Daily Updates for December 2009
RochesterEnvironment.com
These Daily Updates for this month represent just one month in over a decade of connecting the dots on our area's environmental situation.
Find out what’s going on environmentally in our area—and why you should care? GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL STORY ABOUT THE ROCHESTER, NY AREA FROM A CREDIBLE SOURCE? SEND IT TO ME! Looking for something specific. Use Control + F and search for it on this page.
These daily updates pertain to what is going on in our environment in Rochester & around the world. Although I do not see RochesterEnvironment.com, or Global Environmental Resources, as environmental activist sites, I do view them as active. They are active conduits for all the environmental news, services, links, and an on-going discovery for the potential role that I believe the Internet will play in environmentalism. Your local news media is not doing its job in informing the public on the breath and depth of our environmental problems, so you are going to have to get on the Internet.
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12/25/09 - There really is no excuse for putting food waste into our landfills. Food accounts for over 10% of the stuff going into our local landfills. Instead, we could be composting all food waste and creating a high quality fertilizer. (Complete Discloser: I am volunteering to work on such a project with the Center of Environmental Information) Check out the change of attitude world-wide on this subject: Food waste turns stomachs in environmental circles | Environment & Development | Deutsche Welle | 25.12.2009 "The amount of food thrown away and buried in landfills around Europe and the United States is contributing to the global food crisis and adding a new dimension to the climate change debate. Christmas has become a traditional time for over indulgence in Western countries. The holiday season seems to provide everyone with an excuse to eat and drink to excess. Supermarkets burst with sweet treats and a mind-boggling selection of festive fare."
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12/24/09 - Are we continually monitoring our lakes, rivers, and land for invasive species-or do we just happen on them when its too late? Check out this story from a neighbor or ours: Report warns of new species in Lake George LAKE GEORGE -- A new clam and an invasive plant species were found in Lake George, according to releases from the Lake George Association. (December 23, 09) PostStar.com - Glens Falls, Saratoga, Lake George
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12/22/09 - A special Cause: I don't usually forward requests for donations, but this is a special case, one worthy of your attention: Consider this in honor of Christine Sevilla, a great Rochester-area environmentalist whose tragic death has stunned us all. Please spread the word. There are a limited number of Christine's Sevilla's 2010 calendars - Thanatopsis - that feature her stunning photographs of invasive species. They are not only a beautiful calendar, but will be a keepsake of some of Christine's latest work. Her family has made them available to help develop a memorial fund for her. Cost is $20, payable by cash or check. If you would like one mailed the cost is $22 to include mailing. First come, first served. Genesee Land Trust, www.geneseelandtrust.org is establishing a memorial fund for Christine, as is Genesee Valley Audubon Society (http://www.gvaudubon.org/). GLT funds will go towards purchasing and/or developing a special natural area in Christine's name. The GVAS memorial will go towards furthering the educational work that Christine did. If you'd like to purchase one of her beautiful calendar's, they will be available through: Genesee Land Trust 500 East Avenue, Suite 200 Rochester, NY 14607 p 585-256-2130 f 585-271-4292 www.geneseelandtrust.org
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12/22/09 - What's in the Wind Power for our area. The Democrat and Chronicle environmental blog 520 - An Environmental Blog has an interesting talk about possible large-scale wind projects in our region: Off-shore wind, on-shore breeze "The scale of what the authority is talking about is considerable. Each project (and it’s not clear how many projects would come to pass) would be as large as 500 megawatts in capacity. By comparison, the Ginna nuclear power plant in Wayne County puts out 585 MWs. In broad terms, 1 megawatt of electricity satisfies the needs of about 700 homes. "
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12/20/09 - Becoming One with your Transportation: Here's an interesting article from National Public Radio about building your own bike and from the experience learning more about the art of moving faster is done. Now, we need to work on the region’s infrastructure to make that bike as useful a transportation device as possible. Do It Yourself: Building Your Own Bamboo Bike : NPR "Everyone who leaves the studio says, 'Wow, my bike is my favorite object now.' " Odlin says. "They have such a connection to this thing that came together under their own hands. They may not come here to have that connection to their bicycle, but that's what they leave with."
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12/19/09 - Keeping up on events of the Copenhagen Climate Change talks: UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE COPENHAGEN | cleanskies.com Clean Skies News covers the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Topics include preliminary negotiations at various global climate conferences; geopolitical issues related to industrialized nations and emerging nations; and the scientific and corporate issues that will impact the debate.
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12/18/09 - Bat News: One of the many reasons why I believe our present mainstream media are mostly dysfunctional concerns this story about a major decline in bats in our area. Seems to the press that bats aren’t too popular and won’t bring in the big bucks the media wants. So, connecting the dots about the major role bats play in our local environment (controlling insects, providing food for the predators we do like, etc.) and getting in the public’s face about this issue is not there. We should care about this issue because it is a rapid change in our environment that may have grave consequences. It has nothing to do about what the press might think the public cares about bats. The public is becoming increasing removed from knowledge about the working of their environment—which we need to survive—because our media doesn’t know how to present environmental issues—which need to be continual, focused on connecting the dots, and investigative reporting on all the possible consequence of any change or potential change in our environment. More stories in the media about the decline in bat population would generate more interest in the public and perhaps more funding to get at the bottom of this issue and how it might change our environment here in the Rochester, NY region. DEC Survey Shows Bat Populations down 90 Percent in Caves Impacted by "White Nose Syndrome" - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Wide-ranging, Coordinated Research Effort Continuing; NY Gearing Up for Next Round of Winter Surveys Populations of some bat species have plummeted more than 90 percent in Northeast caves impacted by "White Nose Syndrome," according to an extensive investigation by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. (December 16, 09) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife]
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12/18/09 - Get local Transportation news from our area's experts. Genesee Transportation Council - Newsletter -from Genesee Transportation Council "The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) requires every metropolitan area with a population over 50,000 to have a designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to qualify for receipt of federal highway and transit funds. The Governor of New York State designated the Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) as the MPO responsible for transportation planning in the Genesee- Finger Lakes Region, which includes Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties. GTC member agencies include local, regional, state, and federal stakeholders who work together in a cooperative, comprehensive, and continuous manner to identify and implement policies, plans, and projects that will maximize the contribution of the transportation system to the social and economic vitality of the region. We invite you to learn more about GTC by visiting our website at www.gtcmpo.org . "
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12/16/09 -- Keeping your eye on Copenhagen: Listen to speech from Al Gore at Copenhagen: Watch a clip of Al Gore's speech and tell the U.S. Senate that the American people are prepared to lead the response to the climate crisis: Repower America :: Add Your Voice#/view/44235
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12/17/09 - If you cannot make it to Copenhagen to fight for our planet, you can almost be there with Democracy Now! and the great Amy Goodman as she heroically asks the questions that needed to be asked about how we as a people are addressing a world-wide climate crisis: A daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 800 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the U.S.
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12/16/09 - How to be environmentally friendly and save money: GreenTips | Uncle Sam Wants YOU to Use Clean Energy | Union of Concerned Scientists "In the November issue of Greentips we told you about the $1,500 federal tax credit for improving your home’s energy efficiency. To complement your energy conservation efforts you can tap into renewable energy to provide heat, hot water, and electricity—and save money in the process. "
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12/16/09 - Bicycle Friendly Rochester - There are those who believe that Transportation in Rochester could be a bicycle friendly community as Copenhagen. That would be something to behold. Check out: Streetfilms | Copenhagen’s Climate-Friendly, Bike-Friendly Streets "Tens of thousands of people from nearly every nation on earth have descended on Copenhagen this month for the UN climate summit. As the delegates try to piece together a framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, they're also absorbing lessons from one of the world's leading cities in sustainable transportation. In Copenhagen, fully 37 percent of commute trips are made by bike, and mode share among city residents alone is even higher. "
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12/15/09 - An Environmental perspective of the Copenhagen Talks from our Secretary of State: Op-Ed Contributor - The U.S. Is on Board - NYTimes.com Our world is on an unsustainable path that threatens not only our environment, but our economies and our security. It is time to launch a broad operational accord on climate change that will set us on a new course. (December 14, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
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12/14/09 - We haven't' heard much about Acid Rain lately. Back in 1998, when I started RochesterEnvironment.com, I had an entire page devoted to Acid Rain and it was very busy because many were concerned about dead lakes in the Adirondacks at the time. I don't know the state of Acid Rain now, but I suspect things have gotten better, not that it has fallen off mainstream’s agenda, or that it’s been solved. What I do remember, is that Elliot Spitzer, our former NYS Attorney General, was instrumental combating this problem. Soon, I’ll do an article on this subject because I am curious as to why Acid Rain is not such a hot topic. Just because an environmental issue is not being reported on by mainstream does not mean that it should be an environmental concern. _ Here's why I brought up the matter: Acid Rain Program 2008 Progress Reports | Progress Reports | Clean Air Markets | Air & Radiation | US EPA EPA has released a series of reports that evaluate progress under the Acid Rain Program (ARP) in 2008 by examining emission reductions, reviewing compliance results and market activity, and comparing changes in emissions to changes in pollutant concentrations. The first report was released in July 2009, followed by additional releases through December 2009.
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12/12/09 - A chance to take Action against Big Polluters: "The EPA has proposed new rules that – for the first time ever – would require dirty coal plants to meet modern standards for global warming pollution. Coal plants are America's largest single source of global warming pollution. But the coal industry and big power companies are fighting the clean up. We need your help to show that Americans support cutting pollution from dirty coal plants and moving to clean energy sources, like wind and solar power. " Hold the Biggest Polluters Accountable - Environment America "Environment America is a federation of state-based, citizen-funded environmental advocacy organizations. Our professional staff in 27 states and Washington, D.C., combines independent research, practical ideas and tough-minded advocacy to overcome the opposition of powerful special interests and win real results for the environment. Environment America draws on 30 years of success in tackling environmental problems."
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12/12/09 - Nature Doesn't Play Ball: It is an interesting (and scary) phenomenon that more that half of the people polled in our region don’t think Climate Change is serious enough to address now. For one thing, if those who do think it’s a serious matter, but don’t want to see our country address it now for the sake of other matters, when do they think it should be addressed. Given the long lag time before much of the drastic effects of Climate Change will be observable by the untrained eye by the time the public does think it’s time to address Climate Change it will be long too late—as many of the conditions of climate change are already occurring and at a much faster rate than predicted. The question in the poll should have been not whether you think Climate Change is serious and should be addressed now, but “do you think our species is capable to addressing this issue at all.” As evidenced by this poll and other polls, I don’t think most ‘get’ the problem of Climate Change. The Climate Change problem is like the person who takes drugs problem: regardless of all your other problems, there is going to come a point soon in which climate change will be our only problem because we did not address it at the appropriate point. 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]
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12/11/09 - As it is one of the biggest events in our lifetimes, I hope you all are paying attention to the Climate Talks in Copenhagen. Democracy Now! is reporting from there as the talks go on--as all the mainstream media should be doing: Democracy Now! | Radio and TV News A daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 800 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the U.S.
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12/10/09 - A take Action note from Al Gore: "A truly historic moment has arrived. The United Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark began this week, and the eyes of the world are on the United States, gauging our commitment to a global solution to the greatest challenge facing our planet. Leaders from across the world, including President Obama, will come together to forge an agreement that will guide international action to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and lay the foundation for a new and prosperous 21st century clean energy economy. In advance of his trip to Copenhagen, President Obama has already made a commitment to take on the climate crisis here in the U.S. -- now we have to show that the American people are ready to lead too. Show the world that the American people want bold action on climate and clean energy solutions. Share your message of support on The Wall now. The United States has a crucial role to play in any international efforts related to the climate crisis -- including the dialogue that continues in Copenhagen this week. " - Repower America :: Add Your Voice
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12/09/09 - Save money, save the planet: Find out about this state program to become energy efficient (more energy with less power) and help New York State wastes less energy. This is a program that you should look into because it's your government making sure your home is energy efficient and giving you all the help you need to do thatL New York Energy $mart(SM) NYSERDA's residential programs are programs that work - programs that help homeowners and renters reduce their energy costs; programs that help multifamily building owners provide energy-efficient apartments for their tenants; programs that reduce the impact homes have on the environment; and programs that provide training to contractors on how to provide quality energy efficiency services to their neighbors. Working with a select group of contractors, builders, multifamily partners, retailers, and manufacturers, we have created a statewide network of partners who offer energy efficiency solutions that can help reduce your energy usage and costs. Find the program that can help you become more energy efficient: Owners of Existing Homes Buyers of New Homes Low and Moderate Income Homeowners and Renters Renters Owners and Managers of Existing Multifamily Buildings Developers and Owners of Multifamily Buildings Teachers & Students Shoppers interested in Energy Efficient Products -- from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
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12/07/09 - Good point to bring up about our area's Recycling: Let's recycle #5 plastics | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle#5-plastics#5-plastics I am writing to suggest that Monroe County begin accepting #5 plastics for recycling. (Currently only #s 1 and 2 are accepted).
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12/05/09 - Might be worthwhile to scan the president's speech on the Jobs Forum to see if there any help from our government, using our monies, to get us our green jobs: Obama keynotes White House forum on jobs and economic growth - washingtonpost.com Event held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (December 3, 09) washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines
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12/04/09 - Get the new Lead Poisoning Report from NYS: New York State Task Force on the Prevention of Childhood Lead Poisoning Preliminary Report 2009 Here's more information: "Governor Paterson Supports Task Force Recommendations to Strengthen Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Efforts Governor David A. Paterson today expressed support for new measures that will be taken to improve children's health through the further reduction of childhood exposure to lead poisoning. The measures, to be implemented with existing financial resources and statutory authority, were outlined in a preliminary report issued this week by the Task Force on the Prevention of Childhood Lead Poisoning, an interagency workgroup Governor Paterson created with Executive Order No. 21. "
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12/04/09 - Get the science behind Global Warming from the scientists from a series of short videos from the Union of Concerned Scientists -- YouTube - ConcernedScientists's Channel "The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. "
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12/03/09 - The dedication of a environmental cause to an exceptional Rochester-area environmentalist: Parks Preservation in Monroe County, NY Christine Sevilla Parks Preservationist, Environmentalist, Photographer, Writer and Friend | We dedicate this website to Christine Sevilla. Christine was a passionate advocate for preserving our parks for future generations. Her ongoing concerns about the piecemeal destruction promoted by the current county leadership - allowing mountain biking on walking trails and in sensitive areas, selling parklands for wetland mitigation, bulldozing eskers in Mendon Ponds or meadows in Oatka Creek. Christine envisioned our parks as a legacy to the future, and passionately worked to prevent what she called this "death by a thousand cuts". In dedicating this website to Christine, we hope it encourages others to get involved to save our parks.
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12/03/09 - Green Career Training Programs: A new trend we will being witnessing in the
- 12/02/09 - Get involved in a dialogue with some of our best environmental reporters in this area. Definitely check out an important local environmental blog hosted by the Democrat and Chronicle's Erica Bryant and Steve Orr. Some of our best environmental reporting has been done by Steve and take this opportunity to demonstrate to Erica and Steve how critical local environmental reporting is to our ability to understand what exactly is the state of our environment. 520 - An Environmental Blog | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle "Welcome to the 520 blog, which we hope to make a stew pot full of news and observations about environmental issues in the Rochester region and beyond. We both spend a good deal of our time writing about green topics, but there is so much happening in this arena that we can’t begin to fit it all into the newspaper. Our goal is not only to provide a place on the Web for interesting environmental nuggets, but to spark conversations and hold institutions and individuals accountable when need be. "
- 12/02/09 - More Troubling data: Our oceans, which have been absorbing much of our carbon dioxide waste, have taken about as much as it can. Read the transcripts from PRI: Living on Earth called Carbon Saturated Ocean "They're not quite keeping up and that's the worry. The point is that nature has been good to us and as these sinks get saturated or start to fill up they will not take up as large a fraction of what's emitted."
