Climate

AFTER BALI: THE U.N. CONFERENCE AND ITS IMPACT ON INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 December 2007

97 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Government commitment referred to in the national climate change strategy to developing a national climate change adaptation strategy; if this strategy will be completed in time for local authorities to take account of the strategy in the preparation of the next county development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35148/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

97 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Government commitment referred to in the national climate change strategy to developing a national climate change adaptation strategy; if this strategy will be completed in time for local authorities to take account of the strategy in the preparation of the next county development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35148/07]

121 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the need to ensure that land that is a flooding risk including where the risk could be exacerbated by the impact of climate change is not rezoned by local authorities in upcoming county development plans or that if such land is rezoned the need to ensure councils have the power to restrict, regulate or control development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35155/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

121 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the need to ensure that land that is a flooding risk including where the risk could be exacerbated by the impact of climate change is not rezoned by local authorities in upcoming county development plans or that if such land is rezoned the need to ensure councils have the power to restrict, regulate or control development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35155/07]

91 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps the Government has taken to comply with the letter of warning from the European Commission reference 2007/2351 issued on 17 October 2007 regarding Ireland’s non-compliance with requirement in relation to reporting information on climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35156/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 December 2007

91 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps the Government has taken to comply with the letter of warning from the European Commission reference 2007/2351 issued on 17 October 2007 regarding Ireland’s non-compliance with requirement in relation to reporting information on climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35156/07]

Celebrating 35 years of space-based observations of the Earth by the Landsat spacecraft and looking forward to sustaining the longest unbroken record of civil Earth observations of the land.

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2007

Expresses appreciation to all of the dedicated scientists, engineers, and program personnel who have contributed to the successful development and operation of the Landsat program for the continuous collection of space-based observations of the Earth's land cover by Landsat spacecraft over the past 35 years. Urges the continuation of such program and its long-term and comprehensive record of collecting global land surface data so as to sustain Landsat's value to scientific research, especially the study of global and climate change, and to the multiple applied uses of Landsat data for societal benefit.

CLIMATE CHANGE (SECTORAL TARGETS) BILL

United Kingdom · UK Parliament · 17 December 2007

That this House notes that the Climate Change Bill does not incorporate targets for the contributions that various sectors and technologies should make to the achievement of the UK's emissions reductions; believes in the effectiveness of such sectoral targets in order to prevent each sector passing the responsibility for reducing emissions on to others; agrees with the conclusions in July 2007 of the Joint Committee on the Draft Climate Change Bill that if carbon targets are to have any credibility, they must be based on a detailed analysis of the scope and potential for carbon reductions in specific sectors; agrees also with Professor Sir David King, the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, who in his evidence to that Committee said, `each sector needs to know where it is expected to go to justify private investment funds going into these sectors'; and therefore supports the Climate Change (Sectoral Targets) Bill, sponsored by a cross-party group of hon. Members, which requires the Secretary of State both to set initial targets in line with existing Government policy for emissions reductions in the commercial, residential and public sectors as well as targets for renewable energy and combined heat and power and also to set further longer term targets in these and other sectors in order to help achieve the Government's overall targets for reducing carbon emissions and meeting the UK's energy needs.

PLANNING BILL AND CLIMATE CHANGE

United Kingdom · UK Parliament · 17 December 2007

That this House welcomes the Government's stated intention to integrate planning policy with the crucial commitment to address climate change; notes that the Planning Bill imposes a duty on local authorities to produce policy that contributes to the mitigation of climate change; strongly believes that this duty should be strengthened and imposed on Ministers when drawing up National Policy Statements (NPSs) and on the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC); further considers that the Committee on Climate Change should be a statutory consultee in NPSs and Major Infrastructure Projects processes; and urges that mechanisms are put in place to monitor and report on the discharge of this duty.

Climate Neutral Electricity Generation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2007

Climate Neutral Electricity Generation Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in a climate neutral combustion facility. Defines "climate neutral combustion facility" as any facility which: (1) burns matter to produce electricity; (2) captures and uses carbon dioxide released during combustion to recover hydrocarbon fuel; and (3) produces no emissions of mercury or greenhouse gasses and no emissions that form fine particulate, smog, or acid rain

"Land der Lügen" im Klimaschutz

Austria · Federal Council · 6 December 2007

Anfrage der Bundesräte Elisabeth Kerschbaum, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend "Land der Lügen" <i>(Errichtung eines Themenparks mit Hotel und Wellnessbereich</i> <i>im Nahbereich des Einkaufszentrums Excalibur-City im</i> <i>niederösterreichisch-tschechischen Grenzgebiet)</i> im Klimaschutz

"Land der Lügen" im Klimaschutz

Austria · Federal Council · 6 December 2007

Anfrage der Bundesräte Elisabeth Kerschbaum, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend "Land der Lügen" <i>(Errichtung eines Themenparks mit Hotel und Wellnessbereich</i> <i>im Nahbereich des Einkaufszentrums Excalibur-City im</i> <i>niederösterreichisch-tschechischen Grenzgebiet)</i> im Klimaschutz

253 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Government has formulated plans in place for dealing with the impact of climate change on coastal towns and communities here; the amount of money allocated to affected local authorities to deal with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33105/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2007

253 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Government has formulated plans in place for dealing with the impact of climate change on coastal towns and communities here; the amount of money allocated to affected local authorities to deal with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33105/07]

Planning and Energy Act 2008

United Kingdom · UK Parliament · 5 December 2007

A Bill to enable local planning authorities to set requirements for energy generation and energy efficiency in local plans

drohendes Milliarden-Debakel beim Klimaschutz für Österreich

Austria · National Council · 4 December 2007

Dringliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Eva Glawischnig-Piesczek, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundeskanzler betreffend drohendes Milliarden-Debakel beim Klimaschutz für Österreich

293 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change’s fourth report on climate change, which claims that the Earth and humanity are in permanent danger due to global warming; the steps the Government will take on foot of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30897/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 November 2007

293 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change’s fourth report on climate change, which claims that the Earth and humanity are in permanent danger due to global warming; the steps the Government will take on foot of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30897/07]

32 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the threat to staple fruit and vegetable crops here due to climate change which is going to cause major changes in farming practices; the plans she is making to plan for future food shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30090/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 November 2007

32 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the threat to staple fruit and vegetable crops here due to climate change which is going to cause major changes in farming practices; the plans she is making to plan for future food shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30090/07]

Strategy for Bali Conference on Climate Change (COP 13 and COP/MOP3)

European Union · European Parliament · 15 November 2007

Climate Stewardship and Economic Security Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Climate Stewardship and Economic Security Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a National Greenhouse Gas Database consisting of: (1) an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by covered entities (specified entities that own or control a source of GHG emissions in the electric power, industrial, and commercial sectors of the U.S. economy that emit more than 10,000 metric tons of GHGs per year); and (2) a registry of GHG emission reductions and increased sequestration, applicable to all entities. Establishes a program for the market-driven reduction of GHGs by covered entities through the use of tradeable emissions allowances. Requires the Administrator to establish a declining cap on allowances to reduce GHG emissions over time. Requires covered entities, beginning in 2012, to submit to the Administrator one allowance for every metric ton of GHGs emitted. Authorizes the President to establish a program to require importers to pay the value of GHGs emitted during the production of goods or services imported into the United States from specified foreign nations. Allows allowances to be sold, exchanged, purchased, retired, borrowed, offset, or otherwise used as authorized by this Act. Imposes civil penalties on covered entities that fail to submit allowances. Requires: (1) the Administrator to establish a program to assist developing counties and covered entities in reducing GHGs; and (2) the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an outreach initiative on opportunities for agricultural producers to earn revenue. Establishes: (1) the Carbon Market Efficiency Board to analyze information on the GHG emission tradeable allowance market and to carry out cost relief measures if such market poses a significant harm to the US economy; and (2) the Climate Change Credit Corporation (CCCC) to receive, manage, buy, and sell allowances. Directs the Administrator to make allocations of allowances to covered sectors and entities and to the CCCC, providing initial allocations for early action and accelerated participation. Requires the CCCC to establish a program to provide financial support for: (1) technology to assist in compliance with this Act; (2) the restoration of habitat to help fish and wildlife adapt to climate change; and (3) restoration of large-scale aquatic ecosystems. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) report to Congress on the oceanic and coastal impacts of climate change; and (2) assist certain coastal states in preparing persons to adapt to climate change. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to: (1) establish a program on adaptation technologies as part of the Climate Technology Challenge Program; and (2) perform regional infrastructure cost assessments of the impacts of climate change. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) submit a climate change adaptation plan to Congress; and (2) research the impact of climate change on low-income populations worldwide. Amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to provide funding for the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account that may be used by states to develop and implement climate change impact mitigation plans.

Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007

Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit retailers and distributors from selling beverages (water, mineral water, soda water, flavored water, sports drinks, juice, iced tea, wine coolers, beer, or carbonated nonalcoholic beverages) in containers that do not display a statement of a refund value of five cents. Requires: (1) distributors to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers; and (2) retailers to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires: (1) retailers to pay the refund on returned unbroken containers of brands sold for up to a specified number of containers per day based on the square footage of the retailer's space (excluding any container contaminated by a hazardous waste); and (2) distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands sold, plus at least three cents per container for handling costs. Directs distributors to pay to a state, annually, unclaimed refund amounts, which shall be available to the state for programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Prohibits distributors and retailers from disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Exempts states that have implemented laws requiring beverage container deposits or that have demonstrated achievement of specified recycling or reuse rates for beverage containers. Prohibits states or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the refund amounts at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.

A TIME FOR CHANGE: IMPROVING THE FEDERAL CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH AND INFORMATION PROGRAM

United States · United States Senate · 14 November 2007

96 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he will take in respect of the impact of climate change on coasts and landscapes here; the measures proposed by him in respect of climate adaptation measures to deal with the effects of climate change here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28700/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007

96 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he will take in respect of the impact of climate change on coasts and landscapes here; the measures proposed by him in respect of climate adaptation measures to deal with the effects of climate change here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28700/07]

36 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps his Department is taking to ensure that local authorities, in drawing up their next county development plans, will specifically climate-proof those county development plans and, for example, allow no building on flood plains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28711/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007

36 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps his Department is taking to ensure that local authorities, in drawing up their next county development plans, will specifically climate-proof those county development plans and, for example, allow no building on flood plains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28711/07]

Climate Change Adaptation Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007

Climate Change Adaptation Act - Amends the National Climate Program Act to: (1) eliminate the National Climate Program Office and the Climate Program Policy Board; (2) revise the elements of the National Climate Program to require a strategic plan to address the impacts of climate change in the United States and establish a National Climate Service within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); (3) require the President to provide to Congress a five-year national strategic plan to address the impacts of climate change in the United States; (4) require the Secretary of Commerce to conduct regional assessments of coastal and ocean vulnerability to climate change and submit to Congress a national coastal and ocean adaptation plan; (5) require the Secretary to provide technical planning assistance and products to assist coastal states and local governments in developing and implementing coastal and ocean adaptation or mitigation strategies and plans; and (6) require the Secretary to provide grants to coastal states for developing and implementing coastal and ocean adaptation plans.

Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007

Overseas Private Investment Corporation Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to reauthorize the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) through September 30, 2011. Revises international worker rights provisions. Requires OPIC to institute a climate change mitigation action plan. Requires, with a specified exception, prior to OPIC approval of a Category A extractive industry project (as defined by this Act) or an extractive industry project in which OPIC assistance would be valued at $10 million or more; (1) prior congressional notification; and (2) investor and host country agreement to implement Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative principles or substantially similar principles, and host country adherence to certain accounting procedures as they relate to such projects. Provides for increased project transparency. Authorizes OPIC programs in Iraq. Requires OPIC to report to Congress on: (1) the feasibility of expanding OPIC assistance to low-income home buyers; and (2) OPIC resources dedicated to assist U.S. small businesses, cooperatives, and small U.S. investors.

Climate Change Act 2008

United Kingdom · UK Parliament · 14 November 2007

A Bill to set a target for the year 2050 for the reduction of targeted greenhouse gas emissions; to provide for a system of carbon budgeting; to establish a Committee on Climate Change; to confer powers to establish trading schemes for the purpose of limiting greenhouse gas emissions or encouraging activities that reduce such emissions or remove greenhouse gas from the atmosphere; to make provision about adaptation to climate change; to confer powers to make schemes for providing financial incentives to produce less domestic waste and to recycle more of what is produced; to amend the provisions of the Energy Act 2004 about renewable transport fuel obligations; to make other provisions about climate change; and for connected purposes.

INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE NEGOTIATIONS: RESTORING U.S. LEADERSHIP

United States · United States Senate · 13 November 2007

AMERICA'S CLIMATE SECURITY ACT OF 2007, S. 2191

United States · United States Senate · 8 November 2007

Energy Security and Climate Change: Motion.

Ireland · Seanad Éireann · 7 November 2007

The Seanad divided: Tá,

87 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she plans to introduce measures to address the problems in farming resulting from climate change such as bluetongue disease, higher crop and tree diseases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27086/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

87 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she plans to introduce measures to address the problems in farming resulting from climate change such as bluetongue disease, higher crop and tree diseases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27086/07]

77 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has plans to encourage the growth of new crops such as grass, soybean and grapes for winemaking in view of the fact that many of the staple fruit and vegetable crops here are under threat due to the warming climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27073/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

77 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has plans to encourage the growth of new crops such as grass, soybean and grapes for winemaking in view of the fact that many of the staple fruit and vegetable crops here are under threat due to the warming climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27073/07]

73 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on removing the deadline imposed on farmers for slurry spreading in view of the fact that the changing climate is having a detrimental effect on this practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27078/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 November 2007

73 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on removing the deadline imposed on farmers for slurry spreading in view of the fact that the changing climate is having a detrimental effect on this practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27078/07]

YOUTH LEADERSHIP FOR CLEAN ENERGY AND A HEALTHY CLIMATE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 5 November 2007

Global Change Research Improvement Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2007

Global Change Research Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to: (1) rename the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences as the Committee on Global Change Research; (2) revise requirements governing such Committee, including requiring the Committee to develop a strategic plan for the U.S. Global Change Research Program; (3) establish an Integrated Program Office for such Program in the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (4) authorize funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) for research grants on climate change; and (5) repeal a declaration that such Act does not preclude or delay federal planning or action to address the threats of stratospheric ozone depletion or global climate change. Requires the NSF Director and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to study the: (1) status of ice sheet melt and movement; and (2) science on the potential impacts of climate change on patterns of tropical cyclone development. Requires the President to establish guidelines and implement a plan that requires specified agencies to adopt policies to ensure the integrity of scientific communications. Requires the Administrator to implement a program to address aging work force issues in climate science, global change, and certain other research focuses. Amends the National Climate Program Act to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish within NOAA a National Climate Service. Requires the Administrator to appoint a National Climate Service Advisory Council. Amends the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to establish within the legislative branch a Science and Technology Assessment Service, to consist of a Science and Technology Board and a Director, to coordinate and develop information for Congress relating to the uses and application of technology. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to authorize the Secretary to perform research to develop enhanced measurements, calibrations, standards, and technologies to enable the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG). Requires: (1) the Secretary to develop standards and measurement technologies to calculate GHGs; (2) the Director of the Institute to establish a research program on climate change standards and processes; (3) the Institute's National Measurement Laboratories to conduct specified research on developing material and manufacturing processes designed for energy efficiency and reduced GHG emissions; and (4) the Director to utilize the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program to establish a program to satisfy the needs for accreditation in measuring GHG production. Authorizes the Director, through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program, to develop a program to support the implementation of new green manufacturing technologies and techniques by small business manufacturers. Requires the Secretary to establish within NOAA a program of scientific research on abrupt climate change.

WILDFIRES AND THE CLIMATE CRISIS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 November 2007

CLIMATE DISCLOSURE: MEASURING FINANCIAL RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES

United States · United States Senate · 31 October 2007

Healthy Air and Clean Water Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2007

Healthy Air and Clean Water Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to provide that affected units (coal-fired electric generating facilities that have a nameplate capacity greater than 25 megawatts and that generate electricity for sale) that commence operation after December 31, 2008, shall be considered new units. Prohibits such units from exceeding the mercury emission limit of 0.6 pounds mercury per trillion Btu. Prohibits affected units that commence operation on or before December 31, 2008, from exceeding such limit by January 1, 2011. Sets forth penalties for excess emissions. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that mercury captured or recovered by emission controls installed at affected units is not re-released into the environment. Sets carbon dioxide emission limits for affected units for 2015, 2020, 2030, 2040, and 2050. Requires the Administrator to establish a carbon dioxide allowance trading program. Declares that nothing in this Act affects the ability of states to take actions to further limit climate change. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to protect specified sensitive ecosystems if the emissions reductions under title VII of the Clean Air Act are not sufficient to ensure the protection and restoration of such ecosystems. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to reduce, not later than January 1, 2010, specified amounts of aggregate sulfur dioxide emissions and nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants. Authorizes the regulations to include market-oriented mechanisms. Requires the Administrator to coordinate with federal and state governments to increase energy efficiency, to increase the use of renewable energy, and to implement cost saving advanced demand and supply side policies. Requires a power plant, on the later of the date that is 30 years after it commenced operation or the date that is five years after this Act's enactment, to comply with the specified new source performance standards and specified requirements applicable to modified sources under the Clean Air Act.

30 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the target of doubling overseas visitor spend by 2012 is still realistic in view of the changing world travel climate; if a review of plans to achieve that strategy is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25640/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

30 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the target of doubling overseas visitor spend by 2012 is still realistic in view of the changing world travel climate; if a review of plans to achieve that strategy is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25640/07]

Foreign Aid Lessons for Domestic Economic Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007

Foreign Aid Lessons for Domestic Economic Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and implement the Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Project through which federal economic development assistance may be provided for certain Native American communities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such assistance to consortia of Alaska Native nonprofit organizations, Native Hawaiian community organizations, and other Indian tribes that enter into Native American Challenge Compacts. Requires such Compacts to establish a multiyear plan for achieving certain development objectives, including promoting economic growth and the elimination of poverty, strengthening good governance, entrepreneurship, and investment in Native American communities, and building the capacity of Native people to deal with rapid change and uncertainty due to climate change.

EXAMINE AMERICA'S CLIMATE SECURITY ACT OF 2007

United States · United States Senate · 24 October 2007

609 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are plans to push for an international agreement to keep the rise in global temperature to two degrees celsius or less and to support developing countries to adapt to the unavoidable effects of climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25263/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 23 October 2007

609 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are plans to push for an international agreement to keep the rise in global temperature to two degrees celsius or less and to support developing countries to adapt to the unavoidable effects of climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25263/07]

Global Warming and Acidification Coastal and Ocean Resiliency Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2007

Global Warming and Acidification Coastal and Ocean Resiliency Act - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish a national strategy to protect, maintain, and restore coastal and marine ecosystems so that they are more resilient and better able to withstand the additional stresses associated with global warming, including relative sea level rise, and ocean acidification; and (2) revise the strategy within five years and every ten years thereafter to reflect new information. Requires the Secretary to establish an Advisory Board to provide advice on: (1) the impact of global warming and strategies and mechanisms to mitigate the impact on the ocean and coastal communities; (2) priorities for research or information collection; and (3) priority needs for achieving systematic improvements in ocean and coastal resiliency. Requires the Secretary to make grants for protecting, maintaining, or restoring the resilience and health of coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes ecosystems and resources. Requires the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences for a report to Congress on the impact of global warming, including relative sea level rise, and ocean acidification and on effective mitigation strategies for the ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems and U.S. resources. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require the Secretary to establish a coastal climate change resiliency planning and response program and to issue guidelines for the implementation of climate change resiliency planning grants (authorized by this Act) to states.

Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007

Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish: (1) a national strategy for assisting wildlife populations and habitats in adapting to the impact of global warming; (2) an advisory board on such impact; (3) the National Global Warming and Wildlife Science Center within the United States Geological Survey (USGS); and (4) a State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program. Global Warming and Acidification Coastal and Ocean Resiliency Act - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish a national strategy to protect, maintain, and restore coastal and marine ecosystems so that they are more resilient and better able to withstand the additional stresses associated with global warming, including relative sea level rise, and ocean acidification; (2) establish an advisory board on the impact of global warming on the ocean and coastal communities; (3) make grants for protecting, maintaining, or restoring the resilience and health of coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes ecosystems and resources; and (4) arrange with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for a report to Congress on such impact. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish a coastal climate change resiliency planning and response program; and (2) issue guidelines for the implementation of climate change resiliency planning grants to states. Requires the Director of USGS to convene regional scientific symposia to examine the ecological impact of global warming on each imperiled species in each U.S. ecosystem. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to arrange with NAS to convene a panel to report on: (1) such impact; (2) different ecological scenarios that may result from different intensities, rates, and other critical manifestations of global warming; and (3) assisting such species.

Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2007

America's Climate Security Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish: (1) a greenhouse gas (GHG) registry; and (2) a GHG emission allowance transfer system for covered facilities, including specified facilities within the electric power and industrial sectors and facilities that produce or entities that import petroleum- or coal- based transportation fuel or chemicals. Sets forth emission allowances for 2012-2050, with a declining cap on GHGs. Provides for selling, exchanging, transferring, submitting, retiring, or borrowing emission allowances. Establishes: (1) a domestic offset program to sequester GHGs in agriculture and forests; and (2) the Bonus Allowance Account. Establishes the Carbon Market Efficiency Board, which shall observe and report on the national GHG emission market and provide cost relief measures if it determines that the market poses significant harm to the U.S. economy. Provides for the distribution of emission allowances, including initially giving allowances to: (1) specified owners and operators of covered facilities; (2) states; (3) load-serving entities that deliver electricity to retail consumers; (4) the Secretary of Agriculture to reduce GHG emissions in the agriculture and forestry sectors; (5) international forest protection activities; and (6) the Emission Allowance Account for covered facilities in the electric power and industrial sectors. Establishes in the Treasury and provides for allocations from: (1) the Energy Assistance Fund; (2) the Climate Change Worker Training Fund; (3) the Adaptation Fund; and (4) the Climate Change and National Security Fund. Establishes the Climate Change Credit Corporation to auction emission allowances. Provides for the use of auction proceeds, including for a zero- or low-carbon energy technologies program, an advanced coal and sequestration technologies program, incentives for production of fuel from cellulosic biomass, and an advanced technology vehicles manufacturing incentive program. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to set forth provisions concerning appliance energy efficiency requirements and state building energy efficiency code updates. Requires the President to establish an interagency group to determine whether foreign countries have addressed GHGs. Directs the Administrator to establish an international reserve allowance program. Requires the proceeds from sales of such allowances to be used to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on other countries' disadvantaged communities. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator to permit commercial-scale underground injection of carbon dioxide for purposes of geological sequestration. Requires the Secretary of Energy to study the feasibility of the construction of: (1) pipelines for the transportation of carbon dioxide for sequestration or enhanced oil recovery; and (2) geological carbon dioxide sequestration facilities. Directs the Administrator to establish a task force to study the cost implications of potential federal assumption of liability with respect to closed geological storage sites. Authorizes the President to waive this Act's requirements in a national security emergency. Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to direct securities issuers to inform investors of material risks related to climate change.

Österreichisches Klimapaket: "Die Zukunft in unseren Händen - 21 Maßnahmen für den Klimaschutz des 21. Jahrhunderts zur Reduktion von 21 Millionen Tonnen CO2"

Austria · National Council · 17 October 2007

Antrag der Abgeordneten Karlheinz Kopf, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Österreichisches Klimapaket: "Die Zukunft in unseren Händen - 21 Maßnahmen für den Klimaschutz des 21. Jahrhunderts zur Reduktion von 21 Millionen Tonnen CO2"

A resolution honoring Vice President Albert Gore, Jr., and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for receiving the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of their efforts to promote understanding of the threats posed by global warming.

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2007

Honors Vice President Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for receiving the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of their efforts to promote understanding of the threats posed by global warming.

Honoring Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Winners of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2007

Honors Albert Arnold Gore, Jr., and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007, recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize, for their long-standing leadership in confronting global climate change. Affirms that human-induced climate change is an urgent problem that must be confronted by the world's people. Accepts as a challenge to the House of Representatives, and calls upon U.S. citizens, to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

Congratulating Vice President Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on receiving the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize and recognizing their important work to increase awareness about and evidence of the dangers of global warming.

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2007

Congratulates Vice President Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for receiving the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize and commends the Norwegian Nobel Committee for selecting them. Recognizes: (1) Vice President Al Gore's work to increase awareness about the dangers of global warming; and (2) the Panel's work to create an informed consensus about the connection between human activities and global warming. Recommends that the public takes action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Encourages Congress and the President to enact climate change legislation to substantially reduce U.S. contributions to GHG emissions.

63 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is confident that Ireland will meet renewable and climate change targets as set down in the Government’s energy plans; if he will report on those plans; the position in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23085/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 11 October 2007

63 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is confident that Ireland will meet renewable and climate change targets as set down in the Government’s energy plans; if he will report on those plans; the position in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23085/07]

158 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the targets outlined in the first National Climate Change Strategy 2000 have not been met; if any body has accepted responsibility for this failure; and the lessons to be learned therefrom. [22673/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 October 2007

158 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the targets outlined in the first National Climate Change Strategy 2000 have not been met; if any body has accepted responsibility for this failure; and the lessons to be learned therefrom. [22673/07]

136 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislation in place to ensure that in adopting county development plans, local area plans and strategic development zone planning schemes, local authorities are helping to ensure that Ireland’s targets on greenhouse gas emissions and obligations in respect of climate change are met. [22222/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 October 2007

136 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislation in place to ensure that in adopting county development plans, local area plans and strategic development zone planning schemes, local authorities are helping to ensure that Ireland’s targets on greenhouse gas emissions and obligations in respect of climate change are met. [22222/07]

SECURE Water Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2007

Science and Engineering to Comprehensively Understand and Responsibly Enhance Water Act or the SECURE Water Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary), acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to establish a climate change adaptation program to: (1) assess each effect of, and risk resulting from, global climate change regarding the quantity of water resources located in specified areas (service areas); and (2) ensure that strategies are developed to address potential water shortages, conflicts, and other impacts to water users and the environment of each service area. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide grants to, or enter cooperative agreements with, eligible applicants to assist in planning, designing, or constructing improvements; and (2) enter into cooperative agreements with any university, nonprofit research institution, or organization with water or power delivery authority to fund research activities designed to conserve, increase efficiency of, or enhance management of, water resources. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Energy to assess each effect of, and risk resulting from, climate change regarding water supplies required for the generation of hydroelectric power at specified projects; and (2) the Secretary to establish and lead a climate change and water intragovernmental panel. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), to: (1) review the national streamflow information program, improve methodologies, and increase the number of sites measured; (2) develop a systematic groundwater monitoring program for each major U.S. aquifer system; (3) identify significant U.S. brackish groundwater resources; and (4) establish a water availability and use assessment program.