The Climate Minute

What are the underlying issues that will drive climate progress in 2015? We discuss a Congress that denies global warming, low oil prices, the Trans-Pacific partnership, upcoming negotiations in Paris, and the impact of the Pope’s views on global warming.First, we note that Cape Wind is in jeopardy. There seems to be enough momentum behind the wind industry the progress in other areas is likely.Congress is targeting the Keystone pipeline. Read  Dave Roberts who says about the whole controversy that “This is the first time since cap-and-trade that the movement defined a clear fight specifically about climate. They picked something Obama could block and then set out making the case that he should block it. It was something that could could have passed without a blink from anyone, and they charged it with meaning. They marched, protested, organized, wrote, and marched some more. They got big money to enter political races behind the issue. They got key allies to speak out against it. They’ve managed to delay and delay it. They even got Obama to say that he’ll reject it if it has any impact on greenhouse gases. (Imagine that standard applied to all future infrastructure projects!)”It seems the President will veto the bill, but this is just the beginning of a long fight.  Bill McKibben said  “This is a tribute to the millions of people who have made this one of the center pieces of a fast growing climate movement. So far their desire to protect the land and climate have been a match for the fountains of dirty money that constitute the oil industry’s only real argument.”  If you want to find your rep’s phone number, click here, for your Senator, click here.Robert Reich says this about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)Even better for global companies, the tribunal can order compensation for any lost profits found to result from a nation's regulations. Philip Morris is using a similar provision against Uruguay (the provision appears in a bilateral trade treaty between Uruguay and Switzerland), claiming that Uruguay's strong anti-smoking regulations unfairly diminish the company's profits.What does the acronym INDC mean? “Intended Nationally Determined Contributions.” Say that three times fast! It is a statement of how much carbon each country will promise to cut in the preparation for negotiations in Paris at COP21 next December.Pope Francis is said to be preparing an important statement on climate next year, but will likely anger some conservatives. See the links at https://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2015/01/09/five-issues-that-will-shape-the-news-of-2015-the-climate-minute-podcast/Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.Thanks for listening.…Ted McIntyreDownload Enhanced Podcast

A lesson for climate hawks in an Ohio tragedy.http://huff.to/1xfO6n3http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/12/31/transgender-teen-who-died-of-an-apparent-suicide-fix-society-please/Download Enhanced Podcast

The year 2014 was hot, the climate movement became conscious of itself and saw new dimensions in a big world. This year is likely to be the hottest year on record and one where climate change undeniably arrived in clear force.The year will also be remembered as one where climate activism took center stage with lots of rabble-rousing. The President said  "Our citizens keep marching. We cannot pretend we do not hear them."  From EPA regulations to the Climate March, Climate Hawks were out in force. The KXL pipeline is in deep Presidential trouble because of activism. In NY, fracking was banned, and the polls approve. On top of all that, Kinder Morgan blinked in the face of local opposition.The climate movement’s conception of itself changed in 2014 as well, not the least due to Naomi Klein's book "This Changes Everything".  Rebecca Solnit is getting lots of mileage out of a comparison of our times to the French Revolution. She says: “…physics is inevitable…Politics, on the other hand, is not inevitable.” In the same way, the #BlackLivesMatter movement is a big one for Climate Hawks. From a convergence of interests, to environmental justice to a simple realization that cities are a locus of climate opportunity, a new way of thinking was born.The year also saw hopeful signs of an independent media as well as price parity for renewables, and a great window of opportunity for a carbon tax.See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/12/31/2014-from-the-climate-hawks-perspective-the-climate-minute-podcast/Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.Thanks for listening.…Ted McIntyreDownload Enhanced Podcast

Things wrapped up in Lima at COP20 with an agreement that is either good or inadequate. However, Greenpeace apparently went too far and desecrated a famous archeological site in the Andes. This raises questions about the ‘cultural cluelessness’ of some activists. Take for example the on going discussion about the Black Lives movement, environmental  justice and Climate Hawks.There was lots of activity on the energy-in-politics front, see•    NY Guv Cuomo’s decision to ban fracking – did it all start in Dryden?•    Senator McConnell’s plan to vote on KXL (and the 350.org response. ) •    Lobsterboat DA's mayoral win •    A new carbon  proposal in the state of Washington•    The President’s declaration on Bristol Bay•    The collapse of the Russian ruble in part from low oil prices.  Lots to think about, but remember, this is the  Winter Solstice , and longer days are coming.See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/12/19/to-frack-or-not-to-frack-the-climate-minute-podcast/Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.Thanks for listening.…Ted McIntyreDownload Enhanced Podcast

D.R. Tucker says he's jealous of younger climate hawks, not only for having greater awareness on global warming than he did at their age, but also for being able to recognize frauds--something he couldn't do at their age.See also:http://web.archive.org/web/20120203170033/http://www.frumforum.com/remembering-talk-radios-besthttp://boston.cbslocal.com/2014/12/09/keller-large-remembering-david-brudnoy/http://archive.tobacco.org/news/104695.htmlhttp://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/map09a00/pdf?search=%22david%20brudnoy%22http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/nap09a00http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/jey54b00/pdf?search=%22david%20brudnoy%20tobacco%20institute%22http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/qtt84b00/pdfhttp://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/zfa15b00/pdf?search=%22david%20brudnoy%20tobacco%20institute%22Download Enhanced Podcast

As a leader in the fight against climate change, Massachusetts often has to deal with problems at the leading edge. Is a natural gas pipeline through the state a good idea? Is it wise to import hydro-power from Quebec in order to achieve our emissions goals?  We discuss these topics, along with a review of the proceedings down in Lima.Kinder Morgan re-routes it’s controversial pipeline. We talk with Rich Cowan about what is happening on the front lines of the struggle. Better Futures Project’s Craig Altemouse provides a run  down of reasons to oppose  the pipeline on the Huffington Post. For even more info, check out the MA Pipeline Action Network . The next hearing on the low-demand scenario is scheduled for SDecember 18th. The Globe’s Business Page gives a somewhat unclear discussion of the Hydro-Quebec question.  But the Op-Ed page has a simpler explanation. Alternatively, the State could save emissions by adjusting our thermostats or using tidal power.In Peru, the COP20 in Lima has been on-going.  ThinkProgress gives an update ,  and DemocracyNow talks to Pablo Solon. If you do nothing else, watch John Kerry's remarkable speech.Finally: Watch President Obama "dis" Keystone XL under Colbert's cold stare.See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/12/12/pipelines-to-powerlines-the-climate-minute-podcast/Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.Thanks for listening.…Ted McIntyreDownload Enhanced Podcast

In the aftermath of the Eric Garner case, a number of right-wing media commentators have agreed with progressive commentators on the issue of police brutality. Could these talking heads ever agree with climate hawks on scientific reality?See also:http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/05/us/politics/anger-at-chokehold-death-crosses-political-lines.html http://www.mediaite.com/online/concha-rare-consensus-across-cable-news-and-country-on-eric-garner/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqLQd1UlM8c http://www.mediaite.com/tv/oreilly-eric-garner-was-not-a-threat-police-clearly-overreacted/ http://www.mediaite.com/tv/george-w-bush-garner-grand-jury-decision-hard-to-understand/ http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2014/12/04/can-eric-garners-killing-get-liberals-and-conservatives-to-agree-on-police-reforms/ http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2014/12/05/bipartisan-support-for-federal-probe-into-eric-garner-killing/ http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/eric-garner-police-brutality/ http://www.desmogblog.com/2014/12/05/george-shultz-reagan-s-secretary-state-climate-change-potential-results-are-catastrophic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt0ot1LgXZQ http://grist.org/climate-energy/why-the-awesome-climate-march-wont-change-american-politics/ http://grist.org/climate-energy/why-climate-hawks-are-on-the-left-like-it-or-not/ http://grist.org/politics/david-roberts-explains-postmodern-conservatism-in-36-tweets/ http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/949rsrgi.aspCheck out the live links at: http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/the-turning-point-the-climate-notes-podcast/Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.Download Enhanced Podcast

Congratulations to Boston!Boston was recognized as a climate leader by the Obama Administration.  Here is an update from the Globe. City by city climate action could have big benefits.Here is some background on the UN COP process, which will help clarify what is happening in Lima. You can read additional reports from the NYT,  Bloomberg  and the GuardianWhat is a Climate Hawk to think of falling gas prices.? Here is something to consider.Alan Sorkin addresses  climate change on his TV show, or does he?When commentators discuss how much carbon can be emitted, things can get confusing. This link has a discussion of the global carbon budget.If you want to hear the original version of the Standell’s 1970’s hit “Dirty water”, go here. It is a Bostonian anthem.See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/12/05/boston-youre-my-home-the-climate-minute-podcast/Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.Thanks for listening.…Ted McIntyreDownload Enhanced Podcast

Berkeley, California moves to place climate-change warning labels at gas stations—and some people aren’t too happy about it.See also:http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Berkeley-City-Council-Votes-to-Move-Forward-With-Global-Warming-Alert-Caution-Labels-at-Gas-Pumps-283231261.html http://www.sltrib.com/home/1846777-155/gas-labels-berkeley-climate-consumers-oks http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/international-news/125248-city-orders-petrol-pumps-to-carry-climate-change-warnings.html http://www.newsadvance.com/news/national/wire/city-oks-plan-for-gas-pump-climate-change-labels/article_8197c648-e26b-57ed-8e22-f66db9afe79e.htmlDownload Enhanced Podcast

Recently, US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, after giving  seventy nine speeches on the floor, dedicated an eightieth speech to his proposed Act of Congress, the American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act.  Our panel of thoughtful Climate Hawks discusses the bill and it’s implications. In his speech, the Senator said:“It’s that simple.  Make the polluters pay the full costs of their products.  Level the playing field for other forms of energy like wind and solar to fairly compete.  Keep the fee mechanism simple.  Maintain a border adjustment that keeps American goods competitive.On the flip side, the carbon fee will generate significant new federal revenue.  The technicians are still working on the official revenue estimate for the bill, but it should be at least $1.5 trillion, and perhaps more than $2 trillion, over the first decade.  Whatever the exact number is, all of it should be returned to the American people.”(Warning! The next sentences are full of important but obscure words. Click the links to learn more about each.) Senator Whitehouse’s bill would remedy a market failure caused by negative externalities in the use of fossil fuels. It would provide this remedy by imposing a price on carbon , essentially a fee on each barrel of oil or coal. The amount of the fee will be determined by the calculation of the social cost of carbon , which estimates the cost of the damage caused by burning the fuel. The fees would be revenue neutral , generating up to two trillion dollars over the next decade, which would all be returned to each citizen. Here are some other interesting links:http://citizensclimatelobby.org/http://www.remi.com/carbon-tax-studyhttp://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/iowa-view/2014/10/04/richard-doax-climate-change/16747421/http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/11/19/3594242/sheldon-whitehouse-carbon-tax/http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/11/19/3594242/sheldon-whitehouse-carbon-tax/http://www.carbontax.org/blogarchives/2014/11/19/new-senate-bill-would-build-polluter-pays-principle-into-climate-action/See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/11/28/the-american-opportunity-carbon-fee-act-the-climate-hawks-companion/Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.Thanks for listening.…Ted McIntyreDownload Enhanced Podcast

There was lots of climate news this week, from local to national to international issues. We check them all out!Last Saturday, activist met in Fitchburg to discuss the proposed Kinder-Morgan pipeline. For details and other links, check out this report from the Berkshire Edge.  Here in Massachusetts, we have the ‘Global Warming Solutions Act’ that commits the state to lower carbon emissions. A great organization,  Mothers Out Front , has been rallying to ask the Governor to take more steps in this direction. Check out their website to switch to clean energy yourself. We chat with Co-director Vanessa Rule about what is going on!Over at Tufts University, there will be a conference this weekend entitled Restoring Ecosystems to Reverse Global Warming . The attendees will discuss “The exceptional potential of the biosphere to address all of our current emissions, as well as to remove the 125 parts per million of excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.”“If you can’t explain your opponent’s argument, you cannot explain your own.” Down in DC, the Senate rejected a KXL approval measure. But the real question is why are 'conservatives' fixated on fossil fuels?  Here is a discussion of  West Virginia as a resource colony. The Boston Globe suggests compromise , but letter writers are  fed-up.In the wider world, due to the US commitment of $3 billion dollars, a UN clean energy fund is closing in on it's goal.  In addition, the recent US-China agreement on emissions target suddenly has transformed into real work in China to cap coal usage. See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/11/20/local-national-and-global-progress-the-climate-minute-podcast/Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.Thanks for listening.…Ted McIntyreDownload Enhanced Podcast

A former Clear Channel radio executive says right-wing talk radio is on the downfall. This is very good news for climate hawks.See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/11/14/breakthrough-in-china-the-climate-minute-podcast/Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/11/16/dialing-down-denial-the-climate-notes-podcast/Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.Thanks for listening.…Ted McIntyreDownload Enhanced Podcast

The US and China set targets for carbon emissions. This is a big deal, since it boosts the international negotiations already in progress, put political pressure on other nations and undercuts the arguments against US action. See the links at http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/11/14/breakthrough-in-china-the-climate-minute-podcast/Check out more  links at our blog, http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com or our Facebook page facbook.com/massclimateaction.Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.Thanks for listening.…Ted McIntyreDownload Enhanced Podcast

About thirty years ago, Diet Pepsi ran an ad campaign built around the slogan "Now you see it, now you don't!"--an apparent reference to the soft drink's ability to help one lose weight. I couldn't help thinking about that old ad campaign, since the slogan perfectly describes the American mainstream media's coverage, or lack thereof, of President Obama's Clean Power Plan to reduce carbon emissions from currently operating power plants.   To be fair, the mainstream media's coverage of the Clean Power Plan in the days just prior to its release was adequate. The coverage of the plan on the day of its release was admirable. However, all hopes that the mainstream media would continue its focus on the importance of the Clean Power Plan were annihilated, as the press quickly turned its attention to  Bergdahl.   Maybe it's time for climate activists to tell these networks that they also comprise the "real audience," and that they want to see more climate coverage in mainstream media. Now, I'm not telling climate activists to call ABC News at 212-456-7777 and request more comprehensive coverage of the climate crisis. I'm not suggesting that they call CBS News at 212-975-4321 and e-mail evening@cbsnews.com  and insist upon more stories about those who pursuing every available legal, political and cultural path to protect present and future generations. I'm not advising that they call CNBC at 201-735-2622 and e-mail info@cnbc.com  to make the case for more stories on the economic impact of carbon pollution. I'm not encouraging them to call CNN at 404-827-1500 and advise the network to knock it off with dangerous false-balance coverage. I'm not indicating that they should call the Fox News Channel at 212-301-3000 and e-mail comments@foxnews.com , asking them to bring on as guests pro-science conservatives like Bob Inglis and non-denialist Christians like Katharine Hayhoe. I'm not recommending that they contact NBC News at 212-664-3720 and e-mail nightly@nbc.com , urging that NBC's environmental correspondent Anne Thompson receives more of a platform. I'd never imply that they should call PBS at 703-739-5000 and tell them to stop the false-balance shtick on "NewsHour." And I wouldn't even think of asking you to call NPR at 202-513-2000 and telling them that all things considered, news about the climate crisis should be a part of every morning edition.   I just think that if you want better climate coverage, you have to ask for it. Media power concedes nothing without a demand. And despite false balance, fossil-fuel advertising, and the attitude that access is more important than antagonism, those in the mainstream media know that ultimately, you've got to give the people what they want.   Thank you for listening.  Download Enhanced Podcast

This week we discuss the international implications of the new EPA rules, as well as polls showing support for carbon fees and proposed pipelines here in MA.   Recent polls show increasing support for carbon pricing.  Is it because Obama recognizes the need for a price on carbon?  Recent reports show that a carbon tax is good for the economy! There is new gas pipeline proposed for Massachusetts. Check here for information about what to do about it.   Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions,  because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that  the US put a price on carbon   Download Enhanced Podcast