L-R: Alden Meyer, Union of Concerned Scientists and David Doniger, Natural Resources Defense Council.
Alden Meyer, Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), presented on “How to Avoid Dangerous Climate Change,” a UCS report that details targets for US emission reductions consistent with maintaining a 50% probability of staying under a two degree change in average global temperatures. He noted that this would require the US emissions to be reduced 80% below 2000 levels by 2050. Meyer indicated that their predictions assume that emissions will peak in 2010 for industrialized nations, and in 2020-2025 for developing countries, adding that this will require unprecedented de-carbonization rates.
Meyer also described the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act, which was passed by the US Senate Environment and Public Works Committee this week, noting that it is the first economy-wide global warming bill to do so. He added that if the Act is approved by the Senate, it will be submitted to the President just prior to the 2008 election, and thus there may be pressure from Republicans not to veto it. Mayer noted that the climate issue has played a prominent role in the 2008 presidential candidates’ campaigns.
David Doniger, Natural Resources Defense Council, described actions required to meet the objectives contained in the UCS report, noting that 40% of the North Pole’s ice cap has melted since 1979. He reflected on progress achieved since the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in gaining support for action, noting that the plight of the polar bear and the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina had been important determinants of public opinion.
Doniger then presented the outcome of a study that evaluated which sectors would be able to deliver the most cost-effective emissions savings, noting that these could be used to offset the cost of more expensive emission reduction efforts. He cautioned against the expansion of nuclear power, and supported the transition away from coal-fired power plants. He underscored that meeting the 2050 objectives would cost US$ three trillion in projected energy infrastructure, in addition to US$ one trillion in investment.
Participants discussed: de-carbonizing development; auctioning of emissions trading permits; linkages between the US domestic and Kyoto systems; and “escape valve” provisions.
More information
http://ucusa.org
http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming
Contacts
Alden Meyer <ameyer@ucusa.org>
David Doniger <ddoniger@nrdc.org>
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