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12/22/2006
Published by: Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana
Editor: Christi Barber
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IN THIS ISSUE:
Local
* Purdue Dedicates Web Site To Biofuel Information
* New ethanol plant planned
Nation
* Constellation Energy Wins Wind Power Agreement With WSSC
* Audubon Society supports wind energy
* California regulators issue solar energy guide
* Wind farm may rise off Delaware shore
* It's the economy vs. the environment at hearing for Iron Range power plant
* Nevada On-Track to Quadruple Its Geothermal Power, Over 1000 MW to Be On-Line, New Report Concludes
* Evolution Markets opens biofuels desk
* New York Governor Announces $25.2 Million For Development Of Two Cellulosic Ethanol Facilities In New York
* Earth Biofuels Announces Two New BioWillie® Locations in Oklahoma
* What Does the Future Hold for Solar Energy Farms?
* SolarCity Collective Power Program Successfully Concludes in Portola Valley
* Florida's Renewable Energy Grants Program Popular
* Boulder's Solar Sales Taxes Fund Rebates and Other Projects
* TXU Shareowners File Three Resolutions Questioning Wisdom of Pulverized Coal Plants
* County OKs moratorium
* Ni'ihau School ready to power up
* First solar-powered poultry house set for 2007
* CPS Energy agrees to buy additional supplies of wind power
* Dominion in Joint Wind Energy Venture
* FirstEnergy Subsidiary Signs Power Purchase Agreement With PPM Energy for Wind Power in PA
* DTE Energy Proposes Renewable Energy Program
* Exec proposes taxing greenhouse gas emissions
* Raytheon Company to Build Solar Array in Andover
* State law judges give OK to fast track coal plants
* Notre Dame using solar panels for power, education
* Solar panels power Burlingame biotech firm
* Every moment a chance to turn it around
* Executives fight TXU coal plants
* Communications Firm Promotes Renewable Energy
World
* Canada's cutting-edge energy model
* Canadian Government Moving on Biofuels Plan
* Villagers in Southwestern China Grapple with Climate Change
* N.S. Power says renewable energy coming to another 40,000 homes
* Promoting renewable energy
* Iceland: Summer 2007 Campaign Against Heavy Industry
* Local company helps power Mexican homes
* Offshore wind farms get go-ahead
* Jatoi announces first ever national policy of renewable energy for power generation 2006
* Major energy nations to boost efficiency
* Parliament wants clear targets for future EU energy policy
* The Geopolitics of Energy Security: The Rise of Asia
* Asia-Pacific leading wind energy market
* BULGARIA TO STIMULATE INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
* KREDL establishes `energy park' in city
* MoU inked for solar power project
* Enel to invest €4.1 billion in renewable energy
* Energy Strategy Points to Sustainable Pathway - Minister of Energy Media Statement
Public Policy
* Wind energy scores major legal victory in U.S.
* INTERVIEW-No dramatic U-turn seen on US climate change policy
* Go Solar for Less than Forty Cents on the Dollar
* State gives $18.6M to power UT research
* House Of Representatives Requests Additional Renewable Energy Funding
* Governor Pawlenty Introduces Next Generation Energy Initiative
Business
* United Solar Ovonic Receives $15 M Order from Biohaus
* Chinese solar energy firm lists on NYSE
* FPL Energy Announces Completion of Subsidiary Financing
* Guidance for Carbon Offsets Purchasers
* OREC & NWPPA Announce Strategic Alliance
* A Vibrant & Rapidly Expanding Market for Renewable Energy Technologies Has Emerged Due to Concerns That Carbon Emissions Are Contributing to Climate Change
* Direct Energy signs power purchase agreement
* BPA Funds Renewable Energy R&D with $1M
* BSR and Ecosystem Marketplace Publish “Offsetting Emissions: A Business Brief on the Voluntary Carbon Market"
* SANYO Makes Large Investment in New Solar Cell Production
* Suntech Announces New 5-Year Silicon Wafer Purchase Agreement
* PG&E first utility to create carbon offsetting program
* Volkswagen heralds green fleet
* Keeping its lights on using solar power
Climate Change
* Climate change is turning animals' world topsy-turvy
* Aviation and climate change
* Man Group sponsors new climate change award
* High-Level Task Force To Seek New Climate Change Framework
* Carp adjustment to climate change studied
* United Future unveils climate change policy
* City will turn off lights for a change
* Climate change melts Kilimanjaro's snows
* Gore guests at climate change summit
* Climate change stoking bushfires
* Melting moments as climate change hits Russian winter
Wind Energy
* Cutting the carbon-energy cord: Is the answer blowin' in the wind?
* Clean energy blowin' in wind
Biofuels
* A Bridge to Somewhere?
Energy Alternatives
* Venturi readies the launch of its solar / wind-powered Eclectic vehicle
* A Hydrogen Based Economy Is Inevitable
* Methane Hydrates: the next great energy source?
* 27 ways to green your home this winter
Other Links and Reports
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LOCAL
Purdue Dedicates Web Site To Biofuel Information
12/20/2006
Kosciusko County Purdue University extension educator for agriculture Kelly Easterday advises that the university has compiled a number of articles about ethanol, its possible impact on the economy, livestock producers and how the product works.
Through its biofuels research, Purdue University has remained at the forefront of the push for alternatives to fossil fuels. To help farmers and the general public better understand the science and issues behind biofuels, Purdue has created a bio-energy Web site that highlights research techniques and information related to renewable fuels, ethanol and biodiesel.
http://www.timeswrsw.com/N1220061.HTM
New ethanol plant planned
12/19/2006
A third ethanol plant is being proposed for Posey County, this time by St. Louis-based Abengoa Bioenergy and close to Vanderburgh County.
The company is seeking to build the plant on privately owned farmland at the intersection of West Franklin and Darnell School roads, just north of where ConAgra once unsuccessfully sought to locate a soybean processing facility.
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2006/dec/19/new-ethanol-plant-planned/?ebj=1/
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NATION
Constellation Energy Wins Wind Power Agreement With WSSC
12/21/2006
Constellation Energy has inked a 10-year contract to provide wind power to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission. The 10-year agreement will meet WSSC’s goal of using wind power for approximately one-third of its electricity needs.
WSSC General Manager Andrew Brunhart said the agreement will lower the agency’s energy expenditures by an estimated $20 million dollars over 10 years.
http://www.cleanenergyleader.com/2006/12/21/constellation-energy-wins-wind-power-agreement-with-wssc/
Audubon Society supports wind energy
12/21/2006
The president of the National Audubon Society has said he backed wind power.
Previously, members of the bird-loving organization were skeptical of the massive turbines used in wind power that frequently caught birds in their blades. Recently, however, other causes of bird mortalities have taken precedent over wind turbines.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/15166.html#
California regulators issue solar energy guide
12/21/2006
The California Pubic Utilities Commission on Thursday issued requirements and other details for a new energy program that aims to make the state one of the world's biggest producers of solar energy.
The CPUC issued a 92-page handbook to guide California's investor-owned utilities, customers, contractors, and solar equipment sellers through the rules for installing and operating solar photovoltaic projects.
The state's goal is to install 1 million rooftop solar panels on homes, businesses, farms, schools and public buildings over the next 10 years to produce 3,000 megawatts, or the equivalent of six large power plants.
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=scienceNews&storyID=2006-12-21T214547Z_01_N21218341_RTRUKOC_0_US-SOLAR-CALIFORNIA.xml
Nevada On-Track to Quadruple Its Geothermal Power, Over 1000 MW to Be On-Line, New Report Concludes
12/21/2006
A new report from the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) concludes that Nevada is now on-track
to be producing over 1000 MW of geothermal power -- quadrupling its current
geothermal output -- over the next 3 to 5 years. This level of geothermal
production would meet roughly 25% of the state's total power needs.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/12-21-2006/0004495806&EDATE=
Evolution Markets opens biofuels desk
12/21/2006
Evolution Markets has launched a biofuels desk, which will offer brokerage and financial services to the ethanol and biodiesel industry.
Based in White Plains, New York, the Renewable Fuels Group at Evolution will provide a marketplace for ethanol and biodiesel commodity transactions, and offer transaction services to producers, end users, marketers, distributors and speculators.
http://www.environmental-finance.com/onlinews/0721evo.htm
Wind farm may rise off Delaware shore
12/20/2006
A New Jersey company is proposing to build about 200 wind turbines, each taller than the Statue of Liberty, in the Atlantic Ocean or Delaware Bay that would whirl within view of some of the region's most popular beaches.
Officials with Bluewater Wind of Hoboken hope their $1 billion offshore wind farm will be the first in U.S. waters.
Similar proposals are pending for wind farms off Cape Cod, Mass., and Long Island, N.Y., but they have drawn protests and lawsuits from homeowners who say their water views would be defiled by the towers.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.turbines20dec20,0,65702.story?coll=bal-home-headlines
It's the economy vs. the environment at hearing for Iron Range power plant
12/20/2006
Opponents of a proposed coal gasification power plant lined up at a public hearing in Taconite on Wednesday to air their concerns. Many worry about pollution if the Mesaba Energy Project is built nearby. But others stood to say the region needs the jobs the project could bring to Itasca County.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/12/20/excelsiorhearing/
New York Governor Announces $25.2 Million For Development Of Two Cellulosic Ethanol Facilities In New York
11/20/2006
New York Governor George E. Pataki today announced that two companies have been selected to develop and construct pilot commercial cellulosic ethanol facilities in New York State. The State has awarded a total of up to $25.2 million to the companies to increase the production of clean and renewable fuels and reduce our dependence on imported energy.
http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/m-news+article+storyid-17384.html
Earth Biofuels Announces Two New BioWillie® Locations in Oklahoma
12/20/2006
Earth Biofuels, Inc. (OTCBB: EBOF), the exclusive distributor of Willie Nelson’s brand of biodiesel – BioWillie® – today announced a product and marketing agreement with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. With 13 Choctaw Travel Plaza locations along the heavily traveled I-75 and Highway 69 highway corridor in Oklahoma, the agreement will increase the availability of biodiesel in the state. This agreement represents the first Native American-owned business relationship for Earth Biofuels.
BioWillie® brand biodiesel will initially be offered in two locations being the Choctaw Travel Plaza #2 in Durant and the Choctaw Travel Plaza in Stringtown.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20061220005281&newsLang=en
What Does the Future Hold for Solar Energy Farms?
12/20/2006
Is anyone developing solar energy farms? I live next to a city with its own municipal utility for electricity and I have a south-facing hillside that could be used for a solar energy source. I have read about energy development in Germany where individuals work with governmental agencies to create energy farms. --Scott B, Ashland, OR
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/qa/story?id=46904
SolarCity Collective Power Program Successfully Concludes in Portola Valley
12/19/2006
SolarCity, a provider of comprehensive solar power solutions, has exceeded goals set for its inaugural collective solar power program in Portola Valley, Ca.
The collective power program offers Portola Valley residents a special discount on solar systems when the community signs up for at least 175 kilowatts of residential solar power, and helps residents take advantage of special 2006 state and federal solar rebates expiring this month.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061219/sftu060.html?.v=79
Florida's Renewable Energy Grants Program Popular
12/19/2006
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) received more than 180 grant proposals during the past month for the. Part of the 2006 Florida Energy Act, the grant program is designed to stimulate capital investment in the state and promote and enhance the statewide utilization of renewable energy technologies.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=46884
Boulder's Solar Sales Taxes Fund Rebates and Other Projects
12/19/2006
A modest tax incentive proposal in Boulder, Colorado, creates a solar renewable energy fund from local sales tax revenues on solar energy equipment. About one third of the revenues will go for partial sales tax rebates and the other two-thirds will go to upgrade and fund new solar projects in the city at low income and nonprofit organization sites.
http://www.newrules.org/de/archives/000147.html
TXU Shareowners File Three Resolutions Questioning Wisdom of Pulverized Coal Plants
12/19/2006
Texas-based utility TXU (ticker: TXU) is proceeding with plans to build 11 new pulverized coal-burning power plants in its home state that will annually emit 78 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2)--the primary greenhouse gas (GHG) contributing to global warming. This would more than double the company's current annual carbon emissions of 55 million tons. It also represents the first phase in TXU's plan to add 13 more "cookie-cutter" plants (designed the same as the Texas plants) nationwide that would emit an additional 92 million tons of CO2. Combined, these 225 million tons of annual CO2 emissions would give TXU the largest corporate carbon footprint in the US--all at a time when scientists say we need to stabilize (not increase) carbon emissions to avoid catastrophic climate change.
Some shareowners are voicing loud opposition to this project. Ceres, a coalition of environmental organizations and institutional investors, has coordinated the filing of three separate shareowner resolutions challenging the company's coal plant project. Five New York City pension funds filed a resolution that asks TXU to report on how it is responding to rising regulatory, competitive, and public pressure to reduce carbon and other emissions (such as mercury) from its proposed plants.
http://www.socialfunds.com/news/article.cgi/2189.html
County OKs moratorium
12/19/2006
Grayson County commissioners Monday voted to approve a moratorium on power plant permitting in the state until a court decides the appropriateness of the expedited process currently under way for pulverized coal-fired plants. However, the decision was not a quick or unanimous one. Commissioners listened to more than an hour of comments both for and against the plant planned for Savoy before taking a vote. Commissioner Johnny Waldrip, Precinct 1, declined to vote on the issue saying he has family members who are employed by TXU.
http://www.heralddemocrat.com/articles/2006/12/19/local_news/news01.txt
Ni'ihau School ready to power up
12/18/2006
Ni'ihau School will move into the electronic age next year, thanks to a $207,000 solar photovoltaic system that will power much-needed computers and refrigeration units.
The system is being installed as a cooperative effort of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state Department of Education, County of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau Ranch.
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061218/NEWS01/612180342/1190/NEWS
First solar-powered poultry house set for 2007
12/18/2006
A first-of-its-kind solar-powered poultry house will soon begin operations at a Laurel farm owned by Allen Family Foods Inc. The house is part of a research project to evaluate the use of solar power as an economical source of energy for poultry houses.
http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2007/dec/solar121806.html
CPS Energy agrees to buy additional supplies of wind power
12/18/2006
CPS Energy customers will soon have a new source of renewable energy once an additional 240 megawatts of wind power come online in the spring of 2007.
Construction has begun on an additional 181 wind turbines at the Cottonwood Creek Wind Farm, near Sweetwater, Texas
Raul Cardenas, electric generation analyst in energy market operations for CPS Energy, says this additional supply of wind-generated electricity will further solidify the utility's position as the largest publicly owned purchaser of wind energy in Texas.
http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2006/12/18/daily7.html?jst=b_ln_hl
Dominion in Joint Wind Energy Venture
12/18/2006
Energy producer Dominion Resources Inc. said Monday it will acquire a 50 percent interest in a wind-turbine facility being developed by a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc in Grant County, West Virginia.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but Dominion said it will enter a joint venture agreement with Shell WindEnergy Inc. to develop the first phase of a wind facility near Dominion's Mt. Storm Power Station that will consist of 82 wind turbines producing 2 megawatts each.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4409936.html
FirstEnergy Subsidiary Signs Power Purchase Agreement With PPM Energy for Wind Power in PA
12/18/2006
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE - News) today announced that its FirstEnergy Solutions subsidiary has entered into a 23-year agreement to purchase the 34.5 megawatts (MW) of output from the Casselman Wind Power Project, which is being developed in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, by PPM Energy, ScottishPower's (NYSE: SPI - News) competitive U.S. energy business.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061218/clm085.html?.v=13
DTE Energy Proposes Renewable Energy Program
12/18/2006
DTE Energy has developed a plan that will give its 2.2 million electric customers the option of choosing renewable energy for all or part of their electricity needs.
The proposal is intended to encourage new renewable energy projects in Michigan, and help create a diverse energy portfolio to meet the growing demand for electricity.
"This voluntary program -- called GreenCurrents -- will give our customers the ability to choose power created from wind, sun, water, biomass and other environmentally-friendly sources," said Trevor Lauer, vice president of retail marketing for DTE Energy.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=46872
Exec proposes taxing greenhouse gas emissions
12/15/2006
Leading authorities on climate and energy policy called Thursday for putting a price on greenhouse-gas emissions to drive new efficiencies and technologies, and one top U.S. utility executive called for an outright tax on carbon.
"From a businessman's standpoint, that's what is going to compel action," Duke Energy Chairman Paul Anderson said at a Sierra Club workshop here on what to do about global warming.
Debate in Congress has swung in the last year away from the administration policy of voluntary emission cuts to having government impose mandatory caps and allowing industry to trade emission rights under a ceiling that is lowered year by year.
These cap-and-trade schemes are at work in Europe and have drawn backing among several U.S. electric utilities and other large emitters of greenhouse gases. But Anderson says the big selling points of cap-and-trade are the problem: It's too flexible, too slow and too prone to "political mischief" in exempting one industry or another.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/localnews/ci_4844452
Raytheon Company to Build Solar Array in Andover
12/15/2006
The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Purchasers (MREP) program announced today that Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN), a program participant, has received funding for a solar electricity system for its Integrated Air Defense Center in Andover, Massachusetts. This installation will harness energy from the sun to generate electricity at the site.
The 98kW photovoltaic system will be constructed by SunEdison, LLC beginning in early 2007. The system will produce approximately 111,000 kWh of electricity annually. "With this impressive commitment to renewable energy from a clean solar source, Raytheon Company will help contribute immensely to cleaner air and help reduce our nation's dependence on fossil fuels," said Dr. Jan Hamrin, president of the Center for Resource Solutions.
http://www.socialfunds.com/news/release.cgi/7064.html
State law judges give OK to fast track coal plants
12/15/2006
Environmental groups are ready to challenge in court a decision by administrative law judges to implement Gov. Rick Perry's plan to fast track state approval of 11 new coal-fired power plants proposed by TXU Corp.
The State Office of Administrative Hearings on Thursday also granted party status to a coalition of cities led by Dallas Mayor Laura Miller in the state hearings being held to contest the coal plants.
Party status means the coalition will have a right to participate in contested hearings -- those hearings involving proposed plants that face opposition.
http://dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2006/12/11/daily44.html?jst=b_ln_hl
Notre Dame using solar panels for power, education
12/14/2006
Officials at Notre Dame Regional High School love sunny days. It means the school can generate a small amount of electricity to help power computers, lights or other electrical devices.
On a metal pole near the observatory behind the Cape Girardeau County Catholic school, an array of six angled solar panels faces south to best catch the sun's rays. The system generates a maximum of one kilowatt hour of electricity. On Wednesday morning, it was producing slightly less than a kilowatt of power. But that was still enough to power four computers or 12 60-watt light bulbs, according to a computer software program that allows school staff to monitor the power generated at any given time.
http://www.semissourian.com/story/1181299.html
Solar panels power Burlingame biotech firm
12/14/2006
A Burlingame biotech company has installed one of the largest solar-power systems in San Mateo County, continuing a trend of local firms adopting the environmentally friendly energy source.
Vector Laboratories Inc.’s headquarters was supplied with a permit for the work this year, city of Burlingame records indicate. President James Whitehead declined to comment. But other Peninsula firms said their systems have served to enhance their reputation and reduce operating expenses.
“The location that utilizes the system is our Pleasanton location, where we do a lot of manufacturing,” said Renaldo Juanso of Foster City’s Applied Biosystems Group (ABI). “We have been using solar power there (Pleasanton) since 2003. It was actually required by the city … but we wanted to go beyond just being compliant.”
http://www.examiner.com/a-455553~Solar_panels_power_Burlingame_biotech_firm.html
Every moment a chance to turn it around
12/14/2006
Immediate environmental concerns and sustainable energy alternatives were the hot topics at California State University Channel Islands last week, when its biology program hosted “Go Beyond Petroleum: Plant Biotechnology and Alternative Fuels,” a symposium of invited guests and faculty.
The five-hour program included a cross-section of educators, activists and public officials concerned with issues of sustainable energy — including the current president of the California Public Utilities Commission, an assistant professor of biology at CSUCI, a professor of biological and agricultural engineering and the owner of a business concerned with plant-based products that would provide sustainable energy.
Central to the state of the planet discussion was Daniel Kammen, professor of nuclear engineering of the University of California, Berkeley. Kammen began his hour-long presentation by effectively demonstrating what he called our “threshold.” Currently in our climate system, he estimated, there are 750 gigatons of carbon dioxide, while there were only an estimated 560 gigatons (1 billion metric tons) prior to the Industrial Revolution.
http://www.vcreporter.com/article.php?id=4095&IssueNum=102
Executives fight TXU coal plants
12/13/2006
Several prominent Dallas executives are rallying the business community to oppose TXU Corp.'s plan to build 11 coal-fired power plants.
The Container Store chairman Garrett Boone, Consumer Club Inc. chief executive David Litman, and real estate scion Trammell S. Crow formed a political action committee last week called Texas Business for Clean Air.
So far, about 20 big-name business leaders have endorsed the group.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/industries/energy/stories/121306dnbuscleanair.350ed51.html
Communications Firm Promotes Renewable Energy
12/14/2006
Alternative Energy/Clean Tech Practice will offer services to companies and organizations that research, develop or trade in renewable energies and clean technologies, supporting sectors that include wind, hydropower, fuel cells, geothermal, solar, clean fuels and electric motors.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=46843&src=rss
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WORLD
Canada's cutting-edge energy model
12/21/2006
If you want a glimpse of this province's energy future, drive the winding country roads to its eastern tip, take a left at the sign for the village of Elmira, and follow the red dirt track to the right.
You can't miss it.
Ten wind turbines stand along the trail, each 26 stories tall, with blades as long as 125 feet. When workers finish the last one this month, the new Eastern Kings Wind Farm will generate 30 megawatts of electricity - 7.5 percent of the province's power - by harnessing the strong winds that buffet the island's northern shore.
But more than an isolated project, the wind farm is part of an ambitious plan to enable Prince Edward Island (PEI) - which has no significant coal, petroleum, natural gas, or hydro resources - to meet most of its electricity and 30 percent of its total energy needs from its own renewable resources by 2016. If successful, government officials say, this remote rural province will find itself at the cutting edge of the world's fastest growing energy sector.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1221/p06s01-woam.html
Canadian Government Moving on Biofuels Plan
12/20/2006
Canada's New Government today took further action to combat climate change, announcing it would regulate the use of renewable fuels in Canada and deliver $345 million to assist farmers and rural communities seize new market opportunities in the agricultural bioproducts sector.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment, announced the Government would regulate an annual average renewable content of five per cent in gasoline by 2010. She added the Government intends to regulate a two per cent requirement for renewable content in diesel fuel and heating oil by 2012.
http://www.discovermoosejaw.com/index.php?option=com_ezine&task=read&page=11&category=3&article=1271&Itemid=237
Villagers in Southwestern China Grapple with Climate Change
11/20/2006
As nations struggle to agree on post-2012 approaches to global warming, China has come under scrutiny for being the world's second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases yet not having any mandatory emissions reduction scheme in place.
… In China, where greenhouse gas emissions are quickly catching up with those of the United States, people are already starting to feel the effects of a changing climate. Chinese coastlines experienced some of the worst typhoons and floods on record this summer, while the western provinces suffered severe drought. Between January and September, natural disasters forced the evacuation and relocation of 13.2 million people and killed more than 2,300, causing direct economic losses of US$24 billion. According to recent estimates by Qin Dahe, director of the China Meteorological Administration, extreme weather now hampers China's economic growth by between 3 to 6 percent of GDP, or US$70-130 billion, per year.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/chinawatch/story?id=46896
N.S. Power says renewable energy coming to another 40,000 homes
12/19/2006
Nova Scotia Power is proceeding with its plan to provide renewable energy to thousands of homes throughout the province.
The electric utility announced plans today to add 130 megawatts of renewable energy - enough to provide power to 40,000 homes - by 2009.
The company will begin seeking proposals from independent power producers early next year.
Nova Scotia Power, owned by Emera Inc. (TSX:EMA), launched the first phase of its renewable energy plan in 2004.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061219.wNSenergy1219/BNStory/Front/home
Promoting renewable energy
12/19/2006
To promote use of renewable energy, the Delhi Cabinet on Monday approved a scheme for grant of rebate amounting to Rs. 6,000 on installation of Solar Water Heating System (SWHS) replacing electric geysers at residences.
http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/19/stories/2006121911400400.htm
Iceland: Summer 2007 Campaign Against Heavy Industry
12/18/2006
The campaign to defend Europe’s vastest remaining wilderness continues. After the direct action camps in Iceland in the summers of 2005 and 2006 against the Karahnjukar dam and ALCOA’s aluminium smelter, the Saving Iceland campaign moves on to bring industrialisation of Iceland to a halt. A new camp in Iceland will commence on July 6th 2007 (location to be announced later). New plans for dams, power plants, smelters and other heavy industry need to be stopped. Targets include corporates such as ALCOA, ALCAN, Century Aluminium, Hydro, Rusal, Bechtel, Barclays, Mott McDonald etc.. Iceland, with it’s vast geothermal and megahydro possibilities, is a new frontier for energy craving industrial moguls, in times of increasing energy scarcity and insecurity. Stopping industrialisation and ecological destruction of the last unspoilt country in the west would be a major strategic victory for the green and anarchist movements and a new incentive for a global movement against industrialisation and ecocide. This includes the campaign against ALCOA and AluTrint’s plans for a smelter in Trinidad and the campaign against ALCAN in India.
http://shiftshapers.gnn.tv/blogs/20525/Iceland_Summer_2007_Campaign_Against_Heavy_Industry
Local company helps power Mexican homes
12/18/2006
A Grass Valley company recently installed equipment for what may be Latin America’s first housing development built to be both powered by the sun and an electrical generator.
A subdivision of 220 homes for low-income families in Mexicali, in Baja California state, were rigged recently with solar arrays connected to the local utility grid. SMA America Inc. provided the inverters — the essential piece of the puzzle for converting direct-current power from the solar arrays into alternating-current power used by homes and businesses.
Solar power is not possible without them.
http://www.theunion.com/article/20061218/NEWS/61218008
Offshore wind farms get go-ahead
12/18/2006
The green light has been given for two offshore wind farms in the Thames Estuary, one of which will be the world's biggest when it is completed.
The government said the schemes would produce enough renewable electricity to power about one million households.
The larger London Array project covers 90 sq miles (232 sq km) between Margate in Kent and Clacton, Essex.
The second wind farm, called the Thanet scheme, will cover 13.5 sq miles (35 sq km) off the north Kent coast.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/6188133.stm
Jatoi announces first ever national policy of renewable energy for power generation 2006
12/18/2006
Federal Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi on Monday formally launched the first ever "Policy for Development of Renewable Energy for Power Generation 2006", which envisages mainstreaming renewable energy employing small hydro, wind and solar technologies in the development plans of the country.
Mr Jatoi while briefing media on a policy approved by the Economics Coordination Committee of the Cabinet said that the policy lays down very liberal and attractive incentives to attract investment to put Pakistan on the Renewable Energy map of the world. Pakistan is blessed with abundance of renewable energy potential but so far its potential has not been harnessed except for large hydro electric projects, he added.
He said that the government has decided to use all other options to generate electricity to meet the growing demand of 10 to 12 % annually in the country. The policy is in line with the president’s and Prime minister’s open arm policy for inviting the investment in the country. He added that it will go a long way in strengthening and improving power supply position of the country.
http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=106302
Major energy nations to boost efficiency
12/17/2006
Five countries that represent half of the world's energy consumption agreed to work together to boost energy efficiency, diversify their energy mix and guard against emergencies in the face of soaring oil prices.
In a joint statement adopted after their one-day meeting, the energy ministers from China, India, Japan, South Korea and the US said their common challenge was to secure "sufficient, reliable and environmentally responsible supplies of energy with reasonable prices".
"In recent years, fluctuations and increases in international oil prices have exerted a negative impact on the world economy, in particular for the developing countries," the statement said.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Major-energy-nations-to-boost-efficiency/2006/12/17/1166290392448.html
Parliament wants clear targets for future EU energy policy
12/15/2006
By 2020, the EU should reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and produce 25% of its primary energy through renewables, according to a report adopted by the European Parliament on 14 December.
The European Parliament adopted the Eluned Morgan report on the Commission's Green Paper on a European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy on 14 December 2006. MEPs recommend setting binding targets for greenhouse-gas reduction and energy efficiency. They also expressed support for more use of renewables but left the decision whether to use nuclear power to member states.
http://www.euractiv.com/en/energy/parliament-wants-clear-targets-future-eu-energy-policy/article-160485
The Geopolitics of Energy Security: The Rise of Asia
12/15/2006
Opening address
By Mr Jonas Gahr Støre
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway
… Let me first thank PRIO and IDSA for hosting this international seminar on the geopolitics of energy security.
It is a telling sign of expanding bilateral relations that two prestigious organizations – one Norwegian and one Indian – have come together to set the agenda for on one of the key issues of our times.
Energy is indeed at the crossroads of nearly every dimension of globalisation and development – and indeed security.
We need energy to combat poverty, to develop, to improve living conditions and to thrive as societies. This is just as true for a rural community in the south of India as for a district in the north of Norway.
http://odin.dep.no/ud/norsk/aktuelt/taler/minister_a/032171-430049/dok-bn.html
Asia-Pacific leading wind energy market
12/15/2006
The Asia-Pacific wind industry is on course to reach an 80 gigawatt capacity by 2020, according to a study by Emerging Energy Research.
The results, released Friday, say India and China are expected to lead the region by adding more than 36,000 megawatts of capacity by 2015. Japan, Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, Taiwan, Pakistan and the Philippines are also expected to expand their markets.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/14052.html
BULGARIA TO STIMULATE INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
12/15/2006
A new law examined on December 14 will simulate the usage of and investment in renewable energy sources, alternative and bio-fuels.
Higher investment in renewable energy sources was going to decrease Bulgaria's dependence on the purchase of primary energy resources. It is also expected to increase the competitiveness of Bulgaria's economy and to open new work places.
Bulgaria will also be able to deal with resource depletion and pollution, a Council of Ministers press release said.
http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/bulgaria-to-stimulate-investment-in-renewable-energy-sources/id_19367/catid_67
KREDL establishes `energy park' in city
12/15/2006
Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd. (KREDL) has set up an "energy park" in Bangalore. The park, situated adjacent to the Raj Bhavan, will be inaugurated a month from now, said B. Shivalingaiah, Managing Director of KREDL.
The park will showcase renewable energy technologies, including a "solar hut" powered with a photovoltaic system, a swimming pool heated through a solar thermal system, a paddle cycle that converts muscle-power into electricity, a battery operated passenger bus and a woody biomass gasifier.
http://bangalorebuzz.blogspot.com/2006/12/kredl-establishes-energy-park-in-city.html
MoU inked for solar power project
12/15/2006
To ensure provision of low-cost electricity, particularly in slums and Katchi Abadis, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on ‘smart green energy for the masses’ was signed between the Sindh Information Technology Department and a German firm Future Environment Solutions Holding (FESH), on Wednesday.
Gerd Micheal Burow of Fesh and IT Secretary Yahya Waliullah signed the MoU. Adviser to Sindh CM for Information Technology Noman Saigal, Najeeb Siddiqi, representative of the German firm and others were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Saigol said this project would ensure provision of electricity to the slums of the metropolis, adding that under this system solar panel would be installed that could power four bulbs and a fan. He informed that these solar panels would cost Rs 30,000 per house and leasing facility would be provided to acquire them on easy terms and conditions.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=35521
Enel to invest €4.1 billion in renewable energy
12/14/2006
Enel, the largest Italian electricity producer, on Thursday announced the biggest commitment of any European utility to renewable energies, saying it would invest €4.1 billion over five years in emissions abatement technologies.
The company, already one of the leading renewable-energy producers in the world, will spend €3.3 billion, or $4.3 billion, to develop new renewable- energy plants. Another €800 million will go toward improving the efficiency of existing renewable-energy power plants and to developing new technology for zero-emission plants.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/12/14/business/enel.php
Energy Strategy Points to Sustainable Pathway - Minister of Energy Media Statement
12/11/2006
Energy and Climate Change Minister David Parker today released the Government's draft energy strategy, which proposes that as much new electricity generation as possible should be renewable.
Mr Parker said the energy strategy aims to ensure New Zealand develops a sustainable and affordable energy system which minimises greenhouse gas emissions, and which will give New Zealand an enduring competitive advantage over other countries.
http://www.med.govt.nz/templates/MultipageDocumentTOC____24504.aspx
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PUBLIC POLICY
Wind energy scores major legal victory in U.S.
12/20/2006
In a case watched closely by the wind industry, a jury in Texas has found a huge wind farm not responsible for creating a private nuisance - and awarded the plaintiffs nothing.
It was one of the nation's first nuisance lawsuits against a wind farm.
A jury of 10 women and two men found that Juno Beach, Fla.-based FPL Energy LLC (FPLE) did not create a private nuisance when it constructed the massive Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center, the world's largest wind farm, near Abeline, Texas. The trial judge Weeks issued directed verdicts in favor of FPLE against two additional plaintiffs.
http://www.insidegreentech.com/node/509
INTERVIEW-No dramatic U-turn seen on US climate change policy
12/19/2006
Washington is likely to stay out of the U.N. Kyoto Protocol for curbing greenhouse gases beyond 2012 even with a shift in power to Democrats from Republicans, a former top U.S. trade and economics official said.
Stuart Eizenstat, lead negotiator for former U.S. President Bill Clinton on the Kyoto Protocol for curbing greenhouse gas emissions, said changes were afoot at state and business level but the mere mention of Kyoto was a red rag and would remain so.
"In the United States there is growing interest and growing concern but no chance of joining Kyoto," he told Reuters by telephone. "The word is radioactive."
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L1936519.htm
Go Solar for Less than Forty Cents on the Dollar
12/18/2006
Commercial solar got a new lease on life last week. It's only a one-year lease, but it's enough to keep business humming. As one of its final actions, the "Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006" or H.R. 6111, the 109th Congress extended the federal investment tax credits for solar, wind, geothermal and other projects for one more year.
For commercial solar this is a very big deal because the tax credit is a full 30% of the cost of the project.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/reinsider/story?id=46854
State gives $18.6M to power UT research
12/16/2006
A University of Toledo-led team received an $18.6 million state grant to create facilities to develop and test solar power cells, the governor's office announced yesterday.
"It would be nice to say this was a wonderful Christmas gift," UT President Dr. Lloyd Jacobs said. "But this was not a gift. This was an earned recognition of some people's very hard work."
During the next three years, UT will get a total of $9 million from the Third Frontier Project, a $1.6 billion state program for nurturing a technology-based economy.
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061216/NEWS21/612160431/-1/RSS
House Of Representatives Requests Additional Renewable Energy Funding
12/15/2006
Eighty members of the U.S. House of Representatives recently sent President Bush a letter seeking substantially higher funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency in the White House's fiscal 2008 budget request for the U.S. Department of Energy.
The letter calls for full funding of wind and solar programs, the advanced hydropower and geothermal power programs, biomass/biofuels, as well as efficiency programs for buildings and vehicles. In addition, members of the House urged the administration to "develop a request that fully funds the renewable energy and energy efficiency programs in the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies at the levels authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005."
http://www.nawindpower.com/naw/e107_plugins/content/content_lt.php?content.320
Governor Pawlenty Introduces Next Generation Energy Initiative
12/15/2006
More renewable energy, more energy conservation, and less carbon emissions for Minnesota are the benefits from the Next Generation Energy Initiative announced by Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty in his address to the Midwest Ag Energy Network Summit.
The Governor's proposals will build on Minnesota's nation-leading per capita renewable fuel use, one of which is to move the state closer to 25% of all types of the state's energy to come from renewable sources by 2025 (25x'25).
Pawlenty plans to expand the state's Renewable Energy Objective (REO) to 25%. Under the current REO, Minnesota electric utilities are expected to generate at least 10% of the electricity they supply to come from renewable resources by 2015.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=46862
________________________________________
BUSINESS
United Solar Ovonic Receives $15 M Order from Biohaus
12/21/2006
United Solar Ovonic, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) received a $15 million order from PV distributor and system integrator Biohaus PV Handels GmbH of Paderborn, Germany, for the delivery of Uni-Solar photovoltaic (PV) products in 2007.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=46923
Chinese solar energy firm lists on NYSE
12/21/2006
Trina Solar Limited has become the second Chinese solar energy firm to have its shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
The solar power product manufacturer has raised nearly 98.1 million US dollars from its initial public offering of 5,300,000 American Depository Shares (ADS).
The ADSs, each representing 100 ordinary shares of Trina Solar, began trading on Tuesday, with their prices opened at 26 U.S. dollars, up 40.5 percent from the IPO price.
A total of 5.3 million shares were sold for 98 million US dollars on its debut trading.
http://english.people.com.cn/200612/21/eng20061221_334748.html
FPL Energy Announces Completion of Subsidiary Financing
12/19/2006
FPL Energy, LLC, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Lone Star Wind, LLC, has closed on a $700 million credit facility consisting of a $600 million 15 year variable rate term loan and a $100 million 10 year letter of credit facility.
http://digital50.com/news/items/BW/2001/07/14/20061219005993/fpl-energy-announces-completion-of-subsidiary-financing.html
Guidance for Carbon Offsets Purchasers
12/19/2006
Many organizations and consumers are considering carbon neutrality as awareness grows about global warming. But not all providers of carbon offsets are created equal. An independent survey evaluated 30 retail providers of carbon offsets in the U.S., engineered by Clean Air - Cool Planet, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting solutions to global warming. The result, The Consumers' Guide to Retail Carbon Offset Providers, is the first such examination of the retail offsets market in the U.S. As the executive summary notes, "in the absence of an accepted standard, almost anyone can offer to sell you almost anything and claim that this purchase will make you carbon neutral. Because a carbon offset is an intangible commodity, it is very difficult for consumers -- even environmentally savvy ones -- to differentiate between a high-quality and a low-quality offering."
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/infocus/story?id=46880
OREC & NWPPA Announce Strategic Alliance
12/19/2006
The Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition (OREC) and Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA) have announced a strategic alliance to connect ocean-based renewable technology providers with electric utilities interested in investigating and pursuing this new source of energy. The associations will also be discussing federal legislation supporting the development of ocean renewables.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/partner/story?id=46886&src=rss
A Vibrant & Rapidly Expanding Market for Renewable Energy Technologies Has Emerged Due to Concerns That Carbon Emissions Are Contributing to Climate Change
12/19/2006
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c47314) has announced the addition of 101 Ways To Kick The Carbon Habit to their offering.
Essential research for anyone addressing the key challenges of today’s energy market.
101 solutions for renewable energy providers.
Innovation in the renewable energy market.
Carbon emissions and the consumer.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20061219005385&newsLang=en
Direct Energy signs power purchase agreement
12/19/2006
Direct Energy has signed a 15-year power purchase agreement with Horizon Wind Energy's Lone Star Wind Farm.
Horizon is a Houston-based subsidiary of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and develops and operates wind farms across the country.
Direct Energy, a power retailer also based in Houston, said it will purchase all energy output and Renewable Energy Credits from Horizon's new 200-megawatt Lone Star Wind project under construction 15 miles northeast of Abilene.
http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/12/18/daily21.html?jst=b_ln_hl
BPA Funds Renewable Energy R&D with $1M
12/19/2006
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which plans to finance research on renewable energy with $1 million, is issuing a formal request for proposals (RFP) to the energy industry for advancement of technology that can help manage intermittent renewable power resources.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=46889
BSR and Ecosystem Marketplace Publish “Offsetting Emissions: A Business Brief on the Voluntary Carbon Market"
12/19/2006
Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) has teamed up with The Ecosystem Marketplace to issue a new report for companies considering the purchase of voluntary offsets for their greenhouse gas emissions.
Offsetting Emissions: A Business Brief on the Voluntary Carbon Market offers clear steps that guide early assessments and enable corporate decision makers to become educated consumers in voluntary carbon markets.
According to the report, global carbon markets have doubled in size over the past year. Current estimates place regulated markets at US$21.5 billion and voluntary markets at about US$100 million for the first three quarters of 2006, and the prospects for continued growth in carbon markets are strong. The reason is simple: companies are increasingly entering the voluntary carbon market. American Electric Power, Ford Motor Company, HSBC, Google and DuPont are all engaging in voluntary markets to offset their emissions.
http://www.socialfunds.com/news/release.cgi/7115.html
http://www.bsr.org/meta/BSR_Voluntary-Carbon-Offsets.pdf
SANYO Makes Large Investment in New Solar Cell Production
12/19/2006
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO) announced today that it will considerably expand the HIT Solar Photovoltaic Cell production capacity at the Nishikinohama Plant (Osaka, Japan) and Shimane SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (Shimane, Japan), in order to respond to the huge and growing demand for solar photovoltaic systems.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/partner/story?id=46897
Suntech Announces New 5-Year Silicon Wafer Purchase Agreement
12/18/2006
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE:STP) one of the world’s leading manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Sunlight Group Inc. to purchase silicon wafers over a 5-year period. Sunlight is headquartered in the U.S. with China and Japan-based production. The contract provides for increased volumes over the course of the term at fixed prices for each year with an annual price review for each calendar year. Based on existing contract prices, the value of the silicon wafers to be supplied is approximately $366 million to $670 million.
http://solarcellsinfo.com/blog/archives/192
PG&E first utility to create carbon offsetting program
12/18/2006
Early next year, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will become the first American utility to allow customers to see how many pounds of greenhouse gases their energy usage emits - and to do something to lessen the impact.
PG&E's ClimateSmart program, slated to launch by the end of March, will let customers offset their carbon dioxide emissions by adding a few dollars a month to their energy bills.
The average bill would rise by about $4.50 for those who sign up; PG&E expects to garner about $20 million over the first three years, with the funds going toward forest conservation programs in California.
The program aims to remove 2 million tons of carbon dioxide from the air during that time, which is the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road for one year.
http://www.mlive.com/business/ambizdaily/bizjournals/index.ssf?/base/abd-2/1166427605286800.xml
Volkswagen heralds green fleet
12/15/2006
Volkswagen [Volkswagen quotes] has unveiled a range of new cars that use a variety of green technology, including fuel-cell and hybrid technology and cars that run on biofuels and gas.
The company says that its ultimate aim is to halt the reliance on fossil-fuel technology and make more environmentally-friendly mass-market vehicles.
http://www.askaprice.com/torque-article.asp?article=Volkswagen_herald_green_fleet&item=2466
Keeping its lights on using solar power
12/14/2006
From Infosys to Tata Consultancy Services and Vijaya Bank to Siemens, companies are fast waking up to the benefits of embracing solar power to combat escalating power shortages that cut productivity and hike costs.
The growing importance of this renewable source of energy is evident by the response it is drawing from various sectors, particularly from software companies. In fact, a special workshop on ‘solar energy for software companies’ held in the city on National Energy Conservation Day on Thursday, drew enthusiastic participation from over 30 companies, including Tech Mahindra, Neilsoft, Persistent and Patni Computers among others.
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=213240
________________________________________
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is turning animals' world topsy-turvy
12/22/3006
Animals that hibernate in winter are abandoning hibernation in yet another signal that something momentous is happening to the rhythms of the natural world.
Hibernation has evolved for the same reason most animal behaviour has evolved - as a strategy to maximise survival.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10416420
Aviation and climate change
12/21/2006
The European Commission has yesterday proposed a Directive which brings greenhouse gas emissions from civil aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). EU emissions from international air transport are increasing faster than from any other sector. The proposed directive will cover emissions from flights within the EU from 2011 and all flights to and from EU airports from 2012.
http://www.businessupdated.com/shownews.asp?news_id=2013&cat=Aviation+and+climate+change
Man Group sponsors new climate change award
12/21/2006
Man Group plc is sponsoring a major new environmental award designed to encourage and recognise the achievements made by businesses in addressing climate change.
The Man Group International Climate Change Award will be part of the Awards for Excellence Programme run by Business in the Community (BitC), the business-led organisation founded two decades ago to promote responsible corporate practice and whose President is HRH The Prince of Wales.
http://www.hedgeweek.com/articles/detail.jsp?content_id=43373&livehome=true
High-Level Task Force To Seek New Climate Change Framework
11/20/2006
The Club of Madrid and the United Nations Foundation announced today the formation of an independent High-Level Task Force on Climate Change to develop and propose a new framework for a post-Kyoto agreement on climate change through the Gleneagles Dialogue process. The Task Force will be chaired by Ricardo Lagos, President of the Club of Madrid, and Timothy E. Wirth, President of the UN Foundation, and facilitated by Mohamed El-Ashry, former CEO and Chairman of the Global Environment Facility.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,37191.shtml
Carp adjustment to climate change studied
12/19/2006
Canadian researchers say they`ve discovered an unanticipated way in which freshwater fish might respond to water diversion and climate change.
The scientists studied endangered naked carp that migrate annually between freshwater rivers, where they spawn, and a lake in Western China, where they feed and grow. However, Lake Qinghai is becoming increasing dry and saline.
http://science.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_1234823.php/Carp_adjustment_to_climate_change_studied
United Future unveils climate change policy
12/19/2006
Householders would be encouraged to take out bank loans to insulate their homes under United Future policy to address climate change.
It also wants consumers to buy newer, more fuel-efficient cars and wants to limit the number of older imports coming into the country.
Its policy on climate change released today focuses on what individuals can do.
This includes encouraging home owners to borrow around $5000 from banks to insulate their homes, money United Future says will be recouped in savings on consumers' energy bills.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/3906227a7693.html
City will turn off lights for a change
12/16/2006
SYDNEYSIDERS are being asked to switch their lights off and plunge the city into darkness for one hour next year as part of a campaign to focus attention on climate change.
Businesses, communities and individuals across Sydney are being urged to take part in the Earth Hour initiative, launched yesterday by environmental campaigner WWF and the City of Sydney council.
WWF Australia chief executive Greg Bourne says it will demonstrate the small things people can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while complementing the larger Earth Hour campaign to reduce the city’s carbon emissions by 5 per cent next year.
Lights-off is scheduled for 7.30pm on Saturday, March 31.
http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/bm/national/578597.html
Climate change melts Kilimanjaro's snows
12/16/2006
Rivers of ice at the Equator - foretold in the 2nd century, found in the 19th - are now melting away in this new century, returning to the realm of lore and fading photographs.
From mile-high Naro Moru, villagers have watched year by year as the great glaciers of Mount Kenya, glinting in the equatorial sun high above them, have retreated into shrunken white stains on the rocky shoulders of the 16,897-foot peak.
Climbing up, "you can hear the water running down beneath Diamond and Darwin," mountain guide Paul Nditiru said, speaking of two of 10 surviving glaciers.
Some 200 miles due south, the storied snows of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tropical glaciers first seen by disbelieving Europeans in 1848, are vanishing. And to the west, in the heart of equatorial Africa, the ice caps are shrinking fast atop Uganda's Rwenzoris - the "Mountains of the Moon" imagined by ancient Greeks as the source of the Nile River.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1501AP_Warmer_World_African_Glaciers.html
Gore guests at climate change summit
12/16/2006
FORMER US vice president Al Gore is to visit Yorkshire to address business leaders about the threat climate change poses to economic sustainability.
The 'Cooling the Planet' conference will form part of a week-long programme of events in Sheffield promoting environmental initiatives, emission reduction projects and renewable energy ventures.
It is anticipated that around 1,000 representatives from regional, national and international businesses will attend the global climate change conference on February 7.
http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=56&ArticleID=1933892
Climate change stoking bushfires
12/16/2006
CLIMATE change is causing longer, more aggressive bushfire seasons and must be factored into the state's firefighting plans, Victoria's Emergency Services Commissioner said yesterday.
"We are seeing unprecedented fire behaviour," Commissioner Bruce Esplin said. "Conditions are far worse and we need to be able to deal with a far more aggressive, long-lasting and dangerous fire season."
Mr Esplin said drought, below average rainfall and bushfires had become the norm. "If we happen to have a wet year, that's an exception". He called for a new attitude to fire management and said climate change was the "missing link" in criticism and debate.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/climate-change-stoking-bushfires/2006/12/15/1166162320231.html
Melting moments as climate change hits Russian winter
12/15/2006
ACROSS the northern hemisphere - from Moscow to Canada - people are asking the same question: where's the winter?
In the latest worrying signs of climate change, it is already proving to be the least snowy winter for 350 years in Lapland.
And in Moscow, at least five days s
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