A Brief History of the Environmental MovementA Brief History of the Environmental Movement

Rob Harsh, Director of Environmental AffairsRob Harsh, Director of Environmental AffairsXanterra Parks & ResortsXanterra Parks & Resorts

Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon National ParksZion, Bryce and Grand Canyon National Parks

Early Civilization’s Impact on the EnvironmentEarly Civilization’s Impact on the Environment

As many 60,000 years ago there is evidence of fire being used As many 60,000 years ago there is evidence of fire being used to to clear forests in Tanzania clear forests in Tanzania

Agriculture, building and wood fuel begin to lead to mass Agriculture, building and wood fuel begin to lead to mass deforestation and soil erosion in populated areas. deforestation and soil erosion in populated areas.

7000 BC – Destruction of ancient forests in the Middle East at 7000 BC – Destruction of ancient forests in the Middle East at the time are believed to have given rise to the story of the the time are believed to have given rise to the story of the Garden of Garden of Eden.Eden.

6000 BC – Deforestation leads to the collapse of communities 6000 BC – Deforestation leads to the collapse of communities in southern Israel and Jordan.in southern Israel and Jordan.

2700 BC – Some of the first laws protecting the remaining 2700 BC – Some of the first laws protecting the remaining forests were forests were decreed in Ur – an ancient city in Southern Mesopotamia. decreed in Ur – an ancient city in Southern Mesopotamia.

Greek and Roman Influence’s Greek and Roman Influence’s

500 BC – Greek coastal cities become landlocked after 500 BC – Greek coastal cities become landlocked after deforestation deforestation causes massive soil erosion, resulting in siltation filling bays and causes massive soil erosion, resulting in siltation filling bays and the the mouths of rivers. mouths of rivers.

Greek Philosopher Plato compared the hills and mountains of Greek Philosopher Plato compared the hills and mountains of Greece to Greece to the bones of a wasted body.the bones of a wasted body.

One river in southwestern Greece – the Maender, was so heavily One river in southwestern Greece – the Maender, was so heavily silted that silted that its twists and turns come to represent a river wandering; or its twists and turns come to represent a river wandering; or Meandering.Meandering.

Ancient Rome – the largest city in the world at this time suffered Ancient Rome – the largest city in the world at this time suffered from air from air pollution from smelting and tanning, as well as runoff from pollution from smelting and tanning, as well as runoff from garbage and garbage and sewage.sewage.

The first technology to deal with such pollution comes about with The first technology to deal with such pollution comes about with the the building of large networks of Cloacea’s (sewers) and Aqueducts to building of large networks of Cloacea’s (sewers) and Aqueducts to manage sewage and bring in fresh water. manage sewage and bring in fresh water.

By 80 AD laws were passed requiring water to be stored in the dry By 80 AD laws were passed requiring water to be stored in the dry season in order to be used for street and sewer cleaning.season in order to be used for street and sewer cleaning.

Medieval TimesMedieval Times

1300 AD – The British begin to use coal in place of wood as fuel. 1300 AD – The British begin to use coal in place of wood as fuel.

1306 – King Edward I forbids coal burning while Parliament is in 1306 – King Edward I forbids coal burning while Parliament is in session. session.

1350 – The Bubonic Plague decimates Europe, creating the first 1350 – The Bubonic Plague decimates Europe, creating the first attempts attempts at enforcing public health.at enforcing public health.

1388 – Parliament passes law forbidding throwing garbage into 1388 – Parliament passes law forbidding throwing garbage into ditches, ditches, rivers and lakes.rivers and lakes.

1589 – The water closet is invented by Sir John Harrington, but 1589 – The water closet is invented by Sir John Harrington, but due to due to lack of sewers the idea didn’t catch on until 1778. lack of sewers the idea didn’t catch on until 1778.

1684 – John Evelyn refers to London as a suburb of Hell, rather 1684 – John Evelyn refers to London as a suburb of Hell, rather than an assembly of rational creatures, in reference to the air than an assembly of rational creatures, in reference to the air pollution pollution created by the burning of coal. created by the burning of coal.

1700 – 600 ships are now engaged in hauling “sea coal” from 1700 – 600 ships are now engaged in hauling “sea coal” from Newcastle Newcastle to London, as opposed to just two ships in 1650. to London, as opposed to just two ships in 1650.

America and the Industrial RevolutionAmerica and the Industrial Revolution

1769 – Committee led by Benjamin Franklin attempts to regulate 1769 – Committee led by Benjamin Franklin attempts to regulate waste and waste and water pollution in Philadelphia.water pollution in Philadelphia.

1783 – Benjamin Franklin encourages France and Germany to 1783 – Benjamin Franklin encourages France and Germany to switch from switch from wood to coal, noting how it saved what was left of England’s wood to coal, noting how it saved what was left of England’s forests. forests.

1824 – Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier makes the first scientific 1824 – Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier makes the first scientific reference to reference to global warming proposing that the sun’s heat is trapped by the global warming proposing that the sun’s heat is trapped by the atmosphere.atmosphere.

1849 – Edwin Drake strikes Oil in Pennsylvania, creating Kerosene 1849 – Edwin Drake strikes Oil in Pennsylvania, creating Kerosene market.market.

1854 – Daniel Halladay introduces the mechanical windmill, which 1854 – Daniel Halladay introduces the mechanical windmill, which will seewill see 6 million in use in by the mid 1950’s.6 million in use in by the mid 1950’s.

1870 – John D. Rockefeller incorporates the Standard Oil Company.1870 – John D. Rockefeller incorporates the Standard Oil Company.

1872 – President Grant signs the Yellowstone National Park Act 1872 – President Grant signs the Yellowstone National Park Act making making Yellowstone America’s first National Park.Yellowstone America’s first National Park.

1875 – Grant vetoes a bill protecting buffalo and other wildlife.1875 – Grant vetoes a bill protecting buffalo and other wildlife.

America and the Industrial Revolution con’tAmerica and the Industrial Revolution con’t

1880 – First US municipal smoke abatement laws enacted aimed 1880 – First US municipal smoke abatement laws enacted aimed at at reducing air pollution from factories, railroads and ships.reducing air pollution from factories, railroads and ships.

1881 – Samuel P. Langley leads expedition to Mt. Whitney to 1881 – Samuel P. Langley leads expedition to Mt. Whitney to measure solar measure solar heat and it’s absorption in the atmosphere, which later creates heat and it’s absorption in the atmosphere, which later creates the basis for the basis for the greenhouse theory.the greenhouse theory.

1882 – World’s first hydroelectric power plant starts operation in 1882 – World’s first hydroelectric power plant starts operation in Wisconsin.Wisconsin.

1889 – John Muir starts campaign to save Yosemite from 1889 – John Muir starts campaign to save Yosemite from exploitation, and exploitation, and in 1890 Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks are established.in 1890 Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks are established.

1891 – Clarence Kemp “1891 – Clarence Kemp “father of solar energyfather of solar energy” patents the Climax ” patents the Climax Solar Solar Water Heater.Water Heater.

1900 – Buffalo population drops to 40 animals from an estimated 1900 – Buffalo population drops to 40 animals from an estimated 30 million 30 million a century earlier.a century earlier.

1903 – Henry Ford introduces the Model A gasoline powered 1903 – Henry Ford introduces the Model A gasoline powered automobile.automobile.

The 20th CenturyThe 20th Century 1906 – Two dollar per gallon tax lifted on industrial alcohol to allow 1906 – Two dollar per gallon tax lifted on industrial alcohol to allow farm farm produced fuel to compete with petroleum. produced fuel to compete with petroleum. 1908 – Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius argues that emissions 1908 – Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius argues that emissions fromfrom doubling the use of coal and petroleum would lead to a 5 degree C doubling the use of coal and petroleum would lead to a 5 degree C (9F) (9F) increase in average global temperatures.increase in average global temperatures.

1916 – Woodrow Wilson establishes the National Park Service.1916 – Woodrow Wilson establishes the National Park Service.

1919 – Zion and Grand Canyon National Park’s are established.1919 – Zion and Grand Canyon National Park’s are established.

1921 – General Motors demonstrates a car powered by 30% 1921 – General Motors demonstrates a car powered by 30% alcohol. alcohol. Fourteen months later gasoline with tetraethyl lead is introduced Fourteen months later gasoline with tetraethyl lead is introduced by its by its subsidiary Ethyl Corp. eliminating further research of alcohol for subsidiary Ethyl Corp. eliminating further research of alcohol for anti-knock.anti-knock.

1937 – The term 1937 – The term Greenhouse EffectGreenhouse Effect is coined by Glen Thomas is coined by Glen Thomas Trewartha, Trewartha, when he describes the trapping of CO2 in the atmosphere and when he describes the trapping of CO2 in the atmosphere and insulating insulating the earth like a pane of glass in a greenhouse.the earth like a pane of glass in a greenhouse.

1941 – 60,000 rooftop solar water heaters are being used in the 1941 – 60,000 rooftop solar water heaters are being used in the US, but US, but materials needed for WWII prevent the industry’s expansion.materials needed for WWII prevent the industry’s expansion.

The 40’s and 50’sThe 40’s and 50’s 1945 – WWII ends with the dropping of the atomic bomb.1945 – WWII ends with the dropping of the atomic bomb.

1947 – Los Angeles Air Pollution Control District formed, first in the 1947 – Los Angeles Air Pollution Control District formed, first in the nation.nation.

1948 – 20 people die, 600 hospitalized and thousands sickened 1948 – 20 people die, 600 hospitalized and thousands sickened from smog from smog incident in Pennsylvania.incident in Pennsylvania.

1950 – Dr. Arie Haagen-Smit identifies the causes of smog as an 1950 – Dr. Arie Haagen-Smit identifies the causes of smog as an interaction interaction of hydrocarbons (mainly from cars) and nitrogen oxides.of hydrocarbons (mainly from cars) and nitrogen oxides.

1953 – Congress passes the Air Pollution Control Act.1953 – Congress passes the Air Pollution Control Act.

1954 – Hydrogen Bomb tested on Bikini atoll, exposes radiation to 1954 – Hydrogen Bomb tested on Bikini atoll, exposes radiation to 856 856 Japanese fishing boats and killing one. Albert Einstein and Japanese fishing boats and killing one. Albert Einstein and Bertrand Russell Bertrand Russell call for an end to nuclear weapons.call for an end to nuclear weapons.

1956 – World’s first nuclear power plant opened in England.1956 – World’s first nuclear power plant opened in England.

1957 – Chelyabinsk nuclear waste explosion in Russia releases two 1957 – Chelyabinsk nuclear waste explosion in Russia releases two million million curies and exposes 250,000 people to radiation.curies and exposes 250,000 people to radiation.

The 1960’sThe 1960’s

1957 – California becomes first state to impose automotive 1957 – California becomes first state to impose automotive emission emission standards; automakers fight installing a $7 device, and the case is standards; automakers fight installing a $7 device, and the case is not not settled till 1969.settled till 1969.

1960 – First Clean Water Act is passed.1960 – First Clean Water Act is passed.

1961 – President Kennedy addresses UN stating “every inhabitant 1961 – President Kennedy addresses UN stating “every inhabitant of of this planet must contemplate the day when this planet may not be this planet must contemplate the day when this planet may not be habitable... The weapons of war must be abolished before they habitable... The weapons of war must be abolished before they abolish us.”abolish us.”

1962 – Rachel Carson writes Silent Spring, which is seen by many 1962 – Rachel Carson writes Silent Spring, which is seen by many as the as the turning point in the environmental movement.turning point in the environmental movement.

1963 – First Nuclear Test Ban treaty between US and USSR.1963 – First Nuclear Test Ban treaty between US and USSR.

1969 – Cuyahoga River bursts into flames five stories high from oil 1969 – Cuyahoga River bursts into flames five stories high from oil and and chemical pollution.chemical pollution.

The 1970’sThe 1970’s 1970 – The Environmental Protection Agency is established and the 1970 – The Environmental Protection Agency is established and the first first Earth Day is celebrated. Earth Day is celebrated. 1970’s – Waves of Environmental Laws are enacted: Clean Air Act, 1970’s – Waves of Environmental Laws are enacted: Clean Air Act, Water Water Pollution Control Act, Ocean Dumping Act, Toxic Substances Pollution Control Act, Ocean Dumping Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, Control Act, Pesticides Act (FIFRA), Hazardous Waste Act (RCRA), and so on.Pesticides Act (FIFRA), Hazardous Waste Act (RCRA), and so on.

1973 – 80 countries sign the Convention on International Trade of 1973 – 80 countries sign the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species; U.S. passes Endangered Species Act.Endangered Species; U.S. passes Endangered Species Act.

1973 – Oil embargo panics U.S. Nixon claims America can be 1973 – Oil embargo panics U.S. Nixon claims America can be energy energy independent by 1980. Brazil did it by 2005 using sugarcane based independent by 1980. Brazil did it by 2005 using sugarcane based ethanol.ethanol.

1976 – National Academy of Science report on CFC’s warns of 1976 – National Academy of Science report on CFC’s warns of damage damage to the Ozone Layer. to the Ozone Layer.

1978 – Love Canal residents sue Hooker Chemical over dumping in 1978 – Love Canal residents sue Hooker Chemical over dumping in the 40’s the 40’s and 50’s. The Superfund Act was enacted to clean up similar and 50’s. The Superfund Act was enacted to clean up similar waste sites.waste sites.

1979 – Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant partially melts down.1979 – Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant partially melts down.

The 1980’sThe 1980’s 1980 – National Academy of Science report calls leaded gasoline the 1980 – National Academy of Science report calls leaded gasoline the greatest greatest source of atmospheric lead pollution, causing multitudes of health source of atmospheric lead pollution, causing multitudes of health problems. problems.

1981 – VP George Bush proposes to relax leaded gas phase-out 1981 – VP George Bush proposes to relax leaded gas phase-out which began which began in 1979. Phase-out of leaded gas in US is eventually completed by in 1979. Phase-out of leaded gas in US is eventually completed by 1986.1986.

1982 – UN Charter for Nature passes 111 to 1 (U.S. against).1982 – UN Charter for Nature passes 111 to 1 (U.S. against).

1983 – NAS report on CFC’s downplays threat to ozone layer, under 1983 – NAS report on CFC’s downplays threat to ozone layer, under Reagan.Reagan.

1984 – 2000 killed in Bhopal India after Union Carbide leaks cloud of 1984 – 2000 killed in Bhopal India after Union Carbide leaks cloud of isocyanide. 8,000 more die from chronic effects and 50,000 remain isocyanide. 8,000 more die from chronic effects and 50,000 remain disabled. disabled. The incident leads to passage of the Community Right of Know Act The incident leads to passage of the Community Right of Know Act in 1986.in 1986.

1985 – Discovery of ozone hole over Antarctica leads US to the 1985 – Discovery of ozone hole over Antarctica leads US to the signing of the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987 along with 24 other nations, which bans Montreal Protocol in 1987 along with 24 other nations, which bans CFC use.CFC use.

1986 – Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor explodes killing more than 4,000 1986 – Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor explodes killing more than 4,000 people.people.

1987 – Exxon Valdez runs aground in Prince William Sound spilling 1987 – Exxon Valdez runs aground in Prince William Sound spilling 11 million 11 million gallons of oil.gallons of oil.

The 1990’sThe 1990’s 1990 – UN Report on Climate Change warns of 2 degree increase in 1990 – UN Report on Climate Change warns of 2 degree increase in global global temperatures if CO2 emissions worldwide are not reduced.temperatures if CO2 emissions worldwide are not reduced.

1992 – U.S. attends Earth Summit in Rio de Janiero, but does not 1992 – U.S. attends Earth Summit in Rio de Janiero, but does not sign.sign.

1993 – Clinton signs order restricting logging of old growth forest, 1993 – Clinton signs order restricting logging of old growth forest, but but logging resumes in 1995 after congress passes legislation.logging resumes in 1995 after congress passes legislation.

1994 – Study shows US blood-lead levels declined 78% between 1994 – Study shows US blood-lead levels declined 78% between 1978-1991.1978-1991.

1995 – Wolves reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park.1995 – Wolves reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park.

1996 – EPA reports sulfur dioxide emissions decreased 40% 1996 – EPA reports sulfur dioxide emissions decreased 40% between 1970 between 1970 and 1990. The report also cites decreases in smog, carbon and 1990. The report also cites decreases in smog, carbon monoxide and monoxide and ozone since the 1970 passage of the Clean Air Act.ozone since the 1970 passage of the Clean Air Act.

1997 – Kyoto Protocol is adopted by U.S. and 121 other nations, but 1997 – Kyoto Protocol is adopted by U.S. and 121 other nations, but congress congress fails to ratify, citing outrage from industry if CO2 reductions are fails to ratify, citing outrage from industry if CO2 reductions are enforced.enforced.

1999 – Earth’s population exceeds 6 billion. Nearly half (2.8 billion) 1999 – Earth’s population exceeds 6 billion. Nearly half (2.8 billion) are living are living on less than $2 per day.on less than $2 per day.

The Early 21st CenturyThe Early 21st Century 2001 – NASA Satellite Survey shows over 2,000 glaciers shrinking 2001 – NASA Satellite Survey shows over 2,000 glaciers shrinking from from effects of global warming.effects of global warming.

2001 – World Meteorological Organization reports 9 of the 10 2001 – World Meteorological Organization reports 9 of the 10 warmest years warmest years occurred during the 1990’s. occurred during the 1990’s.

2001 – New energy plan focuses on oil exploration and new 2001 – New energy plan focuses on oil exploration and new construction of construction of coal and nuclear plants, reducing funding for research into coal and nuclear plants, reducing funding for research into renewable energy renewable energy and energy conservation.and energy conservation.

2003 – EPA rejects petition from environmental groups to regulate 2003 – EPA rejects petition from environmental groups to regulate Greenhouse Gas emissions, stating it did not have authority under Greenhouse Gas emissions, stating it did not have authority under the Clean the Clean Air Act, which is a contradiction of the their position under Clinton.Air Act, which is a contradiction of the their position under Clinton.

2003 – Bush administration falls under attack for initiating the 2003 – Bush administration falls under attack for initiating the rollback of rollback of more than 200 environmental laws, giving the administration the more than 200 environmental laws, giving the administration the worst environmental record in U.S. history.worst environmental record in U.S. history.

2004 – Russia ratifies Kyoto treaty, putting it into effect worldwide. 2004 – Russia ratifies Kyoto treaty, putting it into effect worldwide. The United States is the only country still rejecting the treaty.The United States is the only country still rejecting the treaty.

The Early 21st CenturyThe Early 21st Century 2004 – Report from 300 scientists conclude rapid climate change is 2004 – Report from 300 scientists conclude rapid climate change is occurring occurring in the Arctic, citing a 10% loss of sea ice and a 50% reduction of in the Arctic, citing a 10% loss of sea ice and a 50% reduction of thickness thickness when compared to data from 30 years earlier. when compared to data from 30 years earlier.

2004 – Automakers file suit against California to stop a Greenhouse 2004 – Automakers file suit against California to stop a Greenhouse Gas Gas emissions law that requires better fuel economy.emissions law that requires better fuel economy.

2005 – Congress votes to open the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge 2005 – Congress votes to open the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge for oil for oil drilling, but vote snags under public opinion.drilling, but vote snags under public opinion.

2005 – Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans, resulting in the worst 2005 – Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans, resulting in the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history. Many scientists blame environmental disaster in U.S. history. Many scientists blame global warming global warming for the number and intensity of worldwide storms.for the number and intensity of worldwide storms.

2006 – California proposes law to reduce and cap greenhouse gas 2006 – California proposes law to reduce and cap greenhouse gas emissions emissions 25% by 2020 and return to 2000 levels by 2010. California is the 25% by 2020 and return to 2000 levels by 2010. California is the 16th 16th largest emitter of CO2 in the world and the first state in the U.S. to largest emitter of CO2 in the world and the first state in the U.S. to regulate regulate Greenhouse gases.Greenhouse gases.

2006 – U.S. population hits 300 million (5% of world total), and uses 2006 – U.S. population hits 300 million (5% of world total), and uses 25% of 25% of world’s resources.world’s resources.

The Future of the Environmental MovementThe Future of the Environmental Movement

What impact does it have on you?What impact does it have on you?

Global WarmingGlobal Warming Most scientists today agree that Global Warming is the single Most scientists today agree that Global Warming is the single greatest threat greatest threat to our environment in the future.to our environment in the future.

Since 1860, average global temperatures have increased 1.4 Since 1860, average global temperatures have increased 1.4 degrees F, degrees F, which is the single largest increase in the last 2000 years.which is the single largest increase in the last 2000 years.

This figure was originally prepared by Robert A. Rohde from publicly available data and is incorporated into the Global Warming Art project.

Global Warming con’tGlobal Warming con’t The main cause of this temperature rise is believed to be man-The main cause of this temperature rise is believed to be man-made carbon made carbon dioxide emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. Fundamentally dioxide emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. Fundamentally everything everything we do in a modern society somehow impacts carbon emissions.we do in a modern society somehow impacts carbon emissions.

Average carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have risen to 380 Average carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have risen to 380 ppm, ppm, which is the highest value in the last 650,000 years, which is the which is the highest value in the last 650,000 years, which is the period for period for which reliable data has been extracted from ice cores. It is last which reliable data has been extracted from ice cores. It is last believed to believed to have been this high ~40 million years ago. have been this high ~40 million years ago.

This figure was originally prepared by Robert A. Rohde from publicly available data and is incorporated into the Global Warming Art project.

Global Warming con’tGlobal Warming con’t By the year 2100 average global temperatures will rise 2.5 to 10 By the year 2100 average global temperatures will rise 2.5 to 10 degrees F degrees F above the current average, assuming that nothing is done to curb above the current average, assuming that nothing is done to curb the current the current use of fossil fuels.use of fossil fuels.

This figure was originally prepared by Robert A. Rohde from publicly available data and is incorporated into the Global Warming Art project.

Global Warming EffectsGlobal Warming Effects

Increased Heat Waves, Drought and Wildfires.Increased Heat Waves, Drought and Wildfires.

In 2003 heat waves caused 20,000 deaths in Europe and 1,500 in In 2003 heat waves caused 20,000 deaths in Europe and 1,500 in India.India.

In 2002 the Western US suffered the worst wildfire season in 50 In 2002 the Western US suffered the worst wildfire season in 50 years with years with over 7 million acres burned.over 7 million acres burned.

The 1999-2002 national drought was one of the three most The 1999-2002 national drought was one of the three most extensive extensive droughts in the last 40 years.droughts in the last 40 years.

This figure was originally prepared by Robert A. Rohde from publicly available data and is incorporated into the Global Warming Art project.

Global Warming Effects con’tGlobal Warming Effects con’t

Increased Storms and Loss of EcosystemIncreased Storms and Loss of Ecosystem

The number and intensity of tropical storms The number and intensity of tropical storms and and hurricanes has nearly doubled over the last 35 hurricanes has nearly doubled over the last 35 years. years. It is expected that worldwide costs associated It is expected that worldwide costs associated with with this increase in storms could total as much as this increase in storms could total as much as 1.5 1.5 trillion dollars over the next 10 years. trillion dollars over the next 10 years.

Recent studies indicate that 279 species of Recent studies indicate that 279 species of plants and plants and animals have already been effected by the animals have already been effected by the increased increased temperatures and up to a million species could temperatures and up to a million species could be be affected by the year 2050.affected by the year 2050.

Increased carbon dioxide levels in the oceans Increased carbon dioxide levels in the oceans are are predicted to reduce Ocean pH by up to 0.4 predicted to reduce Ocean pH by up to 0.4 units units greatly impacting the worlds coral reefs – greatly impacting the worlds coral reefs – considered considered to be the largest living organisms on the to be the largest living organisms on the planet.planet.

Global Warming Effects con’tGlobal Warming Effects con’t

Melting Glaciers and Rising Sea LevelsMelting Glaciers and Rising Sea Levels Since 1995 the Antarctic ice shelf has shrunk by 40%. In 2002 a Since 1995 the Antarctic ice shelf has shrunk by 40%. In 2002 a section section of the size of Rhode Island collapsed in just three months. Loss of of the size of Rhode Island collapsed in just three months. Loss of surface surface ice leads to less reflection of the sun heats, resulting in further ice leads to less reflection of the sun heats, resulting in further warming.warming.

Sea levels are predicted to rise by up to one meter by 2100, Sea levels are predicted to rise by up to one meter by 2100, which is which is expected to displace ~200 million people in Coastal areas.expected to displace ~200 million people in Coastal areas.

The satellite photo at far left shows the Larson B ice shelf on Jan. 31, 2002. Ice appears as solid white. Moving to the right, in photos taken Feb. 17 and Feb. 23, the ice begins to disintegrate. In the photos at far right, taken Mar. 5 and Mar 7, note water (blue) where solid ice had been, and that a portion of the shelf is drifting away. Photos: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Global Warming Effects con’tGlobal Warming Effects con’t

Climate ChangeClimate Change Less understood is the effect of warming on climate change. Less understood is the effect of warming on climate change. Some Some believe melting arctic ice could destabilize deep ocean currents believe melting arctic ice could destabilize deep ocean currents through through the shutdown of the thermohaline circulation process, leading the shutdown of the thermohaline circulation process, leading to abrupt to abrupt climatic shift in the opposite direction – in other words global climatic shift in the opposite direction – in other words global cooling.cooling.

What can be done?What can be done?

Methods in Use or Being ResearchedMethods in Use or Being Researched Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Conservation) – Everything uses Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Conservation) – Everything uses energy, so the energy, so the we conserve (water, waste, energy) the less fossil fuels will be we conserve (water, waste, energy) the less fossil fuels will be burned.burned.

Shift from a carbon based economy to a alternative/renewable Shift from a carbon based economy to a alternative/renewable fuel fuel economy – Wind, Solar, Bio-based, Hydrogen, etc. (no carbon)economy – Wind, Solar, Bio-based, Hydrogen, etc. (no carbon)

Carbon Capture and Storage – which is essentially compressed Carbon Capture and Storage – which is essentially compressed CO2 CO2 emissions and safely storing as to not interact with the emissions and safely storing as to not interact with the atmosphere.atmosphere.

Carbon Sequestration – basically the opposite of carbon Carbon Sequestration – basically the opposite of carbon creation, i.e. creation, i.e. when plants utilize CO2 for photosynthesis. There are forms of when plants utilize CO2 for photosynthesis. There are forms of artificial artificial sequestration already in use, but is expensive.sequestration already in use, but is expensive.

Planetary Engineering – the kind of stuff that wins Academy Planetary Engineering – the kind of stuff that wins Academy Awards… Awards… still in the realm of science fiction.still in the realm of science fiction.

What’s being done in our National Parks?What’s being done in our National Parks?

Federal Government RequirementsFederal Government Requirements

Executive Order 13123 – Energy ConservationExecutive Order 13123 – Energy Conservation- Reduce Energy Consumption by 35% by 2010.- Reduce Energy Consumption by 35% by 2010.- Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 30% by 2010.- Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 30% by 2010.- Expand Use of Renewable Energy.- Expand Use of Renewable Energy.- Install Water Conservation Equipment in Top 25% of Class.- Install Water Conservation Equipment in Top 25% of Class.

Executive Order 13101 – Waste Prevention and RecyclingExecutive Order 13101 – Waste Prevention and Recycling- Increase Solid Waste Recycling to 50% by 2010.- Increase Solid Waste Recycling to 50% by 2010.- Reduce the Use of Hazardous Substances.- Reduce the Use of Hazardous Substances.- Increase the Purchase of Environmentally Preferable - Increase the Purchase of Environmentally Preferable

Products.Products.

Executive Order 13148 – Environmental LeadershipExecutive Order 13148 – Environmental Leadership- Implement Environmental Management System by 2005.- Implement Environmental Management System by 2005.

Executive Order 13149 – Transportation EfficiencyExecutive Order 13149 – Transportation Efficiency- Reduce Fleet Vehicle Fuel Consumption by 20% by 2005.- Reduce Fleet Vehicle Fuel Consumption by 20% by 2005.- Increase Average Fleet Fuel Efficiency by 3 MPG by 2005.- Increase Average Fleet Fuel Efficiency by 3 MPG by 2005.- Increase Purchase of Alternative Fuel Vehicles.- Increase Purchase of Alternative Fuel Vehicles.

What’s being done in our National Parks?What’s being done in our National Parks?

Xanterra’s 2015 Environmental Vision GoalsXanterra’s 2015 Environmental Vision Goals

Fossil FuelsFossil Fuels Decrease Fossil Fuel Usage by 30%.Decrease Fossil Fuel Usage by 30%.

Renewable EnergyRenewable Energy Increase Renewable Energy to 7% of Total Increase Renewable Energy to 7% of Total Use.Use.

TransportationTransportation Increase Average Vehicle Fuel Economy to 35 Increase Average Vehicle Fuel Economy to 35 MPG. MPG.

EmissionsEmissions Decrease Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 30%.Decrease Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 30%.

Solid WasteSolid Waste Divert from Landfill 50% of Solid Waste Divert from Landfill 50% of Solid Waste Generated.Generated.

Sustainable CuisineSustainable Cuisine Increase Sustainable Cuisine to 50%.Increase Sustainable Cuisine to 50%.

WaterWater Decrease Water Usage by 25%Decrease Water Usage by 25%

Hazardous WasteHazardous Waste Generate Zero Hazardous WasteGenerate Zero Hazardous Waste

Alternative TransportationAlternative Transportation Zion National Park instituted a propane powered bus shuttle Zion National Park instituted a propane powered bus shuttle system in system in 2000 to reduce visitor traffic and reduce air pollution in the 2000 to reduce visitor traffic and reduce air pollution in the canyon.canyon.

- Benefits have included 42,000 less vehicle trips per year.- Benefits have included 42,000 less vehicle trips per year.- Elimination of 1,200 vehicles per day on nearly 11,000 miles - Elimination of 1,200 vehicles per day on nearly 11,000 miles

of road.of road.- Reduced VOC, Carbon Monoxide, and Particulate Emissions - Reduced VOC, Carbon Monoxide, and Particulate Emissions

greatly.greatly.- 75% of Park Visitors use Bus Shuttle System.- 75% of Park Visitors use Bus Shuttle System.

Increased Fuel EconomyIncreased Fuel Economy

Increased Average Fuel Economy to 24 MPG.Increased Average Fuel Economy to 24 MPG.

Purchased an Electric Hybrid Prius and other fuel efficient vehicles Purchased an Electric Hybrid Prius and other fuel efficient vehicles to replace less efficient SUV’sto replace less efficient SUV’s

Purchased Zero Emission Electric Carts to eliminate gas guzzling Purchased Zero Emission Electric Carts to eliminate gas guzzling trucks for maintenance calls.trucks for maintenance calls.

Adding another Hybrid Vehicle in 2007.Adding another Hybrid Vehicle in 2007.

Reduced Fossil Fuel UseReduced Fossil Fuel Use

Converted an old polluting diesel-fuel fired Converted an old polluting diesel-fuel fired boiler, to an energy efficient “on-demand” boiler, to an energy efficient “on-demand” propane fired system.propane fired system.

Eliminated 24,000 gallons of diesel fuel use.Eliminated 24,000 gallons of diesel fuel use.

Eliminated the risk of spills.Eliminated the risk of spills.

Reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions by 300,000 Reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions by 300,000 pounds annually.pounds annually.

Increased Use of Renewable EnergyIncreased Use of Renewable Energy

Procured 1.4 million kWh of clean renewable wind energy in 2006.Procured 1.4 million kWh of clean renewable wind energy in 2006.

Installed an on-site 15 kilowatt Solar System capable of providing Installed an on-site 15 kilowatt Solar System capable of providing 30,000 kWh of electricity annually.30,000 kWh of electricity annually.

Combined these account for 85% of our total electricity use.Combined these account for 85% of our total electricity use.

Reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2.7 million pounds Reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2.7 million pounds annually.annually.

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 65% in 5 yearsEmissions by 65% in 5 years

TOTAL CO2 EMISSIONS

0

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000

Lbs Lbs Lbs Lbs Lbs Lbs Lbs

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Year

Am

ou

nt

(lb

s)

Increased RecyclingIncreased Recycling

Recycled over 150,000 pounds of glass, plastic, aluminum, paper, Recycled over 150,000 pounds of glass, plastic, aluminum, paper, cardboard in partnerships with the National Park Service in 2005.cardboard in partnerships with the National Park Service in 2005.

Composted over 30,000 pounds of food waste from restaurant.Composted over 30,000 pounds of food waste from restaurant.

Reduced Water UseReduced Water Use

Reduced water usage by 50%, or 15 million gallons over a 5 year Reduced water usage by 50%, or 15 million gallons over a 5 year period, by installing low flow fixtures and reducing lawn watering.period, by installing low flow fixtures and reducing lawn watering.

Water Usage

0

5,000,000

10,000,000

15,000,000

20,000,000

25,000,000

30,000,000

35,000,000

gal gal gal gal gal gal

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Year

Am

ount

Questions?Questions?