Search

An interview with Jim Hunt, Chief of Environmental and Energy Services of Boston City, Massachusetts, is presented. Hunt states that as part of the cabinet of Mayor Thomas Menino, his priority is to make sustainability be institutionalized in the city. He says that climate change is very real in the city because they are much vulnerable to extreme weather and increase sea level. He argues that Boston focuses on mitigation such as reduction of greenhouse gases.

The article focuses on the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. It states that bill, if it will become a law, will not accomplish its goal in reducing methane emissions from the landfill, considering the standards for emission reduction under the bill. Two approaches for landfill methane reductions are discussed, and assessed the approach used under the bill.

The article reports on the reinstatement of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) by the California Air Resources Board which is aimed at preventing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles in California through a system of tradeable credits and carbon footprint reduction requirements. Topics discussed include need for sellers of gasoline and diesel to reduce the carbon footprint of the fuels they sell; and ranking of vehicle fuels by LCFS based on carbon intensity.

The author discusses the findings of two separate reports on the impact of climate change. She discusses the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which reveals the increase of global greenhouse gas emissions despite a growing number of policies to reduce climate change, and the Third National Climate Assessment by U.S. Global Change Research Program. She also reflects on the article "Gardening for Climate Change" by James Barilla.

The article discusses considerations the interrelations among carbon emissions, environmental laws, politicians and economic development in the U.S. It overviews some climate laws in the U.S., and notes the conflicting objectives of the law which do not consider the economic impact of the programs under the law. It mentions the part of politicians and government agencies in framing environmental laws and role of biomass industries in guiding legislators.