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Schwarzenegger’s new climate initiative isn’t all that.

To read today's headlines you'd think Schwarzenegger just saved the world from global warming catastrophe a la the "The Day After Tomorrow." But why?

In a speech to the United Nations World Environment Day gathering in San Francisco, the gubernator proclaimed that the scientific debate on climate change is over and that the world needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I suppose it's encouraging that another prominent Republican has made such a declaration, in contrast to the willful ignorance of the White House. But isn't this stuff common knowledge by now?

Schwarzenegger also unveiled a (non-binding) pledge to reduce California's greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels by 2010 and to 1990 levels by 2020. By 2050, he aims to reduce emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels.

Okay, that last bit is impressive. But 2050 is so far over the hazy edge of the political horizon that it doesn't seem particularly courageous to make radical pledges for 45 years from now, when the near-term goals are actually fairly insubstantial.

Plenty of other places in the US have made far more aggressive commitments to battling climate change.

Are corporations hog-tying conservation groups in CAFTA fight?

Macaws and effect in Central America. A year ago, President Bush signed the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Since then, the controversial plan has inspired protests across the U.S. and in Central America. And while past trade agreements have been ratified by Congress in less than two months, the Bush administration has delayed the vote […]

Is using trees for biomass a good idea?

I point this out not because I'm in favor of it, but because I think it's a trend worth watching: the Klamath Falls, Ore., newspaper, The Herald and News is reporting on a project to use biomass--namely, thinned trees--to generate electricity.

Here's what the article has to say about the greenhouse gas effects of the project:

A major wildfire would release large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. But the controlled use of that same wood for lumber or electrical production would be positive in terms of "greenhouse gas" emissions. Future fires would not release the same amount of carbon dioxide, the wood that goes into building products stores carbon, and the biomass that goes into power production offsets the need to produce that energy from fossil fuels.

To be clear, I remain skeptical -- but since I don't really know anything about the specifics I'll keep my mouth shut, and let wiser or more informed people speak.

But over the long term -- and if future prices for natural gas are as high as they're expected to be (link goes to natural gas futures contract prices) -- I can't help but think that the pressure for this sort of project will intensify. And that seems to be a cause for concern. Deforestation rates over the past 30 years have been high enough just to deal with demand for timber and wood pulp; adding electricity to the mix is, well, troubling.

Hosted on the wind

Starting a green business with a website? Check out wind-powered web hosting. Neat.

Maybe She’s Born With It, Maybe It’s Labeling

USDA won’t certify personal-care products as organic Makers of “natural” cosmetics, lotions, and potions, and the consumers who love them, are vexed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent decision not to certify personal-care products as organic. The little green USDA organic seal, which now adorns many food products in the U.S., will not be […]

It’s a Lap Dog’s Life

Blair heads to D.C. to beg for Bush’s support on G8 climate agenda U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair has put his political life on the line to support the Bush administration numerous times, citing the “special relationship” between the two countries. Ha ha, sucka! Next week Blair will fly to Washington, D.C., to beg the […]

You Take ’em Both, and There You Have … Um, Stapleton

Denver neighborhood on former airport site exemplifies “new urbanism” A new mixed-use development in Denver, built on the former site of Stapleton International Airport, is being touted as a model of “new urbanism.” Stapleton’s homes are situated close together, with garages in back and porches in front, creating walkable neighborhoods, and plenty of open space […]

Lights, Climate, Action

Schwarzenegger declares war on global warming “I say the debate is over. We know the science, we see the threat, and the time for action is now.” With those words, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) yesterday defied Bush administration orthodoxy, announcing ambitious plans to reduce his state’s emissions of greenhouse gases. The Governator issued an […]

Oil pumping capacity

Don't miss Part 4 of Kevin Drum's ongoing series on peak oil. It's about pumping capacity, or the lack thereof.

This is what peak oil has brought us to. The actual peak may happen this year or it may not happen for a couple of decades, but just the fact that we're close means that we've already hit the point in the curve where spare capacity is a luxury of the past. The result will be increasing global instability caused by a turbulent economy held permanent hostage to terrorists, unstable dictatorships, resource wars, and natural disasters.

He promises Part 5, on sane energy policy, tomorrow.

California solar roofs on the way

FYI: The California Senate just passed the Million Solar Roofs bill (SB 1). It now goes to the Assembly, for a hearing later in June. Momentum is on its side. For more on the bill, check Environment California's rundown.