Minnesota And Climate Change: Our Tomorrow Starts Today

2y ago
28 Views
2 Downloads
5.25 MB
15 Pages
Last View : 1m ago
Last Download : 2m ago
Upload by : Averie Goad
Transcription

Minnesota and Climate Change:Our Tomorrow Starts Today

TABLE OF CONTENTS4The Power ofClimate lture1222Taking Action142CLIMATE ACTION: WHERE WE STANDNatural Resources24Energy Efficiencyand BuildingsWaste1626HealthDo Your PartMinnesota and Climate Change: Our Tomorrow Starts TodayIn 2007, the Minnesota legislature adopted the Next Generation Energy Act, includingone of the strongest renewable energy standards in the nation.It was a proud moment in our state’s history. We joined with others around the world in recognizing that changes inour climate, caused by harmful emissions from our power plants, vehicles and industries, would dramatically alter theway we live, work and play in the future—unless we took action.The legislation was a game changer. In carrying out the law, Minnesotans would strive for more clean, homegrownenergy, like wind and solar; waste less energy; and decrease our contribution to global warming.Included in the law is the Renewable Energy Standard, which requires us to get 25% of our power from renewableenergy sources by 2025. It also sets greenhouse gas reduction goals of 15% by 2015, 30% by 2025 and 80% by 2050,as well as an annual energy savings goal of 1.5% of retail sales for electric and natural gas utilities.Fortunately, we’ve made significant progress in reaching our goals. According to the Minnesota Pollution ControlAgency, if emission avoidance policies and programs in the electric power sector continue at present levels through2025, Minnesota will see a 33% reduction in expected electric power sector emissions—a credit to the state’saggressive Renewable Energy Standard, Conservation Improvement Program and repowering projects.Even so, Minnesota will not achieve the first milestone—the 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2015. Wehave work to do, and I am committed to getting Minnesota back on track.The impact of the changes we’re making—incremental and invisible as they may seem now—will dramatically shapethe quality of life for our children and their children. When those generations look back on our actions, will theybelieve that we did enough?They will—if we seize the modern, sustainable strategies and technologies at our fingertips to save energy, reduceour reliance on coal and oil, and create jobs that grow our economy and protect our health and environment. Ourgrandchildren and great-grandchildren will breathe clean air, drink clean water and enjoy Minnesota’s cherished lakes,woods and prairies—just as we have in our own lifetimes. And they will know that we did what was right. For everyone.Let’s move forward together, acting from the common sense foundation we’ve alreadylaid. We’ll make Minnesota cleaner, healthier and vibrant for future generations.Governor Mark DaytonMinnesota and Climate Change: Our Tomorrow Starts Today3

THE POWER OF CLIMATE CHANGEIn ways both plainand simple, the world’sclimate is changing.As is Minnesota’s.CLIMATE CHANGE: WHAT’S AT STAKE?Scientists have issued theirstrongest position on climatechange, warning that changesare happening now and areno longer a far-off concern.Moreover, problems will growsubstantially worse unlessgreenhouse gas emissionsare brought under control,particularly in the next 15years, to forestall the worsteffects of global warming.In Minnesota, climate changehas hit home, with three1,000-year floods since2004 and dozens moreintense weather events—fromhailstorms to tornadoesto droughts.Financial impacts are justas real. In 2013, Minnesotahad some of the highestweather-related disasterclaims in the country, eventopping some tornado- andhurricane-prone states. And,University of Minnesotaeconomists estimate thatelectricity generation annuallycauses more than 2 billionin environmental and healthdamages, such as asthmaaggravated by air pollutants.Scientific predictions ofextreme heat, poor air andwater quality, and sweepingchanges to Minnesota’s wildlifeand fish habitats foreshadowsignificant changes in the waywe work, live and play.GREENHOUSEGAS EMISSIONSI NCR E ASE D TE MPE R ATUR ESW HI C H AFFE C TS H O W WEWO RKHI G HE R DE W POI NTSWH ICH A FFECTS H O W WELIVEP LAYBusinesses Face RisksHeat and SmogWheezing, SneezingA Changing ForestHeads Up, Hunters and AnglersClimate change has the power to contribute toWith more days topping 100-degreesA longer allergy season is likely—andIt is likely that iconic spruce, fir, aspen andFrom the North Shore to prairie country, thelower gross domestic products, higher food andFahrenheit, Minnesotans couldallergies may be more severe. Healthbirch trees will retreat northward, and thediversity of fish and wildlife is changing, ascommodity costs, and greater financial risk.experience more days with poorofficials say this can worsen asthmaBoundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) mayfactors such as heat stress and flooding alterair quality, causing respiratory andsymptoms for vulnerable populations,give way to hardwood forests.the availability of food, water and habitat.cardiovascular problems.such as kids and the elderly.Minnesotans may be surprised to hear thatfamiliar companies, such as Coca-Colaand Chipotle, are already preparing fordisruptions in water and ingredient sources.Longer growing seasons are a blessing for farmers,With more extreme heatpests—and even longer growingcomes the higher risk ofseasons—cause swings in foodheat-related illness.but severe weather and heat-loving pests, invasivegains. Extreme heat is another factor, which causesstress, illness and even death in livestock.-47%Apple production in Minnesota was as muchas 47% below normal in 2012. A hard frost inApril followed an unusually warm March,damaging buds. A few months later, applessuffered damage from hail and drought.production, costs, availability andnutritional value.100 FSummer heat and poor air quality could makeDrought could reduce drinking waterit difficult for construction workers, landscaperssupplies. Drinking water could smelland other outdoor workers to keep cool andor taste bad, thanks to heat-inducedbreathe easily.algae growth. And chances ofincrease with more flooding.some deaths to parasitessnow and ice cover, resulting in fewer winterand overall poor physicalrecreational opportunities.condition. Both may be linkedin some lakes with excessive algaeblooms or more rooted-plants plaguingheavy rain and flooding, while othersWater WoesScientists have attributedMinnesota might have a shorter season ofIt may be difficult to boat, ski or swimsome Minnesotans will experienceof wildfires.Shorter Snowmobile, Ski and Sled Seasonto warming temperatures.Intense, local thunderstorms meanwill face severe drought and the riskdropped 52% since 2010.Less Lake FunFloods and DroughtTough Conditions for Outdoor WorkersMinnesota and Climate Change: Our Tomorrow Starts Todaymoose population hasVolatile weather, more heat-lovingGood News, Bad News for Farmersspecies and plant diseases could wipe out theirNortheastern Minnesota’sFood Securitywaterborne disease outbreaks4E XTR E ME WE ATHE Rlakes. Both grow due to nutrient-loadingRoad Bumps(from residential and agriculture runoff),Increased freeze-thaw cycles in winterwarmer water temperatures and longerwill degrade Minnesota’s roads moregrowing seasons.37% of all freshwater aquaticanimal species, from trout inNorth Shore streams to walleyein Lake Pepin, could be atrisk. This risk poses potentialeconomic and cultural losses.quickly and increase replacement costs.More winter ice and rain (vs. snow) willMore Disease-Carrying Pestsmake it even harder to keep roads safe.Tick- and mosquito-borne illnessesAnd, more summer heat means moreare already on the rise. Health officialsbuckled roadways.say climate change may explain ageographic spread of ticks, especiallyin northern Minnesota.Minnesota and Climate Change: Our Tomorrow Starts Today5

THE POWER OF CLIMATE CHANGEMinnesota Experts and Economists Raise FlagsWhile total costs of some climate change impacts, such as heat-related illnesses and waterquality issues, are still unknown, two costs are hitting people’s pocketbooks now.Minnesota Meteorologists Explain Climate ChangeMinnesotans love to talk about the weather. But when weather patterns change, experts encourage people to shift theirconversations to climate change.“ Climate is what you expect. Weather is what you get.Climate change tilts the odds towards extreme weather,the way steroids pump up a baseball player. You can’tprove any single home run was sparked by steroid use, butyou did see how it increased the player’s batting average.”“When I see changesin data from ourown backyard,I take notice.”Dr. Mark Seeley,University of MinnesotaExtension Climatologistand MeteorologistPaul Douglas,MeteorologistAlready Paying the Price forClimate ChangeBillions in Damagesfrom Electricity GenerationThe cost associated with climatechange is real—not just a projectionfor the future. We are already payingthe price.University of Minnesota economistsestimate the total annual healthand environmental damages fromelectricity generation in Minnesota aremore than 2 billion.Climate change makes weather eventslike severe drought more likely and iscausing sea levels to rise.As the frequency and intensity ofextreme weather increases, so doour home insurance rates, the numberheat-related health emergencies,and disturbances to our crops andother industries.By the NumbersFor decades, Dr. Mark Seeley and other climatologists have tracked three climate trends—rising temperatures, extreme stormsand higher dew points—driving the frequency and intensity of extreme weather in Minnesota.Temperatures Are RisingExtreme StormsDew Points Are HigherThe temperature in Minnesota hasYearly frequency of the largestDew point measures the air’s moisture. When dew pointincreased 1 F to 2 F since the 1980s,storms—those with three inches ortemperatures reach 70-plus degrees Fahrenheit they areafter decades of essentially nomore of rainfall in a single day—havetropical. We are experiencing greater frequency of 70 Fchange. The closer to the present thatmore than doubled in just over 50 years.dew points. When the dew point and air temperature arethe trend is assessed, the greater therate of observed increase.Projected increases: 2 F to 6 F moreby 2050 and 5 F to 10 F by 2100.In the past decade, such dramatic rainshave increased by more than 70%.Scientists project that extreme weatherevents will occur more frequently.high, so is the heat index, a measure of how the temperaturefeels with the two combined.Minnesota had never recorded an 80 F dew point until thesummer of 1966. Since then, 80 F dew points have occurredmore frequently.Since 2004,On July 19, 2011, Moorhead was the hottest,Minnesotamost humid spot on Earth. Its 88 F dewwarmest yearshas had threepoint and 134 F heat index eclipsed theoccurred in the1,000-yearAmazon Jungle—the only other place inlast 15 years.flash floods.the Western Hemisphere with a dew pointSeven ofMinnesota’s 10in the 80s.That is 800 million in health costs—largely related to respiratory andcardiovascular health impacts from“criteria air pollutant” emissions (sulfurdioxide, nitrous oxides, particulates,ammonia and volatile organiccompounds).More than 1.2 billion is from damagesrelated to global climate change.Emissions from coal-fired electricitygeneration contribute to more than90% of the total damages.Disaster CostsWe also pay the costs of responding toclimate-related emergency situationsand rebuilding afterwards.Since 1997, 32 severe weather naturaldisasters cost Minnesota nearly 500million. This is the price we pay fornot adapting ourselves. And, we willcontinue to pay the price if we do notwork together.Drought and Floodsat Once?New precipitation trends havethe potential to cause bothincreased flooding and drought,based on the localized natureof storms and their intensity,leaving parts of the statedrenched and others dry. In2007, 24 Minnesota countiesreceived drought designation,while seven counties weredeclared flood disasters. “Atfirst, we thought that vastdiscrepancy was a singularity, asample of one,” Dr. Mark Seeleysaid. “But in 2012, 55 Minnesotacounties received federaldrought designation at thesame time 11 counties declaredflood emergencies. Twotimes in 10 years is no longera singularity.”Further, theAmerican LungAssociationestimates particulatematter from coalburning powerplants cause 24,000premature deaths,550,000 asthmaattacks and 38,000heart attacks peryear nationally.Flooding in 2012 in NortheastMinnesota damaged roads and bridges,water and sewer systems and otherinfrastructure, costing 108 million.More than 1,700 homes and 100businesses were damaged or destroyed,costing more than 12 million.How We Cause Climate ChangeAbout that Polar Vortex — Earth Still Logged Its Fourth-Warmest JanuaryNinety-seven percent of scientists—including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanicand Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—agree that humans are causing climate change.Despite bone-chilling cold in Minnesota, the 2014 Polar Vortex was an icy blip in a hotter global story.“Changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, snow and ice cover, and sea level have naturally happened throughout history,” Dr. Mark Seeleysaid. “What’s different now is how quickly changes are happening, given increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.”Burning fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas) to run our power plants, vehicles and factories produces carbon dioxide, the mostpredominant greenhouse gas. The Earth’s atmosphere acts like a pane of glass in a greenhouse, trapping the sun’s heat in the loweratmosphere and causing the Earth’s surface to warm.6Minnesota and Climate Change: Our Tomorrow Starts TodayMeteorologist Paul Douglas explains: “We are all hard-wired to react to weather, not the longer, slower (global)climate trends that have so many scientists concerned. You’d never know it staring at the thermometer in yourbackyard, but the planet continues to run a low-grade fever.” Here’s a clip from Climate Central: “[January2014] was the fourth-warmest January since recordkeeping began in 1880. It was also the 347th consecutivemonth with above-average temperatures compared to the 20th century average, which has been fueled inlarge part by climate change.”Minnesota and Climate Change: Our Tomorrow Starts Today7

MINNESOTA’S ENERGYAn Aerial ViewShaping Our Energy PortfolioReducing emissions that are causing climate change begins with understanding how we’re usingenergy, where our energy comes from, and how energy choices are made. In Minnesota, we usemost of our energy (80%) to earn a living and commute to and from work or transport products.The remainder is for keeping our homes comfortable, bright and connected.Many situations and considerations face policymakers as they adjust our energy portfolio to meet Minnesotans’ needs, reduceemissions, strive for energy independence and economic growth, and ensure our health in the decades to come.Energy SourcesState Renewable Energy Standard Is Driving ChangeMinnesota’s 2007 Next Generation Energy Act is a law that requires utilities togenerate at least 25% of their electricity from wind, solar and biomass by 2025 (30%by 2020 for Xcel Energy). Likewise, our state solar energy standard requires investorowned utilities to meet 1.5% of their electricity needs from solar generation by 2020.For at least a century, Minnesota’s electricity system has been largely reliant on fossil fuels, 100% of which are imported fromother states and countries. Today, Minnesota receives more than 55% of its electricity from U.S. coal-fired power plants, thebiggest emitter of greenhouse gases in our state. However, in less than one decade, the state’s use of coal has dropped by 33%.GREENHOUSEGAS EMISSIONS23%LOWERCoalMinnesota has historicallyrelied heavily on coal to meetelectricity needs. Our use ofcoal has declined in part dueto environmental and healthpolicies. It also has beenheavily influenced by marketforces—from increases inenergy efficiency to decreasesin the price of natural gas andrenewable energy.NuclearIn the 2030s, Minnesota’snuclear power plants willreach the end of their currentlicenses. Important decisionsneed to be made about theirfuture. As opposed to coal andnatural gas, nuclear poweromits no carbon. For thatreason, pressure to reducecarbon may influence futurediscussions on nuclear.Natural gasNatural gas is a fossil fuelthat Minnesota imports.Prices have fallen dramaticallyand U.S. supply has increasedwith the development ofhydraulic fracturing. Evenas this technology is widelydeployed, the debatecontinues over environmentalimpacts and necessaryenvironmental regulations.GasolineMinnesota imports all ofits gasoline, primarily fromother countries. In 2012,the United States importedabout 10.6 million barrels ofpetroleum per day from about80 countries. Our importsdecrease with increaseddomestic production, moreefficient vehicles and theuse of biofuels.Clean EnergyMinnesota’s energy portfolio changed dramatically over the past decade. We used less coal and more windand natural gas sources to generate electricity. Today, renewables account for almost 20% of Minnesota’selectricity generation annually, up from nearly 6% in 2000. Minnesota is not alone in this shift. Demand forelectricity generation from renewables is expected to increase by 49% from 2012 to 2018 globally, according tothe International Energy Association. Additionally, Minnesota now meets 10% of its gasoline demand withethanol made primarily from corn. 8Minnesota and Climate Change: Our Tomorrow Starts TodayMinnesota annually imports 13 billion worthof energy, including fossil fuels such as coal,oil and natural gas, from other states andcountries because we don’t have them here.1 MILLIONDue in large part to these laws, Minnesota’sinvestor-owned utilities are on track tomeet our state renewable energy goals.And, the Minnesota Pollution ControlAgency estimates that annual greenhousegas emissions in 2010 from the electricpower sector were 23% lower than theywould have been without the laws.Using wind to generate electricity inMinnesota reduces carbon dioxideemissions by more than 5.4 million metrictons each year, the equivalent of takingabout one million cars off the road.Energy Demand Is GrowingThe energy we use for residentialand commercial buildings,transportation, industry (includingagriculture), and electricityproduction has increased over thepast three decades.Our growing population—partlyresponsible for growing energydemands—is projected to increase13% by 2040 and up to 33% in somecounties, placing increased pressure ontransportation and building services.Our Energy Future Is Our ChoiceMinnesota is successfully cutting emissionsby increasing energy efficiency, increasingthe use of renewable energy, and switchingfrom coal to natural gas at power plants.As we look to the future, we have criticaldecisions to make about our coal-fired andnuclear power plants, as well as how weintegrate increasing amounts of renewableenergy into our system. These choicesoffer opportunities to improve our air andwater quality, protecting the health of ourcommunities and ecosystems. Additionally,these choices challenge entrepreneurs andscientists to develop new businesses andto be innovative—and our communities toredefine “business as usual.”More than 2,600 solar panels sit atop the Minneapolis Convention Center and help directly powerthe facility. (Photo Credit: Minneapolis Convention Center)Minnesota and Climate Change: Our Tomorrow Starts Today9

MINNESOTA’S ENERGYBy the NumbersCLEAN ENERGY JOBSBIOFUELS EXPORTSOur Clean Energy Economy15,300 Minnesotans Work in Clean Energy75% Growth in Clean Energy Jobs79% of Ethanol Is ExportedWith an abundance of wind, solar and bioenergy—Minnesota is poised to grow our own clean energy economy, fulfill our ownenergy needs, and reduce our emissions. In fact, we already

4 Minnesota and Climate Change: Our Tomorrow Starts Today Minnesota and Climate Change: Our Tomorrow Starts Today 5 In ways both plain and simple, the world’s climate is changing. As is Minnesota’s. Scientists have issued their strongest position on climate change, warning that changes are happening now and are no longer a far-off concern

Related Documents:

Food Security and Nutrition 1.1.Climate Change and Agriculture Climate change shows in different transformations of climate variables that are causing significant economic, social and environmental effects. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in 2002, has defined climate change as “any change in climate over time,

Gender and climate change – Women as agents of change. IUCN climate change briefing, December 2007 Gender, Climate Change and Human Security. Lessons from Bangladesh, Ghana and Senegal. Prepared for ELIAMEP for WEDO, May 2008 Gender and Climate Change. Gender in CARE’s Adaptation Learning Programme for Africa. CARE and Climate Change, 2011 –

Global warming is when Earth’s air and the water get warmer. Global warming is one part of climate change. This does not sound good! Climate Change in American Samoa You may have heard people talk about Climate Change or Global Warming. Do you know what these are? Uh-oh! 5 Fill in the blank spaces with words from the word bank: Climate change affects the climate of the entire _. Climate .

o Scientific basis of climate change o Impacts of climate change o Future risks of climate change o Options for adaptation to climate change o Mitigation of climate change 195 member countries Assessments written by hundredsof leading scientist from around the world Assessments reviewed by thousandsof experts (this is quality control)

International Public Opinion on Climate Change 6 1.2 The great majority of respondents think climate change is happening. After being asked about their current level of knowledge about climate change, respondents were given a short definition of climate change: "Climate change refers to the idea that the world's average

climate change: a critical strategic issue 8 Our scenarios for possible future worlds 10 Anglo American: Resilience of our portfolio to climate change impacts 17 Climate change: Anglo American's long-term position 19 Our policy, engagement, governance and systems on climate change 21 Conclusion 24 Annex 25 Forward-looking statements 27 CONTENTS

The role of science in environmental studies and climate change. - Oreskes, “The Scientific Consensus on Climate Change,” Climate Change, chapter 4 Unit 2: A Primer on Climate Change Science and Why It Is So Controversial Tu 2/10 Science 1: Climate Change Basics - Mann and Kump, D

How to Transform your Basic Blues Riffs One of the features that makes the blues so fun to play is that the basic structure of a standard blues progression (the so-called ‘twelve bar’) isn’t all that complex. This simplicity makes this structure perfect to ‘embellish’ the chords and riffs we play. There are a lot of options to use these embellishments, but let’s first start with .