http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/feeling-the-heat-global-warming-and-rising-temperatures-in-the-united-states2  In the summer of 2006, Americans from coast to coast experienced a http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/feeling-the-heat-global-warming-and-rising-temperatures-in-the-united-states2 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:58:12 -0600 http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/rising-to-the-challenge-six-steps-to-cut-global-warming-pollution-in-the-united-states2 Extensive scientific evidence demonstrates that global warming is real, that it is affecting us now, and that human activities—particularly the burning of fossil fuels—are  the primary cause.Science is also clear about what we need to do to address the problem: immediately and significantly reduce emissions of the pollutants that cause global warming. Avoiding the worst consequences of global warming will require the United States and other industrialized countries to stabilize emissions within the next decade and reduce them by about 80 percent by midcentury.Achieving those reductions won’t be easy, but it can be done. By improving the efficiency with which we use fossil fuels and increasing our use of clean, renewable energy, the United States can reduce its global warming emissions in the near future, while putting America on a path toward dramatically lower global warming emissions in the decades to come.This report lists six challenging but feasible strategies that, if implemented, could achieve these reductions, while improving America’s environment and our energy security.Global warming is real, is happening now, and poses a serious threat to America’s future.• Global average temperatures increased by 1Ëš F in the 20th century and are now increasing at a rate of about 0.36Ëš F per decade. Sea levels are on the rise, ice and snow cover are decreasing, and hurricane intensity has increased.• The consensus view of the scientific community is that most of the global warming that has occurred is due to human activities—particularly the burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuel consumption releases carbon dioxide, which traps the sun’s radiation near the earth’s surface. Since 1750, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased by 35 percent—a rate of increase unprecedented in the last 20,000 years.• Should the world continue on its present course, global warming emissions could triple in the next half century, with global temperatures increasing by 8Ëš F by 2100. Sea levels would rise by one and a half feet (and possibly more), threatening low-lying coastal areas. And the ecological balance upon which life depends would be irrevocably altered.The United States has a responsibility to take leadership in reducing global warming pollution.• The United States is far and away the world’s largest global warming polluter, accounting for 23 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions.• Should current trends continue, by 2030 the United States will emit 37 percent more carbon dioxide than it does today, increasing the likelihood of dramatic global climate change.• To avoid the worst consequences of global warming, scientists believe that the United States needs to stabilize emissions within a decade, begin reducing them soon thereafter, and cut global warming pollution by 80 percent by the middle of this century.The United States can achieve significant reductions in global warming pollution by improving the energy efficiency of our economy and using more renewable energy. The United States can reduce its global warming emissions by as much as 19 percent by 2020 by taking a set of aggressive but achievable steps toward improved energy efficiency and increased use of renewable energy, within the context of mandatory limits on global warming pollution.1) Stabilize vehicle travel. Americans drive nearly twice as many miles per year as they did a quarter-century ago, leading to increased emissions of global warming pollutants. Americans are already cutting back on driving as a result of higher gasoline prices, but many Americans have few realistic alternatives to driving.Through changes in public policy and development patterns, Americans can be given more transportation choices, thus reducing the growth in vehicle travel. Such changes include:o Encouraging the development of compact neighborhoods with a mix of land uses, where more tasks can be completed by foot, bike or transit.o Expanding the reach and improving the quality of transit service.o Supporting programs to encourage carpooling, vanpooling, telecommuting and other alternatives to single-passenger car travel.2) Increase vehicle fuel economy standards to 40 miles per gallon and set fueleconomy standards for large trucks. The creation of federal fuel economy standards for cars during the 1970s succeeded in reducing gasoline consumption and oil imports, as well as global warming pollution. But the fuel economy of new vehicles is now lower than it was during most of the Reagan administration. Several recent studies show that we could increase the fuel economy of new vehicles to 40 miles per gallon within the next decade using technologies that already exist or will be available soon. All types of vehicles— from SUVs to compacts—can be designed to be far more energy efficient. And most of the improvements in fuel economy can actually save money for consumers over the long term, especially with gasoline prices at nearly $3 per gallon. Similarly, major improvements in fuel economy are possible for heavy-duty trucks, which are currently exempt from fuel economy standards.3) Replace 10 percent of vehicle fuel with biofuels or other clean alternatives.Ethanol and biodiesel that are produced cleanly and sustainably have the potential to significantly reduce global warming emissions from transportation—especially if these biofuels are produced from plant wastes and cellulose. Other vehicle technologies—like “plug-in” hybrids, electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles—have the potential to dramatically reduce global warming emissions in the future.4) Reduce energy consumption in homes, business and industry by 10 percentfrom current levels.Dramatic improvements in energy efficiency are possible in virtually every aspect of American life. Studies show that we could reduce our electricity consumption by as much as 20 percent at no net cost to the economy. For now, the U.S. can encourageweatherization of buildings, deployment of more efficient appliances and equipment, and efficiency improvements in industry. Soon, using new technologies such as those in zero-energy homes, we can transform the way we consume energy and achieve even larger improvements in efficiency.5) Obtain 20 percent of our electricity from new renewable energy sources.America has virtually limitless potential for the generation of power from natural forces. By ramping up our use of wind power, solar power, geothermal and biomass energy and other renewable forms of energy—and using much of that energy to replace power production at dirty, coal fired power plants—the United States could dramatically reduce global warming emissions from electric power production. 6) Hold emissions from other sources to current levels.The five strategies listed above would address the largest sources of energy use and global warming emissions in the United States But some other sources of global warming pollution—such as emissions from air travel and emissions of some non-carbon dioxide global warming gases—are projected to increase significantly in the years ahead. The United States must remain vigilant about stabilizing, and eventually reducing, global warming pollution from all sectors of the economy. Mandatory limits on global warming emissions would help to achieve that goal.These six steps would enable the United States to reduce its global warming emissions by 19 percent below 2004 levels by 2020.• Taking these six steps would reduce U.S. carbon dioxide emissions by about 23 percent and global warming emissions by about 19 percent by 2020.• In addition, taking these steps will reverse the trajectory of global warming emissions, putting the United States on a path to achieving the even greater reductions in global warming pollution that will be required in the decades to come.The United States should adopt a series of public policies designed to quickly and significantly reduce emissions of global warming pollutants:Cap global warming emissions. The United States should establish mandatory, science-based limits on carbon dioxide  and other global warming pollutants that reduce emissions from today’s levels within 10 years, by 15-20 percent by 2020, and by 80 percent by 2050.Adopt complementary policies to reduce global warming emissions. The United States should adopt policies that would achieve the targets laid out in thisreport, including, but not limited to:• Transportation policies designed to reduce growth in vehicle travel and promote alternatives to automobile travel.• An increase in federal fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks.• Creation of federal fuel economy standards for heavy trucks.• A renewable fuel standard requiring a significant share of transportation fuel to come from renewables by 2020.• Policy support for the development and introduction of plug-in hybrid, electric and fuel-cell vehicles.• Stronger appliance efficiency standards, energy efficiency programs and other policies designed to improve energy efficiency.• A federal renewable energy standard requiring a large and increasing share of the nation’s electricity to come from renewable energy.Encourage action at the state level.Federal action to reduce global warming pollution should promote innovative approaches at the state level and not impede individual states or groups of states from pursuing policies that go above and beyond the commitments made by the federal government.   http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/rising-to-the-challenge-six-steps-to-cut-global-warming-pollution-in-the-united-states2 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:58:12 -0600 http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/feeling-the-heat-global-warming-and-rising-temperatures-in-the-united-states3  In 2006, Americans experienced a summer heat wave that broke records from coast tocoast and killed almost 200 people. The year ended and 2007 began with the warmestwinter on record globally. This unseasonably warm weather is part of a long-term trendtoward rising temperatures and extreme weather events resulting from global warming.Global average surface temperatures have increased by more than 1.4°F since the second half of the 19th century. Earlier this year, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that the evidence of global warming is “unequivocal” and that human activities are responsible for most of the rise in temperatures.To examine recent temperature patterns in the United States, we compared temperature data for the years 2000-2006 from 255 weather stations located in all 50 states and Washington, DC with temperatures averaged over the 30 years spanning 1971-2000.Overall, we found that temperatures were above the 30-year average across the country, indicating pervasive warming.SUMMER 2006: RECORD-BREAKING HEATA long-lasting summer heat wave hit most of the country in 2006, making it the second warmest summer on record for the contiguous United States. Heat waves have serious implications for human health, causing heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and even death. Our analysis of climate data for June-August 2006showed:During the summer of 2006, the average temperature was at least 0.5°F above the 30-year average at 82% of the locations studied. In Rapid City, South Dakota and Helena, Montana, average summertime temperatures were 5°F above normal.The average maximum temperature — the peak temperature on any given day — was at least 0.5°F above the 30-year average at two-thirds (67%) of the locations studied. The Great Plains and Mountain West suffered some of the most above-normal summer temperatures in 2006. The summer heat wave produced a high number of dangerously hot days at or above 90°F across the country. Almost three-fourths (71%) of the locations examined recorded more frequent (compared with the historical average) days with peak temperatures of at least 90°F. Tupelo, Mississippi experienced 40 more 90°F or warmer days than normal in 2006.The 2006 summer heat wave was marked by above-average minimum temperatures — the lowest temperatures recorded on a given day, usually at night. The average minimum temperature was at least 0.5°F above the 30-year average at 81% of the locations studied and 9.7°F above normal in Reno, Nevada, the highest in the country. Warmer nighttime temperatures exacerbate the public health effects of heat waves, since people need cooler nighttime temperatures to recover from excessive heat exposure during the day.In April 2007, the IPCC warned that North American cities that currently experience heat waves are expected to face “an increased number, intensity, and duration of heatwaves,” threatening public health, particularly that of elderly Americans and infants.2006: SECOND WARMEST YEAR ON RECORDWith a scorching summer and mild start to winter, the 2006 average temperature for the contiguous United States was the second warmest on record, according to the National Climatic Data Center. Every state in the Lower 48 experienced above normaltemperatures in 2006. Our analysis of 2006 climate data showed:In 2006, the average temperature was at least 0.5°F above the 30-year average at 87% of the locations examined. The Upper Midwest and Mountain West in particular experienced warmer-than-normal average temperatures in 2006.The average maximum temperature was at least 0.5°F above the 30-year average at 81% of the stations examined. Warmer-than-average days hit Texas and the Great Plains the hardest in 2006, with average peak temperatures soaring more than 5°F above normal in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.The average minimum temperature was at least 0.5°F above the 30-year average at 80% of the stations examined. Minimum temperatures were particularly mild in the Upper Midwest, where temperatures soared almost 5°F above the 30-year average in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Duluth, and Rochester, Minnesota.2000-2006: TEMPERATURES RISINGThe above-average temperatures of 2006 are part of a broader warming trend since 2000. Our analysis of climate data for 2000-2006 showed:Between 2000 and 2006, the average temperature was at least 0.5°F above the 30-year average at 87% of the locations studied. Average temperatures in Alaska were the most anomalous, with Talkeetna near Denali National Park averaging more than 4°F above the 30-year average.The average maximum temperature was at least 0.5°F above the 30-year average at more than two-thirds (68%) of the locations studied. Average maximum temperatures in Pueblo and Alamosa, Colorado were 2.6°F above normal.Overall, temperatures are not dropping at night as much now as they did in the past. Between 2000 and 2006, the average minimum temperature was at least 0.5°F above the 30-year average at 80% of the locations studied. Albuquerque, New Mexico and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan reported average minimum temperatures of more than 3°F above normal.Even though the IPCC identified significant risks with continued global warming, thepanel also concluded that “many impacts can be avoided, reduced, or delayed” by quickly and significantly reducing global warming pollution. To protect future generations, the United States should:Cap global warming emissions. The United States should establish mandatory, science-based limits on carbon dioxide and other global warming pollutants that reduce total emissions from today’s levels by the end of the decade, by at least 15-20% by 2020, and by at least 80% by 2050.Adopt complementary clean energy policies to reduce global warming emissions. Toachieve these reductions, the United States should adopt strong policies and financialincentives to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of clean, renewable energy.      http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/feeling-the-heat-global-warming-and-rising-temperatures-in-the-united-states3 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:58:12 -0600 http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/the-carbon-boom  The early effects of global warming are already evident across the United States and worldwide. The year 2005 was the warmest on record. Left unchecked, temperatures will continue to rise, and the effects of global warming will become more severe. http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/the-carbon-boom Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:58:12 -0600 http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/the-carbon-boom2  The early effects of global warming are already evident across the United States and worldwide. The past nine years have all been among the 25 warmest for the contiguous United States, a streak unprecedented in the historical record. If emissions are left unchecked, temperatures will continue to rise, and the effects of global warming will become more severe. This report examines trends in U.S. global warming pollution nationally and by state and concludes that the failure to limit emissions nationwide has allowed global warming pollution to grow out of control.In February 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a UnitedNations body charged with assessing the scientific record on global warming, foundthat the evidence of global warming is “unequivocal” and concluded, with more than90 percent certainty, that human activities are responsible for most of the observed rise in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century. If current trends in emissions continue, the IPCC projects that temperatures will increase anywhere from an additional 1.1° to 6.4°C (2° to 11.5°F). The consequences of this increase in global temperatures will vary from place to place but will include sea level rise, heat waves, drought, increasingly intense tropical storms, loss of plant and animal species, decreased crop yields, decreased water availability, and the spread of infectiousdiseases.The United States is the largest worldwide contributor to global warming, releasingalmost a quarter of the world’s carbon dioxide, the primary global warming pollutant.Power plants, cars, and light trucks are the largest U.S. sources of carbon dioxide.Existing technology could substantially reduce global warming pollution by making power plants and factories more efficient, making cars go farther on a gallon of gasoline, and shifting the country to clean, renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.Unfortunately, the U.S. government so far has rejected mandatory limits on global warming pollution, allowing carbon dioxide emissions to rise unabated. Using the most recent state fossil fuel consumption data from the Department of Energy, this report examines trends in carbon dioxide emissions nationally and by state for the 15 years spanning 1990 to 2004. Our major findings include the following:Carbon dioxide pollution is on the rise.• Carbon dioxide pollution from fossil fuel consumption is on the rise in the UnitedStates, increasing by 18 percent between 1990 and 2004.• Electric power plants and the transportation sector—particularly cars and light trucks—drove the increase in emissions nationwide. Between 1990 and 2004, U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from the electric power sector jumped by 28 percent and from the transportation sector by almost a quarter (23 percent).• Carbon dioxide emissions increased the most in the Southeast, Great Lakes/Midwest, and Gulf South regions over the 15 year period. The states experiencing the largest absolute increases in carbon dioxide emissions between 1990and 2004 are Texas, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, and Georgia.The electric power sector was the primary factor driving the increase in U.S. carbondioxide emissions between 1990 and 2004.• The electric power sector accounted for more than half (55 percent) of the U.S.emissions increase. Rising electricity demand from residential, commercial andindustrial consumers spurred this rapid increase in carbon dioxide emissions fromthe electric power sector.• Coal-fired power plants accounted for most of the increase in carbon dioxideemissions from the electric power sector. Between 1990 and 2004, U.S. carbondioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants increased by a quarter, accountingfor three-fourths of the emissions increase in the electric power sector and 42percent of the nation’s overall increase in carbon dioxide emissions.• The states that experienced the largest absolute increases in carbon dioxideemissions from coal-fired power plants between 1990 and 2004 are Illinois, Texas,Missouri, North Carolina, and Indiana.• Between 1990 and 2004, U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from natural gasconsumption in the electric power sector increased by more than two thirds (almost70 percent), accounting for 13 percent of the nation’s overall increase in carbondioxide emissions.• The states that experienced the largest absolute increases in carbon dioxideemissions from natural gas-fired power plants between 1990 and 2004 are Florida,Texas, Arizona, California, and Nevada.The transportation sector also played a major role in driving up U.S. carbondioxide emissions between 1990 and 2004.• The transportation sector accounted for 40 percent of the nation’s overall increasein carbon dioxide emissions during this time period.• Cars and light trucks were responsible for most of the increase in carbon dioxideemissions from the transportation sector. Between 1990 and 2004, carbon dioxide emissions from motor gasoline consumption increased by almost a quarter (22 percent), accounting for more than half of the emissions increase in the transportation sector.• The states with the largest absolute increases in carbon dioxide emissionsfrom motor gasoline consumption between 1990 and 2004 include Texas,Florida, California, Georgia, and Arizona.The longer we wait to reduce global warming pollution, the harder the task will be in the future. Many U.S. states have started taking important steps to cut global warmingpollution within their borders, but the global warming problem also demands a nationalsolution. Key components of an action plan to cut global warming pollution include:• Establishing mandatory, science-based limits on global warming pollution thatreduce emissions from today’s levels by the end of the decade, by at least 15-20percent by 2020, and by at least 80 percent by 2050.• Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels by making our homes and businessesmore energy efficient, making our cars and SUVs go farther on a gallon ofgasoline, and generating more electricity from renewable energy sources.   http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/the-carbon-boom2 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:58:12 -0600 http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/when-it-rains-it-pours Scientists expect that global warming will cause a variety of http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/when-it-rains-it-pours Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:22:21 -0600 http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/global-warming-solutions-that-work Global warming is the defining challenge of our time. The latest climate science tells us that the United States must reduce its emissions of global warming pollutants quickly and dramatically if we hope to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of global warming. The rest of the world must take strong action as well. For the United States to make the emission reductions science tells us will be necessary—cutting emissions by at least 15-20 percent by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050—will require major changes in many areas of America’s economy, from the increased use of clean, renewable energy to dramatic improvements in the efficiency with which we use energy in our homes, businesses and vehicles. But solutions exist today that can get us much of the way there. And communities across the country—and around the globe—are making those solutions a reality. This report details more than 20 examples of cutting-edge policies and practices that communities, states and countries are using to reduce global warming pollution. These examples show that while actions to reduce global warming pollution require commitment and creativity, they also bring with them other benefits—reduced dependence on fossil fuels, cleaner air and healthier communities, economic growth and new jobs. America should learn from these initiatives by adopting public policy “best practices” that can achieve similar benefits nationwide. The United States—as well as individual states—should foster further innovation by adopting mandatory caps on global warming pollution, coupled with policies that will promote the transition to a cleaner, more efficient energy system. Cities and states across America are achieving impressive results in the fight against global warming. • Texas has added more than 4,000 megawatts of wind power generating capacity in the last decade. Once a marginal source of electricity in the state, wind power now produces about 3 percent of Texas’ electricity, enough to avoid about 8 million metric tons of global warming pollution per year. • New Jersey doubled its solar power generating capacity within just two years through aggressive public policies that promote solar panels on rooftops in the Garden State. • California uses 20 percent less energy per capita than it did in 1973, thanks to strong energy efficiency policies for buildings and appliances. • Wisconsin avoids about 200,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution per year through its innovative programs to promote energy efficiency in industry—programs that also help save businesses money and keep jobs within the state. • Portland, Oregon, has doubled the number of bicyclists on city streets in just six years through investments in bicycle infrastructure and bikefriendly transportation policies. The percentage of people who bike to work in Portland is now eight times the national average. • In the Rosslyn and Ballston neighborhoods of Arlington County, Virginia, about 40 percent of residents take transit to work and about 10 percent walk, thanks to investments in transit service to Washington, D.C. and smart land-use planning that has created vibrant, compact, mixed-use communities around transit stops. • Southeastern Pennsylvania saw a 20 percent increase in the number of riders on energy efficient trains linking Harrisburg and Philadelphia following investments that increased travel speeds along the line. A similar 20 percent ridership jump occurred recently on the Northeast’s Acela high-speed train line. Other nations have also made significant progress, with lessons for the United States. • Germany recycles 60 percent of its municipal waste (compared to 32 percent in the United States) and has kept its garbage output steady for nearly two decades thanks to policies that put the responsibility for recycling waste on product manufacturers and not individual consumers and taxpayers. • In Israel, more than 90 percent of homes use solar water heaters, which dramatically reduce the need for natural gas or electricity for water heating. Israel requires that all new homes come equipped with solar water heaters. • Copenhagen, Denmark, has revitalized its downtown by giving pedestrians and bicycles preference over cars in large parts of its city center. Walking and cycling now account for more than 40 percent of all trips made in Danish urban areas. • Spain has sparked the creation of new renewable energy industries through aggressive clean energy policies. Spain now ranks third in the world for installed wind power capacity and is the world’s fourth leading market for solar photovoltaics. Spanish companies are increasingly taking a leading role in renewable energy development in the United States and elsewhere. Communities and states across the country are laying the groundwork for even larger changes in the years ahead. • Concentrating solar power, which uses heat from the sun to generate electricity, has the potential to serve a large share of America’s electricity needs. Southwestern states have enacted policies that are contributing to a solar power boom that could result in more than 4,000 megawatts of solar thermal power coming on line in the next several years. • Plug-in hybrid vehicles can dramatically reduce carbon dioxide pollution from vehicles while weaning America from its dependence on oil. Austin, Texas, citizens and public officials are pushing for the development of plugin hybrid vehicles and enlisting people from around the country in the effort. • “Green” buildings and zero-energy homes could revolutionize America’s building stock by providing pleasant, comfortable spaces with dramatically lower impact on the global climate. Pittsburgh and other cities are driving innovations in green building, while engineers, home builders and researchers are building the first wave of “zero energy homes” across the country. • Addressing global warming will require efforts from people of all walks of life. Communities like Greensburg, Kansas—a small rural town nearly wiped off the map by a devastating tornado in 2007—and the South Bronx neighborhood of New York City are showing how residents can come together to weave efforts to reduce global warming pollution into strategies for community development. Cities, states and the federal government should build upon the successes of these efforts by setting mandatory, science-based caps on global warming pollution, adopting strong clean energy policies, and investing in the transition to a low-carbon economy. • Individual states and the federal government should adopt mandatory, science-based caps on global warming pollution. At minimum, those caps should be consistent with a national goal of reducing emissions by at least 15-20 percent below today’s levels by 2020 and by at least 80 percent below today’s levels by 2050. Revenues from any program that puts a price on global warming pollution should be used to aid in the transition to a clean energy economy and to reduce the cost of emission reductions to consumers. • Cities, states and the federal government should make energy efficiency improvements and accelerated development of renewable energy the centerpiece of their environmental and economic development policies. Advanced building energy codes; strong energy efficiency standards for buildings, appliances and vehicles; and mandatory targets for renewable power generation and energy efficiency savings are among the policies that can reduce global warming pollution and put the nation on a clean energy path. • Global warming and fossil fuel dependence should become central considerations in land-use planning and publi sector investment decisions. America should increase its investment in public transportation and rail transportation to reduce emissions from transportation. All new public buildings should meet rigorous standards for energy efficiency and the use of clean energy. http://www.environmenttexas.org/reports/global-warming/global-warming-reports/global-warming-solutions-that-work Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:54:31 -0500