Control Climate Change

Date: 2/29/2008

We are pleased to present the Wind Powering America FY07 Activities Summary, which reflects the accomplishments of our state Wind Working Groups, our programs at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and our partner organizations. The national Wind Powering America (WPA) team remains a leading force for moving wind energy forward in the United States.

At the beginning of 2007, there were more than 11,500 megawatts (MW) of wind power installed across the United States, with an additional 4,000 MW projected in both 2007 and 2008. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) estimates that the U.S. installed capacity will exceed 16,000 MW by the end of 2007. When our partnership was launched in 2000, there were 2,500 MW of installed wind capacity in the United States. At that time, only four states had more than 100 MW of installed wind capacity. Seventeen states now have more than 100 MW installed. We anticipate five to six additional states will join the 100-MW club early in 2008, and by the end of the decade, more than 30 states will have passed the 100-MW milestone. WPA celebrates the 100-MW milestones because the first 100 megawatts are always the most difficult and lead to significant experience, recognition of the wind energy's benefits, and expansion of the vision of a more economically and environmentally secure and sustainable future.

WPA continues to work with its national, regional, and state partners to communicate the opportunities and benefits of wind energy to a diverse set of stakeholders. WPA now has 30 state Wind Working Groups (welcoming Georgia and Wisconsin in 2007) that form strategic alliances to communicate wind's benefits and challenges to state stakeholders. We anticipate adding three to four more state Wind Working Groups in 2008 (Kansas, Arkansas, and Maine). More than 140 members of national and state public- and private-sector organizations from 39 U.S. states and Canada attended the 6th Annual WPA All-States Summit in Los Angeles in June. The WPA Web site continues to break past records, with 25,000 to 35,000 visitors per month.

WPA's emphasis remains on the rural agricultural sector, which stands to reap the significant economic development benefits of wind energy development. Additionally, WPA continues its program of outreach, education, and technical assistance to Native American communities, public power entities, and state regulatory and legislative bodies.

We continue to work on wind-siting issues, including radar, with other agencies that have responsibilities for development on public lands and protection of wildlife. WPA expanded its Wind for Schools pilot effort in Colorado to Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota, Montana, and Idaho and plans to expand it to four to five additional states in 2008. WPA also formed three Regional Wind Energy Institutes to educate and train stakeholders to present the wind energy story. Through these joint efforts and many others, we continue to expand wind energy as a viable option for power generation. The 20% Wind Energy by 2030 scenario developed by AWEA, the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and other stakeholders will require significantly enhanced outreach efforts to communicate the benefits, the required infrastructure upgrades, and the regulatory actions needed to accomplish this promising future for many stakeholder groups in all regions of the country.

We appreciate the commitment of our partners to continue to work together for the benefit of all stakeholders. We share a common vision and hope for the future, and the success is yours to celebrate.

Date: 2/28/2008

The following NREL subcontractor report provides a user-friendly summary of the impact of wind energy development on the air emissions of various air pollutants for a general audience. The core document addresses the key facts relating to the analysis of emission reductions from wind energy development. It is intended for use by a wide variety of parties with an interest in this issue, ranging from state environmental officials to renewable energy stakeholders. The appendices provide basic background information for the general reader, as well as detailed information for those seeking a more in-depth discussion of various topics.

American children today face many problems that could cripple them for life. Drugs, education and the environment — just to name a few.

But in these times of limited finances, where will our society put its priorities? Unfortunately, the government’s solutions are not always prompt or effective. And while the problems worsen, the remedies become more and more costly.

Parents, however, can take charge of the situation. By giving their children an environmental education, parents can mold a pro-active force to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Teaching your children to be environmentally sensitive can accomplish several things:

–It can instill in them a sense of wonder and honor for the environment, something that will benefit them the rest of their lives. The sooner children get an environmental education the better.

– It means quality time together. Whether you are planning activities or actually studying, the process can bring your family closer together.

– It’s a perfect way to improve your child’s learning skills. By trying different teaching methods and motivators, such as hands-on experiments, reading assignments or contests, you’ll discover which are most effective. Who knows, your teaching skills may improve their performance at school.

– When your children are ready, put them in charge of the household ecology program. It can help teach them responsibility, and maybe even give you a break.

Along those same lines, starting a “family eco fund” through conservation and recycling efforts around the house will directly involve your children in environmental issues. You can teach them the rewards of an environmentally aware lifestyle with this special savings account for their college education or future needs.

Encourage the family to add to the fund with recycling revenue and conservation savings. For example, if the utility bill averages $100 per month, challenge the family to reduce it. Every time the bill is less than the old average, put the savings into the “eco fund.”

For more information on starting your family’s environmental education program, you can write to:

Kids for Saving Earth
P.O. Box 47247
Plymouth, MN 55447-0247

National Recycling Coalition
1101 30th St.
Washington, D.C. 20007
(202) 625-6406

Creative Printing and Publishing
712 N. Highway 17-92
Longwood, FL 32750
1 (800) 780-4447

Once you get started, your kids will probably come up with plenty of new ideas. And the whole process may end up continuing your environmental education as well.

(Tip/Stat) Carbon dioxide was discovered in 1755.

Technorati Tags: earth news, earth news media, eco-education, environmental education, ecology, environmental education, kids for saving earth, recycling, conservation, family eco fund

Date: 2/14/2008

Following months of analysis and study, the Task Force on Wind Power Development in Maine has unanimously approved this report concluding that each of the goals established by Governor Baldacci can be achieved: Maine can become a leader in wind power development, while protecting Maine's quality of place and natural resources, and delivering meaningful benefits to our economy, environment, and Maine people. Achieving all three of these goals simultaneously, however, will require careful planning and balanced decision-making.

Maine has a significant wind resource that can be tapped to provide clean, indigenous renewable power that will not produce greenhouse gas emissions or other air pollution, and that will increase the reliability of the region's electricity supply. After a detailed review of Maine's wind resource, regional and projected markets for clean power, technology trends, and Maine's greenhouse gas emission goals and policy commitments, the Task Force concludes that Maine should seek to host at least 2,000 megawatts (MW) of installed wind power capacity by 2015, and at least 3,000 MW by 2020. The Task Force believes that at least 300 MW of the 2020 goal could be achieved with projects built offshore.

Date: 2/14/2008

Following months of analysis and study, the Task Force on Wind Power Development in Maine has unanimously approved this report concluding that each of the goals established by Governor Baldacci can be achieved: Maine can become a leader in wind power development, while protecting Maine's quality of place and natural resources, and delivering meaningful benefits to our economy, environment, and Maine people. Achieving all three of these goals simultaneously, however, will require careful planning and balanced decision-making.

Maine has a significant wind resource that can be tapped to provide clean, indigenous renewable power that will not produce greenhouse gas emissions or other air pollution, and that will increase the reliability of the region's electricity supply. After a detailed review of Maine's wind resource, regional and projected markets for clean power, technology trends, and Maine's greenhouse gas emission goals and policy commitments, the Task Force concludes that Maine should seek to host at least 2,000 megawatts (MW) of installed wind power capacity by 2015, and at least 3,000 MW by 2020. The Task Force believes that at least 300 MW of the 2020 goal could be achieved with projects built offshore.

The true scale of climate change emissions from shipping is almost three times higher than previously believed, according to a leaked UN study seen by the Guardian. It calculates that annual emissions from the world's merchant fleet have already reached 1.12bn tonnes of CO2, or nearly 4.5% of all global emissions of the main greenhouse gas.

There’s been plenty in the news recently about carbon emissions and transport. A National Statistics omnibus survey last week found that the number of people who think that flying contributes more to climate change than other factors, has risen.

When the survey was conducted in August 2006, 39% of those surveyed thought that cars were the most polluting means of transport compared to 35% who opted for planes. In August 2007, this figure had increased and 40% selected planes compared to 34% for cars.

This change in public opinion is largely due to pressure from anti flying groups as reported in the media. However, the reality, based on estimates from the Department for Transport for 2005, is that cars emit 69.9 million tons of CO2 while aviation (international and domestic) emit 37.5 million tons. It’s definitely time that we begin to look more broadly at all forms of transport including air travel, car travel and cruising when talking about the carbon footprint of the transport sector.

Its clear that the downturn in tourism following the well publicised problems in Kenya will affect local people's jobs and livelihoods, and also conservation..

By Kimojono, Masai Mara Anti Poaching Warden. Read his post in full here

Now that the tourists are gone from the Mara I have been at home with my family, this is not to say that there is no work for us to do but it is because there is no longer the funding for us to carry on.

It is hard to say, but we do not know when the tourists will come back. This was meant to be one of our high seasons, but without the revenue we receive from entrance fees we have had to drastically cutback on all of our operations.

There have been a few determined tourists who have still managed to visit the Mara during these times, but it is not enough. Without being able to do the patrols the Mara Triangle opens up to poachers, but we currently have no choice.

After 6 months of work involving focus groups, researchers, information architects, designers and a small army of students entering data we are ready to unveil the latest version of www.responsibletravel.com today. I think it looks rather enticing and I’m very proud of it - do let me know your thoughts..

A book on how to detox your entire home.