Topic: greenhouse gases

Clearing the Air: Reducing Upstream Greenhouse Gas Emissions from U.S. Natural Gas Systems

Sarah Parsons — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:48:29 -0400

Key Findings

Fugitive methane emissions from natural gas systems represent a significant source of global warming pollution in the U.S. Reductions in methane emissions are urgently needed as part of the broader effort to slow the rate of global temperature rise.
Cutting methane leakage rates from natural gas systems to less than 1 percent of total production would ensure that the climate impacts of natural gas are lower than coal or diesel fuel over any time horizon. This goal can be achieved by reducing emissions by one-half to two-thirds below current levels through the widespread use of proven, cost-effective technologies.
Fugitive methane emissions occur at every stage of the natural gas life cycle; however, the total amount of leakage is unclear. More comprehensive and current direct emissions measurements are needed from this regionally diverse and rapidly expanding energy sector.
Recent standards from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will substantially reduce leakage from natural gas systems, but to help slow the rate of global warming and improve air quality, further action by states and EPA should directly address fugitive methane from new and existing wells and equipment.
Federal rules building on existing Clean Air Act (CAA) authorities could provide an appropriate framework for reducing upstream methane emissions. This approach accounts for input by affected industries, while allowing flexibility for states to implement rules according to unique local circumstances.

ADVISORY: New Study and Discussion on Reducing Methane Emissions from Natural Gas

Michael Oko — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:19:50 -0400

WRI to release new working paper, “Clearing the Air: Reducing Upstream Greenhouse Gas Emissions from U.S. Natural Gas Systems.”

Download the paper, here.
Read a blog post on the paper, here.

The rapid expansion of unconventional natural gas has reshaped the U.S. energy picture through increased production and reduced price. The shale gas boom has also ignited vigorous debates around its environmental impacts. WRI’s new study, “Clearing the Air: Reducing Upstream Greenhouse Gas Emissions from U.S. Natural Gas Systems,” looks to clarify what is known about methane leakage, what progress has been made to reduce emissions, and what further steps can be taken.

The discussion will feature representatives from Shell, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Environmental Defense Fund, and WRI, and will be moderated by Keith Johnson, an environmental reporter for the Wall Street Journal.

The event will take place at WRI’s office on Thursday, April 4, at 9:00 a.m.

A continental breakfast will be served.

WHAT
Release of new study & discussion on methane emissions from U.S. natural gas systems

WHO
James Bradbury, Senior Associate and lead author, WRI, presenter

Will Allison, Director, Air Pollution Control Division Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, panelist

Mark Brownstein, Associate Vice President & Chief Counsel, U.S. Energy and Climate Program, Environmental Defense Fund, panelist

Fiji George, Onshore Science, Policy & Regulatory Advisor, Shell Exploration & Production Company, panelist

Michael Obeiter, Senior Associate and co-author, World Resources Institute, panelist

Keith Johnson, Staff Reporter, Wall Street Journal, moderator

WHERE
World Resources Institute
10 G St NE, 8th Floor
Washington, DC
(Red Line Metro)

CALL-IN
Go to: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/821281274 Or
Dial +1 (213) 493-0602
Access Code: 821-281-274
Meeting ID: 821-281-274

WHEN
Thursday, April 4

9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

RSVP required to press@wri.org (please indicate the event in your response)

ADVISORY: Press Call on China’s New Leadership: Confronting Energy and Environmental Challenges

Michael Oko — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:32:38 -0500

As China continues its leadership transition next week at the National People’s Congress, many are wondering how the country will confront its pressing environmental, climate, and energy challenges. On Friday, March 1 at 9 a.m. EST, WRI’s ChinaFAQs network will bring together leading experts for a press teleconference to discuss these issues.

China’s new leaders have declared that making “ecological progress” will be a priority. However, in recent weeks, environmental challenges—including pollution, air quality, water scarcity, and greenhouse gas emissions—have all been in the headlines.

Experts will discuss what to watch for in China’s energy mix and new policies, including a potential carbon tax. They will also discuss implications of the government’s restructuring of energy and environmental authorities, and opportunities for U.S.-China collaboration on clean energy.

The call is being hosted by ChinaFAQs, a network of independent, U.S.-China experts assembled to provide insights and analysis around climate and energy issues in China.

LISTEN TO THE RECORDING:

WHAT:
Press teleconference on China’s leadership transition and energy and sustainability issues

WHO:
Melanie Hart, Policy Analyst, Center for American Progress
Ailun Yang, Senior Associate, World Resources Institute
Julio Friedmann, Chief Energy Technologist, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Technical Program Manager for the US-China Clean Energy Research Center for Advanced Coal Technology

WHEN:
Friday, March 1, 2013

TIME:
9:00 a.m. EST

CALL-IN:
US (Toll-Free): 866-803-2143
US/Int’l (Toll): +1 (210) 795-1098
CHINA: + 86-400-810-4773

ACCESS CODE: “WRI”

RSVP to lzelin@wri.org

STATEMENT: WRI Response to the State of the Union

Michael Oko — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:01:05 -0500

In his State of the Union address, President Obama presented his priorities for his second term, including addressing the threat of climate change.

New analysis by the World Resources Institute has identified four essential steps the Obama Administration can take to reach its national target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.

Following is a statement by Andrew Steer, President, World Resources Institute:

“President Obama made it clear that climate change is one of the great challenges of our generation. It’s a national priority that is essential for the country’s economic future and its global competitiveness. He announced that we ‘must do more to combat climate change.’ If the president puts these words into action, citizens of the United States will be better off, as will citizens around the world.

“The President declared that he will direct his Administration to cut pollution, prepare the country for the consequences of climate change, and shift to more sustainable energy– these policies will be good for people and the economy.

“The President also called on Congress to engage on this issue. This is important. While the President can and should act, the cost would be lower and the benefits greater with market-based legislation that would effectively put a price on carbon.

“Analysis by the World Resources Institute shows that the Administration can make significant progress in reducing emissions. It can start by enacting standards for existing power plants, which represent the largest portion of U.S. emissions. The U.S. can also make progress by cutting emissions of hydrofluorocarbons, tackling methane from natural gas systems, and enhancing energy efficiency.

“By reaching its emissions target, the U.S. can signal that it’s serious about tackling climate change at home while enhancing its credibility on the global stage. With more droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather events taking their toll around the globe, the world desperately needs more action. And, it needs the United States to be a leader on climate change.

“The Obama Administration has the tools. Now is the time to use them.”

–

Read an Op-ed by Andrew Steer in the Hill about how the Administration can reduce U.S. emissions.

Read more about WRI’s new report on U.S. emissions, “Can the U.S. Get There From Here?”

RELEASE: New Report Presents Pathway for U.S. to Reach 17 Percent Emissions Target

Michael Oko — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:10:44 -0500

Analysis finds U.S. is currently not on track to reach its 17% target, but has the tools to get there <!–break–>

New analysis by the World Resources Institute finds that the United States is currently not on track to reach its stated goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent by 2020 (below 2005 levels), but it has the tools to get there. The new report, “Can the U.S. Get There from Here?” explores specific steps the Administration and states can take to reduce U.S. emissions, without Congressional action.

“President Obama has put tackling climate change high on his agenda. Our analysis shows that with strong leadership and ambitious action the Administration can make a significant dent in U.S. emissions,” said Dr. Andrew Steer, President, World Resources Institute. “Meeting the 17 percent target would signal that the U.S. is serious about climate change at home and would enhance U.S. leadership on the international stage.”

The analysis finds that the Administration has the opportunity to move forward in four key areas:

Implementing strong standards for carbon dioxide pollution from existing power plants;
Reducing non-energy sources of emissions, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are commonly found in refrigerators and air conditioners;
Limiting methane emissions from natural gas production; and
Increasing energy efficiency from industry and home appliances.

“The Administration has multiple ways to move forward with smart policies to reduce U.S. emissions. The best opportunity is to enact new standards for existing power plants, which represent one-third of all U.S. emissions,” said Nicholas Bianco, Senior Associate, WRI, and the lead author of the report. “The Administration has the ability to put the U.S. on track to meet its commitments, and can do so in a cost-effective and efficient manner.”

The report also finds that states can take meaningful action and can use their authority to supplement federal actions. Twenty-nine U.S. states have renewable energy standards and 20 have energy efficiency standards. Some states are moving forward with ambitious climate policies. For example, California just launched a cap-and-trade program that will cover 85 percent of the state’s emissions. California also has a target to produce 33 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020. On the East Coast, nine states have capped emissions from the power sector through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

While meeting the 17 percent target is achievable, scientific authorities have found that it will take deeper reductions to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. Reaching the longer-term goals will likely take additional action from Congress. In the meantime, there is much more the Administration can do to reduce U.S. emissions.

“In meeting its goal, the U.S. can join the global community in taking on the climate crisis. Reducing emissions will benefit U.S. citizens and encourage other countries to make greater reductions,” said Dr. Steer. “It’s clear that the longer the U.S. waits, the harder – and more expensive – it will be. The Administration has the tools. We look forward to seeing what steps they take to shift the country to a low-carbon pathway.”

NOTE: The full report can be found here.

Embed this graphic on your site.

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Can the U.S. Get There from Here? Using Existing Federal Laws and State Action to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Sarah Parsons — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:51:17 -0500

Summary

U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are expected to rise unless additional policy actions are taken. This report identifies a suite of policies that the Administration can pursue that do not require new legislation by the U.S. Congress. If pursued with “go-getter” level ambition, those policies can reduce U.S. emissions 17 percent below 2005 levels in 2020.

Key Findings

Without new action by the U.S. Administration, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will increase over time. The United States will fail to make the deep emissions reductions needed in coming decades, and will not meet its international commitment to reduce GHG emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.
The U.S. EPA should immediately pursue “go-getter” emissions reductions from power plants and natural gas systems using its authority under the Clean Air Act. These two sectors represent two of the top opportunities for substantial GHG reductions between now and 2035.
The U.S. Administration should pursue hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) reductions through both the Montreal Protocol process and under its independent Clean Air Act authority. Eliminating HFCs represents the biggest opportunity for GHG emissions reductions behind power plants.
U.S. states should complement federal actions to reduce emissions through state energy efficiency, renewables, transportation, and other actions. States can augment federal reductions.
New federal legislation will eventually be needed, because even go-getter action by federal and state governments will probably fail to achieve the more than 80 percent GHG emissions reductions necessary to fend off the most deleterious impacts of climate change.

This chart shows potential reductions under existing federal authorities and state action through 2035.

Interactive Graphic

Embed this graphic on your site.

Presentation

Can The U.S. Get There From Here? from World Resources Institute (WRI)

ADVISORY: Report Launch: Can the U.S. Get There From Here?

Michael Oko — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:40:33 -0500

WRI to release major new report on climate change and U.S. emissions

On Wednesday, February 6, the World Resources Institute will host an event at the National Press Club to release a major new report on climate and U.S. emissions: “Can the U.S. Get There From Here?” The report examines pathways for the United States to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using existing federal authorities and state actions.

In his inauguration, President Obama pledged to make climate change a priority in his second term. This report lays out the steps the Administration can take to make significant progress on climate change in the coming years.

The report explores whether the U.S. is on track to meet its commitment to reduce its emissions by 17 percent by 2020 (below 2005 levels). It looks at what steps the federal government and states can take to meet this goal, and to go further. And, it explains why this matters at home and overseas.

The event will feature commentary by Dr. Susan Tierney, Managing Principal of the Analysis Group, WRI Board member, and former Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of Energy; Dr. Andrew Steer, President, World Resources Institute; and Nicholas Bianco, Senior Associate, World Resources Institute, and the lead author of the report.

This analysis is an update to WRI’s seminal report from 2010, “Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the United States Using Existing Federal Authorities and State Action,” which focused on how the U.S. could reduce its emissions without Congressional action.

A continental breakfast will be served.

WHAT
Launch of “Can the U.S. Get There From Here?” a major report by WRI on climate change and U.S. emissions

WHO
Dr. Susan Tierney, Managing Principal, the Analysis Group and WRI Board Member
Dr. Andrew Steer, President & CEO, World Resources Institute
Nicholas Bianco, Senior Associate, World Resources Institute, and lead author

WHERE
National Press Club
First Amendment Room
529 14th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20045

WHEN
Wednesday, February 6, 2013 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. ET

CALL-IN INFO
Toll-free (U.S.): (888) 848-6714
Toll (Int’l): +1 (773) 756-4804
Passcode: “WRI”

Twitter hashtag: #usghg

Note: please arrive by 9:15 a.m. to register. The event will start promptly at 9:30 a.m.

RSVP Required: press@wri.org

STATEMENT: U.S. National Climate Assessment

James Anderson — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:46:50 -0500

A draft of the Third National Climate Assessment (NCA) was made for public review and will be released online today.

The NCA is being developed by the U.S. Global Change Research Program to document how climate change is impacting the United States, and how the nation is responding. The National Climate Assessment Development Advisory Committee, comprised of 60 members of scientists, business leaders, and other experts, is charged with producing this assessment. The final report is expected to be delivered to the President in 2014.

Following is a statement by Dr. Andrew Steer, President, World Resources Institute:

“The evidence is clear and mounting. The United States sits at the center of the climate crisis. Record heat is devastating crops, rivers are drying up, and storms are bearing down on our cities. Climate change is taking its toll on people and their economies, and will only become more intense without a strong and rapid response here in the United States and around the globe. It’s not too late to take action, but given lags in policy and geophysical processes, the window is closing.

“In his second term, President Obama has a chance to ensure his legacy as a leader on climate change. Now is the time for the Administration to move forward with new standards on power plants and other actions to put America on course to a low-carbon future.”

STATEMENT: EPA Finalizes New Clean Air Standards For Boilers - A “Gift for People and the Planet”

James Anderson — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:06:04 -0500

The U.S. Environment Protection Agency finalized new standards for boilers and certain incinerators, the Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) rules, today to protect people from exposure to hazardous, toxic air pollution from industrial, commercial and institutional boilers. By encouraging industry to use cleaner-burning fuels and to make efficiency improvements, the Boiler MACT will modernize U.S. industry, reduce toxins, and cut carbon pollution.

Following is a statement by James Bradbury, Senior Associate, World Resources Institute:

“Just in time for the holidays, this is a welcome gift for people and the planet. These new environmental standards will help spur greater efficiency across a range of U.S. industrial and commercial energy users. The EPA has taken steps to ensure that the rule will promote energy efficiency by improving environmental performance while increasing flexibility for affected facilities. This is good news for the manufacturing workforce, for public health, and for the climate.”

Background:

As required by the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990, major sources of toxic air emissions from coal, oil and biomass-fired boilers will soon be subject to technology-based emissions limits. The rule’s emissions limits will apply to certain new and existing major source boilers, which will have three years to comply by reducing emissions to levels that are consistent with demonstrated maximum achievable control technologies, or MACT standards.

Because the emissions limits under the Boiler MACT affect the largest and dirtiest polluters, 99 percent of the U.S. boilers are either unaffected or can comply with the new standards by conducting periodic maintenance or regular tune-ups. These tune-ups can improve energy efficiency as they reduce toxic air emissions.

Greenhouse Gas Mitigation in the UK: An Overview of the Current Policy Landscape

Sarah Parsons — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:39:44 -0500

Executive Summary

Domestic legislation – the Climate Change Act 2008 – commits the United Kingdom to an 80 percent emission reduction by 2050 on 1990 levels, and to a system of 5-year carbon budgets to progress toward that target. These carbon budgets require UK emission reductions on 1990 levels of 34 percent by 2020 and 50 percent by 2025. The Carbon Plan, published in December 2011, sets out the UK Government’s plans to keep within its carbon budgets. An independent body – the Committee on Climate Change – advises the government on the setting of carbon targets, and reports to Parliament annually on progress. The UK also has commitments under EU-wide emission reduction targets.

This report summarizes key UK policies already enacted and in development that are likely to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the UK, discusses the implications of the current policy scenario for the country’s GHG trajectory, and identifies issues to watch going forward. Policy measures currently in place to reduce UK GHG emissions include the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), a key policy lever covering emissions from power generation and energy-intensive industry; the EU Renewable Energy Directive, under which the UK has a target to increase the share of renewables in final energy to 15 percent in 2020; and energy efficiency programs for residential buildings, requirements to reduce average new car and van emissions, and a range of other measures across the rest of the economy, not covered by the EU ETS.

Our analysis and the government’s own projections suggest the UK is on course to meet its carbon budgets out to 2022 – and, consequently, its share of the EU’s commitment under the UNFCCC. Meeting the fourth carbon budget (2023–27), however, will require a further acceleration of emission reduction, suggesting the need for emissions in the third budget period (2018–22) to be significantly below the legislated level. To secure such an outcome requires strong and timely implementation of additional measures, with quicker delivery than in the past.

If future carbon budgets are to be met, progress in emission reduction must accelerate. The government is moving forward with plans to reform the electricity market through a system of long-term contracts designed to give greater confidence in investment in low-carbon generation. A new flagship energy efficiency policy – the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation – is being introduced. It is not clear whether this will deliver on the required scale. Looking forward, key issues will be around the strength of implementation of policies currently being developed (especially electricity market reform and the Green Deal) and the review of the fourth carbon budget (covering emissions in 2023–27), which the government plans to undertake in 2014.

Greenhouse Gas Mitigation in the EU: An Overview of the Current Policy Landscape

Sarah Parsons — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:33:42 -0500

Executive Summary

In 2009, the European Union (EU) pledged a unilateral greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target of 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, rising to 30 percent if “other developed countries commit themselves to comparable emission reductions” (European Council 2009). The EU’s GHG target forms one pillar of a so-called 20-20-20 package that, in addition to the 20 percent GHG reduction, demands a 20 percent share of renewable energy sources in gross final energy consumption along with a 20 percent improvement in energy efficiency by 2020. In addition to its 2020 targets, the EU has also set a long-term GHG reduction goal of 80 to 95 percent from 1990 levels by 2050.

In the context of these goals, this report provides a summary of existing and emerging EU policies that are likely to reduce GHG emissions across the EU. Our analysis focuses on policies that are mandatory or provide a financial incentive, such as the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) – a cornerstone of EU climate policy – the Renewable Energy Directive, and the Biofuels Directive. We discuss the relationship of these policies to the EU’s GHG and energy targets, and identify key issues to watch in the EU’s evolving policy landscape.

This report draws on projections from the “Energy Roadmap 2050” to assess whether the EU is on track to reach its GHG, renewable energy and energy efficiency targets. We find that the EU is on track to surpass its 2020 GHG reduction and renewable energy targets based on current policies, but that additional measures will be required to meet the 2020 energy efficiency target and the 2050 GHG reduction goal.

New and emerging policies, including the Energy Efficiency Directive, reforms to the EU ETS, and a proposed Energy Taxation Directive, which aims to restructure taxes on energy products, provide options that can begin to bridge this gap. It will be important to monitor these developments, as well as the EU’s positioning in the international community vis-à-vis the possible strengthening of its 2020 target.

Greenhouse Gas Mitigation in the United States: An Overview of the Current Policy Landscape

Sarah Parsons — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:11:27 -0500

Executive Summary

In 2009, at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties, President Barack Obama pledged to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions “in the range of a 17 percent emission reduction by 2020 compared with 2005 levels.” To date, this pledge is not enshrined in or supported by any domestic law. However, a variety of federal policies and programs are directly and indirectly reducing GHG emissions. In addition, U.S. state and local governments have authority to adopt GHG-reduction policies, and some are taking noteworthy actions.

In the context of the U.S. GHG reduction goal, this report examines key existing and emerging federal policies that are likely to reduce GHG emissions in the United States. Pages 10-12 also provide examples of policy actions being taken by U.S. states. For federal policies, our discussion focuses on those that are mandatory or provide a financial incentive, such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), tax credits for renewable energy, and new standards for passenger cars and trucks. These programs, and others that are considered in the pages that follow, will drive significant reductions in U.S. GHG emissions.

Will this be enough to meet U.S. GHG reduction goals? Although this report does not provide an exhaustive assessment of U.S. policies, U.S. government GHG projections suggest that additional policy action is likely to be necessary for the United States to achieve the president’s GHG reduction target and continue significant emissions reductions after 2020. At this time, no promising initiatives are being considered in the U.S. Congress to drive further reductions in GHG pollution.

However, federal agencies already have the authority to do more, and have begun to take action. Additional policies such as standards for existing power plants, additional energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment, and policies that reduce HFC consumption, can drive additional reductions in 2020 and beyond. WRI is conducting a separate analysis to quantify the possible reductions from these policies and to examine their impact on the United States’ 2020 reduction target. Moving forward it will be important to track action on these and other policies.

STATEMENT: UN Emissions Gap Report Finds Global Action On Climate Change Inadequate

James Anderson — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:46:48 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The latest Emissions Gap Report, by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Climate Foundation, is being released today. The report finds that emissions are now around 14 percent above where they need to be. The gap is on course to be 8 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2020, which is 2 Gt higher than last year’s assessment.

Following is a statement by Jennifer Morgan, Director, Climate and Energy Program, World Resources Institute:

“This report is another harsh reminder that the world is simply not moving aggressively enough to tackle the climate challenge. The gap is growing and carbon dioxide levels continue to rise, and yet the current pledges and commitments by countries remain sorely inadequate. We are already seeing how climate change—with more extreme weather events, rising seas and more droughts—is taking its toll on people, property and our economy. Without a rapid change in direction, the world is headed more and more firmly down a path to even more severe changes that will be felt around the globe.”

“As we look to the Doha climate talks, it’s essential that negotiators come prepared with a renewed sense of urgency. As the Emissions Gap Report points out, it remains possible to achieve the carbon reductions needed to limit warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. The policy and technological solutions are within our reach. What we need is the political will and ambition to move forward with these solutions. We need to close the gap before it’s too late.”

-END-

STATEMENT: World Bank "Raises Alarm" of a 4 Degree Hotter World

Michael Oko — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 19:51:06 -0500

The World Bank Group just released a groundbreaking new report on climate change, called Turn Down the Heat, which offers a vivid assessment of what 4 degrees Celsius of global temperature rise would mean for the world.

Following is a statement by Andrew Steer, President, World Resources Institute:

“This report should awaken world leaders out of their slumber on climate change. A 4 degree temperature rise would bring unimaginable costs to people and society. We must take the necessary actions now to stay within 2 degrees or lower of warming.

“The differences between 2 degrees and 4 degrees temperature rise are stark. It took little more than four degrees of cooling to create the Ice Age, so imagine the havoc 4 degrees of warming would create. While the impacts would be uneven around the globe, vulnerable countries and poor people would be hardest hit. Communities already facing economic hardship would face longer droughts and more intense monsoons that disrupt food supply, more diseases associated with warmer temperatures and more pests, and greater water scarcity.

“The World Bank is to be congratulated for raising the alarm on this issue. By doing so they are aligning themselves with the majority of scientific opinion on climate change. It’s worth noting that the World Bank is a financial institution and not prone toward exaggeration. This report, therefore, must not be shrugged off. The World Bank itself can do more to raise ambition through its own financing, including by directing the great bulk of its energy investments toward scaling up renewable energy and energy efficiency. Further, the World Bank can channel more resources toward more projects that will enhance innovation and sustainability, as well as climate resilience.

“As negotiators head to Doha for the climate talks, they must bring a greater sense of urgency and purpose to these negotiations. A 4 degree warmer world can be prevented, but this will require greater leadership and imagination than has been shown to date. All negotiators should re-commit to keep the world within 2 degrees of warming. But we need more than UN negotiators to respond.

“Climate change is one of the great challenges of our generation, and we need to bring the full capacity of governments, businesses, multi-lateral institutions, and civil society to confront these challenges. Around the world, there are numerous examples of how the problem could be solved at low-cost and with high returns. We have no more excuses for inaction.

“The alarm bell on global warming is ringing. Let’s hope world leaders are listening.”

–

Dr. Steer previously worked as the World Bank Group’s Special Envoy for Climate Change.

ADVISORY: Press Teleconference on Doha Climate Talks

Michael Oko — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:32:07 -0500

Full audio recording of WRI’s press call below:

With the U.S. elections just completed and the Doha climate talks fast approaching, this is an important moment to consider where progress can be made on international action to address climate change. The recent Hurricane Sandy, along with other extreme weather and climate events, has delivered a powerful wake-up call about the urgency of shifting to a low-carbon trajectory.

Listen to the audio recording of WRI’s press call here:

On Tuesday, November 13, leading experts from the World Resources Institute will participate in a press teleconference to discuss the state of play and key topics in Doha, including how to move forward with an ambitious climate agreement, the role of the U.S. and other countries in the international negotiations, how to accelerate climate finance, and more.

WHAT
Press teleconference on the UNFCCC climate negotiations in Doha, Qatar (COP18)

WHO
Dr. Andrew Steer, President, WRI

Jennifer Morgan, Director, Climate and Energy Program, WRI

Clifford Polycarp, Senior Associate, Institutions & Governance Program, WRI

WHEN
Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. EST (DC)//14:00 GMT (London)

Media: Call-in 10 minutes prior to the start time

DIAL-IN
+(888) 566-6569 (Toll Free, U.S. only); or

+(517) 308-9326 (U.S. and International)

Access code: WRI