Michele Kearney's Environmental Blog - Environmental degradation and waning natural resources including energy resources threaten U.S. security. And the loss of renewable natural resources, including forests, fresh water, fish and fertile soils, can drive political instability and conflict in the developing world, and around the globe. In short, natural resoures, energy and the environment are national security issues.
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Saturday, March 24, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Climate disarray: skipping spring and going straight to summer
March 23, 2012 – CHICAGO – The United States and parts of Canada have come out of winter to find a lingering ridge of high pressure inducing summer-like conditions. The map above shows surface temperature anomalies during March 13-19 compared to averages for those dates over the last 10 years. More than 1,054 locations set new daily high temperatures records and 627 saw new record lows. “Records are not only being broken across the country, they’re being broken in unusual ways,’ reports NASA’s Adam Voiland. “Chicago, for example, saw temperatures above 26.6° Celsius (80° Fahrenheit) every day between March 14-18, breaking records on all five days. For context, the National Weather Service noted that Chicago typically averages only one day in the eighties each in April. And only once in 140 years of weather observations has April produced as many 80°Fahrenheit days as this March,” Volland wrote. “Meanwhile, Climate Central reported that in Rochester, Minnesota, the overnight low temperature on March 18 was 16.6° Celsius (62° Fahrenheit), a temperature so high it beat the record high of 15.5°Celsius (60° Fahrenheit) for the same date,” Volland added. –Discovery News
Energy requirements make Antarctic fur seal pups vulnerable to climate change
Energy requirements make Antarctic fur seal pups vulnerable to climate change
Santa Cruz CA (SPX) Mar 23, 2012
A new study suggests that climate change could pose a risk for Antarctic
fur seals in their first few months of life. The study, published in
the journal Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, found that changing
weather conditions can impact the metabolic rates of fur seal pups.
Climate models predict windier and wetter conditions in Antarctica in
the coming years, and that could cause
Researchers describe method for cleaning up nuclear waste
Researchers describe method for cleaning up nuclear waste
Notre Dame IN (SPX) Mar 23, 2012
While the costs associated with storing nuclear waste and the
possibility of it leaching into the environment remain legitimate
concerns, they may no longer be obstacles on the road to cleaner energy.
A new paper by researchers at the University of Notre Dame, led by
Thomas E. Albrecht-Schmitt, professor of civil engineering and
geological sciences and concurrent professor of chemistry and
While the costs associated with storing nuclear waste and the
possibility of it leaching into the environment remain legitimate
concerns, they may no longer be obstacles on the road to cleaner energy.
A new paper by researchers at the University of Notre Dame, led by
Thomas E. Albrecht-Schmitt, professor of civil engineering and
geological sciences and concurrent professor of chemistry andClinton warns of terrorism, instability over water
Clinton warns of terrorism, instability over water
Washington (AFP) March 22, 2012
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Thursday of the risk of
terrorism, political instability and conflict over competition for
scarce water supplies worldwide over the next few decades.
Clinton highlighted such risks that were outlined in the unclassified
version of a report on global water security - which she had requested -
that was released Thursday
Fracking Fluid Soaks Ohio
Fracking Fluid Soaks Ohio
BusinessWeek
By Mark Niquette on March 22, 2012 The nationwide boom in hydraulic fracturing—aka fracking—means energy-extraction companies in the US can produce thousands of barrels of oil and millions of cubic feet of natural gas from once-inaccessible places.
BusinessWeek
By Mark Niquette on March 22, 2012 The nationwide boom in hydraulic fracturing—aka fracking—means energy-extraction companies in the US can produce thousands of barrels of oil and millions of cubic feet of natural gas from once-inaccessible places.
EPA Putting Oil Refineries Out of Business
EPA Putting Oil Refineries Out of Business
Editorial, Investors
Fearing gas price spikes on the East Coast this summer, Washington pols are trying to talk refiners out of closing unprofitable plants. It's the EPA they ought to hector. The untold story behind soaring pump prices is that major U.S. refineries are going out of business and creating at least regional shortages thanks in no small part to costly EPA rules. . .
Fearing gas price spikes on the East Coast this summer, Washington pols are trying to talk refiners out of closing unprofitable plants. It's the EPA they ought to hector. The untold story behind soaring pump prices is that major U.S. refineries are going out of business and creating at least regional shortages thanks in no small part to costly EPA rules. . .
Media news station attempts to unravel enigma of bird deaths
Media news station attempts to unravel enigma of bird deaths
March 23, 2012 – ARKANSAS - Remember
New Year’s Eve 2010 when thousands of birds mysteriously dropped from
the sky over Beebe, Arkansas? Well, the mystery has been solved. Last
May, a crew from the National Geographic Channel dropped by the
NewsChannel5 Weather Office. They wanted to see what important
information we had found regarding the bird deaths over Beebe. Indeed,
my research indicated a unique radar signature several thousand feet
above the birds just as the mass deaths were occurring. With the help of
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a unique weather phenomenon was
blamed for startling the birds and causing the mayhem that resulted in
the demise of thousands of birds that night. On Thursday, an all-new
National Geographic Special will debut explaining the Beebe event as
well as several other mass animal deaths that occurred last winter. The show, “Omens of the Apocalypse,” airs on the National Geographic Channel at 10 p.m.
Is North America the New Middle East for Oil?
Is North America the New Middle East for Oil?
With
the President of the United States currently playing the role of
pessimist-in-chief with regard to US energy independence, it's
refreshing to see that goal raised as a serious possibility by someone
whose experience and position give him deeper insights on the subject. A
few years ago Ed Morse was running the oil trading operation for Hess,
and now he's at Citigroup.
"A Substantial Failure" Of Energy Education
"A Substantial Failure" Of Energy Education
It
is a curious thing when a mindset develops. Thoughts, data
interpretation, reactions, and behaviors become solidified into
expectations about what is normal and what is to come as that sense of
normal changes. It's an important process of human development, and it
is a particularly interesting thing to look at on a national scale --
and when it comes to American perspectives on energy, attempting to sort
out the present situation requires looking at what 'we', the
collective USA, have been telling ourselves.Earlier this week, Michale
Spence exclaimed:
Report cites controversial mining firms
Report cites controversial mining firms
Santiago, Chile (UPI) Mar 22, 2012
The world's most controversial mining companies are named - and shamed -
in a report comparing their performance against U.N. and other
environmental, social and governance principles.
Environmental dangers from mining operations in both emerging markets
and developed countries gained new prominence with growing controversy
over fracking - demolition of whole stretches of mountains a
The world's most controversial mining companies are named - and shamed -
in a report comparing their performance against U.N. and other
environmental, social and governance principles.
Environmental dangers from mining operations in both emerging markets
and developed countries gained new prominence with growing controversy
over fracking - demolition of whole stretches of mountains aEngineers enlist weather model to optimize offshore wind plan
Engineers enlist weather model to optimize offshore wind plan
Stanford CA (SPX) Mar 23, 2012
Politics aside, most energy experts agree that cheap, clean, renewable
wind energy holds great potential to help the world satisfy energy needs
while reducing harmful greenhouse gases. Wind farms placed offshore
could play a large role in meeting such challenges, and yet no offshore
wind farms exist today in the United States.
Study finds room to store CO2 underground
Study finds room to store CO2 underground
Boston MA (SPX) Mar 23, 2012
A new study by researchers at MIT shows that there is enough capacity in
deep saline aquifers in the United States to store at least a century's
worth of carbon dioxide emissions from the nation's coal-fired
powerplants. Though questions remain about the economics of systems to
capture and store such gases, this study addresses a major issue that
has overshadowed such proposals.
New Discoveries for Carbon Capture and Storage
New Discoveries for Carbon Capture and Storage
Climate
change is generally attributed to carbon emissions, and efforts to
reduce carbon emissions tend to focus on clean energy sources such as
wind or solar power. However despite the advances in clean energy
sources many believe that humanities greenhouse gas emissions are so
vast that these technologies can no longer help solve the problem on
their own. A new MIT study led by Ruben Juanes, the ARCO Associate
Professor in Energy Studies in the Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering, has proven that there is enough capacity in deep…Read more...
US May Hold Large Reserves of Shale Oil, but is it Economically Out of Reach?
US May Hold Large Reserves of Shale Oil, but is it Economically Out of Reach?
There
is a lot of talk recently that "tight oil" as found in North Dakota's
Bakken and other shales in the Southwest will save America from stagnant
global oil production and increasing gasoline prices. The current glut
of natural gas which has brought prices to a 10-year low has forced
companies drilling for gas to curtail their activity and move the crews
and rigs to North Dakota and Texas where money can still be made in
drilling for shale oil. New well completions in North Dakota are
expected to surge again this year. A recent pronouncement…Read more...
Pulsed Injection can Increase the Amount of Recoverable Oil in a Well by 10%
Pulsed Injection can Increase the Amount of Recoverable Oil in a Well by 10%
When
oil fields start to age and their production reduces, there is little
that can be done. Generally oil remains within the well, however it is
unreachable, due to it being trapped within difficult rock formations.
Oil companies tasked with extracting additional oil from aging wells
used to inject fluids into the rock to mix with the oil and drive it out
for easier extraction in a process known as secondary recovery. However
there is a major drawback to this approach which prevents it from being
very effective. The fluids tend to follow the path…Read more...
Latin America's Clean Energy Investment Opportunities
Latin America's Clean Energy Investment Opportunities
Brazil,
Nicaragua and Panama have been ranked the most attractive countries for
clean energy investments in Latin America and the Caribbean by
Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) and the Multilateral Investment
Fund. The partnership has developed Climatescope – a review of the
environment for low-carbon in the region, ranking 26 countries on their
climate policies, the availability of climate finance, low-carbon
businesses and clean-energy value chains, as well as their greenhouse
gas management activities.Brazil, the world’s fifth…Read more...
Tom Murphy Interview: Resource Depletion is a Bigger Threat than Climate Change
Tom Murphy Interview: Resource Depletion is a Bigger Threat than Climate Change
Rising
geopolitical tensions and high oil prices are continuing to help
renewable energy find favour amongst investors and politicians. Yet how
much faith should we place in renewables to make up the shortfall in
fossil fuels? Can science really solve our energy problems, and which
sectors offers the best hope for our energy future?To help us get to the
bottom of this we spoke with energy specialist Dr. Tom Murphy, an
associate professor of physics at the University of California. Tom runs
the popular energy blog Do the Math which takes an
astrophysicist’s-eye…Read more...
Obama hits back at energy policy critics
| Obama hits back at energy policy critics |
| http://link.ft.com/r/BLH300/ |
"Would You Like Sugar and Fat with That?"
"Would You Like Sugar and Fat with That?" -- Tracie McMillan, author of
"The American Way of Eating," goes undercover in grocery stores,
restaurants and the country's agricultural fields to find out why it's
so hard for us to eat healthy food.
http://www.truthdig.com/arts_
http://www.truthdig.com/arts_
From PennEnergy: This Week's Most Popular Oil & Gas News
This Week's Most Popular Oil & Gas News
• Woodside Pluto LNG project ready to kick-off production
• Petroleum demand falls 2.3 percent
• Estimated $2 trillion oil production from Permian Basin
• Americans believe benefits of natural gas outweigh risk
• Valero suspends refining at Aruba
• Shale gas production sharing contract for CNPC, Shell in China
• New oil discovery in the Santos Basin Pre-salt
• Global oil supplies stretched by Chinese demand
• Marcellus Shale acquisition runs $2.5B for Williams
• Europa withdraws from Cuejdiu license in Romania
• Woodside Pluto LNG project ready to kick-off production
• Petroleum demand falls 2.3 percent
• Estimated $2 trillion oil production from Permian Basin
• Americans believe benefits of natural gas outweigh risk
• Valero suspends refining at Aruba
• Shale gas production sharing contract for CNPC, Shell in China
• New oil discovery in the Santos Basin Pre-salt
• Global oil supplies stretched by Chinese demand
• Marcellus Shale acquisition runs $2.5B for Williams
• Europa withdraws from Cuejdiu license in Romania
Eco News Saline aquifers can store century's worth of CO2 emissions
Eco News
Saline aquifers can store century's worth of CO2 emissions
http://zeenews.india.com/news/eco-news/saline-aquifers-can-store-century-s-worth-of-co2-e_765497.html
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Seismic survey at the Mariana trench will follow water dragged down into the Earth's mantle
Seismic survey at the Mariana trench will follow water dragged down into the Earth's mantle
(PhysOrg.com) -- Last month, Doug Wiens, PhD, professor of earth and planetary science at Washington University in St. Louis, was cruising the tropical waters of the western Pacific above the Mariana trench aboard the research vessel Thomas G. Thompson.
(PhysOrg.com) -- Last month, Doug Wiens, PhD, professor of earth and planetary science at Washington University in St. Louis, was cruising the tropical waters of the western Pacific above the Mariana trench aboard the research vessel Thomas G. Thompson.
Earth's crust slowly being destroyed
Earth's crust slowly being destroyed
(PhysOrg.com) -- New research shows that the Earth’s crust is now undergoing high rates of destruction.
(PhysOrg.com) -- New research shows that the Earth’s crust is now undergoing high rates of destruction.
International study estimates ocean value
International study estimates ocean value
Professor Robert Diaz of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, is a co-editor of "Valuing the Ocean" a major new study by an international team of scientists and economists that attempts to measure the ocean's monetary value and to tally the costs and savings associated with human decisions affecting ocean health.
Professor Robert Diaz of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, is a co-editor of "Valuing the Ocean" a major new study by an international team of scientists and economists that attempts to measure the ocean's monetary value and to tally the costs and savings associated with human decisions affecting ocean health.
Small clique of nations found to dominate global trading web of food, water
Small clique of nations found to dominate global trading web of food, water
It's not easy, or economically feasible, to ship freshwater across the globe. But when scientists use food as a proxy for that water - taking into account how much crops are irrigated and livestock are fed - they can get a glimpse of the flow of freshwater between countries. When one research group studied this "virtual water network," they found that the interconnectedness between countries has almost doubled over the last two decades - potentially lending some resiliency to the water trade. Still, a handful of nations control a majority of the freshwater flow, and some regions, including much of Africa, are left out of the trading loop.
It's not easy, or economically feasible, to ship freshwater across the globe. But when scientists use food as a proxy for that water - taking into account how much crops are irrigated and livestock are fed - they can get a glimpse of the flow of freshwater between countries. When one research group studied this "virtual water network," they found that the interconnectedness between countries has almost doubled over the last two decades - potentially lending some resiliency to the water trade. Still, a handful of nations control a majority of the freshwater flow, and some regions, including much of Africa, are left out of the trading loop.
Obama seen 'pulling a fast one' with pipeline photo op
Obama seen 'pulling a fast one' with pipeline photo op
On Thursday, President Obama will travel to
Cushing, Okla., to announce that he is speeding up the permit process for
the southern section of the Keystone XL pipeline — which does not connect
to Canada. “The problem is, we don’t need any presidential approval for
that," says Rep. John Sullivan, R-Okla. "It doesn’t cross any
international lines." Read & Comment
U.S. intel: Water may be next tool of terrorism
U.S.
intel: Water may be next tool of terrorism
Beyond 2022, the use of water as a weapon of war
or a tool of terrorism will become more likely, particularly in South Asia,
the Middle East and North Africa, U.S. intelligence agencies said in a
report released Thursday. Read & Comment
Why spring is blooming marvelous (and climate change makes it earlier)
Why spring is blooming marvelous (and climate change makes it earlier)
Norwich, UK (SPX) Mar 23, 2012
With buds bursting early, only for a mild winter to turn Arctic and wipe
them out, we are witnessing how warm weather can trigger flowering,
even out of season, and how important it is for plants to blossom at the
right time of year.
BBSRC-funded scientists have unpicked why temperature has such a
powerful affect on how plants flower. In research to be published in the
journal Nature, scie
With buds bursting early, only for a mild winter to turn Arctic and wipe
them out, we are witnessing how warm weather can trigger flowering,
even out of season, and how important it is for plants to blossom at the
right time of year.
BBSRC-funded scientists have unpicked why temperature has such a
powerful affect on how plants flower. In research to be published in the
journal Nature, scieNew dataset provides 40 year record of CO2 accumulation in the surface ocean
New dataset provides 40 year record of CO2 accumulation in the surface ocean
Norwich UK (SPX) Mar 23, 2012
The most comprehensive dataset of surface water carbon dioxide (CO2)
measurements for the world's oceans and coastal seas is launched last
week by an international team of scientists led by the University of
East Anglia (UEA).
The Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT) comprises 6.3 million global
observations made from research vessels, commercial ships and moorings
around the world since 1968.
The most comprehensive dataset of surface water carbon dioxide (CO2)
measurements for the world's oceans and coastal seas is launched last
week by an international team of scientists led by the University of
East Anglia (UEA).
The Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT) comprises 6.3 million global
observations made from research vessels, commercial ships and moorings
around the world since 1968.Corn insecticide linked to great die-off of beneficial honeybees
Corn insecticide linked to great die-off of beneficial honeybees
Washington DC (SPX) Mar 23, 2012
New research has linked springtime die-offs of honeybees critical for
pollinating food crops - part of the mysterious malady called colony
collapse disorder - with technology for planting corn coated with
insecticides.
The study, published in ACS' journal Environmental Science and
Technology, appears on the eve of spring planting seasons in some parts
of Europe where farmers use the techno
New research has linked springtime die-offs of honeybees critical for
pollinating food crops - part of the mysterious malady called colony
collapse disorder - with technology for planting corn coated with
insecticides.
The study, published in ACS' journal Environmental Science and
Technology, appears on the eve of spring planting seasons in some parts
of Europe where farmers use the technoAtlanta’s Water War Is First in a Gathering Flood
Atlanta’s Water War Is First in a Gathering Flood
Peter Orszag looks at a dispute over water supplies in the southeastern United States to underscore the need for water policy reforms and greater infrastructure investment.Little guy wins high court fight with EPA
'Little guy' wins high court fight with EPA
In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court on
Wednesday gave an Idaho couple another chance to challenge a government
ruling barring construction of their "dream house," an important property
rights defeat for the Obama administration. "The Supreme Court has come to
our rescue," Mike Sackett said, "and reminded the EPA — and everyone —
that this is still America, and Americans still have rights under the
Constitution." Read & Comment
Cold Snaps and Snowstorms: Evidence of Global Weirding?
By Dan Huber, March 22, 2012
NOAA recently declared this winter to be the 4th warmest on record for the contiguous United States. That sort of announcement might be expected in a warming world. But what about the relatively cold winters of 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, which featured historic blizzards in the Midwest and the East Coast? Florida had snow seven times in 2010! And while we Americans enjoyed a very mild winter this... » Continue...
NOAA recently declared this winter to be the 4th warmest on record for the contiguous United States. That sort of announcement might be expected in a warming world. But what about the relatively cold winters of 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, which featured historic blizzards in the Midwest and the East Coast? Florida had snow seven times in 2010! And while we Americans enjoyed a very mild winter this... » Continue...
Quake Risk From Fracking Seen Cut With Disclosures, US Says
Quake Risk From Fracking Seen Cut With Disclosures, U.S. Says
Bloomberg
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources proposed this month creating rules for transporting and disposing of the fluids after concluding quakes last year were probably caused by water from oil and natural-gas drilling, know as fracking, being injected ...
Bloomberg
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources proposed this month creating rules for transporting and disposing of the fluids after concluding quakes last year were probably caused by water from oil and natural-gas drilling, know as fracking, being injected ...
Hydraulic Fracturing Related to Seismic Activity in Ohio
| Hydraulic Fracturing Related to Seismic Activity in Ohio GreenAnswers By Almire Sidik on Thu, 03/22/2012 - 9:41am Hydraulic fracturing (aka fracking) has been linked to several earthquakes in the Youngstown, Ohio area starting in March, 2011. The earthquakes ranged in magnitude from 2.1 to 4.0, with a 4.0 quake occurring ... |
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Amount of coldest Antarctic water near ocean floor decreasing for decades
Amount of coldest Antarctic water near ocean floor decreasing for decades
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists have found a large reduction in the amount of the coldest deep ocean water, called Antarctic Bottom Water, all around the Southern Ocean using data collected from 1980 to 2011. These findings, in a study now online, will likely stimulate new research on the causes of this change.
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists have found a large reduction in the amount of the coldest deep ocean water, called Antarctic Bottom Water, all around the Southern Ocean using data collected from 1980 to 2011. These findings, in a study now online, will likely stimulate new research on the causes of this change.
Chemical pollution in Europe's seas: The monitoring must catch up with the science
Chemical pollution in Europe's seas: The monitoring must catch up with the science
According to a recent poll of more than 10,000 citizens from ten European countries, pollution is the primary concern of the public at large among all issues that threaten the marine environment. A new position paper of the Marine Board-ESF shows that such public concern is not misplaced and is supported by scientific evidence.
According to a recent poll of more than 10,000 citizens from ten European countries, pollution is the primary concern of the public at large among all issues that threaten the marine environment. A new position paper of the Marine Board-ESF shows that such public concern is not misplaced and is supported by scientific evidence.
Ocean climate change damage to cost $2 trillion
Ocean climate change damage to cost $2 trillion
Greenhouse gases are likely to result in annual costs of nearly $2 trillion in damage to the oceans by 2100, according to a new Swedish study
Greenhouse gases are likely to result in annual costs of nearly $2 trillion in damage to the oceans by 2100, according to a new Swedish study
Focus on technology overlooks human behavior when addressing climate change
Focus on technology overlooks human behavior when addressing climate change
Technology
alone won't help the world turn away from fossil fuel-based energy
sources, says a sociologist. A shift in political and economic policies
to is needed to embrace the concept that continued growth in energy
consumption is not sustainable, experts say.
One solution to global overfishing found
One solution to global overfishing found
A
new study indicates that "co-management" -- a collaborative arrangement
between local communities, conservation groups, and governments --
provides one solution to a vexing global problem: overfishing.
Greenhouse gas can find a home underground
Greenhouse gas can find a home underground
A
new study shows that there is enough capacity in deep saline aquifers
in the United States to store at least a century's worth of carbon
dioxide emissions from the nation's coal-fired powerplants. Though
questions remain about the economics of systems to capture and store
such gases, this study addresses a major issue that has overshadowed
such proposals.
New method for cleaning up nuclear waste
New method for cleaning up nuclear waste
A new crystalline compound can be tailored to safely absorb radioactive ions from nuclear waste streams, experts say.
Sustainable Energy Choices for the 21st Century
Sustainable Energy Choices for the 21st Century http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98frSed0F5s
Marcellius Shale acquisition runs $2.5 billion for Williams
Marcellus Shale acquisition runs $2.5 billion for Williams
The company is also planning a joint venture in the Utica shale region.
Full Article
The company is also planning a joint venture in the Utica shale region.
Full Article
Natural gas fractionators to be constructed by Enterprise
Enterprise has announced plans to construct two more natural gas liquid fractionators at its Mont Belvieu, Texas complex.
Shale gas production sharing contract for CNPC and Shell
Shale gas production sharing contract for CNPC and Shell
The companies have signed a Production Sharing Contract for shale gas exploration, development and production in the Sichuan Basin, China.
Full Article
The companies have signed a Production Sharing Contract for shale gas exploration, development and production in the Sichuan Basin, China.
Full Article
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
CDC study shows outbreaks linked to imported foods increasing
CDC study shows outbreaks linked to imported foods increasing
Washington DC (SPX) Mar 20, 2012
Foodborne disease outbreaks caused by imported food appeared to rise in
2009 and 2010, and nearly half of the outbreaks implicated foods
imported from areas which previously had not been associated with
outbreaks, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, presented at the International Conference on Emerging
Infectious Diseases in Atlanta.
Fracking Can Cause Air Pollution, Too
Fracking Can Cause Air Pollution, Too
Mary Duenwald, BloombergComplaints about the potential bad environmental effects of hydraulic fracturing have centered on water contamination. But fracking can also affect the air -- particularly during the period when the wells are being built. .
Clean Energy Can Easily Replace Coal
Clean Energy Can Easily Replace Coal
Silvio Marcacci, CleanTechnica
Regional transmissions organizations (RTO) may be the most important factor that you've never heard of in America's shift toward a clean energy future.
Regional transmissions organizations (RTO) may be the most important factor that you've never heard of in America's shift toward a clean energy future.
Cap and Trade Programs Do Not Provide Sufficient Incentives for Energy Technology Innovation
Cap and Trade Programs Do Not Provide Sufficient Incentives for Energy Technology Innovation
Berkeley CA (SPX) Mar 21, 2012Cap and trade programs to reduce emissions do not inherently provide incentives to induce the private sector to develop innovative technologies to address climate change, according to a new study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Exelon Energy Completes Insulator Upgrades at Byron Plant
Exelon Energy Completes Insulator Upgrades at Byron Plant
Exelon Energy has completed upgrades at Byron Generating Station and resumed operations late Sunday night, according to a release.“Our team did a fantastic job of safely making robust upgrades to our facility that will ensure the safe and reliable operation of both units through the summer months and beyond,” said Byron Station Site Vice President Tim Tulon.
Plant officials say the upgrades should prevent future Unusual Events like the failed insulator that caused a loss of power in Unit 1 in late February. Also, in January, a similar event occurred in the Unit 2 switchyard.
Study confirms oil from Deepwater Horizon disaster enetered food chain in the Gulf of Mexico
Study confirms oil from Deepwater Horizon disaster entered food chain in the Gulf of Mexico
Since the explosion on the BP Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010, scientists have been working to understand the impact that this disaster has had on the environment. For months, crude oil gushed into the water at a rate of approximately 53,000 barrels per day before the well was capped on July 15, 2010. A new study confirms that oil from the Macondo well made it into the ocean's food chain through the tiniest of organisms, zooplankton.
Since the explosion on the BP Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010, scientists have been working to understand the impact that this disaster has had on the environment. For months, crude oil gushed into the water at a rate of approximately 53,000 barrels per day before the well was capped on July 15, 2010. A new study confirms that oil from the Macondo well made it into the ocean's food chain through the tiniest of organisms, zooplankton.
NOAA science supports New York's offshore energy planning
NOAA science supports New York's offshore energy planning
A newly released NOAA study will help New York state officials make advances in managing their coastal waters and guiding future development of offshore wind energy projects.
A newly released NOAA study will help New York state officials make advances in managing their coastal waters and guiding future development of offshore wind energy projects.
Unexpected eqrthquakes within continental plates pose challenges
Unexpected earthquakes within continental plates pose challenges
Earthquakes that occur on "passive" continental margins, such as the August 2011 magnitude 5.8 Mineral, Virginia, earthquake, surprise people because they expect earthquakes to occur only on plate boundaries. But, in fact, large and damaging intraplate earthquakes occur fairly regularly on passive margins around the world. For instance, in North America the approximately magnitude 7 Charleston earthquake shook South Carolina in 1886, causing severe damage and about 60 deaths, and the 1929 magnitude 7.2 earthquake on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Canada, caused a tsunami, a large landslide, and 28 fatalities.
Earthquakes that occur on "passive" continental margins, such as the August 2011 magnitude 5.8 Mineral, Virginia, earthquake, surprise people because they expect earthquakes to occur only on plate boundaries. But, in fact, large and damaging intraplate earthquakes occur fairly regularly on passive margins around the world. For instance, in North America the approximately magnitude 7 Charleston earthquake shook South Carolina in 1886, causing severe damage and about 60 deaths, and the 1929 magnitude 7.2 earthquake on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Canada, caused a tsunami, a large landslide, and 28 fatalities.
A New Climate Coalition: The Good and the Problematic
By Robert Stowe, March 20, 2012
On February 16, 2012, U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and environment ministers from five other countries introduced the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants. The Coalition’s members are the governments of Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden, and the United States, with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) serving as secretariat. (UNEP... » Continue...
On February 16, 2012, U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and environment ministers from five other countries introduced the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants. The Coalition’s members are the governments of Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden, and the United States, with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) serving as secretariat. (UNEP... » Continue...
Monday, March 19, 2012
Study shows air emissions near fracking sites may impact health
Study shows air emissions near fracking sites may impact health
In a new study, researchers from the Colorado School of Public Health have shown that air pollution caused by hydraulic fracturing or fracking may contribute to acute and chronic health problems for those living near natural gas drilling sites.
In a new study, researchers from the Colorado School of Public Health have shown that air pollution caused by hydraulic fracturing or fracking may contribute to acute and chronic health problems for those living near natural gas drilling sites.
Global sea level likely to rise as much as 70 feet for future generations
Global sea level likely to rise as much as 70 feet for future generations
March 19, 2012
Even if humankind manages to limit global warming to 2
degrees C (3.6 degrees F), as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change recommends, future generations will have to deal with sea levels
12 to 22 meters (40 to 70 feet) higher than at present, according to
research published in the journal Geology.
Is Water a Barrier to a Low-Carbon Energy Future?
Is Water a Barrier to a Low-Carbon Energy Future?
Ask
an expert on clean tech what the largest barriers to a low carbon
energy future are, and chances are they will list higher technology
costs, policy barriers, or the need for new infrastructure to
accommodate novel energy sources.
Will Renewables Help Glean Us Off of Fossil Fuels?
Will Renewables Help Glean Us Off of Fossil Fuels?
Where
does energy come from, and what do we do with it? Here is a great
visual to start with, which was put together by the US Energy
Information Administration:So, what is this telling us?
Nitrate in drinking water poses health risks for rural Californians
Nitrate in drinking water poses health risks for rural Californians
Davis CA (SPX) Mar 19, 2012
One in 10 people living in California's most productive agricultural
areas is at risk for harmful levels of nitrate contamination in their
drinking water, according to a report released by the University of
California, Davis. The report was commissioned by the California State
Water Resources Control Board.
"Cleaning up nitrate in groundwater is a complex problem with no single
solution,"
One in 10 people living in California's most productive agricultural
areas is at risk for harmful levels of nitrate contamination in their
drinking water, according to a report released by the University of
California, Davis. The report was commissioned by the California State
Water Resources Control Board.
"Cleaning up nitrate in groundwater is a complex problem with no single
solution,"“Climate and Energy Policy in the Obama Administration” -- Pace Law School
“Climate and Energy Policy in the Obama Administration” -- Pace Law School
The 2012 Pace Law School Lloyd K Garrison Lecture will feature Professor Jody Freeman speaking on “Climate and Energy Policy in the Obama Administration”Date:
March 26, 2012, 5:00 pm
Place:
Pace Law School
Robert B. Fleming Moot Courtroom
Jody Freeman is the Archibald Cox Professor of Law and Director, Environmental Law Program, Harvard Law School.
Warming of 2 degrees inevitable over Canada
Warming of 2 degrees inevitable over Canada
Burnaby, Canada (SPX) Mar 19, 2012
Even if zero emissions of greenhouse gases were to be achieved, the
world's temperature would continue to rise by about a quarter of a
degree over a decade. That's a best-case scenario, according to a paper
co-written by a Simon Fraser University researcher
End of Winter: How 2012 Snow Stack Up
End of Winter: How 2012 Snow Stack Up
Greenbelt, MD (SPX) Mar 19, 2012
The mild winter of 2012 has many people asking, "Where's the snow?"
These two snow cover maps show the difference between snow extent on
March 3, 2011, and March 5, 2012.
The maps were compiled from data collected by the Moderate Resolution
Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument aboard NASA's Terra
satellite.
Greenland ice sheet may melt completely with 1.6 degrees global warming
Greenland ice sheet may melt completely with 1.6 degrees global warming
Potsdam, Germany (SPX) Mar 19, 2012
The Greenland ice sheet is likely to be more vulnerable to global
warming than previously thought. The temperature threshold for melting
the ice sheet completely is in the range of 0.8 to 3.2 degrees Celsius
global warming, with a best estimate of 1.6 degrees above pre-industrial
levels, shows a new study by scientists from the Potsdam Institute for
Climate Impact Research (PIK) and the Universi
The Greenland ice sheet is likely to be more vulnerable to global
warming than previously thought. The temperature threshold for melting
the ice sheet completely is in the range of 0.8 to 3.2 degrees Celsius
global warming, with a best estimate of 1.6 degrees above pre-industrial
levels, shows a new study by scientists from the Potsdam Institute for
Climate Impact Research (PIK) and the UniversiAir emissions rules could cause slowdown in drilling
Air emissions rules could cause slowdown in drilling
The New Source Performance Standards for oil and natural gas production proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency would significantly slowdown drilling, according to a new study funded by the American Petroleum Institute.
Full Article
The New Source Performance Standards for oil and natural gas production proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency would significantly slowdown drilling, according to a new study funded by the American Petroleum Institute.
Full Article
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Fracking: Pennsylvania Gags Physicians
Fracking: Pennsylvania Gags Physicians
A new Pennsylvania law endangers public health by forbidding health care professionals from sharing information they learn about certain chemicals and procedures used in high volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing. The procedure is commonly known as fracking.Near-miss asteroid will return next year, even closer
Near-miss asteroid will return next year, even closer
When
it whizzes past Earth in 2013, a newly discovered asteroid is going to
miss our planet -- but not by much. The 50-meter space rock is expected
to come closer than many satellites, highlighting the growing need to
keep watch on hazards from above.
Increase in Arctic shipping is risk to marine mammals
Increase in Arctic shipping is risk to marine mammals
A
rapid increase in shipping in the formerly ice-choked waterways of the
Arctic poses a significant increase in risk to the region’s marine
mammals and the local communities that rely on them for food security
and cultural identity, according to experts.
Glacier-fed river systems threatened by climate change
Glacier-fed river systems threatened by climate change
As glaciers vanish due to global warming, so will those species dependent upon the icy runoff.
Invasive plants: Climate is a determining factor
Invasive plants: Climate is a determining factor
Most
invasive plants colonize regions with climates similar to the one from
their native areas. With the analysis of fifty invasive plant species
introduced worldwide, this study confirms that it is possible, for the
most part, to predict the regions of potential invasibility based on the
principle of climatic niche conservation.
'Gravity is climate': 10 years of climate research satellites GRACE
'Gravity is climate': 10 years of climate research satellites GRACE
For
the first time, the melting of glaciers in Greenland can now be
measured with high accuracy from space. A new sharp image also renders
the spatial distribution of the glacial melt more precisely.
Royal Dutch's Dangerous Shell Game
Royal Dutch's Dangerous Shell Game
Michael Brune, Huffington Post
Royal Dutch Shell, the fifth-largest company in the world, is suing the Sierra Club along with a dozen other environmental organizations on the off chance that we might attempt to do our job. Shell is taking us to court preemptively because we might have the audacity to say that drilling in the Arctic is risky and unsafe. . .
Royal Dutch Shell, the fifth-largest company in the world, is suing the Sierra Club along with a dozen other environmental organizations on the off chance that we might attempt to do our job. Shell is taking us to court preemptively because we might have the audacity to say that drilling in the Arctic is risky and unsafe. . .
EPA Rule Should Allow Site-Specific Analysis of Power Plant Cooling Systems
EPA Rule Should Allow Site-Specific Analysis of Power Plant Cooling Systems
The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering revisions to
regulations implementing Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act that
could require hundreds of power plants to build cooling towers. The
electric utility sector encourages EPA to recognize site-specific
circumstances, consider costs and benefits, allow site-specific
assessments, and account for impacts to the ecosystem and the national
energy supply.
Small Reactor Development Advances Energy, Environmental Benefits in New Markets
Small Reactor Development Advances Energy, Environmental Benefits in New Markets
Small-scale
reactors can complement large nuclear plant projects by expanding
potential markets in the United States and abroad for carbon-free
energy production. Smaller reactors provide energy companies and other
users with additional options that help achieve critical energy and
environmental policies.
Remember Fukushima: Presenting The Radioactive Seawater Impact Map
Remember Fukushima: Presenting The Radioactive Seawater Impact Map
A few days after the one year anniversary of the Fukushima disaster, nobody talks about it anymore. After all it's "fixed", and if it isn't, the Fed will fix it. Remember in the New Normal nothing bad is allowed the happen. So for those who have forgotten, here is a reminder.From ASR, a global coastal and marine consulting firm, The Radioactive Seawater Impact Map
WSU News Center - Ohio earthquakes raise concern over 'fracking'
WSU News Center - Ohio earthquakes raise concern over 'fracking'
PULLMAN, Wash. - The solid earth is riddled with faults. Each fault is a plane of weakness in the rocks that make up the outer rind of the Earth. Some of those ...
news.wsu.edu/pages/
PULLMAN, Wash. - The solid earth is riddled with faults. Each fault is a plane of weakness in the rocks that make up the outer rind of the Earth. Some of those ...
news.wsu.edu/pages/
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