Climate Update Spring 2015 - Good News and Bad

Some Good News

The transition to renewable energy is up and running world-wide. At this point solar and wind are price competitive. The trends show accelerating growth and these energy sources will soon be significant.

Growth of PV Solar. Note China ahead of US, with steepest rate

Projected strong growth in renewables but some increases in coal and gas

2014 was the hottest year so far and March 2015 was the hottest ever -(except NE USA)

Many influential global businesses are committed to Green business methods and helping the planet

Good News May 7, 2015

Corporate America is rapidly getting “the message” YEAH!!

It’s a Wonderful World

BBC video 2 mins

- inspirational video narrated by David Attenborough

All areas are installing wind power at a rapid rate but China is far ahead with the steepest growth

Ice Melt rates are increasing

Arctic video from NOAA 1 min

West Antarctic video 6 mins

East Antarctic video 6 mins

Good News 4/29/15SACRAMENTO - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued an executive order to establish a California greenhouse gas reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 - the most aggressive benchmark enacted by any government in North America to reduce dangerous carbon emissions over the next decade and a half.

"With this order, California sets a very high bar for itself and other states and nations, but it's one that must be reached - for this generation and generations to come," said Gov. Brown.

Now is the Time!

This excellent city program includes several “zero down” options.

NewsThis solar power generating bike path is working BETTER than expected, after the first 6 months in the Netherlands

Bad News

The Obama administration gave Shell OIL permission to start drilling in the Arctic Chuckchi Sea. Protests planned in Seattle !

Technology Innovations

Tesla CEO and Product Architect Elon Musk commented on the huge response to the new battery packs

“The response has been overwhelming. Okay… like, crazy.

“In the course of less than a week, we’ve had 38,000 reservations for the Powerwall, 2,500 reservations for the Powerpack. ………...And we’re basically, like, sold out through the middle of next year… in the first week. It’s crazy.

Things to Work for / Hope for1. More/better solar programs -

Commercial/rental options planned

2. Better public transportation - Active Transportation Plan - bikes/pedestrians

3. Paris Climate Conference 20154. Growing public awareness5. Increasing momentum in Divestment etc.

Check out this new group with a great approach

The ClimateMobilization

References1. The Great Transition by Lester R. BrownShifting from fossil fuels to Solar and Wind Energy 2015

2. Data and graphs from http://www.earth-policy.org/data_center/C23

3. Santa Cruz Climate Action Go Solarhttp://www.cityofsantacruz.com/home/showdocument?id=35738

4. Santa Cruz Active transportation Plan http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/Home/Components/News/News/1854/36?backlist=%2Fdepartments%2Fpublic-works

5. New State Governor Brown Initiativehttp://www.gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=18938

6. http://www.theclimatemobilization.org/