Climate Capsule Week of December 8

Highlight of the Week
Community Letter Sent To Poland Conference Urges U.S. Climate Action In 2009

Delegates from nearly 190 countries are gathering in Poland until December 12 to negotiate a pathway out of the climate crisis. The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznan is the halfway mark in the two-year negotiations to update the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

A community letter signed by nearly 20 organizations was just shared with United Nations Ministers and Delegates meeting in Poland, and emphasizes U.S. climate action is a viable goal for 2009. The following are excerpts from the letter; To view the whole compact and a list of signatories, please visit NWF’s Newsroom.

“As leaders of environmental, conservation, science, health, and faith organizations based in the United States, we are writing to urge the nations of the world meeting in Poznan to build on the decisions in Bali and lay the groundwork for rapid action that puts us on track to conclude a climate change agreement in Copenhagen next year.  Our organizations are supported by millions of Americans, and we are committed to putting America on the path to strong climate action in 2009.

“The American public is committed to action on climate change and clean energy as never before…A poll by respected pollster John Zogby found that a strong majority of voters in our recent elections believes that action on climate change should be a high priority for the new Congress and President.  Seventy-eight percent of voters believe that clean energy should be a cornerstone of our economic recovery plan.

“Our organizations are urging Congress and President-elect Obama to enact legislation in 2009 that sets mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions that will reduce U.S. emissions consistent with keeping further warming below 2 degrees Fahrenheit…We are also urging President-elect Obama to use existing domestic laws, including the Clean Air Act, to set standards on global warming pollution for power plants, vehicles, and fuels.”

For more information coming to you directly from Poznan, Poland, please contact Christine Dorsey at Dorsey@nwf.org.

Going Green, Saving Green: Holiday Gifts And Decoration Ideas That Make A Difference

This holiday season, Americans can benefit from protecting the earth and keeping cost in mind at the same time.  Studies show that a majority of consumers will shop for “green” products this season and are looking for cost effective ways to live in balance with the natural world.  

Highlighted below are just a handful of NWF naturalist David Mizejewski’s last-minute holiday gift ideas:

ü "Plant-a-Tree" ornaments for your holiday tree.  For every ornament purchased for just $15 you will plant a tree in the name of your loved one.

ü Buy a live, potted holiday tree and make it family heirloom or donate it to a local school for planting. A single tree can absorb more than one ton of CO2.

ü LED holiday lights uses 10 times less energy than incandescent mini lights, 100 times less energy than standard bulbs and they are much safer too.

ü Digital light timers can save big money.  Leaving lights on over night can send your energy costs through the roof and create unwanted pollution.

ü Rechargeable batteries save money. About 40% of all battery sales occur during the holiday season. Dead batteries can be a problem if not handled properly.

ü Give or make personalized shopping bags.  A little creativity can turn the beige Ho-Hum canvas bag into an inexpensive customized work of art to enjoy.

ü Magazines for Kids.  Promote good reading skills by giving the kids in your life a magazine subscription.

For more information, please contact: Bill Dion, 703-438-6098, dionb@nwf.org.

Happening This Week

Congress is on recess this week.

December 1-12: United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland.

Wednesday, December 10: 9:30 AM, Committee on Energy & Natural Resources hearing on economic stimulus and testimony regarding investments in clean energy and natural resources projects to create green jobs, 366 Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Thursday, December 11th: Jumpstarting the Economy by Protecting the Environment press briefing, 9 AM in 2261 Rayburn House Office Building. Contact: Aileo Weinmann, Communications Manager at NWF, 202-797-6801 or weinmanna@nwf.org.

Quote:

“The only way we’re going to meet our energy needs, realistically address global warming, and strengthen our national security is to look at every available source of renewable energy, including financial incentives to make the production of alternative energy more cost-effective.”

—Walt Minnick, U.S. Representative-elect for Idaho's 1st congressional district.

Economic Message of the Week
Jumpstart The Economy By Protecting The Environment

National Wildlife Federation will join environmental and conservation organizations in releasing a green stimulus proposal that would create as many as 3.6 million jobs, reduce pollution, protect public health and safety, and restore the environment.

On Capitol Hill this Thursday at 9 AM, the groups will deliver their proposal for funding energy efficiency, renewable energy, public transportation, water infrastructure, national parks and public lands, education, agriculture and other environmental programs.

“The fate of our economy and environment hinge on how quickly we move to repower America with clean energy solutions,” said Larry Schweiger, President & CEO, National Wildlife Federation. “Clean energy investments create jobs, revitalize our economy, and reduce the pollution that is accelerating global warming. The investments in clean energy that forestall a climate meltdown will aid our recovery from the global financial meltdown.”

A key area for investment is in education and training, because educational services generate 23.1 jobs per $1 million in spending, nearly five times more jobs created than oil and natural gas sector spending. To learn more about how we can jumpstart our economy by protecting the environment, join in Thursday’s press briefing with experts from environment and conservation groups. The event will be held in 2261 Rayburn House Office Building on Thursday, December 11 at 9 AM.

For more information, please contact Aileo Weinmann, communications manager, 202-797-6801, weinmanna@nwf.org.

Reality Check On Coal, Funding Halted For Mountaintop Mining

A group of the nation’s prominent conservation organizations has launched the “Reality” Coalition, a national grassroots and advertising effort to tell a simple truth: in reality, there is no such thing as “clean coal.”  

Environmental experts agree that coal is the dirtiest fuel America uses to produce electricity. The “Reality” Coalition is challenging the coal industry to come clean in its advertising and in its operations. Coal cannot be considered clean until its carbon dioxide emissions are captured and stored.

“We need to clean up coal, not spend billions on a scheme to market coal as clean,” said Larry Schweiger, President and CEO of National Wildlife Federation. “It’s time to build a better energy future with existing clean sources like wind and solar that will create jobs, boost our economy and confront the climate crisis head-on.”

The Alliance for Climate Protection, League of Conservation Voters, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Sierra Club form the coalition and spearheaded the campaign. To learn more, visit http://www.thisisreality.org/.

In a move in the right direction, Bank of America has decided to phase out financing for companies that practice mountaintop removal coal mining.  “We...will phase out financing of companies whose predominant method of extracting coal is through mountain top removal,” the company said in its new coal policy.