, NC—A new report from Environment North http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/new-report-extreme-downpours-up-16-percent-in-north-carolina Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:53:32 -0600 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/bill-requiring-more-fuel-efficient-autos-for-state-stalled-in-the-senate http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/bill-requiring-more-fuel-efficient-autos-for-state-stalled-in-the-senate Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:37:23 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/environment-north-carolina-condemns-bush-epa-climate-announcement Raleigh, NC—Environment North Carolina strongly criticized the Bush EPA’s announcement today that it will further delay action in response to last year’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling requiring the EPA to reconsider its 2003 decision not to regulate global warming emissions under the Clean Air Act. “We are extremely disappointed by the Bush EPA’s failure to reduce the threat global warming poses to public health and welfare,” said Environment North Carolina Field Organizer Margaret Hartzell “The White House has censored, ignored, and rewritten the clear scientific and legal facts in order to delay the day of reckoning when the oil, auto, and coal industries are held accountable for their pollution. Now it’s up to the next Administration to right this wrong and finally start to tackle global warming with the many clean energy solutions that are at our fingertips,” she continued. The decision announced today was heavily influenced by political operatives at the White House. New reports reveal that the White House rejected EPA’s conclusion last December that global warming endangers public welfare by refusing to open the email containing the legal document, leaving the issue in limbo for more than seven months. In stark contrast to today’s “extremely watered-down” Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, EPA’s original December 5 document determined that global warming is “unequivocal,” that the evidence is both “compelling and robust” that global warming endangers public welfare, and the EPA administrator must act to prevent Americans from harm. “The Bush administration is abdicating its clear responsibility to protect Americans from global warming. Every year of delay makes it more difficult to stop the worst effects of global warming,” concluded Hartzell. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/environment-north-carolina-condemns-bush-epa-climate-announcement Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:18:05 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/environment-north-carolina-praises-sen_-doles-global-warming-vote http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/environment-north-carolina-praises-sen_-doles-global-warming-vote Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:11:37 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/report-global-warming-pollution-standards-for-cars-will-save-money-slash-emissions-in-nc http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/report-global-warming-pollution-standards-for-cars-will-save-money-slash-emissions-in-nc Tue, 27 May 2008 11:05:10 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/nc-poll-shows-support-for-global-warming-solutions Clean Cars Program favored by 3 to 1 margin; high gas prices are key http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/nc-poll-shows-support-for-global-warming-solutions Wed, 21 May 2008 13:25:16 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/senate-committee-releases-a-substitute-to-the-climate-security-act Statement of Emily Figdor, Environment North Carolina’s Federal Global Warming Program Director, on Senate Global Warming Bill Washington, DC—The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee today released a substitute to the Climate Security Act, which is scheduled to be debated on the Senate floor in early June. “There is no greater challenge facing our country and our world than the threat of unchecked global warming. The science is clear that the United States must reduce its emissions of global warming pollutants quickly and dramatically in order to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of global warming. “We commend Senator Boxer for her hard work in advancing serious global warming legislation. The revised bill represents a significant step forward in building consensus and support for an economy-wide approach to reducing global warming pollution and investing in the infrastructure of a clean energy economy. “However, to meet the challenge of global warming, the Senate must strengthen the bill so that it delivers its promised reductions in emissions, is structured to achieve additional reductions as demanded by the science, and puts resources to use for the American public rather than creating windfall profits for polluters. “Only bold action can stave off catastrophic effects of global warming. We strongly urge senators to work to strengthen the bill and to oppose efforts to weaken its emission targets, block states from taking action, or add new polluter subsidies.” http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/senate-committee-releases-a-substitute-to-the-climate-security-act Thu, 22 May 2008 12:08:42 -0500 http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/bush-climate-announcement-on-crash-course-with-scientific-reality Raleigh, NC—President Bush today announced a new goal of stopping the growth of U.S. global warming emissions by 2025. Yet, in 2007, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that global emissions must peak no later than 2015 to prevent catastrophic effects of global warming. “Global warming is already transforming the world. Last month, global warming caused a chunk of Antarctic ice about seven times the size of Manhattan to suddenly collapse. President Bush’s plan is on a crash course with scientific reality. The time for action is today – not 20 years from now,” said Environment North Carolina Field Organizer Margaret Hartzell. According to the Department of Energy, U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are projected to increase by more than 16% above 2006 levels by 2025. To protect future generations from the worst effects of global warming, such as a massive rise in sea levels and the extinction of many species worldwide, the most recent science indicates that the United States must halt increases in its global warming emissions immediately, cut its emissions by at least 15 to 20 percent by 2020, and slash its emissions by at least 80 percent by 2050. “To solve this urgent problem, America must invest in a clean energy future with an emphasis on energy efficient homes and buildings and solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources,” added Hartzell. “Instead of focusing on the cleanest, quickest, and cheapest solutions, the President is focused on expensive and dangerous technologies, like nuclear power,” she concluded. http://www.environmentnorthcarolina.org/news-releases/global-warming/global-warming/bush-climate-announcement-on-crash-course-with-scientific-reality Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:32:47 -0500