|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canada's new government announces $4.5 million to protect biological diversity
MONTREAL - The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, joined by the Honourable Michael Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, today announced that the Government of Canada will contribute $4.5 million to the Habitat Stewardship Program to protect species at risk and the habitat where they live. The Ministers made their announcement in the company of the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, Line Beauchamp, the Mayor of Montreal Gérald Tremblay and international dignitaries who were at the Montreal Botanical Garden to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity.
"The Habitat Stewardship Program is an important conservation program
that this government is investing in to protect Canada's biodiversity," said
Minister Baird. "The $4.5 million and over 100 projects that are receiving
funding today reinforce our Government's commitment to protecting species at
risk. These represent only part of our annual investment in the Habitat
Stewardship Program and I expect to announce more in coming months."
The Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) is intended to help Canadians
protect species at risk and their habitats. The overall goal of the program is
to contribute to the recovery of endangered, threatened and other species at
risk while also preventing species from becoming a conservation concern. For
the first seven years of operation, the HSP contribution of $61.8M helped
protect over 618,000 hectares of species at risk habitat through both long
term and temporary measures, improve another 211,000 hectares of habitat, and
connect with over 200 partner organizations.
The Government's support for conservation efforts was seen earlier this
year through an investment of $225 million to help the Nature Conservancy of
Canada and other non-profit, non-government organizations like Ducks Unlimited
Canada and members of the Canadian Land Trust Alliance, purchase ecologically
sensitive lands to protect biodiversity.
"Canada's New Government is committed to the long-term conservation of
the rich variety of plants and animals that are part of Canada's natural
habitat," said Minister Baird. "Our Government recognizes that biological
diversity is vital to the protection of Canada's ecosystems, which provides
Canadians with a vibrant, healthy environment."
|
Report: Africa bears the burden of climate change, though it is low
emitter
An article in USA Today reports that “[a]ccording to a landmark effort to assess the risks of global warming, Africa, by far the lowest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, is projected to be among the regions hardest hit by environmental change.
"We never used to have malaria in the highlands where I'm from, now we
do," said Kenyan lawmaker Mwancha Okioma, at a briefing on climate change
at the Pan African Parliament Monday. The new environmental committee,
headed by Okioma, raised concerns about the severity of climate change on
Africa and called for those responsible to help reduce its effects…
By reviewing four years of research on projected climate change in Africa,
scientists with the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change got a
nuanced view of possible scenarios and assessed how these scenarios could
play themselves out in a continent already stressed — water and food
insecurity, infectious diseases, conflict, poverty.”
Reuters adds that “[r]ising temperatures in Africa are blamed for
droughts, floods and storms while the continent's fabled wildlife is
struggling to adapt to shifting ecosystems that could lead to mass
extinctions. Scientists say Africa -- the world's poorest continent -- is
already paying a high price for global climate change and must now figure
out what it can do itself to slow the transformation.
Experts say global warming may be to blame for the gradual melting of snow
atop Tanzania's famed Mt. Kilimanjaro, while Babagana Ahmadu, the African
Union's director of rural economy and agriculture, says there is evidence
that Lake Victoria, Lake Chad and parts of the Nile River are all
gradually drying up due to warmer temperatures.”
|
Bill Clinton Program Will Give 16 City Skylines A Green Makeover To Reduce Pollution
“Sixteen cities around the world will begin cutting carbon emissions by
renovating city-owned buildings with green technology under a program
spearheaded by former US President Bill Clinton's foundation.
Clinton was to announce the partnership Wednesday, joined by mayors of
several of the cities, as part of an international climate summit he is
hosting this week in New York City. …Major global banking institutions
have committed $1 billion to finance the upgrades of municipal buildings
in participating cities, which include New York, Chicago, Houston,
Toronto, Mexico City, London, Berlin and Tokyo. …
Clinton's foundation said the planned changes have the potential to reduce
energy use by 20 to 50 percent in those buildings. The reduction could
mean a significant decrease in heat-trapping carbon emissions, as well as
cost savings on utility bills. … With the money from the banks, cities
will get the green technology at no cost. … The foundation expects the
partnership to expand to more cities and companies after the first round.
…” [Associated Press/Factiva]
In a separate piece AP notes that “City leaders from around the world
declared at an environmental summit Tuesday that they can no longer wait
for national governments to reverse global warming and instead must find
solutions on their own. …cities bear a significant responsibility to
address climate change because they generate 80 percent of heat-trapping
greenhouse gases but cover less than 1 percent of the Earth's surface. …
Summit organizers invited business leaders to the gathering in an effort
to involve the private sector. They hope to convince them that going green
- through innovative construction, transportation alternatives and other
environmental changes - is profitable. [Associated Press/Factiva]
AFP writes that “…Besides urban leaders, the summit has drawn participants
from dozens of major corporations, including GE, Deutsche Bank, Swiss Re,
JP Morgan Chase, Shell, Siemens and Time Warner, some of whom were
offering expertise on technological and financial approaches to the
problem. The attendance marked a huge surge in interest in the issue. When
London hosted the first climate change summit in October 2005, only 18
cities joined in. [Agence France Presse/Factiva]
IN related climate change news, Dow Jones reports that “Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon has decided to hold a high-level UN meeting on climate change
in September, a UN spokeswoman announced Tuesday. Michele Montas said no
date had been decided, but the event is likely to be held on the sidelines
of the annual ministerial meeting of the UN General Assembly. …” [Dow
Jones/Factiva]
Meanwhile, The Guardian notes that “Tony Blair believes he is close to
persuading George Bush to accept an ambitious plan to bring the world's
greatest polluters into international partnership to fight climate change
for the first time. The plan would involve setting up a network of carbon
trading schemes and is one of five main proposals drawn up by the Germans
and British ahead of the G8 summit next month. …
Under the new trading plans, China and India would not face binding
targets; instead they would be allowed to continue their extraordinary
economic growth in exchange for a commitment to establish national cap and
trade schemes to cover some of their most heavily polluting industrial
sectors, such as metals processing and cement manufacturing.
Companies in these sectors would be granted permits to emit carbon dioxide
and other gases, in the hope they would rather reduce pollution than pay
for permits. …Further cap and trade schemes - this time with binding
targets and penalties for non-compliance - would be set up to cover carbon
pollution in developed countries, including the US and Australia, which
have refused to sign up to Kyoto. …”[The Guardian (UK)/Factiva]
|
Bush orders first federal regulation of greenhouse gases
WASHINGTON, DC - After resisting the regulation of greenhouse gases since he took office in 2001, President George W. Bush on May 15, 2007, signed an Executive Order directing four federal agencies to develop regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions from new mobile sources. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide emitted by the combustion of fossil fuels, contribute to global climate change.
The President directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Agriculture to work together "to protect the environment with respect to greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles, nonroad vehicles, and nonroad engines, in a manner consistent with sound science, analysis of benefits and costs, public safety, and economic growth," the Executive Order states.
The President's new policy is based on a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court April 2 in Massachusetts v. EPA that the Bush administration failed to follow the requirements of the Clean Air Act when it refused to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.
Announcing his new policy at the White House today, President Bush said, "Last month, the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA must take action under the Clean Air Act regarding greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. So today, I'm directing the EPA and the Department of Transportation, Energy, and Agriculture to take the first steps toward regulations that would cut gasoline consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles, using my 20-in-10 plan as a starting point."
The president announced his "20-in-10 plan" in January during his State of the Union address. It aims to cut America's gasoline usage by 20 percent over the next 10 years.
Bush has sent Congress a proposal that would meet this goal in two steps. First, a mandatory fuel standard that requires 35 billion gallons of renewable and other alternative fuels by 2017. "That's nearly five times the current target," he said.
The second step is an increase in fuel efficiency standards for light trucks and cars.
"The steps I announced today are not a substitute for effective legislation," Bush said today. "Members of my Cabinet, as they begin the process toward new regulations, will work with the White House, to work with Congress, to pass the 20-in-10 bill."
Developing regulations will require "coordination across many different areas of expertise," Bush said today.
"This is a complicated legal and technical matter, and it's going to take time to fully resolve. Yet it is important to move forward, so I have directed members of my administration to complete the process by the end of 2008." Bush's term of office expires January 20, 2009.
EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson said, "This is a complex issue, and EPA will ensure that any possible rulemaking impacting the emissions from all new mobile sources throughout the entire United States will adhere to federal law."
Johnson said that while the 20-in-10 plan would serve as a guide, "we have not reached any conclusions about what any final rule will look like."
"We will solicit comment on a proposed rule from a broad array of stakeholders and other interested members of the public," he said. "Our ultimate decision must reflect a thorough consideration of public comments and an evaluation of how it fits within the scope of the Clean Air Act."
"While this is the first regulatory step," said Johnson, "it builds on the Bush administration’s unparalleled financial, international and domestic commitments to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
"Since 2001, EPA and the entire administration have invested more than $37 billion to study climate change science, promote energy-efficient and carbon dioxide-reducing technologies, and fund tax incentive programs," Johnson said. "That’s more money than any other country in the world has spent to address this global challenge."
On Capitol Hill, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said, "The President's announcement today is one more in a long series of pronouncements claiming to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Yet after six years of failed energy policies that have favored Big Oil, the American people are still left with record gas prices and record dependence on foreign oil."
"It appears that the President wants to run out the clock to the end of his term without addressing our energy needs, because the executive order will do nothing to promote energy independence. Instead," Pelosi said, "it is clearly designed to bog down the Environmental Protection Agency in a bureaucratic interagency process that will ensure that no steps are taken to regulate greenhouse gases from motor vehicles."
"Here in the House, we are working to develop legislation that will reduce energy dependence and global warming emissions; we will introduce a package of initiatives that will make this July 4th Energy Independence Day."
Congressman Edward Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat who chairs the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, today welcomed President Bush’s reiteration of his "20-in-10" plan, which includes a goal of increasing fuel economy standards by four percent a year for 10 years, but warned that such a goal will never be achieved unless this requirement is made mandatory through legislation.
"After six years of hemming and hawing on setting fuel economy standards, the President has suddenly discovered the regulatory powers he has had all along," Markey said.
"Only asking for agency heads to take the first steps towards new rules will leave motor vehicle fuel economy stuck in neutral until Bush’s successor takes office," Markey added.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, "Six years ago this week, the Bush-Cheney secret task force made up of oil and energy company lobbyists released its report on the nation's energy policy. Since then, the administration has rolled back environmental regulations, ignored climate change and under-funded the energy research budget. Meanwhile, our oil dependency and consumption have grown, harming our national security and leaving America vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions."
"Democrats are committed to achieving greater energy independence - an issue this administration and past Republican Congresses have failed to adequately address. In the coming weeks, we will move forward with bipartisan legislation that will increase the production of clean renewable fuels, improve energy efficiency, punish gas price gougers and support research on greenhouse gas capture and storage," said Reid.
The oil savings that might be obtained by the President's proposal may be less than the expected savings from the projected increases in new vehicle fuel economy due to market-driven increases in the sale of unconventional vehicle technologies, such as flex-fuel, hybrid, and diesel vehicles, and a slowdown in the growth of new light truck sales, Reid said based on figures in the Energy Department's Annual Energy Outlook 2006.
Environmental groups were quick to criticize the new policy. Friends of the Earth, one of the original plaintiffs in Massachusetts v. EPA, said the President's new policy does little to address the Supreme Court's ruling.
Friends of the Earth President Brent Blackwelder said, "The President’s proposal focuses primarily on replacing oil with renewable energy sources such as corn ethanol, and the facts are clear – substituting most formulations of corn ethanol for oil does almost nothing to reduce greenhouse emissions."
"Additionally, by directing his administration to do nothing but study this issue until the end of 2008, when a new president is coming into office, President Bush passed the buck on global warming at a time when we cannot afford delay," Blackwelder said.
Some view the Bush policy as a step backward that is weaker than existing targets that were signed into law in 1992 by his father, President George Bush Sr.
"The President's policy is a retreat, not an advance. It would weaken existing federal targets for alternatives to petroleum fuel, not improve them," said Julie Teel, an attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity’s Climate, Air, Energy Program. "This shameful ploy proves that the president still doesn’t understand the dire consequences of global warming."
The 1992 law required the replacement of 10 percent of petroleum motor fuel consumption with alternative fuels by the year 2000 and 30 percent by 2010.
To attain this goal, the law first required a replacement of 75 percent of federally owned vehicles with alternative fuel vehicles by 1999. The Department of Energy was then required to determine if extension of the regulation to municipal and corporate fleets is necessary to meet the national 30 percent reduction target. If so, the Department is required to institute alternative fuel standards for municipal and corporate fleets.
The federal government violated the Energy Policy Act by not converting its own fleets to alternative fuel vehicles and not establishing a municipal and corporate standard when it was clear that federal action alone was insufficient.
The Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Earth sued over these violations, winning one court order in 2002 and two more in 2006 requiring compliance with both aspects of the law.
In response, the federal government has increased the number of fuel efficient vehicles in its fleets. However, it still has not set alternative fuel vehicle requirements for municipal and corporate fleets.
Instead, on March 15, 2007, it issued a ruling which delayed the compliance date for a 30 percent reduction from 2010 to 2030. The rule is opposed by environmental groups and Teel says it is "likely" to be challenged in court.
Frank O'Donnell of the nonprofit Clean Air Trust interpreted the Executive Order as "an attempt to sideswipe the greenhouse gas standards developed by the state of California and adopted by 11 other states. The Bush administration apparently wants to knock those standards off the road."
O'Donnell says because the four federal agencies are expected to concur on any news regulation, and must do so under the direction of the White House Office of Management and Budget and the Council on Environmental Quality
"In other words," O'Donnell said, "the White House has just wrapped the EPA in a straitjacket of bureaucratic process."
The nonprofit Diesel Technology Forum used the president's announcement to promote diesel fuel as part of the fuel economy and global warming solution.
Allen Schaeffer, the Forum's executive director, said, "Diesel cars, trucks and SUVs deliver superior fuel economy - typically 20 percent to 40 percent better than a comparable gasoline vehicle - without requiring drivers to sacrifice the power and performance Americans demand.
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that America could save up to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day - an amount equivalent to the oil we currently import from Saudi Arabia - if one-third of U.S. cars, pickup trucks and SUVs were diesel-powered," he said.
Manufacturers, including Dodge, General Motors, Ford, BMW Group, Mercedes, Jeep, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and Mitsubishi, are planning to introduce new clean diesel vehicles in the next two to three years.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association, GMA, supports the goal of reducing America's reliance on fossil fuels but cautioned that a sharp increase the use of corn for ethanol could hamper the ability of the food industry to provide consumers, both in the U.S. and around the world, with areliable and affordable supply of food.
Cal Dooley, GMA president and CEO, said, "Consumers have already seen an increase in the cost of food, as corn traditionally used for livestock feed and processed food is increasingly used for fuel. In fact, the price of corn has nearly doubled in the last nine months."
"In addition to its inflationary impact, there are many unintended, but nonetheless important, consequences of an ambitious corn ethanol strategy," Dooley warned.
"A 35 billion gallon ethanol mandate will require a substantial increase in the use of fossil fuels for corn and ethanol processing and transportation, as well as an additional 15 million acres devoted to corn crops, which will encroach on agriculturally marginal and environmentally sensitive land," he said.
To meet this mandate, the U.S. would have to cut its corn exports to ensure an adequate supply of corn for food and fuel, Dooley said. "Such a reduction will result in a decrease in the amount of food available overseas, which in turn will have a negative affect on world hunger."
On a conference call with reporters today, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns attempted to assure the public that ethanol manufacture would not take food out of people's mouths.
"We've already put forth a Farm Bill proposal that would increase funding for renewable energy by $1.6 billion. Without question, the President's proposals represent the most significant commitment to renewable energy that's ever been proposed in farm legislation," Johanns said. "It's focused on cellulosic ethanol, which is where we believe the next step is in terms of ethanol development. And it's also one of the building blocks that will help us achieve 20-in-10."
Cellulosic ethanol is not made from corn kernels but is distilled from the fermentation of sugars from the entire plant, not just the grains. Perennial grasses, corn stover, sugar can bagasse, logging slash, and yard trimmings can all be sources of cellulosic ethanol.
The Farm Bill proposals would expand research into cellulosic ethanol, to improve biotechnology, and create a better crop for conversion to renewable energy and to improve that conversion process, making it more efficient and, therefore, more commercially viable," Johanns said.
The American Petroleum Institute, API, an industry trade association, said the industry has invested heavily to meet and exceed the federal requirement for ethanol-blended gasoline. "In 2006, we used 25 percent more than required - and, according to Energy Information Administration estimates, will exceed the 2007 requirement as well."
The API says that the role of ethanol as a transportation energy source will be limited until technology breakthroughs permit economic production of cellulosic ethanol from biomass.
"The timing of such breakthroughs is highly speculative," the API said. "There is no guarantee that technologies would emerge to enable large-scale economic cellulosic ethanol production in the next decade and ensure reliable energy for U.S. consumers at affordable prices."
It is "critical" that any alternative fuels standard include technology and feasibility reviews that would trigger adjustments to mandates to ensure companies and consumers are not penalized if obstacles arise that prevent meeting usage targets, said the API.
Chris Somerville, professor of biological sciences at Stanford University and director of the Carnegie Institution's Department of Plant Biology, estimates it will take seven to 10 years to produce cellulosic ethanol at competitive prices.
"It is certainly possible to achieve Bush's goals technically," he said. "The question in my mind is whether investors are ready to put up the money required to make it happen."
Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2006
|
Ontarians want forest protection in climate plan
New poll highlights need for Boreal planning, protection of endangered
species habitat
TORONTO - New polling released May 15, 2007, by two leading conservation groups shows that 90% of Ontarians want the provincial government to protect more forests as a defence against global warming. "This polling shows that the public is leading on this issue," says Janet Sumner, Executive Director of CPAWS Wildlands League one of the groups releasing the polling. "The McGuinty government must keep its promise and implement land use planning before development in the Boreal Forest," Sumner adds.
The polling comes on the heels of a letter signed by 1,500 scientists
released yesterday in Ottawa urging all governments to act to protect the
Boreal Forest. The scientists warned that the Boreal Forest - a garland of
green in Canada that shields us against global warming - is clearly under
serious threat from industrial logging and mining activities. It shields us
from global warming by storing more carbon in its soils, forests and wetlands
than any other ecosystem on the planet.
"Scientists, a chorus of celebrities, conservation groups and now the
public all support setting aside large portions of Ontario's intact Boreal
Forest in the face of global warming while safeguarding threatened species,"
says Wendy Francis, Director of Conservation and Science for Ontario Nature.
"We know it can be done without closing mills. When will this government act?"
Francis adds.
<<
Other findings from the poll include:
- 92% of Ontarians agree that Ontario needs proper land-use planning
for our remaining wilderness in the North; and,
- 88% agree that Ontario should BAN all logging in key habitat of
endangered species such as Woodland Caribou.
>>
In 2003, Mr. McGuinty promised to implement a land-use planning regime
for the northern third of the province, an area that until now has been off
limits to logging. So far he has failed to deliver on this promise, instead
approving the massive DeBeers Victor Diamond Mine. The groups are also asking
the government to protect significant areas of intact caribou habitat in the
commercial forestry zone; a move that also would store large quantities of
carbon that otherwise would contribute to global warming.
|
Canadian Environment Awards Announces Annual Short List of Finalists
TORONTO - The Canadian Environment Awards today announced the short list of finalists who will be honoured during its annual celebration of environmental achievement. Inspired by the community-action objectives of Canadian Environment Week, which takes place this year from June 3 to 9, the Canadian Environment Awards program is a national, bilingual celebration that recognizes four levels of environmental excellence: Community Awards, Ideas for Life Award, Citation of Lifetime Achievement and The Green Team Challenge.
The Community Awards, the flagship program of the Canadian Environment
Awards, celebrates 18 individuals and grassroots groups chosen by a panel of
environmental luminaries from nominations submitted by the Canadian public.
"This year's finalists demonstrate incredible ingenuity and enthusiasm, and I
congratulate them all," says Clive Mather, President and CEO of Shell Canada,
the lead corporate sponsor of the Canadian Environment Awards. "Striving to
find sustainable solutions to today's tough environmental challenges demands
vision and hard work. These extraordinary Canadians are an inspiration to us
all."
Profiles of the 18 finalists (see reverse), representing six categories
of environmental achievement - Climate Change, Conservation, Environmental
Health, Environmental Learning, Restoration & Rehabilitation and Sustainable
Living - have been published in English and French magazines that will be
distributed with Canadian Geographic (www.canadiangeographic.ca/cea),
Maclean's and L'actualité.
In 2007, the Canadian Environment Awards will also present TOHU, la Cité
des arts du cirque, with the Ideas for Life Award, created to recognize
environmental action demonstrated through the arts, entertainment and design.
Employing the same ingenuity that has made Quebec the world leader in circus
arts, TOHU is a sustainable "green" home for circus arts in Canada, an
environmental learning centre and the anchor project for the revitalization of
Montréal's Saint-Michel neighbourhood.
The program's top honour, the Citation of Lifetime Achievement, will be
presented to biologist and film-maker Jean Lemire, who has dedicated the past
20 years to forging a new model for environmental activism. Fast becoming one
of Canada's most influential environmental ambassadors, Lemire mixes adventure
with ecology and brings these stories to life in documentary films. His
historic expeditions to the Arctic and the Antarctic have enlightened
audiences around the world about the threats these ecosystems face from
climate change.
Jean Lemire will deliver the keynote address at the annual Awards Gala on
Monday, June 4, at the Montréal Science Centre. On that night, the Gold and
Silver Community Awards winners will be recognized with $5,000 and $2,500
prizes to donate to the environmental cause of their choice. The Junior and
Senior winners of The Green Team Challenge, the youth initiative, will also be
announced.
The Canadian Environment Awards 2007 is a partnership between the
Government of Canada and Canadian Geographic Enterprises, which manages the
program and publishes the annual Canadian Environment Awards magazines. The
Canadian Environment Awards program is also supported by 14 Canadian
corporations, of which Shell Canada is the lead corporate sponsor. For
complete details about the Canadian Environment Awards 2007 or to purchase
tickets to the Awards Gala, visit www.canadiangeographic.ca/cea
FINALISTS FOR THE CANADIAN ENVIRONMENT AWARDS 2007
CITATION OF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Jean Lemire; biologist, adventurer and film director and producer;
Montréal, Quebec
IDEAS FOR LIFE AWARD
TOHU, la Cité des arts du cirque; sustainable centre for circus arts and
environmental learning centre; Montréal, Quebec
COMMUNITY AWARDS FINALISTS
CLIMATE CHANGE
Clean Air Foundation, Car Heaven; Toronto, Ontario
Conseil régional de l'environnement de l'Estrie, sustainable
transportation program; Sherbrooke, Quebec
Stuart Hickox, Project Porchlight; Ottawa, Ontario
CONSERVATION
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society/Yukon Chapter, Three Rivers
Journey; Whitehorse, Yukon
Mike James and Kathleen Martin, Nova Scotia Leatherback Turtle Working
Group; Halifax, Nova Scotia
Native Orchid Conservation Inc., protectors of mini-ecosystems and their
plant communities; Winnipeg, Manitoba
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Lac La Biche Watershed Steering Committee, community-based water-quality
champions; Lakeland County, Alberta
Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium Inc., multi-stakeholder research and
education group; Gimli, Manitoba
Nunavik Research Centre, Inuit-managed environmental-health facility;
Kuujjuaq, Quebec
ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING
Humber Arm Environmental Association, Trading Books for Boats; Corner
Brook, Newfoundland
Lucie Sauvé, Canada Research Chair in Environmental Education; Montréal,
Quebec
Jim Taylor, founder of the E-Team; Mission, British Columbia
RESTORATION & REHABILITATION
Junction Creek Stewardship Committee, community creek restoration group;
Sudbury, Ontario
Nile Creek Enhancement Society, salmon-habitat restoration project;
Bowser, British Columbia
Tree Canada, foundation dedicated to planting trees throughout Canada;
Ottawa, Ontario
SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Community Environment Alliance of Peel, Share-IT: Computers for
Community; Brampton, Ontario
Eco-quartier Jeanne-Mance/Mile End, Tourne-Sol Community Composting
Centre; Montréal, Quebec
George McCubbin, advocate for eco-efficiencies in multi-unit residences;
Lindsay, Ontario
|
World's City Mayors Eye Climate Change At New York Summit
“Mayors from more than 40 of the world's largest and most polluted cities
are to open a summit [in New York] Monday in the hope of agreeing on ways
to tackle climate change and promote the use of clean energy. …
This year's summit…for the first time brings in top business leaders from
around the world.
The key to the summit is the financial case for addressing climate change,
said Kathryn Wylde, president of the Partnership for New York City, a
non-governmental business leadership group organizing the summit. …
The summit was expected to include several joint initiatives based on
leveraging the cities' combined purchasing power, Wylde said, while
refusing to be drawn on what those initiatives might involve. …She said
cities were starting to reach a critical mass and particularly welcomed
the contribution of cities in the developing world. …” [Agence France
Presse (05/14)/Factiva]
Newsday adds that “… a global summit of leaders, including former
President Bill Clinton and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, will convene this week
in New York City to trade ideas. …The gathering is known as the C40 Large
Cities Climate Summit and will be the second of its kind…
The theory behind it is that cities must play a major role in reversing
climate change - they cover less than 1 percent of the earth's surface,
but are disproportionately responsible for polluting it, contributing 80
percent of greenhouse gas emissions. …” [Newsday (US, 05/14)/Factiva]
AP writes that “…At the conference, delegates ‘will share best practices,
identify collaborative projects and chart future actions relative to
reversing dangerous climate change and realizing economic development
benefits,’ organizers said.
Clinton is also expected to make a major announcement involving a
cross-section of attendees. …This week's conference will feature
discussions on building greener cities, using renewable energy sources,
transforming waste into energy and how to engage the private sector along
the way. …” [Associated Press (05/13)/Factiva]
|
ANALYSIS-Climate Change Casts Shadow Over World Agriculture
“Global climate change will drastically reshape grain, oilseed and other
crop production, but exactly how that will happen remains unclear.
‘Climate change has forced us to rethink so much of what we do on so many
fronts, just as the Internet has done in terms of our daily lives,’ James
Spellman, consultant with the UN Foundation, told Reuters on the sidelines
of the annual World Agricultural Forum that wraps up on Thursday. …
One theme that emerged… was a need for more coordination and analysis of
the effects on agriculture and food production from the world's scramble
to cut fossil-fuel use, the major source of CO2 and of other greenhouse
gases. … The current massive push toward biofuels … also raised a red flag
to some who said food supplies and prices for both rich and poor could be
affected as energy demand seized agriculture. …
‘It's really rethinking what land is beyond simply a productive factor in
producing crops. Land has become a much more precious commodity - so the
question is, how you maximize the use of the land?’ said Spellman.”
[Reuters/Factiva]
St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that “The challenge of turning plants and
earth into a source of fuel was evident Wednesday… [while] participants…
debated how, when and where to produce biofuels. However, few suggested
that it shouldn't, or wouldn't, happen. …
Some participants believe science and technology, coupled with the drive
to develop money-making opportunities, will win the day. …” [St. Louis
Post-Dispatch (US)/Factiva]
In a separate piece Reuters reports that “The biofuels craze is catching
on in developing countries like India despite struggles to feed its
growing population… ‘We are subsidizing the farmer 100 percent for
growing’ oilseed crops for biodiesel production for the past three years,
Raghuveera Reddy, Minister for Agriculture for Andhra Pradesh, India, told
Reuters at the World Agricultural Forum…
The government is behind the biofuels push as it increases farmers'
incomes, brings employment to rural areas and lowers greenhouse gas
emissions, he said. … He estimates that in the next 30 to 40 years,
nearly half of India's oilseed crops will be used for biofuels. …”
[Reuters/Factiva]
|
UN Envoys To Talk To World Leaders About Climate Change
“Three UN special envoys will be soliciting the views of world leaders on
tackling climate change to help Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon prepare for
a June meeting of major industrialized nations and decide whether to hold
a high-level UN event on global warming in September.
Former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, one of the envoys,
said in an interview Wednesday that the Secretary-General wants to get a
picture of the concerns of leaders of the nations most responsible for
climate change, those most affected by global warming, and the major
developing countries like China, India and Brazil. … ” [Dow Jones/Factiva]
AP notes that “…The consultations will also include what to focus on if
there is a high-level meeting, possibly technology, energy efficiency, the
carbon market, deforestation or other ideas, she said. Brundtland noted
that the highest producers of emissions, like the US, but also major
developing countries, will have to join the fight. …
>From a political perspective, Brundtland said, ‘there is genuine concern
now’ and ‘the respect for the scientific results is very clear now.”
[Associated Press/Factiva]
Meanwhile, Reuters reports that “… Brundtland said the current annual
meeting of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development…was hampered by a
‘deep-rooted lack of trust.’ ‘Many industrialized countries believe that
the developing countries are unwilling and that they are doing too
little,’ she told the conference on Wednesday. …Developing nations also
fear that progress in environmental programs would be at the expense of
development. …” [Reuters/Factiva]
In a separate piece, AP writes that “…Wednesday's conference marked 20
years since the publication of the UN's research on the environmental
impact of industrial growth. Today, Brundtland said, ‘doubt is eliminated’
on the question of the effects of fossil fuels and carbon emissions. …
Brundtland emphasized that addressing environmental degradation can begin
in individual countries but can only be solved by extensive cooperation in
the international community. …” [Associated Press/Factiva]
Xinhua reports that “UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Wednesday called
for more efforts in dealing with critical issues of energy, climate
change, industrial development and air pollution for the purpose of
sustainable development. … Dealing with climate change…had broad impacts,
not just on the environment, but also on economic and social development.
…
There needed to be further engagement of developing countries, as well as
incentives for them to limit their emissions while safeguarding economic
growth and poverty eradication, he said. …” [Xinhua (China)/Factiva]
Dow Jones adds that Ban told the conference that “… While industrial
nations struggle to reduce their emissions without affecting their growth,
developing nations are looking to improve their access to energy sources
in order to spark growth, Ban said. Industrial nations have a
responsibility to help developing nations adapt to emerging emissions
standards, he said. …
At a press briefing on the conference, Eric Solheim, Minister of
International Development in Norway, said achieving energy efficiency
would be the easiest way to reduce the environmental impact without
slowing growth.
Solheim also noted many developing countries had skipped installing
telephone landlines and gone straight to adopting cellular technology. So,
too, must developing countries skip the heavy polluting phase industrial
countries went through to arrive at what Brundtland called a ‘green
economy.” [Dow Jones/Factiva]
|
Loblaw Executive Chairman Galen G. Weston and Ontario Environment Minister Laurel Broten Encourage Ontarians to Go Green and Reduce Use of Plastic Bags
Weston Renews Pledge to Eliminate One Billion Plastic Shopping Bags in
2007 and Announces Sell-Out of new PC(R) Green(R) Reusable Shopping Bag
TORONTO - Loblaw Executive Chairman Galen G. Weston appeared at a downtown Toronto Loblaws today alongside Ontario Environment Minister Laurel Broten to encourage Ontarians to take simple steps to minimize their environmental footprint by reducing their use of plastic shopping bags. Mr. Weston also renewed the company's pledge to eliminate one-billion plastic shopping bags in 2007 and congratulated Canadians on their response to the recently introduced PC(R) GREEN(R) Reusable Shopping Bag - "Canada's Greenest Shopping Bag(R)." Made from 85-per-cent post-consumer recycled materials, the bag is the greenest reusable shopping bag available in Canada. Demand has been so strong that Loblaws has tripled its initial order, with more bags expected to be in stores by Canada Day.
The appearance followed today's call from Minister Broten for a voluntary
50 per cent reduction in the annual use of plastic bags in Ontario by 2012.
Loblaw's plan to divert one billion plastic bags in 2007 alone means that this
goal will be reached years ahead of the government's suggested timetable.
"When we introduced PC Green products over 20 years ago, we had a vision
to start a movement that would inspire consumers to make choices that would
give back to the environment," said Galen G. Weston, Executive Chairman of
Loblaw Companies Limited. "Today's announcement speaks to how simple but
meaningful changes such as switching from plastic to reusable shopping bags
can make a huge difference.
"Canadians feel a sense of personal responsibility for protecting and
preserving the environment," added Weston. "The sell out of our PC Green
reusable bags confirms it: when retailers make it simple for consumers to do
their part, they will embrace the opportunity."
CANADA'S GREENEST SHOPPING BAG
Made from 85-per-cent post-consumer recycled materials, the PC GREEN
Reusable Shopping Bag is the greenest reusable shopping bag available in
Canada. Weekly use of one bag is expected to divert 100 plastic shopping bags
from Canada's landfills in one year.
Each bag is made from six 500-mL or two 2-L plastic beverage bottles and
is fully recyclable, including all tags, threading and handles. Upon end of
its useful life (approximately 50 round trips, or one year of shopping),
consumers are encouraged to return bags to the store for re-recycling into
more reusable bags.
"Canada's Greenest Shopping Bag" is an example of closed-loop recycling,
which uses recovered plastics - in this case plastic bottles from municipal
collection programs - to manufacture new, post-consumer recycled products that
truly alter the definition of waste.
The bag is twice the size of conventional plastic bags, holding up to 10
kg. It retails for $0.99.
|
Bank Says Rich Countries Lagging Behind In Meeting Kyoto Commitments
"Rich countries are largely off-track in terms of meeting their
commitments under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
the World Bank said in a report released Tuesday.
The US accounts for 22 percent of the world's total emissions of Carbon
dioxide (CO2), the main man-made cause of global warming, the bank said in
its annual report, the Little Green Data Book 2007, which is based on most
recent comprehensive data available for 2003. The share of the countries
of the European Monetary Union (EMU) stands at 10 percent. ... [The
report] said CO2 emissions worldwide topped 27 billion metric tons in
2003, an increase of 19 percent over 1990 levels." [Xinhua
(China)/Factiva]
Dow Jones adds that "Carbon dioxide emissions today are 16 percent higher
than in 1990, the World Bank said in a report released Tuesday, adding
further pressure on world governments to agree to bind emissions-cutting
targets to replace the Kyoto Protocol. ...
Carbon dioxide emissions have been growing faster in developing countries,
especially in East Asia and South Asia. 'But the upward trend is also a
feature of high income countries,' the report said. The US and Japan's
emissions were up 20 percent and 15 percent respectively. ...
The World Bank report is expected to add further pressure on countries to
agree to binding caps on greenhouse gases, which most scientists agree are
the major cause of global warming. ..." [Dow Jones/Factiva]
Jiji Press writes that "...the World Bank said CO2 emissions in Japan were
15 percent higher and those in the Euro area were 3 percent higher. ...
'As a group, rich countries are largely off-track with respect to the
Kyoto commitments,' the report said. The report pointed out that China and
India 'stand out as major emitters.' CO2 emissions in China and India were
73 percent and 88 percent higher, respectively. Meanwhile, emissions in
Eastern Europe and Central Asia decreased, mainly due to economic
recession."
|
Canadian Bottled Water Association voices concerns about Ontario water legislation
TORONTO - The Canadian Bottled Water Association, (CBWA), supports measures to protect the quality and quantity of Ontario's water supply, but it has a number of serious concerns about Ontario's impending water legislation, including the fact that it leaves unregulated 98% of the water taken in Ontario. In fact, according to CBWA Executive Director Elizabeth Griswold, "the legislation only covers users who take just 2% of Ontario's water."
"We do not support the way water taking charges have been developed, and
we believe that the bill relies on a faulty definition of 'water consumption'
that is not based on good science; to say that once water is moved out of its
originating watershed, it has been 'consumed' is woefully inadequate for the
development of public policy and legislation," says Griswold.
Griswold notes that members of the CBWA are among the most efficient
users of water: "While it takes only 1.03 litres of water to bottle a litre of
water, it takes over 7,800 litres of water to produce 4 tires; over 147,000
litres to produce a car; and over 236,000 litres of water to produce a ton of
steel."
"For a bill that is supposed to be about safeguarding and sustaining
Ontario's water, it seems little to no regard has been given to the quality of
the water that may remain in the watershed but is returned in a much degraded
condition. Why wouldn't those takers be asked to pay as much or more than
water bottlers, whose usage represents one of the cleanest possible uses for
water?" asks Griswold.
"Instead, Bill 198 requires those of us who make water available for
human consumption to pay the most, and to pay first: we believe that if water
charges are here to stay, all users should pay equally," says Griswold, who
notes that CBWA members in Ontario take only two-tenths of one percent of
water taken in Ontario.
Members of the CBWA in Ontario, whose water-taking is already closely
regulated by the province, bottle an amount of water each year equivalent to
that used by 10 golf courses to water their fairways. There are currently
about 700 golf courses in the province.
There are also serious legal problems with the bill according to Toronto
lawyer Tim Bermingham with the firm of Blake, Cassels & Graydon, who says the
law could be challenged in the Supreme Court of Canada.
"The constitution permits the province to raise money only by direct
taxation. The proposed water conservation charges are clearly a form of
indirect taxation and indirect taxation is unconstitutional. These indirect
taxes are not, as the province claims, "regulatory charges" because they are
clearly unrelated to the actual costs of regulation," says Bermingham, who is
acting for the CBWA.
|
Greater Conservation of Canada's Forests Necessary to Fight Global Warming
New report to government and industry says green shake-up is crucial, as
Canada holds 25% of the world's remaining intact forests
VANCOUVER - Environmental group ForestEthics is proposing an ambitious new conservation agenda and new green business model for the Canadian forest industry, one the organization says is necessary to combat Global Warming and species loss. The proposal is outlined in a new report, A Brighter Shade of Green, which is being released on the eve of the Forest Leadership Conference in Vancouver, May 8-10.
"Canada is one of the few countries left in the world that still has
enough intact forests left to truly ensure sustainability," says Tzeporah
Berman of Forest Ethics. "Protecting Canada's intact forests - an
international obligation - is an essential element of a national strategy for
re-balancing the carbon budget and for helping our ecosystems adapt to the
global warming that is already underway."
A Brighter Shade of Green publishes for the first time, data on the
importance of Canada's forests in helping to create a shield from Global
Warming: Canada's total forest stores of carbon, including temperate
rainforests, are 84.4 billion tons of carbon - 12 times the entire world's
fossil fuel emissions - with natural forests storing up to 50% more carbon
than the "managed forests" that are planted by companies after logging.
Currently, logging in Canada alone removes 33.42 megatons of forest carbon
stores every year - more carbon than is emitted annually by all passenger
vehicles in the country.
In making its recommendations, the report uses recognized science to
establish that caribou populations are modern-day "canaries in the coal mine",
serving as key indicators of overall ecosystem health. With endangered caribou
as the starting point, ForestEthics sets an initial framework for developing a
truly sustainable forestry sector and explains why Canada must set aside large
tracts of ecologically important forests, including the establishment of "Off
Limit" areas for industry and customers; significantly reduce the current
amount of logging; change current logging practices; and create investment and
development strategies to transition the economy to deal with a reduced cut.
Companies like retail giant Limited Brands are already taking the lead in
demanding this new type of green business model. In December of last year,
ForestEthics and Limited Brands announced a new partnership and groundbreaking
paper policy. Limited Brands will no longer use suppliers who source paper
from any caribou habitat range in Canada unless it has been certified by the
Forest Stewardship Council. The policy also states a strong preference for
post consumer recycled fibre.
"In establishing "Off Limit" areas, we are urging companies that buy
forest products from Canada to follow in Limited Brands' footsteps and to put
their suppliers on notice that they will not accept products that come from
logging endangered species habitat," says Berman.
The ForestEthics and Limited Brands partnership is a co-sponsor of the
Forest Leadership conference and both organizations have plenary speakers at
the event.
"Already, some industry leaders like Domtar, Tembec and AlPac are taking
action to implement some of the recommendations of our report, including
commitments to ecologically responsible forest practices certified by the
Forest Stewardship Council and working constructively to address emerging
issues," said Ms. Berman. "We 're also seeing companies like Western Forest
Products and Catalyst Paper taking positive steps in developing a sustainable
model for conservation in the Great Bear Rainforest. At the same time this
report's recommendations will be a real challenge for less than green
companies like West Fraser and Abitibi-Bowater, both of whom are staunch in
their refusal to green their operations."
For a copy of the report visit: www.forestethics.org/brightershade for more information.
ForestEthics, a nonprofit with staff in Canada, the United States and
Chile, recognizes that individual people can be mobilized to create positive
environmental change - and so can corporations. Armed with this unique
philosophy, ForestEthics has protected more than seven million acres of
Endangered Forests. Their "Victoria's Dirty Secret" campaign featured over 750
protests and events, and over a million unique visitors to
VictoriasDirtySecret.net. Visit www.ForestEthics.org for more information.
|
150 Countries Meet To Begin Work On Post-Kyoto Accord
“Developing countries called for more money and expertise to help them
fight the potentially catastrophic effects of global warming, as more than
1,000 diplomats began work Monday on a new accord to control greenhouse
gases.”
“ The 166 countries and organizations at a two-week meeting of the U.N.
Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn are to negotiate key
elements of a treaty to succeed the 10-year-old Kyoto Protocol, which set
binding targets on industrial countries to cut emissions of carbon dioxide
and other gases believed to cause global warming.” Dow Jones
The Associated Press adds that “the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012, and
delegates said a new accord should be in place within two years to move
smoothly into a new regime of controls. Ideas raised at the preliminary
meeting in Bonn will be put before a larger meeting in December in Bali,
Indonesia, when U.N. officials hope to launch formal negotiations on a
post-Kyoto treaty. That treaty also should draw in the United States,
the world's largest polluter, which refused to accept the mandatory limits
of the Kyoto system, and emerging giants like India and China, which were
exempted from Kyoto obligations, U.N. officials say.”
“It is the first time government climate delegations are meeting since the
U.N.-sponsored Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a spate of
reports this year, drawing on the studies of some 2,500 scientists, which
predict grim consequences of global warming if swift action isn't taken.
The reports warned that climate changes will hit poor countries hardest -
less rain in arid areas like northern Africa and more severe floods in
river deltas like Bangladesh. Millions of poor people will suffer from
greater hunger, thirst and disease, and as much as 30% of species will be
threatened with extinction.”
The Guardian writes that “Pakistan, speaking on behalf of 77 developing
countries plus China, put the onus on industrial countries to increase
funding and technology help. Though the world faces a common goal,
countries must meet them according to their ``respective capabilities,''
Pakistani delegate Jamil Ahmad said. That meant deep emissions cuts by the
developed world and helping less capable countries build their capacity to
adapt to new weather conditions.”
The industrial world must ``move significantly beyond the current
institutional and financial arrangements,'' Ahmad said. It is the first
time government climate delegations are meeting since the U.N.-sponsored
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a series of reports this
year drawing on the studies of some 2,500 scientists.”
|
UN Climate Talks Reach Agreement
“Climate experts agreed on a UN report on Friday that said fighting global
warming is affordable and the technology available to slow the growth in
greenhouse gas emissions and stave off climate chaos, a senior delegate
said. …
The talks between scientists and government officials from more than 100
countries ran into the early hours of Friday to try to resolve complex
issues raised in the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC). …The report is the third to be released this year by the UN
panel, which draws on the work of 2,500 scientists. …” [Reuters/Factiva]
Dow Jones writes that “…Some participants said most of the objections were
from India and China - often efforts to strike language altogether versus
amending it. But the problems were overcome after scientists provided
proof on such basic issues as how mitigation measures correspond to
various emission levels. …” [Dow Jones/Factiva]
NYT reports that “The world needs to divert substantially from today's
main energy sources within a few decades to limit centuries of rising
temperatures and seas driven by the buildup of heat-trapping emissions in
the air…
The report, which awaits only formal adoption this afternoon, concluded
that significant progress toward that goal could be made in the next 25
years with known technologies and policy shifts, but would still need to
be followed by a century-long transition to new energy sources that come
with no climate impacts. ..
The report also made clear the risks of delay, noting that emissions of
greenhouse gases have risen 70 percent since 1970 and could rise an
additional 90 percent by 2030 if nothing is done. …” [The New York
Times/Factiva]
IHT writes that “…Carbon dioxide is particularly important not only
because so much is produced each year - about 25 billion tons - but
because much of it persists in the atmosphere, building like unpaid credit
card debt.
To stop the rise, report authors said, countries would need to expand
adoption of existing policies that can cut emissions - like a fuel tax or
the binding limits set by the Kyoto Protocol - while also increasing
research seeking new energy options. This work would include pushing for
advances in solar and nuclear power. …” [The International Herald Tribune]
AP adds that “…Environmentalists said nations now needed to carry forward
this momentum to decide on concrete actions at the G8 summit of leading
industrial nations in June in Germany and at a UN Climate Summit in Bali,
Indonesia, in December. …” [Associated Press/Factiva]
BBC reports that “…Catherine Pearce, international climate campaigner with
Friends of the Earth UK, said there was now no economic excuse for
inaction. …’By introducing measures and investment that will stimulate
sustainable renewable energies and energy efficiency, governments can help
to achieve cuts in global emissions by 50 percent by 2050. Without this,
we face devastating consequences.” [BBC News]
|
Climate report shows affordable solutions; Baird's economic scaremongering discredited
TORONTO - An Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report to be released Friday May 4 in Bangkok, Thailand, discredits the Harper government's economic forecasts for combating global warming, says Greenpeace Canada.
The report estimates that stabilization of greenhouse gas concentration
at 445 to 535 parts per million could be achieved by 2030 at a cost of less
than three percent of global GDP, or up to US$100 per tonne of carbon dioxide.
This would limit the global average temperature increase to two degrees
Celsius-beyond which impacts would become catastrophic.
Environment Minister John Baird, however, says that to meet Kyoto
targets, "the government would need to manufacture a recession." Last week, he
proposed to allow industry to avoid emissions reductions by contributing to a
Technology Fund at a cost of only CDN$15 to 20 per tonne.
"The Harper government uses the economy as a false excuse for inaction on
Kyoto. This report shows clearly that greenhouse gases can be cut dramatically
without the sky falling," said Dave Martin, Greenpeace climate coordinator.
"We have the technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a reasonable
cost-all we are lacking is political will."
"The revised Clean Air Act (Bill C-30) has majority support in
Parliament," added Greenpeace climate campaigner Jos Higginson. "It is urgent
that it be brought to a vote in the House of Commons to finally honor our
Kyoto commitment. This is not the time for partisan politics. Red or blue,
Canada still isn't green and our climate is paying the price."
The report by the IPCC Working Group III, entitled Mitigation of Climate
Change, is the third volume of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report. It outlines
a variety of mitigation measures to fight global warming. Previous volumes
included the Physical Science Basis (February 2007) and Impacts, Adaptation
and Vulnerability (April 2007). The final synthesis report will be released in
November.
In February 2007, Greenpeace released a report, Energy (R)evolution,
detailing a global energy scenario that cuts greenhouse gas emissions in half
by 2050, with no coal or nuclear power, while allowing increased energy
consumption and economic growth.
|
Carbon Market Trebled In 2006 - World Bank
“The global carbon market last year trebled to $30 billion from $11 billion in 2005, the World Bank's carbon finance unit said on Wednesday.
Carbon markets put a price on carbon, and so are seen as a possible key weapon against climate change, driving people and businesses to think harder about their greenhouse gas emissions.
The emissions trading scheme of the EU is the hub of the global market, and trebled to $24 billion in turnover last year, the Bank said in [its State of the Carbon Market 2007] report presented at a news conference in Cologne. …” [Reuters/Factiva]
Platts adds that “…The projects-based mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol doubled in value to $4.8 billion in 2006. Of this total, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) represented 88 percent, with Joint Implementation accounting for just $141 million.
The World Bank reported that China held a 61percent share in the market for Certified Emission Reductions from CDM projects in 2006, followed by India with 12 percent and Brazil with 4 percent. …” [Platts/Factiva]
The FT writes that “…The World Bank said carbon markets had resulted in capital flows from rich to poor countries of about $8 billion since 2002, and estimated $14 billion of further gains to developing countries through investment in ‘clean’ energy technology. … However, several market analysts and experts told the FT there was a shortage of verifiers, which might hold up the development of carbon reduction projects. …” [The Financial Times (UK)/Factiva]
The Guardian reports that “…The World Bank cautioned that moves in carbon offsets outside the regulated ‘cap and trade’ systems could pose a threat to the development of the overall market. There has been growing criticism that schemes where companies or individuals seek to offset their emissions by investing in projects to cut emissions elsewhere are either not delivering or funding developments that would have been financed anyway. …
The World Bank said that on some estimates voluntary carbon offset schemes could rise to 400 million tons by 2010. It added: ‘This high potential voluntary sector, however, lacks a generally acceptable standard, which remains a significant reputation risk not only to its own prospects, but also to the rest of the market, including segments of regulated emissions trading and project offsets.’…” [The Guardian (UK)/Factiva]
Also reports Expansion (Spain), Frankfurter Rundschau (Germany, Stuttgarter Zeitung (Germany)
|
Mission Accomplished: $180 Million Prototype Carbon Fund Meets Portfolio Targets
Carbon Expo, Cologne, GERMANY—The Prototype Carbon Fund (PCF), the world’s first global carbon fund and a pioneer effort by the World Bank, announced today that it had fulfilled its mission by completing its US$180 million portfolio.
Conceived in the late 1990s and established in 2000 as a means to kick-start the global carbon market, the PCF attracted six governments and 17 companies who became the de facto pioneers of the carbon finance business—taking an extraordinary leap of faith five years before the Kyoto Protocol came into force which only then formally established the carbon market.
“The main reason why the PCF’s participants joined was that the PCF promised to become the first learning-by-doing experience in order to better understand the Flexible Mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol,” said Hans-Georg Adam, of RWE and Chair of the PCF Participants’ Committee. “From its inception, the PCF was much more than just a platform to develop and agree on rules for a new kind of business. The open discussions the PCF members had with the representatives of host countries helped considerably to understand the perspectives and expectations of either side.”
As the PCF completes its portfolio, it is looking at 24 projects that span the globe and represent a variety of greenhouse gas reducing technologies and methodologies—from South Africa and the first landfill gas to energy project registered under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) on the African continent, to sustainable cement production in Indonesia. In most cases, the PCF forged new territory in the infant stages of the global carbon market.
“The World Bank was critical to establishing the carbon offset market at a time of significant uncertainty when the private sector was not prepared to invest,” said Jack Cogen, President of Natsource, an environmental products asset manager. “The PCF bravely went into an investment space with no rules established and helped to discover what worked and what did not. I believe that the CDM may have failed without the PCF.”
The PCF’s mission was to pioneer the market for project-based greenhouse gas emission reductions within the framework of the Kyoto Protocol and to contribute to sustainable development. Today the global carbon market is worth more than US$30 billion according to the latest State and Trends of the Carbon Market released by the Bank at Carbon Expo, and the CDM and JI segment of the market worth more than US$5 billion.
Joelle Chassard is manager of the World Bank’s Carbon Finance Unit. “Learning by doing, and catalyzing the market were the key words for the early PCF team. In 2007, the carbon market exists, but we are still learning,” said Chassard. “Today we are learning how to deliver carbon finance in a much more competitive market environment; we are learning how carbon finance can be fully integrated into the mainstream activities of international financial institutions and commercial banks, and we are learning how the regulatory systems for carbon finance need to be improved. But foremost, we are looking at options for scaling up carbon finance operations to make significant contributions to mitigation of greenhouse gases worldwide.”
Both inside and outside the World Bank, the PCF has demonstrated that carbon finance can be a powerful new tool for financing sustainable development and an important asset to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are responsible for climate change and threaten the human future.
|
China, India, Brazil Hold Up Climate Change Talks
“A demand by China, India and Brazil that rich nations accept they are
mainly responsible for global warming has held up progress at a key UN
climate change conference [in Bangkok], delegates said Wednesday.
The three nations' insistence since the talks started on Monday that the
developed world recognize their dominant role in climate change has stolen
precious time meant for debate on how best to tackle global warming, they
said. … At least 400 scientists and experts from about 120 countries are
attending the week-long third session of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC), the UN's leading authority on global warming.
Their report, expected to be released at the end of their meeting on
Friday, aims to lay out ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
prevent a climate catastrophe without seriously hurting the global
economy. But China has also insisted on specific figures, which lay the
blame for global warming on rich nations, be inserted into the
conclusions, according to documents obtained by AFP. Developed countries
should formally recognize they were responsible for 95 percent of
greenhouse gas emissions from the pre-industrial era to 1950, and for 77
percent from 1950 to 2000, according to China's submission to the IPCC.
China also rejected phrasing that places the onus on the entire world to
deal with climate change, instead urging the focus to be on rich nations
where per capita emissions of greenhouse gases are far higher than in
poorer countries. …” [Agence France Presse/Factiva]
AP adds that “… The report calls for the world to embrace a basket of
technological options - including investing in energy efficiency, shifting
away from coal and reforming agriculture - to keep the temperature rise to
2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and avert the worst impacts of
climate change. But as they listen to the discussion, countries from
Africa, Asia and some island nations want the report to acknowledge that
many of them - save the biggest polluters such as China and India -
contribute little to global warming but are suffering disproportionately
from its effects. … Others say the report should reflect that poorer
countries have the right to develop economically but also need help in
shifting away from coal and other fossil fuels to cleaner-burning energy
such as wind, solar or hydropower. …” [The Associated Press/Factiva]
In related climate news, Kyodo News writes that “UN Secretary General Ban
Ki Moon, who has expressed concerns about climate change as a growing
global issue, announced Tuesday his appointment of three high-level
diplomats as special envoys to tackle the matter. The envoys are South
Korean Han Seung Soo, a former minister of foreign affairs, former
Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland and former Chilean
President Ricardo Lagos Escobar. …” [Kyodo News (Japan)/Factiva]
|
Peregrine Falcon and Sea Otter No Longer Threatened with Extinction
OTTAWA - The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) met at the Station écotouristique Duchesnay near Quebec City, Quebec, April 23-27, 2007 where the conservation status of 48 species was assessed.
Recovery Efforts Succeed
The Sea Otter was wiped out in British Columbia by the fur trade in the
1700s and 1800s. It was re-introduced in 1969, when otters were brought to the
northwest coast of Vancouver Island from Alaska. Sea Otters have now
re-populated a third of their historic range in British Columbia. Numbers are
still small, but the population is growing and expanding.
Peregrine Falcons declined drastically in the 1950s and 1960s because of
pesticide contamination that thinned their eggshells. After the pesticide DDT
was banned in North America, re-introduction programs helped speed the
recovery of populations in southern Canada. All three subspecies of the
Peregrine Falcon in Canada were assessed and none are threatened.
"It is very satisfying to witness the successful recovery of species that
were on the edge of extinction, such as the Peregrine Falcon and Sea Otter. It
highlights the importance of endangered species legislation and associated
recovery programs in protecting and recovering Canada's wildlife." said Jeff
Hutchings, chair of COSEWIC.
Big Shark in Deep Trouble
Despite these successes, many species are still considered to be at risk
of extinction in Canada. Species from all regions of the country from
terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems are at risk of extinction.
The Pacific population of the Basking Shark, the largest fish in Canadian
waters, was assessed as Endangered. Feeding on tiny plankton, it grows up to
12m in length - nearly the length of a city bus. This species is particularly
susceptible to population declines because it takes up to 18 years to reach
maturity and females are pregnant for up to 3.5 years, the longest of any
animal. Populations on the BC coast have plummeted and only 6 individuals have
been seen in BC waters since 1996. An eradication program was directed at
these harmless sharks until 1970, in an attempt to protect the nets used in
the commercial salmon fishery.
Bird Declines Unexplained
v
COSEWIC expressed alarm that aerial-feeding, insect-eating birds are
disappearing. Both Common Nighthawk and the Chimney Swift were assessed as
Threatened. Disturbingly, the cause of these global declines in these, and
related birds, is unclear. Sharp declines over 70% in the Red Knot, a
migratory shorebird, are also cause for concern - one North American
population of this species was deemed Endangered.
Invasive Aliens Put Native Species at Risk
The introduced Zebra Mussel has decimated populations of the Eastern
Pondmussel. This freshwater mussel, found in the Great Lakes, has undergone a
massive decline. Formerly, it was estimated to occur in the billions. Only two
small populations remain in Canada and these are considered Endangered.
The Eastern Flowering Dogwood, one of Canada's showiest native trees, was
declared Endangered. Populations of this tree are being infected by Dogwood
Anthracnose, an introduced fungus, similar to the disease that has virtually
eliminated the American Chestnut.
|
Top Global Scientists Gather On Climate Change
“The world's leading climate change experts gathered Monday in Bangkok to consider how to lower greenhouse gas emissions to save the planet from the worst effects of global warming. At least 400 experts from about 120 countries will attend the third session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)…” [Agence France Presse (04/30)/Factiva]
BBC reports that this summit “...aims to be the key guide to climate change technology and economics. A final draft seen by the BBC will say nations can protect the climate, but only if they make policies to halt the global growth in emissions by 2030. …” [BBC News (04/30)/Factiva]
Reuters writes that “…The report estimates that stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions will cost between 0.2 percent and 3.0 percent of world GDP by 2030, depending on the stiffness of curbs on rising emissions of greenhouse gases. … More than 1,000 amendments have been proposed to the draft 24-page summary for policymakers. Some countries complain that is hard to understand and too laden with scientific jargon. …” [Reuters (04/30)/Factiva]
The IHT adds that “…The third report stresses that the world must quickly embrace a basket of technological options - already available and being developed - just to keep the temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
Making buildings more energy-efficient, especially in the developing world, through better insulation, lighting and other steps, could also lead to significant cuts as would converting from coal to natural gas, nuclear power and renewable energy such as wind. Less significant but also important would be steps to make motor vehicles more fuel-efficient, reduce deforestation, and plant more trees as a carbon ‘sink,’ absorbing carbon dioxide.. …” [International Herald Tribune (04/29)/Associated Press]
In a separate piece, AFP adds that “…Sticking points at the Bangkok meeting could include taxes and caps on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and any references to the Kyoto Protocol…Any mention of nuclear energy in the final report would incur the wrath of many environmental groups. One of the key issues set to be hotly debated is a so-called carbon price - finding a way to make consumers and businesses pay for the pollution they create. …
The findings of the report, which stops short of making recommendations, will be used by governments and international organizations to map out their own plans for preventing worst-case climate scenarios. …” [Agence France Presse (04/30)/Factiva]
AFP further reports that “China warned Monday that the developed world should not dominate a key UN meeting aimed at tackling global warming, while insisting it was fully committed to fighting climate change. …
|
Gore Calls Canada Climate Plan a 'Fraud'
Al Gore condemned Canada's new plan to reduce greenhouse gases, saying it was "a complete and total fraud" because it lacks specifics and gives industry a way to actually increase emissions.
Under the initiative announced Thursday, Canada aims to reduce the current level of greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by 2020. But the government acknowledged it would not meet its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol, which requires 35 industrialized countries to cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.
The country's emissions are now 30 percent above 1990 levels.
The conservative government's strategy focuses both on reducing emissions of gases blamed for global warming and improving air quality. But the plan failed to spell out what many of its regulations will look like.
Gore said the plan did not make clear how Canada would reach its 2020 emissions goal. He also criticized the plan for allowing industries to pollute more if they use emissions-cutting technologies while increasing production.
"In my opinion, it is a complete and total fraud," Gore said Saturday. "It is designed to mislead the Canadian people."
He said "intensity reduction" — which allow industries to increase their greenhouse gas outputs as they raise production — was a poll-tested phrase developed by think tanks financed by Exxon Mobil and other large polluters.
Canadian Environment Minister John Baird rejected Gore's criticisms.
"The fact is our plan is vastly tougher than any measures introduced by the administration of which the former vice president was a member," Baird said in a statement.
Baird also invited Gore to discuss climate change and the government's environmental policies with him.
Gore was in Toronto to present his documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," at a consumer environmental show. He acknowledged that as an American, he had "no right to interfere" in Canadian decision.
However, he said, the rest of the world looks to Canada for moral leadership, and that was why Thursday's announcement was so "shocking."
Canadian opposition Liberal Leader Stephane Dion said Sunday that Gore was right.
"Mr. Baird is embarrassing Canada around the world," Dion said. "The world expects Canada will do its share — more than that, that Canada will be a leader and we are failing the world. We are failing Canadians."
|
Lutsel K'e and Kache Dene and De Beers Canada conclude Snap Lake Impact Benefit Agreement
YELLOWKNIFE, NW - De Beers Canada Inc. is pleased to announce that an Agreement has been reached on the terms of an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) for the Snap Lake Mine. This follows a community ratification process held on April 23, 2007 in which the Lutsel K'e and Kache Dene First Nation members voted in favor of accepting the Agreement.
The Impact Benefit Agreement sets out the commitments made by De Beers
and Lutsel K'e and Kache Dene First Nation. It outlines the way the parties
will work together to mitigate impacts the project may have.
"This is good news for the community and the company," said Chantal
Lavoie, Vice President - NWT Projects, reflecting on the positive results of
the ratification vote. "We have always ensured that Lutsel K'e has benefited
from the advancement of Snap Lake while the Agreement has been in negotiation.
With the conclusion of this Agreement, we now have a formal framework for a
long term relationship, based on mutual respect."
"This Agreement confirms community support for the success of the Snap
Lake Mine and establishes the way through which Lutsel K'e will share in the
benefits of our success," said Jim Gowans, President and Chief Executive
Officer. "Lutsel K'e agrees to respect the rights, licenses, permits and
authorizations to construct and operate the mine and De Beers is providing
benefits such as training, education, employment, business opportunities and
financial compensation."
This is the final of four Impact Benefit Agreements that De Beers has
negotiated for the Snap Lake Mine. Previous Agreements have been concluded
with the Yellowknife Dene First Nation (November 2005), The Tlicho Government
(March 2006) and the North Slave Metis Alliance (August 2006).
The official signing ceremony for the Impact Benefit Agreement with
Lutsel K'e will take place on Aboriginal Day, June 21, 2007 in Lutsel K'e, NT.
|
Ontario To Build One Of World's Largest Solar Farms
Part Of McGuinty Government's Initiatives For A Greener, Healthier
Ontario
TORONTO - Ontario's electricity grid will soon get a boost from 14 new renewable energy projects - including North America's largest solar farm - awarded through the Standard Offer Program, Energy Minister Dwight Duncan announced.
"The Standard Offer Program is transforming the way we generate
electricity in Ontario," said Duncan. "This program is giving Ontarians the
opportunity to help strengthen our energy system and clean up our air."
One of the projects announced today is one of the world's largest solar
farms, to be built in Sarnia. OptiSolar Farms will install over one million
ground-mounted solar panels to convert solar power into electricity. This
project will comprise four solar farms and will contribute 40 megawatts to the
grid by 2010 - enough to supply electricity for 6,000 homes.
"I am very pleased that our community was chosen as the site for this
major new project," said Caroline Di Cocco, MPP for Sarnia-Lambton. "It just
goes to show that Sarnia-Lambton has the right mix of infrastructure and
people, making it a great place to invest. I am very proud of the work that
everyone has done to make this happen."
"The Ontario government has chosen to take a world-leading role in
encouraging the development of renewable energy, and the Standard Offer
Program is making things happen," said OptiSolar Farms vice-president Peter
Carrie. "Our goal is to make solar power a mainstream energy source."
The projects include two residential-sized solar photovoltaic
installations, several 10-megawatt wind farms and two waterpower projects with
First Nations participation. The Gitchi Animki Bezhig project will produce
more than eight megawatts of electricity; the Gitchi Animki Niizh project will
produce 9.9 megawatts. All of the contracted projects are expected to be in
service by 2010.
"This program continues to demonstrate Ontario's international leadership
in developing small renewable generation," said Paul Shervill, a
vice-president of the Ontario Power Authority, the developer and manager of
the Standard Offer Program. "But I am most pleased by the number, scope and
provincewide geography of the projects - it demonstrates that Ontarians are
truly engaged in our electricity future."
Today's announcement brings to 36 the number of projects awarded under
the Standard Offer Program since February. Taken together, these projects will
generate 250 megawatts of renewable energy - enough to power more than 55,000
homes.
Ontario's Renewable Standard Offer Program is the largest of its kind in
North America and is expected to add 1,000 megawatts of clean energy to the
grid over the next 10 years.
For further information on the Standard Offer Program and tips on how to
become a small generator, visit www.powerauthority.on.ca/sop.
|
36 European, Asian Nations Pledge To Fight Climate Change
“European and Asian environment leaders pledged Wednesday to strengthen
cooperation to fight climate change, but stopped short of committing to a
deadline for a new global treaty limiting greenhouse emissions.
Denmark, which hosted a 36-nation environmental conference, had hoped that
delegates would back its commitment to achieve a new treaty by 2009. The
deal would replace the Kyoto protocol on climate change, which expires in
2012. …European countries want a new climate treaty to include the US,
which rejected Kyoto, and large developing countries such as India and
China, which are exempt from emissions cuts under Kyoto. …” [Associated
Press/Factiva]
AFP writes that “…Danish Environment Minister Connie Hedegaard said
negotiations should take place at a December UN conference on climate
issues in Bali, Indonesia, and an agreement should be reached at the 2009
EU summit in Copenhagen. …
Meeting participants said it was important to decouple economic growth
from energy consumption, as Denmark has been able to do. …” [Agence France
Presse/Factiva]
The Strait Times adds that “…With the clock ticking away, Denmark has
sought Asia's support for a pact with Europe…A shared vision on climate
change by the two could influence others to lend support, Hedegaard said
…’It is a European priority to get as many countries and contributors on
board as possible,’ she said. …” [The Strait Times (Singapore)/Factiva]
In a separate piece AFP reports that “… In a report on China's energy
future published Wednesday, Greenpeace estimated that ‘China can achieve
rapid economic growth without jeopardizing the climate, through the use of
renewable energy, combined with energy efficiency.’
‘The average Chinese consumes one third of the energy of an average
European and one seventh of an American, but that number is set to
increase. Our report shows that China can maintain economic growth and at
the same time stabilize its CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions at the current
level by 2050,’ energy expert Liu Shuang said. …” [Agence France
Presse/Factiva]
IN related climate change news, the FT writes that “…The shape of a
successor treaty is still in doubt, but one aspect seems certain: carbon
trading will play a major role. A Financial Times investigation today
reveals that carbon markets leave much room for unverifiable manipulation.
… To equate the private cost to the higher social cost, governments can
create markets for carbon, by using tradable permits, or impose a tax. …
While short-term politics favor markets, taxes would be better in the long
term, because industry needs certainty for investments years hence. A
government committing to painful taxes signals the seriousness of its
intentions. …Both carbon taxes and markets put undue burden on the poor.
…Markets for carbon are potentially good. But taxes would be better.” [The
Financial Times (UK)/Factiva]
|
Sir Richard Branson & Ontario Environment Minister Laurel Broten Headline Coalition to Fight Global Warming
Virgin Mobile, MuchMusic, Roots Canada, The Province of Ontario and
Environmental Defence Tell Canadians to... FLICK OFF!
TORONTO - Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group of Companies, and Ontario Environment Minister Laurel Broten, appeared in Toronto this morning to announce the launch of FLICK OFF - a cross-country initiative designed to educate Canadians about the devastating effects of global warming and motivate people to do something about it.
Virgin Mobile, MuchMusic, Roots, Environmental Defence and the Province
of Ontario have joined forces to create a dynamic coalition to communicate a
simple message: it's no longer enough to worry about global warming, it's time
to take action and encourage everyone to join in.
Canadians are encouraged to participate in FLICK OFF by logging on to
www.FLICKOFF.org where they'll find everything they need to know about the
climate crisis and easy-to-implement solutions. Canadians can get informed,
calculate their CO2 emissions, make a pledge to cut their energy consumption
and order a guerrilla-style action kit.
On his way to Iqaluit, Nunavut to witness f | |
