Climate Rochester NewsLinks - Rochester, NY area

RochesterEnvironment.com

These NewsLinks represent a decade of ferreting out local online NewsLinks to the issue of Climate Change in our area.

The more recent stories are on the top and oldest at the bottom of this list. Looking for something specific. Use Control + F and search for it on this page.

And, although many of these links no longer work, I believe that it is important to be able to find that these stories have existed for ferreting out existing or impending environmental problems. The repercussions of pollution or overuse of a resource often takes a long time for us to recognize and when we finally do, it is invaluable to be able to track the history of various issues before they found a tipping point and became a crisis. Students, scientists, historians, and citizens alike should benefit from being able to follow the thread of an issue back through time.

2110

Great Lakes: How do Great Lakes factor into climate change equation? - chicagotribune.com Harvey Bootsma, a researcher at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has been using the Lake Express ferry as a mobile laboratory since 2006 to tackle an unresolved question: Do the Great Lakes soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the way forests do? Or do they behave "like we do," as Bootsma puts it, by exhaling it? Finding the answer would not only shed light on the lakes' ecosystems but contribute to our understanding of climate change. Scientists say carbon dioxide released through fossil fuel burning contributes to global warming. Carbon sinks — vast natural structures like forests and oceans — can slow the buildup by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air. (August 16, 2010) Chicago Tribune breaking news, sports, weather and traffic in Chicago - chicagotribune.com [more on Climate Change in our area]
Lake Superior surface waters are warmest on record | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota Surface waters of Lake Superior recorded at three buoys across the lake this week reached their highest average temperature in the 31 years records have been kept. Surface waters of Lake Superior recorded at three buoys across the lake this week reached their highest average temperature in the 31 years records have been kept. The water temperature Tuesday hit 68.3 degrees at a time of year it should be about 55, topping the previous record of 68 degrees set during the strong El Nino summer of 1998. (August 13, 2010) Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota [more on Climate Change in our area]
NRDC: Climate Change, Water, and Risk Current Water Demands Are Not Sustainable | Climate change will have a significant impact on the sustainability of water supplies in the coming decades. A new analysis, performed by consulting firm Tetra Tech for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), examined the effects of global warming on water supply and demand in the contiguous United States. The study found that more than 1,100 counties -- one-third of all counties in the lower 48 -- will face higher risks of water shortages by mid-century as the result of global warming. More than 400 of these counties will face extremely high risks of water shortages (July 29, 2010) [more on Climate Change in our area]
07/29/2010: EPA Rejects Claims of Flawed Climate Science WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today denied 10 petitions challenging its 2009 determination that climate change is real, is occurring due to emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities, and threatens human health and the environment. The petitions to reconsider EPA’s Endangerment Finding claim that climate science cannot be trusted, and assert a conspiracy that invalidates the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and the U.S. Global Change Research Program. After months of serious consideration of the petitions and of the state of climate change science, EPA finds no evidence to support these claims. In contrast, EPA’s review shows that climate science is credible, compelling, and growing stronger. (July 29, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Climate Change in our area]
Warmer water cause for alarm? | freep.com | Detroit Free Press But there have been some other recent developments that should scare us even more than the Asian carp threat and make all the Great Lakes states, plus Ontario and Quebec, work in concert. One is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report that Lake Superior is warming this year at an incredible rate and may exceed record temperatures set in 1998. And if Superior is warming, the other lakes also are heating up. (July 25, 2010) freep.com | Detroit Free Press | Detroit news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Detroit, MI [more on Climate Change in our area]
ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO LEADS 13-STATE COALITION TO DEFEND THE FIRST-EVER LIMITS ON GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION FROM FACILITIES LIKE POWER PLANTS AND OIL REFINERIES NEW YORK, N.Y. (July 22, 2010) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a 13-state coalition has filed a motion in Washington, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals defending a new environmental regulation limiting greenhouse gases. Starting in January 2011, pollution control requirements under the federal Clean Air Act will apply for the first time to new or modified facilities that emit global warming pollution. A new rule from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses these requirements on the largest facilities, such as power plants, cement kilns, and oil refineries. These large facilities account for 70 percent of the greenhouse gases from stationary sources. (July 22, 2010)Official website of THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO [more on Climate Change in our area]
Great Lakes warm up, may hit new highs | detnews.com | The Detroit News Each of the Great Lakes is registering temperatures that are well above normal for this time of year, the result of a shortened winter season and a hot spring. And those warmer waters are impacting the region in a variety of ways -- from throwing off the spawning of native fish species to hurting some businesses that make a living off the waters. In other instances, the temperatures are seen as a welcome change. (July 23, 2010) The Detroit News | detnews.com | Monday, July 26, 2010 | News, sports, features, blogs, photos and forums from Detroit and Michigan [more on Climate Change in our area]
Global temperatures rise to record levels The world is enduring the hottest year on record, according to a US national weather analysis, causing droughts worldwide and a concern for US farmers counting on another bumper year. For the first six months of the year, 2010 has been warmer than the first half of 1998, the previous record holder, by 0.03 degree Fahrenheit, said Jay Lawrimore, chief of climate analysis at the federal National Climatic Data Center. (July 13, 2010) Sydney Morning Herald - Business & World News Australia | smh.com.au [more on Climate Change in our area]
Lake Superior, a Huge Natural Climate Change Gauge, Is Running a Fever - NYTimes.com The Great Lakes are feeling the heat from climate change. As the world's largest freshwater system warms, it is poised to systematically alter life for local wildlife and the tribes that depend on it, according to regional experts. And the warming could also provide a glimpse of what is happening on a more global level, they say. "The Great Lakes in a lot of ways have always been a canary in the coal mine," Cameron Davis, the senior adviser to the U.S. EPA on the Great Lakes, said last week. "Not just for the region or this country, but for the rest of the world." (July 19, 2010) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Climate Change in our area]
SPECIAL REPORT: Researchers study impact of climate change on local fish | WSBT - News, Weather, Sports South Bend | Local News Since April, Purdue researchers have been catching fish in their larval stage along the Michigan shoreline to better understand the potential impacts climate change could have on their developmental processes. (July 8, 2010) WSBT - News, Weather, Sports South Bend [more on Climate Change in our area]
Public Invited to Meeting on State Climate Action Plan - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Plan Focuses on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Adapting to Climate Change The New York State Climate Action Council will hold a public meeting at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 8, to provide an update on the development of the State Climate Action Plan. The meeting will be held at the NYS Public Service Commission, 90 Church Street, 4th Floor, Manhattan. Staff from the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will describe the process the Climate Action Council is using to develop the plan, environmental justice considerations that have been identified to date and preliminary recommendations. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and express comments. (June 30, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Climate Change in our area]
Screenings planned for 'Carbon Nation' | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal Public screenings of the new documentary Film "Carbon Nation," which examines how to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and live more sustainably, are planned for 7 p.m. July 14 at the Unitarian Church, 306 N. Aurora St. and is 7 p.m. July 27 at the Harvest Cafe, 224 W. Main St. in Montour Falls. There will be no admission fee, although donations to help cover screening costs are appreciated. (June 28, 2010) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY [more on Climate Change in our area]
Climate change could affect marine infrastructure - CTV News The federal government is trying to come up with ways to protect millions of dollars worth of vulnerable infrastructure and coastline, years after it was urged to adapt to the effects of climate change. (June 13, 2010) CTV News - Canada and World News, Breaking News, Headlines, Business, Entertainment, Sports, Health, Politics and more [more on Climate Change in our area]
06/14/2010: EPA Awards Half a Million Dollars to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Pollution in Central New York (Syracuse, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided a half million dollar grant to the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board to fund a project designed to reduce greenhouse gas pollution in Central New York, including Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego Counties. During each of the next three years, the planning board will select three communities within Central New York to participate in its project, called the Central New York Climate Change Innovation program. The winning local communities will receive sub-grants from the Central New York Planning and Development Board to develop plans to retrofit vehicles, buildings and other equipment to make them energy efficient; introduce alternative-fuel vehicles and fueling systems; reduce the miles their fleets travel; and conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects. They will also consider how their city planning and land use policies can become more sustainable. Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board’s greenhouse gas reduction program is one of only twenty-five projects in the entire nation to receive funding as part of EPA’s $10 million competitive grant Climate Showcase Communities program. (June 14, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Climate Change in our area]
06/08/2010: EPA announces $10 million for Communities to Combat Climate Change WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making available up to $10 million in grants to local governments to establish and carry out initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under the Climate Showcase Communities program, EPA expects to award approximately 25 cooperative agreements ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, with approximately five percent of the funds ($500,000) being made available specifically for tribal governments. (June 8, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Climate Change in our area]
The American Power Act A New Start for Clean American Power and a New Economy The American Power Act will transform our economy, set us on the path toward energy independence and improve the quality of the air we breathe. It will create millions of good jobs that cannot be shipped abroad and it will launch America into a position of leadership in the global clean energy economy. (May 14, 2010)Welcome to Massachusetts Senator John Kerry's Online Office :: Home Page [more on Climate Change in our area]
05/06/2010: North America Collaborates to Reduce and Replace Potent Greenhouse Gases WASHINGTON - Canada and Mexico have joined the United States in proposing to expand the scope of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer to fight climate change. The proposal would phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are a significant and rapidly growing contributor to climate change. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) led the analysis in the proposal, which demonstrates environmental benefits equal to removing greenhouse gas emissions from 59 million passenger cars each year through 2020, and 420 million cars each year through 2050. Reducing HFCs would help slow climate change and curb potential public health impacts. (May 6, 20100) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Climate Change in our area]
DEC chief cites progress, warns of threats to Lake Erie : City & Region : The Buffalo News Lake Erie has seen great progress since it was declared "dead" decades ago, but it still faces threats from old pollutants, invasive species and climate change. (April 22, 2010) The Buffalo News [more on Climate Change in our area]
04/16/2010: EPA to Hold Public Hearings on Additions to Greenhouse Gas Reporting Requirements WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold two public hearings on proposals to add reporting requirements for certain emissions source categories under the national mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting system. The hearing on April 19 will cover GHGs from fugitive and vented emissions from the petroleum and natural gas industry. The hearing will also cover reporting from facilities that inject carbon dioxide underground for the purposes of geologic sequestration or enhanced oil and gas recovery. The April 20 hearing will focus on the part of the proposal requiring emissions reporting from industries that emit fluorinated gases. (April 16, 2010) US Environmental Protection Agency [more on Climate Change in our area]
US climate bill weak for N.E., critics say - The Boston Globe Fear losing gains from states’ pact Climate and energy legislation being crafted in Washington could dismantle a landmark program to curb greenhouse gases in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states and replace it with a less flexible and weaker federal plan, according to New England officials. (April 9, 2010) Boston.com [more on Climate Change in our area]
U.S. Bid to Combat Climate Change Starts with Cars and Trucks: Scientific American The first national regulations to cut greenhouse gas emissions aim to reduce fuel consumption in vehicles | The nation's first mandatory attempt to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions is now a fact—and it will show up in a driveway near you in 2012. (April 1, 2010) Science News, Articles and Information | Scientific American [more on Climate Change in our area]
Climate Change Imperils the State of the Planet--Will the World Act?: Scientific American NEW YORK CITY—More than 100 countries have signed on to the Copenhagen Accord—the nonbinding agreement to combat climate change hastily agreed to this past December at a summit of world leaders. As signatories, the countries agree to cut greenhouse gas emissions to keep global average temperatures from warming more than 2 degrees Celsius. The countries that have signed up to date represent more than 80 percent of the global emissions of such heat-trapping gases. (March 26, 2010) [more on Climate Change]
Tracing the Demise of Cap and Trade - NYTimes.com WASHINGTON — Less than a year ago, cap and trade was the policy of choice for tackling climate change. Environmental groups and their foes in industry joined hands to embrace the approach, a market-driven system that sets a ceiling on global warming pollution while allowing companies to trade permits to meet it. President Obama praised it by name in his first budget, and the authors of the House climate and energy bill passed last June largely built their measure around it. (March 25, 2010) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Climate Change in our area]
Our climate is changing - Niagara Falls Review - Ontario, CA Ryan Plummer is thinking beyond the causes of climate change. To be clear, the Brock University researcher still thinks cutting greenhouse gas emissions is important -- but so is preparing for the consequences of a warming planet. "To be blunt, if we stopped all emissions tomorrow, we'd still have to deal with climate change," said Plummer, an associate professor in the department of tourism and environment. "Thinking through what climate change might mean for us, and how we can adapt in a proactive way, is absolutely critical." (March 29, 2010) Niagara Falls Review - Ontario, CA [more on Climate Change in our area]
Cornell Chronicle: Climate-change impacts worse than thought The world's policymakers have underestimated the potential dangerous impacts that man-made climate change will have on society, said Charles H. Greene, Cornell professor of earth and atmospheric sciences. (March 22, 2010) Cornell Chronicle Online [more on Climate Change in our area]
Cornell Chronicle: Songbirds adapt to human-driven forest changes Can species quickly evolve when humans rapidly change their habitats? The answer, in some cases, is yes. A new study of North American songbirds finds that major changes in wing shape have occurred over the last 100 years in response to human-driven forest changes. (march 9, 2010) Cornell Chronicle Online [more on Wildlife in our area]
BBC - Earth News - Climate change 'makes birds shrink' in North America Songbirds in the US are getting smaller, and climate change is suspected as the cause. A study of almost half a million birds, belonging to over 100 species, shows that many are gradually becoming lighter and growing shorter wings. (March 12. 2010) BBC - Homepage [More on Climate Change in our area]
2010 Report: Climate Change — News Release Secretary Salazar Releases New “State of the Birds” Report Showing Climate Change Threatens Hundreds of Species Austin, TX–Climate change threatens to further imperil hundreds of species of migratory birds, already under stress from habitat loss, invasive species and other environmental threats, a new report released today by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar concludes. The State of the Birds: 2010 Report on Climate Change, follows a comprehensive report released a year ago showing that that nearly a third of the nation's 800 bird species are endangered, threatened or in significant decline. (March 11, 2010) 2010 Report: Climate Change — Report on Climate Change [more on Climate Change in our area]
Massive water crisis looming - The Cornwall Standard Freeholder - Ontario, CA Barring a huge worldwide reduction in fossil fuel use, global warming could pose massive environmental challenges on the St. Lawrence River ecosystem within 50 years or less. The river could drop one metre as the Great Lakes basin receives less precipitation--one of the expected fallouts from cli-mat e change, said Jeff Ridal, executive director of St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences. (March 12, 2010) The Cornwall Standard Freeholder - Ontario, CA [more on Climate Change in our area]
Invasive Plants Move North Fall foliage is the veritable trademark of the Northeast. Families flock from around the world to take in the natural splendor. Imagine autumn in New England without its distinctive palette - choked out by a dense labyrinth of invasive vines. This nightmare may become a reality in the near future if current climate trends continue, increasing the threat of invasive plant species to the Northeast Region. (February 18, 2010) Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [Climate Change in our area]
Climate Progress » Science stunner: Vast East Siberian Arctic Shelf methane stores destabilizing and venting NSF issues world a wake-up call: "Release of even a fraction of the methane stored in the shelf could trigger abrupt climate warming.” Methane release from the not-so-perma-frost is the most dangerous amplifying feedback in the entire carbon cycle. Research published in Friday’s journal Science finds a key “lid” on “the large sub-sea permafrost carbon reservoir” near Eastern Siberia “is clearly perforated, and sedimentary CH4 [methane] is escaping to the atmosphere.” (March 4, 2010) Climate Progress [more on Climate Change in our area]
Top Scientists Affirm Consensus on Global Warming SAN DIEGO, California, February 20, 2010 (ENS) - A panel of eminent U.S. and European scientists has confirmed the widespread scientific consensus that the Earth's climate is warming due to human activities, but said they and their colleagues should have responded more quickly and effectively to news of an error in a major climate report and hacked researcher e-mails. In a symposium Friday at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement Science, AAAS, the scientific leaders acknowledged errors in a 2007 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and possibly impolitic email exchanges by East Anglian University climate researchers. (February 20, 2010) Environment News Service [more on Climate Change in our area]
An Ominous Warning on the Effects of Ocean Acidification by Carl Zimmer: Yale Environment 360 A new study says the seas are acidifying ten times faster today than 55 million years ago when a mass extinction of marine species occurred. And, the study concludes, current changes in ocean chemistry due to the burning of fossil fuels may portend a new wave of die-offs. (February 15, 2010) Yale Environment 360 [more on Climate Change in our area] An Ominous Warning on the Effects of Ocean Acidification by Carl Zimmer: Yale Environment 360 A new study says the seas are acidifying ten times faster today than 55 million years ago when a mass extinction of marine species occurred. And, the study concludes, current changes in ocean chemistry due to the burning of fossil fuels may portend a new wave of die-offs. (February 15, 2010) Yale Environment 360 [more on Climate Change in our area]
Arcuri says he's 'not convinced' on cap and trade | He favors eco-friendly policies instead GENEVA — Cap-and-trade legislation intended to protect the environment could instead hurt local businesses, Rep. Michael Arcuri said yesterday during a visit to Guardian Glass. (February 17, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Climate Change in our area]
Governments Confirm Climate Accord Pledges, No New Commitments BONN, Germany, February 8, 2010 - The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has received national pledges to cut and limit greenhouse gases by 2020 from 55 countries, including China and the United States that together account for 78 percent of global emissions from energy use. The national pledges were required under the Copenhagen Accord agreed at the climate change talks in Copenhagen in December. The pledges were made for the period after the end of 2012 when the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol emissions targets expires. (February 11, 2010) Environment News Service [more on Climate Change]
NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Commerce Department Proposes Establishment of NOAA Climate Service New office would target nation’s fast-accelerating climate information needs NOAA launches www.climate.gov as portal for climate science and services February 8, 2010 Individuals and decision-makers across widely diverse sectors – from agriculture to energy to transportation – increasingly are asking NOAA for information about climate change in order to make the best choices for their families, communities and businesses. To meet the rising tide of these requests, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced the intent to create a NOAA Climate Service line office dedicated to bringing together the agency’s strong climate science and service delivery capabilities. (February 8, 2010) NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [more on Climate Change in our area]
Arctic climate changing faster than expected | Reuters WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) - Climate change is transforming the Arctic environment faster than expected and accelerating the disappearance of sea ice, scientists said on Friday in giving their early findings from the biggest-ever study of Canada's changing north. (February 7, 2010) Business & Financial News, Breaking US & International News | Reuters.com [more on Climate Change in our area]
Obama wants fed government emissions cut 28% | detnews.com | The Detroit News Washington -- Saying he wants to lead by example on global warming, President Barack Obama on Friday directed the federal government to reduce its emissions of heat-trapping gases 28 percent in the next decade -- a goal that exceeds targets for the country as a whole. From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100129/POLITICS03/1290433/1448/LIFESTYLE14/Obama-wants-fed-government-emissions-cut-28-#ixzz0eNp1rez1 (January 29, 2010) http://www.detnews.com/ [more on Climate Change in our area]
Study: Global warming means wacky weather near Great Lakes In coming years, global warming will have a bizarre, seemingly incongruous impact on winters here in the Great Lakes region: shorter, milder cold seasons coupled with bigger winter storms. That is the consensus among researchers involved in a National Wildlife study titled "Oddball Winter Weather: Global Warming's Wake-up Call for the Northern United States." (January 30, 2010) [more on Great Lakes in our area]
GOVERNOR PATERSON DETAILS PROCESS FOR DEVELOPING NEW YORK STATE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN Governor David A. Paterson today outlined his initiative to develop an extensive plan that will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas pollution while also building New York's clean energy economy. The multi-faceted effort is driven by Executive Order No. 24, which the Governor issued last August and sets a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in New York State by 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. (January 21, 2010) Press Releases [more on Climate Change]
Nations stick to CO2 goals before January deadline | Reuters OSLO (Reuters) - The world is showing only lukewarm enthusiasm for a "Copenhagen Accord" to curb climate change, with no sign so far of deeper-than-planned 2020 curbs on greenhouse gas emissions before a January 31 deadline. (January 22, 2010) Business & Financial News, Breaking US & International News | Reuters.com [more on Climate Change]
Past Decade Warmest Ever, NASA Data Shows - NYTimes.com WASHINGTON — The decade ending in 2009 was the warmest on record, new surface temperature figures released Thursday by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration show. (January 21, 2010) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Climate Change in our area]
Past decade the hottest on record | Grist The first decade of the twenty-first century was the hottest since recordkeeping began in 1880. With an average global temperature of 14.52 degrees C (58.1 degrees F), this decade was 0.2 degrees C (0.36 degrees F) warmer than any previous decade. The year 2005 was the hottest on record, while 2007 and 2009 tied for second hottest. In fact, 9 of the 10 warmest years on record occurred in the past decade. (January 14, 2010) Grist | Environmental News, Commentary, Advice [more on Climate Change)
BBC News - Methane release 'looks stronger' Scientists have uncovered what appears to be a further dramatic increase in the leakage of methane gas that is seeping from the Arctic seabed. Methane is about 20 times more potent than CO2 in trapping solar heat. (January 6, 2010) BBC - Homepage [more on Climate Change]

2009

Hobart student delves into climate change issues GENEVA — A trip this month to Copenhagen, Denmark, gave one Hobart College senior some expert opinions on international policy and lightbulbs. (December 31, 09) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Climate Change in our area]
BBC News - Climate summit: Where's the beef? He came. He did a quick deal. He left. That was how US President Barack Obama intervened in the global warming conference in Copenhagen and whether he saved it from total deadlock or condemned it to issuing a powerless piece of paper depends on your point of view. So the result was a political commitment not a treaty one. (December 19, 09) BBC - Homepage [more on Climate Change]
Climate change blamed for Great Lakes decline - The Globe and Mail Canadian-U.S. study attributes discernible drop in water levels in Huron and Michigan to drier weather (December 17, 09)News from Canada and the world - The Globe and Mail [more on Climate Change in our area]
Climate Talks Near Deal to Save Forests - NYTimes.com COPENHAGEN — Negotiators have all but completed a sweeping deal that would compensate countries for preserving forests, and in some cases, other natural landscapes like peat soils, swamps and fields that play a crucial role in curbing climate change. (December 15, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Climate Change in our area]
N.Y. lawmakers differ on prospects for climate change legislation | pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's plan to tell an international conference on climate change that the U.S. will aid efforts to control global warming comes as prospects dim for turning that commitment into law, members of New York's congressional delegation say. (December 12, 09) pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin | Binghamton news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Binghamton, New York [more on Climate Change in our area]
Readers are closely split on climate change issue | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information By a narrow margin, respondents to this week’s RBJ Daily Report Snap Poll say they do not think climate change is a serious global problem that needs to be addressed now. (December 11, 09) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Climate Change in our area]
Tough bargaining still ahead at UN climate talks - COP15 United Nations Climate Change Conference Copenhagen 2009 After one week of UN-led climate negotiations in Copenhagen, some money is finally on the table and a draft agreement has been circulated. Now the really hard bargaining begins. The draft proposal was sent around Friday to the 192-nation conference, although it set no firm figures on financing or cutting greenhouse gas emissions. And the negotiations on sharing the burden are likely to still go down to the wire and await the arrival of the world's leaders next week. (December 12, 09) Home - COP15 United Nations Climate Change Conference Copenhagen 2009 [more on Climate Change in our area]
U.S. sees robust climate talks, no reparations | Reuters COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's top aides promised on Wednesday "robust" negotiations toward a global climate change deal this month, but firmly stated the United States does not owe the world "reparations" for centuries of carbon pollution. (December 10, 09) Business & Financial News, Breaking US & International News | Reuters.com [more on Climate change]
Poll: We'll pay to avert climate change if it creates jobs | McClatchy WASHINGTON — As President Barack Obama prepares to attend a world summit on climate change, a majority of Americans are willing to pay more for a solution only if it would create "green" jobs in the United States, according to a McClatchy-Ipsos poll released Wednesday. (December 9, 09)McClatchy | Homepage [more on Climate Change]
EPA official asserts greenhouse gases a danger, vows action | WASHINGTON - As representatives from 192 countries began the world's most historic climate talks in Copenhagen yesterday, Lisa Jackson, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator, stole the show on the west side of the Atlantic Ocean when she declared greenhouse gases a threat to "the public health and welfare of the American people" at a news conference in Washington. (December 8, 09) http://toledoblade.com/home [more on Climate Change]
Global Warming Is Not Slowing, Report Says - NYTimes.com COPENHAGEN — Despite recent fluctuations in global temperature year to year, which fueled claims of global cooling, a sustained global warming trend shows no signs of ending, according to new analysis by the World Meteorological Organization made public on Tuesday. (December 8, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Climate Change in our area]
12/07/2009: EPA: Greenhouse Gases Threaten Public Health and the Environment / Science overwhelmingly shows greenhouse gas concentrations at unprecedented levels due to human activity EPA: Greenhouse Gases Threaten Public Health and the Environment Science overwhelmingly shows greenhouse gas concentrations at unprecedented levels due to human activity WASHINGTON – After a thorough examination of the scientific evidence and careful consideration of public comments, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that greenhouse gases (GHGs) threaten the public health and welfare of the American people. EPA also finds that GHG emissions from on-road vehicles contribute to that threat. (December 7, 09) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Climate Change in our area]
Bill McKibben: Why Politics-As-Usual May Mean the End of Civilization Most political arguments don’t really have a right and a wrong, no matter how passionately they’re argued. They’re about human preferences -- for more health care or lower taxes, for a war to secure some particular end or a peace that leaves some danger intact. On occasion, there are clear-cut moral issues: the rights of minorities or women to a full share in public life, say; but usually even those of us most passionate about human affairs (December 6, 09) Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post [more on Climate Change]
Countdown to Copenhagen: The 'people's summit' - Climate Change, Environment - The Independent Seven days to go: It's not just world leaders who will be gathering in Denmark next week. Environmental activists will be there too | Only seven days to go now, in the Countdown to Copenhagen – one week until 192 nations come together to try to negotiate a new international climate treaty that will allow the world to deal with the potentially catastrophic threat of global warming. (November 30, 09) The Independent | News | UK and Worldwide News | Newspaper [more on Climate Change]
The Copenhagen Diagnosis The Copenhagen Diagnosis: Climate Science Report It is more than three years since the drafting of text was completed for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). In the meantime, many hundreds of papers have been published on a suite of topics related to human-induced climate change. The purpose of this report is to synthesize the most policy-relevant climate science published since the close-off of material for the last IPCC report. The rationale is two-fold. (November 29, 09) The Copenhagen Diagnosis [more on Climate Change in our area]
Cornell Chronicle: Professors brief Congress on carbon offsets By sequestering carbon, farmers and other land managers could earn and sell carbon credits. This revenue could provide incentives for best management practices and buffer such land managers from rising fossil fuel costs that may arise from new energy and carbon policies, asserted two Cornell professors in Congressional briefings Nov. 18-19. (November 24, 09) Cornell Center for a Sustainable Future - News [more on Climate Change in our area]
NYSGS to play key role in national geothermal energy search ALBANY - As part of a nationwide project to identify and assess new sources of renewable geothermal energy that could help mitigate global warming, the New York State Geological Survey (NYSGS) has received a $280,000 federal grant to collect data that will help scientists to better understand the potential for geothermal resources in New York State. (November 26, 09) New York State News on the Net! [more on Climate Change in our area]
Corporate America Prepares, and Braces, for Emissions Rules - NYTimes.com The nation’s corporations have long been bracing for the day when they would be required to carry out sharp cuts in the emissions that cause global warming. That day seemed to move a bit closer on Wednesday, when President Obama outlined a national target for such reductions. (November 26, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Climate Change in our area]
ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH AES TO DISCLOSE CLIMATE CHANGE RISKS TO INVESTORS Latest agreement in Cuomo’s disclosure initiative requires AES to fully detail financial liabilities posed by regulation of global warming pollution NEW YORK, N.Y. (November 19, 2009) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced an agreement that requires the AES Corporation (AES) - a global energy company operating in 29 countries with annual revenues exceeding $16 billion - to disclose timely and relevant information to investors about financial risks associated with the production of global warming pollution. (November 19, 09) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO [more on Climate Change in our area]
Yale Environment 360: East Antarctic Ice Sheet Appears to Be Melting Faster, Study Says East Antarctica’s massive ice sheets, which scientists believed to be relatively unaffected by global warming, have been melting at an accelerating rate since 2002, according to a new study. Using a NASA satellite that can measure gravity and mass from space, researchers from the University of Texas estimated that East Antarctica lost an average of 57 billion metric tons of ice a year from 2002 to 2009, with the melt rate appearing to accelerate after 2006 (November 23, 09) Yale Environment 360 [more on Climate Rochester]
11/20/2009: New Interactive Tools Show Continuing SO2 Reductions at Coal-Fired Power Plants WASHINGTON - New interactive tracking tools are now available on EPA’s Web site to help the public follow nation-wide changes in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from coal-fired power plants. Using interactive charts and Google Earth satellite maps, the public can now observe recent changes in SO2 emissions and other indicators at individual coal-fired power plants in the Acid Rain Program. (November 20, 09) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [more on Climate Change in our area]
Rumors of Copenhagen’s demise have been greatly exaggerated | Grist Waking up on a dreary Sunday morning this weekend in Copenhagen (where I’ve recently moved to prepare for the upcoming climate talks in December), I was met with a barrage of headlines, mostly from U.S. media, telling me that Copenhagen is doomed to total failure and I might as well head off to Mexico City where next year’s summit will be held. The New York Times cried out: World Leaders Agree to Delay a Deal on Climate Change. The Washington Post bellowed: Copenhagen talks unlikely to yield climate accord, leaders told. Not the best way to start a Sunday morning. (November 16, 09) Grist | Environmental News, Commentary, Advice [more on Climate Change]
Observatory - Changes in the Climate and a Windier Great Lake - NYTimes.com Chalk up another effect of climate change: it’s getting windier over Lake Superior. That is the conclusion of a study by scientists who have looked at the effects of increasing surface water temperatures in the lake and air temperatures over it. The water has warmed faster than the air, creating instability in the air mass that results in stronger winds. (November 17, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Climate Change in our area]
Toward a Stalemate in Copenhagen - Global Climate Change Lobby Washington — In the poor, but mineral-rich mountains of the eastern United States known as Appalachia, coal millionaire Don Blankenship hosts a rally for “Friends of America” to hear country music and “learn how environmental extremists and corporate America are both trying to destroy your jobs.” (November 4, 2009) Global Climate Change Lobby - A Center for Public Integrity Investigation [more on Climate Change in our area]
What Would Failure at Copenhagen Mean for Climate Change?: Scientific American The planet's quickening pace toward irreversible climate change grows far more dire if world leaders fail to find a way to stem emissions this December, experts warn. (November 10, 09) Science News, Articles and Information | Scientific American [more on Climate Change in our area]
Tear down mental walls on climate, German chancellor says | McClatchy WASHINGTON — German Chancellor Angela Merkel made an impassioned plea Tuesday to a joint session of Congress to work together on efforts to curb global warming and to help forge a binding climate-change deal at an international meeting next month. (November 3, 2009) McClatchy | Homepage [more on Climate Change in our area]
Obama EPA adviser on Great Lakes says climate change will dictate restoration efforts | Metro - cleveland.com - cleveland.com CLEVELAND -- Cameron Davis, Great Lakes 'czar' for the Obama administration, said today that climate change will drive future clean-up efforts on the lakes. "I look at the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative as a climate change adaptation effort," Davis said in Cleveland this afternoon at a press briefing at the Great Lakes Science Center prior to the final public hearing of the a federal task force on oceans and the Great Lakes. "Everything that we're trying to do -- we, meaning the EPA and its 15 federal partners -- is designed to address the kind of stressors that we're likely to see coming to the Great Lakes as a result of climate change." (October 29, 09) Cleveland OH Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - cleveland.com [more on Climate Change]
UN signals delay in climate change treaty : 24 Hour Breaking News : The Buffalo News Just weeks before an international conference on climate change, the United Nations signaled it was scaling back expectations of reaching agreement on a new treaty to slow global warning. (October 26, 09) The Buffalo News [more on Climate Change in our area]
Amidst Uncertainty on US Role in Upcoming Climate Talks, 350.org Holds International Climate Action Day in 170 Nations Seven weeks before the UN Copenhagen Climate Conference, the group 350.org is organizing an International Climate Action Day. More than 4,500 events are scheduled to take place in 170 nations. We speak to two of the major thinkers and writers tackling climate change: the writer and environmentalist Bill McKibben, co-founder and director of 350.org, and Australian scientist Tim Flannery, chair of the Copenhagen Climate Council and author of the international bestseller The Weather Makers (October 23, 09) Democracy Now! | Radio and TV News [more on Climate Change in our area]
First Nation Women 'Walk the Environmental Talk' | Womens eNews Tomorrow's global day of climate activism aims for media and political attention. First Nation women have another way. Since 2003, they've walked the shoreline of a Great Lake or major river, meditating on the needs of an unborn generation. (WOMENSENEWS)--Their lips wind-burned, feet blistered, shoes worn out. They keep walking. Sometimes they walk as much as 54 miles in a single day, taking turns carrying eight liters of water in a copper pail and an eagle staff, a six-feet long carved staff with eagle feathers attached, which serves as a flag for Native Americans. At night, they rest in the houses of their supporters or in lodging arranged by a casino. Some nights they camp out in the bitter cold. (October 24, 09) Women's eNews [more on Climate Change in our area]
Climate Change Action Awareness Week Seeks to Inspire and Empower Citizens Advocates for climate change reform will come together to better develop the tools necessary to effect change in individual communities all over the world. These global actions come six weeks before the world’s nations convene in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to draw up a new international climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Accords. (October 22, 09) RIT - University News [more on Climate Change in our area]
Global warming fund faces cuts -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY:2887: ALBANY -- The organizer of a global effort to fight climate change said Gov. David Paterson's raid of millions of dollars from a state climate change program sends "a terrible message" just weeks before world leaders meet to discuss the issue. Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=854386&category=REGION#ixzz0UNva7WJy (October 19, 09) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy [more on Climate Change in our area]
Organizing the Biggest Day of Action the World Has Ever Seen | CommonDreams.org Organizing the Biggest Day of Action the World Has Ever Seen by Bill McKibben Even two years ago, I was in complete despair about our chances of fighting climate change. But something's changed. It's not the science, which has gotten steadily worse. It's the first signs that the planet's immune system--conscious citizens ready to make a difference--is finally kicking in. Bloggers, in this metaphor, are key antibodies--they recognize threats, and rally people to take the steps needed. So this year's Blogger Action Day is, in a sense, a test: is the planet now wired together in a way that will let it act swiftly, nimbly, decisively against the great trouble we've ever faced? (October 13, 09) Common Dreams | News & Views [more on Climate Change]
ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO LEADS 18-STATE COALITION IN BATTLE TO PROTECT STATES’ RIGHT TO FIGHT GLOBAL WARMING Suit Seeks to Defend the EPA’s Waiver Allowing Individual States to Limit Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Cars NEW YORK, NY (October 9, 2009) – Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that he is leading an 18-state coalition to defend a decision by President Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that grants states the right to regulate global warming pollution from automobiles. The coalition is opposing a lawsuit brought by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that seeks to deny individual states the ability to limit greenhouse gas emissions from cars. (October 9, 09) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO [more on Climate Change in our area]
Energy Secretary Chu speaks on global warming at UR | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu was at the University of Rochester on Saturday, where he talked about the "catastrophic" consequences that will be in store if Americans don't address energy issues soon. Chu, who attended UR as an undergraduate from 1966-70, spoke to a packed-house crowd at the Palestra as part of Meliora Weekend, a series of UR homecoming events. (October 9, 09)democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Climate Change in our area}
New York joins coalition to fight global warming NEW YORK - Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced that he is leading an 18-state coalition to defend a decision by President Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that grants states the right to regulate global warming pollution from automobiles. The coalition is opposing a lawsuit brought by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that seeks to deny individual states the ability to limit greenhouse gas emissions from cars. (October 9, 09 ) New York State News on the Net! [more on Climate Change in our area]
Report: climate change threatens national parks | McClatchy WASHINGTON — America's national parks are at risk of disappearing or being fundamentally changed as seas rise, glaciers melt, trees die and animal habitat changes as a result of climate change, according to a report Thursday from two environmental groups. (October 1, 09) McClatchy | Homepage [more on Climate Rochester ]
Counties establish innovative carbon credit program ALBANY - Proclaiming that reducing carbon pollution should be a priority for all levels of government, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) announced today a new program that will reward counties for controlling carbon emissions in their communities. The Avoided Deforestation Carbon Credit Program is a program launched by NYSAC on behalf of New York counties. It is design to curb greenhouse carbon pollution, the leading cause of global warming. Today’s announcement comes on the heels of the introduction of ‘Cap and Trade’ legislation in the U.S. Senate, where the issue has been under considerable debate. (October 5, 09) New York State News on the Net! [more on Climate Rochester ]
Challenge is to cut carbon footprint | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle As the Dakota proverb says, "We will be known forever by the tracks we leave." This statement has taken on a whole new meaning in regard to our environment. The carbon footprint from the past and present are causing devastating effects to the future. (October 3, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Climate Rochester ]
Report: climate change threatens national parks | McClatchy WASHINGTON — America's national parks are at risk of disappearing or being fundamentally changed as seas rise, glaciers melt, trees die and animal habitat changes as a result of climate change, according to a report Thursday from two environmental groups. (October 1, 09 )McClatchy | Homepage [more on Climate Change]
Study projects steep Great Lakes water level drop if greenhouse gases remain unchecked | Great Lakes Echo Great Lakes water levels could drop by up to two feet by the turn of the century as temperatures rise, according to a recent series of reports released by the Union of Concerned Scientists. (September 30, 09) Great Lakes Echo - Environmental news across the basin [more on Climate Change in our area]
Cornell Chronicle: Cornell unveils climate neutrality plan Cornell's new Climate Action Plan, released Sept. 15, will not only make the university far more energy efficient but also could save Cornell hundreds of millions of dollars over the next 40 years (September 15, 09) Cornell Center for a Sustainable Future - News [more on Climate Change in our area]
Changes in net flow of ocean heat correlate with past climate anomalies Physicists at the University of Rochester have combed through data from satellites and ocean buoys and found evidence that in the last 50 years, the net flow of heat into and out of the oceans has changed direction three times. (August 14, 09) PhysOrg.com - Science News, Technology, Physics, Nanotechnology, Space Science, Earth Science, Medicine
Review puts activists on edge -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY:1372: ALBANY -- Happy one day, angry the next: That sums up the feelings of environmentalists who, just a day after praising Gov. David Paterson for his proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, blasted him for a deregulation scheme they believe could do precisely the opposite. (August 08, 09) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy
WXXI: Governor Calls for 80 Percent Carbon Cut by 2050 (2009-08-06) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Governor David Paterson has signed an executive order that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent, over 1990 levels, by 2050. (August 8, 09) WXXI NewsRoom
GOV SITE - GOVERNOR PATERSON SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO REDUCE NEW YORK’S GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION Executive Order to Tackle Climate Change by Setting Goal of Reducing Emissions by 80 Percent by 2050 Requires a Climate Action Plan on How to Reduce Greenhouse Gases Governor David A. Paterson today signed Executive Order No. 24 setting a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York State by 80 percent below the levels emitted in 1990 by the year 2050. The Executive Order also creates a Climate Action Council with a directive to prepare a draft Climate Action Plan by September 30, 2010. The Climate Action Plan will assess how all economic sectors can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, as well as identify the extent to which such actions support New York’s goals for a clean energy economy. (August 6, 09) Press Releases
Pollution outruns Adirondacks -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY:2695: TUPPER LAKE -- Every day, Adirondack forests soak up and store about 1,600 tons of carbon to help slow global warming. But even tens of millions of trees can't keep up with greenhouse gas emissions from a much smaller number of cars, homes and businesses. (July 15, 09)Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy
In Close Vote, House Passes Climate Bill - washingtonpost.com The House narrowly passed an ambitious climate bill yesterday that would establish national limits on greenhouse gases, create a complex trading system for emission permits and provide incentives to alter how individuals and corporations use energy. (June 22, 09) washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines
Historic climate bill hinges on Upstate New York votes in Congress - syracuse.com Washington -- Upstate New York's congressional delegation may hold the deciding votes Friday on a landmark energy and climate bill that President Obama said "will open the door to a new clean energy economy." On the eve of the vote Thursday, most of the region's Democratic House members were still undecided whether to support their party in what some have called the most important vote by Congress on an environmental issue in almost three decades. (June 25, 09) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com
Giant Carbon Clock Unveiled in Center of New York City | Deutsche Bank has erected a seven-story sign in the heart of New York City that ticks off the tons of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere — a public relations move designed to raise awareness of global warming . (June 19, 09) Environmental News Network -- Know Your Environment
New Report Predicts Effects of Warming in Different U.S. Regions - washingtonpost.com Man-made climate change could bring parching droughts to the Southwest and pounding rainstorms to Washington, put Vermont maple sugar farms out of business and Key West underwater over the next century, according to a federal report released yesterday. (June 17, 09) washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines
U.S. report to press case for quick moves on climate | Green Business | Reuters WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration's top climate change scientists will unveil a report on Tuesday that details the impact of global warming on the United States and argues for fast action against it. (June 15, 09) Reuters.com - World News, Financial News, Breaking US & International News
Not so windy: Research suggests winds dying down | detnews.com | The Detroit News Washington -- The wind, a favorite power source of the green energy movement, seems to be dying down across the United States. And the cause, ironically, may be global warming -- the very problem wind power seeks to address. (June 10, 09) The Detroit News | detnews.com | Thursday, June 11, 2009 | News, sports, features, blogs, photos and forums from Detroit and Michigan
ENVIRONMENT: Poison ivy beefs up - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper It sounds like the plot of a sci-fi film: poison plant goes on a rampage made possible by the careless habits of the very public that demonized it for so long. (June 10, 09) Rochester City Newspaper
Stressers changing fish - The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA ENVIRONMENT: Lake Ontario getting warmer | Lake Ontario is accumulating what one expert calls "stressers," factors that may affect fish perhaps more than some species can handle. "It's changing the fish communities from colder fish communities to warmer ones," warns John Casselman. "Different species now are becoming more abundant. "I've seen this dramatic change." (June 4, 09) The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA
Commission on Smart Growth recommends fundamental reforms to local development | BINGHAMTON – The Commission on Sustainable Development & Smart Growth Wednesday released its final report. The 72-page document outlines a comprehensive approach to improving the city’s economic, environmental, and social health over the long-term. Focus areas include economic development, green building, land use, stormwater management, and climate protection. (June 4, 09)New York State News on the Net!
Water from Melting Greenland Ice Sheath May Impact Northeast US Coast | New research by the National Center for Atmospheric Research points to the possibility that water from the melting Greenland Ice Sheath could change oceanic circulation in the North Atlantic, in a way that would raise sea levels off the Northeast by about eight inches more than the average global sea level rise that is expected with global warming. (May 27, 09) Environmental News Network -- Know Your Environment
Scientists propose helping wildlife relocate due to climate change Rapid climate change is forcing scientists to consider for the first time whether to help wildlife relocate to places where they are not currently found, says a group of international researchers who have created a tool for evaluating such relocations. (May 25, 09)CBCNews.ca - Breaking News, Canada, World, Health, Business, Entertainment
House panels will make haste on climate bill, Hoyer says - NYTimes.com Expect another fast-paced month of committee action on a sweeping global warming and energy bill ahead of possible floor debate in late June or early July, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said today. (May 22, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
Climate change driving Michigan mammals north (Includes interview) - Digital Journal: Your News Network Some Michigan mammal species are rapidly expanding their ranges northward, apparently in response to climate change, a new study shows. The finding, by researchers at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Ohio's Miami University, appears in the June issue of the journal Global Change Biology. (May 14, 09) Digital Journal: Your News Network
Class studies climate's impact on lake | burlingtonfreepress.com | The Burlington Free Press As the New England climate warms, Lake Champlain is likely to become richer in phosphorus and more susceptible to noxious blue-green algae blooms. Mass die-offs of alewives may occur more frequently, while potentially toxic mercury content may rise in food fish. (May 3, 09) http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/
Warmer winters mean longer mud season in N.E. - The Boston Globe New England winters have warmed on average more than 4 degrees Fahrenheit over the last 40 years, allowing spring melt to begin earlier and the ground to freeze later in the fall. Add to that an increase in winter thaws, mini-mud seasons that are a preview for the main spring event. It all adds up to more muddy days per year. (April 19, 09) Boston.com
Early Birds & Springtime | ScienCentral | Science Videos | Science News The sounds of birds chirping and fluttering outside your bedroom window are a welcome sign of spring, but scientists have evidence that suggests birds are nesting earlier due to global warming. And the harmful consequences aren’t just for the birds --ScienCentral | Science Videos | Science News
SUNY ESF study: Migrating bird species range farther north in reaction to climate change Now scientists in Syracuse may have solved the local mystery in a study with much larger implications: Their research suggests the Canada warbler is among a variety of North American bird species moving north as a result of climate change. (March 29, 09) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com
WXXI: Unusually Dry Spring Leads to "Red Flag" Warning (2009-03-25) This month's dry weather is leading to an unusual increase in grass fires throughout New York State. WXXI NewsRoom
Press Release - PATERSON ADMINISTRATION TELLS ENVIRONMENTAL & ENERGY GROUPS THERE IS NO AGREEMENT TO RE-OPEN CLIMATE PLAN REGULATIONS (ALBANY, NY)—At a meeting with New York Governor David Paterson’s top staff on Thursday, environmental and energy groups were told the administration has not made a deal with power producers to re-open regulations designed to guide the state’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a 10-state plan to reduce global warming pollution. In the meeting with Larry Schwartz, Secretary to the Governor, and Dennis Whalen, the Director of State Operations, the groups were told the Governor has made no commitment to reopen the RGGI rule at this time. (March 13, 09) Environmental Advocates of New York
Great Lakes ice cover shows climate change's existence -- and its complexity - Metro - cleveland.com Looking for some solid evidence that global warming is forcing slow but certain changes on the Great Lakes region? (March 23, 09) Cleveland OH Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - cleveland.com
Statewide initiative launched to cut greenhouse gas emissions and save taxpayer money WEST BABYLON - New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Kessel was joined by environmental, business and community leaders to announce a campaign to reduce by approximately 20 percent the energy demand of water supply and wastewater treatment plants in New York State by 2015 and help to lower greenhouse gas emissions. (March 19, 09) New York State News on the Net!
03/10/2009: EPA Proposes First National Reporting on Greenhouse Gas Emissions EPA Proposes First National Reporting on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Release date: 03/10/2009 Contact Information: Cathy Milbourn, 202-564-4355 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov (Washington, D.C. – March 10, 2009) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today proposed the first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by major sources in the United States. “Our efforts to confront climate change must be guided by the best possible information,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Through this new reporting, we will have comprehensive and accurate data about the production of greenhouse gases. This is a critical step toward helping us better protect our health and environment – all without placing an onerous burden on our nation’s small businesses.” - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Paterson Draws Fire in Shift on Emissions ALBANY — At the urging of the energy industry, Gov. David A. Paterson has agreed to reconsider a key rule New York adopted as part of a 10-state pact aimed at reducing the threat of global warming by cutting power plant emissions. - March 5, 09) http://www.nytimes.com/
Bloomberg: City must adapt to global warming now -- Newsday.com Water levels around New York City could rise by 2 feet or more in the coming decades and average temperatures are likely to go up 4 to 7.5 degrees, according to a report released yesterday by a panel of scientists convened by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The city must adapt to global warming or risk having to rebuild facilities after flooding, Bloomberg said in releasing the report by the New York City Panel on Climate Change. (Feb 18, 09) Long Island and New York City news from Newsday.com - A Long Island Newspaper -- Newsday.com
Birds staying here longer - MLive.com The National Audubon Society released a study Tuesday showing that more than half of 305 bird species in North America -- including robins, gulls, chickadees and owls -- are spending the winter about (Feb 11, 09) Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - MLive.com
Climate Change Could Drain Great Lakes: Discovery News Jan. 29, 2009 -- The Great Lakes have long been a bastion of stability -- with water hovering at about the same level for as long as anyone can remember. But a new study shows that climate change once pushed lake levels far below where they are now. That opens up the possibility that future climate change might do the same thing. Discovery Channel : Science, History, Space, Tech, Sharks, News
Great Lakes rivers have dried up before Rivers that connect the Great Lakes have dried up completely through climate warming in the fairly recent past, say scientists who warn this could happen again in this century. (Jan 16, 09) The Windsor Star
GOVERNOR PATERSON HAILS NEW YORK’S FIRST SALE OF CARBON DIOXIDE POLLUTION ALLOWANCES AS A SUCCESS Governor Reaffirms New York’s Commitment to Advancing Renewable and Clean Energy - Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Auction Generates $42 Million for Clean Energy Technologies to Help New York’s Economic Recovery - Governor David A. Paterson today heralded New York’s participation in the sale of carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution allowances as a success. The sale occurred as part of a ten-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction held on Wednesday, and generated $106.5 million for investment in energy efficiency, clean and renewable energy technologies, and strategies to reduce CO2. New York’s share of the auction proceeds will be approximately $42 million.

2008

Ohio.com - Study lists global-warming risks to Ohio Climate change to affect environment, economy and health, group says - Global warming poses a big threat to Ohio's health, environment and economy. That assessment came in a report released Wednesday by the statewide eco-group Environment Ohio at news conferences in Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo and Cincinnati. (Dec 18, 08) Ohio.com
10 Northeastern states hold 2nd carbon auction - NewsFlash - Syracuse.com ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — About 31.5 million tons of carbon is on the block as 10 Northeastern states hold their second auction of pollution credits aimed at curbing global warming. (Dec 17, 08) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com
Methane-belching cows could cost farmers under EPA's tax plan | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle An Environmental Protection Agency document suggests the government consider controlling methane emissions from cows, with one possibility a $175-per-cow annual tax. (Dec 10, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Climate change affects forest -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY - TUPPER LAKE — Conference studies peril, potential for profit in Adirondack Park - What if we looked at the Adirondacks as more than just a 6-million-acre forest? What if we also viewed it as a kind of living factory in the fight against global warming, a mechanism capable of sucking up tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every day? (Nov 23, 08) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy
LOW CARBON DIET CHALLENGE FINALE WHAT: Cool Communities Grand Awards Celebration: The Finale event for the Low Carbon Diet Challenge! All are invited- you need not have participated in the Challenge to celebrate our successes and prepare for an expansion in the Spring. (Nov 18, 08) Welcome to the City of Rochester
kare11.com | Twin Cities, MN | Climate change pushes hundreds of birds further north Spying a camera shy-cardinal behind the bird feeders at Staring Lake in Eden Prairie isn't out of the ordinary. But wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela says seeing one of these red-feathered flyers in Duluth is very unusual; but it's happening. (Nov 19, 08) kare11.com | Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN | News, Weather and Sports
10 ways global warming could make us sicker | Scientists the world over have observed climate changes that are impacting individuals’ health and have also created models to predict where we might be headed. Among the potential problems in the United States attributable to climate change: (Oct 28, 08) Buffalo News
ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO, JOINED BY VICE PRESIDENT GORE, ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH MAJOR ENERGY COMPANY, DYNEGY INC. Second Major Agreement in Cuomo Initiative Requires Dynegy to Detail Financial Liabilities Related to Climate Change NEW YORK, N.Y. (October 23, 2008) – Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, joined by Vice President Al Gore, today announced an agreement that requires a national energy company, Dynegy Inc. (“Dynegy”), to disclose timely and relevant information to investors about climate change risks. (Oct. 23, 08) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO
Governor hails nation’s first global warming car and trade auction a success ALBANY - Governor David Paterson Monday heralded the first auction for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) as a success, setting an example for other states and the nation to follow. Governor Paterson opened the nation’s first-ever auction of carbon dioxide allowances when he and New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine rang the ceremonial bell at the New York Mercantile Exchange in Manhattan, launching the nation’s most serious initiative yet to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. All of the 12.6 million allowances offered on September 25th were sold at a clearing price of $3.07 per allowance, generating nearly $40 million of funding for investment in energy efficiency, clean and renewable energy technologies and strategies that reduce carbon dioxide. (Sept 30, 08) New York State News on the Net!New era to combat climate change announced - NEW YORK - Governor David Paterson Thursday opened the nation’s first-ever auction of carbon dioxide allowances when he rang the ceremonial bell at the New York Mercantile Exchange in Manhattan, and by doing so launched the nation’s most serious initiative yet to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. New York and nine other Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states have come together to launch the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a mandatory program that covers more than 200 fossil fuel power plants, requiring the owners of those plants pay for the carbon dioxide they emit into the air. (Sept 25, 08) New York State News on the Net!
A Negative Signal on State Carbon Pact - City Room - Metro - New York Times Blog Gov. David A. Paterson was asked, at the tail end of a public appearance, whether a draft executive order might affect the state’s participation in the regional greenhouse gas initiative, an agreement among New York and nine other states to curb carbon emissions from power plants. (Sept 3, 08) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
CUOMO FILES LAWSUIT TO FORCE BUSH EPA TO CONTROL GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION FROM BIG OIL REFINERIES Cuomos Coalition of Twelve States, the District of Columbia, and the City of New York Sues EPA for Refusing to Adopt Pollution Controls, Violating Clean Air Act ~ Todays Action is the Latest Front in New Yorks Effort to Fight Global Warming | NEW YORK, NY (August 25, 2008) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced he is suing the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to adopt regulations that control emissions of global warming pollution from oil refineries. Cuomo is leading a group of twelve states, the District of Columbia, and the City of New York in a suit that challenges the EPAs refusal to require new or renovated oil refineries to install technologies that control global warming pollution, in violation of the Clean Air Act. (Aug 25, 08) Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo
AG files lawsuit to force EPA to control oil refinery pollution | NEW YORK - Attorney General Andrew Cuomo Monday announced he is suing the federal Environmental Protection Agency for failing to adopt regulations that control what it claims are emissions of global warming pollution from oil refineries. Cuomo is leading a group of 12 states, the District of Columbia, and the City of New York in a suit that challenges the EPAs refusal to require new or renovated oil refineries to install technologies that control global warming pollution, in violation of the Clean Air Act. (Aug. 26, 08) New York State News on the Net!
Plan to control air pollution costs at least $120M | stargazette.com | Star-Gazette Cost is for New York's participation in group to cut greenhouse gases. (Aug 18, 08) stargazette.com | Star-Gazette | Elmira news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Elmira, NY
Rochester Museum & Science Center brings weather phenomena within reach | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle RMSC's new exhibit lets kids discover meteorologic phenomena firsthand (July 4, 08) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Rochester Ranks 14th for Small Carbon Footprint - 13WHAM.com (Rochester, N.Y.) -- A new report released by the Brookings Institution on Thursday says Rochester residents have a smaller "carbon footprint" than many cities around the country. (May 29, 08) - 13WHAM.com
Rochester ranks 14th best in national study of cities' carbon emissions | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Rochester-area residents have a smaller "carbon footprint" than residents of most other large American cities, a new study has found, though much room remains for reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions locally. In a study being released today by the Brookings Institution, the five-county Rochester area — Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans and Wayne counties — ranked 14th-best among the nation's 100 largest metro areas in per capita emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming. (May 29, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Summer-like heat breaks Rochester record | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle You may not have noticed it by the lake, but Rochester broke a 119-year-old record today. The high temperature, recorded at the Greater Rochester International Airport, was 86 degrees. That surpassed the date’s previous record high of 85 degrees, set April 19, 1889, according to the National Weather Service. (April 21, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
CUOMO DEMANDS THAT THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION STOP THE FOOT-DRAGGING AND COMPLY WITH SUPREME COURT’S RULING ON GLOBAL WARMING NEW YORK (April 2, 2008) – New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo today announced he is taking action against the EPA. Cuomo commenced action, joining the Attorneys General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and 15 additional states in filing a lawsuit demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) comply with the Supreme Court’s decision holding that the Agency has the authority to regulate global warming pollution under the Clean Air Act. “Despite clear directions a year ago from the highest court in the land, the EPA has failed to move forward on combating global warming. The EPA’s foot-dragging would not be tolerated from any other defendant that failed to comply with a court order,” said Cuomo. “Global warming is one of the most critical environmental problems of our generation, posing huge risks to our environment, health, and economy, both globally and right here in New York. We all know that global warming is dangerous -- it’s beyond dispute. But a year after the Supreme Court’s decision, the EPA refuses to acknowledge even this simple truth.” --Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo
Cuomo demands that the Bush Administration stop ‘foot-dragging’ on global warming - ALBANY - New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo Wednesday announced he is taking action against the EPA. Cuomo commenced action, joining the Attorneys General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and 15 additional states, in filing a lawsuit demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency comply with the Supreme Court’s decision holding that the Agency has the authority to regulate global warming pollution under the Clean Air Act. New York State News on the Net!
MinnPost - It's cold outside, but Lake Superior is getting warmer DULUTH — Lake Superior is undergoing sudden increases in its water temperatures and dramatic declines in its lake levels, prompting scientists and others to wonder: Is the world's largest fresh water lake in the throes of irreversible change due to global warming? (Feb 21, 08) MinnPost
Later freezes, earlier thaws wave of future - Michigan, Great Lakes Environmental & Conservation Issues - MLive.com Scientists at the University of Wisconsin found a steady trend toward reduced ice cover on inland lakes in the Great Lakes region from 1975 through 2004. On average, there are now 16 fewer days of ice cover on inland lakes than 30 years ago, according to the study funded by the National Science Foundation. The last three decades were marked by "rapid climate warming," according to a National Science Foundation press release. Several of the planet's warmest years in recorded history have occurred over the past 20 years, according to government data. (Jan 29, 08) MLive.com: Everything Michigan

2007

Cuomo and coalition of 15 states against EPA over global warming - New York - New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo Wednesday announced he is leading a 15 state coalition that is joining a lawsuit brought by California against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to uphold the right of states to regulate greenhouse gas pollution from automobiles. (Jan 05, 07) New York State News on the Net!
ENN: New study increases concerns about climate model reliability ROCHESTER, NY (Dec. 11, 2007) — A new study comparing the composite output of 22 leading global climate models with actual climate data finds that the models do an unsatisfactory job of mimicking climate change in key portions of the atmosphere. “The usual discussion is whether the climate model forecasts of Earth’s climate 100 years or so into the future are realistic,” said the lead author, Dr. David H. Douglass from the University of Rochester. “Here we have something more fundamental: Can the models accurately explain the climate from the recent past? “It seems that the answer is no.” Environmental News Network
Group warns Ohio's future bleak if greenhouse effect is unchecked COLUMBUS — The impact of climate change on Ohio could be perilous unless action is taken to curtail greenhouse gases, a conservation group warned. Ohio faces a future of extended droughts and extreme heat, loss of important species and increased pressure from agricultural pests, among other things, said the group, Nature Conservancy. (Dec 20, 07) Dayton Daily News | Dayton, Ohio, News and Information
ENVIRONMENT: You're getting warmer - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper The Kyoto Accord began the race to halt global warming. On its 10th anniversary, why are we barely past the starting gate? (Dec 05/07) Rochester City Newspaper
Spitzer participates in carbon markets partnership meeting on global warming - Lisbon, Portugal -- A coalition of European countries, U.S. states, Canadian provinces, New Zealand and Norway Monday announced the formation of the International Carbon Action Partnership to fight global warming. New York Governor Spitzer was among those participating. (Oct. 30, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Climate change already upon us - In 50 years, New York will be like Georgia, expert says — At first blush, the forecast doesn't sound that bad. Temperatures in upstate New York have climbed, on average, 1 degree over the past 50 years and will do the same during the next 50. The biggest seasonal change is in winter: Over the past 50 years, average winter temperatures have risen 2 degrees. (October 31, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
www.ny.gov - GOVERNOR SPITZER UNVEILS CUTTING-EDGE GLOBAL WARMING REGULATIONS New York to Be Part of First ‘Cap and Trade’ Program in the Nation - Fulfilling his pledge to provide sound environmental stewardship, Governor Eliot Spitzer today unveiled new draft regulations to carry out a cutting-edge regional program that will cut greenhouse gases emitted by New York power plants. Today, New York issued draft regulations for implementing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is an agreement by 10 Northeastern states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under RGGI, participating states will each issue their own regulations, and when fully implemented RGGI will achieve a 16 percent reduction in emissions from projected business-as-usual emissions. Under the groundbreaking draft regulations established by Governor Spitzer, a power plant would have to buy enough carbon credits or allowances (one allowance per ton of emissions) to cover its emissions in a flexible, market-based system that are similar to those used to combat acid rain. (Oct. 24, 07) GOV SITE
Greenhouse-gas emissions would fall under Spitzer proposal — ALBANY — Gov. Eliot Spitzer unveiled new regulations Wednesday to cut greenhouse-gas emissions from New York power plants by 10 percent over the next 12 years. New York is one of 10 Northeast states that have banded together to try to reduce the greenhouse gases, in the absence of what they see as an effective federal effort. (October 25, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Global warming regulations unveiled - Albany -- Governor Eliot Spitzer Wednesday unveiled new draft regulations to carry out a regional program that will cut greenhouse gases emitted by New York power plants. Today, New York issued draft regulations for implementing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. (Oct. 25, 07) New York State News on the Net!
The Future Is Drying Up - Scientists sometimes refer to the effect a hotter world will have on this country’s fresh water as the other water problem, because global warming more commonly evokes the specter of rising oceans submerging our great coastal cities. (Sept. 21, 07) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
Global warming could cause rise in sewer bills Increase in storms may overwhelm system upgrades - Global warming, already on the hook for declining polar bear populations, disappearing glaciers and rising sea levels, may also increase your sewer bill. A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency climate change expert says warming temperatures over the next several decades will be accompanied by an increase in the number and severity of storms. The combination will reduce the effectiveness of scores of federally mandated sewer improvements and water treatment upgrades designed to stop almost all of the sewage pollution flowing into rivers and creeks when it rains. (Oct.3, 2007) Post-Gazette NOW
Canadians alarmed over climate change OTTAWA - Canadians are now expressing alarm about climate change in greater numbers than in any developed nation except France, according to a poll released Tuesday. Unless politicians respond with aggressive action to curb greenhouse gas emissions, they risk paying a heavy price, warns the president of the polling firm that commissioned the survey. (Sept 7, 07) http://www.canada.com/
TheStar.com - Environment - Could climate change herald mass migration? Concerns raised as the U. S. Southwest grapples with historic drought, water supply depletion and the creeping sense that things can only get worse - than 300 golf courses, a booming economy, endless sunshine and, at last count, at least five Saks Fifth Avenue department stores — in short, nearly everything the well-heeled sybarite would need. There’s just one thing missing: rain. For the past month, not a drop has fallen in Maricopa County, home to greater Phoenix, the state’s economic engine and fastest-growing hub. Over that period, temperatures have hovered five to seven degrees above the 30-year average, at one point holding steady at over 43C for 10 straight days, while hundreds of brush fires burned statewide. (July 22, 07) TheStar.com
Global Warming to Hit U.S. Northeast Hard, Scientists Say Long-term Severity Depends On Near-term Choices, Scientists Say "CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—If heat-trapping emissions are not significantly curtailed, global warming will substantially change critical aspects of the Northeast's character and economy, according to a new report by the Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment (NECIA), a two-year collaboration between the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and a team of more than 50 scientists and economists. Near-term choices about energy, transportation, and land-use will largely determine the extent and severity of climate change." (July 11, 2007) Union of Concerned Scientists
An inconvenient truth is re-examined The risks of global warming have been well-documented. However, might there also be advantages to climate change? - GHENT — It’s not in Al Gore’s PowerPoint presentation, but there are some upsides to global warming. Northern homes could save on heating fuel. Rust Belt cities like Buffalo might stop losing snowbirds to the South. Canadian farmers could harvest bumper crops. Greenland may become awash in cod and oil riches. Shippers could count on an Arctic shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific. Forests may expand. Mongolia could see a go-go economy. So . . . surf’s up, Buffalo? (June 20, 07) Buffalo News
Cornell expert paints grim picture of climate - ALBANY -- Imagine if summers in New York were more like those in Georgia. Huge rainstorms cause massive floods that are followed by months of drought. Snow-belt strongholds such as Rochester and Buffalo see only a few days of snow every winter. This is the picture that a climate change expert painted here Friday. (April 4, 07) http://www.stargazettenews.com/
Warming could spark N. American water scramble-UN | Reuters NEW YORK, April 11 (Reuters) - Climate change could diminish North American water supplies and trigger disputes between the United States and Canada over water reserves already stressed by industry and agriculture, U.N. experts said on Wednesday. Breaking News, World, U.S., Video, Investing and Business News & More | Reuters.com
Good editorial in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle on Global Warming. You can join in the discussion: Bush must catch up - Fortunately, efforts under way to reduce greenhouse gases (Feb 12, 07) Democrat & Chronicle
02/15/07 - Here’s an interesting speculation on the importance of the recent climate change report: Change coming for Ohio trees, birds Global warming could drive out native species, bring southern varieties up north - Young Ohioans walking through the woods today likely will remember a different place when they stroll the same forest in 75 years. When the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its report Feb. 2 in Paris, the world heard clearly that humans are causing global warming. What that means to different continents and regions varies. In the United States, forecasts suggest that rising oceans will swallow coastal areas. (Feb 13, 07) The Columbus Dispatch
MPNnow.com: Why is it so warm? Storms in the West have been getting headlines, but even more puzzling are record highs in the East tied to something called the North Atlantic Oscillation. Is global warming responsible? Some experts are zeroing in on a seesaw climate pattern that occurs over the North Atlantic, called the North Atlantic Oscillation or NAO — less publicly known than El Niño, and certainly less understood. MPNnow.com: Rochester and Western Finger Lakes News, Entertainment, Sports, Opinions, Photos and More
Weird warmth puzzles plants - With springlike temperatures and no snow cover, buds making early arrival. — As above-normal temperatures have stretched into January, the Rochester region's landscapes have been growing faster and without their usual insulating blanket of white. That creates an unusual dynamic for plants and wildlife. (January 6, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Warmth Brings Out The Buds - Most Januaries, we don't expect to see the kinds of things one will notice on a walk through Highland Park. But a much warmer-than-usual winter means flowers are flowering, and buds on trees and shrubs are budding. (January 5, 2007) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Where's winter? El Niño said to cause startling warmth in East — Maybe Rochester's winter hitched a ride out of town on the high-speed ferry. Regardless, winter weather has been notably absent. Last month, the Rochester area saw the least amount of snowfall of any December on record with the National Weather Service going back to 1940. (January 4, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
ce wine prospects are melting away - Ice wine makers in the region, as well as Canada, are in dire straits because of this winter's mild weather, and some fear there will be no product at all if January doesn't bring icy temperatures. Ice wines, which are very sweet, dessert-style drinks, are unique because the grapes used are harvested and pressed while frozen. Finger Lakes Times Online

2006

Mild weather leaves us wondering where the snow is - According to National Weather Service data, only 4.2 inches of snow has fallen in Rochester since Oct. 1, with 3.3 inches of that this month. The normal snowfall for December to date is 17.9 inches. And in an average winter, 25 inches of snow falls on Rochester for all of December. (December 27, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
Impact of pollution plan debated -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY ALBANY -- Power plant executives and environmentalists squared off Thursday over the cost of the state's ambitious proposal to combat global warming. Under proposed rules for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, plant owners would be forced to purchase state-issued credits to emit carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas. Starting in 2009, the state would sell credits for 63.4 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. The target is to cut emissions 10 percent starting in 2015 by reducing the amount of credits. (December 17, 2006) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy
GLOBAL WARMING REPORT PREDICTS INCREASE IN HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES, ASTHMA & FLOODING, INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGE FOR NYS - Environmental Advocates of New York Releases Forecast for New York Report Documenting Global Warming Impacts & Next Steps - (Albany, NY)—On November 29, Environmental Advocates of New York released Forecast for New York: Projected Global Warming Impacts & Next Steps, a report projecting the impacts of climate change on New York State, including the effects of global warming on the state’s public health, infrastructure, agriculture industry, and water supply, among other impacts. Forecast for New York also describes the state’s current strategies to address global warming and policy recommendations to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These recommendations are particularly relevant in light of the anticipated release of the state’s rule for implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in New York, a seven-state plan to cut carbon dioxide emissions from electric power generators in the Northeast. -- from Environmental Advocates of New York
Buffalo News - Climate change is coming, climate change is coming! How global warming will affect the Great Lakes and Western New York - Stronger storms. Shorter winters. Drier soils, heat waves, heavy rains and flooding. Lake Erie levels that are lower than ever - maybe. You probably have heard so much about climate change by now that your mind freezes at its mere mention. News reports, scientific testimonials, advertisements, television programs, movies, political posturing and conversation abound. It can be exhausting, and as a result some jump to the conclusion that it is too complicated an issue and not much can be done about it anyway. Thinking shuts down. People shut up.
WXXI: U of R Panel Says No Silver Bullets for Energy Policy (2006-10-07) ROCHESTER, NY A panel that included a Nobel Prize winner and a former U.S. Department of Energy official told an audience at the University of Rochester on Saturday that it's too late to avoid climate change from fossil fuels. They said the world has to find options to oil and coal in ways that preserve its economy and also fights global warming. Director John Holdren of the Woods Hole Research Center, Nobel Prize winning physicist Steven Chu and others spoke at the U of R's Meliora Weekend. (2006-10-07) Public NewsRoom
City Newspaper: Cover Story: Cover story: The hots, for you The planet is warming up. What does that mean for Rochester? The short answer is that nobody really knows. A climate is a complex thing. Change one little part of it and you may change the whole thing --- and in unpredictable ways. Still, that doesn't mean scientists can't make some sound educated guesses about what could happen. And if any of those guesses prove accurate, the Rochester of tomorrow could be a very different place from the one we know today. May 3, 2006) City Newspaper
Nature's calendar springing forward - Whiff of warmth, early buds point to stronger and stronger trend — The budding trees on Rochester streets are a testament to this extraordinarily warm winter. But earlier springs have been a reality for the past 30 years as the climate began to change, according to data collected across New England and discussed by researchers during a telephone conference Friday. "Stronger and stronger evidence of climate change is upon us," said David Wolf of Cornell University. "Nature's calendar is responding to the warming." Warming trend Many records suggest that spring is arriving earlier in the Northeast. All figures reflect average changes over at least the past 30 years. Lake ice is disappearing nine to 16 days earlier. Average winter temperatures are 4.4 degrees warmer. The growing season has increased by eight days. The period of time with snow on the ground has decreased by 16 days. Plants are blooming four to eight days earlier. (March 11, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle

2005

Activist has solutions to warming - Speaker says global changes can be halted — Americans can't afford to wait for the world to solve our climate change problems, a local activist said Monday night. Hugh Mitchell of Rochester recently returned from a national Sierra Club meeting. The role of irresponsible energy choices in increasing global warming was chosen as the club's top national priority. "We need to make radical changes in our energy use and lifestyle," Mitchell said to local environmentalists in Penfield. (October 26, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle

2004

Study: Lilacs say spring is coming earlier— Already eager for spring? It's coming a week earlier than it did 40 years ago, new research suggests. Cornell University scientists, using first-bloom data on Rochester lilacs and other plants, say their study illustrates shifting patterns in the Northeast's climate. (December 14, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Rising temps a local worry Cornell researcher says global warming will affect area's crops. (November 15, 2004) — To David W. Wolfe, a crop biologist at Cornell University, global warming is not only very real, its effects are local. In the Northeast, where he and other scientists have been studying the likely regional effects of global warming for a decade, the average annual temperature has already jumped 1.8 degrees in the last century. (November15, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle

2003

Democrat & Chronicle: Speaker warns of global warming — Since the 1950s, a 750 billion-ton section of ice shelf, larger than Rhode Island and warmed by rising global temperatures, has slipped into the sea. This and other startling facts were part of a presentation Tuesday evening by Richard H. Moss, director of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program Office in Washington, D.C. (October 29, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Study: Future climate to heat up — Are fig trees coming soon to the Snow Belt? Not quite. But a leading scientist will be in Rochester this month to discuss the impact of climate change on New York. Richard Moss, director of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program Office, will deliver the keynote address at the annual Salute to the Environment on Oct. 28, sponsored by the Rochester-based Center for Environmental Information. (October 20, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Near Drought - Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County says farmers are reporting near drought conditions. Agricultural specialist Bob King says this situation is close to one last year and possibly even worse..."We're pretty close, we're on the edge of an agricultural drought we're not quite there yet. We're hoping that the weather will change and we'll get a good inch or two of rain." WHAM News
Warm welcome - Lots of studies point to the disastrous consequences of climate change on oceans and glaciers, continental climates, and other things global. But now the Boston-based Union of Concerned Scientists and the Ecological Society of America have brought the issue down to our backyards. The two groups recently issued a report, Confronting Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region, which looks at problems and offers regional solutions state-by-state. The report predicts "New York's climate will grow considerably warmer and probably drier during this century." Summer temperatures around here could rise seven to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, "roughly the same as the warming since the last ice age." There also could be changes in precipitation patterns (with drier soils and more droughts), more frequent "extreme events," and declines in Great Lakes ice cover. (May 22, 2003) http://www.rochester-citynews.com
GOVERNOR CALLS ON NORTHEAST STATES TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he has asked the governors from Maine to Maryland to join together in a regional strategy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. The initiative would involve developing a regional market-based emissions trading system to require power generators to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. "While New York State has already implemented some of the nation's toughest air pollution regulations and developed effective energy efficiency initiatives to improve air quality, we can build on these efforts through a regional approach that promotes further emission reductions at power generating facilities," Governor Pataki said. "To that end, I have contacted governors from Maine to Maryland to encourage them to work with us to develop a strategy that will help the region lead the nation in the effort to fight global climate change. -- Office of the Governor Press Releases 2003
'Tougher greenhouse gas limits urged' - timesunion.com New York would lead the nation in limiting the main greenhouse gas emitted by power plants if Gov. George Pataki accepts the recommendations in a final report by his task force on global warming, members of the body said Wednesday. The report, which is not yet public, calls for a less-dramatic reduction of carbon dioxide emissions than discussed in a 2002 draft report, but still calls for the most aggressive cuts adopted by any state. (April 27, 2003) Albany NY Times Union: timesunion.com

2002

'Statewide campaign aims to curb global warming' - timesunion.com Environmentalists, teachers organize grass-roots effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent (November 26, 2002) Albany NY Times Union: timesunion.com
Scientist Links Dying Lobsters To Warmer Waters STONY BROOK, NY (AP) - A scientist suspects that increasingly warm water may be responsible for the precipitous decrease in the number of lobsters in the Long Island Sound, a published report said Saturday. "The correlation is very strong," Alistair Dove, a pathologist at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, told The New York Times. "Not proven, but strong. Climate is the killer here." (November 11, 2002) WOKR-TV 13 || ROCHESTER
Farmers Get Rain Too Late Isidore soaked us with all she had left Friday. Two to five inches of rain from what used to be a tropical storm should have had us bailing, but it didn't. Thank your dry summer of 2002 for that. Still, not many people want to get wet picking out produce at a roadside farmer’s stand. "It's been very slow, probably ten people the whole day," Elaine Boyer said. R News: Your NewsChannel
State Officials Ask Bush to Act on Global Warming — In a letter that attacks what it says is the Bush administration's failure to address the looming crisis of global warming, the attorneys general of 11 states have written to the president pressing for strong federal measures to limit emissions of so-called greenhouse gases. The state officials argue in the letter, to be sent on Wednesday to President Bush, that his administration's "regulatory void" has left it to the states to piece together a patchwork of inconsistent regulations on the environment and that a strong federal policy would be far more effective. July 16 The New York Times on the Web
Ozone Alert Blankets Rochester If you had a tougher time of it mowing the lawn or even taking a stroll, you can blame it on the weather and something scientists call an ozone alert day. (July 3, 2002) RNews.
N.Y. and the greenhouse Governor Pataki has an opportunity to set the standard on carbon dioxide
Yahoo! News - Alaska, No Longer So Frigid, Starts to Crack, Burn and Sag ANCHOR POINT, Alaska, June 13 To live in Alaska when the average temperature has risen about seven degrees over the last 30 years means learning to cope with a landscape that can sink, catch fire or break apart in the turn of a season. (June 17, 2002) The New York Times on the Web
Yahoo! News - Global Warming Shatters Giant Antarctic Ice Shelf LONDON (Reuters) - An Antarctic ice shelf the size of a small country has disintegrated under the impact of global warming (news - web sites), scientists said Tuesday. Although scientists at the British Antarctic Survey predicted four years ago the eventual disintegration of the giant Larsen B ice shelf -- 1,255 square miles and 655 feet deep -- they were astounded by the speed of the break up. (March 19, 2002) Yahoo News
Warm Weather Causing Early Maple Syrup Season Rochester, NY - The state's maple syrup season is getting an early start, thanks to the spell of warm weather. Bob King of the Cornell Cooperative Extension says maple syrup producers in the Rochester region are in the midst of a major sap run that started on Monday. (February 21, 2002) iKnowRochester.com

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