Sara Imperiale

October 14, 2011

Scientists Seek to Determine Whether Climate Change is Responsible for Later Fall Foliage

Having already established a link between an earlier-arriving spring season and climate change, scientists have turned their attention to fall foliage to determine whether climate change is responsible for later color arrival and leaf drop. With studies in Europe and Japan already indicating delayed color changes, similar results are expected in the United States, with the recognized caveats that heavy rain, drought, or temperature extremes can cause dramatic yearly fluctuations in foliage that have no bearing on long-term trends.

Source: David Sharp, Associated Press, Scientists to Study Cause of Late Foliage, Rutland Herald, Oct. 8, 2011, http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20111008/NEWS03/710079912.

Health and Environment Groups Sue Obama Administration over Rejection of Stricter Ozone Pollution Standard

Five groups filed suit, claiming that President Obama's rejection of the new, stricter ozone pollution standard selected by the EPA is illegal because it leaves in place an inadequate air quality rule from the Bush administration. According to the EPA's estimates, compliance with the new regulations would have imposed costs from $19-$25 billion, but created $13-$37 billion in health benefits.

Source: John M. Broder, Groups Sue After E.P.A. Fails to Shift Ozone Rules, N.Y. Times, Oct. 11, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/12/science/earth/12epa.html?ref=earth.

Australian Parliament Passes a Carbon Tax

In spite of protests, a controversial carbon tax that will force Australia's 500 largest polluters to pay for each ton of carbon dioxide they emit narrowly passed the lower house of parliament. According to the government, 90 percent of households will be compensated through tax cuts or welfare for any increased cost of living expenses.

Source: Australia Parliament Passes Divisive Carbon Tax, BBC, Oct. 12, 2011, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15269033.

Airlines Look to Biofuels to Improve Industry's Environmental Performance

With increased demand, higher fuel prices, and limits on fuel efficiency being reached, there has been a major push among the airline industry to develop biofuels capable of powering aircraft. Although the technical issues associated with using biofuel in airplanes are largely resolved, the additional challenge of achieving a sufficient supply at commercially viable prices remains, with biofuel currently costing 3 to 5 times more than conventional jet fuel.

Source: Bettina Wassener, Airlines Weigh the Advantage of Using More Biofuel, N.Y. Times, Oct. 9, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/10/business/global/10iht-green10.html?ref=earth.

Wood-Based Heating Increases in the United States

According to an evaluation of the 2010 census, the use of wood to heat homes in the United States increased by 34 percent since 2000, with other heating sources like propane and oil dropping by 16 and 21 percent respectively. The shift is attributed to higher oil prices and lower incomes necessitating a search for less expensive fuel, and raises concerns that people are relying on inefficient stoves that can create air pollution.

Source: Tiffany Stecker, Wood-Based Heating Increased by 34% Since 2000 -- Report, ClimateWire, Oct. 12, 2011, http://stevens.vermontlaw.edu:2069/climatewire/2011/10/12/9.