tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48104229616867763802024-03-13T05:04:39.503-07:00The Carbon CornerDavid Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-38970505689418848782011-07-26T18:35:00.000-07:002011-07-28T15:14:49.083-07:00New Career (and New Paper) - Carbon Fighter<div><br /></div>Hello to my small community of readers,<div><br /></div><div>It's been ages since I wrote about global carbon issues, but I'm using this forum to announce I will be starting a new job soon. No longer an academic (cough), I will be working for <a href="http://www.brightsourceenergy.com/">BrightSource Energy</a> (BSE) in Oakland, CA. BSE is a concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) technology and development company. Founded by a core group of Israeli technologists who pioneered parabolic trough CSP in California in the 1980's, BrightSource utilizes <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliostat">heliostat</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power_tower">power-tower</a> CSP technology to produce more reliable, peak renewable energy. The company has the largest pipeline of utility renewable energy contracts with 2.6 GW between California utilities PG&E and SCE. I will be working in the Originations team focusing on new and existing PPAs and utility relationships.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also wanted to post the research paper that fellow Haas '11 classmate, Jake Carney, and I published called <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B2mjb_1IxbOfYWEwZTk0ZmEtYmZhNS00ZTIyLWFjMmUtOGYzZGFlNTFmYmVm&hl=en_US">Credit Risk Implications and Default Mitigation Strategies For Commercial Solar Financing.</a> Here is the paper's problem statement:</div><div><br /></div><div>"In order to expand the financeable, addressable market for commercial and industrial solar PV systems, innovative approaches must be developed and proven to financiers to facilitate capital flows.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the current financing environment, the common practice is to account for a solar system, which has experienced a host default, for purposes of financial modeling, as having lost 100% of its future economic value.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This results in a credit requirement cliff in decision making by financiers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Financiers acknowledge that loss mitigation may very well occur in the event of default, but due to uncertain outcomes, lack of precedents or lack of competitive pressures, the expected value of mitigation efforts is not given any credence – to the benefit of financiers and the detriment of developers and host customers</div><div><br /></div><div>Leaders in the commercial solar developer community must present compelling cases to financiers regarding legitimate strategies to mitigate lost revenues.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some of these strategies may exist today in the form of regulatory programs, alternative financing structures and comparable scenarios from the real estate industry, while other strategies may need to be explored such as contract structuring, credit support, market-based solutions and policy advocacy."</div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><o:p></o:p></p></div>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-2399202568535737892011-01-30T15:17:00.000-08:002011-01-30T15:20:34.743-08:00Climate Change Groundhog Day Around the Corner<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">At last column, international representatives were converging on Cancun for the annual “big” conference on climate and carbon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The party line coming out of the conference was that “negotiations were back on track,” hopefully ushering in an era of good feeling, with supposedly more concrete plans and agreements for <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2011/01/24/24climatewire-scenario-to-cap-world-emissions-by-2020-is-f-69072.html">capping global temperature increase</a> to occur next December in Durban, South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The <a href="http://unfccc.int/files/press/news_room/press_releases_and_advisories/application/pdf/pr_20101211_cop16_closing.pdf">key outcomes</a> from Cancun were $30B, on the way to $100B, of explicit climate financial aid, including a roadmap for fund oversight, deforestation reduction agreements and a framework for technology exchange and cooperation. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">The World Economic Forum in Davos has also focused a great deal on climate and the growing role of developing economics in all things, including carbon solutions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There was plenty of <a href="http://green.yahoo.com/news/afp/20110127/sc_afp/climateenvironmentdavosusmexicosafrica.html">finger pointing at the United States</a> for its lack of action or leadership while <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jlVvAmAuf4wBQQAXrK4afWKopKIg?docId=6c55c8774d2b4952b97694edb2a35fcd">China is being a hailed as the technological and economic winner</a> in the climate “arms” race. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">The Obama administration is doing its best to stay on the offensive with regard to energy policy, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/26/idUS204738157620110126">while not mentioning carbon or global warming</a>, given the new Republican congress’s agenda and tendencies.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In Obama’s state of the union, he <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110126/ts_alt_afp/uspoliticsobamaenergy">called for a “Clean Electricity Standard” (CES)</a> whereby 80% of the US’s electricity would come from clean sources.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The message is a subtle shift and nod of compromise with conservatives as a CES would include nuclear and clean-coal generators.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>No significant goals to reduce US consumption of fossil fuels for transportation were mentioned by the President.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Obama’s new tactics are coincident with <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/25/idUS193273488620110125">Republican calls and proposals</a> to disrobe the EPA of its mandates, responsibilities and ability to regulate carbon emissions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Other Articles of Interest:<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2011/01/24/24climatewire-scenario-to-cap-world-emissions-by-2020-is-f-69072.html">IEA Economist says chance of avoiding temperature rise is fading.</a> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-28/cash-for-clean-energy-trading-to-start-in-india-with-threat-to-un-market.html">A successful renewable energy credit market (REC) in India may supplant UN CDM market.</a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>India was the largest supplier of UN CDM credits in 2009.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Participants laud shorter approval processes and looser project requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-s-own-emission-reducing-mechanism/H1-Article1-655381.aspx">India program includes credits for energy efficiency programs</a>.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-26/offset-ban-will-boost-demand-for-africa-carbon-projects-un-official-says.html">Africa hopes to benefit from UN CDM ban on industrial gas offset projects</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-893097990108111922010-11-28T23:37:00.000-08:002010-11-29T00:08:44.505-08:00Cancun +/- Copenhagen?<div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Monday marks the start of the most important carbon and climate change conference in 2010. Here's what is in store over the next 10 days:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <ol start="1" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Climate Financial Aid; Status - a $30B quick start fund over 3 years has been widely discussed and contributed to, but the mechanics, “newness” of funds and the path to ~$100B a year by 2020 is still up for debate.<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Curbing deforestation by developing countries; Status – the UN REDD program has created a framework to incentivize preservation, which needs to be endorsed and scaled by nations.<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Technology transfer; Status – progress has been made conceptually in recent meetings, but IP issues remain outstanding, and India has submitted a policy proposal.<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Emissions governance oversight; Status – measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) framework has been proposed by India.<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Emission reduction commitments; Status – minimal momentum for increased commitments from key nations, especially US or China.<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Emissions trading systems and governance; Status – minimal discussion at this point, but learnings exist from Kyoto.<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Status of Copenhagen accord; Status – uncertain whether this agreement lacking international consensus can be incorporated into global accord.<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Kyoto expiration; Status – likely to sunset without extension, despite China suggesting such, as developed countries demand inclusive emissions constraints. <o:p></o:p></span></li> </ol> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black">Follow the latest news from Cancun from these sites:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"></p><ul><li><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/cancun-climate-change-conference-2010">Guardian UK coverage</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black"><a href="http://unfccc.int/press/news_room/items/2768.php">General press links at UNFCC</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black"><a href="http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/cop-16/">NY Times DotEarth coverage</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black"><a href="http://billionaires.forbes.com/topic/Cancun">Forbes coverage</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black">Twitter tag <a href="http://twitter.com/cop16">#COP16</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/COP16">COP16 on Facebook</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/cop16mex">COP16 on YouTube</a></span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p> </div></div></div>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-41788564935302120632010-11-22T12:21:00.000-08:002010-11-22T12:27:42.016-08:007 Days Until COP@Cancun<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">The mood leading up to the <a href="http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SGE6A90J9.htm">annual climate summit in Cancun</a> feels markedly different than that of Copenhagen last year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There is either due to <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hA3Nfc02CbfSH2Iz5aR9AmCJjt3g?docId=a530a26cc75a431281af216b743181f9">little hope of any productive agreements</a> or a conscious strategy by international representatives to significantly <a href="http://www.skynews.com.au/eco/article.aspx?id=539293&vId=">dampening expectations</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unfortunately, the reality is likely a combination of both.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Negotiators in Cancun plan to focus on the relatively “simpler” issues to confront:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"></p><ol><li>finalizing the “fast track” $30B of climate aid for poor nations to adapt to climate change,</li><li>progressing the discussion of technology sharing for adaptation and emission reductions, and</li><li>establishing a broad forest preservation regime.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></li></ol><p></p><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.25in">More ambitious topics for debate include substantial, formal emission reduction commitments from the world’s two largest emitters (<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101122/ts_nm/us_climate_cancun_china_preview_1;_ylt=AkUSL7PR_mKTj9XbHrdkh_3HSpZ4">China</a> and the <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-11-19/climate-skepticism-in-u-s-bewilders-other-nations-negotiator-stern-says.html">U.S.</a>) <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>as well as agreement on an emissions measurement, reporting and verification scheme. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nevertheless, some interesting trends could positively impact international negotiations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sub-global accords and proposals for carbon initiatives by cities (<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101122/sc_afp/climateunwarmingcarbonemissionsmexico;_ylt=Ap7fOPfTDZgcRCra_ohIv29pl88F;_ylu=X3oDMTNjbzgwNXJpBGFzc2V0A2FmcC8yMDEwMTEyMi9jbGltYXRldW53YXJtaW5nY2FyYm9uZW1pc3Npb25zbWV4aWNvBHBvcwM5BHNlYwN5bl9wYWdpbmF0ZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2x">World Mayors Pact</a>), states (<a href="http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/60269">Subnational Summit</a>), <a href="http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/60250">investors and businesses</a>.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Recent domestic proposals for carbon limiting and trading schemes out of <a href="http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/1899435/china-unveils-climate-goals">China</a> and <a href="http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/7206242.html">Australia</a>. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Concerns over the ability to obtain future concessions and agreement from the U.S. if the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/20/AR2010112003649.html">political shift to the right</a> continues in 2012, which coincides with the expiration of the Kyoto Protocol.</p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-8045710584984738682010-11-14T18:27:00.000-08:002010-11-14T18:30:44.055-08:0015 Days Until the Climate Party in Cancun<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">In these last weeks leading up to the crucial climate & carbon meeting in Cancun, Mexico, there has been a flurry of activity and rhetoric.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unfortunately, it would be very premature to count on a semi-comprehensive agreement out of the conference, COP17, which may be the <a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/newdelhi/No-climate-talks-in-future-if-Cancun-fails/Article1-624546.aspx">last chance</a> to a) reach an agreement and b) limit the warming of our planet. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">On the small island of Kirbati, comprised of low lying atolls and islands, <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/11/10/131216912/kiribati">international delegates convened and agreed to the “Ambo Declaration.”</a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The agreement calls for funding for small island nations combating rising sea levels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Australia, Japan, China, India, Brazil and others are <a href="http://news.ino.com/headlines/?newsid=6897469165480">prepared to sign the accord</a>; however, the US and EU member states claimed they were unable to sign onto anything.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Elsewhere in New Delhi, <a href="http://news.therecord.com/article/810149">strides were made</a> on one of the four major outstanding issues leading into Cancun, technology sharing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Poor, <a href="http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Climate-change--Jairam-calls-for-tech-sharing/708841">developing nations need both technologies</a> for adapting to the deleterious effects of global warming as well as for reducing domestic carbon emissions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s unclear what the specifics of this “advance” were, but a technology deal has three pillars – sharing, finance and intellectual property.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The last two are still tenuous as key environmental ministers have urged the deferral of the intellectual property debate until after Cancun and a technology sharing agreement has been outlined.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">In the US, the shifting political winds have already retrenched the carbon hawks in DC. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>First, President Obama has publicly <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101103/ap_on_bi_ge/us_obama_greenhouse_gases">declared dead the plan to limit carbon emissions</a> through a cap & trade program, as it has become a political impossibility.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Similarly, in possible anticipation of legislative challenge to the EPA’s judicial mandate to regulate carbon emissions, the <a href="http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/60191">EPA is proposing</a> now to require large emitters (power plants, refineries, large factories) to embark on efficiency measures.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Other Carbon Articles of Interest:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://sify.com/news/un-climate-chief-supports-indian-plan-news-national-klkwaigcjdb.html">India proposes palatable common ground</a> on international oversight for emissions Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV).</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/04/opinion/04iht-edgorbachev.html?_r=1">Mikhail Gorbachev’s NY Times op-ed on climate talks</a> </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Nations may seek to use hydrochlorofluorocarbons <a href="http://www.nature.com/news/2010/101109/full/news.2010.584.html">(HCFCs) reducing mechanism</a>, which helped save the ozone layer, to address hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) a class of very powerful greenhouse gases.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The International Energy Association <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/iea-urges-g20-to-end-fossil-fuel-subsidies/article1792514/?cmpid=rss1">(IEA) calls for nations to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies</a>. </p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-72845876143766451802010-10-31T13:25:00.000-07:002010-10-31T13:50:35.589-07:00UN Accord, ex USA, Reached on Biodiversity Protections<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>After a week of <a href="http://www.canada.com/business/biodiversity+summit+high+hopes+protection+treaty/3742022/story.html">hopes</a> and <a href="http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20101026a5.html">tensions</a>, international delegates to the UN agreed to a landmark <a href="http://www.rferl.org/content/UN_Biodiversity_Meeting_Ends_With_Agreement/2205370.html">treaty </a>to protect global biodiversity. Key aspects of the agreement include:<div><ul><li>Protection of 17% of land & inland waters globally, up from 13% currently</li><li>Protection of 10% of coastal & marine waters globally, up from 1% currently</li><li>Rules governing how countries share in benefits derived in forests & sea, e.g., drugs developed from genetic material found in Amazon rain forest.</li><li>The US declined to join the biodiversity convention and thus are not a party to this agreement.</li><li><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101027/wl_asia_afp/unenvironmentbiodiversityjapanaid;_ylt=AjYnH52A0xWGpl7lnFMqUe9pl88F;_ylu=X3oDMTM4MWlodjc1BGFzc2V0A2FmcC8yMDEwMTAyNy91bmVudmlyb25tZW50YmlvZGl2ZXJzaXR5amFwYW5haWQEcG9zAzcEc2VjA3luX3BhZ2luYXRlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDamFwYW50b2dpdmV0">Japan is contributing $2B</a> over the next 3 years to developing countries to help them preserve ecosystems.</li></ul><div>Despite those naysayers who argue <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101029/wl_asia_afp/unenvironmentbiodiversity;_ylt=AvpRwotbu533fS27WMDOUy1pl88F;_ylu=X3oDMTMwODUxbzNkBGFzc2V0A2FmcC8yMDEwMTAyOS91bmVudmlyb25tZW50YmlvZGl2ZXJzaXR5BHBvcwM2BHNlYwN5bl9wYWdpbmF0ZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA3RlbnNpb25zaGlnaA--">this agreement falls short</a> of necessary protection levels, the fact that 193 nations were able to agree on such important environmental issues provides a glimmer of hope on the carbon front. Although not obvious from press reports, it's possible that the biodiversity accord may have created common ground and frameworks to tackle the challenge of carbon interdependency. Nevertheless, the absence of the US, in Kyoto like fashion, may only further alienate the US from the international community.</div></div>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-45138652676104683262010-10-24T11:20:00.000-07:002010-10-24T11:23:42.334-07:00Biodiversity, not Emissions, the Focus in Japan<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">International delegates gathered this week in Nagoya, Japan, to continue the dialog on global climate issues.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The specific focus of this convention was not to debate emissions reductions, but rather to promote the urgency of <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/10/17/biodiversity.un.summit.briefing/">biodiversity conservation</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Because a significant percentage of GDP in poor nations is reliant <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11563513">upon fragile ecosystems</a> such as fresh water, corral and forests, the UN group is discussing potential <a href="http://search.japantimes.co.jp/rss/nn20101021a5.html">conservation targets</a>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">In Japan, conservation groups also pleaded with UN representatives to <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101021/sc_nm/us_geoengineering">cease geo-engineering projects</a> as they are risky and counterproductive to the focus on emissions reductions and the spirit of conservation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Geo-engineering project proposals have included fertilizing the ocean to create CO2 consuming phytoplankton, injecting seawater into the atmosphere, placing solar reflectors in space, spurring artificial volcanoes and storing carbon dioxide underground (CCS).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">This week as well in Japan, Prime Minister Kan restated his country’s <a href="http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/japan-against-simply-extending-kyoto-pact">opposition to extending the terms of the Kyoto Protocol</a> in lieu of a global climate agreement, as China and allies support such an action. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Other carbon articles of note:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Mexico’s Foreign Minister says <a href="http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/World/Story/A1Story20101019-242969.html">conditions not met for a climate deal</a> in Cancun later this year.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Achieving carbon emission targets is <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69I3XN20101019">stretching Mexico financial resources</a> without the specter of international aid. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/oct/13/europe-kyoto-targets-emissions">Europe on track to meet Kyoto emissions targets</a>, but emissions from imported goods up 40%.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Highlights the environmental and moral hazard of regional carbon regimes. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><a href="http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFLDE69I2EC20101019?sp=true">Czech president claims climate change is not a threat or result of man</a>. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69J5FA20101020">Canadian provinces seriously concerned about outcome of California’s Prop 23 vote</a>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><o:p> </o:p></p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-89273242863639081602010-10-09T21:13:00.000-07:002010-10-11T13:24:35.418-07:00Memoirs from Tianjin - Are We Moving Backwards?<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Climate negotiators reconvened in Tianjin, China this past week in the hopes of healing the growing divide between industrialized and developing nations leading up to Cancun in December.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a href="http://unfccc.int/files/press/news_room/press_releases_and_advisories/application/pdf/pr_20100410_opening_tianjin.pdf">Secretary Figueres pleaded</a> with nations to find common ground even for a non-exhaustive agreement, and the UNFCC claimed that <a href="http://unfccc.int/files/press/news_room/press_releases_and_advisories/application/pdf/20100910_pr_closing_tianjin.pdf">progress was made</a> by week’s end.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, this <a href="http://www.indepthnews.net/news/news.php?key1=2010-10-09%2012:35:28&key2=1">rosy view</a> is mostly spin and hopeful language from the UN as <a href="http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=617609&publicationSubCategoryId=200">3 major challenges</a> lurk as large as ever – Kyoto expiration, BASIC emissions trajectory and technology transfer. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/oct/08/china-us-blamed-talks-stall">Finger pointing</a> in the aftermath seems to be reaching new heights. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>US Envoy Todd Stern <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-08/china-spurns-pledges-in-cancun-climate-change-accord-u-s-s-stern-says.html">directed harsh words toward China</a> suggesting that the world’s largest emitter is treating the Copenhagen as purely informational and merely exemplary actions to take place.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> Contrarily, </span>China is <a href="http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFTOE69606Y20101007?sp=true">blaming the richest countries</a> for <a href="http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFTOE69407S20101005?sp=true">not committing to drastic enough cuts</a> and for attempting to <a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-10/09/c_13548790.htm">renegotiate the terms of Kyoto</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>China does not plan to <a href="http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFTOE69506Z20101006">set an emissions peak</a> any time soon, but it is claiming near victory on its 5-year goal to <a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/China-meets-energy-targets/Article1-608815.aspx">reduce energy consumption</a> per unit of GDP by 20%. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Other carbon articles of interest:<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>The US vocalizes ambitions for “logical” <a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/US-and-India-are-natural-partners-Todd-Stern/Article1-606399.aspx">US-India climate & technology coalition</a> as Chinese relations flounder. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Obama suggests <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0910/42913.html">passage of energy reform</a> may come in form of multiple pieces of legislation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A patchwork solution to patchwork regulation ...</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>New <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Deforestation-deal-offers-rare-hope-in-climate-change-fight/articleshow/6713222.cms">deforestation framework</a> may be one of few agreements to result from Cancun. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>UN’s Figueres calls for <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hSE-GGibXBj6IbLS5KSW1-KHIMeg?docId=CNG.b4a14f2bcf125a1be29f928c4e171d39.2a1">grassroots movement</a> to force global treaty. (Recall 2 weeks ago she was asking business to sway their governments too.) </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Political wavering on <a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-10/03/c_13540690.htm">Australia’s carbon tax</a> plan.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.upi.com/Science_News/Resource-Wars/2010/09/30/Island-nations-worried-ahead-of-Cancun/UPI-60941285850875/">Island nations</a> drowning from international gridlock on climate change. </p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-70069943931000778702010-09-26T12:05:00.002-07:002010-09-26T12:13:51.268-07:00Lowering Expectations for Cancun - Why Am I Not Surprised<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dhLEGlYVflE/TJ-a76sBCKI/AAAAAAAAJrw/e26excTJLik/s1600/Stern.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dhLEGlYVflE/TJ-a76sBCKI/AAAAAAAAJrw/e26excTJLik/s200/Stern.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521302022336350370" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.25in">Large developed and developing companies <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100921/ap_on_re_us/us_climate_talks;_ylt=AiyKC6OnW3UFIwGDsZ7_UGhpl88F;_ylu=X3oDMTJuaWEyMmNqBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAwOTIxL3VzX2NsaW1hdGVfdGFsa3MEcG9zAzE1BHNlYwN5bl9wYWdpbmF0ZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA2JpZ3Bvd2Vyc3RhbA--">met this past week</a> in New York City at the Major Economies Forum to discuss the components and prospects of a successful climate deal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some are blaming the US’s inability to pass domestic climate legislation, but <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68K47A20100921">few are hopefu</a>l, including US climate envoy Todd Stern, that “in any way [there will be] a legal treaty to be done in Cancun this year” at the December meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, Stern is <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-21/u-s-stands-by-greenhouse-emissions-pledge-for-cancun-talks-stern-says.html">standing by the US’s pledge</a> to cut GHG emissions by 17% by 2020 compared to 2005 levels. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.25in">In the most recent attempt to yield US legislative progress, Senators Bingaman (D-NM) and Brownback (R-KS) have <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS186715931120100922">proposed the Renewable Energy Promotion Act</a>, which includes a 15% renewable generation standard (including efficiency), in the hopes of passing such during the lame duck session post the November elections.</p> <img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dhLEGlYVflE/TJ-bBI1BDTI/AAAAAAAAJr4/iK-4J3YzdXI/s200/Figueres.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 167px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521302112031542578" /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.25in">Elsewhere in NYC at the launch of the <a href="https://www.cdproject.net/en-US/Pages/HomePage.aspx">Carbon Disclosure Project</a>’s Global 500 and S&P 500 report results, UN climate chief, Christiana Figueres, suggested that strong support for a climate treaty from <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-20/climate-deal-in-cancun-may-hinge-on-companies-lobbying-un-s-figueres-say.html">bus</a><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-20/climate-deal-in-cancun-may-hinge-on-companies-lobbying-un-s-figueres-say.html">inesses lobbying their governments</a> is essential to progress.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She cited the huge appeal of certainty and business opportunities for corporations the world over.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>An article from the Huffington Post <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/corbin-hiar/dancing-in-the-dark-the-d_b_735353.html">warns about allowing business to lead on climate change regulation</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.25in"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.25in"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.25in"><br /></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>George Soros calls for <a href="http://business.financialpost.com/2010/09/20/george-soros-delivers-harsh-words-for-climate-change-movement/">trillions in private financing</a> to combat climate change rather than relying on government supp</li><li> <a href="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Legally-binding-carbon-cuts-for-India-and-China-too-US/686232/">China and India should have legally binding emissions targets</a>, suggests US envoy Stern. </li></ul><p></p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-10456402994192111532010-09-19T16:31:00.000-07:002010-09-19T16:35:23.815-07:00The Slow Plod to Cancun - Will Business Lead Government?<p class="MsoNormal">Here are the latest carbon soundbytes of the last few weeks:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Leaders of global energy companies <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/energy-conference-seeks-to-avoid-copenhagen-pitfalls/article1709157/?cmpid=rss1">convened at a conference in Montreal</a> to discuss the state of current carbon / climate negotiations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Former chief UN climate negotiator, Yvo de Boer, was a keynote for the event.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He encouraged the industry to support a binding global treaty, including market-based mechanisms.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Of no surprise, energy companies desire an environment with certainty in order to make long term investment decisions.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Leaders from <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68D5F920100914">17 major economies will meet</a> this Monday & Tuesday in New York City to discuss climate change and clean energy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The meeting is part of Obama’s The Major Economies Forum, which facilitates dialogue between the most influential developed and developing economies. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>The UN climate negotiator, Christiana Figueres, <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-16/un-climate-chief-figueres-favors-transformational-projects-as-hfcs-ebb.html">supports a shift in emphasis to CDM projects</a> promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and transportation, rather than industrial projects cutting hydrofluorocarbons, which have accounted for half of CDM emission reductions to date. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Australia’s prime minister, Julia Gillard, was pleased by BHP Biliton’s <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iTYVmXeWnZiFZgwSe_MBIeetN-YA">proposal of a domestic carbon tax</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This renewed interest in carbon legislation comes after the former PM fell out of favor as he attempted to pass a cap-and-trade scheme.</p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-7788161140656078882010-09-03T11:47:00.000-07:002010-09-03T12:30:29.603-07:00Most Agree on Need for Climate Finance, But from Where?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dhLEGlYVflE/TIFLfHIiRPI/AAAAAAAAJrU/gsLPaWZnBJk/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 166px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dhLEGlYVflE/TIFLfHIiRPI/AAAAAAAAJrU/gsLPaWZnBJk/s200/images.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512770416741074162" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="Georgia","serif"font-family:";">Since Copenhagen, there has been little constructive movement in negotiations regarding emission reductions by developed and developing nations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If anything, <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-02/climate-envoys-seek-consensus-on-100-million-in-aid-for-poorer-nations.html">some developing economies are “backtracking”</a> by demanding more “new” money while others are suggesting carbon reduction requirements only apply to developed nations, says US lead climate negotiator, John Pershing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Georgia","serif"font-family:";"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The tone of meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, this week has been of productivity on the climate finance front.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To refresh, wealthy nations agreed in Copenhagen to fast-track $10B a year between 2010 and 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This appears to be “found” money already, but potentially not “new” since Japan had already committed $15B to the cause prior to Copenhagen.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The bigger challenge and focus is on <a href="http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2269017/geneva-talks-aim-maintain">achieving $100B of climate aid annually by 2020</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While a mix of private and public funding sources is expected, the method of accumulated such substantial amounts is very much in debate as is the identity of the administering body for the funds.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Developing countries are adamantly opposed to the World Bank allocating the monies; rather, they support an entity such as the UNFCC.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Georgia","serif"font-family:";"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Negotiators and pundits have suggested potential funding source such as a carbon tax, airplane fare levies and fees on carbon credit trading.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unfortunately, private investment in carbon reduction projects producing carbon credits declined 54% in 2009 because of uncertainty about the existence and value of carbon reductions </span>post-Kyoto.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Therefore, it will be difficult to agree on and identity financing sources, if carbon credit fees are utilized, without the specter of a ratifiable global carbon accord.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="Georgia","serif"font-family:";">Other Carbon News:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="Georgia","serif"font-family:";">Infamous <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/31/bjorn-lomborg-climate-fund">"skeptical environmentalist” Bjorn Lomborg alters his stance on climate</a> change in a new book, suggesting climate change is “undoubtedly one of the chief concerns facing the world today" and a "challenge humanity must confront."<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lomborg also supports substantial funds to secure climate solutions, including geo-engineering, as long as these funds are spent wisely.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="Georgia","serif"font-family:";">Senator Harry Reid (D) <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67U52F20100831?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+reuters/environment+(News+/+US+/+Environment)">hopes to find some Republican votes</a> for an energy bill after the November elections. <o:p></o:p></span></p></span><p></p><p></p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-21743215511509705892010-08-28T18:30:00.000-07:002010-08-28T18:32:32.804-07:00Sell [Carbon Agreements] in May and Go Away<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Since our last column, the future for global carbon unfortunately has not turned a corner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Negotiations on the international level are slow leading up to the year-end Copenhagen repeat in Cancun.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a href="http://unfccc.int/files/press/news_room/application/pdf/100806_speaking_notes.pdf">A recent session in Bonn</a> proposed optimism for country specific commitments on financing, technology transfer and capacity building and adaptation plans for the poorest countries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In the US, any hope for <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/08/06/06greenwire-sen-kerry-pushes-tax-extenders-as-broader-ener-16816.html">federal legislation</a> involving cap-and-trade have all but vanished as Obama’s and sympathetic democrats’ political capital seems to have been fully utilized on issues of health care, financial reform and even immigration.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Chances of legislation passing with any carbon cutting teeth before, or even after, the November elections appear unlikely, due to or despite of Sen. Kerry’s beltway compromises.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Meanwhile, several <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703649004575437131517120738.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">European governments are reducing renewable energy investment incentives</a> in the coming year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These subsidies have successfully impacted the carbon content of the generation mix in the already lower-carbon intensity region, as well as aiding the growth and maturation of the renewable energy industry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In our country, state-enacted renewable portfolio standards may prospectively contribute to a lower carbon future (see largest utility generator of renewable energy, <a href="http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2010/08/25/nextera-credits-renewables-for-small-carbon-footprint">NextEra Energy</a>) in lieu of federal mandates. </p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-91209540182967325532010-05-01T12:55:00.000-07:002010-05-01T12:57:08.700-07:00Wheels Fall Off US Climate & Energy Bill<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">The long awaited Senate proposal on US climate change legislation was derailed this week by partisan posturing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sen. Kerry announced <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100424/ap_on_go_co/us_climate_bill_congress">he is placing the bill on hold</a> until the Senate can address immigration reform, and Republican Sen. Graham says <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/us/politics/25graham.html?partner=rss&emc=rss">he is withdrawing his support</a> and involvement in the bill. Republicans view the hasty prioritization of immigration as a ploy to secure Hispanic votes leading into the midterm elections.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There has been little bipartisan groundwork or compromises reached on immigration. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/28/climate-bill-lindsey-graham-standoff">Lobbying groups are pushing to save and maintain</a> the urgency of climate legislation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Elsewhere in congress, proposals for financial reform of derivatives calls for <a href="http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/57714">a study of carbon markets</a> "to ensure an efficient, secure, and transparent carbon market, including oversight of spot markets and derivative markets."<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In Australia, the once promising <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/rudds-ets-flipflop-sparks-climate-chaos-20100428-tsgu.html">carbon regime legislation is likely to be delayed</a> several years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">The UN’s Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/04/29/29climatewire-un-advisers-push-annual-35b-40b-global-plan-42862.html">(AGECC) put forth suggested proposals for climate finance</a>, suggesting that $35-$45 billion of annual investment will be needed to both bring electrification to all and reduce CO2 emissions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Funding sources would include grants from developed nations, multi-national development banks, carbon credit proceeds from charcoal substitution programs and other sources.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On a related note, <a href="http://climate-l.org/2010/04/29/spain-contributes-45-million-euros-to-adaptation-fund/">Spain became the first country to contribute</a> ($45m Euros) to the UN’s Adaption Fund, which was established under the Kyoto Protocol and is funded in part by proceeds from fees on Certified Emissions Reductions. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Relevant Articles</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><a href="http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/29/qa-vying-for-a-role-as-climate-chief/">Q&A with UN climate chief candidate</a>, Christiana Figueres, from Costa Rica.</li><li>A group of <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/2010/04/30/stories/2010043062961400.htm">South Asian countries are establishing an Inter-governmental Expert Group on Climate Change</a> to develop a clear policy direction and guidance for regional cooperation.</li><li><a href="http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90856/6966928.html">UN report pushes for energy access and efficiency to fight poverty and climate change.</a></li><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>BASIC’s meet in Cape Town; they <a href="http://allafrica.com/stories/201004270014.html">see a prolonged stalemate</a>, but <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100425/sc_afp/safricaclimateenvironment_20100425190227">desire a 2011 accord</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"></p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-52565299763435999292010-04-24T09:46:00.000-07:002010-04-24T09:48:37.120-07:00US State Dept. - Climate Change is Real; US Congress, Not Sure What To Do About It<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-04-20/polluting-nations-downplay-goals-for-cancun-climate-conference.html">Ministers from large western economies were supposed to meet in DC</a> this past week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Many participated by video conference because of European flight cancellations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Inside the meetings, parties discussed preparations for the December meetings in Cancun and short-term financing options for climate aid to developing nations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To the media, representatives praised the progress made in the Copenhagen Accord and attempted to manage expectations for Cancun outcomes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The US State Department <a href="http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2261728/state-department-report">released its 5<sup>th</sup> US Climate Action Report</a>, which is intended for submission to the United Nations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The <a href="http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/57635">report says</a>, "Global warming is unequivocal and primarily human-induced” and “the effects of climate change are already evident.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The report was released just days before the Senate-led climate bill is set to be formally proposed on Monday April 26<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a href="http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/57666">Authors of the bill were backing away</a> from suggestions that the legislation would include any sort of vehicle fuel tax, oil sector “fee” or transportation “linked-fee.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Obama administration has prioritized <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/04/19/19climatewire-obama-wants-senate-to-tackle-climate-bill-af-37578.html">the energy and climate bill to follow the passage of financial regulatory reform</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Neither of which are “quick hits.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Other Relevant Articles:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>The rogue <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100422/sc_afp/boliviaenvironmentclimatewarming">People’s Climate Summit</a> in Bolivia attracted 142 nations and called for halving carbon emissions by 2020 (more aggressive than anything proposed by signatories to Copenhagen Accord), limiting earth’s warming to 1.5 degrees (compared to 2 degrees per Copenhagen Accord) and creating of an international climate tribunal to judge countries on global warming.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>BASIC nations to debate <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Basic-to-look-for-options-beyond-Kyoto/articleshow/5837201.cms">Kyoto Protocol extension alternatives</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>South Africa proposes solutions as basis for talks. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Potential discord looming over <a href="http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/57704">state autonomy</a> within federal climate bill.</p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-87320393859273981072010-04-18T10:24:00.001-07:002010-04-18T10:26:57.056-07:00Tensions Quelled at Bonn; Senate Bill Seemingly Always Around the Corner<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">After a tumultuous start to the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/cif-green/2010/apr/13/bonn-talks-climate">climate meetings in Bonn</a>, the negotiations process leading up to Cancun in December 2010 is back on track.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Bonn meetings were considered a “healing process” where participants regained comfort that the UNFCC is the central venue for global climate talks and negotiations will occur in a transparent and democratic manner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Three more meetings have been planned leading up to Cancun, pressed by developing nations ironically, who were the less motivated contingent last year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Developed countries are feeling paralyzed by the gridlock in the US congress over a climate bill. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Senators Kerry, Lindsey and Lieberman intend to <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100415/ts_nm/us_climate_usa_congress">unveil climate legislation</a> on April 26<sup>th</sup>. The bill is rumored to include the Obama and House endorsed 17% emission reduction targets (from 2005), support for nuclear power and offshore drilling, a motor fuel tax, the shutting of regional cap-and-trade regimes in favor of a “national carbon reduction policy” and <a href="http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2261388/report-climate-bill-stop-epa">a blockade to carbon regulation by the EPA</a>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Other Relevant Climate Articles:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>The supposed <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/12/us-document-strategy-climate-talks">U.S.’s media and PR strategy</a> leading up to Cancun meetings leaked. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>U.S. to <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63C4IC20100413?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+reuters/environment+(News+%252">host clean energy summit</a> for the Americas this week in D.C.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Bolivia claims 7,500 to attend its <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/7500-due-for-alternate-climate-conference-in-bolivia-1943169.html">splinter climate conference</a> this week. </p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-44060561255819383242010-04-11T11:27:00.001-07:002010-04-11T11:27:59.457-07:00All Is Not Good in Bonn as Climate Talks Restart<p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i9TuMrvrknh-ZXwqmZ2N-48kff3wD9EVN3MG0">first official UN climate meeting</a> since Copenhagen opened in Bonn, Germany, this week with tension.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The US and other nations in the “select few” who crafted the Copenhagen Accord defended the agreement as a “significant milestone in [the] collective effort” to curb global warming.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Critics called for a complete resetting of the negotiations process, repeatedly citing the need for “inclusiveness, transparency and legitimacy” if any trust is to be rebuilt across all participating nations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Venezuela and Bolivia have been very vocal in <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?sid=aqwh6ZgFEdLk&pid=20601087">calling for the Copenhagen Accord to be set aside</a> altogether. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leaders in the debate are still focused on reaching a global treaty; however, some observers are suggesting <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6391JI20100410">alternative approaches</a> to getting cooperation in solving climate change.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These might include targeted actions to preserve rainforests or tying volunteer emissions reducing to access to climate funds. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The US and other western allies are <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/09/us-climate-aid">attempting to punish those</a> (Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, etc) who refused to endorse the Copenhagen Accord by suspending climate aid.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is more symbolic than punitive since the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/11/climate-aid-threats-copenhagen-accord">level of aid at risk</a> is rather insignificant at present. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Other Articles of Interest:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/TechandScience/Story/STIStory_512399.html">Washington DC to host the 17 major economic powers</a> on April 18<sup>th</sup> & 19<sup>th</sup> in hopes of pushing forward slow-moving climate talks, which is sure to draw criticism from those Copenhagen Accord detractors. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>US <a href="http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/57446">climate legislation rumored to include transport tax</a> on refined oil for purposes of infrastructure repair and green infrastructure projects. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Nepal looks to lead <a href="http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=17213">formation of Mountain Alliance Initiative for Climate Change</a> (MAICC) for lobbying agenda in Mexico. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Group of Muslim countries consider <a href="http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/04/06/muslim-world-promote-%E2%80%98green-haj%E2%80%99-concept.html">aggressive action on climate change</a>, or a “green haj.” </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>If emissions reductions fail or prove too expensive, should we consider <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=geoengineering-and-climate-change">geo-engineering</a> … again?</p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-52307498820567762502010-04-04T14:27:00.000-07:002010-04-04T14:31:35.777-07:00Climate Talks to Rewind, Restart, Jumpstart; UK Has Plans.<p class="MsoNormal">Outgoing UN Climate Chief de Boer suggests that this November’s climate talks in Cancun, <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gPQpDONfH7_E2Yv41FZDdlo_pxEAD9EPRTLO2">Mexico, will in effect be a second attempt</a> at laying the groundwork that was hoped for in Copenhagen.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>De Boer’s envisioned timetable is for talks to restart next week in Bonn, for the first time since December, building up to a solid framework agreement in Mexico and follow through with a binding accord in 2011 in South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The United Kingdom is taking the leader and proposing potential options for <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/7539203/Gordon-Brown-calls-for-global-climate-fund.html">climate fund frameworks</a> and a <a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINLDE62U1C220100331?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true">two treaty solution</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unpopular with the US, the two treaty solution involves an extension of the Kyoto Protocol, governing the previously bound countries, and a separate treaty, governing the US and most developing nations, such as China and India.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Elsewhere in Europe, <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100323/sc_afp/francewarmingpollutionenvironmenttax">French UMP party’s bid to implement a carbon tax was overruled</a> by the country’s high court, which saw too many inequalities and unfair burden on certain consumers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Recent Carbon Articles of Interest:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>BP CEO’s says job preservation is <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/03/24/24greenwire-dont-risk-clean-energy-future-to-save-coal-job-50806.html">not a good reason to support coal in US</a>.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/03/29/ri-attend-basic-meeting-has-no-plans-join-group.html">Indonesia considers joining BASIC coalition</a>.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><a href="http://china.globaltimes.cn/diplomacy/2010-03/517828.html">China and South Africa boost ties</a> on climate front; specifics unclear besides aligned policy advocacy. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2260463/un-suspends-further-carbon">UN suspends two carbon credit verification entities</a>, including second largest verifier, TUEV SUED.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/26/science/earth/26climate.html?src=me">Support for US Cap-and-Trade continues to wane</a> and the <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100329/pl_nm/us_usa_epa_emissions">EPA delays GHG permitting</a> for power companies and industrial facilities until January 2011. </p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-54316655775368267032010-03-14T11:52:00.000-07:002010-03-14T11:53:16.822-07:00BASIC Countries Nominate for UN Climate Chief Position; China & India Coordinate Actions<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.25in"><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/developmental-issues/S-Africa-India-in-race-for-UN-climate-chief-job/articleshow/5664227.cms">Nominees for the UN climate chief post</a> are surfacing from the BASIC countries.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>An emerging climate negotiations leader, South Africa, is proposing Marthinus <a href="http://allafrica.com/stories/201003100634.html">van Schalkwyk</a>, its minister of environmental affairs & tourism, while India is supporting its environment secretary, Vijay Sharma.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a href="http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/indonesia-urged-to-make-a-run-for-top-job-at-un-climate-change-body/362963">Indonesia may also nominate</a> an individual.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Regardless of the outcome, the tone of negotiations will be changing with a representative of a developing nation heading the UN process.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.25in">China and India finally <a href="http://beta.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/article223793.ece">agreed to be listed in the Copenhagen Accord “chapeau,”</a> or introduction, as participants in the key negotiations that produced the agreement.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The countries were hesitant to sign because the agreement was not adopted by the entirety COP15 participating nations. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Meanwhile, the <a href="http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/11/stories/2010031158741500.htm">two countries are coordinating</a> with respect to their mutual opposition for international scrutiny of voluntary reduction actions as well as plans to cooperate on forestry, energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. Separately, China’s lead climate negotiator <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ilKt3cCOgkSbZnCAxhNhxooeLXGQD9EBOA1G0">admonished the U.S.</a> for not taking greater action to stem emissions domestically.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Relevant Global Carbon Articles </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Obama’s <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-03-11/obama-s-trade-goal-fights-his-clean-energy-plan-at-export-bank.html">global trade aspirations</a> at odds with climate plan.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>The <a href="http://www.environmental-finance.com/onlinews/0311ste.html">IMF is proposing a $100B</a> per year climate fund raising plan. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>EU finance ministers <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-03-09/eu-to-call-for-urgent-aid-on-climate-projects-in-poorer-nations.html">call for climate aid plan</a>; to be discussed in Brussels meeting this week.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>EU <a href="http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-environment/eu-comes-climate-exit-strategy-global-talks-news-325531">considers upping reduction commitments</a> to take climate leadership position; debates Kyoto expiration plan. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>U.S. and Brazil sign <a href="http://news.mongabay.com/2010/0307-brazil_us_mou.html">de-forestation agreement</a>. </p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-41233163893203893122010-03-06T18:48:00.001-08:002010-03-06T18:49:10.142-08:00Cap-and-Trade Tapping Out? EPA Moving In; Not if Congress Can Help It.<p class="MsoNormal">U.S. climate legislation moved to the middle burner this week with discussions of cap-and-trade alternatives and EPA regulation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Advocates of cap-and-trade, such as Senators Graham and Lieberman, acknowledge that <a href="http://communities.thomsonreuters.com/Carbon/499979?utm_source=20100301&utm_medium=email">cap-and-trade may be “dead.” </a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The latest alternative is <a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idINTRE6225E620100303?sp=true">targeted industry-specific emissions</a> control measures on power companies, the transportation sector and heavy manufacturing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Meanwhile, the EPA attempted to raise the specter and likelihood of <a href="http://communities.thomsonreuters.com/Carbon/501117">un-legislated carbon regulation</a> by <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">finalizing its <a href="http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/endangerment.html"><span style="color:#0078AE">endangerment finding</span></a>, granting</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><a href="http://www.epa.gov/oms/climate/ca-waiver.htm"><span style="color:#0078AE">California’s waiver</span></a> for stricter automobile emissions standards, issuing final</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><a href="http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html"><span style="color:#0078AE">GHG reporting requirements</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">and proposing the mechanism by which it will impose</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black"><a href="http://www.epa.gov/nsr/fs20090930action.html"><span style="color:#0078AE">permitting requirements on stationary sources releasing CO</span><sub><span style="color:#0078AE">2</span></sub></a>.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not to be superseded by the EPA, a group of Senators, spanning party lines and with carbon-reliant constituencies, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/04/AR2010030404715.html">introduced a bill to freeze the EPA’s ability to regulate GHG emissions</a> for 2 years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ironically, corporate America is still <a href="http://communities.thomsonreuters.com/carbon/501776?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+ReutersCarbonNews+(Reuters+Carbon+News)&utm_content=Google+Reader">imploring</a> and <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0424672320100304?type=marketsNews">pleading</a> for policy clarity and certainty. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:black">Interesting Article(s):<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;color:black"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:black">Environmental group and regulators look to <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703862704575100004067589846.html">strong-arm insurance industry for climate action. </a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a topic I worked on at my former employer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To learn whether this article is 100% on-track, you’ll have to email or ask me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-59268018809419380292010-02-27T17:19:00.000-08:002010-02-27T17:21:20.589-08:00Bali UNEP Conference Hopes to Restart Climate Talks; De Boer Resigns<p class="MsoNormal">Over one hundred countries were represented at this past week’s <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wirestory?id=9953398&page=2">UN Environmental Protective event</a> in Bali with the hope of rebuilding confidence in global climate negotiations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Even though many nations submitted emissions reduction pledges under the Copenhagen Accord, most observers consider the pledges insufficient to stem warming to the extent necessary and many countries are aggrieved because the UN framework for inclusive negotiations was undermined by the US and the BASIC nations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The usually pragmatic optimist, Yvo de Boer, the UN Climate Chief, <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100225/ap_on_re_as/climate_indonesia">warned that a climate deal was now unlikely this year</a> at the Mexico meetings, rather an agreement in South Africa in 2011 was more likely. De Boer delivered this prediction in the same week he announced his intended resignation from the UN post; the retiring chief suggested his replacement come <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/25/yvo-de-boer-kpmg">from a developing nation</a>.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>UN targets Rio in 2012 for Summit on Sustainable Development for completion of “political document”, which will <a href="http://news.oneindia.in/2010/02/26/despitecopenhagen-doom-un-going-ahead-with-multitrill.html">finalize economic and technical transfer agreements</a> to ignite global green economy. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Countries discuss creation <a href="http://news.stv.tv/environment/160154-un-meeting-moots-wtostyle-environment-agency/">of WTO-like World Environmental Organization (WEO)</a>.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><a href="http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/56903">Emissions by heavy industry in the EU</a> dropped by an estimated 11% in 2009.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Kerry and Senators moving rapidly to present <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601130&sid=aEQHgQ3xeiMw">revised US climate bill in 2010</a>.</p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-53327626514774179142010-02-15T13:23:00.000-08:002010-02-15T13:25:46.119-08:00A Look at Climate Activity in Europe - EU, UK and Germany<p class="MsoNormal">Shifting the climate focus across the Atlantic, Members of <a href="http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7017780250">European Parliament (MEPs) passed a resolution</a> calling on major countries, especially the US, China and EU members, to resume discussions to achieve the intentions of Copenhagen accord.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This seems to be an instance of minimal influence without authority. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Meanwhile, <a href="http://communities.thomsonreuters.com/Carbon/496160?utm_source=20100215&utm_medium=email">the UK is debating several energy policy options</a>, including the centralization of energy planning, a radical change of direction from the country’s history of privatization.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While a “market-light” strategy is unlikely to prevail, the US could take lesson from a debate of multiple alternatives as US lawmakers are mired in energy policy gridlock.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On the continent, <a href="http://communities.thomsonreuters.com/Carbon/496010?utm_source=20100215&utm_medium=email">Germany is moving toward a delay in cuts to its solar incentives regime</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While continued solar support in Germany seems unwarranted, solar job levels will be buffeted by the delay and Germany’s centrality to the solar PV industry could be prolonged.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>Articles of Note<o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><a href="http://communities.thomsonreuters.com/Carbon/496862?utm_source=20100215&utm_medium=email">US, India and China at stand-off regarding “association” designation</a> within Copenhagen Accord.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Southern Company to break ground on <a href="http://communities.thomsonreuters.com/carbon/496984?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+ReutersCarbonNews+(Reuters+Carbon+News)">first US nuclear power plant in 30 years</a> with backing of DOE loan guarantee. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>US government to <a href="http://communities.thomsonreuters.com/Carbon/495659?utm_source=20100215&utm_medium=email">create “Climate Service”</a> organization under Commerce Department and through reorganization of NOAA.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Opponents of California Climate Law AB 32 <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/02/11/11climatewire-drive-to-delay-calif-climate-law-may-be-stuck-5461.html">struggle to gather signatures</a> required for appearing as ballot proposition to delay aggressive climate targets and actions.</p>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-68933584250449102782010-02-08T09:34:00.000-08:002010-02-11T09:35:18.690-08:00Jan 31 Come and Gone ... With a Whimper<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; ">As the <a href="http://www.iie.com/realtime/?p=1173" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">emissions reduction pledges</a> under the Copenhagen Accord have trickled in prior to and since January 31st, the tally stands at 92 countries accounting for 83% of global emissions. The general malaise regarding the progress made in and since Copenhagen has continued. UN Climate Chief de Boer is trying to emphasize that the Accord was just a <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=awenPjrBF.WQ#" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">launching pad</a> for for formal consensus-building negotiations incorporating the entirety of the UN community. Any accord-related news was overshadowed by the <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pachauri-faces-fresh-call-to-resign/articleshow/5535707.cms" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">credibility crisis in the IPCC</a>, the UN sponsored scientific research body on climate change, and its chief, Indian's <span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 19px; ">R K Pachauri. Calls for Pachauri's resignation have come from several groups, including Greenpeace, after a controversy over reports regarding the rate of decay of Himalayan glaciers. Despite vocal support from de Boer and India's PM, India announced it will convene its own scientific body to analyze the risks of climate change. </span></span>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-6171630924367759952010-01-30T16:32:00.000-08:002010-01-30T16:34:52.615-08:00Major Emitters Submit Pledges Prior to Jan 31 Deadline<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">It was an interesting week on the carbon front. Earlier in the week, unsubstantiated <a href="http://www.mixx.com/stories/10641564/india_china_will_not_sign_copenhagen_accord">rumors</a> on the web emerged that India and China had reconsidered their positions and would not submit their official emission reduction pledges under the Copenhagen Accord. Both countries (<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE60S21N">China </a>and <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/global-warming/India-keeps-Copenhagen-pledge-on-emission-cuts/articleshow/5518967.cms">India</a>) met the Jan 31th deadline as did the <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100128/pl_nm/us_climate_usa_congress_2">USA, which reiterated its modest 17 percent cut</a> from 2005 by 2020. The BASIC countries this week emphasized that these pledges were non-binding and a small part of the "<a href="http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50104">two-track negotiation process</a>," from which industrialized nations will fulfill their "differentiated" responsibility of leading the absolute reduction in global carbon emissions. Meanwhile, President Obama attempted to further his clean-energy, climate legislation agenda during his State of the Union, but did not utter the words "cap-and-trade." The senators leading the climate legislation have been quick to impress that negotiations are not dead and new/different carbon reduction and pricing structures are welcome in the discussion.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-70799478256929300542010-01-23T17:56:00.000-08:002010-01-23T17:59:00.634-08:00BASICs Won't Leave Their Climate Destiny in the Hands of US Senate<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;">This week's Massachusetts midterm election was called by many as a referendum on the Obama administration's key legislative objectives, especially healthcare reform. Energy policy and carbon mitigation, including cap-and-<wbr>trade or alternative mechanisms, may have also been dealt a crushing blow by Scott Brown's win in MA. One emerging potential risk is that the BASIC countries (Brazil, South Africa, India, China) will be disgruntled by the USA's lack of leadership and <a href="http://communities.thomsonreuters.com/Carbon/490717" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">scale back their emissions pledges</a>. On the contrary, the <a href="http://communities.thomsonreuters.com/Carbon/491324" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">BASICs seem inclined to form a stronger climate coalition</a> to address uniform emission reductions metrics and adaptation funding. The BASICs are more and more becoming the masters of their own climate destiny as the USA retreats to infighting.<div><br /></div><div>Relevant News Articles:</div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; ">The UN Copenhagen Accord's January 31st deadline for submissions <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jan/20/copenhagen-accord-deadline-climate-change" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">emissions targets "softened" </a>due to poor response rates, and <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100120/sc_afp/unclimatewarming_20100120165712;_ylt=Ajx_M2cCieFMvr1JffaezNHPOrgF;_ylu=X3oDMTJudTNjNHZhBGFzc2V0A2FmcC8yMDEwMDEyMC91bmNsaW1hdGV3YXJtaW5nBHBvcwMxBHNlYwN5bl9wYWdpbmF0ZV9zdW1tYXJ5X2xpc3QEc2xrA25vZ3VhcmFudGVlbw--" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">2010 treaty considered anything but certain </a>by UNFCC chief de Boer. </li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60L3H420100122" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">Legislated US carbon regulation may be least offensive of evils</a> (EPA regulation, unchecked litigation environment) for resistant congressmen. </li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100120/sc_afp/franceenvironmentclimatepoliticstax_20100120152737;_ylt=AlKtglR2HzR4SNaDN3YlxiPPOrgF;_ylu=X3oDMTNhbW5idHA1BGFzc2V0A2FmcC8yMDEwMDEyMC9mcmFuY2VlbnZpcm9ubWVudGNsaW1hdGVwb2xpdGljc3RheARwb3MDNwRzZWMDeW5fcGFnaW5hdGVfc3VtbWFyeV9saXN0BHNsawNmcmFuY2VhZGFwdHM-" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">France becomes first major economy to adopt carbon tax</a> of 17 euros per tonne, with certain exceptions. </li><li style="margin-left: 15px; ">Australia parliament attempting to push through <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/environment/deadlock-on-carbon-needs-temporary-fix-greens-20100121-moal.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">2 year carbon tax to restart global progress</a> on emissions reductions. </li></ul></div></span></span></span>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4810422961686776380.post-65491109980637915272009-12-05T12:48:00.000-08:002010-01-09T12:49:47.065-08:002 Days Until Copenhagen<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div>The Obama Administration recently <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/president-attend-copenhagen-climate-talks" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">issued its statement</a> of a good faith commitment to reduce US carbon emissions "in the range of 17%" by 2020 as compared to 2005 levels. The <a href="http://communities.thomsonreuters.com/Carbon/479638" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">pessimistic </a>can say this is far below the IPCC suggested necessary cuts of 25% - 40% cuts by 2020 for developed countries. The optimist can say that a ~17% reduction is all but to be ratified by Congress and additional cuts may still be negotiated. The statement also included expected 2025, 2030 and 2050 milestones (30%, 42% and 83%), the list of the "<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; ">host of Cabinet secretaries and other top officials" now planning to attend Copenhagen and the </span>litany of current and future US climate initiatives.</div><div><br /></div><div>Denmark recently<a href="http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/GEE5AT202.htm" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); "> floated a climate treaty framework</a> in these last days before Copenhagen, which called for 50% reductions in CO2 emissions by 2050 with 80% reductions to be achieved by developed countries. The Danish proposal was met with immediate opposition by China and India given the implications on their emissions and economic development as well as the proposal's lack of short-term binding reduction targets for developed countries. </div><div><br /></div><div>Climate <a href="http://motherjones.com/blue-marble/2009/11/climate-cheapskates-threaten-derail-copenhagen-talks" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">Financial Aid</a> - today contributions are in hot debate, but for tomorrow this "blogger" asks are these funds for proven emissions mitigation and/or climate change adaptation projects or global/in-country technological innovation (venture = risky) investment. The climate slush fund will be a boon for many, but who? In-country employment, in-country contractors, multinationals, global technology licensors? Once cash is allocated to a country, will money be allowed to flow back out to international private industry or will protectionism prevail? </div><div><br /></div><div>Relevant Articles</div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; ">India envoy on climate change voices his complaints and fears about current direction of climate negotiations in an <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/global-warming/Let-us-share-the-climate-change-burden-/articleshow/5304338.cms" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">op-ed</a>. </li><li style="margin-left: 15px; ">China's <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091204/sc_afp/chinaclimatewarmingeconomy_20091204055720" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">climate investment tab and potential carbon tax</a>.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/world/asia/04india.html?em" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 30, 206); ">India mirrors China</a> with carbon intensity reduction target of 20% - 25% by 2020.</li></ul></div></span>David Schlosberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02108503734203003686noreply@blogger.com0