After an unproductive meeting of the Democratic Caucus this week, the Senate Climate Change bill appeared to be in a state of limbo, teetering on the edge of total collapse. The large scale meeting between Democratic senators was supposed to illuminate the path for a unified consensus of the provisions in the legislation. Instead, the meeting resulted in little unity between the senators and an increasing amount of strife between advocates of competing legislation. At the meeting, the show was stolen by a handful of environmental advocates who came to the floor armed with posters of smokestacks, aimed at winning over moderates to their side, but did little to help advocate for a unified bill, despite the fact that most senators were in agreement over the need for America to… [view entry]

At least for now, the greenhouse gas policies of President Obama will remain in place, despite some opposition in the Congress. The Senate last week, rejected a controversial new bill, which would deny the EPA the right to regulate carbon emissions from major industrial polluters and power plants across the nation. Coming at a time when the President’s climate change bill remains stalled in the Senate, the vote is a positive, if lone, sign, reaffirming the commitment of most Senators to combat global warming. “If ever there was a vote to find out whose side you are on, this is it,” said Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee. The President also took note, telling supporters that the vote was “yet another reminder” of the… [view entry]

Just last December, polls had the US’s belief in Global Warming down 8%, and 9% fewer people believed its anthropogenic (man-made) origins. The same trend had been measured by various polls several months prior, as well.

There was plenty of speculation as to the reason for this, some pointing to the unusually extreme snowstorms (which are, if anything, only an indication of Climate Change, by the by), “Climate Gate” or the Republican discontent with a new Democratic president. While, since the release of those poll results scientists have shaken their heads in disappointment and wonder, no concrete reason for the downturn in public understanding  was ever identified.

A  study released June 8th by researchers at Yale and George Mason Universities suggests that public concern for global warming… [view entry]

If you’ve been itching to voice your opinion on state global warming legislation, now’s your chance! Public hearings are being held across the state next month to discuss the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Target and Draft Committee Implementation Plan for 2020.

A little background:

In August 2008, Governor Patrick signed into law the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), an Act that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide by 2050, with a 2020 target set between 10 and 25 percent below 1990 levels.  Massachusetts has already promulgated greenhouse gas reporting regulations under the Act; 2009 emissions will be the first year reported. The Act requires that by January 1, 2011 the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), develops an implementation plan for achieving the reductions required to meet the 2020 target.

The Commonwealth’s [view entry]

Once found in everything from whipped desert topping in a can to sore throat spray, CFCs were eventually found to react with protective layer of our atmosphere which blocks much of the sun’s harmful rays. They were eventually replaced with related compounds, HCFCs and HFCs. Although the substitutes were not harmful to the ozone layer, like the CFCs before them they have significant global warming potential.

Two weeks ago Canada, Mexico and the United States put forth a… [view entry]

Enjoy a great day of climate workshops, presentations, green vendors, youth displays, and climate related activities. Film a public service announcement. Create a sustainability message at the YouTube booth. Take workshops about green architecture, eating sustainably, futuristic carbon-free energy and many more. All who register (online) will be entered into a drawing for door prizes including iPods, gift certificates, and more.

An afternoon networking session will give Summit attendees to become part of Youth CAN’s Massachusetts Education for Sustainability Campaign aimed at requiring education for sustainability at the secondary level.

Event is free, including breakfast and lunch. Register online as soon as possible to obtain a slot in the workshop of your choice. More information.

Check out a video of last year’s summit:

After good news last week that the Senate would be unveiling its version of a climate bill at the end of the month—even though “Senate compromises frighten, infuriate some enviro groups“—there are indications that Congress may punt on the legislation this year to tackle immigration. Happy 40th Earth Day!

Weekend Updates:
Republican Senator Graham withdrew support from the bill, and Senator Kerry subsequently delayed the bill which was scheduled for release on Monday. However, the senior Massachusetts Senator says the bill is not dead, Senator Lieberman reports that Graham may yet again get behind the legislation he helped craft if Reid paves the way for the more advanced climate bill rather than open yet another can of worms. Tuesday evening Reid he is willing to tackle… [view entry]

Looking past the exciting technical, legislative and community advancements made to address climate change over the last few years, lies the reality of whether we as a society will make the necessary changes in energy use, lifestyle choices and investment decisions in time to avoid the most catastrophic global warming scenarios.

In last weekend’s New York Times, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman examined the question that could fatally delay the steps necessary to reduce the impact of climate change. It’s the question that many of the people running our government and global corporations are now pondering, “Is it good for business?”

Even when people accept the reality of climate change, there is some legitimate debate on how fast and how hard the truly negative effects of global warming… [view entry]

High sea surface temperatures combined with weakening El Niño conditions are expected to cause a significant increase in the number of hurricanes as well as hurricane intensity in the 2010 season. According to analysis from the UK Hadley Center, sea surface temperatures in the Main Development Region (the area of the Atlantic where most hurricanes are formed) were 1.26°C above average last month, setting a new record for the month of March.

Last week, researchers at Colorado State’s Tropical Meteorology Project, one of the most respected groups in the field, released their predictions for the 2010 hurricane season. They predict fifteen named (or major) storms, eight of those becoming hurricanes, four of which will grow to category three or higher. The predictions are significantly higher than the averages for 1950… [view entry]

After three community meetings, the Cambridge Climate Congress finalized its recommendations for an all-city awareness and response campaign, and for city responses to the Climate Emergency.  The City Council will receive the Climate Congress communication at the upcoming March 22nd City Council meeting.  This would be an opportunity for the public to provide additional comments on the Climate Congress report and activities.