Cinnamon Piñon Carlarne
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199553419
- eISBN:
- 9780191594984
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199553419.003.0003
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Private International Law
States have long been the ‘laboratories of democracy’ for US lawmaking; states and other sub-federal actors are proving particularly important to the development of climate change law and policy. ...
More
States have long been the ‘laboratories of democracy’ for US lawmaking; states and other sub-federal actors are proving particularly important to the development of climate change law and policy. Through reference to key regional, state, and local efforts, this chapter explores how, why, and to what effect sub-federal actors are influencing climate policy in the US. It examines whether in confronting the federal government's failure to discharge its customary role as the principal architect of environmental policy, sub-federal entities have stepped in to fill the policy void. In doing so, it considers whether sub-federal climate change initiatives are merely symbolic in nature, ie, lacking substance and enforceability, or whether they are in fact having significant impact on the way that the domestic and private sectors and, ultimately, the federal government think about and respond to climate change in legal and political forums.Less
States have long been the ‘laboratories of democracy’ for US lawmaking; states and other sub-federal actors are proving particularly important to the development of climate change law and policy. Through reference to key regional, state, and local efforts, this chapter explores how, why, and to what effect sub-federal actors are influencing climate policy in the US. It examines whether in confronting the federal government's failure to discharge its customary role as the principal architect of environmental policy, sub-federal entities have stepped in to fill the policy void. In doing so, it considers whether sub-federal climate change initiatives are merely symbolic in nature, ie, lacking substance and enforceability, or whether they are in fact having significant impact on the way that the domestic and private sectors and, ultimately, the federal government think about and respond to climate change in legal and political forums.
Cinnamon Piñon Carlarne
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199553419
- eISBN:
- 9780191594984
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199553419.003.0002
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Private International Law
This chapter provides an overview of how the US political system functions, focusing on the role of federalism in shaping policy-making. It reviews the history of environmental policymaking in the US ...
More
This chapter provides an overview of how the US political system functions, focusing on the role of federalism in shaping policy-making. It reviews the history of environmental policymaking in the US and explores how climate change policymaking reveals a significant shift in the role and relationship between sub-federal and federal governmental entities in environmental law and policymaking. It seeks to provide an inclusive review of US federal climate change policies, beginning with the White House climate change strategy promoted by President Bush before exploring more recent efforts to overhaul the federal approach to climate change. It also endeavours to shed led light on how shifting federal climate change strategies influence domestic engagement in global climate change politics.Less
This chapter provides an overview of how the US political system functions, focusing on the role of federalism in shaping policy-making. It reviews the history of environmental policymaking in the US and explores how climate change policymaking reveals a significant shift in the role and relationship between sub-federal and federal governmental entities in environmental law and policymaking. It seeks to provide an inclusive review of US federal climate change policies, beginning with the White House climate change strategy promoted by President Bush before exploring more recent efforts to overhaul the federal approach to climate change. It also endeavours to shed led light on how shifting federal climate change strategies influence domestic engagement in global climate change politics.
Steve Vanderheiden
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195334609
- eISBN:
- 9780199868759
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195334609.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
This chapter begins with a short history of climate change as a policy issue, explaining the scientific basics of the phenomenon and culminating with an examination of current controversies over the ...
More
This chapter begins with a short history of climate change as a policy issue, explaining the scientific basics of the phenomenon and culminating with an examination of current controversies over the scientific evidence establishing the existence and consequences of anthropogenic climate change as well as recent efforts to defeat mandatory national greenhouse gas emission caps. In particular, it examines the international climate policy process that generated the Kyoto Protocol, the industry-led campaigns of climate skepticism designed to defeat ratification of that treaty in the United States, and the development of U.S. climate policy through the secretive Cheney Energy Task Force, which effectively set the Bush administration's climate policy for its two terms. Finally, it considers the bases for ongoing rifts over climate policy between the U.S. and Europe as well as between industrialized and developing nations.Less
This chapter begins with a short history of climate change as a policy issue, explaining the scientific basics of the phenomenon and culminating with an examination of current controversies over the scientific evidence establishing the existence and consequences of anthropogenic climate change as well as recent efforts to defeat mandatory national greenhouse gas emission caps. In particular, it examines the international climate policy process that generated the Kyoto Protocol, the industry-led campaigns of climate skepticism designed to defeat ratification of that treaty in the United States, and the development of U.S. climate policy through the secretive Cheney Energy Task Force, which effectively set the Bush administration's climate policy for its two terms. Finally, it considers the bases for ongoing rifts over climate policy between the U.S. and Europe as well as between industrialized and developing nations.
K Russell LaMotte, David M (Max) Williamson, and Lauren A Hopkins
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199565931
- eISBN:
- 9780191722028
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199565931.003.0018
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Private International Law
This chapter offers a guide to the key legal issues presented by national and sub-national greenhouse gas (GHG) regulatory initiatives in the United States. Section 2 provides an overview of ...
More
This chapter offers a guide to the key legal issues presented by national and sub-national greenhouse gas (GHG) regulatory initiatives in the United States. Section 2 provides an overview of sub-national trading schemes at the regional and state level, where mandatory regulations creating carbon trading regimes are most advanced in the United States. Section 3 surveys a number of legal issues that will play an essential role in the design and implementation of any cap-and-trade scheme in the United States, whether at the national or sub-national level. Section 4 addresses a series of constitutional challenges specific to state or regional programs that may limit the scope and perhaps the viability of these non-federal programs. Section 5 highlights a number of prospective legal issues that are likely to arise in designing a new federal climate change statute, such as the relationship between an emissions trading market and existing US environmental laws and trade policy. It also identifies the legal issues that may arise in the event that there is no new climate change-specific federal statute adopted, in which case the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) may instead seek to generate a market for emissions trading through regulations adopted under the existing Clean Air Act.Less
This chapter offers a guide to the key legal issues presented by national and sub-national greenhouse gas (GHG) regulatory initiatives in the United States. Section 2 provides an overview of sub-national trading schemes at the regional and state level, where mandatory regulations creating carbon trading regimes are most advanced in the United States. Section 3 surveys a number of legal issues that will play an essential role in the design and implementation of any cap-and-trade scheme in the United States, whether at the national or sub-national level. Section 4 addresses a series of constitutional challenges specific to state or regional programs that may limit the scope and perhaps the viability of these non-federal programs. Section 5 highlights a number of prospective legal issues that are likely to arise in designing a new federal climate change statute, such as the relationship between an emissions trading market and existing US environmental laws and trade policy. It also identifies the legal issues that may arise in the event that there is no new climate change-specific federal statute adopted, in which case the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) may instead seek to generate a market for emissions trading through regulations adopted under the existing Clean Air Act.
Erin Ryan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199737987
- eISBN:
- 9780199918652
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199737987.003.0005
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law
Chapter Five probes the zone of jurisdictional overlap that belies the dual federalism ideal, where both the states and federal government hold legitimate regulatory interests or obligations. It ...
More
Chapter Five probes the zone of jurisdictional overlap that belies the dual federalism ideal, where both the states and federal government hold legitimate regulatory interests or obligations. It explores air and water pollution, counterterrorism efforts, climate change, nuclear waste siting, and disaster response as examples of interjurisdictional regulatory problems. Tensions among federalism values are especially heightened in these environmental, land use, and public health and safety regulation—all legal realms that match compelling claims for local autonomy and/or expertise with equally compelling needs for national uniformity and/or federal capacity. After illustrating the different reasons for jurisdictional overlap through these examples, the chapter reconceptualizes dual federalism’s bright-line boundary problem as a matter of “regulatory crossover” into the interjurisdictional gray area. The chapter then discusses how uncertain federalism theory creates two kinds of risk for good governance in the gray area: (1) that fear of doctrinal liability may deter needed interjurisdictional efforts, and (2) that doctrinal uncertainty may invite self-serving regulatory abdication. Finally, Chapter Five demonstrates the benefits of jurisdictional overlap through the detailed case study of regulatory backstop in climate mitigation and adaptation governance, reviewing regional cap-and-trade programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), federal and state renewable portfolio standards, green building requirements, and transportation sector initiatives. Finally, it applies its framework of analysis to the Katrina experience, concluding with reflections on how federalism theory more sensitive to gray area governance might have led to a different regulatory response.Less
Chapter Five probes the zone of jurisdictional overlap that belies the dual federalism ideal, where both the states and federal government hold legitimate regulatory interests or obligations. It explores air and water pollution, counterterrorism efforts, climate change, nuclear waste siting, and disaster response as examples of interjurisdictional regulatory problems. Tensions among federalism values are especially heightened in these environmental, land use, and public health and safety regulation—all legal realms that match compelling claims for local autonomy and/or expertise with equally compelling needs for national uniformity and/or federal capacity. After illustrating the different reasons for jurisdictional overlap through these examples, the chapter reconceptualizes dual federalism’s bright-line boundary problem as a matter of “regulatory crossover” into the interjurisdictional gray area. The chapter then discusses how uncertain federalism theory creates two kinds of risk for good governance in the gray area: (1) that fear of doctrinal liability may deter needed interjurisdictional efforts, and (2) that doctrinal uncertainty may invite self-serving regulatory abdication. Finally, Chapter Five demonstrates the benefits of jurisdictional overlap through the detailed case study of regulatory backstop in climate mitigation and adaptation governance, reviewing regional cap-and-trade programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), federal and state renewable portfolio standards, green building requirements, and transportation sector initiatives. Finally, it applies its framework of analysis to the Katrina experience, concluding with reflections on how federalism theory more sensitive to gray area governance might have led to a different regulatory response.
Jessica F. Green
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691157580
- eISBN:
- 9781400848669
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691157580.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter examines a case of entrepreneurial authority in the climate change regime: the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The protocol is a set of accounting standards to measure and report greenhouse gas ...
More
This chapter examines a case of entrepreneurial authority in the climate change regime: the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The protocol is a set of accounting standards to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions created by individual firms. These standards were created by two nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and have subsequently become one of the most widely accepted accounting methodologies for measuring and reporting emissions. The chapter explains how these NGOs were able to insert themselves into the policy process while the United States and European Union were arguing about an appropriate role for emissions trading. In particular, it considers the success of WRI and WBCSD in creating the de facto standard for GHG emissions accounting at the firm (or “corporate”) level.Less
This chapter examines a case of entrepreneurial authority in the climate change regime: the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The protocol is a set of accounting standards to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions created by individual firms. These standards were created by two nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD), and have subsequently become one of the most widely accepted accounting methodologies for measuring and reporting emissions. The chapter explains how these NGOs were able to insert themselves into the policy process while the United States and European Union were arguing about an appropriate role for emissions trading. In particular, it considers the success of WRI and WBCSD in creating the de facto standard for GHG emissions accounting at the firm (or “corporate”) level.
Martijn Wilder and Louisa Fitz-Gerald
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199565931
- eISBN:
- 9780191722028
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199565931.003.0020
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Private International Law
This chapter examines the recent developments in climate policy in Australia, with a specific focus on the recently introduced legislation for emissions trading in Australia. It also considers the ...
More
This chapter examines the recent developments in climate policy in Australia, with a specific focus on the recently introduced legislation for emissions trading in Australia. It also considers the newly implemented mandatory greenhouse and energy reporting regulations, which provide detail on the mandatory corporate greenhouse emissions and energy reporting scheme, and the design proposals for an expanded national renewable energy target. The chapter concludes by considering some recent developments in the voluntary carbon market in Australia, including the investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) into ‘green’ marketing.Less
This chapter examines the recent developments in climate policy in Australia, with a specific focus on the recently introduced legislation for emissions trading in Australia. It also considers the newly implemented mandatory greenhouse and energy reporting regulations, which provide detail on the mandatory corporate greenhouse emissions and energy reporting scheme, and the design proposals for an expanded national renewable energy target. The chapter concludes by considering some recent developments in the voluntary carbon market in Australia, including the investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) into ‘green’ marketing.
John W. Gulliver and Keith A. Wheeler
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199532698
- eISBN:
- 9780191701054
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199532698.003.0023
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law
At the national (federal) level, the performance of the United States government over the last several years, in terms of formulating clear and consistent policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions ...
More
At the national (federal) level, the performance of the United States government over the last several years, in terms of formulating clear and consistent policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions and address global warming, is unimpressive. For example, the Clinton administration executed the Kyoto Protocol but never submitted the treaty to Congress for ratification. However, the move beyond the carbon economy is led not by the federal government, but by businesses in the private sector, the states, and the courts (via litigation). The national government lags behind other actors in leadership on this issue. This chapter first reviews the role of the private sector and examines two leading U.S. companies (General Electric and Wal-Mart) that are taking actions designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stabilise global warming, and, importantly and understandably for investor-owned companies, drive profits. It then examines the roles of state legislatures, and then the courts, in advancing policies that stabilise or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Less
At the national (federal) level, the performance of the United States government over the last several years, in terms of formulating clear and consistent policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions and address global warming, is unimpressive. For example, the Clinton administration executed the Kyoto Protocol but never submitted the treaty to Congress for ratification. However, the move beyond the carbon economy is led not by the federal government, but by businesses in the private sector, the states, and the courts (via litigation). The national government lags behind other actors in leadership on this issue. This chapter first reviews the role of the private sector and examines two leading U.S. companies (General Electric and Wal-Mart) that are taking actions designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stabilise global warming, and, importantly and understandably for investor-owned companies, drive profits. It then examines the roles of state legislatures, and then the courts, in advancing policies that stabilise or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Kristin Shrader-Frechette
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199794638
- eISBN:
- 9780199919277
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199794638.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This book uses market data, scientific studies, and ethical analyses to show why we should pursue green energy and conservation, and not nuclear fission, to address ...
More
This book uses market data, scientific studies, and ethical analyses to show why we should pursue green energy and conservation, and not nuclear fission, to address global climate change. It also uncovers why the many problems with atomic power, and the many benefits of green energy and conservation, have been concealed from the public. Chapter 1 reveals how flawed science, poor ethics, short-term thinking, and special-interest influence have contributed to poor energy policies; to the failure to address climate change; and to subsidizing market failures, like nuclear energy. The chapter explains the reality of human-caused global climate change, and it shows that virtually all expert-scientific analyses accept this reality. It also refutes the arguments of climate-change skeptics, who are often influenced by fossil-fuel special interests. Chapter 2 shows that nuclear energy is routinely misrepresented as “green” and “carbon free” because its proponents rely on counterfactual assumptions in calculating greenhouse-gas emissions. They ignore the greenhouse-gas emissions resulting from the 14-stage nuclear-fuel cycle, though when accounted for, these emissions are about the same as those from natural gas. Chapter 3 dispels the notion that nuclear energy is inexpensive and economical, especially when compared to wind and solar photovoltaics (solar PV). It shows how both taxpayer subsidies and government-mandated liability limits impose unfair nuclear costs on the public. It also reveals how erroneous assumptions about nuclear-construction-interest rates, load factors, and construction times lead to inaccurate assessments of nuclear costs—which are many times higher than the nuclear industry and government admit. Chapter 4 highlights the industry cover-ups, scientific misrepresentations, and violations of conflict-of-interest guidelines that have contributed to flawed atomic-energy-accident data. These flawed data grossly underestimate harmful nuclear consequences and mislead the public about the severity of radiation-related accidents. Chapter 5 shows how even normally operating fission power causes serious, pollution-induced health effects, such as cancer, that are disproportionately imposed on children, radiation workers, and future generations. Chapter 6 uses classic scientific studies from Harvard, Princeton, and the US Department of Energy to show how improved conservation and energy efficiency—along with increased use of wind and solar-PV power—can supply all energy needs while costing less than either fossil fuels or nuclear fission. Chapter 7 responds to many objections, such as the apparent success of the French nuclear-energy program, the intermittency of some renewable-energy technologies, and the alleged costs of renewable energy. It shows how these objections are invalid and that nuclear-industry PR has misled the public about the truth that efficiencies and renewable energy emit less greenhouse gases and are cheaper, safer, and more ethical than atomic power. Chapter 8 concludes by recommending some ways to promote cheaper, safer, more ethical, and less-carbon-intensive renewables, conservation, and energy efficiencies.Less
This book uses market data, scientific studies, and ethical analyses to show why we should pursue green energy and conservation, and not nuclear fission, to address global climate change. It also uncovers why the many problems with atomic power, and the many benefits of green energy and conservation, have been concealed from the public. Chapter 1 reveals how flawed science, poor ethics, short-term thinking, and special-interest influence have contributed to poor energy policies; to the failure to address climate change; and to subsidizing market failures, like nuclear energy. The chapter explains the reality of human-caused global climate change, and it shows that virtually all expert-scientific analyses accept this reality. It also refutes the arguments of climate-change skeptics, who are often influenced by fossil-fuel special interests. Chapter 2 shows that nuclear energy is routinely misrepresented as “green” and “carbon free” because its proponents rely on counterfactual assumptions in calculating greenhouse-gas emissions. They ignore the greenhouse-gas emissions resulting from the 14-stage nuclear-fuel cycle, though when accounted for, these emissions are about the same as those from natural gas. Chapter 3 dispels the notion that nuclear energy is inexpensive and economical, especially when compared to wind and solar photovoltaics (solar PV). It shows how both taxpayer subsidies and government-mandated liability limits impose unfair nuclear costs on the public. It also reveals how erroneous assumptions about nuclear-construction-interest rates, load factors, and construction times lead to inaccurate assessments of nuclear costs—which are many times higher than the nuclear industry and government admit. Chapter 4 highlights the industry cover-ups, scientific misrepresentations, and violations of conflict-of-interest guidelines that have contributed to flawed atomic-energy-accident data. These flawed data grossly underestimate harmful nuclear consequences and mislead the public about the severity of radiation-related accidents. Chapter 5 shows how even normally operating fission power causes serious, pollution-induced health effects, such as cancer, that are disproportionately imposed on children, radiation workers, and future generations. Chapter 6 uses classic scientific studies from Harvard, Princeton, and the US Department of Energy to show how improved conservation and energy efficiency—along with increased use of wind and solar-PV power—can supply all energy needs while costing less than either fossil fuels or nuclear fission. Chapter 7 responds to many objections, such as the apparent success of the French nuclear-energy program, the intermittency of some renewable-energy technologies, and the alleged costs of renewable energy. It shows how these objections are invalid and that nuclear-industry PR has misled the public about the truth that efficiencies and renewable energy emit less greenhouse gases and are cheaper, safer, and more ethical than atomic power. Chapter 8 concludes by recommending some ways to promote cheaper, safer, more ethical, and less-carbon-intensive renewables, conservation, and energy efficiencies.
Kyle W Danish
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199565931
- eISBN:
- 9780191722028
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199565931.003.0019
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Private International Law
As the United States moves forward from voluntary efforts to the establishment of mandatory cap-and-trade programmes for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, offsets have become a central issue of policy. ...
More
As the United States moves forward from voluntary efforts to the establishment of mandatory cap-and-trade programmes for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, offsets have become a central issue of policy. Offsets can help minimize the total costs associated with GHG regulation; offsets can also provide other benefits, such as economic development and reduced pollution. However, incorporation of offsets into a cap-and-trade programme requires careful attention to policy design. This chapter begins with a brief background on offsets, including a discussion of their value within a cap-and-trade programme, the use of offsets in various policy contexts, and different types of offset projects. It then discusses the most important design issues for an offset project programme: additionality of GHG emission reductions made, quantitative limits on offsets, addressing the risk of reversal of sequestered emissions, providing credit for early action offset projects, incorporating international offset projects, and projects aiming to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Each section highlights how leading proposals for US federal cap-and-trade legislation have addressed these issues. The final section discusses the use of offsets in state and regional cap-and-trade programmes.Less
As the United States moves forward from voluntary efforts to the establishment of mandatory cap-and-trade programmes for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, offsets have become a central issue of policy. Offsets can help minimize the total costs associated with GHG regulation; offsets can also provide other benefits, such as economic development and reduced pollution. However, incorporation of offsets into a cap-and-trade programme requires careful attention to policy design. This chapter begins with a brief background on offsets, including a discussion of their value within a cap-and-trade programme, the use of offsets in various policy contexts, and different types of offset projects. It then discusses the most important design issues for an offset project programme: additionality of GHG emission reductions made, quantitative limits on offsets, addressing the risk of reversal of sequestered emissions, providing credit for early action offset projects, incorporating international offset projects, and projects aiming to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Each section highlights how leading proposals for US federal cap-and-trade legislation have addressed these issues. The final section discusses the use of offsets in state and regional cap-and-trade programmes.
Warwick J. McKibbin
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199235889
- eISBN:
- 9780191717109
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199235889.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, South and East Asia
This study examines the environmental consequences of rapid growth in China, focusing on the environmental consequences of rising energy use. It explores the recent past as well as potential future ...
More
This study examines the environmental consequences of rapid growth in China, focusing on the environmental consequences of rising energy use. It explores the recent past as well as potential future developments and potential policy options. The chapter is organized as follows. Section 2.2 presents a brief overview of energy use in China. It also provides projections from the US Energy Information Agency of energy use in China up to 2030 as well as projections from the G-Cubed model for carbon emissions under different assumptions about the sources of economic growth in China. As well as considering the environmental problems in China, Section 2.3 considers policy responses and some quantitative evaluation of these for greenhouse emissions.Less
This study examines the environmental consequences of rapid growth in China, focusing on the environmental consequences of rising energy use. It explores the recent past as well as potential future developments and potential policy options. The chapter is organized as follows. Section 2.2 presents a brief overview of energy use in China. It also provides projections from the US Energy Information Agency of energy use in China up to 2030 as well as projections from the G-Cubed model for carbon emissions under different assumptions about the sources of economic growth in China. As well as considering the environmental problems in China, Section 2.3 considers policy responses and some quantitative evaluation of these for greenhouse emissions.
Alfred Greiner and Willi Semmler
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195328233
- eISBN:
- 9780199869985
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195328233.003.0009
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter describes scientific knowledge concerning greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the change in global average surface temperature. It considers the climate system of the Earth is in terms of ...
More
This chapter describes scientific knowledge concerning greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the change in global average surface temperature. It considers the climate system of the Earth is in terms of its global energy balance using so-called energy balance models (EBM).Less
This chapter describes scientific knowledge concerning greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the change in global average surface temperature. It considers the climate system of the Earth is in terms of its global energy balance using so-called energy balance models (EBM).
Gray E Taylor and Michael R Barrett
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199565931
- eISBN:
- 9780191722028
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199565931.003.0021
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Private International Law
This chapter provides an analysis of current and proposed Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) regimes and issues. Section 2 addresses the national government's proposed GHG emission reduction plan. Section ...
More
This chapter provides an analysis of current and proposed Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) regimes and issues. Section 2 addresses the national government's proposed GHG emission reduction plan. Section 3 reviews some of the more significant implemented and proposed provincial governments' GHG emission reduction plans. Section 4 discusses issues of significance to Canadian GHG emissions reduction policies, such as trade and trade law considerations and potentially inconsistent US and Canadian GHG emission reduction policies.Less
This chapter provides an analysis of current and proposed Canadian greenhouse gas (GHG) regimes and issues. Section 2 addresses the national government's proposed GHG emission reduction plan. Section 3 reviews some of the more significant implemented and proposed provincial governments' GHG emission reduction plans. Section 4 discusses issues of significance to Canadian GHG emissions reduction policies, such as trade and trade law considerations and potentially inconsistent US and Canadian GHG emission reduction policies.
Passero Michelle
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199565931
- eISBN:
- 9780191722028
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199565931.003.0023
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Private International Law
Over the past several years, transactions for the voluntary purchase and sale of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions have grown significantly. Also known as the ‘voluntary carbon market’, this ...
More
Over the past several years, transactions for the voluntary purchase and sale of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions have grown significantly. Also known as the ‘voluntary carbon market’, this market has provided a benefit to the climate by building public awareness and infrastructure for transactions and informing government climate policy. This chapter begins with a background on the voluntary carbon market — what it is and the reasons for its growth. It elaborates on the contribution of the voluntary market including the development of GHG reduction accounting standards, registries and policy. It then discusses the additional actions that could be taken in this respect, and identifies the potential need to clarify the legal nature of reductions in the voluntary market.Less
Over the past several years, transactions for the voluntary purchase and sale of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions have grown significantly. Also known as the ‘voluntary carbon market’, this market has provided a benefit to the climate by building public awareness and infrastructure for transactions and informing government climate policy. This chapter begins with a background on the voluntary carbon market — what it is and the reasons for its growth. It elaborates on the contribution of the voluntary market including the development of GHG reduction accounting standards, registries and policy. It then discusses the additional actions that could be taken in this respect, and identifies the potential need to clarify the legal nature of reductions in the voluntary market.
David L. Kirchman
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- August 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198789406
- eISBN:
- 9780191831256
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198789406.003.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Aquatic Biology
The goal of this chapter is to introduce the field of microbial ecology and some terms used in the rest of the book. Microbial ecology, which is the study of microbes in natural environments, is ...
More
The goal of this chapter is to introduce the field of microbial ecology and some terms used in the rest of the book. Microbial ecology, which is the study of microbes in natural environments, is important for several reasons. Although most are beneficial, some microbes cause diseases of higher plants and animals in aquatic environments and on land. Microbes are also important because they are directly or indirectly responsible for the food we eat. They degrade pesticides and other pollutants contaminating natural environments. Finally, they are important in another “pollution” problem: the increase in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere. Because microbes are crucial for many biogeochemical processes, the field of microbial ecology is crucial for understanding the effect of greenhouse gases on the biosphere and for predicting the impact of climate change on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Even if the problem of climate change were solved, microbes would be fascinating to study because of the weird and wonderful things they do. The chapter ends by pointing out the difficulties in isolating and cultivating microbes in the laboratory. In many environments, less than one percent of all bacteria and other microbes can be grown in the laboratory. The cultivation problem has many ramifications for identifying especially viruses, bacteria, and archaea in natural environments, and for connecting up taxonomic information with biogeochemical processes.Less
The goal of this chapter is to introduce the field of microbial ecology and some terms used in the rest of the book. Microbial ecology, which is the study of microbes in natural environments, is important for several reasons. Although most are beneficial, some microbes cause diseases of higher plants and animals in aquatic environments and on land. Microbes are also important because they are directly or indirectly responsible for the food we eat. They degrade pesticides and other pollutants contaminating natural environments. Finally, they are important in another “pollution” problem: the increase in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere. Because microbes are crucial for many biogeochemical processes, the field of microbial ecology is crucial for understanding the effect of greenhouse gases on the biosphere and for predicting the impact of climate change on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Even if the problem of climate change were solved, microbes would be fascinating to study because of the weird and wonderful things they do. The chapter ends by pointing out the difficulties in isolating and cultivating microbes in the laboratory. In many environments, less than one percent of all bacteria and other microbes can be grown in the laboratory. The cultivation problem has many ramifications for identifying especially viruses, bacteria, and archaea in natural environments, and for connecting up taxonomic information with biogeochemical processes.
Kristin Shrader-Frechette
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199794638
- eISBN:
- 9780199919277
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199794638.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
Chapter 1 begins by stressing the severity of climate change (CC) and showing how, contrary to popular belief, atomic energy is not a viable solution to ...
More
Chapter 1 begins by stressing the severity of climate change (CC) and showing how, contrary to popular belief, atomic energy is not a viable solution to CC. Many scientists and most market proponents agree that renewable energy and energy efficiencies are better options. The chapter also shows that government subsidies for oil and nuclear power are the result of flawed science, poor ethics, short-term thinking, and special-interest influence. The chapter has 7 sections, the first of which surveys four major components of the energy crisis. These are oil addiction, non-CC-related deaths from fossil-fuel pollution, nuclear-weapons proliferation, and catastrophic CC. The second section summarizes some of the powerful evidence for global CC. The third section uses historical, ahistorical, Rawlsian, and utilitarian ethical principles to show how developed nations, especially the US, are most responsible for human-caused CC. The fourth section shows why climate-change skeptics, such as “deniers” who doubt CC is real, and “delayers” who say that it should not yet be addressed, have no valid objections. Instead, they all err scientifically and ethically. The fifth section illustrates that all modern scientific methods—and scientific consensus since at least 1995—confirm the reality of global CC. Essentially all expert-scientific analyses published in refereed, scientific-professional journals confirm the reality of global CC. The sixth section of the chapter shows how fossil-fuel special interests have contributed to the continued CC debate largely by paying non-experts to deny or challenge CC. The seventh section of the chapter provides an outline of each chapter in the book, noting that this book makes use of both scientific and ethical analyses to show why nuclear proponents’ arguments err, why CC deniers are wrong, and how scientific-methodological understanding can advance sound energy policy—including conservation, renewable energy, and energy efficiencies.Less
Chapter 1 begins by stressing the severity of climate change (CC) and showing how, contrary to popular belief, atomic energy is not a viable solution to CC. Many scientists and most market proponents agree that renewable energy and energy efficiencies are better options. The chapter also shows that government subsidies for oil and nuclear power are the result of flawed science, poor ethics, short-term thinking, and special-interest influence. The chapter has 7 sections, the first of which surveys four major components of the energy crisis. These are oil addiction, non-CC-related deaths from fossil-fuel pollution, nuclear-weapons proliferation, and catastrophic CC. The second section summarizes some of the powerful evidence for global CC. The third section uses historical, ahistorical, Rawlsian, and utilitarian ethical principles to show how developed nations, especially the US, are most responsible for human-caused CC. The fourth section shows why climate-change skeptics, such as “deniers” who doubt CC is real, and “delayers” who say that it should not yet be addressed, have no valid objections. Instead, they all err scientifically and ethically. The fifth section illustrates that all modern scientific methods—and scientific consensus since at least 1995—confirm the reality of global CC. Essentially all expert-scientific analyses published in refereed, scientific-professional journals confirm the reality of global CC. The sixth section of the chapter shows how fossil-fuel special interests have contributed to the continued CC debate largely by paying non-experts to deny or challenge CC. The seventh section of the chapter provides an outline of each chapter in the book, noting that this book makes use of both scientific and ethical analyses to show why nuclear proponents’ arguments err, why CC deniers are wrong, and how scientific-methodological understanding can advance sound energy policy—including conservation, renewable energy, and energy efficiencies.
David Freestone
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199565931
- eISBN:
- 9780191722028
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199565931.003.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Private International Law
This chapter provides an introduction to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) system and the key institutions as well as to the processes leading up to, and from, the adoption of ...
More
This chapter provides an introduction to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) system and the key institutions as well as to the processes leading up to, and from, the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol. It introduces some of the key concepts that will be further developed in later chapters. With the release of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report it is clear that radical action needs to be taken to avoid dangerous climate change. The Stern Review forcefully reminds us that early, radical action in reducing emissions of greenhouse gases is also the most economically sensible approach.Less
This chapter provides an introduction to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) system and the key institutions as well as to the processes leading up to, and from, the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol. It introduces some of the key concepts that will be further developed in later chapters. With the release of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report it is clear that radical action needs to be taken to avoid dangerous climate change. The Stern Review forcefully reminds us that early, radical action in reducing emissions of greenhouse gases is also the most economically sensible approach.
David Vogel
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780691196176
- eISBN:
- 9781400889594
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691196176.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
This chapter describes how, for four decades, California has been at the forefront of national efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These initiatives began with ...
More
This chapter describes how, for four decades, California has been at the forefront of national efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These initiatives began with policies to reduce energy use in order to avoid the construction of additional power plants and went on to include progressively more stringent energy efficiency standards and renewable energy mandates, additional curbs on automotive emissions, and a cap-and-trade program designed to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions. The emergence and expansion of these efforts demonstrates the importance of the factors that have shaped environmental policy innovations in other areas. At the same time, these policies are also distinct from those described in the previous chapters. First, they developed more incrementally, with some backsliding, much conflict, and frequent compromises. Second, some of their policy triggers—most notably, the 1973 energy crisis and California's 2000–2001 energy deregulation fiasco—were unrelated to environmental risks or threats. Third, their scope, diversity, and economic impact have been more substantial than those of the state's regulations protecting land use, coastal areas, and automotive emissions. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, in marked contrast to the state's other environmental policy threats, California cannot protect itself from the risks of global climate change. This means that the state has a critical stake in promoting a “California effect” that will encourage other political jurisdictions both in and outside the United States to also restrict their greenhouse gas emissions.Less
This chapter describes how, for four decades, California has been at the forefront of national efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These initiatives began with policies to reduce energy use in order to avoid the construction of additional power plants and went on to include progressively more stringent energy efficiency standards and renewable energy mandates, additional curbs on automotive emissions, and a cap-and-trade program designed to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions. The emergence and expansion of these efforts demonstrates the importance of the factors that have shaped environmental policy innovations in other areas. At the same time, these policies are also distinct from those described in the previous chapters. First, they developed more incrementally, with some backsliding, much conflict, and frequent compromises. Second, some of their policy triggers—most notably, the 1973 energy crisis and California's 2000–2001 energy deregulation fiasco—were unrelated to environmental risks or threats. Third, their scope, diversity, and economic impact have been more substantial than those of the state's regulations protecting land use, coastal areas, and automotive emissions. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, in marked contrast to the state's other environmental policy threats, California cannot protect itself from the risks of global climate change. This means that the state has a critical stake in promoting a “California effect” that will encourage other political jurisdictions both in and outside the United States to also restrict their greenhouse gas emissions.
I. M. Vardavas and F. W. Taylor
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199227471
- eISBN:
- 9780191711138
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199227471.003.0004
- Subject:
- Physics, Geophysics, Atmospheric and Environmental Physics
This chapter examines the transfer of thermal radiation through atmospheres. The properties of atomic and molecular spectral lines are given. The basic theory of vibrational and rotational energy ...
More
This chapter examines the transfer of thermal radiation through atmospheres. The properties of atomic and molecular spectral lines are given. The basic theory of vibrational and rotational energy transitions leading to molecular band absorption of infrared radiation is developed, together with mathematical representations of band absorption. Simple broad-band formulations for calculating the absorption of the most important absorption bands of the key greenhouse gases are given together with an introduction to calculations based on high resolution spectral data. Thermal infrared transfer in cloudy skies is introduced, and the data requirements for models for this type of radiation transfer are given.Less
This chapter examines the transfer of thermal radiation through atmospheres. The properties of atomic and molecular spectral lines are given. The basic theory of vibrational and rotational energy transitions leading to molecular band absorption of infrared radiation is developed, together with mathematical representations of band absorption. Simple broad-band formulations for calculating the absorption of the most important absorption bands of the key greenhouse gases are given together with an introduction to calculations based on high resolution spectral data. Thermal infrared transfer in cloudy skies is introduced, and the data requirements for models for this type of radiation transfer are given.
Alan H. Lockwood
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780262034876
- eISBN:
- 9780262335737
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262034876.003.0002
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
The instrumental record shows steadily rising global surface temperatures as the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases increased during the industrial age. Numerous ...
More
The instrumental record shows steadily rising global surface temperatures as the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases increased during the industrial age. Numerous complementary scientific techniques have shown clearly that these increases are due to human activity, notably burning fossil fuels. The instrumental record is complemented by proxy measurements that reliably document the earth’s temperature and the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide for hundreds of thousands, and in some cases, millions of years. Present conditions are unprecedented in those time frames. Without drastic reductions in the emission of carbon dioxide the worst is yet to come.Less
The instrumental record shows steadily rising global surface temperatures as the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases increased during the industrial age. Numerous complementary scientific techniques have shown clearly that these increases are due to human activity, notably burning fossil fuels. The instrumental record is complemented by proxy measurements that reliably document the earth’s temperature and the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide for hundreds of thousands, and in some cases, millions of years. Present conditions are unprecedented in those time frames. Without drastic reductions in the emission of carbon dioxide the worst is yet to come.
