Peak Oil And Climate Change

Why Do Political And Economic Leaders Deny Peak Oil And Climate Change? By Alice Friedemann

Since there’s nothing that can be done about climate change, because there’s no scalable alternative to fossil fuels, I’ve always wondered why politicians and other leaders, who clearly know better, feel compelled to deny it. I think it’s for exactly the same reasons you don’t hear them talking about preparing for Peak Oil.

"Pay as you go" solar

"Pay as you go" solar lights up world's newest country - 24 Feb 2012 - News from BusinessGreen

The world's newest country is the latest to install "pay as you go" solar systems pioneered by UK start-up Eight19.  The Cambridge-based company hopes to install 1,000 IndiGo systems, consisting of a battery, a solar panel, lights, and a phone charging device, in off-grid communities in South Sudan by the middle of this year.

Caribbean carbon trading in the Dominican Republic

Carbon trading and the Caribbean - DominicanToday.com

Up to now Europe has promoted the idea that the trading of permits to emit carbon is the best way to cap greenhouse gas emissions by aircraft and maritime transport.  However, not only is the European scheme coming to be seen as of questionable viability, but its extra-territoriality is being challenged by many governments.  As a part of Europe’s global approach to showing the way, it introduced in 2005 an Emissions Trading Scheme. This involves companies having to pay for their emissions above a set level by purchasing credits on the carbon market. The idea is that by charging companies to emit carbon, such enterprises will gradually introduce efficiencies and reduce emissions. Firms that need to increase their emissions must buy permits to emit more on the carbon market from those who require fewer.

3.5M more EUAs to be sold by the UK in 2012

UK to auction extra EU carbon permits in 2012 | Reuters

Feb 24 (Reuters) - Britain will auction more European Union carbon permits than planned this year, a government spokeswoman said on Friday, as it aims to cash in on a surplus of permits for the second phase (2008-2012) trading period of the EU emissions trading scheme.  Since November 2008, the government has raised 1.35 billion euros ($1.80 billion) from the sale of 99 million permits sourced from a new entrant reserve for phase two.  The last scheduled auction is set for March 8, when it will sell 3.5 million carbon permits called EU Allowances (EUAs).

Energy Dept. Backing $85M in Algae Projects

U.S. to Invest $14 Million for Algae Biofuels, White House Says - Bloomberg

The Energy Department plans to invest $14 million to make transportation fuels out of algae, according to the White House.  “We could replace up to 17 percent of the oil we import for transportation with this fuel that we can grow right here in the United States,” President Barack Obama said today in Miami during a speech on energy policy. “That means greater energy security” and a “stronger economy,” he said.  Algae, a plant-like organism without roots, can be harvested from ponds near industrial sites, where it can grow from power-plant carbon emissions or wastewater substances, the White House said in a fact sheet. The Energy Department is backing about $85 million for more than 30 projects to develop biofuels from algae, it said.

Anything to declare Heartland? That private jet was paid for by who?

Anything to declare, Mr Booker? We need transparency about Heartland | George Monbiot | Environment | guardian.co.uk

I see Peter Gleick, the man who obtained and leaked the devastating documents from the Heartland Institute, as a democratic hero. I do not think he should have apologised, nor do I believe that his job should be threatened. He has done something of benefit to society.  I believe we have a right to know who is paying for public advocacy. The groups that call themselves thinktanks but look to me more like lobbying organisations working on behalf of corporations and multi-millionaires, exist to try to change public policy. Yet, with a few exceptions, they operate in a vacuum of accountability.

Airline Trade War Back On?

Airline Trade War? Global Opposition Grows against EU Emissions Law - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International

A European Union law to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from airlines traveling to and from Europe has drawn a joint protest from 23 non-EU countries and sparked talk of a global trade war.  The law incorporates the aviation industry into Europe's emissions trading scheme and requires airlines to pay for their greenhouse-gas emissions by obtaining special permits. Eight-five percent of the permits are being given away for free; the other 15 percent are initially expected to add about $2 to the cost of a trans-Atlantic flight.

Dow Chemical's sustainability goals within reach

Dow Chemical's 2015 sustainability goals nearing reality | MLive.com

MIDLAND — Being a sustainable company is about more than just adopting sustainable practices.  The Midland-based Dow Chemical Co. released its fourth quarter 2015 sustainability goals update, showing it is getting ever nearer to minimizing its own footprint and coming up with solutions to world challenges.

Australia's carbon plea to families

Kevin Rudd's carbon plea to families | thetelegraph.com.au

KEVIN Rudd yesterday pitched his campaign to return to The Lodge to families who will bear the burden of the carbon tax, with a commitment to examine it in six months.  Mr Rudd said he would look to move sooner to an emissions trading scheme which could prove dramatically cheaper than the $23 a tonne carbon tax which begins July 1.  Under current government arrangements, the tax is due to rise to $29 a tonne by 2015 when it would move to a market price, which has been sliding since the Gillard government named its starting level.  "I've always supported a price on carbon. My position has never changed," Mr Rudd said. "I'd be working for the earliest possible transition to an emissions trading scheme and a floating price."

The Rightwing Case for a Carbon Tax

Bipartisan coalition of lawmakers publish an op-ed in the Washington Post

Today, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers published an op-ed in the Washington Post advocating for a price on carbon to reduce the deficit. Some of the bylines should be familiar to anyone with passing interest in climate policy: Representatives Henry Waxman and Ed Markey, the two architects of the bill that got us as close as we've ever been to pricing carbon.

Trash family, how cute!

Sarah Turner’s Recycled Bottle Family Lights Up Nottingham

Sarah Turner‘s glowing recycled bottle folks took a “stroll” around Nottingham last week, proving that recycling is a family affair! The luminous parent, children and dog were all constructed from the artist’s favorite medium - recycled plastic bottles – and they delighted kids and adults alike. See photos of Turner’s charming installation ahead!

Underground park raises money to infuse some much needed green space.

Low Line Park Under Delancey Street Launches Kickstarter Campaign

The ambitious Low Line Project proposal, which would transform a disused subway station into an underground park, has launched their Kickstarter campaign – and in less than 48 hours, it has already raised nearly $24,000. The subterranean park would infuse some much needed green space on the Lower East Side, without disrupting the current lay of the land. Designed by James Ramsey and Dan Barasch, the project has already begun moving forward and could be realized should their campaign be funded.

The Great Green Yacht Race!

Green Design Will Save the World

Organizers of America’s Cup expect at least five million people to turn out for this year’s spectacular yacht race in San Francisco, which is slated to be a zero-waste affair. In a mammoth undertaking, spectators of the June and September events will be unable to obtain disposable bottles of water, non-compostable picnic utensils, or plastic bags at the race. The event organizer’s admirable ‘Sustainability Plan’ falls right in line with new green policies implemented by the San Francisco Port Authority, who also mandate that there be no “intentional release of balloons.”

Skin Cancer vs. Nanoparticles

Australians Ditching Sunscreen, Risking Skin Cancer to Avoid Nanoparticles

When sun-worshipping Aussies stop slathering themselves with SPF, you know something’s up. More than three out of five Australians have concerns about the health implications of nanoparticles, according to a survey commissioned by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education. In fact, 17 percent of respondents said they would rather risk skin cancer than wear a product containing nanoparticles. The results of the study, which were highlighted at the 2012 International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnologyearlier this month, underscores the need for further research on nanoscale products, saysScience in Public, a Melbourne-based communications group that is advocating for clearer definitions for existing nanomaterials.

Carbon market value will decrease by 36% in 2012

Carbon market to grow in size, slump in value in 2012

The global trade in carbon credits will be worth €61 billion ($81 billion) this year, a fall of 36% compared with 2011, according to forecasts by Thomson Reuters Point Carbon.

UK Department of Energy and Climate Change Carbon Storage Project Tender Documentatio

DECC Tender documentation - Department of Energy and Climate Change

The UK on Friday published details of its one-billion pound programme to build at least one carbon-capture and storage (CCS) power plant, details widely anticipated since a state-sponsored CCS deal broke down in October. Calling for proposals for a wide range of engineering projects for CCS, including construction of a power plant, gas storage and pipelines, the Department for Energy and Climate Change's (DECC) notice of contract was published in the European Union's official journal.

Details Published For UK Carbon Capture Tender

UPDATE 1-UK govt publishes details of carbon capture tender | Reuters


LONDON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - The UK on Friday published details of its one-billion pound programme to build at least one carbon-capture and storage (CCS) power plant, details widely anticipated since a state-sponsored CCS deal broke down in October.  Calling for proposals for a wide range of engineering projects for CCS, including construction of a power plant, gas storage and pipelines, the Department for Energy and Climate Change's (DECC) notice of contract was published in the European Union's official journal.

AT&T to Eco-Rate All Mobile Devices

AT&T Will Give Eco-Rating to All Branded Mobile Devices · Environmental Management & Energy News · Environmental Leader

AT&T in collaboration with sustainable business strategists BSR is developing an eco-ratings system that will result in easy-to-read labels for all AT&T-branded mobile devices. Implementation is expected in the next few months.

EU seeks tighter grip on farm and forest CO2 emissions

UPDATE 1-EU seeks tighter CO2 grip on farms, forests -draft | Reuters


BRUSSELS, Feb 24 (Reuters) - The EU forestry and farming sectors will have to monitor and report from 2013 changes to land use that could affect greenhouse gas emissions, as part of the bloc's measures to curb climate change, under a draft law seen by Reuters.  The proposal, expected to be published officially next week, does not go as far as setting firm targets for limiting land-use change.

Latest Carbon News Headlines

News - Point Carbon - Providing critical insights into energy and environmental markets

Point Carbon's OTC price assessments

		Close	+/-
EUA	Dec 2012	9.32	0.40
sCER	Dec 2012	4.98	0.26

CDM/JI/AAU

24 Feb 2012 15:37

Austria to double Kyoto permit purchases: draft

The Austrian government has tabled a parliamentary bill that would allow it to nearly double the num…

Domestic policy

24 Feb 2012 18:15

UK govt files plans to build carbon capture plants

The British government on Friday called for proposals to build at least one carbon-capture and stora…

CDM/JI/AAU

24 Feb 2012 15:57

Weekly CER issuance to jump to 10.5 mln next week

Project developers have asked the U.N. to hand out 10.5 million Certified Emission Reduction (CERs)…

Policy

24 Feb 2012 14:15

UPDATE 1-EU seeks tighter CO2 grip on farms, forests -draft

The EU forestry and farming sectors will have to monitor and report from 2013 changes to land use th…

Markets

24 Feb 2012 18:10

UPDATE 1: Carbon soars 6 pct on euro, energy ahead of EU vote

European carbon prices jumped by more than 6 percent on Friday on the back of a soaring euro and fir…

Markets

23 Feb 2012 18:19

China's airline CO2 costs greatly overstated: analysts

Europe’s carbon market will cost China’s top airlines a total 1.9 million euros ($2.6 million, 16 mi…

Markets

24 Feb 2012 00:35

CCAs stable as traders mull new utility market rules

California carbon allowances (CCAs) for delivery in 2013 settled at $14.50/t on Thursday, unchanged…

Latest news

• 24 Feb 12 18:15 UK govt files plans to build carbon capture plants
• 24 Feb 12 18:10 Carbon soars 6 pct on euro, energy ahead of EU vote
• 24 Feb 12 15:57 Weekly CER issuance to jump to 10.5 mln next week
• 24 Feb 12 15:37 Austria to double Kyoto permit purchases: draft
• 24 Feb 12 14:15 UPDATE 1-EU seeks tighter CO2 grip on farms, forests -draft
• 24 Feb 12 10:08 CO2 tax takes centre stage in Australian leadership battle
• 24 Feb 12 08:07 Australia's AGL to buy out Loy Yang for $480 mln
• 24 Feb 12 00:35 CCAs stable as traders mull new utility market rules
• 23 Feb 12 18:19 China's airline CO2 costs greatly overstated: analysts
• 23 Feb 12 17:18 EUAs dip 1.6 pct in edgy market
• 23 Feb 12 17:02 Iberdrola’s EU thermal power output sinks 19 pct in 2011
• 23 Feb 12 13:20 Centrica’s CO2 spend plunges 74 pct in 2011
• 23 Feb 12 13:06 Ukrainian exchange postpones huge ERU auction
• 23 Feb 12 12:50 UK nuclear power generation up 11 pct in 2011
• 23 Feb 12 11:06 Dutch EUA auction clears at 8.81 euros
• 23 Feb 12 11:01 Australia allows controlled fires to earn carbon credits
• 23 Feb 12 10:48 NZ carbon soars 12 pct as EU lawmakers mull supply cut
• 23 Feb 12 10:42 China misses 2011 energy intensity target
• 22 Feb 12 20:24 California utilities get CO2 market rules, could face restrictions
• 22 Feb 12 18:38 IMO to discuss CO2 curbs for ships, industry frets

All news

Legoland invests $530m into offshore wind farms

Lego owners plough $530m into offshore wind turbines - 24 Feb 2012 - News from BusinessGreen

The parent company of toy firm Lego has announced it is to buy a 32 per cent stake in one of Germany's largest offshore wind farms, in a move designed to bolster the firm's green credentials.  Kirkbi A/S, the family firm that also holds a 75 per cent stake in Lego, confirmed yesterday it will shell out 3bn Danish krona ($534m) to acquire almost a third of Dong Energy's 277MW Borkum Riffgrund 1 wind farm, which is expected to be operational by 2015.

In the midst of a price crash carbon will boom in volume

Carbon to boom in volume but crash in price, say analysts - 23 Feb 2012 - News from BusinessGreen

Global carbon markets are set to crash 36 per cent in value this year to €61bn, despite a 13 per cent growth in trading volume, according to new forecasts from analyst firm Thomson Reuters Point Carbon. The research firm yesterday issued an outlook for the carbon market this year, including forecasts that the volume of carbon traded globally will reach 9.5 giggatonnes, up 13 per cent, as companies prepare for the launch of the third phase of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in 2013.