Posted by bosskitty on November 12, 2007
Unravelling the sceptics
What do “climate sceptics” believe?
You might think that you know the answer, having heard, seen and read numerous counter-blasts aimed at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) over the course of this year, as the three components of its landmark climate assessment were published.
The IPCC and many of the world’s climate scientists would, of course, profoundly disagree with the conclusions evidenced by this small group, and I have linked to some articles which detail some of the science behind their disagreement.
I see the results of climate in my 2 acre back yard. This is beyond seasonal flux. History of the climate in my part of the world, TEXAS, has been sliding toward desertification for the past 100 years. I research the impact of changes around the world. The USA is not an island in and of itself, what happens around the world will effect us greatly. We need to pay attention.
Why is the BBC so on top of this whole discussion? The US media has not given this kind of “In Depth” coverage because of commercial and political influence. When serious research is necessary, the US media is the last source to use. The remainder of the world is conscious of the imminent impact on their world. The arrogance of US policy has insulated its population from the attention so badly needed. You and I will be adjusting our lives radically in the next few years, if we plan to survive …
Posted in Waste, Water, air quality, changing planet, climate crisis, critical resources, environment, global community, neglect, responsibility, science | No Comments »
Posted by bosskitty on October 21, 2007
ScienceDaily (Oct. 21, 2007) — Consumption of energy and many other critical resources is consistently breaking records, disrupting the climate and undermining life on the planet, according to the latest Worldwatch Institute report, Vital Signs 2007-2008. According to Erik Assadourian, Vital Signs Project Director.
“The world is running out of time to head off catastrophic climate change, and it is essential that Europe and the rest of the international community bring pressure to bear on U.S. policy makers to address the climate crisis,” said Assadourian, who spoke at the Barcelona launch of Vital Signs. “The United States must be held accountable for its emissions, double the per capita level in Europe, and should follow the EU lead by committing to reducing its total greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050.”
While U.S. carbon emissions continue to grow, the fastest growth is occurring in Asia, particularly China and India. But without a U.S. commitment to emissions constraints, persuading China and India to commit to reductions is unlikely. “The only hope for reducing the world’s carbon emissions is for the U.S. to begin reducing its emissions and cooperating with other nations immediately. The EU may be the only entity that can make that happen,” said Assadourian.
“With the U.S. Congress preparing to take up far-ranging climate legislation this fall, and with President Bush planning to hold an international climate change summit in Washington, now is the time to act. If the U.S. and other nations walk away without concrete plans to implement a binding agreement, the EU should not hesitate to use its diplomatic clout to press the issue,” suggested Assadourian.
Already, the window to prevent catastrophic climate change appears to be closing. Some governments are starting to redirect their attention away from climate change mitigation and towards staking their claims in a warming world. “Canada is spending $3 billion to build eight new patrol boats to reinforce its claim over the Arctic waterways. Denmark and Russia are starting to vie for control over the Lomonosov Ridge, where new sources of oil and natural gas could be accessed if the Arctic Circle becomes ice free—fossil fuels that will further exacerbate climate change. These actions assume that a warming world is here,” said Assadourian.
How fast can the world get it’s act together? When will the United States turn it’s attention away from World Military Dominance to World Ecological Responsibility? When does the light turn on that there will be no world to dominate if nothing stops the downward trend of Global Warming? Yes, wars will be fought over food and water, not oil.
Posted in Vital Signs, Water, air quality, climate crisis, critical resources, emissions, food, greenhouse gas, health | Tagged: Climate, climate crisis, critical resources, Earth, Energy, Evolution, Global, Vital Signs, World Watch Institute | No Comments »
Posted by bosskitty on October 21, 2007
Texas Clean School Bus Program
What Your School Can Do About Air Pollution from School Buses
As a result of House Bill 3469, the Texas Legislature authorized the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to launch and administer a clean school bus program designed to improve the health of bus drivers and children by reducing emissions of diesel exhaust from school buses. The comprehensive Texas Clean School Bus Program will give funding and other resources to school districts throughout Texas.
The Texas Education Agency reports that more than 33 percent of the school buses in local fleets are more than 10 years old. In the years since these vehicles were purchased, several advancements in vehicle and engine technology have helped reduce emissions from school buses, which helps reduce air pollution.
To help school districts retrofit their fleets, financial assistance is available from the Texas Clean School Bus Program.
THE CARROT:
TCEQ Clean School Bus Grants - School districts can apply for more than $7.5 million in grants for eligible projects to offset the incremental cost of projects that reduce emissions of diesel exhaust.
School districts must apply, get approved and wait for approval. $75 million is the carrot - Funding available to school districts located in designated counties through TERP grants, which could cover part of the cost of purchasing a new school bus with better emission controls. Funding available in certain areas of the state where SEP third-party project administrators have agreed to participate in clean school bus retrofit projects. There are caveats! This sounds good on the surface. The details appear to have an exclusive twist. I see a political connection to approving these “grants”.
Today’s Texas Air Quality Forecast
Posted in Texas, air quality, children, emissions, school busses | Tagged: air quality, children, emissions, school busses, Texas | 1 Comment »
