Swem Government Information - Climate Change

Chesapeake Bay Executive Order: Draft Strategy for Chesapeake Bay …

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:50:00 -0500

http://executiveorder.chesapeakebay.net/ The draft strategy contains a package of federal initiatives to restore clean water, protect fish and wildlife, and adapt to the impacts of climate change for the Chesapeake Bay. Cites deadline for cleanup and restoration of Bay as 2025. Offers links to executive summary and full document. Open for public comment from November 9th through January 8, 2010. Final strategy to be published in May 2010. From the Environmental Protection Agency Chesapeake Bay Program Office.

Methane Capture: Options for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:45:00 -0500

http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/R40813_20090917.pdf Methane is the second most abundant of the greenhouse gases, accounting for about 8% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2007. This report discusses methane gas capture projects as reduction opportunities. Also discusses legislative alternatives for promoting methane capture and current federal programs that support methane recovery. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.org.

Arctic Report Card: Update for 2009

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:40:00 -0500

http://www.arctic.noaa.gov/reportcard/ArcticReportCard_full_report.pdf Provides latest information on the effects of global warming on the air, land, sea, and biology of the Arctic region. From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Deforestation

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:52:00 -0500

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/postpn344.pdf Looks at the reasons why deforestation occurs and the impact it has on the environment. Also examines policies that might reduce the pace of deforestation. From the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

Regional Study: Climate Change Impact on Virginia Coast

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:39:00 -0500

http://www.hrpdcva.gov/Documents/Quarterly_Newsletters/2010/REVIEW_Fall_09.pdf#page=13 Brief article on research by staff of the Hampton Roads Plan District Commission on the impacts of climate change on the Hampton Roads area. The study focuses on such issues as sea level rise, changes in precipitation, and vulnerability to storm damage and flooding. From the Hampton Roads Review, Fall 2009.

Climate Change Adaptation

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:26:00 -0500

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10113.pdf Reviews actions federal, state, local, and international authorities are taking to adapt to a changing climate, challenges that federal, state, and local officials face in their efforts to adapt, and actions that Congress and federal agencies could take to help with these actions. From the Government Accountability Office

Ocean Acidification

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:14:00 -0500

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/postpn343.pdf The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is acidifying the oceans. This report summarizes the science behind ocean acidification and the threats to the marine environment. From the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

Coastal Management

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:12:00 -0500

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/postpn342.pdf Predicted sea level rise and higher storm surges will increase the risk of coastal erosion and flooding. This report examines past and present coastal management policy and the main issues arising for the future English coastline. From the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:31:00 -0500

http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/2009fedleader_eo_rel.pdf Executive order which establishes goals for federal agencies to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions among other environmental and sustainability goals. From the White House.

Biodiversity and Climate Change

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:07:00 -0500

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/postpn341.pdf Explores the already observed and future expected impacts of climate change on biological diversity. It also examines the relationship between biodiversity and adaptation to a changing climate. From the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology

Understanding the Decline in Carbon Dioxide Emissions in 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:38:00 -0500

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/steo/pub/special/pdf/2009_sp_06.pdf Projects that carbon dioxide emissions in 2009 will be 5.9% below the 2008 level. Attributes some of the decline to producer decisions to switch from coal to natural gas for the generation of electricity. From the Energy Information Administration

Biofuels: Potential Effects and Challenges of Required Increases in Production and Use

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:59:00 -0500

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09446.pdf In 2007 Congress expanded the renewable fuel standard from 9 billion to 36 billion gallons by 2022. This report examines (1) the effects of increased biofuels production on U.S. agriculture, environment and greenhouse gas emissions, (2) federal support for domestic biofuels production, and (3) key challenges in meeting the renewable fuel standard. From the Government Accountability Office.

Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:43:00 -0500

http://www.epa.gov/nsr/documents/GHGTailoringProposal.pdf Proposed regulation that would create new thresholds for greenhouse gas emissions that define when Clean Air Act permits would be required. The proposed thresholds would cover nearly 70% of the largest stationary source GHG emitters such as power plants and refineries but would shield small businesses and farms from permitting requirements. From the Environmental Protection Agency

The Role of Federal Gasoline Excise Taxes in Public Policy

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:04:00 -0500

http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/R40808_20090911.pdf Examines recent major developments relating to gasoline excise taxes and public policy: the economic downturn, gasoline price volatility, and the possible effects of climate change legislation. This report outlines some of the macroeconomic and microeconomic pros and cons of using the federal gasoline excise tax for policy purposes From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.org.

Climate Change Science Compendium 2009

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:32:00 -0500

http://www.unep.org/compendium2009/ A review of some 400 major scientific contributions to the understanding of earth systems and climate released through peer-reviewed literature or from research institutions over the last three years. Suggests that climate warming is occurring faster than originally anticipated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. From the United Nations Environment Programme.