W W W . N B B . O R G W W W . B I O D I E S E L . O
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Load more
Recommended publications
-
World Scientists' Warning of a Climate Emergency
Viewpoint World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/biosci/biz088/5610806 by Oregon State University user on 05 November 2019 WILLIAM J. RIPPLE, CHRISTOPHER WOLF, THOMAS M. NEWSOME, PHOEBE BARNARD, WILLIAM R. MOOMAW, AND 11,258 SCIENTIST SIGNATORIES FROM 153 COUNTRIES (LIST IN SUPPLEMENTAL FILE S1) cientists have a moral obligation as actual climatic impacts (figure 2). forest loss in Brazil’s Amazon has now Sto clearly warn humanity of any We use only relevant data sets that are started to increase again (figure 1g). catastrophic threat and to “tell it like clear, understandable, systematically Consumption of solar and wind energy it is.” On the basis of this obligation collected for at least the last 5 years, has increased 373% per decade, but and the graphical indicators presented and updated at least annually. in 2018, it was still 28 times smaller below, we declare, with more than The climate crisis is closely linked to than fossil fuel consumption (com- 11,000 scientist signatories from excessive consumption of the wealthy bined gas, coal, oil; figure 1h). As around the world, clearly and unequiv- lifestyle. The most affluent countries of 2018, approximately 14.0% of ocally that planet Earth is facing a are mainly responsible for the his- global GHG emissions were covered climate emergency. torical GHG emissions and generally by carbon pricing (figure 1m), but Exactly 40 years ago, scientists from have the greatest per capita emissions the global emissions-weighted aver- 50 nations met at the First World (table S1). -
The Paris Climate Agreement: Harbinger of a New Global Order
Swarthmore International Relations Journal Volume 3 | Issue 1 Article 1 January 2019 ISSN 2574-0113 The Paris Climate Agreement - Harbinger of a New Global Order Shana Herman,’19 Swarthmore College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://works.swarthmore.edu/swarthmoreirjournal/ Recommended Citation Herman, Shana,’19 (2019) “The Paris Climate Agreement - Harbinger of a New Global Order,” Swarthmore International Relations Journal at Swarthmore College: Vol. 1: Iss. 3, Article 1. Available at: http://works.swarthmore.edu/swarthmore/vol1/iss3/1 This article is brought to you for free and open access by Works. it has been accepted for inclusion in Swarthmore International Relations Journal at Swarthmore College by an authorized administrator or Works. For more information, please contact myworks@swarthmore The Paris Climate Agreement - Harbinger of a New Global Order Shana Herman Swarthmore College I. Introduction In recent decades, climate change has become an increasingly tangible threat to human existence on Earth. In fact, a combination of climate-related forces (e.g. natural disasters, extreme weather events, and droughts) and carbon-related forces (e.g. air pollution and asthma) already claim about five million lives annually.1 This value is only projected to increase and will account for about six million global deaths per year by 2030.2 While climate change has and will continue to disproportionately affect low-income communities, people of color, and indigenous populations, as well as poorer and smaller countries and island nations that are the least responsible for the carbon dioxide emissions that have contributed to it, climate change is indisputably a collective global crisis with shared consequences that will ultimately affect every country on Earth, regardless of affluence or military prowess.3 Recently, as the consequences of anthropogenic climate change have grown increasingly visible, countries have begun to come together to address this crisis on an international level. -
Air Quality Impacts of Biodiesel in the United States
WHITE PAPER MARCH 2021 AIR QUALITY IMPACTS OF BIODIESEL IN THE UNITED STATES Jane O’Malley, Stephanie Searle www.theicct.org [email protected] twitter @theicct BEIJING | BERLIN | SAN FRANCISCO | SÃO PAULO | WASHINGTON ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This study was generously funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation. International Council on Clean Transportation 1500 K Street NW, Suite 650, Washington, DC 20005 [email protected] | www.theicct.org | @TheICCT © 2021 International Council on Clean Transportation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Since the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has enacted standards to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions. These standards set emission limits for pollutants that contribute to poor air quality and associated health risks, including nitrous oxide (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM). Although the majority of the on-road vehicle fleet in the United States is fueled by gasoline, diesel combustion makes up an overwhelming share of vehicle air pollution emissions. Air pollution emissions can be affected by blending biodiesel, composed of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), into diesel fuel. Biodiesel increases the efficiency of fuel combustion due to its high oxygen content and high cetane number. Studies have found that biodiesel combustion results in lower emissions of PM, CO, and HC, likely for this reason. However, studies have consistently found that biodiesel blending increases NOx formation. Industry analysts, academic researchers, and government regulators have conducted extensive study on the emissions impacts of biodiesel blending over the last thirty years. The EPA concluded in a 2002 report that, on the whole, biodiesel combustion does not worsen air quality compared to conventional diesel and reaffirmed that conclusion in a 2020 proposal and subsequent rulemaking. -
The Pathway to a Green New Deal: Synthesizing Transdisciplinary Literatures and Activist Frameworks to Achieve a Just Energy Transition
The Pathway to a Green New Deal: Synthesizing Transdisciplinary Literatures and Activist Frameworks to Achieve a Just Energy Transition Shalanda H. Baker and Andrew Kinde The “Green New Deal” resolution introduced into Congress by Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Senator Ed Markey in February 2019 articulated a vision of a “just” transition away from fossil fuels. That vision involves reckoning with the injustices of the current, fossil-fuel based energy system while also creating a clean energy system that ensures that all people, especially the most vulnerable, have access to jobs, healthcare, and other life-sustaining supports. As debates over the resolution ensued, the question of how lawmakers might move from vision to implementation emerged. Energy justice is a discursive phenomenon that spans the social science and legal literatures, as well as a set of emerging activist frameworks and practices that comprise a larger movement for a just energy transition. These three discourses—social science, law, and practice—remain largely siloed and insular, without substantial cross-pollination or cross-fertilization. This disconnect threatens to scuttle the overall effort for an energy transition deeply rooted in notions of equity, fairness, and racial justice. This Article makes a novel intervention in the energy transition discourse. This Article attempts to harmonize the three discourses of energy justice to provide a coherent framework for social scientists, legal scholars, and practitioners engaged in the praxis of energy justice. We introduce a framework, rooted in the theoretical principles of the interdisciplinary field of energy justice and within a synthesized framework of praxis, to assist lawmakers with the implementation of Last updated December 12, 2020 Professor of Law, Public Policy and Urban Affairs, Northeastern University. -
Beyond Borders How to Strengthen the External Impact of Domestic Climate Action
BEYOND BORDERS HOW TO STRENGTHEN THE EXTERNAL IMPACT OF DOMESTIC CLIMATE ACTION September 2020 Climate Analytics Ritterstraße 3 10969 Berlin www.climateanalytics.org BEYOND BORDERS HOW TO STRENGTHEN THE EXTERNAL IMPACT OF DOMESTIC CLIMATE ACTION Authors: Andrzej Ancygier, Climate Analytics Critical review: Damon Jones, Climate Analytics The contents of this report are based on research conducted in the framework of the project “Implikationen des Pariser Klimaschutzabkommens auf nationale Klimaschutzanstrengungen”, conducted on behalf of the German Federal Environment Agency, FKZ 3717 41 102 0 The views expressed in this paper are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the German Federal Environment Agency, nor of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. Cover photo: Cozine / Shutterstock.com. Ripple wave surface. Copying or distribution with credit to the source. Beyond borders: How to strengthen the external impact of domestic climate action Table of content The spillover effect of domestic action. .............................................................................. 2 Mechanism 1: Policy diffusion ........................................................................................... 4 Driver 1. Making policy learning easier ...................................................................................... 5 Driver 2: Facilitating emulation by shifting international norms ................................................. 5 Driver 3: -
The Future of Liquid Biofuels for APEC Economies
NREL/TP-6A2-43709. Posted with permission. The Future of Liquid Biofuels for APEC Economies Energy Working Group May 2008 Report prepared for the APEC Energy Working Group under EWG 01/2006A by: Anelia Milbrandt National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Golden, Colorado, USA Web site: www.nrel.gov Dr. Ralph P. Overend NREL Research Fellow (Retired) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada APEC#208-RE-01.8 Acknowledgments The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the project overseer Mr. Rangsan Sarochawikasit (Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, Thailand) for his leadership of this project. We also would like to thank Dr. Helena Chum (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, USA) for contributing materials, and providing review and feedback; and the chair of APEC Biofuels Task Force, Mr. Jeffrey Skeer, (Department of Energy, USA) for his support and guidance. The authors also greatly appreciate the time and valuable contributions of the following individuals: Ms. Naomi Ashurst and Ms. Marie Taylor, Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, Australia Ms. Siti Hafsah, Office of the Minister of Energy, Brunei Darussalam Mr. Mark Stumborg, Agriculture and Agri-Food, Canada Ms. Corissa Petro, National Energy Commission, Chile Mr. Song Yanqin and Mr. Zhao Yongqiang, National Development and Reform Commission, China Mr. K.C. Lo, Electrical and Mechanical Service Department, Hong Kong, China Dr. Hom-Ti Lee, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Chinese Taipei Mr. Hendi Kariawan, Indonesia Biofuels Team, Indonesia Dr. Jeong-Hwan Bae, Korea Energy Economics Institute, Republic of Korea Mr. Diego Arjona-Arguelles, Secretariat for Energy (SENER), Mexico Mr. Angel Irazola and Mr. Diego de la Puente Consigliere, Agricola Del Chira S.A., Peru Mr. -
What Is Biodiesel? Shawn P
PURDUE EXTENSION ID-337 Bio Fueling America ThroughE Renewablenergy Resources What Is Biodiesel? Shawn P. Conley, Department of Agronomy Bernie Tao, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering Purdue University Biodiesel Defned Te use of vegetable oil as a fuel source in One hundred pounds of plant oil is reacted diesel engines is as old as the diesel engine with 10 pounds of methanol to yield 10 itself. However, the demand to develop and pounds of glycerin and 100 pounds of biodie- utilize plant oils and animal fats as biodiesel sel. While the process is relatively straightfor- fuels has been limited until recently. Te ward, due to quality concerns, legal liability, technical defnition of biodiesel is: “Te and vehicle warranty restrictions, we strongly mono alkyl esters of long fatty acids derived recommend that individuals not try to pro- from renewable lipid feedstock such as duce biodiesel fuels. vegetable oils or animal fats, for use in com- Te properties of biodiesel difer depending pression ignition (diesel) engines” (National on the source of plant oil/fat source. Tis is Biodiesel Board, 1996). In simple terms, mainly related to their chemical structure, biodiesel is a renewable fuel manufactured such as the number of carbons and the num- from methanol and vegetable oil, animal fats, ber of double bonds in the hydrocarbon chain. and recycled cooking fats (U.S. Department For an explanation of these diferences, see of Energy, 2006). the Purdue Extension publication “Biodiesel Te term “biodiesel” itself is ofen misrep- Quality: Is All Biodiesel Created Equal?” resented and misused. Biodiesel only refers (ID-338). -
Green New Deal Primer FINAL
Key Questions to Shape a Feminist Green New Deal We live in a moment of both immense threat and vital opportunity. All around us, we see the signs of climate The Solution breakdown, and frontline communities are already facing its worst dangers. Women are not just victims of climate disaster. Globally, women in frontline communities are But we also stand at the cusp of another possibility: to mobilizing to protect their communities, shift policies use this moment of crisis to build a more just, peaceful, and demand fundamental change. Their solutions and sustainable world. To achieve that, we need offer a blueprint for policymaking and provide a model urgent mobilization at all levels, from local for the kind of community-owned, democratic communities to global movements – and response to climate breakdown we need – here in the policymakers have an important role to play. US and worldwide. The Green New Deal is a proposed US framework to The Green New Deal’s expansive vision already confront the climate crisis and entrenched economic touches a multitude of domestic policies, from inequality. As US policymakers translate this broad agriculture to healthcare. To achieve its goals, the framework into concrete policies, a feminist analysis - Green New Deal must bring a similarly holistic lens to combined with the expertise of women climate every aspect of US foreign policy, while centering defenders worldwide - offers crucial guidance. gender and global justice. The Context A feminist analysis offers a way forward, allowing Climate catastrophe is a global challenge that requires us to: solutions that transcend borders. To successfully Build policies that address the gender impacts confront this crisis, the US must act urgently to curb its of climate breakdown own emissions, phase out fossil fuels and move to a Uplift more effective solutions innovated by sustainable, regenerative economy, while collaborating with other countries to meet ambitious those on the margins, including women, girls targets. -
Results 2020 Jan Burck, Ursula Hagen, Niklas Höhne, Leonardo Nascimento, Christoph Bals CCPI • Results 2020 Germanwatch, Newclimate Institute & Climate Action Network
Climate Change CCPI Performance Index Results 2020 Jan Burck, Ursula Hagen, Niklas Höhne, Leonardo Nascimento, Christoph Bals CCPI • Results 2020 Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute & Climate Action Network Imprint Germanwatch – Bonn Office Authors: Kaiserstr. 201 Jan Burck, Ursula Hagen, Niklas Höhne, D-53113 Bonn, Germany Leonardo Nascimento, Christoph Bals Ph.: +49 (0) 228 60492-0 With support of: Fax: +49 (0) 228 60492-19 Pieter van Breenvoort, Violeta Helling, Anna Wördehoff, Germanwatch – Berlin Office Gereon tho Pesch Stresemannstr. 72 Editing: D-10963 Berlin, Germany Anna Brown, Janina Longwitz Ph.: +49 (0) 30 28 88 356-0 Fax: +49 (0) 30 28 88 356-1 Maps: Violeta Helling E-mail: [email protected] www.germanwatch.org Design: Dietmar Putscher Coverphoto: shutterstock/Tupungato December 2019 Purchase Order Number: 20-2-03e NewClimate Institute – Cologne Office ISBN 978-3-943704-75-4 Clever Str. 13-15 D-50668 Cologne, Germany You can find this publication as well Ph.: +49 (0) 221 99983300 as interactive maps and tables at www.climate-change-performance-index.org NewClimate Institute – Berlin Office Schönhauser Allee 10-11 A printout of this publication can be ordered at: D-10119 Berlin, Germany www.germanwatch.org/de/17281 Ph.: +49 (0) 030 208492742 CAN Climate Action Network International Rmayl, Nahr Street, Contents Jaara Building, 4th floor P.O.Box: 14-5472 Foreword 3 Beirut, Lebanon Ph.: +961 1 447192 1. About the CCPI 4 2. Recent Developments 6 3. Overall Results CCPI 2020 8 3.1 Category Results – GHG Emissions 10 3.2 Category Results – Renewable Energy 12 3.3 Category Results – Energy Use 14 3.4 Category Results – Climate Policy 16 4. -
How Can We Avert Dangerous Climate Change? James Hansen
How Can We Avert Dangerous Climate Change? James Hansen Abstract. Recent analyses indicate that the amount of atmospheric CO2 required to cause dangerous climate change is at most 450 ppm, and likely less than that. Reductions of non-CO2 climate forcings can provide only moderate, albeit important, adjustments to the CO2 limit. Realization of how close the planet is to ‘tipping points’ with unacceptable consequences, especially ice sheet disintegration with sea level rise out of humanity’s control, has a bright side. It implies an imperative: we must find a way to keep the CO2 amount so low that it will also avert other detrimental effects that had begun to seem inevitable, e.g., ocean acidification, loss of most alpine glaciers and thus the water supply for millions of people, and shifting of climatic zones with consequent extermination of species. Here I outline from a scientific perspective actions needed to achieve low limits on CO2 and global warming. These changes are technically feasible and have ancillary benefits. Achievement of needed changes requires overcoming the spurious argument that developed and developing countries have equivalent responsibilities, as well as overcoming special interests advocating minimalist or counterproductive actions such as corn-based ethanol and liquid-fuel- from-coal programs. This paper consists of written testimony that I delivered as a private citizen to the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, United States House of Representatives on 26 April 2007. I have added to that testimony: this abstract, references for several statements in the testimony, and some specificity in the final section on solutions. -
Beyond Bioenergy Toward a Clean Energy and Forest-Positive Future with Social Justice at Its Heart
Beyond Bioenergy Toward a Clean Energy and Forest-Positive Future with Social Justice at its Heart Strategy Overview | 2020 - 2024 October 2020 1 | BEYOND BIOENERGY TOWARD A CLEAN AND FOREST-POSITIVE FUTURE WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE AT ITS HEART ver the last decade, our societies have made and local communities, and advance sustainable land Oincremental progress toward building a clean energy use and agriculture, in line with the joint philanthropic and forest-positive future to fight the climate crisis and statement on ‘Supporting Forests, Rights, and Lands safeguard the well-being of our children and for Climate.’ Our support is intended to contribute to grandchildren. Despite continuing progress, the threat to global cooperation efforts to achieve the Paris agreement our climate is escalating. Renewable energy deployment targets, international human rights frameworks, and is only just keeping pace with growth in energy demand, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. political polarization limits our ability to conserve critical carbon-sinks like the Amazon rainforest, and continued Although much of this strategy is focused on reducing reliance on fossil fuels puts us at significant risk of demand for bioenergy that does not support overshooting the Paris agreement targets. climate stability or other Sustainable Development Goals (e.g. food security, forest health), the Packard Although often overlooked, our forests Foundation supports the development and use of contain more carbon than all exploitable oil, gas, those bioenergy resources that generate benefits and coal deposits. for the climate as well as local communities. Together with oceans and wetlands, they play a vital “Climate-positive” bioenergy includes organic waste role in stabilizing our planet’s climate by removing streams (i.e. -
November 24, 2009
November 22, 2019 The Honorable Kathy Castor Chair U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis H2-359 Ford Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chair Castor: Growth Energy respectfully submits these comments in response to the committee’s request to provide perspectives on how to best reduce carbon emissions and address the challenge of climate change. Growth Energy is the world’s largest association of biofuel producers, representing 103 U.S. plants that produce almost 9 billion gallons of ethanol each year; 94 businesses associated with the production process; and tens of thousands of biofuel supporters around the country. We believe that biofuels like ethanol are a key part of any effort to address this pressing problem, and appreciate the opportunity to present our recommendations to the questions posed by the committee. 1. What policies should Congress adopt to decarbonize the following sectors consistent with meeting or exceeding net-zero emissions by mid-century? Where possible, please provide analytical support that demonstrates that the recommended policies achieve the goal. Growth Energy is best positioned to provide our perspective on how to decarbonize the transportation sector. Our primary recommendation is to utilize biofuels like ethanol to further reduce carbon emissions in the U.S. economy. As you look to reduce the carbon intensity of the transportation sector, biofuels can continue to play a key role in this transition. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 39 percent compared to traditional petroleum fuels, and so with every drop they are reducing carbon in our nation’s transportation fuel system. Additionally, higher octane, midlevel blends allow automakers to produce smaller, higher compression engines that increase efficiency and even further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.