The Climate Minute

2014 from the Climate Hawk's Perspective - The Climate Minute Podcast

The year 2014 was hot, the climate movement became conscious of itself and saw new dimensions in a big world.

This year is likely to be the hottest year on record and one where climate change undeniably arrived in clear force.

The year will also be remembered as one where climate activism took center stage with lots of rabble-rousing. The President said  "Our citizens keep marching. We cannot pretend we do not hear them."  From EPA regulations to the Climate March, Climate Hawks were out in force. The KXL pipeline is in deep Presidential trouble because of activism. In NY, fracking was banned, and the polls approve. On top of all that, Kinder Morgan blinked in the face of local opposition.

The climate movement’s conception of itself changed in 2014 as well, not the least due to Naomi Klein's book "This Changes Everything".  Rebecca Solnit is getting lots of mileage out of a comparison of our times to the French Revolution. She says: “…physics is inevitable…Politics, on the other hand, is not inevitable.” In the same way, the #BlackLivesMatter movement is a big one for Climate Hawks. From a convergence of interests, to environmental justice to a simple realization that cities are a locus of climate opportunity, a new way of thinking was born.

The year also saw hopeful signs of an independent media as well as price parity for renewables, and a great window of opportunity for a carbon tax.

See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/12/31/2014-from-the-climate-hawks-perspective-the-climate-minute-podcast/

Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

To frack, or not to frack?- The Climate Minute Podcast

Things wrapped up in Lima at COP20 with an agreement that is either good or inadequate. However, Greenpeace apparently went too far and desecrated a famous archeological site in the Andes. This raises questions about the ‘cultural cluelessness’ of some activists. Take for example the on going discussion about the Black Lives movement, environmental  justice and Climate Hawks.

There was lots of activity on the energy-in-politics front, see
•    NY Guv Cuomo’s decision to ban fracking – did it all start in Dryden?
•    Senator McConnell’s plan to vote on KXL (and the 350.org response. )
•    Lobsterboat DA's mayoral win
•    A new carbon  proposal in the state of Washington
•    The President’s declaration on Bristol Bay
•    The collapse of the Russian ruble in part from low oil prices.  

Lots to think about, but remember, this is the  Winter Solstice , and longer days are coming.

See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/12/19/to-frack-or-not-to-frack-the-climate-minute-podcast/

Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

Poisoned Memories -The Climate Notes Podcast

D.R. Tucker says he's jealous of younger climate hawks, not only for having greater awareness on global warming than he did at their age, but also for being able to recognize frauds--something he couldn't do at their age.

See also:

http://web.archive.org/web/20120203170033/http://www.frumforum.com/remembering-talk-radios-best

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2014/12/09/keller-large-remembering-david-brudnoy/

http://archive.tobacco.org/news/104695.html

http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/map09a00/pdf?search=%22david%20brudnoy%22

http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/nap09a00

http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/jey54b00/pdf?search=%22david%20brudnoy%20tobacco%20institute%22

http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/qtt84b00/pdf

http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/zfa15b00/pdf?search=%22david%20brudnoy%20tobacco%20institute%22

Pipelines to Powerlines- The Climate Minute Podcast

As a leader in the fight against climate change, Massachusetts often has to deal with problems at the leading edge. Is a natural gas pipeline through the state a good idea? Is it wise to import hydro-power from Quebec in order to achieve our emissions goals?  We discuss these topics, along with a review of the proceedings down in Lima.

Kinder Morgan re-routes it’s controversial pipeline. We talk with Rich Cowan about what is happening on the front lines of the struggle. Better Futures Project’s Craig Altemouse provides a run  down of reasons to oppose  the pipeline on the Huffington Post. For even more info, check out the MA Pipeline Action Network . The next hearing on the low-demand scenario is scheduled for SDecember 18th.

The Globe’s Business Page gives a somewhat unclear discussion of the Hydro-Quebec question.  But the Op-Ed page has a simpler explanation. Alternatively, the State could save emissions by adjusting our thermostats or using tidal power.

In Peru, the COP20 in Lima has been on-going.  ThinkProgress gives an update ,  and DemocracyNow talks to Pablo Solon. If you do nothing else, watch John Kerry's remarkable speech.

Finally: Watch President Obama "dis" Keystone XL under Colbert's cold stare.

See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/12/12/pipelines-to-powerlines-the-climate-minute-podcast/

Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

The Turning Point -The Climate Notes Podcast

In the aftermath of the Eric Garner case, a number of right-wing media commentators have agreed with progressive commentators on the issue of police brutality. Could these talking heads ever agree with climate hawks on scientific reality?

See also:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/05/us/politics/anger-at-chokehold-death-crosses-political-lines.html
 
http://www.mediaite.com/online/concha-rare-consensus-across-cable-news-and-country-on-eric-garner/
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqLQd1UlM8c
 
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/oreilly-eric-garner-was-not-a-threat-police-clearly-overreacted/
 
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/george-w-bush-garner-grand-jury-decision-hard-to-understand/
 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2014/12/04/can-eric-garners-killing-get-liberals-and-conservatives-to-agree-on-police-reforms/
 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2014/12/05/bipartisan-support-for-federal-probe-into-eric-garner-killing/
 
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/eric-garner-police-brutality/
 
http://www.desmogblog.com/2014/12/05/george-shultz-reagan-s-secretary-state-climate-change-potential-results-are-catastrophic
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt0ot1LgXZQ
 
http://grist.org/climate-energy/why-the-awesome-climate-march-wont-change-american-politics/
 
http://grist.org/climate-energy/why-climate-hawks-are-on-the-left-like-it-or-not/
 
http://grist.org/politics/david-roberts-explains-postmodern-conservatism-in-36-tweets/
 
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/949rsrgi.asp

Check out the live links at:
http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/the-turning-point-the-climate-notes-podcast/

Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.

Boston, you’re my home-The Climate Minute Podcast

Congratulations to Boston!

Boston was recognized as a climate leader by the Obama Administration.  Here is an update from the Globe. City by city climate action could have big benefits.

Here is some background on the UN COP process, which will help clarify what is happening in Lima. You can read additional reports from the NYT,  Bloomberg  and the Guardian

What is a Climate Hawk to think of falling gas prices.? Here is something to consider.
Alan Sorkin addresses  climate change on his TV show, or does he?
When commentators discuss how much carbon can be emitted, things can get confusing. This link has a discussion of the global carbon budget.

If you want to hear the original version of the Standell’s 1970’s hit “Dirty water”, go here. It is a Bostonian anthem.

See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/12/05/boston-youre-my-home-the-climate-minute-podcast/

Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

Pump It Up! -The Climate Notes Podcast

Berkeley, California moves to place climate-change warning labels at gas stations—and some people aren’t too happy about it.

See also:
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Berkeley-City-Council-Votes-to-Move-Forward-With-Global-Warming-Alert-Caution-Labels-at-Gas-Pumps-283231261.html
 
http://www.sltrib.com/home/1846777-155/gas-labels-berkeley-climate-consumers-oks
 
http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/international-news/125248-city-orders-petrol-pumps-to-carry-climate-change-warnings.html
 
http://www.newsadvance.com/news/national/wire/city-oks-plan-for-gas-pump-climate-change-labels/article_8197c648-e26b-57ed-8e22-f66db9afe79e.html

The American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act: The Climate Hawk's Companion

Recently, US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, after giving  seventy nine speeches on the floor, dedicated an eightieth speech to his proposed Act of Congress, the American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act.  Our panel of thoughtful Climate Hawks discusses the bill and it’s implications.

In his speech, the Senator said:
“It’s that simple.  Make the polluters pay the full costs of their products.  Level the playing field for other forms of energy like wind and solar to fairly compete.  Keep the fee mechanism simple.  Maintain a border adjustment that keeps American goods competitive.
On the flip side, the carbon fee will generate significant new federal revenue.  The technicians are still working on the official revenue estimate for the bill, but it should be at least $1.5 trillion, and perhaps more than $2 trillion, over the first decade.  Whatever the exact number is, all of it should be returned to the American people.”

(Warning! The next sentences are full of important but obscure words. Click the links to learn more about each.) Senator Whitehouse’s bill would remedy a market failure caused by negative externalities in the use of fossil fuels. It would provide this remedy by imposing a price on carbon , essentially a fee on each barrel of oil or coal. The amount of the fee will be determined by the calculation of the social cost of carbon , which estimates the cost of the damage caused by burning the fuel. The fees would be revenue neutral , generating up to two trillion dollars over the next decade, which would all be returned to each citizen.



Here are some other interesting links:

http://citizensclimatelobby.org/

http://www.remi.com/carbon-tax-study

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/iowa-view/2014/10/04/richard-doax-climate-change/16747421/

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/11/19/3594242/sheldon-whitehouse-carbon-tax/
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/11/19/3594242/sheldon-whitehouse-carbon-tax/

http://www.carbontax.org/blogarchives/2014/11/19/new-senate-bill-would-build-polluter-pays-principle-into-climate-action/
See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/11/28/the-american-opportunity-carbon-fee-act-the-climate-hawks-companion/

Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

Local, National and Global Progress-The Climate Minute Podcast

There was lots of climate news this week, from local to national to international issues. We check them all out!

Last Saturday, activist met in Fitchburg to discuss the proposed Kinder-Morgan pipeline. For details and other links, check out this report from the Berkshire Edge.
 
Here in Massachusetts, we have the ‘Global Warming Solutions Act’ that commits the state to lower carbon emissions. A great organization,  Mothers Out Front , has been rallying to ask the Governor to take more steps in this direction. Check out their website to switch to clean energy yourself. We chat with Co-director Vanessa Rule about what is going on!

Over at Tufts University, there will be a conference this weekend entitled Restoring Ecosystems to Reverse Global Warming . The attendees will discuss “The exceptional potential of the biosphere to address all of our current emissions, as well as to remove the 125 parts per million of excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.”

“If you can’t explain your opponent’s argument, you cannot explain your own.” Down in DC, the Senate rejected a KXL approval measure. But the real question is why are 'conservatives' fixated on fossil fuels?  Here is a discussion of  West Virginia as a resource colony. The Boston Globe suggests compromise , but letter writers are  fed-up.

In the wider world, due to the US commitment of $3 billion dollars, a UN clean energy fund is closing in on it's goal.  In addition, the recent US-China agreement on emissions target suddenly has transformed into real work in China to cap coal usage.

See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/11/20/local-national-and-global-progress-the-climate-minute-podcast/

Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

Dialing down denial-The Climate Notes Podcast

A former Clear Channel radio executive says right-wing talk radio is on the downfall. This is very good news for climate hawks.

See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/11/14/breakthrough-in-china-the-climate-minute-podcast/

Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/11/16/dialing-down-denial-the-climate-notes-podcast/

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre