Global Warming News Blog

Panel nixes industry-backed mileage plan

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A House committee on Thursday rejected an auto industry-backed plan to raise gas mileage standards for new vehicles. Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee wanted to increase the requirements for any vehicle that uses renewable fuels. The measure was put together after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., signaled her support for a Senate plan passed last week to increase standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The committee is considering energy legisla...

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: Blair's Act II

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

Tony Blair stepped down Wednesday as prime minister of the United Kingdom. Tradition calls for him to visit Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace and inform her he is leaving; the queen then phones Gordon Brown, Blair's long-established successor, to ask him to form a new government.

Thus ends a decade-long career, much of it stellar -- but overshadowed ultimately by Blair's loyalty to U.S. intervention in Iraq. When Iraq went sour, the main political casualty was not George Bush but the other best-known Western leader.

Now that Blair has snapped the book shut on his last prime minister's questions, the international community wants to give him a job. The "Quartet" of mediating powers in the Middle East -- the European Union, the United States, the United Nations, and Russia -- is said to be thinking of Blair as its envoy. Other international groups want him, too.

Poison Ivy - thicker this year? What to watch out for!

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

It's itchy and annoying and this year, poison ivy is thriving. A new study suggests- global warming may be to blame for an increase in the plant's size and the severity of the rash it causes.

The study is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Researchers examined how the increase of carbon dioxide in the past 50 years, brought on by climate change, has affected the growth of poison ivy.

At Frederick Meijer Gardens, Horticulturist Rob McCartney doesn't necessarily agree with the finding of the study, but says poison ivy is something we all need to learn how to spot. As he points to a large patch of it in the far corners of the property he says, ?It really likes the forest edge environment."

Step toward synthetic life reported

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

Scientists at the institute directed by J. Craig Venter, a pioneer in sequencing the human genome, are reporting that they have successfully transplanted the genome of one species of bacteria into another, an achievement they see as a major step toward creating synthetic forms of life.

Other scientists who did not participate in the research praised the achievement, reported today in the journal Science. But some expressed skepticism that it was as significant as Venter said.

His goal is to make cells that might take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and produce methane, used as a feedstock for other fuels. Such an achievement might reduce dependency on fossil fuels and strike a blow at global warming.

The Golden Age of yard work

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

In little more than 60 years, the number of domestic manufacturers of push mowers has declined from 60 to a single company, aptly named American Lawn Mower. But the market is growing for the Shelbyville, Ind., company. While sales still lag far behind power mowers ? 350,000 vs. six million ? the numbers have increased more than three-fold in the last five years, according to The Associated Press. Spokesmen for sales outlets interviewed by the AP credited greater numbers of women doing lawn work ...

Weird weather?

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

Melvin Rakes remembers standing in the back yard with his grandmother, watching red and yellow dust clouds swirl across the horizon.

“That dust got in everything. You couldn’t keep anything clean,” Rakes said of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. “No grass would grow in the yard. Boy, it was rough.”

Rakes was born on a small farm north of Seneca, 150 yards from his home today. As a young man, he raised horses, cattle and hay on land his great-grandfather settled in 1871. Now 71, Rakes said he has studied the weather during his lifetime, and he worries that humans have contributed to a change in the Earth’s climate, and the frequency and intensity of storms. He predicts a bleak future for farming.

Wind should play key role in energy mix

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

As a proponent of renewable energy and a West Texas wind energy entrepreneur, I would like to comment on Alex Mills? June 18 column.

Mills, president of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, represents the industry that has been at the forefront of development of the modern age.

Since the discovery of oil in the mid-1800s, we have witnessed growth and prosperity unimagined by our forefathers. For that we are thankful. But it?s time to assess the results of that development and the use of those fuels on our planet and mankind.

Armed for summer fun

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

NEW YORK — For youngsters heading off to summer camp, scribbling initials on a pair of underwear just doesn?t cut it anymore.

Karen Kastenbaum and her son, Daniel, pack his clothes and camping supplies in their New York apartment on Tuesday.

Parents concerned about dangers from global warming to West Nile virus are stuffing their children?s suitcases with everything they need and more to fight bugs and soaring temperatures.

Bikes on rural roads: Room to share?

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

It is a tragedy that someone was killed (bicycling in rural Washington County, "Rural roads are a tight squeeze for bikes, cars," June 24), but regrettably, it is not surprising. I live in rural Tillamook County and drive on two-lane country roads with no shoulder in the course of going about my life. Bicyclists are encountered regularly. It is quite an adrenalin "rush" to come around a blind curve to find several cyclists in the middle of your lane and a log truck coming toward you in the opposing lane. Of course you have to hit the brakes and pray that you can slow enough.

I can't help but wonder if these visitors have any regard for their own safety, let alone mine. Often, they are in no hurry to move to the side of the road to let you get by them without having to go completely into the other lane. In fact, I have to say that many are rather rude.

This is a case where common sense should prevail. Until we are all forced to rely on two-wheeled transportation, the roads that were built for cars and trucks should be left to cars and trucks. If there is no bicycle lane, I would hope that people would have enough brains to stay off rural roads.

Collaborating with the Earth

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

I do not agree with Samuel Johnson that remarriage is the triumph of hope over experience.

That dubious triumph belongs to the gardener, not the bride and groom.

By the time the seed catalogue comes through my urban door slot in midwinter, I have forgotten last summer's yellow wilt, the invasion of the monster tomato worms, and the enemy battalions of weeds.

County approves solar power project

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

With the familiar backdrop of cloudy skies and a light drizzle, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners on Thursday backed a plan to build the largest solar power installation in the Northwest.

The $9 million project is expected to cost the county almost nothing because of outside grants and a generous array of tax breaks, some just crafted by the Oregon Legislature.

"It's the right thing to do," said Commissioner Jeff Cogen, who is leading the effort. "It helps with global warming; it doesn't create air pollution, but it's also our economic future."

Empire District Electric buys wind energy

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

Empire District Electric Co. is increasing its ownership in wind energy.

The Joplin-based utility announced today a 20-year purchased power agreement with Cloud County Wind Farm, owned by Houston-based Horizon Wind Energy.

Empire will purchase about 100 megawatts from what will now be called the Meridian Way Wind Farm in Cloud County, Kan. Empire anticipates that it will purchase about 350,000 megawatt-hours of energy annually from the project enough to power 25,000 homes.

For Businesses That Want to Go Green, Do-It-Yourself

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

So let's say this whole alternative-energy craze inspires you and me to rethink our energy consumption. Who can we call to help change our carbon-choked ways? At the moment, that's problematic. We'd need to find a mom-and-pop solar dealer or maybe a local electrician or construction guy who understands the nuances of solar, wind, bioenergy--even soy insulation. And that's the easy part. Opinions would vary as to how much energy we'd save and how much it should cost. The price might be $18,000. Or $80,000.

The disorder, and the huge dollars at stake, has attracted a slew of companies that want to do for the aspiring greenie what Home Depot (NYSE:HD) did for do-it-yourselfers and contractors in the 1980s, when it consolidated a fragmented market of small paint shops, lumberyards, and hardware stores under one roof. The general idea: Call a toll-free number and a renewable-energy specialist walks you through the process, discussing the best technology options for your location.

The concept has huge potential. Solar is already a $15 billion business worldwide and growing 40% annually. Public concern over global warming, the environment, and rising electric bills as well as government tax credits and better technology are projected to drive that market as high as $75 billion by 2010. Hence the rush to grab share now. "There really isn't a national brand, so there's a tremendous opportunity," gushes Elon Musk, the former PayPal (NASDAQ:EBAY) CEO who invested ...

Fundraising while recycling

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

Worm poop and old soda bottles. While an unlikely combo, the two are being used to raise money and also help the environment.

Through the simple act of recycling, some adults and children are learning a lesson in conservation and fundraising as they participate in TerraCycle Inc.'s Bottle Brigade program.

House committee defeats increase to gas mileage standards

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:43:24 +0000

WASHINGTON House committee on Thursday rejected an auto industry-backed plan to raise gas mileage standards for new vehicles.

Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee wanted to increase the requirements for any vehicle that uses renewable fuels. The measure was put together after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., signaled her support for a Senate plan passed last week to increase standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

The committee approved energy legislation that would improve energy efficiency of buildings and home appliances, modernize the electric grid and promote renewable fuels. The measure does not address mileage standards because committee Democrats want to deal with the issue later this year.

Editorial roundup

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:17:19 +0000

(AP) ? Excerpts from recent editorials in newspapers in the United States and abroad:

Los Angeles Times, on immigration reform:

... That 64 senators voted to revive debate on the (immigration) bill is a tribute to both (Senate Majority Leader Harry) Reid, who recognized that he had overplayed his parliamentary hand, and President Bush, who amped up his advocacy by endorsing a $4.4-billion "direct deposit" for border security. But as important as Tuesday's vote was, it's no guarantee that an acceptable bill will emerge from the amendment process in the Senate, much less survive consideration by the House or a tug of war in a conference committee.

U.S. House boosts funding for parks, environment

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:17:19 +0000

The House on Wednesday approved a bill to hike spending for the environment, national parks and global warming research.

The measure, approved 272-155, would allocate $27.6 billion for the Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service and other agencies, a 4.3 percent increase over current spending.

The president's budget office and some GOP lawmakers criticized the bill as overly generous, but Democrats said spending for national parks and other environmental priorities has been shortchanged for years.

House raises parks, environment funding

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:17:19 +0000

Researchers: Antarctica Ice Sheet Stable

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:17:19 +0000

An ice sheet in Antarctica that is the world's largest _ with enough water to raise global sea levels by 200 feet _ is relatively stable and poses no immediate threat, according to new research.

While studies of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets show they are both at risk from global warming, the East Antarctic ice sheet will "need quite a bit of warming" to be affected, Andrew Mackintosh, a senior lecturer at Victoria University, said Wednesday.

The air over the East Antarctic ice sheet, an ice mass more than 1,875 miles across and up to 2.5 miles thick centered on the South Pole, will remain cold enough to prevent significant melting in the near future, the New Zealand-led research shows.

Starbucks signs up to promote "green" movie

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:17:19 +0000

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Coffee shop chain Starbucks Corp. on Thursday unveiled plans to promote a new summer movie, "Arctic Tale," as part of its long-standing commitment to supporting environmental causes.

The documentary produced by National Geographic Ventures and Paramount Classics film studio tells of the early years in the life of a polar bear and a walrus, whose habitat in the icy arctic environment is threatened by global warming.

"Starbucks has a commitment to environmental issues, and promoting this film allows us to keep to that commitment and provide our customers with information about issues of climate change," said Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment.

Ten Beaches You've Never Heard Of

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:17:19 +0000

"The beach was crowded/people tossed like ripe corn/buttering themselves as they went."

The poet Anne Sexton (1928-1974) wrote those words. But they could easily fill the back of a postcard sent by the millions who spend their summer vacations at the shore. Let's not forget the fun of getting there: the kickboxing matches in the back seat, and your car's awesome contribution to global warming in the crawl of traffic.

There are alternatives--stretches of sand where you may not see anyone else for miles; where you can swim with green turtles; or where you can pick a mango from a tree and wash yourself off in the purest of waterfalls. A little piece of nirvana can be had in Florida and California, or in Fiji and Sri Lanka.

United States primed for a post-partisan president

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:17:19 +0000

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is in the right place at the right time for his non-partisan message about our paralyzed parties' lack of will to solve big problems.

House Democrats push energy debate

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:17:19 +0000

WASHINGTON -- Backers of tougher fuel economy standards in the U.S. House pledged Wednesday to push their proposals ahead over the next several weeks, while U.S. Rep. John Dingell said his committee will wait until later this year before tackling any such plan.

But if the debate reaches the House floor next month, Dingell and the industry's supporters will be ready with their own fuel economy plan, if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D.-Calif., decides to let the debate get that far.

Ford, Chrysler join GM in group fighting greenhouse gas emissions

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:17:19 +0000

DETROIT Ford Motor Co. and the Chrysler Group have followed General Motors Corp. in joining the United States Climate Action Partnership, a coalition that wants to reduce greenhouse gases tied to global warming.

The alliance of big business and environmental groups told President Bush in January that mandatory emissions caps are needed to reduce the flow of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere.

Ford and Chrysler on Wednesday announced their membership in the coalition.

Climate coalition grows

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:17:19 +0000

Ford Motor Co. and the Chrysler Group have followed General Motors Corp. in joining the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, a coalition that wants to reduce greenhouse gases tied to global warming.

The alliance of big business and environmental groups told President George W. Bush in January that mandatory emissions caps are needed to reduce the flow of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere.