EPA Releases Report on Climate Change and Health

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a report that discusses the potential impacts of climate change on human health, human welfare, and communities in the U.S. The report, entitled "Analyses of the Effects of Global Change on Human Health and Welfare and Human Systems," also identifies adaptation strategies to help respond to the challenges of a changing climate and identifies near- and long-term research goals for addressing data and knowledge gaps.

The report discusses the challenges and potential effects of climate change, including unusual or unexpected weather, and how some individuals and communities may be disproportionately affected by climate change, including the elderly, the poor, children, and people with chronic medical conditions. However, the U.S. has well-developed public health infrastructures and environmental programs that protect our air and water, which can help minimize the impacts.

The Global Change Research Program in EPA's Office of Research and Development led the development of this report. It is one of 21 synthesis and assessment products commissioned by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program.

The peer-reviewed report is the most up-to-date synthesis and assessment of scientific literature on the impact of global change on human health, welfare and settlements in the United States. It was developed following the guidelines developed by the CCSP.

The CCSP was established in 2002 to provide the Nation with science-based knowledge to manage the risks and opportunities of change in the climate and related environmental systems. The program is responsible for coordinating and integrating the research of 13 federal agencies on climate and global change.

See the Source:

Analyses of the Effects of Global Change on Human Health and Welfare and Human Systems
The Office of Research and Development's Global Change Research Program The U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP)

EPA Publishes Annual National Greenhouse Gas Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released the national greenhouse gas inventory, which finds that overall emissions during 2006 decreased by 1.1 percent from the previous year. The report, Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2006, is the latest in an annual set of reports that the United States submits to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which sets an overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle the challenge posed by climate change.

“Each year since 1993, EPA’s experts have built a comprehensive inventory of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions,” said Robert Meyers principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office Air and Radiation. “Our understanding of emission sources is paramount to combating climate change.”

Total emissions of the six main greenhouse gases in 2006 were equivalent to 7,054.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride. The report indicates that overall emissions have grown by 14.7 percent from 1990 to 2006, while the U.S. economy has grown by 59 percent over the same period.

The decrease in emissions in 2006 was due primarily to a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions associated with fuel and electricity consumption. The following factors were primary contributors to this decrease:
· compared to 2005, 2006 had warmer winter conditions, which decreased consumption of heating fuels, as well as cooler summer conditions, which reduced demand for electricity;
· restraint on fuel consumption caused by rising fuel prices, primarily in the transportation sector; and
· increased use of natural gas and renewables in the electric power sector.

EPA prepares the annual report in collaboration with experts from multiple federal agencies and after gathering comments from a broad range of stakeholders across the country.

The inventory tracks annual greenhouse gas emissions at the national level and presents historical emissions from 1990 to 2006. The inventory also calculates carbon dioxide emissions that are removed from the atmosphere by “sinks,” e.g., through the uptake of carbon by forests, vegetation and soils.

See the Source:

Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report

climate change

Climate Security Act Passes Senate Committee

Late on Wednesday, December 5th, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed America’s Climate Security Act of 2007 (S. 2191), considered a major step forward in slowing and hopefully reversing the global warming effect of green house gas emissions.

The bill calls for a cut of GHG emissions, such as carbon dioxide, by as much as 63% by 2050 (or 19% below 2005 levels).

Emission limits would affect virtually all market segments, incorporating pollution permits based on EU’s carbon-trading program. The limits may also result in possible cuts in energy use.

But Senior Vice President and Chief Economist for the American Council for Capital Formation, Dr. Margo Thorning who testified before the committee on Nov. 8th, warns “A major stumbling block to the U.S.’s meeting the targets set forth in American’s Climate Security Act of 2007 (S. 2191) is projected increases in covered emissions and population growth over the next several decades. Sharp cutbacks in U.S. energy use would be necessary to close the 55 percent gap in 2030 between projected emissions and the S. 2191 target.”

See the Source:
GovTrack.us
ACCF
The New York Times

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Censoring Climage Change

The Boston Globe reported on Monday that the US Senate is getting only half the facts when it comes to climate change. According to the Globe, Julie Gerberdings, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, addressed the Senate on Oct. 23 concerning the health impact of global warming.

The original report was 12 pages in length and included the following statements:
- "the public health effects of climate change remain largely unaddressed"
- Northern USA "will likely bear the brunt of increases in ground-level ozone and associated airborne pollutants"
- "Populations in Midwestern and Northeastern cities are expected to experience more heat-related illnesses as heat waves increase in frequency, severity, and duration"

Unfortunately, the 12-page report was edited by the White House down to 6 pages, cutting this important information. Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) believes the censored statements are in alignment with a report release earlier this year by the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and should be presented to the Senate.

See the Source:

Boston Globe

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global-warming

In the News: Global Warming Update

- The Western Climate Initiative led by California’s Gov. Schwarzenegger has laid the foundation to cut greenhouse emissions by 15 percent by 2020 to decrease the effects of global warming. The collective is made up of six Western states (Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington and Utah) and two Canadian provinces (Manitoba and British Columbia). They have agreed to design a market-base program similar to cap-and-trade, with a deadline of August 2008 to present the plan. The Bush administration has opposed such mandatory cuts, favoring a voluntary approach.

- The Bush administration has been called on the carpet by a federal court for failure to issue global warming assessment reports. District Court Judge Saundra Armstrong ruled that the administration was in violation of a 1990 law and must issue a research plan by March 1, 2008. Federal law mandates an updated plan every three years. The last plan was issued in 2003. In addition, national assessment reports are required every four years. The last such report was issued in 2000 by the Clinton administration.

See the Source:
Reuters
ABC News

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environment

Air Pollution News Bites: 08-02-07

- A recent study estimates that demand for air pollution control products in China will increase by 18 percent each year through 2010. The increase is attributed to the Chinese government’s plan to increase the purchase of air pollution control technology and new legislation concerning strict environmental protection regulations. Products in demand by China include: electrostatic precipitators, baghouse systems, particulate filters, and catalysts.

- A new analysis studying atmospheric “brown clouds” hovering over Asia, have concluded that the buildup of greenhouse gases mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels, is a major contributor to the melting of tropical glaciers such as those found in the Himalayans. Researchers found that combining the heating effect of greenhouse gases and the elements found in brown clouds, such as soot, heightens the effect of global warming.

"The conventional thinking is that brown clouds have masked as much as 50 percent of global warming by greenhouse gases through so-called global dimming," said atmospheric chemist V. Ramanathan. "While this is true globally, this study reveals that over southern and eastern Asia, the soot particles in the brown clouds are in fact amplifying the atmospheric warming trend caused by greenhouse gases by as much as 50 percent."

He went on to state, "It is likely that in curbing greenhouse gases we can tackle the twin challenges of climate change and brown clouds, and in doing so, reap wider benefits--from reduced air pollution to improved agricultural yields."

See the Source:
MarketWire
National Science Foundation

Find out:
How to reduce particulate pollution by using diesel particulate filters

air pollution
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WHO: The Best and Worst Countries on Environment

A recent report by WHO put together data from 192 countries to determine the health and environmental risk to its citizens. The study looked at air and water pollution, farming practices, noise pollution, climate change, the ecosystem, UV radiation and hazards involved with the workplace.

Here’s what they found:

- Worst countries: Angola, Burkina Faso, Mali and Afghanistan

- Best countries: Iceland, Israel, Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Britain and the US

- In 23 countries, 10 percent of deaths are blamed on unsafe water and indoor air pollution

- Low income countries suffer more than high income countries, losing 20 times more healthy years per person each year.

- All countries are affected by environmental health factors.

See the Source:
WHO Country-by Country Profiles

environment
climate change

China: Death by Air Pollution

Recent news on China’s devastating air pollution levels has garnered world attention. Here’s a run down on the facts from various news source:

• A World Bank report release at a Beijing conference in March, suggests 400,000 Chinese die every year due to outdoor air pollution. Reportedly Chinese officials tried to have these statistics removed from the report. The government denies they tried to cover-up the numbers.



• Two thirds of the electricity generated in China comes from coal-fired power plants, with the country holding 13 percent of the world’s reserves of coal. With coal being the top producer of greenhouse gas emissions, China is now producing more CO2 emissions than the United States, establishing itself as the No. 1 GHG producer in the world.



• An average of two coal-fired power plants a week are being built in China. Almost all of them are being built with out-dated equipment and no emissions control technology. Chinese utilities believe that using emissions control technology will decrease their power plant’s energy output. Because of this, they are resistant to retrofitting their plants with new technology.



• There is an ever increasing consensus from world scientists that China’s economic growth and the resulting greenhouse emissions will push our environment pass the tipping point of no return.



• China’s emissions from coal-fired power plants are increasing at an annual rate that is double the total emissions growth of all industrialized economies combined.



• China’s environmental agency is blaming public unrest and riots on anger stemming from pollution, with an increasing number of demonstrations taking place over power plant emissions and air pollution.


See the Source:
Council on Foreign Relations
Guardian Unlimited
San Francisco Chronicler

current issues
global-warming

EPA's New Go Green! Newsletter

The EPA has launched a monthly “green” tips newsletter to help US consumers make a difference. The newsletter is free and will be sent to you by email after registering at http://service.govdelivery.com/service/subscribe.html?code=USAEPA_298.

Go Green! offers "what you can do" information on activities and events that can make a difference in shifting to a “green culture”.

The newsletter will include information on such issues as how to calculate individual energy use, upcoming environmental activities and observances and recent news reports from EPA.

The July issue includes the following:

• July is UV Safety month.


• Be Prepared - Early Hurricane Preparations Can Save Lives and Property.


• New tools to help "Good Samaritans" clean up mine waste, restore watersheds, improve fisheries.


• Buy Energy Star products - A Big Part of the Climate Change Solution.


• Calculate how individual energy use contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution

See the Source:
Go Green! Monthly Newsletter
Go Green! July Issue

environment
climate change

Dangerous Increase in Hot Days for the Mediterranean

Researchers at Purdue University researcher projects a 200 percent to 500 percent increase in the number of dangerously hot days in the Mediterranean by the end of the 21st century if the current rate of greenhouse gas emissions continues, with France projected to have the most increase in high-temp extremes.

The study also showed a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions could reduce projected dangerous hot days by up to 50 percent.

"Rare events today, like the 2003 heat wave in Europe, will become much more common as greenhouse gas concentrations increase," said Noah Diffenbaugh, the Purdue assistant professor of earth and atmospheric sciences who led the study. "The frequency at which that scale of event occurs at high greenhouse gas concentrations is staggering. Rare events become the norm, and the extreme events of the future are unprecedented in their severity."

A 2003 heat wave led to 15,000 deaths in France and almost 3,000 in Italy. The researchers found that global warming causes summer temperatures to dramatically exceed the range that was correlated with the increased number of deaths.

"The thresholds of the 2003 event are substantially exceeded in the future in both of our research scenarios," said Diffenbaugh. "This research is about understanding the response to different emissions levels. We find that decreases in greenhouse gas emissions greatly reduce the impact, but we see negative effects even with reduced emissions. Technological and behavioral changes that are made now will have a big influence on what actually happens in the future."

Extremely high temperatures could also affect the region’s economy, including metropolitan areas such as Rome, Paris and Barcelona. The study covered the entire Mediterranean area, which includes 21 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. Major cities covered in the study include: Prague, Zurich, Bucharest, Athens, Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Cairo, Algiers and Casablanca.

The researchers found that this warming and reduced precipitation contribute to a preferential warming of the hottest days of the year. "We found that the hottest days of the year, or the 'hot tail,' warm more than the typical summer days warm," Diffenbaugh said.

"One might expect that an average warming of four degrees would equate to each day warming by four degrees, but in fact the hottest days warm quite a bit more."

This is due, in large part, to a surface moisture feedback. The surface gets dryer as it gets hotter and the dry soil leads to less moisture in the area and less evaporative cooling. The locations of intensified warming on hottest days of the year matched the locations where surface drying occurred, Diffenbaugh said.
"The hottest temperatures we are used to experiencing will become the normal temperatures of the summer, and the hot periods will be magnified," Diffenbaugh said. "Take Paris: If we look at the temperatures that occurred there during the heat wave in 2003, when 15,000 people died, those temperatures are exceeded a couple dozen times every year in the future projection. That means that severe heat waves, such as those rare events that have occurred in the past couple of years, are likely to become far more common."

Related Web sites:
Purdue Climate Change Research Center: http://www.purdue.edu/climate
Diffenbaugh Research Group: http://www.purdue.edu/eas/earthsystem/

See the Source:
Newswise

climate change
global-warming

Is Global Warming Real? NASA Chief Questions Validity

A top NASA administrator, Michael Griffin, commented on a recent NPR broadcast that global warming is “a problem we must wrestle with,” yet it is arrogant to believe that the climate we are experiencing today is the best we could have and that “we need to take steps to make sure that it doesn’t change.”

The Director of the Science and Public Policy Institute added “many rationalist scientists agree with him, clearly demonstrating there is no scientific consensus on man-made, catastrophic global warming.”

Other scientists from around the world also came to Griffin’s defense. Dr. Walter Starck, an Australian marine scientist commented, “Griffin makes an important distinction between the scientific findings of climate change and dramatic predictions of catastrophic consequences accompanied by policy demands. The former can be evaluated by its evidence, but; the latter rest only on assertions and claims to authority. Alternate predictions of benefits from projected changes have been proposed with comparable authority and plausibility. For example, unless one chooses to define the Little Ice Age as ‘normal’ and ‘optimal’ the net effect of any warming has only been beneficial and any anthropogenic contribution very small indeed. Dramatic predictions of imminent disaster have a near perfect record of failure. Griffin’s note of caution in the escalating concern over climate change deserves sober consideration.”

However NASA scientist, James Hansen, was sharply critical of Griffin’s statements.

See the Source:
E-Wire

climate change
global-warming

Tulsa Becomes 500th City to Sign U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement

On May 15th, Tulsa, Oklahoma signed-on as the 500th city to voluntarily commit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2012 to 7% below 1990 levels, by signing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

Globally, cities produce as much as 78 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. As of today, there are 514 cities who have signed the agreement, accounting for 20 percent of the U.S. population or 65 million Americans in 50 states.

The Mayors Climate Protection Agreement came into being when Seattle’s Mayor, Greg Nickels decided cities should take the lead in adhering to the goals of the Kyoto Protocol, even though the Federal Government refused to ratify the international treaty, taking action against climate change and global warming.

“The real leaders on global warming solutions in our country are to be found in the city halls, not in Washington, DC,” explained Glen Brand, Cool Cities Campaign Director for the Sierra Club. “Mayors like Seattle's Greg Nickels, Salt Lake City's Rocky Anderson, and Minneapolis' R.T. Rybak are showing that clean energy solutions are feasible, cost-effective and politically popular. It’s time for our leaders in Washington to follow the extraordinary lead of over 500 cities.”

See the source:
Stopglobalwarming.org
Seattle.Gov - US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement

Governor Richardson Challenges Bush Response to Global Warming

Richardson to unveil a bold new energy plan which will revolutionize America's fight against global warming and for energy independence at speech to the New American Foundation on Thursday, May 17th in Washington, DC

SANTA FE, NM – May 15, 2007 -- Governor Bill Richardson today challenged President Bush's response to the Supreme Court ruling requiring federal agencies to regulate vehicle emissions.

"The 'debate' on global warming is over and the Supreme Court has ordered this administration to stop dragging its feet and act," stated Governor Richardson. "My state joined twelve other states to challenge the Bush Administration to enforce the Clean Air Act and fought them all the way to the Supreme Court--and won. President Bush's decision to drag out the vehicle emission rulemaking process over the next two years rebuffs the Supreme Court's ruling and rejects the reality and urgency of global warming.

"This is a timid action, when America and the world needs bold action. My approach to solving our energy and global warming problem is market-based. I would use the engine of the market to drive bold and quick innovation. Our top priorities need to be focusing on a sharp reduction in oil demand, creating dramatic energy efficiencies, reducing greenhouse gases and restoring America as a leader in technology and science."

As Energy Secretary, he pushed for aggressive energy efficiency standards, conservation in the midst of the California electricity crisis, a national renewable portfolio standard, and development of alternative vehicles.

As Governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson has initiated mandates requiring utilities to meet renewable energy requirements, supported generous solar tax incentives, eliminated sales taxes on hybrid vehicles, and set aggressive targets to reduce global warming pollution. New Mexico is on track to exceed the Kyoto Protocols and has become the Clean Energy State.

"Our next President must sharply reduce American demand for fossil fuels that add to greenhouse gas concentrations," said Richardson. "By doing so, the U.S. will reclaim its ability to participate in - and lead - international agreements to slow, stop, and reverse climate change trends. The United States cannot lead the world, and will not have the support of the world's people, unless it gets its energy addiction under control, and joins the world effort to take real steps reducing global warming pollution.

"We have no choice, but to make a change and fast. At peak, we now import 65% of our oil. We send about $300 billion in petrodollars to foreign countries every year. Our economy is half as energy-efficient as Japan's or Western Europe's. With 5% of the world's population, we account for 25% of global warming pollution.

In a speech to the New American Foundation Thursday morning at 10:00 am at the Washington Hilton, Monroe Room, 1919 Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC Governor Richardson will unveil his comprehensive plan for energy and reducing global warming. The Governor's aggressive proposals directly address critical issues facing the United States- vehicle fuel efficiency, fuels made from renewable resources, green building standards, greenhouse gas emissions, and shifting the economy from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

"Baby steps and incremental measures won't work. We need to act boldly, and act now. We need a "man-on-the-moon effort"- a strong national commitment to get it done," said Richardson. "President Kennedy exhorted the nation to put a man on the moon within ten years, not 20 or 30. The nation responded to that call. We can do the same with energy and global warming.

"So what we need today is a ten-year plan to reduce our dependence on oil by 50%, and a ten-year plan to reduce our global warming pollution by at least 20%. As President, I will implement a bold plan that meets these goals and ushers in a new era of energy independence and security for the United States."

See the Source:
Nhpols.com – Campaigns & Elections

climate change
global-warming
current issues

Today’s Air News: From Squirrel to Obama

What’s new in the fight against air pollution?
- Squirrel: Have Air Pollution Monitor, Will Travel
- GM Going Green
- Obama Bam-Bams Global Climate Change

Squirrel: Have Air Pollution Monitor, Will Travel
Introducing Squirrel, a cool techie Bluetooth gizmo being developed by the University of California San Diego and the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology. This wireless personal pollution monitor will allow users to measure air pollution levels at ground level, make informed decisions on exposure to pollutants, and is small enough to take with you for readings-on-the-go. Right now, the Squirrel prototype monitors carbon monoxide and ozone, but future capabilities will allow measurements of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide. Plus other measurement extras will be added such as temperature, barometric pressure and humidity.

GM Going Green
Breaking news! GM just joined the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), calling for a cap and trade system to reduce greenhouse gases. The first car manufacturer to join the coalition, the news is not only stirring up climate change, but also the political climate. The group is composed of environmental leaders and high-level corporate partners. With the addition of GM, the USCAP now counts 22 companies as part of its roster, including utilities, chemical production and manufacturing.

The group’s mission:
- cut greenhouse gas emissions 60-80 percent
- create business incentives
- act swiftly and thoughtfully

Obama Bam-Bams Global Climate Change
Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama introduced his new climate action plan during a speech at the Detroit Economic Club to reduce dependence on foreign oil, while fighting the causes of global climate change. Obama’s goal is to cut oil consumption by 2.5 million barrels of oil per day, take 50 million cars’ worth of pollution off the road, save over $50 billion at the gas pump, while helping the auto industry save jobs and regain its standing in the world – all by 2020.

The Obama Plan has 3 key points:
- Setting fuel economy standards for an annual savings of 20 billion gallons of gasoline.
- Helping consumers with tax credits who buy hybrids.
- Helping manufacturers to manufacturer fuel-efficient vehicles by helping with the health care costs of retirees and offering tax incentives for retooling plants.

See the Source:
medGadget
Environmental Defense
BusinessWire

Find out:
More on emissions control technology to reduce air pollution when you visit CleanAIR Systems

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climate change
current issues

More from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

The third volume of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report was release on May 4th, entitled “Mitigation of Climate Change.” The report offers options for short-term and long-term strategies to stabilize factors contributing to climate change.

The report covers six areas:
• Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission trends
• Mitigation in the short and medium term, across different economic sectors (until 2030)
• Mitigation in the long-term (beyond 2030)
• Policies, measures and instruments to mitigate climate change
• Sustainable development and climate change mitigation
• Gaps in knowledge

According to the report summary, greenhouse gas emissions have grown since pre-industrial times, with the biggest increase of 70% was between 1970 and 2004. The largest increase can be seen in the area of energy supply with an increase of 145%.

To read the complete report along with suggestions on how changes can be made, visit: http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM040507.pdf

See the Source:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

climate change
environment
global-warming

Monitoring Global Warming

The Christian Science Monitor has launched a new website focusing on the causes and effects of global warming and its impact on climate change. Offering original content, the Monitor intends the website to become a key resource for distributing the latest scientific research in the field of climate change, as well as offering to the general public suggestions on how to make a difference in preventing global warming.

"Our website, in particular, improves the way that the Monitor can help readers understand a subject that for many years has been a source of confusion and contention, but is now recognized as an issue that demands attention from everyone," said Monitor Editor Richard Bergenheim. "We want to help people understand what steps can be taken to mitigate effects of global warming and how we can adapt to climate change."

"This new approach to covering topics such as global warming is just the first in what we hope will be a series of in-depth reports on issues that affect us all as global citizens," added Monitor Managing Publisher Jonathan Wells.

The new website also offers a free weekly e-newsletter and will soon include multi-media resources such as slide shows and video.

See the Source:
The Christian Science Monitor – Global Warming

climate change
global-warming

Where Have All the “Wheaties” Gone?

A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters, reports climate change has already had an affect on global food production with the reduction of cereal grain yields. Examining the years from 1981 to 2002, it is estimated that global warming reduced the production of wheat, corn and barley by 40 million metric tons per year.

“Global Scale Climate-Crop Yield Relationships and the Impacts of Recent Warming” is the first report to study the present day effect of climate change on food production, which could be the impetus to drive food prices, food security and future decisions on land use.

See the Source:
Global Scale Climate-Crop Yield Relationships and the Impacts of Recent Warming

global-warming
climate change

Chill Out with the Campus Climate Challenge

The National Wildlife Federation’s national competition, Chill Out, inspires colleges and universities to make a “cool” difference when it comes to global warming by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Eight winning schools were announced on April 18th for developing innovative projects that other colleges should emulate.

“The projects implemented by the Chill Out winners go well beyond the minimum 30 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions scientists urge by 2030, putting them well on the pathway toward climate neutrality before mid-Century,” says Julian Keniry, Director of Campus and Community Leadership for the National Wildlife Federation. “These schools, and many of the over 100 schools which entered the Chill Out competition, are modeling exactly what the science says should be done.”

Together the eight winning schools saved a combined $5 million annually and 40 million pounds of CO2, which would have normally been emitted into the atmosphere if the campus projects had not been put into place.

See the Source:
Chill Out competition

climate change
global-warming

Students Recognized for Contributing To Healthier Environment

The EPA will recognize 50 young people from around the country on Saturday at the President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) for their contributions in promoting environmental awareness and community involvement in such issues as recycling, energy efficiency, climate change and water conservation. Young people from all 50 states and the US territories are invited to participate. Winners were selected from among applicants to EPA's 10 regional offices. Regional EPA panels judge projects on environmental needs, accomplishment of goals, long-term environmental benefits and positive impact on local communities.

See the Source:
EPA – President’s Environmental Youth Awards

Congo Clearing Contributing to Climate Change

A new report released by Greenpeace exposes that international logging companies operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are causing social chaos and wreaking environmental havoc. “Carving up the Congo,” presented in four sections, uncovers endemic corruption in the DRC’s logging sector at a time when key decisions that will determine the future of these forests are about to be made.

The Congo rainforest is the world’s second largest tropical forest after the Amazon and one of the planet’s essential defenses against global climate change. Global emissions from tropical deforestation alone contribute up to 25% of total annual human-induced CO2 emissions.

The DRC rainforest contains 8% of global carbon stores. It is estimated that forest clearance in the DRC will release up to 34.4 billion tons of CO2 by 2050.

"It’s crunch time for the DRC’s rainforests. The international logging industry operating in the country is out of control. Unless the World Bank helps the DRC to stop the sell off of these rainforests, they’ll soon be under the chainsaws," said Greenpeace International Africa Forest Campaign Co-ordinator, Stephan van Praet.

In spite of a national moratorium on logging titles since 2002, 100 logging contracts covering 15 million hectares of rainforest have been issued to the logging industry, an area five times the size of Belgium. 40 million people depend on the DRC’s rainforest. Few benefit from logging. The World Bank admits that in the last three years, none of the forest area taxes paid by companies have reached forest communities.

Greenpeace is calling for the cancellation of all logging titles issued since May 2002 and for the moratorium on new logging titles to be extended and enforced until the logging sector is cleaned up and controlled and a land-use plan that includes the participation of local communities is fully in place.

The complete report is available on the Greenpeace website.

See the Source:
Greenpeace International: Greenpeace exposes that logging in the Congo rainforest is out of control

Be Green, Make Money

Environmental Defense has released a new paper entitled: What Business Can Do: Successful Strategies for Cutting Carbon and Making Money. The report offers real-world ideas to fight climate change, and at the same time make money by saving on energy costs. Presented in eight sections, strategies are detailed as they relate to their industry segments.

The sections are:
- Electric utilities: Tap the power of renewable sources
- Petroleum refiners: Manage energy smarter
- Chemical manufacturers: Reduce fuel use
- Computer and electronics industry: Save water and energy
- Pulp and paper industry: Ramp up efficiencies
- Textile industry: Use energy smarter
- Transportation: Boost fuel economy
- Retail and commercial operations: Smarter energy
- Agriculture and farm businesses: Making carbon work for you
- All industries: Energy Efficiency saves energy and money

The report concludes businesses will see a reward in dollars saved by making wise choices and “tweaking” energy use. The environment also benefits when energy is conserved, with less greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere, thereby lowering the factors involved in global warming and climate change.

See the Source:
Environmental Defense