[TheClimate.Vote] October 31, 2018 - Daily Global Warming News Digest
Richard Pauli
richard at theclimate.vote
Wed Oct 31 13:07:27 EDT 2018
/October 31, 2018/
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We've seen enough destruction from the weather extremes related to
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[What to Vote for]
*These Voters Could Approve the First U.S. Carbon Fee. Big Oil Is
Spending Millions to Defeat It.
<https://insideclimatenews.org/news/29102018/election-2018-washington-carbon-fee-ballot-initiative-price-carbon-big-oil-opposition>*
If the Washington state measure wins, it could begin a U.S. movement to
make the price of fossil fuels reflect their cost to the planet.
BY MARIANNE LAVELLE
Washington state voters will decide this November whether to approve the
nation's first carbon fee in what has become the most expensive ballot
initiative fight in the state's history and a referendum on the oil
industry's political clout.
If the measure passes, it will show that even as the federal government
turns its back on the climate crisis, one state's voters can make a
difference.
If it is defeated, that will affirm the oil industry's ability to
marshal money for advertising and support to deflect challenges to its
continued dominant role in fueling the nation's economy.
The fee would be charged to large carbon emitters and fossil fuel
sellers based on the carbon content of the fuels sold or used in the
state. The costs would come back to residents, mainly at the gas pump,
as companies pass those charges on to their consumers. Estimates of the
annual cost to each Washington state household range from $159 to $440
in the first year of the fee.
By itself, that's not enough to wean the nation, or even the state, off
fossil fuels. But Washington's Initiative 1631 could begin a movement in
the U.S. to make the price of fossil fuels reflect their cost to the
planet--a step economists believe would be the most effective market
mechanism to reduce greenhouse gases.
Oil companies have contributed almost all of the $29.7 million that has
been raised so far to defeat the ballot measure--more money than has
been devoted to any ballot initiative campaign in the state's history....
- - -
All revenue would go to a dedicated state fund (not the general state
treasury--that's why proponents claim it's a fee, not a tax.) The fund
would pay for projects to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, from
renewable energy to electric car infrastructure. It also would go to
efforts to mitigate climate change impacts, reduce forest fire risks,
help low-income and Native American communities, and assist displaced
workers.
- - -
"If people from the ground up support taking on a challenge this
significant, then we can do it at the national level, too," said Julie
McNamara, energy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists. "And of
course that's of concern to oil and gas companies."
Carbon fee proponents have some heavy hitters on their side--software
billionaire Bill Gates and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg each
have donated $1 million to the campaign to pass the initiative. But
altogether, the pro-initiative campaign, called Clean Air Clean Energy
Washington, has raised about half as much money as the initiative's
foes--about $14 million.
Two years ago, a similar ballot measure to put a price on carbon in
Washington state failed, with 59 percent of voters saying no. That plan
would have returned all the proceeds to taxpayers, but it was unpopular
with social justice groups, who felt the revenue should be used to
assist Washington communities facing increased risks from wildfire,
flooding and other climate impacts. Environmental advocates were
bitterly divided and didn't rally behind the measure.
This year, supporters have tried to build a much broader coalition. In
addition to environmental groups, 14 Native American tribes and nations,
the American Lung Association and other health groups, and activists for
low-income and minority communities all support the proposal. The plan
would put all revenue from the fee--an estimated $2.3 billion in the
first five years--into clean energy and water and healthy forest
investments, as well as addressing the concerns of disadvantaged
communities.
"It started out as a values conversation among labor, environmental
groups and communities of color," said Nick Abraham, communications
director for the coalition in support of the carbon fee. "That morphed
to include health professionals, faith communities, big Washington state
companies like Microsoft and REI. It's broadened out to be the most
diverse and largest coalition in our state's history."...
- - -
*Not all businesses would have to pay the carbon fee.*
Washington's one remaining coal plant, TransAlta's Centralia generating
station, would be exempt because it already is on track to be shuttered
by 2025 under a settlement with the state. That one plant, accounting
for 26 percent of Washington's carbon emissions from large emitters, is
the state's largest greenhouse gas polluter.
Also, aluminum, cement, and steel producers, the aircraft industry, pulp
and paper mills, and other so-called "energy-intensive trade-exposed
industries," accounting for 16 percent of the carbon emissions from the
state's large emitters, would be exempt. Proponents argue that makes
sense for a Washington state-only policy, because of the risk of losing
those industries to other states. But the initiative's foes argue it's
unfair...
- - -
Labor is divided over the initiative, with the largest public employees'
unions in support, but union locals representing construction and other
blue-collar workers opposing the carbon fee. A University of
Massachusetts study commissioned by the Washington State Labor Council
and other labor groups concluded that a fee-and-investment program like
Initiative 1631 would generate 40,000 jobs a year in the state. But a
study commissioned by the "No on 1631" coalition projected skyrocketing
future costs, job losses, and little impact on carbon emissions if
voters pass the fee...
- - -
*Oil Money Pours In*
One impact of the fee is certain--the segment of the fossil fuel
industry that would be hardest hit would be oil. Washington State, as
the nation's leading producer of hydroelectricity, already is among the
10 states with the lowest carbon emissions per capita due to its
relatively clean electricity mix. Transportation, primarily fueled by
oil, is by far the state's largest source of emissions.
The largest contributors to the No on 1631 campaign--BP America,
Phillips 66, and Andeavor (owned by Marathon Petroleum)--helped make
Washington the No. 5 state in crude oil refining capacity. (Refiners
account for 28 percent of Washington's current greenhouse gas emissions
from large emitters.) Koch Industries, the conglomerate of the
billionaire libertarian Koch Brothers, which has Georgia Pacific
facilities in the state and has been a leader in opposing climate
action, has contributed nearly $1 million to the fight.
The oil industry's role in the anti-carbon fee ads isn't always
apparent. In one commercial, former Washington attorney general and GOP
gubernatorial candidate Rob McKenna appears, identified as a "consumer
advocate." It doesn't mention he's currently a lawyer for Chevron,
defending the company in a climate lawsuit brought by King County, the
most populous county in the state and home of Seattle.
The money poured into the initiative fight by the oil industry has
shattered the previous record for Washington initiative campaigns, set
in 2013 by the successful $24.5 million drive to fight labeling of
genetically modified food in the state...
- - -
*Voters Are Feeling the Effects of Climate Change*
The vote comes in a year when Washington state has been feeling the
effects of climate change.
Seattle had its worst air quality on record in August due to smoke from
widespread Western wildfires. Off the coast, the state's beloved and
endangered orca population reached its lowest level in 34
years--although many factors are to blame, the killer whales eat Chinook
salmon, which are in decline due in part to stream warming in Northwest
watersheds. Ocean acidification continues to take a toll on shellfish in
Puget Sound.
- - - -
KC Golden, a longtime Washington activist, said he believes the carbon
price fight will reverberate beyond the state's borders--not because the
plan will be a model or template for others, but because of what it says
about climate advocates' ability to face off against the measure's
powerful and well-funded foes.
"It's less about the particulars of the policy design, and more about
the ability to overcome the single biggest obstacle to climate policy,
which is the concentrated economic and political power of the fossil
fuel incumbents," Golden said.
"We have all these elaborate psychological explanations about why we
have failed these past 30 years to respond to the climate crisis," he
said. "We'd commit ourselves to the transition in a minute, if there
wasn't something stopping us, and that something is now spending $29
million to try to stop us in Washington State.
More at -
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/29102018/election-2018-washington-carbon-fee-ballot-initiative-price-carbon-big-oil-opposition
[CO2 damages]
*Are We Becoming too Dumb to Solve the Big Problems such as Climate
Change? <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dozhgeVOXkc>*
Climate State
Published on Oct 29, 2018
Recent studies suggest that various pollution sources contribute to the
decline of cognitive abilities, IQ scores, human intelligence. Could
this trend potentially affect our collective efforts to combat climate
change?
SourcesIQ scores are falling and have been for decades, new study finds
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/06/13/he...
<https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2018%2F06%2F13%2Fhealth%2Ffalling-iq-scores-study-intl%2Findex.html&v=dozhgeVOXkc&redir_token=TZArvxciwjdKa4SDh8ULeqcd46B8MTU0MTA1Njc5MEAxNTQwOTcwMzkw&event=video_description>High
CO2 Levels Inside & Out: Double Whammy?
https://www.yaleclimateconnections.or...
<https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yaleclimateconnections.org%2F2016%2F07%2Findoor-co2-dumb-and-dumber&v=dozhgeVOXkc&redir_token=TZArvxciwjdKa4SDh8ULeqcd46B8MTU0MTA1Njc5MEAxNTQwOTcwMzkw&event=video_description>Air
pollution causes ‘huge’ reduction in intelligence, study reveals
https://www.theguardian.com/environme...
<https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fenvironment%2F2018%2Faug%2F27%2Fair-pollution-causes-huge-reduction-in-intelligence-study-reveals&v=dozhgeVOXkc&redir_token=TZArvxciwjdKa4SDh8ULeqcd46B8MTU0MTA1Njc5MEAxNTQwOTcwMzkw&event=video_description>Xi
Chen discusses the study he co-authored on air pollution and
intelligence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W3bC...
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W3bCOr5rqo>If we were really smart,
we’d get over our fixation on the IQ test
https://www.theguardian.com/commentis...
<https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fcommentisfree%2F2018%2Fjun%2F17%2Fdumbing-down-or-need-better--smarter-measure&v=dozhgeVOXkc&redir_token=TZArvxciwjdKa4SDh8ULeqcd46B8MTU0MTA1Njc5MEAxNTQwOTcwMzkw&event=video_description>Are
we getting smarter or dumber, or both? Frank Salter interviews Michael
A. Woodley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Taw5O...
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Taw5O7-VKks>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dozhgeVOXkc
[15 min video of scientist, cat and toys]
*Climate Tipping Points: Atmospheric and Ocean Circulation
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2qt5Ah_QNY>*
Paul Beckwith
Published on Oct 30, 2018
Presently, global average temperature is rising 0.25C per decade.
However nonlinear, tipping points can greatly increase this rate of
warming. Atmospheric circulation (jetstreams) and ocean circulation
(currents like the AMOC, or Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation)
can switch state behaviour and quickly rocket us up to a much different,
chaotic world. In this video, the first of two parts, I chat about the
risks of these tipping points being triggered.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2qt5Ah_QNY
[Columbia Law School]
*Silencing Science Tracker
<http://columbiaclimatelaw.com/resources/silencing-science-tracker/silencing-climate-science/>*
Updates: October 29, 2018
*Climate Science Misrepresented by Alaska Congressman
<http://columbiaclimatelaw.com/silencing-science-tracker/climate-science-misrepresented-by-alaska-congressman/>*
During a televised debate, Representative Don Yong asserted, contrary to
decades of scientific research, that climate change is not caused by
human activities. Rep. Young also accused scientists of overstating the
risks posed by climate change, saying "[i]t's being used as an
instrument to frighten people." Read more
<http://columbiaclimatelaw.com/silencing-science-tracker/climate-science-misrepresented-by-alaska-congressman/>
- - -
*Climate Science Misrepresented by Vice President Pence
<http://columbiaclimatelaw.com/silencing-science-tracker/climate-science-misrepresented-by-vice-president-pence/>*
Vice President Mike Pence questioned scientific research showing that
climate change is primarily caused by greenhouse gas emissions, telling
reporters that its causes "are yet to be seen." Read more
<http://columbiaclimatelaw.com/silencing-science-tracker/climate-science-misrepresented-by-vice-president-pence/>
- -
*Climate Science Misrepresented by President Trump
<http://columbiaclimatelaw.com/silencing-science-tracker/climate-science-misrepresented-by-president-trump-2/>*
In a televised interview, President Trump questioned scientific research
showing that anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are the primary
driver of climate change, saying we "don't know" what would have
happened "with or without man." Read more
<http://columbiaclimatelaw.com/silencing-science-tracker/climate-science-misrepresented-by-president-trump-2/>
- - -
*Scientific Data and Records to be Destroyed by DOI
<http://columbiaclimatelaw.com/silencing-science-tracker/epas-office-of-the-science-advisor-to-be-closed/>*
DOI filed a "Request for Records Disposition Authority" with the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). In the request, DOI
seeks permission from NARA to destroy records relating to its
conservation, land use, energy, and water programs. Many of the records
document the findings of scientific research or contain data needed to
conduct such research. Read more
<http://columbiaclimatelaw.com/silencing-science-tracker/epas-office-of-the-science-advisor-to-be-closed/>
more at-
http://columbiaclimatelaw.com/resources/silencing-science-tracker/silencing-climate-science/
*Ask A Climate Scientist: What's The Point Of Saving For Retirement If
The Ice Caps Are Melting?
<http://gothamist.com/2018/10/29/climate_change_future_planning.php>*
BY NEIL DEMAUSE - OCT 29, 2018
- - -
The good news is that limiting warming to just 1.5 degrees could stave
off many of the worst effects -- but that would take immediate
coordinated efforts to cut global carbon emissions, of the sort that the
world has shown no signs of being willing or ready to engage in. Without
those, we could pass the 1.5 degree mark as soon as 2040, and careen
into sci-fi levels of disaster -- permanent drought in Spain and Italy,
global famine and water wars -- soon thereafter.
So if the prognosis is so dismal, how should those of us young enough to
plan on being alive for a couple more decades be preparing? Does it
still make sense to be socking money away in a 401(k) for a future that
may no longer exist? Should we be stocking up on canned goods and
thundersticks instead?...
- - -
That's true for bad tipping points, where even a small additional rise
in global temperature can result in catastrophic results, he notes:
"After extreme temperatures cross a certain threshold, crop yields fall
dramatically, not gradually." But it's also true for "societal tipping
points" that could help rein in this problem. Wind and solar energy, for
example, have fallen in price much faster than expected, which could
lead to a faster reduction in fossil fuel use than anyone had anticipated.
Trenberth concurs that tipping points can show up where we least expect
them. "In 1903, the streets of New York City were full of horse and
buggies," he says. "Twelve years later, they were full of automobiles,
and there were hardly horse and buggies to be found. The same sort of
thing could easily occur for automobiles, given the technologies that we
already have." To do this would require shifting government subsidies to
penalize gas-fueled cars and encourage the purchase of electric ones --
but once the ball got rolling, electric cars would only get cheaper and
easier to fuel up.
The important thing, says Horton, is not to panic -- or, at least, not
to panic more than absolutely necessary. "Through most of human history,
we have lived in near constant fear of destruction of what we hold
dear," he notes. "I don't know if that makes people feel better or worse."
So to recap: Buy an electric car if you can afford it, don't eat red
meat, vote for politicians who believe climate change is real, don't
invest in land in Florida or Arizona, and put money in your IRA so you
can buy your way into the eventual biodomes. And by all means, stock up
on chocolate now, before it becomes extinct. You gotta have priorities.
more at - http://gothamist.com/2018/10/29/climate_change_future_planning.php
[UN Climate Change]
What is Talanoa? <https://talanoadialogue.com/background>
Talanoa is a traditional word used in Fiji and across the Pacific to
reflect a process of inclusive, participatory and transparent dialogue.
The purpose of Talanoa is to share stories, build empathy and to make
wise decisions for the collective good. The process of Talanoa involves
the sharing of ideas, skills and experience through storytelling.
During the process, participants build trust and advance knowledge
through empathy and understanding. Blaming others and making critical
observations are inconsistent with building mutual trust and respect,
and therefore inconsistent with the Talanoa concept. Talanoa fosters
stability and inclusiveness in dialogue by creating a safe space that
embraces mutual respect for a platform for decision making for a greater
good.
https://talanoadialogue.com/background
[Comment]
*Brazil's choice is a matter for the planet
<http://www.climatechangenews.com/2018/10/29/brazils-choice-matter-planet/>*
Published on 29/10/2018
Comment: The election of Jair Bolsonaro is the most critical new threat
to efforts to control climate change
By Climate Home News
Jair Bolsonaro has ridden a wave of dissatisfaction to victory in
Brazil. What happens now is a matter for the whole planet.
With most of the Amazon under his control, few national leaders will
have more power to harm or help the world's fight against climate change
than Bolsonaro.
It is Climate Home News' view that the election of the former army
captain is the most critical new threat to efforts to control climate
change.
We base this on the promises and statements Bolsonaro has made. If you
haven't already done so, please read CHN correspondent Fabiano
Maisonnave'surgent and disturbing catalogue
<http://www.climatechangenews.com/2018/10/08/bolsonaro-made-grim-threats-amazon-people/>
of his environmental positions.
Particularly worrying is his political pivot to the powerful
agricultural lobby. The current Temer government's pandering to this
“beef caucus” has opened up the forest to land-grabbing and logging.
Bolsonaro's threats, particularly to the indigenous land rights that
effectively hamper forest strippers, make Temer look benign.
There are some unknowns: the degree to which his talk will translate
into committed policy; what checks will be placed on him by Brazil's
Congress, courts and constitution; his susceptibility to international
pressure.
In his latest statements Bolsonaro said he would honour the Paris
climate accord. But he threw in enough caveats to warrant little
confidence. He has already been mercurial
<http://www.climatechangenews.com/2018/08/14/brazils-bolsonaro-threatens-quit-paris-climate-deal/>
on this point.
Even if Brazil remains inside the deal, a rise in Amazon deforestation
would add its name to a growing list of countries where on-the-ground
reality is divorcing from promises made in the French capital. Donald
Trump's US, which seemed an aberration a year ago, looks increasingly to
have made it okay to do nothing on climate…again.
In the coming days, weeks and months, CHN will be bringing you reporting
from Maisonnave, who is based in the heart of the Amazon (see below for
how you can help) and, as always, we will be watching for how domestic
upheaval shifts the global political balance.
Bolsonaro, the military man, believes sovereignty is God. So criticising
Brazil's democratic choice on the basis of global interests is unlikely
to go over well with him or his supporters.
But the Amazon makes Brazil unique. Just weeks after the scientific
community warned many safe natural thresholds will be crossed within a
decade or two unless we all start running in the same direction,
Brazil's inward turn will have consequences beyond its borders.
http://www.climatechangenews.com/2018/10/29/brazils-choice-matter-planet/
*This Day in Climate History - October 31, 1978
<http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-92/pdf/STATUTE-92-Pg601.pdf> -
from D.R. Tucker*
October 31, 1978: President Carter signs the National Climate Program
Act into law.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS. note.
The Congress finds and declares the following: 15 USC 2901.
(1) Weather and climate change affect food production, energy
use, land use, water resources and other factors vital to national
security and human welfare.
(2) An ability to anticipate natural and man-induced changes
in climate would contribute to the soundness of policy decisions in
the public and private sectors.
(3) Significant improvements in the ability to forecast climate
on an intermediate and long-term basis are possible.
(4) Information regarding climate is not being fully disseminated
or used, and Federal efforts have given insufficient attention
to assessing and applying this information.
(5) Climate fluctuation and change occur on a global basis, and
deficiencies exist in the system for monitoring global climate
changes. International cooperation for the purpose of sharing the
benefits and costs of a global effort, to understand climate is
essential.
(6) The United States lacks a well-defined and coordinated
program in climate-related research, monitoring, assessment of
effects, and information utilization.
SEC. 3. PURPOSE. 15 USC 2902. It is the purpose of the Congress in
this Act
to establish a national climate program that will assist the
Nation and the world
to understand and respond to natural and man-induced climate
processes and their implications.
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-92/pdf/STATUTE-92-Pg601.pdf
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