“Pope, Tutu urge climate-change deal”
Pope Benedict XVI and Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, called on world leaders to meaningfully address climate change at the coming negotiations in Durban. Pope Benedict told Romans that he “hope[s] all members of the international community will agree on a responsible, credible and united response to this worrying and complex phenomenon.” Rowan Williams urged leaders to show “real moral leadership.” He also urged rich nations to clearly detail how pledges for the Green Climate Fund will be fulfilled. Nobel Peace laureate Desmond Tutu called climate change a “huge, huge enemy” and noted how “no country can fight that enemy on his own.” (November 28, 2011)
“At Meeting on Climate Change, Urgent Issues but Low Expectations”
This New York Times article begins, “[w]ith intensifying climate disasters and global economic turmoil as the backdrop, delegates from 194 nations will gather in Durban, South Africa, starting Monday to try to advance, if only incrementally, the world’s response to dangerous climate change.” The article addresses the “monotonously familiar” negotiation process of international climate negotiations, but notes that the process is being internally criticized. Poorer nations risk being marginalized at the negotiations, and are keen to establish a meaningful presence at the meetings. The article also addresses the Kyoto Protocol issue, namely whether the international community will agree to extend the agreement. (November 27, 2011)
“Renewable Power Trumps Fossils for First Time as UN Talks Stall”
The title of this article is somewhat misleading. The key statistic is that renewable energy power-plant investments have surpassed fossil fuel power-plant investments. Wind, solar, biomass, and other renewable sources of energy drew about $187 billion in investments in 2010, as compared to roughly $157 billion for natural gas, oil, and coal. The data come from Bloomberg New Energy Finance. The article discusses the subsidies that encouraged this “boom.” (November 25, 2011)
“Denmark Aiming for 100% Renewable Energy by 2050”
Denmark’s latest renewable energy target proposals envision wind power supplying about half of total electricity supply by 2020, and a comprehensive renewable energy mix providing 100% of total energy supply by 2050. Wind power currently accounts for 20% of Denmark’s electricity supply, and coal accounts for about 44%. Minister for Climate, Energy, and Building Martin Lidegaard commented: “This is an historical effort to become even better at saving energy and create an even more competitive and energy-effective company culture in Denmark, also for households.” (November 27, 2011)
Brookings Institution: “Thoughts on a Carbon Tax”
This paper by Adele Morris addresses the economic benefits and political challenges of implementing a carbon tax. Morris supports the broad “canonical carbon tax” and suggests embedding the tax into broader climate policy goals. Morris also addresses the political hurdles that face carbon tax implementation. In the paper’s abstract, Morris notes that “[d]espite the strong economic case, the political challenges to a carbon tax are many, and they aren’t just from anti-tax Republicans who don’t believe in the science of climate change. Some of the headwind to a carbon tax derives from tepid enthusiasm from Democrats and the environmental community.” (November 7, 2011)
“Durban prepares to host the world”
This article outlines the major challenges the city of Durban has faced in hosting the United Nations’ 17th Conference of the Parties (COP-17). Durban is poised to host thousands of delegates and other interested parties in connection with COP-17. The South African city has some experience in hosting large events: the World Cup of 2010 was partially hosted by the city. But there are several key differences. First, the budget for COP-17 is “less than 1% of the World Cup,” says Sue Bannister, acting head of the eThekwini municipality’s Strategic Projects Unit. And second, COP-17 visitors will stay for roughly two weeks in the city, whereas World Cup visitors left quickly after a game ended. (November 21, 2011)
Vestas: Three orders for nearly 200 MW (WA, ME, MI)
Vestas recently received orders for a total of 198 MW in the USA. These projects include: (1) a 104.4-MW Palouse Wind project in Whitman County, Washington; (2) a 34.2-MW Bull Hill wind power plant in Hancock County, Maine; and (3) a 59 MW order from Exelon Wind for the Harvest II Wind Project in Huron County, Michigan. (November 15 & 22, 2011)
For the press releases, see:
“(Arizona) Wind farm nears completion”
The Perrin Ranch Wind Energy Project, located in Coconino County, Arizona, is set to be completed by the end of 2011. The project is part of a comprehensive effort by the Arizona Public Service (APS) to comply with state regulations requiring a 10% renewable energy portfolio by 2015. The project has a capacity of 99 MW, and cost roughly $200 million. (November 16, 2011)
