Canada’s Government is Being Sued by Youth Climate Change Activists

The Canadian government is currently being sued – all in the name of #climate change. In the #lawsuit La Rose v. Her Majesty the Queen, plaintiffs claim that the Canadian government’s actions to combat climate change have been “grossly insufficient” and the government has consistently failed to meet greenhouse gas emissions targets. The Queen of England, #Canada’s head of state, as well as Canada’s federal government, are being named the defendants in the case. The plaintiffs? All young Canadians ranging in age from 11 to 19 years old. 

The lawsuit makes further claims that the Canadian government contributes to and perpetuates Canada’s concerning greenhouse gas emissions levels. Thus, the government is ultimately responsible for the damaging effects of climate change that are being experienced by citizens in Canada. Noted environmental concerns in Canada related to climate change include increased flooding, more wildfire outbreaks, thawing permafrost, rising sea levels, and health issues related to poor air quality. 

Plaintiffs in the suit mention that the effects of climate change will negatively impact their generation most, incentivizing them to act by way of suing the federal government for their incriminating lack of action. The perceived apathy on behalf of the government to reach fossil fuel emissions goals to ease the burden of climate change is felt strongly among the plaintiffs. 

Sierra Robinson, a 17-year-old activist and plaintiff in the La Rose case, spoke to Inside Climate News stating that “our natural resources are at risk because of climate change, and as a young person my rights are being violated disproportionately compared to older generations.” She also mentioned that “the federal government is knowingly contributing to the climate crisis by continuing to support and promote fossil fuels and through that they are violating our charter rights.” 

Young Climate Change Activists Rising Up Around the Globe  

The Canadian lawsuit is similar to a lawsuit brought on by young climate activists here in the United States known as Juliana v. United States. Juliana is the first lawsuit to argue that there is a constitutional right for citizens to live in a healthy and safe environment.  

When the Juliana case was first filed in 2015, Obama and President Trump were initially named as defendants, along with entities such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of #Energy. While the President was eventually removed from the list of defendants, his department made numerous attempts to throw the climate change lawsuit out completely before it was eventually overturned to courts in Oregon earlier this year. For now, the Juliana case is currently on hold with no official decision one way or another regarding whether or not the case will go to trial. 

Plaintiffs in the Juliana case have mentioned that, due to their inability to vote due to their age, suing the government is the only way to have their voices heard when it comes to climate change concerns. Activists and plaintiffs in the La Rose case are echoing similar sentiments. 

Addressing Climate Change in Canada and Worldwide 

Ultimately, younger generations have every reason to be concerned about climate change and every right to have their anxieties recognized. There is no denying that as climate change worsens, the youngest citizens of the world will be most victimized. Without reaching greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and working to prevent climate change from accelerating, young citizens around the world will be left to deal with the potentially devastating environmental consequences of climate change once older generations are no longer around.  

It is a shame to think that our governments and other public entities may fail youth everywhere due to a lack of action, continued support of fossil fuels, and lack of concern for what our world may look like if climate change gets any worse. Although it is still too early to tell whether or not the La Rose case in Canada or the Juliana case in the United States will have any impact on these entities to enact real change, the rise of these lawsuits by youth climate change activists is indicative of the urgency felt by young citizens worldwide when it comes to this emergent crisis. 

Resources: 

https://www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-youth-climate-trial-juliana-20190603-story.html 

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/25102019/canada-children-climate-change-lawsuit-fossil-fuels-teens-youth-erosion-permafrost-wildfires 

Largest Planned Community Solar Program Could Be Coming to FL

A 1.5-gigawatt community #solar program got through an obstacle recently when #Florida Power & Light reached a settlement agreement with organizations that had brought up previous concerns regarding its structure.  

Walmart now stands behind the #solar program along with solar accessibility advocates, even though there were initial concerns about low-income customers and access to said program.  

#SolarTogether: An Inventive Program 

SolarTogether is the name of this community solar program. It still needs approval from state regulators but in accordance with #Florida Power & Light, the plan is to launch the program early next year.  

Florida Power & Light has created an innovative design in which 75 percent of the program’s capacity would be for governmental or commercial customers. The just over 372 megawatts left over would be for small businesses and residential customers.  

An escalating bill credit has been designed, too. Here is what this means to some: it is going to take years for the cost of subscribing to this program to be outweighed by its benefits. But we will get back to this point…  

Is SolarTogether the step needed for Florida to become a national solar #energy leader? According to executive director at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Stephen Smith, it is.  

Smith referred to SolarTogether as a major effort to increase solar deployment. NextEra Energy owns the utility, which set a goal in January to install 30 million solar panels over the next decade.  

When it comes to annual capacity additions for this year, FP&L is ranked just behind First Solar, as per Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables.  

New power plants would result from this community solar program. There would be 20 power plants at 74.5 megawatts apiece. Customers would have the option of subscribing in increments of 1-kilowatt. They would pay $6.76 per kilowatt as a subscription charge, and they would earn a credit beginning at 3.4 cents per kilowatt-hour. Unlike other subscriptions, this one could be moved to a new household, canceled or adjusted without a fee.  

Solar Perks: How Low-Income Customers Benefit 

37.5 megawatts have been set aside for low-income customers after push from groups such as Vote Solar. This seems to be a good move as wider access is needed in Florida and when it comes to community solar, it needs to be accessible to those who do not already have it. Moreover, unlike general subscribers needing to wait years to see economic benefits, the credit low-income subscribers will receive is going to outweigh the monthly charge from the get-go.  

And what about non-subscribers? The community solar program will benefit them, too. The expectation is that there will be $249 million in cost savings, some of which will go to customers.  

One challenge is that FP&L needs to make sure the solar program’s size can be met with comparable demand.  

It is estimated that the utility could serve roughly 74,500 customers if residential subscribers sign up for all of their average yearly usages. At this point in time, 100,000 small businesses and residential customers have signed up for updates on the solar program, so there certainly is interest.  

A Potential Setback 

Unfortunately, the solar program has a complex credit mechanism, as previously touched upon, and this is an issue for community solar overall. Its approval could be hindered because of this. Community solar can be complicated no matter how simple the design might be. When savings get complicated because of a dodgy subscription credit and things begin to get confusing, customer attainment becomes difficult. It is important that customers have a good experience when it comes to solar programs and FP&L’s community solar program just might need some work. 

Legislation has yet to be passed in Florida allowing an economical community solar market. Third-party developers realize that utilities primarily develop solar projects on their own. This does not mean things can’t change.  

Continue to follow solar news to stay in the know when it comes to solar demand and utilities such as FP&L. Customers are, in fact, demanding solar and this is a good step in the right direction. 

Sources:  

https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/community-solar-comes-to-the-sunshine-state-finally 

https://ift.tt/2WrmnS0#gref

 

 

Homeowners Can Increase Home Value with Solar Panels

2020 will be a big year when it comes to #solar power, especially for residents in California. In just a few short months, it will be mandatory for all new homes built in the state of California to include #solar panels. With this hallmark mandate on the horizon, many #homeowners in The Golden State and across the country are wondering how solar panels will affect home property values. Will solar panels payoff for both home buyers and sellers? 

Solar Home Statistics 

According to research conducted this past year by #Zillow, homes that have solar panels included typically sell for 4.1% more compared to their solar-lacking counterparts. For the average median-valued home, this percentage translates to an increase of roughly $9,300. For major coastal cities, such as San Fransisco, Los Angeles, and Orlando, solar-powered homes have seen a consistent 4% rise in their value. Solar-powered homes in New York City sell for even higher with a 5.4% increase, totaling to around $24,000 in increased value. 

To gather these statistics on solar premiums, Zillow compared homes that were listed and sold between March of 2018 and February of 2019. Observable attributes of the homes were also taken into consideration, including their ages, locations, as well as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and overall square footage. 

Good News for Sellers 

While many home sellers may be most concerned with interior renovations, such as kitchen or bathroom remodeling, investing in solar panels prior to selling may be a more worthy investment. As climate change becomes an ever-growing concern worldwide, it is worthwhile for sellers to consider installing solar panels as a means of ‘going green’ while increasing the value of their homes at the same time. 

Home Buyers Benefit, Too 

According to the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report, home buyers are becoming more concerned with #energy-efficient features. In fact, more than 80% of home buyers now consider solar panels and other energy-saving attributes to be among their top personal preferences when purchasing a home. 

A home outfitted with solar panels will ultimately save home buyers on their monthly utility costs, especially during the summer months. Evelyn Huang, chief customer experience officer for Sunrun, told CNBC that monthly savings is one of the top reasons why more and more homeowners are making the switch to solar and emphasizing its importance. Sunrun is the biggest solar installation company in the U.S. and competes directly with Tesla. According to Huang, “utility companies are needing more and more money to maintain, and they pass that cost to the homeowner.” Thus, the monthly cost that homeowners pay is becoming increasingly more unpredictable. With solar, homeowners can better gauge what to expect and what they will pay each month. 

According to Sunrun, the national average utility rate increases by around 3% per year. Solar customers, on the other hand, see a savings of around 10% to 40% on their utility bills, thanks to fixed prices inherent to solar panel kilowatt/hour plans. 

What About Homeowners that Lease Solar Panels? 

If homeowners decide to lease their solar panels through Sunrun, Tesla, or other solar production companies, they will need to consider how this decision might impact their home sale. Once the house is sold, the owner can decide to buy out the remaining lease or find buyers that are willing to take it over. There may also be financial or tax credit incentives that were available to the previous owner that may be unavailable to new owners. Depending on the lease agreement, homeowners will need to carefully consider how their solar panels might impact the selling process. 

Overall, homeowners can benefit in many ways from installing and utilizing solar panels, whether they lease them or purchase them outright. As our world continues to make the shift towards clean energy production, there is no doubt that more and more states and cities will authorize home solar production mandates. Homeowners that install solar panels will undoubtedly stay ahead of this trend, increase their property value, and appeal to the majority of prospective home buyers all at the same time.  

Resources: 

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/05/solar-power-can-boost-a-homes-value-in-these-10-states-the-most.html 

https://www.zillow.com/research/solar-panels-house-sell-more-23798/ 

Three Major Cities and How Climate Change Will Impact Them By 2100

#Climate change is here and its effects can be seen today. Consider hurricanes such as Harvey and Maria, which caused major economic destruction and even death. Consider overflowing banks, flooding, melting ice and other warning signs that climate change is a real concern. Wildlife, economies, ecosystems, and human beings are all being impacted. Even the United Nations has issued warnings on climate change. But what is to come?  

Teen Vogue and Nexus Media partnered together to develop a timeline indicating how three major cities in the United States will be impacted by climate change by #2100. The places examined have climate susceptibilities and geographic concerns. They include #St. Louis, #Houston, and #San Francisco. Potential concerns surrounding climate change include hurricanes, rising sea levels, and extreme drought. Keep reading for a deeper analysis. 

Are the Climate Change Predictions Realistic?  

You might be wondering – how were these predictions made? The timeline put together has been the result of a dozen experts on climate change weighing in through interviews and scientific studies. And the insight is scary. This is why the climate change crisis must be addressed.  

One projection is that sea levels will rise by the year 2100. Another is that temperatures will continue to rise. It is frightening to think about how our planet will be impacted by climate change if we fail to take action. 

Climate Change and Houston, TX 

Let’s start with 2100 in Houston. Temperatures are anticipated to have warmed nearly 8 degrees Fahrenheit here. During warmer months, average temperatures could sit at 100 degrees. How will this impact day to day life? The economy could shrink by upwards of 6 percent. Here is what this means – it will be more difficult for workers, and the excessive heat could cause death. Sea levels could rise by up to six feet – and what about when water starts to make its way into town? What happens to chemical plants and oil refineries if they are flooded due to climate change? Toxic chemicals could be released as explosions could occur. Some of the city might remain safe, and people could flock to the parts that are safe, overwhelming resources.  

Climate Change and St. Louis, MO 

St. Louis is another city worth looking into, as temperatures could potentially go up 11 degrees Fahrenheit. In a city like this, summers will become intolerable and it will be too hot to be outside. Electric bills will rise – but if one can’t afford their increasing electric bill, heat stroke could occur. And let’s not forget the economy. Rising heat resulting from climate change could cause farms to see their yields cut. Speaking of the economy, the productivity of workers will suffer if it is too hot to work due to climate change. 

Climate Change and San Francisco, CA 

San Francisco could see temperatures increase by an average of 8 degrees Fahrenheit because of climate change. Snow might occur less frequently in the Sierra Nevada – mountain ranges with less snowfall will deprive the city of a water source. Meanwhile, seas could rise and places such as Hunters Point could see flooding. If sea levels rise, 13 million Americans could see their homes flooded. Residents would be forced to move to inland cities. Clearly, there are many potential problems that could occur in major cities in America by 2100 as a result of climate change.  

The threat of climate change is real. As Texas Tech University climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe communicated, “The future is not set in stone.” She mentioned how some change is inevitable but that the amount of change to be seen is going to depend on us and the decisions we make today to address climate change. She made a comparison regarding smoking a pack of cigarettes daily for years but not yet developing lung cancer.  

There are climate change protests taking place across the globe. #Extinction Rebellion is an anti-climate change group that spent the last couple of weeks in places such as Berlin and London. #Greta Thunberg has become a household name as she continues to bring millions of people together in the fight against climate change. Continue to follow the news regarding climate change and stay in the know to learn of any climate change protests happening in a city near you. 

Sources: 

https://qz.com/1727717/what-climate-change-will-do-to-three-major-american-cities-by-2100/ 

https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/10/extinction-rebellion-climate-change-protests-european-cities/ 

 

Noble or Negligent? Inside Extinction Rebellion’s Climate Change Fight

This past Monday on October 14th, the #climate change activist group known as #Extinction Rebellion staged #protests outside of #BlackRock, one of #London’s most prominent financial institutions. Extinction Rebellion targeted BlackRock specifically, demanding that they stop funding fossil fuel companies that build new mines and pipelines, ultimately contributing to the climate change crisis. Extinction Rebellion, also referred to as ‘XR’, is making similar demands of other worldwide financial institutions. The group has arranged climate change protests in other major cities such as New York, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Sydney. 

Extinction Rebellion: Their Mission and Message 

One of the primary goals of Extinction Rebellion is to incentivize governments around the world to declare a “climate and ecological emergency” and to urgently address the laws and statutes that are contributing to climate change. They are a self-declared “non-violent, civil disobedience activist movement” that is demanding zero carbon emission output worldwide by the year 2025. Their ultimate goal is to halt the mass extinction of species around the world and minimize the risk of societal collapse as a result of climate change.  

Inside the BlackRock Protest 

During the climate change demonstration at BlackRock on Monday, volunteers glued themselves to building doors and staged a fake dinner party that was intended to mock corporate owners. 

It is estimated that more than 1,400 arrests have been made since the London climate change protests began this week and similar numbers are being seen in other countries where Extinction Rebellion protests have been held. 

In response to the worldwide arrests, Carolina Rosa, climate change activist and spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion stated that “the city of London is a preeminent nexus of power in the global system that is killing our world.” 

Extinction Rebellion as a whole released a statement declaring that the climate change emergency isn’t going to go away without some sort of resolution and that ultimately, the climate change problem is “bigger than all of us.” 

Disturbing Cities as a Means of Fighting Climate Change 

During Extinction Rebellion’s last climate change protest this past April in London, 1,130 people were arrested throughout the 11-day long protest. During this time, the city’s busiest roads and bus routes were disrupted, bringing much of the city to a standstill. The costs to the London police force as a result of the protest were estimated at around £7.5 million.  

April’s protest saw activists gluing themselves to city trains, as well as entrances to the London Stock Exchange. Activists in New York City during this time blocked traffic, while German protesters chained themselves outside Angela Merkel’s Chancellery in Berlin.  

Is Civil Unrest the Answer to Climate Change? 

In light of the costs, arrests, and civil disturbances brought on by Extinction Rebellion, we have to ask ourselves, how are these actions helping solve climate change? Critics are stating that Extinction Rebellion is nothing more than a climate change group made up of ‘environmental fanatics’ and despite what good intentions they may have, their extreme actions are likely alienating potential supporters. Some have also criticized the group for attempting to overthrow capitalism in an attempt to stop fossil fuel production without any idea of what is to come and no plans for realistic fossil fuel replacement timelines. 

In response to criticism of their climate change fighting tactics, Extinction Rebellion has stated that those angered by their protests “should find out more about the severity of ecological and climate crisis.” 

While it is understandable that many are becoming emotionally invested in climate change activism and a desire to put an end to fossil fuel production, is civil unrest and disruption the route we should take to end climate change? Extinction Rebellion will have to come forth with scientifically proven methods of fossil fuel replacement plans if they are to be taken seriously in the climate change and science-driven communities.  

Putting pressure on financial corporations and those directly involved in financing fossil fuel production is a start to combating climate change. Climate change is undoubtedly causing a disruption to our planet on a global scale. However, to effectively combat climate change, science-based plans and logical perseverance will need to be our focus – not gluing ourselves to public property. 

Resources: 

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48607989 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change/climate-change-activists-target-blackrock-in-london-idUSKBN1WT0MF 

The Impact of Trump’s Recent Solar Tariff Decision

You might remember that this past summer, the Trump Administration made an announcement regarding #bifacial solar panels. The announcement was that these #solar panels, which use solar cells on both sides to collect #energy from the sun, would be exempt from import tariffs (the tariffs being referenced are those which were introduced at the beginning of 2018. For solar developers, this was a big win because of a potential price decrease in solar panels, with manufacturers ramping up production).  

However, the Trump Administration recently changed direction, making an announcement that at the end of October, exemption would come to an end for bifacial panels. Solar manufacturers with production overseas are potentially out of luck, if you will; however, there are some solar winners as a result of this decision. While the stock market can be unpredictable, if one is looking into clean energy stocks, these two might be worth considering at the moment… 

#First Solar: Winner Number One  

Back when solar tariffs were originally announced, First Solar saw many benefits and certainly came out ahead. This is a company that creates solar panels with a thin film, and not being subjected to tariffs, even when the solar panels are made overseas, is viewed as a big deal. It is important to note that this company has the most United States production when it comes to the solar industry. This means that it is already getting a great deal of business in the U.S.  

What would be First Solar’s greatest competitor in terms of solar panels? Utility-scale developers creating bifacial panel imports. Take the competition out of the picture, however, and this company sees a huge win. It will certainly be interesting to see this company’s earnings reports in the near future. More importantly, it will be interesting to see what changes come to light in terms of using clean energy.  

#SunPower: Another Big Winner 

SunPower has done a great deal to grow in the U.S. and to avoid tariffs. Their efforts were a little less useful with the bifacial solar panel exemption. But SunPower’s moves to build United States manufacturing could yield more benefits now.  

If you have followed SunPower, you might be aware that this company acquired SolarWorld Americas in a huge move, and then installed #P-Series solar panel manufacturing out in their plant in Oregon.  

What are P-Series solar panels? And how are they relevant to tariffs? 

These utilize commodity solar cells. They can be assembled into a panel that offers more efficiency than commodity solar panels. They are created for utility-scale and commercial projects. SunPower could import these solar cells (with a limit) tariff-free. Getting rid of the bifacial exemption is anticipated to make SunPower even more viable in U.S. markets.  

SunPower’s most significant market is residential solar. Since the company made an effort to develop U.S. manufacturing, it was able to acquire a tariff exemption for its back-contact solar cells. SunPower’s residential products certainly could have been undercut by bifacial solar panels being competitive in terms of costs when compared to solar panels under tariffs.  

It will be interesting to see what happens with the position SunPower has in relation to the residential market in the near future.  

Solar Companies for the Win! 

It is always good to see positivity in the world of solar, and SunPower and First Solar have both gotten a boost recently. In accordance with an article recently published on the Motley Fool, SunPower and First Solar can now have the ability to benefit from their exemptions from tariffs in terms of solar imports and from their U.S. manufacturing.   

With tariffs set to be in place through early 2022, it will be fascinating to see what happens down the road. In the meantime, it is good to see clean energy-focused companies benefitting in some way. SunPower and First Solar have certainly come out ahead in this recent decision. Analysts, of course, have differing views on how the tariffs will impact the industry, so stay on top of solar news and be sure to do your research to stay in the know!  

Sources: 

https://www.fool.com/investing/2019/10/14/2-big-winners-from-trumps-latest-solar-tariff-deci.aspx 

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/07/us-solar-industry-gets-unlikely-boost-from-the-trump-administration.html 

 

Houston to Transform Former Landfill into Solar Energy Site

A former landfill in Houston could soon become the site for the largest urban #solar farm in the state. The Sunnyside Landfill used to be Houston’s largest landfill and is made up of an area of land that is more than 200 football fields in size. Since the landfill was closed and capped in the 1970s, it has become overgrown with shrubs, trees, and mosquitos.  

#Solar energy development groups in the state, local architects, private companies, and city officials are coming together to transform the former landfill into a massive solar #energy production site made up of thousands of solar panels. Additionally, the solar site will share space with both an agricultural production area and an educational center. 

Providing Solar Power to Houston Residents 

The solar site will be split between commercial solar and community solar shares. Around 220 acres of land will be devoted to commercial solar power, while around 12 will be solely for residents that can’t afford solar power or are unable to install solar panels.  

According to early estimates, a 70-megawatt solar array will be built and generate enough solar power for around 12,000 households. Job creation is another intended benefit of this solar project for Houston and if all goes according to plan with investors, we should see the project begin construction by 2021. 

Reinventing Cities Competition 

The Sunnyside Landfill project is part of a global effort known as Reinventing Cities. The goal of Reinventing Cities is to transform urban areas by introducing carbon-neutral innovations to certain cities to combat global warming and climate change. Houston and 30 other cities around the world have been selected to take part in the Reinventing Cities competition, in which the best innovations will serve as examples to other communities for future developments and sustainable energy projects. 

Reusing Land Space for Solar Energy 

Altering unused land to make room for solar energy is the kind of forward-thinking cities need to have, especially if we are to combat climate change. According to Nathanael Greene, senior renewable energy advocate for the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Sunnyside Landfill is the perfect location for solar energy. Lara Cottingham, chief sustainability officer for Houston, also agrees that the redevelopment of the land for solar energy purposes is a great fit. 

Greene told the Houston Chronicle that using a ‘brownfield,’ or disturbed site, for solar energy is the best possible reuse of land. Due to reductions in solar energy costs in the last five years, solar can now reach cities and locations where it once could not. Overall, this initiative will bring clean energy, local economic development, and accessible solar energy to residents and businesses in the Houston area. 

Back in 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency stated that the landfill can be used for solar energy production, as long as it is revamped properly. To clear the landfill of excessive debris without disturbing the cap, the work is estimated to cost around $7,000 per acre.  

Local Support for the Sunnyside Solar Project 

Support for the landfill metamorphosis is high. One local advocate, in particular, has helped pave the way for local interest and solidarity with the project. Efrem Jernigan runs The STEM Foundation through the South Union Community Development Corporation on the weekends. He built an outdoor solar classroom nearly three years ago to help educate local youth in science and math. He and his team hold information sessions in the outdoor classroom for the community to address questions about local solar initiatives and the importance of clean energy development. 

Dori Wolfe, the lead developer for Sunnyside Energy, stated that the goal is “to make sure this is a benefit to the community.” Wolfe understands that there is a great deal of work to be done before the solar landfill project is complete, but she is optimistic that the project will soon take off once the right investors come together. 

Sadra Massie Hines, Houston’s honorary mayor and one of their most prominent civil rights activists, is in support of the solar project. She is adamant that this will be a “phenomenal opportunity for Sunnyside residents,” and increase a sense of community overall. 

Resources: 

https://www.c40reinventingcities.org/en/sites/holmes-road-landfill-1271.html 

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Hopes-rise-that-proposed-solar-farm-will-14490863.php 

Climate Change ‘Laboratory’ for Governors Island

#Governors Island (in NYC) has a history that is uncommon. You might know it as the patch of land with an ice cream cone-like shape to it, or you might be familiar with some of the history of the 170 plus acre area of land. At one point, it was a Civil War prison. Close to the end of the Cold War, it served as a gathering place for President Ronald Reagan when he met with Mikhail Gorbachev, Soviet leader. Where does #climate change come in to the picture? Keep reading!

Climate Change Laboratory: How Will It Work?  

Control of the island was turned over by the federal government to the state of New York in 2003, and since this point, the search has been on for how to pay for the island’s maintenance – this is where climate change comes in. The island has needed a revenue source and a purpose. A new concept has come to light regarding its use and climate change – the island could serve as the host of a climate change “laboratory”. More than 4 million square feet on the island’s southern section could become a climate change laboratory. The climate change test center could be utilized for educational and commercial use – to put it simply, it could ultimately serve as a learning center for managing climate change.  

As per a request for suggestions sent by the city to contractors, the climate change-focused plan discusses transforming Governors Island into a center for climate change adaption exploration. Points examined regarding climate change would include policy making and commercialization.  

Addressing Climate Change Concerns

This climate change proposal is a reflection of the challenges that global warming brings to NY and other coastal cities – for instance, demand for building along the water is rising even though storms are worsening and seas are rising as a result of climate change.  

The New York Harbor location of Governors Island means it is exposed to storms and flooding, as per Michael #Samuelian, who was once in charge of the trust that runs Governors Island. His belief is that this is an ideal place to focus on climate change education and adaption.  

What Will the Climate Change Adaptation Lab Look Like? 

Consultants have been asked to consider ideas for a climate change lab. A “pitch deck” for this climate change lab is one option, in which ideas could be sold to universities and foundations. 

#Alicia Glen served as deputy mayor until just recently. Now, Glen heads Governor Island’s Board of the Trust. She discussed how the goal is to turn this location into a “living laboratory” that focuses on how to deal with certain problems regarding climate change in an urban setting. Moreover, the climate change laboratory project would assist in paying for maintenance for the island. Generating money with development opportunities will help the island to be sustainable.  

As per #Clare Newman, Samuelian’s successor, transforming Governors Island into a place for climate change-adaptation research could not only keep the public engaged but it could tap into a certain concentration of workers in NY, like engineers and architects.  

In accordance with those familiar with this plan, the climate change–focused vision for Governors Island reverberates its tech-themed improvement of Roosevelt Island. (You might recall that almost a decade ago, universities were invited to New York to compete for an opportunity to build a graduate center on Roosevelt Island for applied sciences. Cornell University, the winner, opened a campus there in 2017).  

In regard to Governors Island, while a judicious approach might have been to just avoid developing there altogether, Samuelian discussed how he could see “more value in making the island an example of how development can coexist with rising water.” He mentioned how that could involve buildings raised up on stilts, or structures that could be pulled apart and relocated.  

Climate Change Action

Keep following climate change news to stay on top of happenings across the country. We must pay attention to climate change, which is occurring right before our eyes, and take action!  

Sources: 

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/06/climate/governors-island-climate-change-new-york.html 

https://ny.curbed.com/2019/10/7/20902581/nyc-governors-island-climate-change-laborator 

Russia Officially Joins the Paris Agreement

After months of speculation and tensions regarding #Russia’s commitment to fighting #climate change, the Russian Federation has officially joined the #Paris Agreement. Seeing as Russia is the world’s fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, it is fair to say that it is about time their participation became official. 

Ruslan Edelgeriev, Vladimir #Putin’s climate advisor, spoke at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in September. He discussed Russia’s impacts on climate change, as well as the country’s newfound commitment to join the fight against greenhouse gas emissions and other factors contributing to climate change.  

Alexey Kokorin, World Wildlife Fund climate program director of Russia, mentioned to Climate Home News that “Russia recognizes the importance of the climate problem,” and is not in opposition to its impacts.  

However, there is still work to be done in terms of Russia’s current climate change commitments. According to the Climate Action Tracker (CAT), an independent scientific analysis organization that has been globally tracking climate change efforts since 2009, their current pledges have been labeled as “critically insufficient” — the lowest score one can achieve according to their scale. 

Climate officer for Greenpeace, Vasily Yablokov is optimistic that Russia’s adoption of the Paris Agreement will, “increase the chances of preventing a global climate catastrophe.” That is, if action is taken immediately. Yablokov is adamant that, “there is no time left for compromises and attempts to maintain the status quo of fossil power.”  

Putin’s Resistance to Climate Change 

While Putin has never outright stated that he is a climate change denier, he has at times turned a blind eye to the impacts Russia has had on climate change. He has even joked that Russia could use warmer weather so that the country’s citizens might spend less on winter coats and enjoy the benefits of increased crop yields. However, Putin isn’t laughing now – especially after the release of the most recent climate change report. According to the National Weather Service, the average temperature in Russia alone is increasing by 0.47 degrees Celsius every 10 years, according to data collected between 1976 and 2018. This increase is 150% faster than global averages.  

In light of this statistic, Putin stated back in July that continuing to use traditional methods of #energy output and consumption “inevitably means new risks and further climate change.” In the same breath, however, Putin has mentioned that any decrease in fuel exports may harm economic growth in Russia. Russian economist Igor Makarov, with the assistance of collaborators from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, estimated that Russia’s economic growth will slow by 0.2%-0.3% per year if all countries achieve the goals laid out in the Paris Agreement. 

The Russian government is currently in the process of reviewing laws that will regulate greenhouse gas emissions, as well as plans for low-carbon development and adaptation. 

The Paris Agreement – What’s Next? 

The Paris Agreement was first formed in December of 2015 at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris. It is a landmark agreement that brings together various nations for a common cause, namely, a global effort to combat climate change. Each country that agrees to the Paris Agreement must outline their plans for post-2020 climate change initiatives through what are known as Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDC’s. Since its genesis, 196 countries have joined the Paris Agreement.  

The Paris Agreement addresses all facets contributing to climate change, including the pursuit of efforts that will keep global temperatures from rising, taking all possible measures to minimize the impacts of climate change, as well as education, transparency, and global cooperation. 

There are eleven countries that have yet to join the Paris Agreement, including Iran, Iraq, Angola, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, South Sudan, Yemen, Oman, Eritrea, and Suriname. 

Combating climate change is ultimately a global effort. To see any kind of changes in the coming decades that will ensure the sustainability of our planet, all world leaders will need to work together to financially and economically follow through with the tasks laid out in the Paris Agreement and each NDC. Russia’s official commitment to fighting climate change comes not a moment too soon and we can hope that other countries may begin to do the same. 

Resources 

https://www.climatechangenews.com/2019/09/23/russia-formally-joins-paris-climate-agreement/ 

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/09/24/even-putin-is-now-worried-about-climate-change-a67404 

https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/what-is-the-paris-agreement 

Solar Microgrids in the Bahamas: What They Mean for the Future

The #Caribbean islands were recently battered by a hurricane, and they might end up becoming a place to test out #solar, shedding some light on what the future might hold when it comes to renewable power.

There is no doubt that climate change is changing our planet – stronger storms have hit us, seas are rising, ice is melting – even weather patterns are starting to shift. The islands are proving this – just look at Hurricane #Maria and Hurricane #Dorian and the damage they brought to Puerto Rico and the #Bahamas. But could these islands be part of the climate change movement? Where does solar power come into the picture? Keep reading about efforts being made to create and use solar microgrids.

Solar-Powered Microgrids

Solar-powered microgrids function as a renewable, clean way to provide power. Solar microgrids could transform the Caribbean so that it turns into a testing ground for clean #energy. There is a great deal of opportunity for islands to go solar.

The clean, solar effort is called the Islands Energy Program, and senior director at the place leading the effort (#Rocky Mountain Institute), #Justin Locke, discussed how islands have become climate change victims. The goal is to install new, innovative solar systems which will prove positive change can happen. Rocky Mountain Institute has been working for years on solar and other clean solutions in the Caribbean.

How Solar Could Benefit the Caribbean

In the Caribbean islands, electricity comes at a high cost. There is reliance on diesel fuel, which is imported, and energy costs up to four times more than it does elsewhere in the United States. Infrastructure has high costs. Solar power makes complete sense on a financial and practical level.

Locke discussed how the renewable, clean energy economy in this region – solar plus batteries – is equivalent if not less expensive than fossil fuels. So the Caribbean makes sense as a starting point in the universal, solar energy evolution.

Caribbean governments are taking action. At this point, approximately 225 megawatts of solar capacity has been installed on parking canopies, rooftops, and on land. And the quickest growing power source for numerous Caribbean islands is solar.

Solar Developments

Rocky Mountain Institute worked with the Bahamian government prior to Dorian happening to install a solar #microgrid to the tune of $2 million on #Ragged Island. This is a smaller island that experienced major power problems after #Hurricane Irma back in 2017.

Solar offers the opportunity to store energy while the sun is shining and it can work to distribute energy when skies are dark. As a matter of fact, a solar microgrid that consisted of both batteries and solar panels had the ability to produce 97 percent of the island’s power. The solar microgrid was made to be resistant to a hurricane – to be more precise, a Category 5 Hurricane, which is no easy feat as this is the strongest kind of hurricane. Not relying on fossil fuels is financially-savvy, and over the next five years, the expectation is that the solar, green upgrades will pay for themselves.

Remember the delay when it came to getting the power grid back online in Puerto Rico after Maria? This proves the benefits of dispersed green power. Distributed solar power would mean power comes back on with less of a delay – think, prior to the arrival of relief teams.

After Hurricane Dorian’s damaging path through the Bahamas this past summer, RMI has been asked by the nation’s government to assist in updating the power system. A 1-megawatt solar car park was installed prior to the storm in Nassau. RMI hopes that by adding stations to the solar infrastructure they can drive more investment in clean energy.

Dr. Hubert Minnis, Bahamas Prime Minister, discussed a vision to deliver first-rate clean energy technology. The goal is to generate 30 percent of power from clean energy sources, such as solar, by 2030, according to the Bahamian government.

RMI has plans to install a solar microgrid on Abaco, which is one of five islands that will benefit from a $2 million campaign to get rid of an outdated diesel fuel system and replace it with a solar friendly options. There is another campaign encouraging clean energy ono a smaller scale – the goal is to install solar for residences on Family Islands.

According to Locke, this is only the beginning. Keep following solar news to stay in the know about solar microgrids in the Bahamas!

Sources:

https://www.curbed.com/2019/9/26/20885164/hurricane-dorian-bahamas-solar-power-microgrid

https://microgridknowledge.com/microgrids-bahamas-dorian/