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Carbon Obesity Epidemic

Preliminary reports from the U.S. government's Energy Information Administration (EIA) show that American CO2 emissions rose in 2007 to 5,984 million metric tons. For those of us who use the English measurement system, that's over 13 trillion pounds. Let me just write that number out so you can see how long it is: 13,000,000,000,000 lbs. This means that in 2007, the U.S. alone produced about a ton of carbon dioxide for every human being on the planet. If we just count the American population, our per capita emissions are about 22 tons per person. That's more than the weight of an 18-wheeler truck per person per year. A little more perspective: for every dollar in the American economy, there is nearly a pound of CO2 produced. These figures really draw out what I'm now calling the "American Carbon Obesity Epidemic." It is an interesting idea to think of carbon weight like human weight. By pairing Americans' collective desire to slim waistlines with the collective need to fight global warming, hopefully progress toward good habits and reasonable consumption will be made easier. Individuals could even create a "target carbon weight" and try to slim down to fit into that old climate that looked so good on us in the old days.

Bears and Bugs

The troubles of the polar bear are a great symbol of the effects global warming can have on the Earth's mightiest creatures. The polar bear seems strong not only because of its size, but because of its ability to subsist in the harsh conditions of the Arctic. Now, as the ice disappears, so do the bears. But a new study points out that there are other species facing climate-related troubles. The Independent reported on a recent study that suggests the polar bear is not the species most threatened by a warming climate, and in fact, it is nearly the opposite type of animal. Small, frail and subsisting in warm areas, insects in tropical climates are imminently threatened by rising temperatures. The survival of these insects is not only important for the sake of their own survival; they are essential to the survival of their entire habitat. When insect species disappear from the planet, the foundation of the food chain becomes damaged, and when foundations crumble, structures collapse. Insects also provide services like decomposition and pollination that keep the life-cycle moving, and without them, many other plant and animal species will be under extreme pressure for their survival. Even though they are not cuddly or famous for their hugs, these species require attention. Insects are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation and act as indicators. If they cannot adapt, this does not bode well for the other planetary inhabitants.

Climate is Hot on the Hill

The Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday that Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has decided to rule out a carbon tax or an increase in gas taxes to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. To explain his decision, the Congressman said
"I simply cannot support these policies at a time when families in my district are dealing with record gas prices, high levels of unemployment, a home foreclosure crisis and rising food costs."
The proposal would have charged $50 per ton of CO2 emissions and raised prices for gas and jet fuel by 50 cents, while also introducing measures to quell suburban sprawl. It's too bad to see these measures "off the table for now" as Dingell put it, but the fact is, this kind of proposal is a long-shot anyway, and Bush himself has recently referred to new taxes as "the wrong way" to take on the climate crisis. Dingell is not licked, however, as he is still working on "cap and trade" legislation that he will introduce sometime this year. Climate is becoming a prominent topic on Capitol Hill these days. In fact, the "Climate Security Act" sponsored by Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and John Warner (R-VA) is pending in the Senate and could come up on the Senate floor in June. This proposal aims to cut emissions from key sectors like transport and the power industry by 19 percent in 12 years and 71 percent by 2050. Additionally, as we've reported here, Bush himself has even come out in favor of keeping the planet from heating up. With Democrats, Republicans, and even Independents backing action, the fight against the climate crisis has attained a rare status as a "tri-partisan" issue. Even if proposals differ, at least there's consensus that something must be done, and that is a huge step in the right direction. So keep at it, Congressman Dingell, and don't feel too discouraged. While gloom and doom can often dominate the climate issue, I certainly see a bit of light peeking through the carbon dioxide.

Climate is Hot on the Hill

The Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday that Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has decided to rule out a carbon tax or an increase in gas taxes to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. To explain his decision, the Congressman said
"I simply cannot support these policies at a time when families in my district are dealing with record gas prices, high levels of unemployment, a home foreclosure crisis and rising food costs."
The proposal would have charged $50 per ton of CO2 emissions and raised prices for gas and jet fuel by 50 cents, while also introducing measures to quell suburban sprawl. It's too bad to see these measures "off the table for now" as Dingell put it, but the fact is, this kind of proposal is a long-shot anyway, and Bush himself has recently referred to new taxes as "the wrong way" to take on the climate crisis. Dingell is not licked, however, as he is still working on "cap and trade" legislation that he will introduce sometime this year. Climate is becoming a prominent topic on Capitol Hill these days. In fact, the "Climate Security Act" sponsored by Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and John Warner (R-VA) is pending in the Senate and could come up on the Senate floor in June. This proposal aims to cut emissions from key sectors like transport and the power industry by 19 percent in 12 years and 71 percent by 2050. Additionally, as we've reported here, Bush himself has even come out in favor of keeping the planet from heating up. With Democrats, Republicans, and even Independents backing action, the fight against the climate crisis has attained a rare status as a "tri-partisan" issue. Even if proposals differ, at least there's consensus that something must be done, and that is a huge step in the right direction. So keep at it, Congressman Dingell, and don't feel too discouraged. While gloom and doom can often dominate the climate issue, I certainly see a bit of light peeking through the carbon dioxide.

As Seen in the New York Times

Our sister site, On Day One, made the old gray lady today.
Kitchen Gardeners International, a nonprofit organization [Roger] Doiron founded in 2003, is a virtual community of 5,200 gardeners from 96 countries. "We're trying to reframe the backyard in terms of global sustainability, without losing any of the fun," said Mr. Doiron, who manages to make a living from donations to his nonprofit and a fellowship from the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute. He sees his audience as "people out there who are concerned about peak oil, or the gardening gastronomes who want the freshest food possible," he said. "Or the people who joined a C.S.A." -- a community-supported agriculture project -- "last year, and this year are thinking, you know what? I can do some of this myself." Mr. Doiron's latest cause is challenging the presidential candidates to plant a garden on the White House lawn. He has posted his proposal, "Eat the View," on www.ondayone.org, a Web site where people record their visions for the next president."
The article, which appeared in the Home and Garden section today, goes on to discuss the various ways presidents through history have used the White House lawn to grow food and vegetables. Mr. Dorion's proposal, though, is much more ambitious than what's been done in the past. Dorion says the next president should transform the White House lawn into a garden large enough to sustain the produce needs of the White House, with the left-over produce going to local food pantries. I like the idea. And kudos to New York Times writer Anne Raver for giving it some play.