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Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Nature Conservancy Canada Matches Volunteers to Projects in Canada
Are you interested in volunteering your time to conserve nature in Canada? If so there is a new portal that helps interested volunteers to find conservation projects near you. The Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC) matches people with volunteer opportunities that are organized by province. These projects support the health and well being of a wide range of Canada’s natural places.
Projects cover things like animal surveys, building homes for wild birds, making trails, and wildlife counts.
To go to the site click here.
Projects cover things like animal surveys, building homes for wild birds, making trails, and wildlife counts.
To go to the site click here.
Obama and Hollande Call for Climate Action
The French and American Presidents have called for an ambitious global climate agreement. The French President, Francois Hollande has joined forced with US President Barack Obama to ask the world to increase clean energy, create jobs and help developing countries transition to a low carbon economy.
President Hollande arrived in the US on Monday, the same day that the leaders issued an op-ed that was published in the Washington Post and Le Monde newspapers.
Obama and Hollande are setting their sights on the 2015 deadline for a global climate agreement which is scheduled to be signed at the end of the year in Paris. This is welcome news as the rest of Europe has scaled back its ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets due to ongoing economic woes. In addition to Europe, the US, Japan, Australia and Canada have all reneged on their original climate commitments.
© 2014, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
Related Articles
The Paradox of President Obama's All of the Above Energy Strategy
The US and China Working Together on Climate Change
President Obama's 2014 State of the Union Address: Summary and Green Highlights
The Implications of Curbing US Power Plant Emissions
Video - Reason to be Hopeful for 2014: Obama Found the Courage to Act on Climate Change
Obama Increases Federal Renewable Energy Adding to His Climate Action Plan
Obama Signs a Climate Change Resilience Executive Order
Environmental Action in a New Agreement Between the US and Nordic Countries
The Obama Administration's Climate Action (Spring - Summer 2013)
Combat Climate Change: 3 Ways to Support President Obama
Reaction to President Obama's Historic Georgetown University Speech
Infographic - President Obama's Climate Action Plan
Full Transcript of President Obama's June 25th Georgetown University Address on his Climate Action Plan
President Obama Climate Action Plan (Full Document)
Video - President Obama's Climate Action Plan
Obama's Speech Signals the End of the Debate on Climate Change and the Dawn of Consorted Action
Thank President Obama for his Bold Leadership on Climate Change
Obama Reigning in Emissions from Existing Coal Power Plants, Transportation and Homes
President Obama Set to Unveil a National Climate Change Mitigation Strategy
Video - White House Announces President Unveiling of a National Climate Change Mitigation Strategy
President Obama's Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
President Obama's Clean Energy Trust Fund
Obama Resurrecting Nixon to Advance Environmental Policy
Will Obama's Actions Match his Words?
Green Excerpts of President Obama's 2013 State of the Union Address
President Obama's 2013 Inaugural Address: "We Will Respond to the Threat of Climate Change"
Green Inauguration of President Obama: "Faith in America's Future"
Hopes for Environmental Action in President Obama's Second Term
President Obama's Victory Speech: "The Best is Yet to Come"
Taking Stock of President Obama's Environmental Efforts in His First Term
President Hollande arrived in the US on Monday, the same day that the leaders issued an op-ed that was published in the Washington Post and Le Monde newspapers.
Obama and Hollande are setting their sights on the 2015 deadline for a global climate agreement which is scheduled to be signed at the end of the year in Paris. This is welcome news as the rest of Europe has scaled back its ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets due to ongoing economic woes. In addition to Europe, the US, Japan, Australia and Canada have all reneged on their original climate commitments.
© 2014, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
Related Articles
The Paradox of President Obama's All of the Above Energy Strategy
The US and China Working Together on Climate Change
President Obama's 2014 State of the Union Address: Summary and Green Highlights
The Implications of Curbing US Power Plant Emissions
Video - Reason to be Hopeful for 2014: Obama Found the Courage to Act on Climate Change
Obama Increases Federal Renewable Energy Adding to His Climate Action Plan
Obama Signs a Climate Change Resilience Executive Order
Environmental Action in a New Agreement Between the US and Nordic Countries
The Obama Administration's Climate Action (Spring - Summer 2013)
Combat Climate Change: 3 Ways to Support President Obama
Reaction to President Obama's Historic Georgetown University Speech
Infographic - President Obama's Climate Action Plan
Full Transcript of President Obama's June 25th Georgetown University Address on his Climate Action Plan
President Obama Climate Action Plan (Full Document)
Video - President Obama's Climate Action Plan
Obama's Speech Signals the End of the Debate on Climate Change and the Dawn of Consorted Action
Thank President Obama for his Bold Leadership on Climate Change
Obama Reigning in Emissions from Existing Coal Power Plants, Transportation and Homes
President Obama Set to Unveil a National Climate Change Mitigation Strategy
Video - White House Announces President Unveiling of a National Climate Change Mitigation Strategy
President Obama's Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
President Obama's Clean Energy Trust Fund
Obama Resurrecting Nixon to Advance Environmental Policy
Will Obama's Actions Match his Words?
Green Excerpts of President Obama's 2013 State of the Union Address
President Obama's 2013 Inaugural Address: "We Will Respond to the Threat of Climate Change"
Green Inauguration of President Obama: "Faith in America's Future"
Hopes for Environmental Action in President Obama's Second Term
President Obama's Victory Speech: "The Best is Yet to Come"
Taking Stock of President Obama's Environmental Efforts in His First Term
Webinar - Engaging Employees to Build a Sustainability Innovation Culture
This complimentary 45 minute webinar from the Ethical Corporation will take place on Feb 12th at 1 pm GMT. around employee engagement. The conversation will address ways of building a sustainability innovation culture in your organization. Speakers include Christine Diamente from Alcatel-Lucent, Andrew Cave from Royal Bank of Scotland and Sarah Ellis from Sainsbury’s. These three individuals will share the latest insights to help you get your employees on board to build a sustainability innovation culture.
You will learn about ways to:
- Find right monetary and non-monetary incentives for your employees to come up with innovative sustainability ideas
- Discover and implement ideas from within
- Develop a robust management process from the start to ensure tangible outcome
You can also submit your questions live during the session.
To sign-up for the webinar click here.
Related Articles
The Benefits of Employee Engagement in Sustainability
Employee Engagement for Sustainability
Best Practices in Sustainability: Employee Engagement
Profit Oriented Sustainability Guide for Small Businesses
You will learn about ways to:
- Find right monetary and non-monetary incentives for your employees to come up with innovative sustainability ideas
- Discover and implement ideas from within
- Develop a robust management process from the start to ensure tangible outcome
You can also submit your questions live during the session.
To sign-up for the webinar click here.
Related Articles
The Benefits of Employee Engagement in Sustainability
Employee Engagement for Sustainability
Best Practices in Sustainability: Employee Engagement
Profit Oriented Sustainability Guide for Small Businesses
The Paradox of President Obama's All of the Above Energy Strategy
Staying within prescribed climate change limits will be difficult under Obama’s all-of-the-above strategy. Although Obama may be the greenest President in American history he is not doing enough to stave off the worst impacts of climate change. In his State of the Union address, he did talk about the veracity of climate change and the need to further reduce America’s greenhouse gas emissions, however his ongoing support for fossil fuel extraction is dangerous and imperils hopes that we can tackle the issue of climate change before we reach irreversible tipping points.
The President made many laudable points during his address including his desire to increase protections for air, water, land and American communities. He quite correctly explained that, “we have to act with more urgency because a changing climate is already harming western communities struggling with drought and coastal cities dealing with floods.”
The President touted the growth of solar power saying: “[W]e’re becoming a global leader in solar too. Every four minutes another American home or business goes solar, every panel pounded into place by a worker whose job can’t be outsourced.”
The President has repeatedly stated his desire to put an end to tax breaks for the fossil fuel industry and use that money for fuels of the future (ie renewables). A point which he reiterated in his State of the Union address.
The President also touted his efficiency efforts including efficiency standards for new cars. He went on to suggest that he will be imposing new fuel efficiency standards for medium and heavy weight trucks. However, their is an irreconcilable paradox between efficiency and the expansion of fossil fuel.
The President indicated that he wants to “cut red tape” to help businesses build factories that use natural gas. As he explained, “If [natural gas is] extracted safely, it’s the bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the carbon pollution that causes climate change.”
While natural gas could be made far less destructive if we could eradicate (or substantially reduce) methane leaks associated with extraction, it is easier said than done.
The President made the point that the U.S. has reduced its carbon pollution more than any other nation on Earth over the last 8 years. He further indicated that he wants to set new standards for power plants which would tighten restrictions on CO2 emissions.
While efforts to reduce GHGs are beyond reproach, his overall strategy conceals an irreconcilable contradiction. Reducing GHGs is at odds with increasing domestic dirty energy exploitation. The simple fact is he cannot have it both ways.
Despite pleas from the leading U.S. environmental organizations to stop fossil fuel extraction, President Obama’s State of the Union address indicates that he intends to move forward with his “all of the above” energy strategy.
The reliance on natural gas and oil may undermine efforts to stay within prescribed scientific limits. The first limit concerns temperature increases, the second involves greenhouse gas emissions. If we are to keep warming below the internationally agreed upon upper threshold limit of 2°C, we will need to stop pumping greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. It is widely known that the primary contributors of GHGs are fossil fuels.
This is the conclusion reached by numerous studies including the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, which was published late in September 2013. According to the IPCC report, we cannot add more than another 140 gigatons of carbon globally (500 GtCO2).
If we continue to exploit and burn fossil fuels at the current rate, we will considerably exceed these limits. If we burn only 20 percent of estimated available carbon reserves we will have already reached the upper allowable limit of carbon emissions. If the remaining reserves are exploited there will be no way to stop runaway climate change.
We cannot afford to move forward with planned coal projects or the tar sands, nor can we afford President Obama’s “all of the above” energy strategy.
In fairness, President Obama acknowledges the veracity of climate change but he is constrained by the Republicans in congress and the general ignorance of many Americans. We cannot appreciate efforts to engage climate concerns without factoring political considerations. Obama may be advancing domestic fossil fuels for political reasons, not the least of which is the impending midterms. If he loses control of the Senate, his efforts to manage climate change will suffer a serious blow.
A Ceres report titled, “Inaction on Climate Change: The Cost to Taxpayers.” sees political factors as a major part of inaction. “[T]he reason for our collective shortsightedness is that the issue of climate change, and what to do about it, has become politicized in the U.S,” the report said.
Despite his considerable efforts (not the least of which is his climate action plan), the President can be faulted for failing to lead efforts to educate Americans. To create the political support we need to see, Americans need to be apprized of the implications of failing to act. Obama’s State of the Union address focused on education and this could be expanded to include efforts to explain the rationale for action and expose the ignorance of climate denying Republicans who control the House.
More than any other single factor, people respond to economic considerations. The focus on the economy and jobs in the President’s State of the Union speech is a reflection of this understanding. He needs to do a better job informing Americans about the price associated with climate change.
The President can do far more to help Americans apprehend the scope of the costs of failing to stay within the prescribed limits. Failing to heed these limits will result in a massive price tag that will cripple the U.S. (and global) economy and ultimately, irrevocably change life on Earth.
Evidence for these costs are not just part of some apocalyptic future, they are with us here and now. According to the the Ceres report, Federal and state disaster relief payouts are estimated to have cost every person in the U.S. more than $300. According to the report, the costs of climate change to taxpayers going forward will get worse and ultimately be “debilitating.” A cogent argument can be made for acting now, as one dollar spent on prevention saves four dollars in damages. From this perspective mitigation efforts are a far better investment than adaptation.
However, “booming” oil and natural gas production is inconsistent with efforts to combat climate change. Reducing emissions while boosting domestic oil and gas production is a contradictory policy position. At a time when we most need the President to lead, we really got nothing new in this state of the Union speech.
The U.S. cannot simultaneously be a leading producer of fossil fuels and at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change. Selling the facts to the American public will not be easy, but it is necessary.
“The the shift to a cleaner energy economy won’t happen overnight, and it will require some tough choices along the way,” the President said. The question is whether he is prepared to make those tough choices.
Source: Global Warming is Real
Related Articles
The US and China Working Together on Climate Change
President Obama's 2014 State of the Union Address: Summary and Green Highlights
The Implications of Curbing US Power Plant Emissions
Video - Reason to be Hopeful for 2014: Obama Found the Courage to Act on Climate Change
Obama Increases Federal Renewable Energy Adding to His Climate Action Plan
Obama Signs a Climate Change Resilience Executive Order
Environmental Action in a New Agreement Between the US and Nordic Countries
The Obama Administration's Climate Action (Spring - Summer 2013)
Combat Climate Change: 3 Ways to Support President Obama
Reaction to President Obama's Historic Georgetown University Speech
Infographic - President Obama's Climate Action Plan
Full Transcript of President Obama's June 25th Georgetown University Address on his Climate Action Plan
President Obama Climate Action Plan (Full Document)
Video - President Obama's Climate Action Plan
Obama's Speech Signals the End of the Debate on Climate Change and the Dawn of Consorted Action
Thank President Obama for his Bold Leadership on Climate Change
Obama Reigning in Emissions from Existing Coal Power Plants, Transportation and Homes
President Obama Set to Unveil a National Climate Change Mitigation Strategy
Video - White House Announces President Unveiling of a National Climate Change Mitigation Strategy
President Obama's Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
President Obama's Clean Energy Trust Fund
Obama Resurrecting Nixon to Advance Environmental Policy
Will Obama's Actions Match his Words?
Green Excerpts of President Obama's 2013 State of the Union Address
President Obama's 2013 Inaugural Address: "We Will Respond to the Threat of Climate Change"
Green Inauguration of President Obama: "Faith in America's Future"
Hopes for Environmental Action in President Obama's Second Term
President Obama's Victory Speech: "The Best is Yet to Come"
Taking Stock of President Obama's Environmental Efforts in His First Term
The President made many laudable points during his address including his desire to increase protections for air, water, land and American communities. He quite correctly explained that, “we have to act with more urgency because a changing climate is already harming western communities struggling with drought and coastal cities dealing with floods.”
The President touted the growth of solar power saying: “[W]e’re becoming a global leader in solar too. Every four minutes another American home or business goes solar, every panel pounded into place by a worker whose job can’t be outsourced.”
The President has repeatedly stated his desire to put an end to tax breaks for the fossil fuel industry and use that money for fuels of the future (ie renewables). A point which he reiterated in his State of the Union address.
The President also touted his efficiency efforts including efficiency standards for new cars. He went on to suggest that he will be imposing new fuel efficiency standards for medium and heavy weight trucks. However, their is an irreconcilable paradox between efficiency and the expansion of fossil fuel.
The President indicated that he wants to “cut red tape” to help businesses build factories that use natural gas. As he explained, “If [natural gas is] extracted safely, it’s the bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the carbon pollution that causes climate change.”
While natural gas could be made far less destructive if we could eradicate (or substantially reduce) methane leaks associated with extraction, it is easier said than done.
The President made the point that the U.S. has reduced its carbon pollution more than any other nation on Earth over the last 8 years. He further indicated that he wants to set new standards for power plants which would tighten restrictions on CO2 emissions.
All of the above – Obama can’t have it both ways
While efforts to reduce GHGs are beyond reproach, his overall strategy conceals an irreconcilable contradiction. Reducing GHGs is at odds with increasing domestic dirty energy exploitation. The simple fact is he cannot have it both ways.
Despite pleas from the leading U.S. environmental organizations to stop fossil fuel extraction, President Obama’s State of the Union address indicates that he intends to move forward with his “all of the above” energy strategy.
The reliance on natural gas and oil may undermine efforts to stay within prescribed scientific limits. The first limit concerns temperature increases, the second involves greenhouse gas emissions. If we are to keep warming below the internationally agreed upon upper threshold limit of 2°C, we will need to stop pumping greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. It is widely known that the primary contributors of GHGs are fossil fuels.
This is the conclusion reached by numerous studies including the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, which was published late in September 2013. According to the IPCC report, we cannot add more than another 140 gigatons of carbon globally (500 GtCO2).
If we continue to exploit and burn fossil fuels at the current rate, we will considerably exceed these limits. If we burn only 20 percent of estimated available carbon reserves we will have already reached the upper allowable limit of carbon emissions. If the remaining reserves are exploited there will be no way to stop runaway climate change.
We cannot afford to move forward with planned coal projects or the tar sands, nor can we afford President Obama’s “all of the above” energy strategy.
In fairness, President Obama acknowledges the veracity of climate change but he is constrained by the Republicans in congress and the general ignorance of many Americans. We cannot appreciate efforts to engage climate concerns without factoring political considerations. Obama may be advancing domestic fossil fuels for political reasons, not the least of which is the impending midterms. If he loses control of the Senate, his efforts to manage climate change will suffer a serious blow.
A Ceres report titled, “Inaction on Climate Change: The Cost to Taxpayers.” sees political factors as a major part of inaction. “[T]he reason for our collective shortsightedness is that the issue of climate change, and what to do about it, has become politicized in the U.S,” the report said.
Despite his considerable efforts (not the least of which is his climate action plan), the President can be faulted for failing to lead efforts to educate Americans. To create the political support we need to see, Americans need to be apprized of the implications of failing to act. Obama’s State of the Union address focused on education and this could be expanded to include efforts to explain the rationale for action and expose the ignorance of climate denying Republicans who control the House.
More than any other single factor, people respond to economic considerations. The focus on the economy and jobs in the President’s State of the Union speech is a reflection of this understanding. He needs to do a better job informing Americans about the price associated with climate change.
The President can do far more to help Americans apprehend the scope of the costs of failing to stay within the prescribed limits. Failing to heed these limits will result in a massive price tag that will cripple the U.S. (and global) economy and ultimately, irrevocably change life on Earth.
The costs of climate change
Evidence for these costs are not just part of some apocalyptic future, they are with us here and now. According to the the Ceres report, Federal and state disaster relief payouts are estimated to have cost every person in the U.S. more than $300. According to the report, the costs of climate change to taxpayers going forward will get worse and ultimately be “debilitating.” A cogent argument can be made for acting now, as one dollar spent on prevention saves four dollars in damages. From this perspective mitigation efforts are a far better investment than adaptation.
“Continuing to ignore these escalating risks may be more comfortable than confronting the challenges of climate change, but inaction is the far riskier and more expensive path,” the Ceres report concluded.“[T]he debate is settled. Climate change is a fact. And when our children’s children look us in the eye and ask if we did all we could to leave them a safer, more stable world, with new sources of energy, I want us to be able to say yes, we did,” the President said.
However, “booming” oil and natural gas production is inconsistent with efforts to combat climate change. Reducing emissions while boosting domestic oil and gas production is a contradictory policy position. At a time when we most need the President to lead, we really got nothing new in this state of the Union speech.
The U.S. cannot simultaneously be a leading producer of fossil fuels and at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change. Selling the facts to the American public will not be easy, but it is necessary.
“The the shift to a cleaner energy economy won’t happen overnight, and it will require some tough choices along the way,” the President said. The question is whether he is prepared to make those tough choices.
Source: Global Warming is Real
Related Articles
The US and China Working Together on Climate Change
President Obama's 2014 State of the Union Address: Summary and Green Highlights
The Implications of Curbing US Power Plant Emissions
Video - Reason to be Hopeful for 2014: Obama Found the Courage to Act on Climate Change
Obama Increases Federal Renewable Energy Adding to His Climate Action Plan
Obama Signs a Climate Change Resilience Executive Order
Environmental Action in a New Agreement Between the US and Nordic Countries
The Obama Administration's Climate Action (Spring - Summer 2013)
Combat Climate Change: 3 Ways to Support President Obama
Reaction to President Obama's Historic Georgetown University Speech
Infographic - President Obama's Climate Action Plan
Full Transcript of President Obama's June 25th Georgetown University Address on his Climate Action Plan
President Obama Climate Action Plan (Full Document)
Video - President Obama's Climate Action Plan
Obama's Speech Signals the End of the Debate on Climate Change and the Dawn of Consorted Action
Thank President Obama for his Bold Leadership on Climate Change
Obama Reigning in Emissions from Existing Coal Power Plants, Transportation and Homes
President Obama Set to Unveil a National Climate Change Mitigation Strategy
Video - White House Announces President Unveiling of a National Climate Change Mitigation Strategy
President Obama's Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
President Obama's Clean Energy Trust Fund
Obama Resurrecting Nixon to Advance Environmental Policy
Will Obama's Actions Match his Words?
Green Excerpts of President Obama's 2013 State of the Union Address
President Obama's 2013 Inaugural Address: "We Will Respond to the Threat of Climate Change"
Green Inauguration of President Obama: "Faith in America's Future"
Hopes for Environmental Action in President Obama's Second Term
President Obama's Victory Speech: "The Best is Yet to Come"
Taking Stock of President Obama's Environmental Efforts in His First Term
Breakdown of Renewable Energy Jobs Around the World
There is a vast and growing workforce associated with renewable energy. The meteoric growth of these clean sources of energy will only continue as we approach the deadline for an international climate agreement that is certain to limit greenhouse gas production. To meet targets that will be put forth in this agreement we will need to transition away from fossil fuels and ramp-up an already fast moving renewable energy sector.
According to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) the industry currently employs 5.7M people. Most of the jobs are in China, the EU, Brazil, US and India. Here is a quick summary of the number of jobs in each of the top three nations as well international forecasts for the future :
China
China is the world leader in renewable energy jobs and currently has 1.74M people working in the sector. This represents one in three renewable energy jobs around the world. Most of China's renewable employment is in the solar.
Brazil
Brazil ranks second and has 14% of all renewable jobs around the world. The nation currently employs 833K people in renewables out of which 804K are in biofuels and the remainder are mostly in wind.
US
The US ranks third with 620K people working in the sector.
The Future
The future for renewable energy jobs looks very promising. According to the IRENA report, with favorable policies bioenergy will add 9.7M jobs by 2030. Wind is expected to add 2.1M jobs and solar energy is expected to generate another 2M, all in the same period.
Overall renewable energy has the potential to add an additional 11M new jobs between now and 2030; so in fact employment in the renewable energy sector is expected to be around 16.7M positions in 2030.
To see the IRENA report click here.
© 2014, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
Related Articles
Report - Sustainability Career Paths: How To Become A Leader
Report - Sustainability Consultants Face Complex Market Dynamics
Infographic - New US Clean Energy Jobs by State in Q3
American Employment: Keystone XL vs Green Jobs
National Solar Jobs Census 2012
Green Jobs Infographic 10 Jobs that Serve the Environment
Conservative Confusion about the Role of Government in Support of Green Jobs
Green Skills that you Need to be an Energy Contractor
Hopeful Statistics for Green Job Growth Top 10 "Shovel Ready" Green Jobs
According to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) the industry currently employs 5.7M people. Most of the jobs are in China, the EU, Brazil, US and India. Here is a quick summary of the number of jobs in each of the top three nations as well international forecasts for the future :
China
China is the world leader in renewable energy jobs and currently has 1.74M people working in the sector. This represents one in three renewable energy jobs around the world. Most of China's renewable employment is in the solar.
Brazil
Brazil ranks second and has 14% of all renewable jobs around the world. The nation currently employs 833K people in renewables out of which 804K are in biofuels and the remainder are mostly in wind.
US
The US ranks third with 620K people working in the sector.
The Future
The future for renewable energy jobs looks very promising. According to the IRENA report, with favorable policies bioenergy will add 9.7M jobs by 2030. Wind is expected to add 2.1M jobs and solar energy is expected to generate another 2M, all in the same period.
Overall renewable energy has the potential to add an additional 11M new jobs between now and 2030; so in fact employment in the renewable energy sector is expected to be around 16.7M positions in 2030.
To see the IRENA report click here.
© 2014, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
Related Articles
Report - Sustainability Career Paths: How To Become A Leader
Report - Sustainability Consultants Face Complex Market Dynamics
Infographic - New US Clean Energy Jobs by State in Q3
American Employment: Keystone XL vs Green Jobs
National Solar Jobs Census 2012
Green Jobs Infographic 10 Jobs that Serve the Environment
Conservative Confusion about the Role of Government in Support of Green Jobs
Green Skills that you Need to be an Energy Contractor
Hopeful Statistics for Green Job Growth Top 10 "Shovel Ready" Green Jobs
Event - Good Jobs Green Jobs Conference
Good Jobs Green Jobs Conference, will take place on February 10 - 11, 2014, in Washington, D.C. This year’s Conference is focused on repairing the systems Americans rely on every day, whether getting us back and forth to work, supplying our power, keeping us safe from storms and floods, communicating with police and fire during emergencies, or ensuring the institutions where our children learn are safe and healthy.
It's time to repair these systems today to create quality, family-sustaining jobs, to address the threat of climate change, and to ensure the health and safety of our workplaces and our communities.
Join thousands of business and community leaders, union members, and environmentalists at Good Jobs, Green Jobs 2014 and take up the call to Repair America.
To register click here.
Related Articles
Report - Sustainability Career Paths: How To Become A Leader
Report - Sustainability Consultants Face Complex Market Dynamics
Infographic - New US Clean Energy Jobs by State in Q3
American Employment: Keystone XL vs Green Jobs
National Solar Jobs Census 2012
Green Jobs Infographic 10 Jobs that Serve the Environment
Conservative Confusion about the Role of Government in Support of Green Jobs
Green Skills that you Need to be an Energy Contractor
Hopeful Statistics for Green Job Growth Top 10 "Shovel Ready" Green Jobs
It's time to repair these systems today to create quality, family-sustaining jobs, to address the threat of climate change, and to ensure the health and safety of our workplaces and our communities.
Join thousands of business and community leaders, union members, and environmentalists at Good Jobs, Green Jobs 2014 and take up the call to Repair America.
To register click here.
Related Articles
Report - Sustainability Career Paths: How To Become A Leader
Report - Sustainability Consultants Face Complex Market Dynamics
Infographic - New US Clean Energy Jobs by State in Q3
American Employment: Keystone XL vs Green Jobs
National Solar Jobs Census 2012
Green Jobs Infographic 10 Jobs that Serve the Environment
Conservative Confusion about the Role of Government in Support of Green Jobs
Green Skills that you Need to be an Energy Contractor
Hopeful Statistics for Green Job Growth Top 10 "Shovel Ready" Green Jobs
President Obama's 2014 State of the Union Address: Summary and Green Highlights
President Obama's 2014 state of the union address did reference carbon pollution and the need for more action on climate change, but environmental concerns did not receive the attention that some had hoped for.
The President's focus was on continuing to grow the nations economy and provide more jobs. He citing the "more than 8 million new jobs our businesses have created over the past four years." Much of his speech addressed the issue of education. He boasted that "America's graduation rate to its highest levels in more than three decades." The President further elaborated his focus on education stating that America needs to focus on building "tomorrows workforce." He talked about innovative private sector funding for pre k, and making it easier for kids to afford college. He also explained that he has directed Vice President Biden to work on new training and apprenticeship programs.
Obama reiterated his belief that connecting people to the Internet is important for America and he explained how he is behind efforts to provide online connectivity to schools.
He talked about alleviating poverty, reducing gender inequality in the workforce, providing opportunities for immigrants and of course health care.
The President mentioned diplomatic efforts in both Iran and Syria and he indicated that he is prepared to continue the ongoing fight against terrorism, including al-Qaida, while taking America off of the permanent war footing it has been on.
He outlined some ambitious investment support plans including MyRA which will guarantee that when people are investing for retirement, they will not lose their capital and he further stated that he will provide protection for homeowners against another housing credit crisis.
Obama said that the US is "better-positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth." He indicated his desire to out-compete other nations in high tech manufacturing and thereby provide jobs. To this end he announced that his administration has launched two hubs for high-tech manufacturing in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Youngstown, Ohio. These hubs connect businesses to research universities that can help America lead the world in advanced technologies.
He articulated his support for small business which account for 98 percent of US exports. He stated that his administration has made more loans to small business than any other American administration. He also indicated that he wants to do more to "help the entrepreneurs and small business owners who create most new jobs in America."
The President also said that he want to undo last year's cuts to basic research and he supports a patent reform bill "that allows our businesses to stay focused on innovation, not costly and needless litigation."
As far as Congress is concerned he suggested that he is willing to work with them where possible but he also intimated that he will act on his own when he has to.
On the environmental front there was some good news, like the fact that America is now building some of the most fuel-efficient cars in the world. However the President also cited some unfortunate facts associated with his "all of the above" energy strategy. This includes the fact that America has significantly increased its oil production. While buying less foreign oil is undeniably a good thing, under Obama the US has become a leading producer of fossil fuels and this is antithetical to efforts to manage climate change.
Here are excerpts of his comments on energy including solar as well as his statements on carbon pollution and climate change.
All of the Above Energy Strategy
"Now, one of the biggest factors in bringing more jobs back is our commitment to American energy. The "all the above" energy strategy I announced a few years ago is working, and today America is closer to energy independence than we have been in decades."
Natural Gas
"One of the reasons why is natural gas. If extracted safely, it's the bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the carbon pollution that causes climate change. Businesses plan to invest almost a hundred billion dollars in new factories that use natural gas. I'll cut red tape to help states get those factories built and put folks to work, and this Congress can help by putting people to work building fueling stations that shift more cars and trucks from foreign oil to American natural gas."
Clean Environment
"Meanwhile, my administration will keep working with the industry to sustain production and jobs growth while strengthening protection of our air, our water, our communities. And while we're at it, I'll use my authority to protect more of our pristine federal lands for future generations."
Solar
"Now, it's not just oil and natural gas production that's booming; we're becoming a global leader in solar too. Every four minutes another American home or business goes solar, every panel pounded into place by a worker whose job can't be outsourced."
Fossil Fuel Subsidies
Let's continue that progress with a smarter tax policy that stops giving $4 billion a year to fossil fuel industries that don't need it so we can invest more in fuels of the future that do.
Efficiency
"And even as we've increased energy production, we've partnered with businesses, builders and local communities to reduce the energy we consume."
Fuel Efficiency Standards
"When we rescued our automakers, for example, we worked with them to set higher fuel efficiency standards for our cars. In the coming months I'll build on that success by setting new standards for our trucks so we can keep driving down oil imports and what we pay at the pump."
Carbon Pollution and Climate Change
"[O]ur energy policy is creating jobs and leading to a cleaner, safer planet. Over the past eight years the United States has reduced our total carbon pollution more than any other nation on Earth. But we have to act with more urgency because a changing climate is already harming western communities struggling with drought and coastal cities dealing with floods. That's why I directed my administration to work with states, utilities and others to set new standards on the amount of carbon pollution our power plants are allowed to dump into the air. The the shift to a cleaner energy economy won't happen overnight, and it will require some tough choices along the way. But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact. And when our children's children look us in the eye and ask if we did all we could to leave them a safer, more stable world, with new sources of energy, I want us to be able to say yes, we did."
© 2014, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
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The President's focus was on continuing to grow the nations economy and provide more jobs. He citing the "more than 8 million new jobs our businesses have created over the past four years." Much of his speech addressed the issue of education. He boasted that "America's graduation rate to its highest levels in more than three decades." The President further elaborated his focus on education stating that America needs to focus on building "tomorrows workforce." He talked about innovative private sector funding for pre k, and making it easier for kids to afford college. He also explained that he has directed Vice President Biden to work on new training and apprenticeship programs.
Obama reiterated his belief that connecting people to the Internet is important for America and he explained how he is behind efforts to provide online connectivity to schools.
He talked about alleviating poverty, reducing gender inequality in the workforce, providing opportunities for immigrants and of course health care.
The President mentioned diplomatic efforts in both Iran and Syria and he indicated that he is prepared to continue the ongoing fight against terrorism, including al-Qaida, while taking America off of the permanent war footing it has been on.
He outlined some ambitious investment support plans including MyRA which will guarantee that when people are investing for retirement, they will not lose their capital and he further stated that he will provide protection for homeowners against another housing credit crisis.
Obama said that the US is "better-positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth." He indicated his desire to out-compete other nations in high tech manufacturing and thereby provide jobs. To this end he announced that his administration has launched two hubs for high-tech manufacturing in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Youngstown, Ohio. These hubs connect businesses to research universities that can help America lead the world in advanced technologies.
He articulated his support for small business which account for 98 percent of US exports. He stated that his administration has made more loans to small business than any other American administration. He also indicated that he wants to do more to "help the entrepreneurs and small business owners who create most new jobs in America."
The President also said that he want to undo last year's cuts to basic research and he supports a patent reform bill "that allows our businesses to stay focused on innovation, not costly and needless litigation."
As far as Congress is concerned he suggested that he is willing to work with them where possible but he also intimated that he will act on his own when he has to.
On the environmental front there was some good news, like the fact that America is now building some of the most fuel-efficient cars in the world. However the President also cited some unfortunate facts associated with his "all of the above" energy strategy. This includes the fact that America has significantly increased its oil production. While buying less foreign oil is undeniably a good thing, under Obama the US has become a leading producer of fossil fuels and this is antithetical to efforts to manage climate change.
Here are excerpts of his comments on energy including solar as well as his statements on carbon pollution and climate change.
All of the Above Energy Strategy
"Now, one of the biggest factors in bringing more jobs back is our commitment to American energy. The "all the above" energy strategy I announced a few years ago is working, and today America is closer to energy independence than we have been in decades."
Natural Gas
"One of the reasons why is natural gas. If extracted safely, it's the bridge fuel that can power our economy with less of the carbon pollution that causes climate change. Businesses plan to invest almost a hundred billion dollars in new factories that use natural gas. I'll cut red tape to help states get those factories built and put folks to work, and this Congress can help by putting people to work building fueling stations that shift more cars and trucks from foreign oil to American natural gas."
Clean Environment
"Meanwhile, my administration will keep working with the industry to sustain production and jobs growth while strengthening protection of our air, our water, our communities. And while we're at it, I'll use my authority to protect more of our pristine federal lands for future generations."
Solar
"Now, it's not just oil and natural gas production that's booming; we're becoming a global leader in solar too. Every four minutes another American home or business goes solar, every panel pounded into place by a worker whose job can't be outsourced."
Fossil Fuel Subsidies
Let's continue that progress with a smarter tax policy that stops giving $4 billion a year to fossil fuel industries that don't need it so we can invest more in fuels of the future that do.
Efficiency
"And even as we've increased energy production, we've partnered with businesses, builders and local communities to reduce the energy we consume."
Fuel Efficiency Standards
"When we rescued our automakers, for example, we worked with them to set higher fuel efficiency standards for our cars. In the coming months I'll build on that success by setting new standards for our trucks so we can keep driving down oil imports and what we pay at the pump."
Carbon Pollution and Climate Change
"[O]ur energy policy is creating jobs and leading to a cleaner, safer planet. Over the past eight years the United States has reduced our total carbon pollution more than any other nation on Earth. But we have to act with more urgency because a changing climate is already harming western communities struggling with drought and coastal cities dealing with floods. That's why I directed my administration to work with states, utilities and others to set new standards on the amount of carbon pollution our power plants are allowed to dump into the air. The the shift to a cleaner energy economy won't happen overnight, and it will require some tough choices along the way. But the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact. And when our children's children look us in the eye and ask if we did all we could to leave them a safer, more stable world, with new sources of energy, I want us to be able to say yes, we did."
© 2014, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
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2013 Year End Review: US Environmental Success Stories
In 2013, concerned people, organizations and companies in the U.S. and around the world helped move environmental causes forward. From new legislation to the protection of habitats and ecosystems, here is a sampling of U.S. environmental achievements in 2013.
A new study showed that a solid majority of Americans accept the reality of global warming and are calling for action on climate change.
U.S. President Obama launched the most ambitious government wide climate action plan in the history of the nation. In the summer of 2013, Obama said, “As a president, as a father, and as an American, I’m here to say we need to act.” The President’s Climate Action Plan includes limiting pollution from power plants, new standards for energy efficiency on public lands, doubling renewable energy, and working on leading efforts to forge international action.
The EPA’s new standards to reduce emissions from U.S. power plants are of great importance as these plants produce approximately 40 percent of American greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The U.S. joined the U.K. and the World Bank in a decision to limit financing to coal power plants around the world. The U.S. Treasury Department indicated that except for some rare circumstances, it will not finance any new coal projects.
A study published this summer suggested that global warming may have slowed somewhat over the past 15 years. The observed slow down may be at least partly attributable to a global phase out of potent greenhouse-trapping gases called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The eradication of CFCs is attributable to the Montreal Protocol. This finding can be interpreted as evidence that international agreements can be effective at reducing climate change causing GHGs.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), another GHG have largely replaced CFCs and these are also being phased out. President Obama and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, forged a new historic agreement that outlines critical steps both nations will take to end the use of HFCs. Other world leaders are following suit.
The WWF highlighted a dozen environmental success stories in 2013. Here is a their summary of U.S. achievements:
Source: Global Warming is Real
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A new study showed that a solid majority of Americans accept the reality of global warming and are calling for action on climate change.
U.S. President Obama launched the most ambitious government wide climate action plan in the history of the nation. In the summer of 2013, Obama said, “As a president, as a father, and as an American, I’m here to say we need to act.” The President’s Climate Action Plan includes limiting pollution from power plants, new standards for energy efficiency on public lands, doubling renewable energy, and working on leading efforts to forge international action.
The EPA’s new standards to reduce emissions from U.S. power plants are of great importance as these plants produce approximately 40 percent of American greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The U.S. joined the U.K. and the World Bank in a decision to limit financing to coal power plants around the world. The U.S. Treasury Department indicated that except for some rare circumstances, it will not finance any new coal projects.
A study published this summer suggested that global warming may have slowed somewhat over the past 15 years. The observed slow down may be at least partly attributable to a global phase out of potent greenhouse-trapping gases called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The eradication of CFCs is attributable to the Montreal Protocol. This finding can be interpreted as evidence that international agreements can be effective at reducing climate change causing GHGs.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), another GHG have largely replaced CFCs and these are also being phased out. President Obama and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, forged a new historic agreement that outlines critical steps both nations will take to end the use of HFCs. Other world leaders are following suit.
The WWF highlighted a dozen environmental success stories in 2013. Here is a their summary of U.S. achievements:
- People are getting involved with events designed to raise awareness and increase actions that will help reduce our environmental impacts. One such event was Earth Hour. On March 23, 2013, Americans joined hundreds of millions of people around the world who switched off their lights for one hour to show their commitment to the planet. American cities are among the 60 cities worldwide that are participating in the 2013 Earth Hour City Challenge. This challenge involves quantifiable actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand renewable energy, and/or increase energy efficiency.
- The U.S. is also taking action in support of native people’s land and animal stewardship. One such initiative is the first tribal national park for Oglala Sioux in South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. This park will more than double the number of Bison stewarded by the tribe.
- Responsible forest management and trade practices were adopted by International Paper. This brings the number of companies and communities involved in the WWF’s Global Forest & Trade Network to 200 worldwide.
- In Alaska, Royal Dutch Shell shelved a plan to drill for oil and gas in mammal-rich Beaufort and Chukchi seas in 2013.
- In July, U.S.-based multinational Coca-Cola renewed an agreement with the WWF through 2020 that will help to conserve the world’s freshwater resources and measurably improve Coca-Cola’s environmental performance across the company’s value chain. This includes agriculture, climate, packaging and water efficiency impacts.
- President Obama is working to address wildlife crime including poaching and trafficking around the world and in Africa in particular. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services in Denver crushed six tons of illegal elephant ivory tusks, trinkets and souvenirs. This event highlighted U.S. intolerance to ivory trafficking and wildlife crime.
- The American Electric Power announced it would add enough wind energy to power 200,000 homes in Oklahoma while providing substantial savings to customers.
- Governor John Hickenlooper of Colorado signed into law new legislation that will double the state’s renewable energy standard. Under the new law, 20 percent of the state’s energy will from clean sources.
- In Minnesota, comprehensive legislation passed the state legislature that will boost the state’s solar electricity from 13 megawatts (MW) to 450 MW by 2020. This represents an increase of more than 1,200 percent.
- Facebook announced that its Altoona, Iowa data center will be fully powered by wind by early 2015 due to a 138 megawatt wind farm in Wellsburg.
- Nebraska’s huge wind potential is being tapped after Governor Dave Heineman signed progressive wind energy legislation.
- The Nevada state legislature passed legislation to retire the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant and bring an end to the importing of coal power from Arizona. The state will also expand local clean energy development.
- California’s growing solar industry reached a major milestone with more than 150,000 homes and businesses with rooftop solar installations.
- Environmental groups and Georgia’s Tea Party teamed up to create the Green Tea Coalition. The group pushed for the Georgia Public Service Commission to approve Georgia Power’s proposal to retire 20 percent of its coal plants and add 525 MW of solar power to Georgia by 2016.
- The Long Island Power Authority is investing in 100 MW of new solar power on the island, and they have plans to add an additional 280 MW of renewable energy. This is the single largest investment in renewable energy in New York history. New York City also announced a 10 MW project at Staten Island’s Freshkills Park, once known as the world’s largest landfill.
- Maryland is moving forward with clean energy legislation known as the Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 and Prince George’s County Council voted to require renewable energy in all new and renovated governmental facilities.
- President Obama designated 5 new national monuments in March.
- California’s Pinacles National Park, was upgraded from national monument status.
- Washington state legislature passed a bill that protects 50,000 acres of land in the Teanaway River Valley, east of Seattle.
- Sensitive areas in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska gained protection from oil and gas drilling when the Department of the Interior issued a final management plan that will protect 11 million acres of “Special Areas.” The BLM also announced a strategic plan to clean up more than 130 abandoned oil and gas well sites.
- Utah’s red rock lands were protected by a federal judge who struck down a management plan that prioritized off-roading over Utah’s wildlands.
- Yosemite National Park was removed from a logging bill after a public outcry.
- A ban on new uranium mining was upheld by the court’s ruling on the Greater Grand Canyon
- In Montana a bill introduced by Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) is moving forward. The bill will add 67,000 acres to protected areas in that state’s eastern fringe of the existing Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness Areas.
- The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is safe for another year despite repeated efforts by Governor Parnell (R-AK) to launch seismic testing to search for oil and gas in the refuge. All three of Parnell’s attempts were rejected by the Interior Department.
Source: Global Warming is Real
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Event - Good Jobs Green Jobs Conference
This event will take place on February 10 - 11, 2014 in Washington, DC. This year’s Conference is focused on repairing the systems Americans rely on every day, whether getting us back and forth to work, supplying our power, keeping us safe from storms and floods, communicating with police and fire during emergencies, or ensuring the institutions where our children learn are safe and healthy. It's time to repair these systems today to create quality, family-sustaining jobs, to address the threat of climate change, and to ensure the health and safety of our workplaces and our communities. Join thousands of business and community leaders, union members, and environmentalists at Good Jobs, Green Jobs 2014 and take up the call to Repair America.
Click here for more information.
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Click here for more information.
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Event (Symposium) Green Growth, Green Jobs: Integrating Employment and Environmental Policies Across Europe
This symposium will take place on 29 January 2014, from 10:00am - 4:30pm at NH Hotel du Grand Sablon in Brussels. In the EU, more than 20 million jobs are already linked to the environment and the figure will increase as the EU continues its commitment to growing the economy while protecting natural resources.
A key objective of Europe 2020, the strategy for growth and jobs, is to address the need for sustainable and inclusive growth through the promotion of a competitive and greener economy in the EU. As part of the strategy, the EU has committed to offer its support to businesses so they can achieve the shift to a greener economy whilst remaining competitive on the global stage.
This timely international symposium provides an invaluable opportunity for delegates to examine the future of green growth in Europe by focusing on its economic, social and financial aspects. Delegates will explore how future skills-needs can be better anticipated to suit the market and how the green economy can be boosted by investing in green technologies and eco-innovation.
It will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate. Public Policy Exchange welcomes the participation of all key partners, responsible authorities and stakeholders.
This symposium will proved opportunities to:
•Discuss the future of green jobs in the EU and the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy in Member States,
•Assess the impact of green growth on the job market and the creation of new jobs and skills in line with green technologies,
•Analyse investments and funding opportunities to promote the green transition in Europe,
•Examine eco-innovation projects and explore green growth opportunities across Member States,
•Share best practices on the promotion of green jobs and professional training.
Discussions will be led by representatives from the European Commission, from the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), from EUROCHAMBRES, from the European Climate Foundation and from the Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production.
Small Business Federations, Chambers of Commerce, Social Funds, Environmental Associations, Training Managers, Recruitment Advisers, Organisational Development Professionals, Institutes for Occupational Health, Institutes for Training and Employment, and Trade Unions, among others, are expected to participate.
For more information and to register click here.
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A key objective of Europe 2020, the strategy for growth and jobs, is to address the need for sustainable and inclusive growth through the promotion of a competitive and greener economy in the EU. As part of the strategy, the EU has committed to offer its support to businesses so they can achieve the shift to a greener economy whilst remaining competitive on the global stage.
This timely international symposium provides an invaluable opportunity for delegates to examine the future of green growth in Europe by focusing on its economic, social and financial aspects. Delegates will explore how future skills-needs can be better anticipated to suit the market and how the green economy can be boosted by investing in green technologies and eco-innovation.
It will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate. Public Policy Exchange welcomes the participation of all key partners, responsible authorities and stakeholders.
This symposium will proved opportunities to:
•Discuss the future of green jobs in the EU and the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy in Member States,
•Assess the impact of green growth on the job market and the creation of new jobs and skills in line with green technologies,
•Analyse investments and funding opportunities to promote the green transition in Europe,
•Examine eco-innovation projects and explore green growth opportunities across Member States,
•Share best practices on the promotion of green jobs and professional training.
Discussions will be led by representatives from the European Commission, from the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), from EUROCHAMBRES, from the European Climate Foundation and from the Collaborating Centre on Sustainable Consumption and Production.
Small Business Federations, Chambers of Commerce, Social Funds, Environmental Associations, Training Managers, Recruitment Advisers, Organisational Development Professionals, Institutes for Occupational Health, Institutes for Training and Employment, and Trade Unions, among others, are expected to participate.
For more information and to register click here.
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Obama Increases Federal Renewable Energy Adding to His Climate Action Plan
In his most recent effort to combat climate change, US President Barack Obama has indicated that he will triple the amount of federal energy derived from renewable sources. This is another significant step forward in the effort to curtail US greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Although impeded by Republicans at every turn under Obama's leadership federal agencies have already decreased their carbon emissions by 15 percent.
In response to Republicans hell-bent efforts to shut down his legislative agenda, the President has once again been forced to use his executive privileges to advance the federal governments efforts to combat climate change. His latest executive order was signed on Thursday December 5, and it will nearly triple the federal government's use of renewable energy from 7 percent to more than 20 percent.
To “promote energy security, combat climate change, protect the interests of taxpayers, and safeguard the health of our environment, the federal government must lead by example,” declared a memorandum from the president announcing the order.
This move comes more than a year after the administration finalized new vehicle fuel standards that would require cars and light duty trucks to average 54.5 miles per gallon by model year 2025. On Tuesday December 3, the administration announced a plan to help retrofit multifamily housing units and condominiums with energy efficiency upgrades. The administration also released a 2014 fuel economy guide to promote efficient vehicles among consumers.
Obama knows all too well what is at stake. In his June 29th 2013 address he made the point that Americans are already paying for climate change.
"Americans across the country are already paying the price of inaction in higher food costs, insurance premiums and the tab for rebuilding," the President said. "The question is not whether we need to act the question is whether we will have the courage to act before its too late," Obama said.
Obama's national climate action plan will cut carbon pollution, protect the US from the impacts of climate change and lead the world in a coordinated assault on a changing climate.
To achieve these objectives he has pledged to
1. Reduce carbon from power plants
2. Enhance efficiency
3. Increase levels of clean energy
4. Build smarter more resilient infrastructure
5. Encourage developing countries to transition to cleaner sources of power
As the President point out, to move forward "we must all shoulder the responsibility." That means that we all must do our part to be more innovative and creative in our pursuit of a low carbon economy. Scientists, engineers and businesses have a central role to play in realizing this vision.
As explained by Obama, political leaders, need to be "less concerned about special interests and well connected donors and more concerned about the judgement of our children."
Each and every one of us needs to educate others and speak up in our communities. Fundamentally, the issue comes down to an understanding that "there is no contradiction between a sound environment and a strong economy."
As we are about to wade into the 2014 midterm campaign, Americans need to send a message to politicians who continue to deny the veracity of climate change or who refuse to act. As the President said, they must be informed that, "sheltering future generations against the ravages of climate change is a prerequisite for your vote"
American action on climate change is vital. "[W]e will be judged as a people, as a society as a country on where we go from here. If we remember what is at stake the world we leave to our children I am convinced that this is a challenge we will meet," Obama said.
The President is not surrendering to the GOP's ignorance and intransigence, he is using his executive powers to lead the US in the direction of more responsible climate stewardship.
The President is stuck between the Republican's knee jerk obstructionism and environmentalists who fail to understand how he has been hamstrung by the GOP's gridlock strategy. Nonetheless, he is using his executive privileges to move beyond the tedious politically motivated debates on the veracity of climate change and resistance due to concerns about the costs of action.
To his credit, Obama appreciates the urgency of action. He listens to scientists who say categorically that climate change is real and he acknowledges the argument of economists who state that the longer we wait the more it will cost.
© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
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In response to Republicans hell-bent efforts to shut down his legislative agenda, the President has once again been forced to use his executive privileges to advance the federal governments efforts to combat climate change. His latest executive order was signed on Thursday December 5, and it will nearly triple the federal government's use of renewable energy from 7 percent to more than 20 percent.
To “promote energy security, combat climate change, protect the interests of taxpayers, and safeguard the health of our environment, the federal government must lead by example,” declared a memorandum from the president announcing the order.
This move comes more than a year after the administration finalized new vehicle fuel standards that would require cars and light duty trucks to average 54.5 miles per gallon by model year 2025. On Tuesday December 3, the administration announced a plan to help retrofit multifamily housing units and condominiums with energy efficiency upgrades. The administration also released a 2014 fuel economy guide to promote efficient vehicles among consumers.
Obama knows all too well what is at stake. In his June 29th 2013 address he made the point that Americans are already paying for climate change.
"Americans across the country are already paying the price of inaction in higher food costs, insurance premiums and the tab for rebuilding," the President said. "The question is not whether we need to act the question is whether we will have the courage to act before its too late," Obama said.
Obama's national climate action plan will cut carbon pollution, protect the US from the impacts of climate change and lead the world in a coordinated assault on a changing climate.
To achieve these objectives he has pledged to
1. Reduce carbon from power plants
2. Enhance efficiency
3. Increase levels of clean energy
4. Build smarter more resilient infrastructure
5. Encourage developing countries to transition to cleaner sources of power
As the President point out, to move forward "we must all shoulder the responsibility." That means that we all must do our part to be more innovative and creative in our pursuit of a low carbon economy. Scientists, engineers and businesses have a central role to play in realizing this vision.
As explained by Obama, political leaders, need to be "less concerned about special interests and well connected donors and more concerned about the judgement of our children."
Each and every one of us needs to educate others and speak up in our communities. Fundamentally, the issue comes down to an understanding that "there is no contradiction between a sound environment and a strong economy."
As we are about to wade into the 2014 midterm campaign, Americans need to send a message to politicians who continue to deny the veracity of climate change or who refuse to act. As the President said, they must be informed that, "sheltering future generations against the ravages of climate change is a prerequisite for your vote"
American action on climate change is vital. "[W]e will be judged as a people, as a society as a country on where we go from here. If we remember what is at stake the world we leave to our children I am convinced that this is a challenge we will meet," Obama said.
The President is not surrendering to the GOP's ignorance and intransigence, he is using his executive powers to lead the US in the direction of more responsible climate stewardship.
The President is stuck between the Republican's knee jerk obstructionism and environmentalists who fail to understand how he has been hamstrung by the GOP's gridlock strategy. Nonetheless, he is using his executive privileges to move beyond the tedious politically motivated debates on the veracity of climate change and resistance due to concerns about the costs of action.
To his credit, Obama appreciates the urgency of action. He listens to scientists who say categorically that climate change is real and he acknowledges the argument of economists who state that the longer we wait the more it will cost.
© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
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Infographic - New US Clean Energy Jobs by State in Q3
Source: Environmental Entrepreneurs
According to the new report "Clean Energy Works For Us: Q3 2013," more than 80 clean energy and clean transportation projects have been launched in the third quarter of this year and together they could create more than 15,000 jobs. Top states included California, Nevada, New York, Michigan, and Texas. States in the Southeast also posted strong numbers, though North Carolina lagged compared to its neighbors. Nationally, renewable power generation is expected to create 6,700 jobs — more than any other sector E2 tracked this quarter.
For a detailed breakdown of how your region fares click here.
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Video - Gratitude for Nature (2012): Documentary Filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg Tedx
Nature's beauty inspires gratitude. In this video Louie Schwartzberg addresses flowers and the fate of the bees which are so dependent on flowers. In the same way that the bees are dependent on flowers for their sustenance we are dependent on the bees to pollinate our crops.
Louie is an award-winning cinematographer, director and producer who captures breathtaking images and stories that celebrate life -- revealing connections, universal rhythms, patterns and beauty. In 2012 he directed Mysteries of the Unseen World, a 3D large format film for National Geographic. He also launched Moving Art™ on Panasonic Smart TV, an IPTV channel that will inspire, entertain and transform the home viewing screen into an emotional immersive user preference experience.
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Video - Gratitude for Nature (2011): Documentary Filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg Tedx
Nature's beauty is the focus of the work of filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg. He is an award-winning cinematographer, director and producer who captures breathtaking images that celebrate life — revealing connections, universal rhythms, patterns and beauty. His stunning time-lapse photography, accompanied by powerful words from Benedictine monk Brother David Steindl-Rast, serves as a meditation on being grateful for every day.
Among his many awards are two Clio Awards for TV advertising, including best environmental broadcast spot. He also earned an Emmy nomination for best cinematography and the Heartland Film Festival's Truly Moving Picture Award for the feature film "America's Heart & Soul."
Schwartzberg founded Moving Art to use the power of media to inspire and entertain through television programming, DVD products, and full-length motion picture and IMAX films. His film "Wings of Life" was released by Disneynature.
To learn more about Louie and Moving Art click here.
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