‘Any harm done to the environment … is harm done to humanity’

Speaking to a packed hall that included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as well as Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) sitting next to Samantha Power, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, the pope called for a “fundamental and effective” international climate agreement in Paris in December. He also linked the effort to protect the environment directly with alleviating poverty. Referencing his landmark encyclical on the environment, Francis also denounced consumerism and what he called “a culture of waste” that goes hand-in-hand with fueling poverty and destruction of the environment. [ read more … ]

China rolls out cap and trade, tops U.S. aid pledge

Six years ago when cap-and-trade legislation was working its way through Congress, its foes warned the emissions scheme would put U.S. industry at a disadvantage because China wouldn’t follow suit. But China has turned the tables, announcing a cap-and-trade plan today for its greenhouse gas emissions while there’s nearly no chance for the United States to do the same.

And the world’s second-largest economy also said it would provide $3.1 billion in climate finance to poor countries, topping the U.S. pledge of $3 billion over four years.
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Regulators say end is near for Texas program that boosted wind

“There will be no more CREZ zones approved by the commission, unless the Legislature directs it,” Anderson said, describing his thinking during an open meeting yesterday. “I think we should even open up a rulemaking to enshrine that.” Anderson offered some qualifications to his remarks, but the tone appeared clear. His general approach was supported by Donna Nelson, who chairs the PUC, and Commissioner Brandy Marty Marquez. The CREZ program often is cited as a key reason Texas is ranked No. 1 for installed U.S. wind capacity, as shown by the American Wind Energy Association. [ read more … ]

Microsoft Leads Movement to Offset Emissions With Internal Carbon Tax

When Microsoft business unit managers calculate their profits or losses each quarter, they consider more than just sales and expenses. They also factor in the price of carbon. Even more radically, the business units are charged an internal tax by Microsoft based on their energy usage. The money goes into a common fund that invests in environmental sustainability projects. The company’s program is at the forefront of a fast-growing effort called carbon pricing. This year, 437 companies are calculating an internal price on carbon, up sharply from 150 last year, according to a new report by CDP, a nonprofit group that monitors carbon disclosures for companies. [ read more … ]

Calif. to seek big cuts in short-lived climate pollutants like black carbon

Speaking at the United Nations, Brown told a panel that the Golden State next week will formally announce the move. The Air Resources Board (ARB) will pursue regulations that by 2030 will cut methane and hydrofluorocarbons emissions 40 percent each, and black carbon pollution in half. He said it’s a faster way to shrink emissions than targeting carbon pollution, which the state also is looking to shrink with multiple programs.
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