Environment vs. Economy

There has been a lot of discussion in recent months about the impact of environmental regulation on the economy. It strikes me as odd that efforts to improve the environment are seen as a potential drag on the economy when in reality there isn't a strong causal link between the two. In fact, it's worth noting that prior to the financial crisis, the UK managed to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by roughly 17% while its economy grew by 45% since 1990.

Climate Change and Clean Energy

Global food prices have broken yet another record. February prices were 2.2% higher than January, the previous all-time high. February's high was well above the 2008 average when food prices led to riots and hording. Much of this has to do with climate related events - floods in Pakistan and wildfires in Russia. Add to this the recent rise in the price of US oil, which is currently hovering at around $100 a barrel while global prices are closer to the $120 range.

So is now a good time to talk about climate change and clean energy? Unfortunately, a number of people want to avoid the conversation. In doing so we expose ourselves to ever increasing levels of risk and greater instability, both in markets and in countries. The transition to low carbon is happening but not at the scale necessary to meet the challenge. We have to ramp up our efforts if we hope to minimize some of the impacts we're already seeing.

Innovation Nation

I haven't posted since late last year so here's quick recap of 2010: economy in the doldrums; tied with 2005 as the hottest year on record; was also the wettest year on record (which is awkward on a number of levels); the last decade was the hottest on record (with the previous two decades coming in second and third respectively). All and all, not the kind of streak you want to be on.

So what's a possible solution that meets the trifecta of economic recovery, energy security, and climate stability? There's no easy, straightforward answer but a critical element, and one that needs to be ramped up quickly, is the need to embrace a clean energy future. In doing so, you have the opportunity to design new technologies, enable new markets, and most importantly, create new jobs. And it all comes with the additional benefits of a cleaner environment and more secure sources of energy.

Total aside, anyone who can find a poetry blog from 2001 called "Someplace Nice" gets a cookie.

The Power of One

The challenges posed by climate change are enormous. We have to make a global effort to fundamentally change how we produce and consume energy. But too many people focus on the cost and scale, arguing that significantly reducing emissions will destroy our economy, without fully understanding the long-term benefit to our environment.

Let's take a step back. Don't get distracted by solely focusing on what everyone around the world has to do in order to avoid the risks of global warming. Instead, focus on what you or your family can do to reduce your energy bill and save some cash. Check out the Maryland Energy Administration for some useful hints.

Now, consider the cumulative effect of lots of individuals taking these small steps to reduce our energy and water use, and save money. I know - revolutionary.

Elections, Climate Change, and Energy

This is an excellent post by Andy Revkin on the implications of the mid-term elections on climate change and energy. Check out the "heat ladder" link toward the end. It's an article from 2007 which still resonates today. The more things change, the more things stay the same.

Could use a little wind out here

While the chances of comprehensive climate change and energy legislation seem less and less likely, it's nice to see some good news coming out of the states. This is an interesting piece on the largest US wind farm to date. Home grown energy that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, provides a clean, safe, and secure source of energy, and creates thousands of jobs. Dare I say it's a win-wind?

More melting leads to more drilling

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from burning fossil fuels is leading to global warming. Global warming is leading to a melting Arctic. A melting Arctic is leading to more fossil fuels. The circle of life.

Will he? Won't he?

Oh the drama. There was a bit of a lull on the Hill after Sen. Graham pulled his support for climate legislation. But now Sen. Reid (D-NV)appears to be moving things forward according to Roll Call. Key takeaway from this article - even if everything falls into place, the calendar is conspiring against full success.

Climate legislation on the ropes or down for the count?

Yesterday's announcement from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) can only be described as a savage blow to the solar plexus. Everyone was all set for a big press conference unveiling the legislation tomorrow but now nothing, at least for the time being.

Is this the end of climate legislation in 2010? Too early to tell of course but the calendar is getting busy - financial reform, immigration (zero legislative text in either the House or the Senate), and a Supreme Court nomination. Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) have said they will continue to pursue the introduction and passage of a bill with or without Sen. Graham. My guess is they would be happier to have him on board.

Graham had, over the past several months, pushed hard for a comprehensive bill. Many in Washington thought he could bring a handful of other Republicans into the fold because of his pro-nuclear, pro-domestic oil and gas production, and pro-business point of view. To date, there's been no physical manifestation of that theory but a number of other Republican names have been included in the mix (e.g., Gregg (NH), Voinovich (OH), Corker (TN)). Without Graham, the likelihood of these Republicans jumping into the fray is slim to none.

So what now? It appears Kerry is hopeful that Graham will reconsider once the heat of the immigration announcement simmers down. I'm not in a position to judge whether that will happen but things are definitely looking dicey right now. Especially when you consider that Graham not only had the potential to bring Republicans on board but he also provided political cover for moderate Democrats wavering in their support of a comprehensive bill.

I'm not ready to label this latest development as apocalyptic. That said, Graham came close to walking the plank on a climate and energy bill and is obviously frustrated by the shift in policy priorities. If I were a betting man, I'd say the odds of him coming back to the tri-partisan fold are 5-1. But I'm not so don't take me up on it. Better to spend your time trying to figure out how we get climate legislation off the mat.