UN Press Conference on new United Nations in-house Climate change initiative

Seeking to lead by example in addressing climate change, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was launching a "Cool UN" initiative today to reduce energy consumption and the carbon footprint of United Nations Headquarters, Michael Adlerstein, Executive Director of the Capital Master Plan, said at a Headquarters press conference this morning.

Accompanied by Janos Pasztor, Director of the Secretary-General's Climate Change Support Team, Mr. Adlerstein said the campaign would reduce the use of air conditioning, cut greenhouse gas emissions and save money. During a month-long trial period in August, the thermostats would be turned up from 72° F (22.2° C) to 77° F (25° C) in most parts of the Secretariat building and from 70° F (21.1° C) to 75° F (23.9° C) in the conference rooms, Mr. Adlerstein said. Accompanied by a relaxed "business casual" dress code, the campaign would also involve shutting down the buildings' heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems over the weekends.

Mr. Adlerstein, the official in charge of the Organization's massive renovations, said that, in launching the campaign, the Secretary-General had said: "We have succeeded in moving climate change to the top of the international agenda for action, and this means that the UN must take action itself. We must lead by example, and if we are to ask others to take action, we must do so as well."

The initiative would save some 4.4 billion pounds of steam during the month of August, or the equivalent of 300 tons of carbon dioxide in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, he said. That equalled an approximate 10 per cent reduction in energy consumption. It would also produce cash savings estimated at $100,000. If successful, the test would be extended.

In the winter months, the process would be reversed, with a 5° F reduction in the thermostat settings, he said, estimating that winter energy savings would be somewhat larger than the summer reduction, lowering energy costs by about $1 million for the year. The environmental benefit of the campaign, on a year-round basis, would result in the reduction of emissions by some 2,800 tons of carbon dioxide. The initiative would also encourage staff to explore other innovative ideas for making the United Nations a model in the global fight against climate change.

Mr. Pasztor said that, as negotiations moved forward in preparation for Copenhagen at the end of next year, climate change issues were increasingly visible on the international political agenda. "Clearly, we must act, and the Secretary-General is doing everything he can to mobilize action and, indeed, unprecedented action to move forward on climate change." People must reflect on how they live and work, and the Secretary-General was seeking to raise awareness and find solutions. He was also engaged in bringing together a coherent response to climate change by the United Nations system. The "Cool UN" initiative was part of his "leadership by example" approach.

Responding to several questions about the technical issues involved, Mr. Adlerstein said the present cooling system at Headquarters was "antique", but he felt comfortable that it was possible to raise the temperature by 5°F throughout the compound. "We'll do our best and we'll adjust as the next couple of weeks progress." As for varying temperatures in different parts of the complex, there were many issues involved in old buildings like the United Nations Headquarters. "So we are doing what we can for the next year as we move into the Capital Master Plan." The changes would not solve the building's "illnesses", but they would reduce its carbon footprint.

Asked about greening measures within the Capital Master Plan framework, he said he was not yet ready to announce all of them, but steps would be taken to incorporate significant energy savings into the Plan. In fact, it would be possible to exceed the 40 per cent reduction in energy and 30 per cent reduction in water consumption that had been discussed last winter. Among other things, there was a plan to introduce wind generation in the compound for demonstration purposes. Water retention measures for landscaping and other non-potable uses had also been considered. The Capital Master Plan Office would be reporting to the General Assembly on the whole variety of measures later in the year.

In response to another question, he said that, while the current heating and cooling system ran on steam, changes under the Capital Master Plan envisioned a hybrid use of steam and electric power, which would allow the United Nations to lower its energy consumption.

Source: Isria.info

UN goes green, orders drastic cut of air-conditioning use

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) — The United Nations on Wednesday announced a drastic cut of air-conditioning usage at its New York headquarters for the month of August that will raise the temperature from a crisp 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celsius) to a balmy 77.

Under a directive from UN chief Ban Ki-moon, the air-conditioning in the 39-floor Secretariat building will be turned off on weekends.

Assuming the temperature change goes smoothly, the "Cool UN" initiative to cut down on energy costs and implement climate change solutions could be extended for a full year, saving the world body one million dollars and reducing the building's carbon dioxide emissions by 2,800 tonnes.

During the winter, the process would be reversed and the thermostat would be lowered by five degrees Fahrenheit.

"We have succeeded in moving climate change to the top of the international agenda for action, and this means that the UN must take action itself," Ban said in a statement. "We must lead by example and if we are to ask others to take action, we must do so as well."

As part of the initiative, Ban is encouraging staff, delegates and diplomats to relax clothing protocols and wear lighter attire or don their national dress rather than wear business suits as of August 1.

Asked whether the secretary general would be setting an example in this regard as well, Janos Pasztor, head of the the Secretary General Climate Support Team, told reporters: "He will be wearing lighter clothes as well, he has confirmed that."

Source: AFP

China calls for rich countries help on climate change

Addressing climate change head-on is in China's best interests, but it needs developed countries to do their fair share, President Hu Jintao said in a speech reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Mr Hu called on developed countries to step up efforts on emission reduction, and provide financial and technical support for developing countries.
China will participate in next month's G8 meeting in Hokkaido, Japan, where climate change is top on the agenda. Countries are trying to set new targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that will take effect after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.
Although China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, on a per person basis it produces far less than many developed countries.
Chinese negotiators also point out that the country is only just catching up after two centuries of industrialisation in the West.
But Chinese policy makers are increasingly worried about the impact on China of global warming, which could dry up rivers that water the arid north and intensify flooding in the south.
China also suffers from intensely polluted water and air.
"How we cope with climate change is related to the country's economic development and people's practical benefits," Mr Hu told a study session on climate change.
"It's in line with the country's basic interests.
"Our task is tough, and our time is limited.
"Party organisations and governments at all levels must give priority to emission reduction ... and drive the idea deep into people's hearts."
Mr Hu urged organisations and companies to optimise energy use, recycle resources, increase forest coverage, explore water resources scientifically and strengthen international cooperation.
He called for enhancing China's ability to monitor, forecast and withstand extreme natural disasters brought by abnormal weather.
Flooding this summer has already killed over 200 people across China, after an earthquake in Sichuan province in May left more than 80,000 dead or missing and millions homeless.
Unusual rainfall could make this summer's flooding the worst in decades, the Sichuan meteorological bureau said.
Tropical storm Fengshan killed at least 15 people in Guangzhou and Jiangxi province after it came ashore on Wednesday and was downgraded from typhoon level.
It killed hundreds in the Philippines last week.
Floodwaters released from a swollen reservoir in southern Guangdong province caused a 300-metre bridge in the Baiyun district of Guangzhou to collapse, Chinese media said on Saturday.
And a month of unusual rainfall in Beijing claimed three lives and injured eight people who were overcome by gases when they tried to unblock a flooded sewer in Miyun County.

Source: - Reuters

China calls for rich countries help on climate change

Addressing climate change head-on is in China's best interests, but it needs developed countries to do their fair share, President Hu Jintao said in a speech reported by the Xinhua news agency.Mr Hu called on developed countries to step up efforts on emission reduction, and provide financial and technical support for developing countries.China will participate in next month's G8 meeting in Hokkaido, Japan, where climate change is top on the agenda. Countries are trying to set new targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that will take effect after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.Although China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, on a per person basis it produces far less than many developed countries. Chinese negotiators also point out that the country is only just catching up after two centuries of industrialisation in the West.But Chinese policy makers are increasingly worried about the impact on China of global warming, which could dry up rivers that water the arid north and intensify flooding in the south. China also suffers from intensely polluted water and air."How we cope with climate change is related to the country's economic development and people's practical benefits," Mr Hu told a study session on climate change."It's in line with the country's basic interests."Our task is tough, and our time is limited. "Party organisations and governments at all levels must give priority to emission reduction ... and drive the idea deep into people's hearts."Mr Hu urged organisations and companies to optimise energy use, recycle resources, increase forest coverage, explore water resources scientifically and strengthen international cooperation.He called for enhancing China's ability to monitor, forecast and withstand extreme natural disasters brought by abnormal weather.Flooding this summer has already killed over 200 people across China, after an earthquake in Sichuan province in May left more than 80,000 dead or missing and millions homeless. Unusual rainfall could make this summer's flooding the worst in decades, the Sichuan meteorological bureau said.Tropical storm Fengshan killed at least 15 people in Guangzhou and Jiangxi province after it came ashore on Wednesday and was downgraded from typhoon level. It killed hundreds in the Philippines last week.Floodwaters released from a swollen reservoir in southern Guangdong province caused a 300-metre bridge in the Baiyun district of Guangzhou to collapse, Chinese media said on Saturday.And a month of unusual rainfall in Beijing claimed three lives and injured eight people who were overcome by gases when they tried to unblock a flooded sewer in Miyun County.

Copyright 2008, Reuters

Global Warming Regional Campaign Coordinator

Greenpeace is hiring a Global Warming Regional Campaign Coordinator responsible for the creation and implementation of regional campaign work on the Greenpeace global warming campaign and campaign skills training for Greenpeace’s growing street and door canvass (Frontline) program.

The Greenpeace global warming campaign – Project Hot Seat – is a cutting-edge grassroots campaign to push candidates for Congress to become champions on global warming. Leading up to the 2008 election, the Global Warming Regional Campaign Coordinator will lead the charge in convincing Congress to take immediate, significant action on global warming, and to make Congress accountable to the American public, not to big oil and coal companies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Campaign Coordination and Development

• Coordinate and train a Campaign Coordinator in each Frontline canvass office through weekly one-on-one calls, conference calls, and other means
• Assist in the production of the weekly campaign update for the Frontline offices
• Hire and train one Campaign Coordinator who spends 10 hours per week coordinating campaign work in each office
• Provide phone and other trainings for Campaign Coordinators

Train Frontline Staff and Campaign Coordinators
• Manage and plan weekend regional trainings for all Frontline staff and the Campaign Coordinators to ensure that staff have the skills required to perform campaign work in a high quality manner

Collaborative Design of Campaign Pushes
• Work with manager to create several one- to two-month campaign pushes for the Greenpeace global warming campaign. Collaborate with the Grassroots, Campaigns and Communications teams to plan tactics that include events, petitioning, generating phone calls, and mobilizing Greenpeace members
• Ensure that Frontline canvass offices receive fact sheets, issue briefings, and other essential materials required for each campaign roll-out

The position does not involve canvassing or fundraising.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Field Tactics Planning Skills – the ability to quickly grasp campaign strategy, assess resources, and develop a detailed tactical plan for a field canvass program
• Ability to Train, Coach and Mentor – the ability to create and implement leadership development plans for Campaign Coordinators, particularly via the phone
• Excellent Written Communication Skills – the ability to write compelling campaign materials for use by Frontline canvass offices and staff
• Ability to Motivate a Large Team of Peers – the ability to work with peers in other departments on projects and motivate staff in each Frontline canvass office that you do not line manage
• Excellent Interpersonal Skills – an ability to work in project teams to make fast decisions and manage multiple stakeholders in a planning process
• Planning – Excellent planning and time-lining skills
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, e-mail and database programs


Experience/Accomplishments:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in grassroots organizing
• Background of working with door-to-door or street canvasses in grassroots advocacy campaigns is helpful but not required
• Proven experience training and coaching campaign volunteers
• Proven experience in planning and implementing a successful field campaign

The position is a six-month contract with a strong possibility of becoming a long-term position. The salary is equivalent to $39,000 a year.

The position is based in Washington, DC or San Francisco.

Applicants send cover letter and resume to: amy.faulring [at] greenpeace.org

Please put “Global Warming Regional Campaign Coordinator” in the subject line of your application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and interviews will be scheduled immediately for qualified candidates. The position is open until filled.

Source: Grist

Destruction Of Greenhouse Gases Over Tropical Atlantic May Ease Global Warming

ScienceDaily (June 26, 2008) — Large amounts of ozone -- around 50% more than predicted by the world's state-of-the-art climate models -- are being destroyed in the lower atmosphere over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. This startling discovery was made by a team of scientists from the UK's National Centre for Atmospheric Science and Universities of York and Leeds. It has particular significance because ozone in the lower atmosphere acts as a greenhouse gas and its destruction also leads to the removal of the third most abundant greenhouse gas; methane.
The findings come after analysing the first year of measurements from the new Cape Verde Atmospheric Observatory, recently set up by British, German and Cape Verdean scientists on the island of São Vicente in the tropical Atlantic. Alerted by these Observatory data, the scientists flew a research aircraft up into the atmosphere to make ozone measurements at different heights and more widely across the tropical Atlantic. The results mirrored those made at the Observatory, indicating major ozone loss in this remote area.
So, what's causing this loss? Instruments developed at the University of Leeds, and stationed at the Observatory, detected the presence of the chemicals bromine and iodine oxide over the ocean for this region. These chemicals, produced by sea spray and emissions from phytoplankton (microscopic plants in the ocean), attack the ozone, breaking it down. As the ozone is destroyed, a chemical is produced that attacks and destroys the greenhouse gas methane. Up until now it has been impossible to monitor the atmosphere of this remote region over time because of its physical inaccessibility. Including this new chemistry in climate models will provide far more accurate estimates of ozone and methane in the atmosphere and improve future climate predictions.
Professor Alastair Lewis, Director of Atmospheric Composition at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science and a lead scientist in this study, said: "At the moment this is a good news story -- more ozone and methane being destroyed than we previously thought - but the tropical Atlantic cannot be taken for granted as a permanent 'sink' for ozone. The composition of the atmosphere is in fine balance here- it will only take a small increase in nitrogen oxides from fossil fuel combustion, carried here from Europe, West Africa or North America on the trade winds, to tip the balance from a sink to a source of ozone"
Professor John Plane, University of Leeds said: "This study provides a sharp reminder that to understand how the atmosphere really works, measurement and experiment are irreplaceable. The production of iodine and bromine mid-ocean implies that destruction of ozone over the oceans could be global".
Dr Lucy Carpenter, University of York and UK co-ordinator of the Observatory added: "This observatory is a terrific facility that will enable us to keep an eye on the chemical balance of the atmosphere and feed this information into global climate models to greatly improve predictions for this region in the future".

Source: Science Daily

Global warming causing plant migration in Europe: study

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Global warming has caused numerous European plant species to migrate to higher elevations over the decades, according to new research published Thursday.
The research appears in the June 27 edition of the journal Science, and has potentially "important ecological and evolutionary consequences," the study's authors wrote.
A team of international scientists working in mountainous regions of Western Europe compared the natural elevation range of 171 forest plant species between 1905 and 1985, and again between 1986 and 2005.
"Along the entire elevation range, 0 to 2,600 meters (8,500 feet) above sea level ... we show that climate warming has resulted in a significant upward shift in species optimum elevation averaging 29 meters (95 feet) per decade," the researchers wrote.
The lead author of the study was Jonathan Lenoir of AgroParisTech in Nancy, France.
The report, compiled with data from the French National Climatic Network, was conducted in six mountainous regions throughout Europe.
They include the Northern Pyrenees, the Massif Central, the Western Jura, the Vosges, the Corsican range and the alpine regions, where average temperature increases have approached one degree Celsius since the start of the 1980s, researchers said.

Source: AFP