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2010
The UK can reduce CO2 emissions from transport 76 per cent by 2050, a new study by the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York has found. This reduction can be achieved utilising only tried and tested approaches that already exist today. Towards a Zero Carbon Vision for UK Transport proposes a combination of spatial planning, fiscal, behavioral and technological measures to meet the reduction target. For example, the study finds that ground transportation can be completely carbon neutral in 2050 by combining a range of measures to reduce demand with technological measures to climate CO2 emissions, principally electrification of transport and a decarbonised electricity supply. While air and sea transportation pose additional challenges, the study demonstrates that significant reductions can be made there as well. “This project marks a significant break with traditional thinking that regards transport as too hard to deal with when it comes to greenhouse gas reduction,” said Professor John Whitelegg, co-author of the study. Web link: SEI publications The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing final rules that will protect Americans’ health by cutting emissions of mercury, particle pollution and other harmful pollutants from Portland cement manufacturing, the third-largest source of mercury air emissions in the United States. The rules are expected to yield $7 to $19 in public health benefits for every dollar in costs. Web link: EPA press information No emissions cuts for Europe at climate talks International climate negotiations ended today with Friends of the Earth Europe criticising Europe and other rich industrialised countries for trying to avoid making any emission reductions. WWF says governments who participated in the third Bonn climate change talks this week now must ramp up their negotiations, or they will waste a crucial opportunity to move forward in Cancun later this year. "Governments can and must make progress on areas such as adaptation, finance and ending deforestation at COP 16 in Cancun," said Gordon Shepherd, Leader of WWF's Global Climate Initiative. "But they will have to increase their efforts now and start seeking areas of convergence in a much more serious way." Reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) is an example where agreements already achieved in Copenhagen have been opened up again on such basic issues as the definition of what it covers. Web links: Islands warn rich nations' emissions pledges fall short Rich nations' emissions reductions pledges fall dramatically short of what is required to limit global warming to two degrees centigrade, a group of 43 small islands said on Tuesday at U.N. climate talks. This week's 185-nation conference in Bonn is the penultimate step before the next U.N. climate conference in December. Parties are trying to make progress on shaping a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. Web link: Planet Ark
The costs of subsidising company cars Company cars are generally undertaxed in the EU, distorting the economy, adding welfare costs to society including greater emissions of carbon dioxide, and generating artificial demand for larger cars. These are among the conclusions of a new Danish study into the tax treatment of company cars, which presents new, nearly-EU-wide estimates of the levels of subsidies to company car users. The study, ‘Company Car Taxation’ by Copenhagen Economics, says direct revenue losses may be close to 0.5% of the EU’s GDP (€54 billion), with Belgium and Germany topping the charts with 1.2 and 0.9% respectively. It says evidence from Belgium and the Netherlands suggests that pure business use represents only 20-30% of company car use, the rest being private use. Web link: T&E Bulletin Studies show cheap and quick ways to cut fuel consumption of vans The fuel consumption and emissions of carbon dioxide from vans can be cut much more quickly and cheaply than the European Commission's research suggests. That's the message from two new reports published by T&E. The first study says that fitting less powerful and smaller engines has been an overlooked but quick and cheap option to reduce emissions. The second report suggests emissions can be cut even more by limiting a vehicle's maximum speed. With the EU’s first law to regulate fuel consumption – and thereby carbon dioxide emissions – going through the legislative process, a battle is being fought over the maximum emissions that the average new van is allowed by 2016 and 2020. The Commission has proposed limits of 175g of CO2 per kilometre by 2016 and 135g by 2020, but these limits are already under attack from automotive industry interests. Web link: T&E Bulletin Living near traffic pollution tied to heart deaths Middle-aged and older adults who live near high-traffic roads may have a heightened risk of dying from heart disease - but the odds seem to go down if they move to a less-travelled neighbourhood, a new study finds. The findings do not prove that traffic pollution is the reason for the excess heart disease deaths, researchers say. But they do add to evidence tying vehicle-produced pollutants to the risk of dying from heart problems. Web link: Reuters UK, France and Germany push for 30% emissions cut A new push to persuade Europe to cut its emissions by 30% by 2020 was kicked off today in a joint initiative by the UK, Germany and France. In an article published simultaneously in the three countries, the countries’ climate change ministers Chris Huhne, Jean-Louis Borloo and Dr Norbert Röttgen set out the economic benefits for increasing Europe’s climate change targets. The current European target is for the EU to cut emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2020. Web link: Department of Energy and Climate Change (UK)
Sweden leads the EU on renewable energy Renewable energy contributed 10.3 percent of total energy consumption in the EU27 in 2008 according to a July 13 report by the statistical Office of the European Union Eurostat. The three countries which had the highest share of renewable energy compared to total energy consumption were Sweden, Finland and Latvia, with 44.4 percent, 30.5 percent and 29.9 percent of renewable energy sources in total consumption respectively. The countries with the lowest share of renewable energy compared to total energy consumption in 2008 were Belgium (3.3 percent), the Netherlands (3.2 percent), the United Kingdom (2.2 percent), Luxembourg (2.1 percent) and finally Malta, where only 0.2 percent of total energy consumption comes from renewable energy. Web link: The Independent Emissions of air pollutants fall significantly The European Union air pollutant emission inventory report compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that the EU-27 has cut sulphur oxides (SOx) emissions by 78 % since 1990. The decline was particularly sharp during the latest reporting year, falling 20 % in 2008 compared to 2007. The emissions of three ozone precursors (CO, NMVOCs and NOx) also continued the downward trend. Web link: EEA news release Commission delays air pollution legislation, yet again The European Commission yesterday revealed that critical air legislation will be postponed until 2013, putting the health of millions of Europeans at risk. In an interview with Le Monde, Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik said air policies will not be reviewed until 2013 as they are too costly to implement. Environmental and health NGOs argue that this is not the case. It has been shown that the benefits to health, the environment and the economy of a revised National Emissions Ceiling Directive (NEC) will significantly outweigh the costs involved. NEC is the cornerstone of EU-wide legislation to protect air quality which was originally intended to be revised in 2005. Web links:
Germany could kick fossil fuel habit by 2050 Germany could derive all of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2050 and become the world's first major industrial nation to kick the fossil fuel habit, the Federal Environment Agency said on Wednesday. "A complete conversion to renewable energy by 2050 is possible from a technical and ecological point of view," said Jochen Flasbarth, president of the Federal Environment Agency as he presented a new study to journalists on Wednesday. Web link: Planet Ark/Reuters Investing in green energy jobs can save the climate The renewable power industry could support 8.5 million jobs by 2030, if governments seize the opportunity to invest in a greener future, according to one of the most comprehensive plans for future sustainable energy provision launched today by Greenpeace and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC). The report: ‘Energy [R]evolution: A Sustainable World Energy Outlook’, provides a detailed practical blueprint for cutting carbon emissions while achieving economic growth by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy and energy efficiency. This phase-out of fossil fuels offers substantial benefits such as energy security, independence from world market fuel prices as well as the creation of millions of new green jobs. Web link: www.erec.org EPA proposes tougher air rules on power plants Power plants in the eastern half of the United States will have to slash emissions of pollutants blamed for premature deaths under proposed rules issued on Tuesday by federal regulators. The plan would cut sulphur dioxide emissions that drift across state lines by 71 percent from 2005 levels and nitrogen oxide emissions by 52 percent by 2014, the EPA said. Web links: Europe finds politics and biofuels don't mix Written between 2008 and January 2010 and sent between lobbyists, scientists and high-ranking European civil servants, they hint at the intense emotions in the debate over one of Europe's most contentious environmental issues: the use of biofuels, long touted as an alternative to carbon-emitting petroleum. Web link: Planet Ark/Reuters
Studies cast further doubt on sustainability of bioenergy Two new independent scientific studies launched today cast further doubt on the EU’s policy of promoting biomass as fuel for heat and power generation, and biofuels for transport, according to BirdLife International, the European Environmental Bureau and Transport & Environment. The three groups are calling on the EU to come forward with mandatory sustainability criteria for biomass and to incorporate indirect land use change calculations into the existing sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioenergy. Web link: Press release (T&E website)
G20 urges phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies Leaders of the world's biggest economies will pledge on Sunday to phase out subsidies for "inefficient" fossil fuels, in a statement toughened at the last minute at the urging of the United States, Group of 20 sources said. The G20 communique in Toronto calls for the "phase out over the medium term of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption, taking into account vulnerable groups and their development needs," said the sources, who provided the language to Reuters. Web link: Planet Ark/Reuters
EU mulls 12 years more state aid for coal The European Union is considering 12 more years of state aid for coal, a draft European Commission document showed, even as the G20 Group prepared to discuss phasing out fossil fuel subsidies this weekend. The current EU subsidy regime expires this year, and European Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia has said he intends to put forth a new plan in about two weeks. A draft seen by Reuters reveals a gradual phase-out of state aid for coal mining between the start of 2011 and the end of 2022 and cites concerns about employment. About 3.2 billion euro of subsidies will be handed to the coal mining industry in six EU member states this year - Poland, Germany, Spain, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia - according to a draft European Commission impact assessment, also seen by Reuters. Web link: Planet Ark/Reuters
Three member states requested to implement air quality rules The European Commission has decided to request Belgium, Greece and Romania to implement in full EU air quality legislation on particulates. The three Member States have so far failed to tackle excess emissions of airborne particles (PM10). The Member States have two months to comply with the requests, which take the form of reasoned opinions under EU infringement procedures, failing which the Commission may refer them to the EU's Court of Justice. Web link: Commission press release
Study shows vans can be more fuel efficient and cheaper New vans could be made up to 16% more fuel efficient and 10% cheaper to buy simply by reversing the upward trend in horsepower and using smaller engines according to new research. The new findings come as the European Parliament's Transport and Industry committees are set to vote on new fuel efficiency/CO2 standards for new vans on 22 and 24 June. Much of the political debate over the new proposals has centered on the costs of advanced technologies needed to meet the new standards. But the study, carried out by consultants TNO and CE Delft on behalf of Transport & Environment, shows that the official impact assessment for the new legislation ignored the potential for 'optimal engine sizing' to cut emissions and actually bring down the costs of new vans. Web link: T&E press release
Europe will not revise air quality laws until 2013 The European Commission does not plan to revise EU air quality laws such as the National Emission Ceilings (NEC) directive and a law limiting sulphur in marine fuels until 2013, a source close to these dossiers told ENDS on Friday.
A revised NEC directive was originally set to be adopted in mid-2007 and legislative proposals revising the sulphur in marine fuel law were due in 2008 together with an implementation report. This delayed report will be issued this year, ENDS was told.
The two laws will not be revised before 2013 because environment commissioner Janez Potocnik intends to focus first on biodiversity, resource efficiency and water in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively, the source said. Green groups wrote to Mr Potocnik in June, urging him to revise air quality legislation this year. Web links:
EU states give 14 more years to dirty coal plants Coal-fired power plant operators can avoid having to cut the emissions that cause acid rain if they promise to shut down altogether by 2024, European Union countries agreed on Friday, disappointing environmentalists. Power stations that operate into 2024 and beyond must start cutting out pollutants such as sulphur and nitrogen oxides that damage human health and soil and water quality, under the deal on the Industrial Emissions Directive. Though the rules do not cover carbon dioxide emissions, they have an indirect impact by allowing big emitters to keep going. The deal must be formally approved by parliament in the coming weeks before becoming law, but sources say that is almost certain. Web links: - Guardian
Zero-carbon Britain achievable by 2030 The UK could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2030 and offset the remaining 10% through carbon sinks, according to a report published on Wednesday. Its aim is to show Britain does not need to wait until 2050 to make deep CO2 cuts. Published by the Centre for Alternative Technology, the report was written by experts from academia and industry. It makes bold recommendations that are unlikely to win large public support, such as switching to a largely home-grown vegetarian diet. Web link: CAT press release
France, UK, Sweden want deep GHG cut Western European countries gave strong backing to deeper cuts to climate-warming emissions on Friday, but Italy's environment minister said her peers were deluded. The sudden enthusiasm for ambitious climate action came as a surprise after French and German economy ministers opposed deeper cuts last month, saying the main priority was safeguarding the competitiveness of European industry. The EU currently plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent over the next decade and has always said it would only deepen to 30 percent on the condition that other countries around the world take similar steps. "We believe a move to 30 percent is achievable, right for the climate and right for our economies as Europe focuses on a sustainable economic recovery," UK Energy and Climate Secretary Chris Huhne said in a statement. Web link: Reuters
German utilities biggest polluters in 2009 10 June 2010 German utilities RWE and E.ON were the top greenhouse gas emitters in Europe last year, a report said on Thursday. Analysts Carbon Market Data said power plants fully or partly owned by the two companies pumped out a total 235 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, or more than Scandinavia's total carbon emissions last year. Web link: Reuters
NGOs calling for clean air action 10 June 2010 European health and environmental organisations (EEB, T&E, HEAL and AirClim) are urging Environment Commissioner Potocnik to stop delaying important EU air quality legislation. Air quality standards are currently exceeded in most parts of Europe, and air pollutants are estimated to cause close to half a million premature deaths each year, as well as severe damage to the environment through eutrophication, acidification and ground-level ozone throughout Europe. Any further delay in revision of key EU emission control legislation - primarily the National Emissions Ceilings (NEC) Directive and the Sulphur-in-fuels Directive - is unacceptable and would seriously questions the Commission’s willingness to continue play a lead role in the protection of human health and the environment. Web link: Letter from the environmental groups to Environment Commissioner Potocnik
Ending fuel subsidies could cut greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent Careful phasing-out of fossil fuel subsidies can be a low-cost way to meet part of the targets announced following the UN climate conference in Copenhagen. According to new OECD analysis based on data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), ending fossil fuel subsidies could cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent from the levels they would otherwise reach in 2050 under “business as usual". “Many governments are giving subsidies to fossil fuel production and consumption that encourage greenhouse gas emissions, at the same time as they are spending on projects to promote clean energy,” said Angel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General. “This is a wasteful use of scarce budget resources.” Web link: OECD news release
Commission sends final warning to UK
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a final new health standard for sulphur dioxide (SO2). “We’re taking on an old problem in a new way, one designed to give all American communities the clean air protections they deserve. Moving to a one-hour standard and monitoring in the areas with the highest SO2 levels is the most efficient and effective way to protect against sulphur dioxide pollution in the air we breathe,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “This is one of many pollutants we’ve been able to significantly reduce through the Clean Air Act, keeping people healthy, protecting our environment and growing our economy. This new standard - the first in almost 40 years - will ensure continued success in meeting these challenges.” Web link: US EPA
Go veggie, cut fossil fuels to aid planet An overhaul of world farming and more vegetarianism should be top priorities to protect the environment, along with curbs on fossil fuel use, a UN-backed study said on Wednesday. The report said food production and fossil fuel use caused pollution, greenhouse gases, diseases and forest destruction. "How the world is fed and fueled will in large part define development in the 21st century," said the report by the International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management. "Agricultural production accounts for a staggering 70 percent of the global freshwater consumption, 38 percent of the total land use and 14 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions," said Achim Steiner, head of the UN Environment Programme. Web link: Planet Ark / Reuters
More than half way to the '20 % target by 2020' The European Union's greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory report, compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), shows that emissions have not only continued their downward trend in 2008, but have also picked up pace. The EU-27's emissions stood 11.3 % below their 1990 levels, while EU-15 achieved a reduction of 6.9 % compared to Kyoto base-year levels. 'The GHG inventory report shows that the EU is well on track to meet its emission reduction targets with domestic policy measures only. Our policies and tools seem to be working' said Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the EEA. 'Although we are expecting an even sharper decline in 2009, caused mainly by the recession, we need to ensure that the downward trend in emissions continues and that Europe boosts its climate investments, with the ultimate aim of achieving a more resource-efficient economy.' Web link: EEA news release
Air traffic poised to become a major factor in global warming The first new projections of future aircraft emissions in 10 years predict that carbon dioxide and other gases from air traffic will become a significant source of global warming as they double or triple by 2050. Bethan Owen and colleagues note that aviation is not now one of the main drivers of global warming, with international aviation (source of 60 percent of carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft) not even included in the Kyoto Protocol. Global air traffic currently contributes to between 2 and 3 percent of carbon dioxide emissions - the main "greenhouse" gas linked to global warming. The scientists' computer model forecast that emissions of carbon dioxide will likely double or triple within the next 50 years. By 2100, carbon dioxide emissions could increase by up to seven times the current levels, they say. Web link: ScienceDaily
California plans new round of auto pollution rules California aims to double greenhouse gas emissions cuts and fuel efficiency gains in a new round of regulation for vehicles that will start late this decade and may spur draft federal goals later this year, the state's top climate change regulators said on Tuesday. The new round in 2017-2025 could have similar cost consequences as the national standards adopted on 1 April for model years 2012 to 2016, adding about $1,000 per vehicle in cost and delivering fuel savings of around $3,000, they said. Web link: Reuters
How to save the climate and billions of Euros 25 May 2010 Tomorrow the European Commission is expected to present a communication which would be important new input in the ongoing debate on the potential costs and savings of increasing the EU's greenhouse gas reduction target. Sources close to the Commission point to a potential block of this communication by a 'gang of four' powerful Commissioners. Only a few months ago, Commission President Barroso called climate change the defining issue of our generation. To be consistent, he now has to show that he is willing to confront Commissioners Kallas, Lewandowski, Oettinger and Tajani and ensure that the analysis is published in time. The Commission's communication shows that the estimated cost of reducing CO2 emissions beyond the existing 20% by 2020, to an increased target of 30%, has fallen due to the declining economic activity - but the four mentioned Commissioners do not want any additional spending of EU money, even if it is less than predicted. Web link: WWF press release
US unveils new push for more efficient cars President Barack Obama unveiled a government push on Friday to boost auto fuel economy for model-year 2017 passenger vehicles and beyond, and introduce a truck efficiency target for the first time. Web link: Planet Ark EU agrees mandate for virtually carbon-neutral homes All new buildings constructed in Europe after 2020 will have to be virtually carbon-neutral after the European Parliament gave new energy standards the last approval they needed Tuesday. Web link: Planet Ark
US reports urge a price on climate emissions The best way to curb global warming is to put a price on climate-warming carbon dioxide emissions, according to a trio of reports from the US National Academy of Sciences released on Wednesday.
Climate change threatens health by Mediterranean People in cities around the Mediterranean including Athens, Rome and Marseilles are likely to suffer most in Europe from ever more scorching heatwaves this century caused by climate change, scientists said on Sunday. Web link: Planet Ark
Evidence growing of air pollution’s link to heart disease, death The scientific evidence linking air pollution to heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death has “substantially strengthened,” and people, particularly those at high cardiovascular risk, should limit their exposure, according to an updated American Heart Association scientific statement. The evidence is strongest for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) having a causal relationship to cardiovascular disease, said the expert panel of authors who updated the association’s 2004 initial statement on air pollution, also published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Web link: American Heart Association press release
European Commission sends final warning to Italy The European Commission is pursuing legal action against Italy for failing to comply with EU air quality standards for dangerous airborne particles (PM10). A second and final written warning has been sent to Italy for exceeding the limit values for PM10 in many zones or agglomerations across the country. Web link: Commission press release
Tar sands undermine Europe’s climate credentials On the day of an EU-Canada summit, a new report released by Friends of the Earth Europe warns that global development of tar sands will magnify the climate crisis and damage the EU’s environment and development objectives. Political attention currently focuses on Canada as the major producer of oil from tar sands, but the new report reveals that investment by European oil companies – such as BP, Shell, Total and ENI – is expanding with developments around the world including in the Republic of Congo, Venezuela, Madagascar, Russia, Jordan and Egypt, with potentially disastrous consequences for the climate and local communities. Web link: Friends of the Earth Europe
MEPs move towards reducing industrial pollution EEB, Europe’s largest federation of environmental citizens’ organisations, cautiously welcomes the outcome of today's European Parliament Environment Committee (ENVI) vote on the European Commission’s proposal for a Directive on industrial emissions. The EEB is pleased ENVI members stayed firm on improving some shortcomings from the European Council’s position. In particular, the committee focused on increasing public participation and transparency when it comes to industrial activities, and strengthening provisions which will ensure operating permits are up-to-date with best available techniques. Web link: EEB press release
MEPs votes to allow Member States CO2 regulation of power plants Today the European Parliament’s environment committee voted to allow national CO2 emission performance standards (EPS) for power plants, as part of the forthcoming EU Industrial Emissions Directive (IED). Now, negotiations with the Member States will follow to secure second reading agreement on the directive. ”Today’s vote is a key step to halt the building of new coal- and gas-fired power plants without CO2 capture and storage – CCS – across Europe,” says Eivind Hoff from Bellona Europa. Web link: Bellona press release
In 2010, around half of the European Union's Member States expect to miss one or more of the legal limits set by the National Emission Ceilings Directive. According to recent data compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), eleven countries expect to exceed their ceilings by significant amounts - some missing NOx targets by more than 40 per cent. Of the four pollutants covered by the NEC Directive, EU Member States have the greatest difficulty meeting the emission limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx). Only 16 expect to achieve their respective NOx ceilings, with road transport bearing most of the blame. Web link: European Environment Agency
Clean Shipping Coalition launched This month saw the launch of a brand new international environmental coalition dedicated exclusively to the greening of international shipping. The Clean Shipping Coalition, the only global international environmental organisation focusing exclusively on shipping issues, will promote policies aimed at the protection and restoration of the marine and atmospheric environment that are consistent with the safe operation of ships, sustainable development, social and economic justice, and human health. The founding members, which include AirClim and Transport & Environment, are all experienced in sustainable transportation, international trade, shipping, and marine environment issues as well as the operation of international regulatory bodies like the International Maritime Organisation, where the coalition has recently applied for Consultative Status. Web link: www.cleanshipping.org
New EU strategy for clean and energy efficient vehicles The European strategy for encouraging the development and eventual widespread use of clean and energy efficient vehicles aims to help the European car industry to strengthen its leading role globally basing its production on clean and energy-efficient technologies. This strategy is laid down in a Communication, tabled by the European Commission today. It delivers on the consensus between Member States and European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani's commitment to move on from short-term recovery measures to a medium-term orientation that strengthens the competitiveness of the European automotive industry by linking it to clean technologies. The strategy also contributes to the Europe 2020 objectives of smart and sustainable growth. It contains an Action Plan composed of concrete and ambitious measures to be implemented by the Commission Web link: Commission press release Is Europe's transport getting greener? While technological advances produce cleaner vehicles, more and more passengers and goods are travelling further distances, thereby offsetting efficiency gains. Based on analysis of long-term trends, a new European Environment Agency (EEA) report calls for a clear vision defining Europe's transport system by 2050 and consistent policies to achieve it. Web links: EU Parliament must resist pressure to weaken Industrial Emissions Directive
Web link: NGO press release
Ocean chemistry changing at unprecedented rate Carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming are also turning the oceans more acidic at the fastest pace in hundreds of thousands of years, the National Research Council reported Thursday. "The chemistry of the ocean is changing at an unprecedented rate and magnitude due to anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions," the council said. "The rate of change exceeds any known to have occurred for at least the past hundreds of thousands of years." Ocean acidification eats away at coral reefs, interferes with some fish species' ability to find their homes and can hurt commercial shellfish like mussels and oysters and keep them from forming their protective shells. Web link: Planet Ark
Higher pressure on Canadian oil sands EU parliamentarians are raising the pressure on the Canadian oil sands industry, which they accuse of destroying forests and polluting the air and waterways. Seventeen members of the European Parliament wrote to European climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard on Tuesday, urging her to maintain barriers to oil sands in draft EU standards to promote greener fuels. "The extraction and refining of tar sand oil is around three times more carbon intensive than conventional oil," they said in the letter. Web link: Reuters
RE-thinking 2050: Making the EU 100% renewables-based The European Renewable Energy Council (EREC), outlines in its new report RE-thinking 2050 a pathway how the European Union can switch to a 100% renewable energy supply for electricity, heating and cooling as well as transport, examining the effects on Europe’s energy supply system and on CO2 emissions. It assesses how the different renewable energy technologies can contribute to a fully sustainable energy supply by 2050 provided there is strong political, public and economic support for all renewable energy technologies. “The potential benefits of a future based on renewable energy are multiple: mitigating climate change, ensuring energy security and creating sustainable future-oriented jobs,” points out Arthouros Zervos, President of EREC. Web link: European Renewable Energy Council
Europe needs carbon-free power sector fast Europe must start overhauling its energy system soon and virtually eradicate carbon-emitting power generation to achieve an 80-percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at lowest cost, according to a new study. The report funded by the European Climate Exchange and conducted by consultants and academics says slashing climate warming gas emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels within 40 years is possible with a nearly zero-carbon power supply and existing technologies. Web links:
UK power plants contribute to acid deposition in the Netherlands The Dutch institute TNO , at the request of the Netherlands Society for Nature and Environment, has calculated to what extent three large English power plants contribute to acidification and eutrophication in nature reserves and to levels of particulate matter (PM) in clean rural areas in the Netherlands Despite their large distance from the Netherlands, the three studied English power plants jointly contribute more to PM concentrations and depositions in most of the rural areas of the Netherlands than the eleven large Dutch power stations combined. In the northern half of the country the deposition of the three English power plants is even almost twice the contribution of the eleven Dutch plants. So, the contribution of the three English power plants in the Netherlands is significant. Web link: Netherlands Society for Nature and Environment The European Commission is under pressure to alter EU-wide agreed targets of replacing 10 percent of fossil fuels with renewable energy by 2020, as its own internal studies have proven that biofuels have a negative impact on the environment and food production. EU energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger is considering a re-think of policies towards spurring the use of biofuels gained from crops such as rapeseed and palm oil, as they can lead to mass deforestation and food supply disruptions, Financial Times Deutschland reports. Web link: euobserver.com
EPA launches blog on acid rain Starting today, the US Environmental Protection Agency is posting daily blogs to inform and engage the public in an interactive Web discussion. Topics will include an overview of acid rain and its effects, a description of the Acid Rain Program’s cap and trade policy, an explanation of how EPA monitors power plant emissions, and how air and water quality monitoring data are used to measure environmental improvements. Web link: http://blog.epa.gov/blog/ EU's "dirty 30" carbon dioxide emitters in '09 The Polish coal-burning plant Belchatow topped the list of Europe's dirtiest installations for a third straight year in 2009, despite the plant cutting its emissions by 4.5 per cent, preliminary European Commission data showed. The Belchatow plant, run by state-owned utility BOT Elektrownia, belched 29.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere last year, down 1.4 million tonnes from 2008 but still roughly equivalent to the total emissions of Croatia. Web link: Reuters
First ever GHG emission standards for US vehicles 1 April 2010 The rules could potentially save the average buyer of a 2016 model year car $3,000 over the life of the vehicle and, nationally, will conserve about 1.8 billion barrels of oil and reduce nearly a billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the lives of the vehicles covered. Web link: US EPA
Luxembourg urged to stop "Gas Pump Tourism" Luxembourg should raise car fuel prices to discourage "gas pump tourism" by motorists from nearby countries and combat a rapid rise in carbon dioxide emissions, the OECD said Wednesday. In an unusually frank statement on its environmental record, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said Luxembourg produced as much greenhouse gases in 2007 as in 1990 despite a goal of reducing that output by 28 percent. Luxembourg was one of the world's wealthiest countries but churned out more municipal waste and carbon dioxide than most, said the Paris-based OECD, identifying road transport policy as the chief culprit. Web links:
Exposing the dirty money behind fake climate science Billionaire tycoon David Koch likes to joke that Koch Industries is, “The biggest company you’ve never heard of”. But the nearly US$50 million that he and his brother Charles quietly funneled to front groups which deny that climate change is a problem is no joking matter. Our new report shows how that cash, between 1997 and 2008, went to groups working to prevent action being taken against climate change. It's now crystal clear - and every journalist, scientist and politician needs to know - that denial of climate change is not something based on healthy scientific scepticism and debate: it is manufactured and bears the "Koch" brand. Web links:
IMO adopts North America pollution cut plan The United Nations shipping agency IMO on Friday adopted a proposal to create a low-emissions buffer zone around the United States and Canada, a spokesman for the body said. Once an IMO plan is adopted there needs to be 16 months for it to enter into force, meaning the Emissions Control Area would become mandatory around July 2011. "For too long, ships have spewed enormous amounts of pollution along our coasts and in our ports," David Marshall, with environmental group the Clean Air Task Force (CATF), said. "We applaud the expeditious action by the IMO in adopting this proposal to clean up shipping fuels and emissions." Web link: Reuters
Air quality co-benefits should be considered in climate policies Measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have the additional benefit of reducing air pollutants. However, these benefits are rarely included in the design and evaluation of climate change policies. A new study suggests that considering these benefits in climate change policy could reduce the cost of such policies, and engage stakeholders who are otherwise unmotivated to tackle climate change. Web link: Science for Environment Policy (pdf)
Climate change law won't hurt economy California's economy will not be damaged by the state's 2006 climate change law and some sectors could thrive, a state agency said in a report on Wednesday that counters fears in the business community that the measure will kill jobs and economic growth. Web link: Planet Ark
Going slow to reduce emissions A new report assessing the potential of the shipping industry to cut its GHG emissions has concluded that if the main fleet sectors make full use of existing fleet overcapacity they could reduce emissions by as much as a third. The study, entitled “Going Slow to Reduce Emissions” was commissioned by Seas At Risk, undertaken by C.E. Delft and will be presented today at a side event at the 60th session of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee. If you slow ships down you need more ships to move the same amount of cargo in a given time and this has been one of the arguments used against reducing the speed of ships. However, this study shows that for the most important fleet segments – tankers, bulk carriers and container ships – the recent economic downturn has resulted in sufficient overcapacity in the fleet to cut emissions by around 30% by slow steaming. In short, this study shows that the current overcapacity in the fleet presents the global shipping industry with a golden opportunity to make substantial reductions in GHG emissions in the short term. Web link: Seas at Risk press release
Commission continues action over levels of PM10 in member states The European Commission is pursuing infringement proceedings against five member states that failed to comply with the EU's air quality standards for airborne particles (PM10). Slovenia and Sweden are being referred to the European Court of Justice, while final written warnings have been sent to Cyprus, Portugal and Spain. In a separate case, Bulgaria is receiving a final written warning over its failure to control concentration levels of sulphur dioxide. Web link: Commission press release
Commission takes action against Sweden and Austria over missing industrial permits The Commission is sending final warnings to Austria and Sweden about some 70 industrial installations that are either operating without permits or with permits that are now out of date. Fifty of these plants are in Sweden, and 21 in Austria. Under European law, the permits should have been issued by 30 October 2007. Permits are only issued if a number of environmental criteria are met. Web link: Commission press release
Motor lobby attack on van CO2 law is not credible Some of Europe's biggest-selling vans are already close to meeting proposed EU CO2 targets for 2016 after making big improvements in fuel efficiency this year, according to T&E. Meanwhile the car industry lobby continues to claim that EU proposals for binding reduction targets are 'unrealistic'. That claim is not credible, says T&E. Web link: T&E press release
US makes progress toward cleaner air Since 1990, US air quality has improved significantly for the six common air pollutants: ground-level ozone, particle pollution, lead, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide. Emissions of toxic air pollutants, such as benzene, have declined about 40 percent nationwide between 1990 and 2005, accordig to new figures from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Dutch question Euro V benefits in urban areas Lorries meeting Euro V pollution standards emit three times more NOx than they are supposed to in urban areas, according to a Dutch note citing a study released by T&O in February. EU countries may struggle to meet air quality targets as a result, the note states. Source: ENDS Europe DAILY
Lung health under threat from climate change and deteriorating air quality Environmental health and medical experts are calling for more attention to be given to respiratory disease at a symposium during the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health today in Parma, Italy, as part of the 2010 Year of the Lung activities. People with respiratory problems will be hit particularly hard by temperature increases and poor air quality associated with global warming, according to the European Respiratory Society and the Health and Environment Alliance, leading organisations with expertise in environment and health. Recent scientific evidence shows that the risk of premature death among respiratory patients is up to six times higher than in the rest of the population for every one degree Celsius rise in temperature. Web link: www.env-health.org (pdf)
European Commission sets out strategy to reinvigorate global action after Copenhagen The European Commission today set out a strategy to help maintain the momentum of global efforts to tackle climate change. The Communication proposes that the EU swiftly begin implementing last December's Copenhagen Accord, in particular 'fast start' financial assistance to developing countries. In parallel the EU should continue to press for a robust and legally binding global agreement that involves all countries in real climate action. This will require integrating the Copenhagen Accord into the UN negotiations and addressing the weaknesses in the Kyoto Protocol. Active outreach by the EU will be key to promoting support for the UN negotiations and the Commission will undertake this effort in close contact with the Council and with the support of the European Parliament. Web links:
When goods get traded, who pays for the carbon dioxide? Popularly, China is a villain in climate change. But a new study published in the March 8 edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) shows that the carbon equation isn't as straightforward as we might think. Scientists at the Carnegie Institution of Washington at Stanford University synthesized carbon emissions and trade patterns and found that more than one-third of carbon dioxide emissions related to the consumption of goods and services in developed countries are actually emitted outside their national borders. Rich nations are essentially outsourcing some of their carbon emissions to developing nations through global trade - by importing goods and services from abroad - thereby shrinking their carbon footprints while inflating those of major exporting nations like China. "It's surprising just how much this effect is driven by the US and China," says Steven Davis, an ecologist at the Carnegie Institution and the lead author of the PNAS paper. Web link: Time Magazine
EU drafts reveal biofuel's "environmental damage" Biodiesel and other "green" fuels that Europeans put in their cars can have unintended consequences for tropical forests and wetlands, European Union reports show. The EU aims to get about a tenth of the road fuels from renewable sources such as biofuels by 2020. Modeling exercises are starting to show unwanted impacts spreading across the planet via commodity markets. Web link: Planet Ark
Summer ozone: record low concentrations in 2009 Ozone levels in Europe during summer 2009 were among the lowest since comprehensive data reporting started in 1997. Eighteen EU Member States reported exceeding the information threshold (ozone concentrations over 180 µg/m3), with Belgium, Greece, Italy and Portugal recording the largest number of exceedances. The record lows in 2009 came despite average summer temperatures close to those measured in the extremely hot summer of 2003, which witnessed the highest number of exceedances in the last decade. The differing results in the two summers may be attributable to several factors because ozone formation is determined by various meteorological conditions, as well as the chemical composition of the atmosphere. It seems likely, however, that reductions in anthropogenic ozone precursor gas emissions in Europe contributed significantly to the general decrease in peak ozone concentrations. Web link: EEA
Commission adopts biomass sustainability report The Commission today adopted a report on sustainability requirements for the use of solid biomass and biogas in electricity, heating and cooling. The report makes recommendations on sustainability criteria to be used by those Member States that wish to introduce a scheme at national level, in order to avoid obstacles for the functioning of the internal market for biomass. The report is accompanied by an impact assessment which shows that binding criteria would impose substantial costs on European economic actors, bearing in mind that at least 90 % of biomass consumed in the EU comes from European forest residues and by-products of other industries. Hence, the report concludes that at this stage, more detailed legislation is not necessary. Web link: Commission press release
More ambition needed if greenhouse gases are to peak in time Countries will have to be far more ambitious in cutting greenhouse gas emissions if the world is to effectively curb a rise in global temperature at 2 degrees C or less. This is the conclusion of a new greenhouse gas modeling study, based on the estimates of researchers at nine leading centres, compiled by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The experts suggest that annual global greenhouse gas emissions should not be larger than 40 to 48.3 Gigatonnes (Gt) of equivalent C02 in 2020 and should peak sometime between 2015 and 2021. They also estimate that between 2020 and 2050, global emissions need to fall by between 48 per cent and 72 per cent, indicating that an ambition to cut greenhouse gases by around three per cent a year over that 30 year period is also needed. Web link: UNEP press release
Expanding the Eurovignette would bring net benefits Expanding the EU’s Eurovignette directive to cover pollution, noise and congestion would not disadvantage peripheral member states and would bring net benefits of at least €2.3 billion a year. Those are among the conclusions of a revised 'technical note' by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) following the breakdown of negotiations on the Eurovignette revision last year. Current EU rules on charging lorries for using road infrastructure prohibit governments or authorities from charging for 'externalities', despite EU transport policy being committed to internalising such costs. Web link: T&E
EU nations expect to meet renewable target The EU will meet its 2020 20% renewable energy target - slightly exceeding it - according to an analysis by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) of all 27 Member States' national forecast documents. The EWEA analysis shows that EU member states are on course to achieve over 20% renewable energy by 2020, with 21 Member States meeting or exceeding their national targets. The top 21 are made up of 13 Member States who predict they will meet their target and eight who forecast they will exceed their target. Web link: EWEA press release
Pollution the biggest killer on Britain's roads What is the biggest killer on our roads? It's not black ice, or drunk driving, or even badly installed accelerator pedals. In fact, it's air pollution – and it's getting worse. According to the most recent official figures – published back in 1998 – up to 24,000 people in Britain die before their time every year as a result of air pollution caused by vehicles, compared with 2,600 killed in road accidents. Web link: Telegraph.co.uk Ocean acidification is speeding up Carbon dioxide released from fossil fuels and dissolved in the ocean is making seawater more acidic and causing trouble for marine life. Now a new model suggests that seawater is acidifying at a rate that exceeds anything seen on Earth over the past 65 million years. The speed of change may in fact be faster than what marine animals can cope with. Web link: Planet Earth
EU must commit to green electric cars Putting more electric cars on the road could increase carbon emissions unless they run on green energy, says a new independent report commissioned jointly by Friends of the Earth Europe, Greenpeace and Transport & Environment. The environmental organisations call for national renewable electricity targets to ensure electric vehicles are truly ‘zero emissions’. The study warns that existing EU legislation on car emissions is flawed because it allows manufacturers to use sales of electric vehicles to offset the continued production of gas-guzzling cars. So-called ‘super credits’ allow carmakers to sell 3.5 high-emitting cars for every electric car sold, without affecting their overall CO2 target. According to the report, increasing sales of electric cars to 10% of the total could lead to a 20% increase in both oil consumption and CO2 emissions in the EU car sector. Web link: Transport & Environment
Arctic melt to cost up to $24 trillion by 2050 Arctic ice melting could cost global agriculture, real estate and insurance anywhere from $2.4 trillion to $24 trillion by 2050 in damage from rising sea levels, floods and heat waves, according to a report "Arctic Treasure, Global Assets Melting Away," released on Friday. The loss of Arctic Sea ice and snow cover is already costing the world about $61 billion to $371 billion annually from costs associated with heat waves, flooding and other factors, the report said. The losses could grow as a warmer Arctic unlocks vast stores of methane in the permafrost. The gas has about 21 times the global warming impact of carbon dioxide. Web link: Planet Ark
EU budget can unlock a low-carbon Europe The incoming European Commission must set out ambitious budget reform proposals in 2010. A more focused EU budget would help support Europe’s transition to a low-carbon economy throughout this new decade. Independent think tank Green Alliance today publishes a new collection of viewpoints from diverse European businesses and NGOs, social organisations and think tanks. The report ‘unlocking a low-carbon Europe: perspectives on EU budget reform’ calls for concerted action to tackle together the challenges of responding to climate change and reforming the EU’s budget. Web link: Green Alliance
Global wind power boom continues despite economic woes The Global Wind Energy Council today announced that the world’s wind power capacity grew by 31% in 2009, adding 37.5 GW to bring total installations up to 157.9 GW. A third of these additions were made in China, which experienced yet another year of over 100% growth. Wind energy is now an important player in the world’s energy markets. The global wind market for turbine installations in 2009 was worth about 45 bn EUR or 63 bn US$. GWEC estimates that around half a million people are now employed by the wind industry around the world. Web link: Global Wind Energy Council
Major emitters set carbon goals after Copenhagen Fifty-five countries accounting for almost 80 percent of world greenhouse gas emissions have pledged varying goals for fighting climate change under a deadline in the "Copenhagen Accord," the United Nations said on Monday. Web link: Planet Ark
Health groups call for 40% target on carbon emissions Health Care Without Harm Europe (HCWHE) and Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) are calling on EU Heads of States to increase the European target on climate change. They are seeking a 40% unconditional emissions reduction target by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. The reductions should be made through domestic action, which they say could bring substantial benefits in improving people’s health and reducing healthcare costs. Web link: press release (pdf)
Commission objects Italy's request for more time The European Commission today adopted a decision concerning a second request from Italy for additional time to comply with EU legislation on air quality. The decision relates to a request for temporary exemptions in 12 additional zones or agglomerations from the EU's air quality standards for airborne particles (PM10). The Commission decision approved a time extension for PM 10 in one air quality zone in the region of Campania but objected to all other requests. Some 20 decisions have already been adopted in 2009 one of them on an earlier request from Italy for different zones or agglomerations. The vast majority of air quality zones in the EU did not satisfy the conditions for a time extension, or were already found to be in compliance with the limit values. Web link: Commission press release EPA strengthens air quality standard for NO2 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a new national air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). This new one-hour standard will protect millions of Americans from peak short-term exposures, which primarily occur near major roads. Short-term exposures to NO2 have been linked to impaired lung function and increased respiratory infections, especially in people with asthma. Web link: EPA
European Commissioners urged to act now on ship pollution Three environmental groups have come together to urge the new European Commissioners to minimise the environmental and health burden of maritime atmospheric pollution through stricter legislation. In a letter to Commissioners-Designate Connie Hedegaard and Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik the Transport & Environment (T&E), the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and the Air Pollution and Climate Secretariat (AirClim) stress that environmental compliance is important not only from sea-going vessels, but also from marine fuel trading barges and onshore selling points. The letter stated that an EU Directive must be adopted to regulate the quality of marine fuels. It added that as there is currently "no mandatory international or EU marine fuel specification or control that will ensure the quality of marine fuels, such as there is for example for EU road transport fuels." Source: Sustainable Shipping News Last decade was warmest on record, 2009 one of warmest years 21 January 2010 A new analysis of global surface temperatures by NASA scientists finds the past year was tied for the second warmest since 1880. In the Southern Hemisphere, 2009 was the warmest year on record. January 2000 to December 2009 was the warmest decade on record. Looking back to 1880, when modern scientific instrumentation became available to monitor temperatures precisely, a clear warming trend is present, although there was a leveling off between the 1940s and 1970s. Web link: NASA
Asian ozone raising levels of smog in western US Ozone blowing over from Asia is raising background levels of a major ingredient of smog in the skies over western US states, according to a new study appearing in today's edition of the journal Nature. The amounts are small and, so far, only found in a region of the atmosphere known as the free troposphere, but the development could complicate US efforts to control air pollution. "The important aspect of this study for North America is that we have a strong indication that baseline ozone is increasing," said lead author Owen R Cooper, a research scientist at the University of Colorado attached to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Earth System Research Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado. Web link: The Guardian
Latest technologies keep a low profile in this year’s greenest vehicles Amidst continual buzz about innovative green vehicle technologies and the impending arrival of the first full-function all-electric vehicles in a decade, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy today released environmental ratings for model year 2010 vehicles. The “greenest vehicle” title goes once again to Honda’s natural gas-powered Civic GX, while the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid claim spots two and three. New arrivals to the list this year are the Honda Insight, the Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan Hybrid (named the 2010 North American Car of the Year), and the Hyundai Accent Blue. The remainder of the list is comprised largely of highly fuel-efficient conventional vehicles such as Smart Fortwo Convertible at number four and the Chevrolet Cobalt XFE and its Pontiac G5 XFE twin at number ten. Web link: greenercars.org
Emissions from UK food industry far higher than believed The food we eat accounts for 30 percent of the UK’s carbon footprint, according to a new report published by WWF-UK and the Food Climate Research Network. Previous estimates put the figure closer to 20 percent, but this study is the first to incorporate land use change overseas, increasing the estimate of emissions attributed to food consumption in this country from 152 to 253 Mt carbon dioxide. Web link: WWF press release
European offshore wind power market grew 54% in 2009 In 2009, a total of eight new wind farms consisting of 199 offshore wind turbines, with a combined power generating capacity of 577 MW, were connected to the grid in Europe. This represents a growth rate of 54% compared to the 373 MW installed during 2008. For 2010, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) expects the completion of 10 additional European offshore wind farms, adding 1,000 MW and equivalent to market growth of 75% compared to 2009. Web link: EWEA press release
EPA plans to tighten smog limits The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday proposed tougher limits on smog than the Bush administration required, which would cost polluters up to $90 billion but save Americans a similar amount on health bills. Industry groups blasted the proposal, but the move won praise from environmental groups who had criticized the Bush administration for setting smog standards in 2008 that were looser than government scientists had recommended. Web links:
Linking air quality and climate change can be cost-effective If the effects of air pollution on climate change are included in air quality strategies, efficiency gains of €2.5 billion can be achieved in the EU, according to recent research. Various greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and pollutants both affect the climate and air quality, yet climate change and air pollution are often treated separately in environmental policy. Optimal policies to reduce emissions from air pollution based on health and crop damage could result in avoided damages for the EU of around €34.4 billion. If the effects of pollutants on climate are also included, total savings of about €36.9 billion could be achieved. The integrated approach thus yields a substantial efficiency gain of €2.5 billion. The researchers suggest that by including climate change damage in air pollution strategies, greater amounts could be spent on abatement measures since the benefits would be enhanced. Web link: Science for Environment Policy (pdf)
The outcome of the Copenhagen summit proved extremely disappointing as regards international aviation and shipping emissions. Although more discussion amongst countries on bunker fuels at the UNFCCC occurred in the past three months than during the last ten years, it proved impossible to bridge the continuing differences. Web link: T&E analysis |
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