Skeptic Finds he now Agrees Global Warming is Real | Oct 31

The study of the world's surface temperatures by Richard Muller was partially bankrolled by a foundation connected to global warming deniers. He pursued long-held skeptic theories in analyzing the data. He was spurred to action because of "Climategate," a British scandal involving hacked emails of scientists. Yet he found that the land is 1.6 degrees warmer than in the 1950s. Those numbers from Muller, who works at the University of California, Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, match those by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA.  ..... more

Source: Associate Press

Climate Science: Roofs and Roads | Oct 31

Around half of the world population now lives in cities, a staggering amount given that urban areas cover just a small portion of the land surface. These dense centres of human activity are characterized by their own, unique environment. They are home to carbon dioxide domes, soaring levels of ground-level ozone and particulate matter and, in some developing countries, a shortage of clean water .... more

Source: Journal Nature Geoscience; Author: A Armstrong

New Report: The National Weather Service Modernization and Associated Restructuring: A Retrospective Assessment | Oct 31

The Modernization and Associated Restructuring (MAR) of the National Weather Service (NWS) was a large and complex re-engineering of a federal agency. The process lasted a decade and cost an estimated $4.5 billion. The result was greater integration of science into weather service activities and improved outreach and coordination with users of weather information. The MAR created a new, modernized NWS, and, significantly, it created a framework that will allow the NWS to keep up with technological changes in a more evolutionary manner.  .... more
Source: NAS

New Book: Renewable Fuel Standard Potential Economic and Environmental Effects of U.S. Biofuel Policy | Oct 31

Romney Makes Full Transition to Climate Skeptic | Oct 28

Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney appears to have completed his transformation from a proponent of mandatory action to address climate change to a skeptic who isn't sure man-made global warming exists. In remarks to a Pittsburgh audience recently, the former Massachusetts governor reversed his past position that human-caused emissions appeared to be at least in part responsible for rising temperatures. "My view is that we don't know what's causing climate change on this planet," he said. Romney added that President Obama's support for carbon dioxide regulations appeared to have more to do with the fact that he (and U.S. EPA) "really doesn't like oil, gas, coal and nuclear" than with limiting emissions. ... more

Source: The Leader In Energy and Environmental Policy News

Researcher finds Humans need to Discover Climate Change, not just Read about it | Oct 28

It's not just climate change skeptics who are rattled by the accumulating science. It might be that most people, including believers in man-made warming, are facing human obstacles in grasping the complex concepts related to climate change. Those characteristics, which belong to people, not political parties, could be causing us to diminish the urgency around rising greenhouse gases, new research suggests. One recommendation urges climate scientists to simplify their jargon drowned message to lawmakers and the public.
Another is perhaps more ambitious: It asks people to discover how climate change works, because absorbing information from news and blogs won't do it. "You just can't tell people this stuff. They have to learn about it themselves," said John Sterman, a professor of management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology whose paper was published recently in the journal Climate Change.  ... more
Source: The Politics and Business of Climate Change; Author E Lehman

NASA: New Climate-Monitoring Satellite Lifts Off | Oct 28

NASA and NOAA officials congratulated each other this morning following the successful launch of the NPP spacecraft aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Ken Schwer, NPP Project Manager, led off a news conference this morning about three hours after liftoff. He will be part of the team who will get the spacecraft checked out during the next several weeks so it can begin its Earth observing mission. "Now the future of NPP starts and we look forward to NPP touching the rest of the world," Schwer said. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expected to use the data from NPP as part of its weather forecasting. NPP will "make America a more weather-ready nation," said Mary Glackin, NOAA's deputy undersecretary for Oceans and Atmosphere.

Source: NASA

EPA Develops New Planning Approach to Improve Water Quality in U.S. Cities | Oct 28

The EPA announced a commitment to using an integrated planning process to help local governments dealing with difficult financial conditions identify opportunities to achieve clean water by controlling and managing releases of wastewater and stormwater runoff more efficiently and cost effectively.... more

Source: EPA

First Florida Energy Summit Attracted high Interest from Industry | Oct 28

Commissioner Putnam kicked off the first Florida Energy Summit in Orlando, that was attended by over 400 people. This three-day conference brought bright minds from across the state and around the nation together to discuss Florida's energy future. During the summit, Commissioner Putnam outlined his vision for the future of energy in Florida, calling on stakeholders in Florida's energy industry to work together to secure a stable, reliable and diverse energy supply. ... more

First Source: Florida Energy Summit, FDACS 

Royal Society Journal Archive Made Permanently Free to Access | Oct 26

The Royal Society has today announced that its world-famous historical journal archive – which includes the first ever peer-reviewed scientific journal – has been made permanently free to access online. Around 60,000 historical scientific papers are accessible via a fully searchable online archive, with papers published more than 70 years ago now becoming freely available.

Access the free on-line resource here.

Source: The Royal Society

UNEP: New Research Reveals Pathways for Action on Climate Change | Oct 24

Studies show that the world's aggregate level of effort on climate change mitigation is not in line with the science and existing country commitments are insufficient to adequately address climate change. A new paper published by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with the support of the Government of Ireland, entitled Building the Climate Change Regime: Survey and Analysis of Approaches, reviews more than 130 proposals put forward by governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academics to design a climate regime capable of delivering adequate mitigation action.  ... more

Source: UNEP

USGS: Study Finds no Evidence that Climate Change Caused more Severe Flooding | Oct 24

A new study conducted by federal scientists found no evidence that climate change has caused more severe flooding in the United States during the last century. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), floods have become less severe as greenhouse gas emissions have increased, the study says. “Currently we do not see a clear pattern that enables us to understand how climate change will alter flood conditions in the future, but the USGS will continue to collect new data over time and conduct new analyses as conditions change,” said Robert Hirsch, a USGS scientist who was the lead author of the study, in a statement. ... more

Source: USGS, Author: R Hirsch

Urban 'Heat Island' Effect is only a small Contributor to Global Warming | Oct 20

Heat emanating from cities – called the "urban heat island" effect – is not a significant contributor to global warming, Stanford researchers have found. They also concluded that if all the roofs in urban areas were painted white, it would increase, not decrease, global warming. ... more

Source: Stanford University, Stanford News

Climate Change: Migration as Adaptation | Oct 20

The effects of global environmental change, including coastal flooding, reduced rainfall in drylands and water scarcity, will almost certainly alter patterns of human migration. Conventional narratives usually cast these displacements in a negative light, with many millions of people forced to move, and tension and conflict the result. The UK government's Foresight report on migration and global environmental change, examines the likely movement of people within and between countries over the next 50 years. It contends that, although environmental change will alter an already complex pattern of human mobility, migration will offer opportunities as well as challenges. .... more.

Source: Journal Nature, Author: R Black and others

UF and Monsanto Collaborate on Modeling Environmental Impacts on Corn Production | Oct 20

To boost world corn production, scientists with the University of Florida and the agriculture company Monsanto are collaborating on an improved computer model designed to more accurately predict corn growth by making projections to show how the interactions between corn varieties, environmental conditions and management practices influence grain yield. ... more

Source: AgProfessional

New Report: Southeast Florida's Resilient Water Resources | Oct 19

Southeast Florida, with a population of 5.5 million is ranked as one of the ten most vulnerable coastal metropolitan areas in the world.  Researchers from AFU released a new report that evaluates the impact from and costs associated with predicted sea level rises. .... download report here.

Source: AFU

FAU Study: Rising seas will hit S. Florida water bills | Oct 19

Climate change, rising seas and increasing drought will necessitate up to $1 billion of new water supply infrastructure for South Florida in the next 70 to 100 years, a new study from Florida Atlantic University said. ... more

Source: FAU, South Florida Business Journal

Postdocs Applying Climate Expertise (PACE) 2012 Funding Round Announced | Oct 19

2012 Announcement of Opportunity for Hosting Institutions - “Keeping pace with a changing climate”. Interested hosting organisations are invited to submit proposals to co-fund on a 50% basis priority research activities to be undertaken by postdoctoral candidates for a maximum period of two years. ....  hosting organisation prospectus.
The PACE Fellowship Program is building a pool of scientists qualified to transfer advances in climate science and climate prediction into climate-related decision frameworks and decision tools. (Refer to websites www.vsp.ucar.edu/pace and www.usclivar.org for additional details and background information.)

Source: VSP, PACE, NOAA

EPA Awards $6.6 Million to Universities for Black Carbon Research | Oct 18

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded more than $6.6 million in grants to eight universities in support of black carbon research. Unlike greenhouse gases, which remain in the atmosphere for decades or centuries, black carbon particles only stay in the atmosphere for days or weeks. Therefore, reducing black carbon emissions could have a positive effect on our climate quickly.   ... more

Source: EPA

Sea levels will continue to rise for 500 years | Oct 17

Rising sea levels in the coming centuries is perhaps one of the most catastrophic consequences of rising temperatures. Massive economic costs, social consequences and forced migrations could result from global warming. But how frightening of times are we facing? Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute are part of a team that has calculated the long-term outlook for rising sea levels in relation to the emission of greenhouse gases and pollution of the atmosphere using climate models. The results have been published in the scientific journal Global and Planetary Change.... more


Source: Centre for Ice and Climate, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen

NOAA Climate Societal Interaction Project Launched | Oct 14

This National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Societal Interactions research project launch marks the beginning of a two-year interdisciplinary assessment of adaptation strategies in the Southwest United States and Northwest Mexico and a continuation of our vulnerability and adaptation research in the region. The project focuses on building adaptive capacity for water management in the transboundary region, understanding the role of climate information within governance networks, developing innovations in communicating climate science and pilot development of a set of best metrics for assessing adaptive capacity in arid and border regions. The study sites include; Tucson, Ambos Nogales, Hermosillo and the delta/upper Gulf of California. ... more

Source: University of Arizona

Perry Officials Censored Climate Change Report | Oct 13

Top environmental officials under Perry have gutted a recent report on sea level rise in Galveston Bay, removing all mentions of climate change. For the past decade, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which is run by Perry political appointees, including famed global warming denier Bryan Shaw, has contracted with the Houston Advanced Research Center to produce regular reports on the state of the Bay. But when HARC submitted its most recent State of the Bay publication to the commission earlier this year, officials decided they couldn't accept a report that said climate change is caused by human activity and is causing the sea level to rise.  ... more (Mother Jones - publishes copy of censored report)

Source: various, The Guardian, Mother Jones

Palm Beach County shrinks Coastal 'Hazard Areas,' Opens Door to Development | Oct 12

Even as South Florida braces for a growing threat from sea level rise, Palm Beach County commissioners  made it easier for developers to build more homes in what was long considered a "coastal high-hazard area." The County Commission shrunk its coastal high-hazard area by nearly 90 percent, blaming state mandates for the rule change that allows more building near the coast.
Hazard areas are places where local governments can discourage or at least limit development due to the threat from storm flooding.  ... more

Source: Sun Sentinel

Climate Change Ecology: Foreshadows of Climates Past | Oct 12

Animals with small ranges and those living in regions that have not experienced major climate change in the recent geological past face an increased risk of extinction as the planet warms. A recent study of Aarhus University in Denmark suggests that animals in regions of rich endemic fauna are particularly vulnerable to future climate change.  ... more

Source: Journal Nature; Author: B Sandel

New Report: Carbon Sequestration and Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities | Oct 12

Politicians, pundits, and the public debate the details surrounding Earth's changing climate patterns, but science-based research provides the most credible foundation for policymakers, and the authors of CAST's new Task Force Report about Climate Change give a comprehensive appraisal of this crucial issue. In a timely update of CAST's 2004 landmark Climate Change report, the authors examine: Agriculture's role in land-atmosphere exchanges of greenhouse gases (GHGs); The science of carbon sequestration and GHG mitigation for various sectors of U.S. agriculture; The consequences of any action--or inaction--in light of agriculture's role of providing necessary food, feed, and fiber. ... more

Source: CAST

Can the World Feed Itself Without Ruining the Planet? | Oct 12

Increasing population and consumption are placing unprecedented demands on agriculture and natural resources. Today, approximately a billion people are chronically malnourished while our agricultural systems are concurrently degrading land, water, biodiversity and climate on a global scale. To meet the world’s future food security and sustainability needs, food production must grow substantially while, at the same time, agriculture’s environmental footprint must shrink dramatically. .... more

Source: Journal Nature, The Nature Conservancy; Author: Foley, J at all.

Legal Aspects of Climate Change | Oct 11

Climate change poses a number of challenges for researchers in all fields, including those in law. The major challenge is trying to create, legally, approaches to climate change mitigation at both the national and international scales and climate change's challenges for law and governance go far beyond the cap-and-trade/carbon tax debate. ... more

by Robin Craig, FCI Steering Committee Member, Attorneys’ Title Professor and Associate Dean for Environmental Programs

New Report: Past and Projected Trends in Climate and Sea Level for South Florida | Oct 10

A Hydrological and Environmental Systems Modeling Technical Report, first released in July 2011 by the South Florida Water Management District. Download the full report here.

Source: www.sfwmd.gov

The Panama Climate Talks | Oct 7

Officials from key nations reported progress in preparatory talks that closed Friday in Panama City -- not in resolving the most knotty issues, but in starting to work out a technical framework for the future. ... more

Source: Various, FTA, WRI

Progress Towards Developing Plants That Accommodate Climate Change | Oct 6

The genetic basis of a plant's adaptability to climate is identified, according to a recent NDF study. Relatively few genes control whether these plants struggle or thrive in heat and other climates. ... more.

Source: NSF

US Airlines to be Included in EU Emission Trading Scheme | Oct 6

According to a recent opinion by the EU European Court of Justice foreign airlines can be charged for their carbon pollution.  This comes as a set-back to US airlines legal challenge.  ...more

Source: Financial Times

Why Conservative White Males are more likely to be Climate Skeptics | Oct 6

According to a new study by A McCright of Michigan State University, conservative white males are less likely to believe in climate change. Besides the trend among skeptics, the study also found that conservative white men who self-report a high understanding of global warming -- dubbed "confident" conservative males -- are even more likely to express climate change denial.  ....  more  and full published article ... here

Source: ClimateWire, The New Yourk Times, Michigan State University

EPA released Gulf Coast Restoration Strategy for Public Review | Oct 5

The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, chaired by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, today released for public review and feedback its comprehensive preliminary strategy for long term ecosystem restoration. The strategy is open for review and submission until Oct 26 and The Task Force will release the final version in December.  ... more

Source: EPA 

US Global Change Research Program - Strategic Plan Open for Comments | Oct 5

US Global Change Research Program developed a ten year strategic plan for Federal research aimed at understanding, assessing and responding to global change, as required by the Global Change Research Act of 1990.  Developed by an interagency team, the Draft Strategic Plan for 2012-2021 has undergone review and revision within the Program, and will undergo a formal review by the National Research Council.  It is now available for public comment, deadline is Nov 29 . .... more

Source: US Global Change Research Program

Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) - Global Group to meet in October in the US | Oct 4

Over 100 scientist and experts, as part of the AgMIP network from major global agricultural regions will meet this year in San Antionio, TX to make progress in building a global, transdisciplinary network of scientists to evaluate the impacts of climate change on crop production and food security around the globe. AgMIP is coordinating research activities for climate scenarios, crop modeling, economics, and information technologies teams, as well as regional initiatives and crop-specific assessments. 

The Agricultural Model Inter-comparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) is a distributed climate-scenario simulation exercise, started in 2010, that is now funded by various Governments and organisations engaging expert research teams from around the world. The goals of AgMIP are to incorporate regional expertise and information utilising available simulation modelling capaciy to improve substantially the characterization of risk of hunger and world food security due to climate change and to enhance adaptation capacity in both developing and developed countries. ... more

Source: AgMIP

DACS warns EPA's Numeric Nutrient Criteria would harm Florida's Economy without Increased Environmental Benefits | Oct 4

DACS opposes the EPA's new national regulation as not effectively focusing on measurable environmental improvement, while optimizing the use of public dollars and avoiding costs that have no environmental impact,” DACS in cooperation with the University of Florida Food and Resource Economics Department, estimated the implementation costs of EPA’s numeric nutrient criteria just for agricultural land uses at between $900 million and $1.6 billion annually,” ... resulting in the loss of over 14,000 jobs for the state of Florida. .... more

Source: DACS

FCI Director J Jones receives State University Awards | Oct 3

Professor Jim Jones has recently been awarded with two prestigious awards from the University of Florida and NC State University recognizing his outstanding achievements and contributions in Agriculture and Life Sciences. Dr. Jones , internationally recognized in his field has devoted his career to the adoption of computer simulation for the development of scientifically sound decision support systems to manage climate and weather related risks. Dr. Jones is one of the founding members and the current Director of the Florida Climate Institute. Congratulations!

Source: UF

Unprecedented Arctic Ozone Loss | Oct 3

A NASA-led study has documented an unprecedented depletion of Earth's protective ozone layer above the Arctic last winter and spring caused by an unusually prolonged period of extremely low temperatures in the stratosphere. ... more
Source: NASA

FSU to lead $20 million Gulf oil spill study | Oct 1

“Deep-C: Deepsea to Coast Connectivity in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico" is the FSU lead research consortium of universities and research institutions to study the “environmental consequences of petroleum hydrocarbon release in the deep Gulf on living marine resources and ecosystem health.” Prof Eric Chassignet, professor of oceanography and Director of the FCI will lead the reaserch consortium. ... more

Source: FSU

Request for Information still open for National Climate Assessment | Oct 1

Expressions of interest and submissions to the National Climat Assessment are accepted on a rolling basis until March 1, 2012. Expressions of interest and inputs targeting the sustained assessment process will be accepted at any time. ... more.
For more information contact Emily Therese Cloyd, NCA Public Participation and Engagement Coordinator, at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Source: US Global Change Research Program

Scientists push for Agricultural Monitoring and the Collection of Environmental and Socioeconomic Data | Sep 30

A global agricultural monitoring network moved a step closer to reality this week with a meeting between a group of academics and potential patrons at Columbia University in New York City. Human agriculture has transformed the face of the planet, changing the flow of fundamental nutrients like nitrogen, and the pressure is only going to grow as the population rises in coming decades. Earth Institute Director Jeffrey Sachs told the meeting's attendees that scientists simply do not have the data they need to properly explore this dynamic. So far the initiative receives funding from a range of organisations including the Gates Foundation. Increasing interest is also expected from large multinational food companies, such as PepsiCo. .... more

Source: Journal Nature

Climate Adaptation and Change a Focus in Professional Development Training for Extention Agents in Florida | Sep 29

Florida's Extension network, a federal, state, and county partnership, is dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences and to making that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. UF through its Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences delivers advisory services to the public on Agriculture, the Environment, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Sustainable Living, Disaster Preperation and Recovery. The Extension Network conists of scientists, educators, administrators, and many volunteers, all working to provide solutions for Florida's communities. Climate Variability and Change is the major topic of a three day professional development Summit to provide Extension Agents with the know-how and tools to better assist communities to adopt to climate change. ... more

Source: UF - IFAS

NRC will Assess the Impacts of Climate Change on Social and Political Stresses | Sep 30

The National Research Council is undertaking a study to evaluate the evidence on possible connections between climate change and U.S. national security concerns and to identify ways to increase the ability of the intelligence community to take climate change into account in assessing political and social stresses with implications for U.S. national security. The study is funded by the CIA.  ... more

Source: NRC

Southeast weather outlook tends to favor small grain crops | Sep 29

The weather forecast for this fall and winter should be good news for Southeastern wheat producers, since the La Niña conditions that are expected usually are favorable for winter grain crops such as wheat, oats and rye. “La Niña brings warmer than normal winter temperatures, so we’ll get fewer chill hours this winter,” says David Zierden, the state climatologist of Florida and an associate in research at Florida State University’s Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies.  ... more

Source: Southeast Farm Press

Welcome Back, La Niña | Sep 29

It’s nearly official: La Niña is making her second appearance this year. After a few months’ hiatus this summer, ocean temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific have dipped back below normal. ... more

Source: Brian Kahn, The Earth Institute, Columbia University

Washington, DC and Brookeville, MD winners of the first Green Power Community Challenge | Sep 27

The year-long challenge encouraged communities across the nation to voluntarily increase their use of green power generated from renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, biogas, and low-impact hydropower. Washington, D.C. surpassed all other challenge participants to win the competition title for the most amount of green power used annually by using more than 772 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, 8 percent of the community's total electricity use.
Brookeville, Md., is the challenge winner for the highest green power percentage of total electricity use. Forty-five percent of Brookeville's local government, residential, and business electricity usage comes from green power sources. ... more

Source: EPA

Koshland Science Museum Opens New Exhibition on Climate Change | Sep 27

The Koshland Science Museum recently opened a new exhibit entitled "Earth Lab: Degrees of Change". The exhibit's visualizations allow visitors to explore the impacts of climate change and take on the role of decision makers who identify priorities, evaluate tradeoffs, and decide how to respond to climate change. The museum is located at 525 E St NW, Washington, DC 20001. ... more  

Source: The National Academies

Florida Ag Commissioner talks Energy Policy at UF | Sep 26

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam talked up the state's potential to be a leader in renewable energy technologies at Florida Energy Systems Consortium's Event at the University of Florida. But he cautioned against creating unreasonable expectations, saying that "managing the hype" is important on issues such as when solar will be as feasible as other technologies. ... more

Source: Ocala Star Banner

New Book: A Perfect Moral Storm: The Ethical Trategy of Climate Change | Sep 25

Describing our inaction as an ethical failure, philosopher Stephen Gardiner argues that our stasis stems from wilful self deception.   He explains how this enables the cost of climate change to fall on the poor and weak, and to be passed on to future generations. Gardiner concludes that we must wake up to the ethical failure and demand more of our institutions, or leaders and ourselves. ... more.

Source: Journal Nature, Oxford Uni Press, Author: Stephen Gardiner, University of Washington

EPA Administrator Testimony Before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations | Sep 22

It is a priority of the EPA and of this Administration, to ensure that our regulatory system is guided by science and that it protects human health and the environment in a pragmatic and cost effective manner. ..Some would have us believe that “job killing” describes EPA’s regulations. It is misleading to say that enforcement of our nation’s environmental laws is bad for the economy and employment. It isn’t. ... more

Source: EPA

EDF Climate Corps Unearths $650 Million in Energy Savings | Sep 21

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) announced the results of this summer's EDF Climate Corps fellowships, which placed 96 specially-trained MBA and MPA students in 78 companies, cities and universities to sleuth out energy savings and carbon dioxide (CO2) reductions. Together, the 2011 Climate Corps fellows uncovered efficiencies in lighting, computer equipment, and heating and cooling systems. ... more

Source:  EDF

S. Korea to Invest $150 mn in Carbon Capture & Storage Technology | Sep 21

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) announced today hat it will provide a total of 172.7 billion won (US$150.32 million) until 2019 for a project dubbed as 'Korea CCS 2020' which will lead development of an original Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the CCS technology is expected to contribute to cutting global carbon emissions by 19% until 2050, and advanced countries like the United States and Japan are already focusing research efforts on the technology in order to dominate the market in advance. The announcement came after S Korea published its first nation wide Climate Change Impact assessment report.

Source: Reuters

Improved Estimates of long-term Wind speed changes for the fast-growing Wind Energy Sector | Sep 21

CSIRO scientits are now able to more accurately estimate of long-term trends of wind speed. This provides a useful indicator for circulation changes in the atmosphere and is invaluable for the planning and financing of sectors such as wind energy. The potential for increasing the efficiency of energy operations by using quality weather and climate information is therefore apparent and one of the first steps is the standardisation of wind recording stations. ... more

Source: CSIRO

EPA: Nations Energy Star Rating Homes up at 25% in 2010 from 21% in 2009 | Sep 21

Since 1995 approximately 1.2 million new homes have earned EPA’s Energy Star Rating, representing savings of nearly $350 million on utility bills while avoiding greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from more than 450,000 vehicles.

16 US States reported higher than 25% market shares index of energy star homes, with Hawaii, Arizona, Iowa, Nevada and Ohio above 50% and States like Florida only falling into the 12-25% bracket. ...more

Source: EPA

EPA Received Overwhelming Response to "Green Apps" Ideas Call | Sep 20

The EPA received an overwhelming response from developers as part of the first called Apps for the Environment challenge. Next up: voting for the People’s Choice Award starts September 21 – details are coming on how you can make your mark, join the developer community, and continue helping us put environmental data in the palm of people’s hands. .. more at the Data Developer Forum

Source: EPA

2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) Companies Announced | Sep 19

SAM and Dow Jones Indexes announced the 2011 results of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes Annual Review. SAM, the investment boutique focused exclusively on Sustainability Investing, and Dow Jones Indexes, a leading global index provider, today announced the 2011 results of the Dow Jones sustainability Indexes (DJSI) annual review. Following SAM’s comprehensive Corporate Sustainability Assessment, 41 companies will be added to, and 23 firms will be deleted from the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSIWorld), resulting in a total of 342 components.
Corporate Sustainability is a business approach that creates long-term shareholder value by embracing opportunities and managing risks deriving from economic, environmental and social developments. Corporate sustainability leaders achieve long-term shareholder value by gearing their strategies and management to harness the market's potential for sustainability products and services while at the same time successfully reducing and avoiding sustainability costs and risks.  ... more

Source: Reuters

Churches take on Role in Community Work focused on Climate Change Adaptation | Sep 19

An outstanding sample of how community groups are engaging into Climate Adaptation was recently honored with the 2011 ACT Climate Award, which recognizes humanitarian work focused on Climate Change Adaptation. The Georgia based project focuses on the energy demand of rural households and is supported by a strong alliance between the Church World Service project / Presbyterian Church and two community based partners in Georgia: Woman in Europe for a Common Future and the Rural Communities Development Agency.

Source: Reuters, Presbyterian Church USA

Deep Oceans May Mask Global Warming for Years at a Time | Sep 19

Earth's deep oceans may absorb enough heat at times to flatten the rate of global warming for periods of as long as a decade--even in the midst of longer-term warming. This according to a new analysis led by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). ... more

Source: Journal Climate Change, NSF

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in Farmland Incorporating Environmental Concerns Launched | Sep 18

A group of institutional investors currently representing US$ 1.3 trillion in assets have launched Sep 6 the Principles for Responsible Investment in Farmland (the “Farmland Principles”) with the goal of improving the sustainability, transparency and accountability of investments in farmland. Farmland is an increasingly attractive investment for pension funds, but some have held back from buying due to ethical and environmental concerns, and a fear of negative public perception. The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in Farmland, include similar principles as the United Nations’ PRI, providing a framework for investors to incorporate social, environmental and governance considerations into farmland investments.  ... more

Source: Reuters, TIAA-CREF

University of Miami: Florida's Reefs cannot endure a "Cold Snap" | Sep 16

The study found coral tissue mortality reached over 40-percent after a cold-water event in contrast to a less than one-percent tissue mortality caused by warm-water events. Changes in climate patterns as well as others impacts, such as coastal development, pollution, overfishing and disease have put added stress on coral reefs worldwide. The authors cite the need to improve ecosystem resilience through reef restoration, pollution reduction efforts and the use of management tools, such as marine protected areas, in order for coral reefs to survive future large-scale disturbances. Access the full article here.

Source: Journal Chemicals & Chemistry, Author: Lirman, D

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology calles for better Links of Global Climate Prediction Models to Local Ecosystem Data | Sep 16

According to the authors of recent research from Zurich, Switzerland, Global and regional climate models, such as those used in IPCC assessments, are the best tools available for climatepredictions. Such models typically account for large-scale land-atmosphere feedbacks. The researcher call for linking local vegetation-environment feedbacks that may trigger a cascade of amplifying effects at larger regional and global levels.

Source: Journal Ecological Complexity, Author: Rietkerk,M., Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

Regional Partnership to develope a Cooperative Conservation Blueprint for Florida | Sep 15

Led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the partnership brings together landowners, businesses and regional organisations to develop regional incentive based plans and policies to ensure that natural resources are conserved and sustainably developed to continue to contribute positively to Frlida's economic, community and environmental health. The Pilot region, launched in early 2011 encompasses initially 13 counties in southcentral and southwest Florida. ... more

Source: FWC

Venice: Improving the Capacity to Assess and to Adapt to Climate Change in Urban Coastal Regions | Sep 15

Over 50 international experts came together in a two day conference in Venice to discuss how to improve the capacity to access and to adapt to the multiple and interrelated impacts of climate change on urban coastal regions. In a declaration, the experts outlined their recommendation how the impacts of climate change requires adaptation strategies in science, policy development and community response. ... more.

Source: The Venice Conference on Improving the Capacity to Assess and to Adapt to Climate Change in Urban Coastal Regions, Sept 11-15 2011

Global Climate Change Leader selects Greenstone's Software Platform for Carbon Management and Reporting | Sep 15

The Climate Group works internationally with government and business leaders to advance the smart policies, technologies and finance needed to cut global greenhouse gas emissions. The Group, with operations in Australia, China, India, Europe and North America chose Greenstone’s web-based application, to advance carbon reporting software solutions that provide fast and accurate reports which enables in-depth analysis of energy, business travel, waste and water across all parts of the organisation. ... more

Source: The Climate Group

Obamas $38.6 billion Loan Guarantee Program to Jump-Start the US Clean Technology Industry under Scrutiny | Sep 15

$38.6 billion loan guarantee program that is designed to assist companies investing in green technologies, the Obama administration promised would create or save 65,000 jobs came under scrutiny after the collapse of of Solyndra, a US solar-panel maker. ... more

Source: Washington Post

NZ: Govt released Review of its Emission Trading Scheme to trnasission to Low Carbon-Economy| Sep 15

The New Zealand Government today released the report of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) review panel, which was tasked with looking at the progress and future of the scheme designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by putting a price on emissions. However experts recommended that the implementation of some aspects of the ETS be slowed. ... more

Source: New Zealand Govt

Global Report: Commercial Interests Driving Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction at World’s Largest Companies | Sep 14

Disclosure Project (CDP) Global 500 report prepared by PWC reports for the first time in the ten year history of the survey, that the majority of the world largest companies have climate change actions embedded as part of their business strategy. This is attributed to reported to a growing board-level awareness of the link between energy efficiency and increased profitability....68% of the companies have climate change at the heart of business strategies, compared with 48% in 2010. There was also a marked rise in the number of companies reporting reduced greenhouse gas emissions as a result of emissions reduction activities (45%, up from 19% in 2010). A correlation was also established between higher stock market performance over time, and representation on CDP’s Carbon Performance Leadership Index (CPLI) and the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI). Companies with a strategic focus on climate change provided investors with approximately double the average total return of the Global 500 from January 2005 to May 2011. ... more

Source: CDP

NASA fosters Science; Schools gain funds to study climate change | Sep 9

The 2011 Innovation in Global Climate Change Education grant will be used to train biology and Earth science teachers at eight high schools in California to enhance the students understanding about Climate Science. The Grant will assist teachers to incorporate NASA resources such as climate change data and other printed and online material into their lessons.

Source: NASA

Climate Change; Alley to receive first Schneider Award | Sep 9

Richard B. Alley, Evan Pugh Professor of Geosciences, Penn State, will be the first recipient of the Stephen H. Schneider Award for Outstanding Climate Science Communication, Climate One. The $10,000 award is given to a natural or social scientist, who has made extraordinary scientific contributions and communicated that knowledge to a broad public in a clear and compelling fashion. Alley was host of "Earth: The Operators' Manual," a PBS documentary and wrote the accompanying book. He is the co-author of "The Fate of Greenland: Lessons from Abrupt Climate Change" He chaired a recent National Research Council study on Abrupt Climate Change.

Source: Reuters

Leading US Climate Scientist reported on the links between extreme weather events and climate change | Sept 7

Human-induced climate change has contributed to changing patterns of extreme weather across the globe, from longer and hotter heat waves to heavier rains. From a broad perspective, all weather events are now connected to climate change. While natural variability continues to play a key role in extreme weather, climate change has shifted the odds and changed the natural limits, making certain types of extreme weather more frequent and more intense. Leading US Climate Scientist briefed journalists in a press conference held Sept 7. .. more

Source: Climate Change Communication, Aspen Global Change Institute

Politics and Global Warming: Democrats, Republicans, Independents and the Tea Party | Sep 7

This special report is based on a survey of 1,010 adults questioned from April-May this year about their views on climate change. It reports how the members of each political party respond to the issue of global warming. The Tea Party has become an important new player in American politics, so this report for the first time separates their views on global warming from the traditional political categories of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents more http://environment.yale.edu/climate/

Source: Yale University

Valuing Nature’s Services Today is an Investment in the Future; ways in which payments for ecosystem services (PES) help protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change | Sep 6

Countries around the world are embracing “payments for ecosystem services” (PES) as a verifiable approach to protecting biological diversity and mitigating climate change, according to research conducted by the Worldwatch Institute for the publication Vital Signs Online. Nearly 60 percent of all ecosystem services are being degraded or used in an unsustainable manner according to Worldwatch. .. more.

Source: Worldwatch www.worldwatch.org

Take a look-politics, economics and markets of climate change | Sep 6

Negotiators made scant progress toward salvaging the United Nations' Kyoto Protocol for fighting climate change beyond 2012 at two weeks of talks recently in Bonn. The talks among 180 nations made it evident that the controversial climate pact faces the threat of extinction due to lack of support.

Opening Doors to U.S.-China Cooperation on Energy and Environment | Sep 6

US Vice President Joe Biden, said in his recent visit to China, global economic stability, rests in no small part on the cooperation between the United States and China. But the world’s ability to come up with a stable and sustainable energy and environmental policy for the 21st century will also depend significantly on cooperation between the world’s current and emerging superpowers. .. more

Source: Insight

Does Climate Change Knowledge really matter? The link of climate science and climate policy | Sep 5

Science is supposed to provide the factual basis for action on climate, and a single policy approach to dealing with climate (through the UN Framework Convention process) has been dominant throughout this period. As a result, debates about climate policy and debates about climate science are impossible to disaggregate, and opposition to the prevailing international climate regime is often expressed as distrust of the science," wrote D. Sarewitz and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "Until new policy options are available that can enfranchise more diverse political constituencies, climate science will continue to exist as a largely political phenomenon."

Source: journal Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews-Climate Change, Author: Sarewitz, D and colleagues

UN chief sounds climate alarm in Solomons visit | Sep 4

HONIARA, Solomon Islands – United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon says he has seen firsthand the need for urgent action on climate change after visiting the remote Solomon Islands. Rising sea levels are wiping out crops on low-lying islands in the Solomons and threatening the existence of the entire chain, located 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometers) northeast of Australia.

Ban said the developed world has a moral obligation to help nations like the Solomons with financial and technological aid.

Source: AP Associated Press

UN Climate Chief hails progress at first meeting of the Technology Executive Committee | Sep 3

The first meeting of the Technology Executive Committee (TEC), the policy arm of the Technology Mechanism, closed in Bonn Sep 3 with important progress achieved. The meeting saw three days of key deliberations on how the TEC will provide overviews of technology needs, assess policy and technical issues related to technology development and transfer, share information on new and innovative technologies, facilitate and catalyze action on technology, and find ways to engage stakeholders to build the momentum on the Technology Mechanism.

Press release (196 kB)

Source: UNFCCC http://unfccc.int/2860.php

Few insurers planning for climate change – report | Sept 1

Only one in eight insurers has a formal policy in place to manage climate risk, despite rising evidence that environmental changes are exacerbating insurers' disaster losses, according to a coalition of public interest groups. The coalition, Ceres, looked at 88 filings from six states by insurance companies, using a form developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Despite the broad lack of a formal policy, Ceres said insurers generally acknowledge the problem of climate change and the effect it can have on their business. Because of the potential for hurricanes to cause sudden and huge losses in the United States, Ceres said the insurance industry is especially focused on how climate change will affect hurricane exposure, potentially at the expense of studying the impact on other common perils. … more

Source: CERES

California Moves to Avoid Europe's Perils in Encouraging Green Power | Sep 1

The state has become one of few governments worldwide—and the first in the U.S.—to finalize a unique auction program to ramp-up renewable energy. Trying to avoid the potential perils of European-style feed-in tariffs, California regulators are moving forward with a new financing technique to stimulate immediate development of small-scale renewable energy projects. ... more.

Source: InsideClimateNews

The New Green Revolution: How Twenty-First-Century Science Can Feed the World | Aug 31

The combined effects of climate change, energy scarcity, and water paucity require that we radically rethink our agricultural systems. Countries can and must reorient their agricultural systems toward modes of production that are not only highly productive, but also highly sustainable. Following the 2008 global food price crisis, many developing countries have adopted new food security policies and have made significant investments in their agricultural systems. Global hunger is also back on top of the international agenda. However, the question is not only how much is done, but also how it is done—and what kinds of food systems are now being rebuilt. ... read more ...

Source: The Solutions Journal

Neilsen Report: Sustainable Efforts and Environmental Concerns Around the World | Aug 30

The Neilsen's Company new report on Sustainable Efforts and Environmental Concerns Around the World (Aug 2011) finds global consumer concerns about climate change and global warming took a back-seat to the other environmental issues such as air and water pollution, water shortages, packaging waste and use of pesticides, according to this new survey of more than 25,000 internet respondents in 51 countries .... access the full report (requires registration)

Source: The Neilsen Company

FCI undertakes survey into climate information requirements in Florida | Aug 29

The Florida Climate Institute and the Southeast Climate Consortium conducting research that will inform regional and National climate assessment activities. This assessment is a Federal mandate.

If you are representing a Florida Business, regional organizations, are part of a university or industry association, we would appreciate your participation in this short survey.

Please follow the link HERE.

For additional information or question contact Norman Breuer email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

House Republicans Seek to Remove U.S. Funding for UN Climate Efforts | Aug 26

Republicans target the IPCC and UNFCCC, key programs designed to educate policymakers about climate science and global warming worldwide. On the chopping block for 2012 are millions in funding for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world's leading scientific advisory body on global warming. more.

Source: InsideClimateNews

Smart Planning provides a Community Forum and Information Ressource on alternative Energies and Sustanability Strategies to Florida's Comunities | Aug 26

This Community Based No-For Profit organization supported by the State Govt provides a range of services to assist communities with information, training and support. It is an innovative, far reaching initiative designed to expand and accelerate green planning, action and achievements at the community level. Regular Webinars featuring experts about a range of topics are available on their website ... more

Source: Smart Planning for a Green Future

EPA calls for software ideas to develope Apps for the Environment | Aug 24

The EPA Apps for the Environment Challenge is a contest for software developers to create new applications to enable the public to use EPA’s environmental and human health data to help communities and individuals benefit from using, understanding, and applying EPA’s data to their environmental and/or health issues. ... more

Source: EPA

Education about Global Climate Change in the United States is in a stage of Infancy | Aug 24

I review the status of scientific, political, and moral problems of global climate change (GCC) and, based on lessons from environmental and sustainability programs in universities, demonstrate that universities have had a lethargic response to urgent needs to mitigate the problems. I explore reasons for the response, and conclude that there is an urgent need for comprehensive and wide–ranging change in universities to help mitigate GCC. My discussion is focused on those within universities as well as those in environmental professions regardless of their areas of specialization. more

Modelling predicts that heat stress, not drought, will increase vulnerability of wheat in Europe | Aug 18

New crop cultivars will be required for a changing climate characterised by increased summer drought and heat stress in Europe. However, the uncertainty in climate predictions poses a challenge to crop scientists and breeders who have limited time and resources and must select the most appropriate traits for improvement. Modelling is a powerful tool to quantify future threats to crops and hence identify targets for improvement ... more

Source: Nature.com

Florida: The Race Against Sea-Level Rise | Aug 16

Want to know how climate change might affect a seashore near you? Look at what it’s already done over the past 20 years to a stretch of the Florida Gulf Coast, according to a pathbreaking new study published in the journal Climatic Change. Sea-level rise along the Waccasassa Bay area (90 miles north of Tampa) is already picking winners and losers in nature there — including the habitat of the iconic Florida black bear and the bald eagle depend upon. And people up and down Florida’s Gulf Coast might soon suffer, too, if sea-level rise destroys the coastal wetlands that produce world-class sport fishing and protect cities from storm surges. But will these losses continue…and what can anyone do about them? Laura Geselbracht, senior marine scientist with The Nature Conservancy and lead author of the study — one of the first to test a sea-level-rise model using existing data from the past — gives some answers below. read more

Source: http://blog.nature.org/

New Report: Sea Level Changes in the Southeastern United States | Aug 15

In the southeastern United States and particularly in Florida, folks concerned about climate change are usually focused on sea level rise rather than on warming. In Florida most long-term stations measuring sea level are currently registering a rise of about 2 millimeters per year or about 8 inches in 100 years. Most scientists expect this rate to increase. But how much and when?

This study estimates a rise of 32 inches by 2100 as the best guess for sea level rise in south Florida and a smaller probability of a rise of 40 inches. Most other studies tend to estimate a larger rise in sea level.

The Florida Climate Institute (FloridaClimateInstitute.org; jointly managed by the University of Florida and Florida State University) commissioned Professor Gary T. Mitchum of the University of South Florida to prepare this report. Dr. Mitchum is a world-class expert in sea level. The funds to support his efforts were obtained from the Southeast Climate Consortium (SEClimate.org).

This report should be used as a basic explanation of the existence and physics of sea level variations. Most readers will be fairly well informed about the physics of sea level rise if they read this report.

Read Full Report

Source: Florida Climate Institute, Southeast Climate Consortium

Legislator: Florida Energy and Climate Commission replaced by new Office of Energy | Aug 10

The Office of Energy is housed within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and is the primary organization for state energy and climate change programs and policies. The office holds a variety of responsibilities, including administering financial incentive programs; administering the provisions of the Florida Energy and Climate Protection Act; representing Florida in the Southern States Energy Compact; performing or coordinating the functions of any federal energy programs delegated to the state; and providing recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. The office will also work cooperatively with other state entities, including the Florida Public Service Commission and the Florida Energy Systems Consortium, to develop state energy and climate change policies and programs. read more

Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

FL Agriculture Commissioner announces Florida Energy Summit for Oct | Aug 8

The 2011 Florida Energy Summit, hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) October 26 through 28 in Orlando, will be a gathering place where stakeholders assemble to help create and advance policy to further the development of the state's energy industry. The Summit will attract leaders from the energy development, energy provider, agricultural, government, academic and financial communities.

Source: http://www.floridaenergysummit.com/

Stanford University: Survey found with "Green Position" on Climate Change all parties would win votes | Jun 29

Against all political intuition, Republican candidates could win votes by taking "green" positions on the controversy over climate change, according to new poll results released Tuesday. Voters tend to favor political candidates who believe that humans have contributed to global warming and that the nation should take action by switching from fossil fuels to solar and wind power, according to Stanford University's national survey. ... more

Source: Journal Scientific America

 

Coastal Planning Specialist Thomas Ruppert recieves US Climate Change Fellowship | Jul 16

Thomas Ruppert was awarded the fellowship to advance climate change and sea level rise adaptation. The competitive fellowship is funded by the US Dept of State and is awarded through the Climate Change Fellows Program of Partners of the Americas. ThomasRuppert is an affiliated member of the FCI.

Source: FCI

AUS: $35 mio Investment into Sea Simulation Facility to Study the Impact of Climate Change on Tropical Marine Ecosystems | Jul 13

Source: Australian Govt

NOA seeks Technical Inputs and Assessment Capacity - 2013 National Climate Assessment Report and Process | Jul 13

NOA seeks comments and expressions of interest from the public in providing technical inputs and/or offering assessment capacity on topics related to National Climate Assessment (NCA) regional, sectoral, and cross-cutting topics proposed for the 2013 NCAreport and the ongoing NCA process. More information on the NCA process, including the strategic plan, proposed report outline, and information about the National Climate Assessment Development and Advisory Committee (NCADAC), can be found at http://assessment.globalchange.gov

Source: Federal Register

Climate Change Reducing Ocean's Carbon Dioxide Uptake - New Research | Jul 10

New research from the University of Wisconsin - Madison provides some of the first observational evidence that climate change is negatively impacting the ocean carbon sink. The study concludes that oceans are  taking up less carbon because of the warming caused by the carbon in the atmosphere. ...more

Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Journal Nature Geoscience; Author: McKinley, G

NASA Climate Kids - Interactive Website provides resource to Increase Awareness about Climate Variability and Change | Jul 5

NASA Climate Kids website is produced by the Earth Science Communications Team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology.

In a fun way the website provides an educational resource for children and teachers to increase their understanding about the science behind climate change.

Source: NASA

Climate Change: Florida’s unenviable position with respect to sea level rise | Jul 2

This latest Climate Change paper summarizes a series of articles on the potential impacts of sea level rise on Florida’s natural and human communities and what might be done to reduce the severity of those impacts...more.

Source: Climate Change, Author: Noss, R

Journal Climate Change; Sea Level Rise in Florida: An Emerging Ecological and Social Crisis | Jul 2

The Journal Climate Change devoted its Volume 107 to this special issue publishing scientific results related to Florida's volotile position being impacted by sea level rise. For access to all articles is this volume follow this link here.

Source: Journal Climate Change, Volume 107, July isse 2011, Springer