Climate 411

For Now, No Congestion Pricing in NYC

By Andy Darrell / Published: April 8, 2008

Andy DarrellThis post is by Andy Darrell, vice president of the Living Cities Program at Environmental Defense Fund.

Yesterday, the New York State Legislature failed to pass congestion pricing for New York City (see NY1 report), thus forgoing $354 million in federal funds.

Today more than ever, New York and America’s other big cities need solutions for clean air and better transit – our health, climate and economy depend on it. Over the past year, an extraordinary majority of New Yorkers came together to support congestion pricing, and of course today’s setback is very disappointing. But I believe that New York will continue to strive for innovative solutions, and Environmental Defense Fund is dedicated to working with leaders from across the state to help make those solutions real.

Posted in Cars and Pollution / Read 5 Responses

Investment in Clean Energy is Cheaper than the Alternative

By Sheryl Canter / Published: April 8, 2008

Sheryl CanterThis post is by Sheryl Canter, an online writer and editorial manager at Environmental Defense Fund.

Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp has a compelling Op-Ed piece in today’s Wall Street Journal. He says that, “Solving global warming will be an added cost, yes – but a bargain compared with the economic cost of unchecked climate change.” The winners of the race to reinvent energy stand to make megafortunes. Here’s some of what’s in the works:

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Posted in Energy / Read 3 Responses

Your Health: Who’s at Risk from Global Warming?

By Sheryl Canter / Published: April 7, 2008

Sheryl CanterThis post is by Sheryl Canter, an online writer and editorial manager at Environmental Defense Fund.

Today is the start of National Public Health Week, and this year’s focus is the impact of climate change on our nation’s health. The health risks from global warming are not distributed evenly, and some people are in more danger than others. Take a look at our article Health and Global Warming: Are You at Risk? Some of the risk factors may surprise you.

Posted in Health / Comments are closed

The Insurance Industry Crisis

By Sheryl Canter / Published: April 4, 2008

Sheryl CanterThis post is by Sheryl Canter, an online writer and editorial manager at Environmental Defense Fund.

Climate change is already happening. If you don’t believe it, just ask anyone in the insurance industry, which has been bearing most of the costs. Insurance companies are scrambling to contain their exposure by hiking deductibles, limiting coverage, and often pulling out of risky markets altogether (see my previous post, "Insurance Coverage Crumbles in Coastal States").

This week, ClimateWire reporter John Fialka published a report on how climate change may shrink the insurance industry, and the "seismic economic shock" this would deliver to homeowners and businesses. He says that one solution under discussion is for the federal government to act as a backstop, shielding the private insurance industry from risk.

But that’s a bad idea – for two reasons.

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Posted in News / Read 1 Response

Motivating Change towards Clean Energy

By Sheryl Canter / Published: April 3, 2008

Sheryl CanterThis post is by Sheryl Canter, an online writer and editorial manager at Environmental Defense Fund.

Carrots and Sticks – Marc Gunther posted a nuanced discussion of how organizations like NRDC and Environmental Defense Fund work with corporations. Rather than endorse or disparage the corporation as a whole, the focus is on the actions the corporation takes. Environmentally responsible actions are praised – even from a corporation that’s doing other things that aren’t so good. It’s an effective way to motivate change.

New Jobs and Affordable Energy – The Center for American Progress published a detailed and well-documented analysis of the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act and how it would affect the economy. They say, "The bill would make significant reductions in the carbon dioxide pollution that causes global warming as well as turbo charge investments in clean energy technologies such as wind, solar, and geothermal. … The boost for renewable energy would create thousands of new jobs in the clean energy industry."

Posted in What Others are Saying / Read 1 Response

Legal Action to Compel EPA Compliance with Supreme Court

By Vickie Patton / Published: April 2, 2008

Vickie PattonThis post is by Vickie Patton, Deputy General Counsel at Environmental Defense Fund, and a former attorney in EPA’s General Counsel’s office.

One year ago, the Supreme Court rejected the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claim that it lacked legal authority to regulate global warming pollution (for example, from vehicle tailpipes). EPA administrator Stephen Johnson promised a firm and prompt response to the high Court’s decision, but a year passed with no action.

Then on March 27, Johnson recanted his commitment.

So today, a broad coalition of 18 states, 3 cities, and 11 non-profit organizations (see full list*) took legal action to compel EPA to comply. The parties are led by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and include Environmental Defense Fund.

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Posted in Cars and Pollution, Greenhouse Gas Emissions / Read 13 Responses