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Global Warming:Global Warming:DC Metro Region DC Metro Region OutlookOutlook
Raghu RaghavanRaghu Raghavan
DC Metro DC Metro Science for the Science for the PeoplePeople
AgendaAgenda
Global Warming Problem: Global Warming Problem: Facing FactsFacing Facts Potential Impacts of Climate Potential Impacts of Climate Change on DC Metro RegionChange on DC Metro Region Recommended SolutionsRecommended Solutions
No Debate AnymoreNo Debate Anymore
Global Warming largely generated by Global Warming largely generated by human activityhuman activity
Global Warming Threat SeriousGlobal Warming Threat Serious Consensus about COConsensus about CO22
Emissions ReductionEmissions Reduction
DC Metro Area Growth DC Metro Area Growth PredictionsPredictions
1.6 Million New Residents between 2005 and 1.6 Million New Residents between 2005 and 20302030
1.2 Million new jobs1.2 Million new jobs Outer suburbs expected to grow faster(47%)Outer suburbs expected to grow faster(47%) Regional Core growth rate(18 – 20%)Regional Core growth rate(18 – 20%)
Source: Source: Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) http://www.mwcog.org/
Projected Growth in Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under a Business As Usual Scenario
Source: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review DraftSource: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review Draft
2005 GHG Emissions Estimates 2005 GHG Emissions Estimates for DC Metro Regionfor DC Metro Region
Source: DRAFT September 2007 Preliminary Greenhouse Gas Inventory Projection for the Washington, DC-MD-VA Region
2020 GHG Emissions Estimates 2020 GHG Emissions Estimates for DC Metro Regionfor DC Metro Region
Source: DRAFT September 2007 Preliminary Greenhouse Gas Inventory Projection for the Washington, DC-MD-VA Region
2030 GHG Emissions Estimates 2030 GHG Emissions Estimates for DC Metro Regionfor DC Metro Region
Source: DRAFT September 2007 Preliminary Greenhouse Gas Inventory Projection for the Washington, DC-MD-VA Region
Predicted Effects of Global Predicted Effects of Global Warming in DC Metro Warming in DC Metro
RegionRegion Higher Air and Water TemperaturesHigher Air and Water Temperatures Increased but UnevenIncreased but Uneven
PrecipitationPrecipitation Rising Sea LevelsRising Sea Levels Increase in weather Increase in weather
extremesextremes
Predicted Effects of Predicted Effects of Rising Sea LevelsRising Sea Levels
The impacts of rising sea levels on the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers include:
a) Heightened risk and vulnerability of inundation of wetlands and other low-lying lands by storm surges and coastal flooding;
b) Saltwater contamination of fresh water used for drinking water and irrigation for some smaller communities utilizing water from the Potomac estuary; and
c) Degraded water quality in the Bay and its tributaries, potentially increasing the risk of harmful algal blooms that thrive from runoff, harming fish and crab populations
Source: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review DraftSource: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review Draft
Rising TemperaturesRising Temperatures
Plants and animals currently in the southeastern U.S may migrate north into the Mid-Atlantic. More frequent and severe forest fires expected, threatening ecosystems and human settlements..Source: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review DraftSource: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review Draft
Rising TemperaturesRising Temperatures
More frequent heat waves. Occurrence of high ozone days. Higher temperatures produce favorable conditions for ozone-producing chemical reactions
Source: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review DraftSource: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review Draft
Local Effects (DC Local Effects (DC Specific)Specific)
Air pollution's negative health impactsAir pollution's negative health impacts Leading cause of ozone and smog Leading cause of ozone and smog One in ten adults and children suffer from One in ten adults and children suffer from
asthma asthma Typical summer in DC sends 2,400 people with Typical summer in DC sends 2,400 people with
respiratory related diseases to the hospital and respiratory related diseases to the hospital and causes 130,000 asthma attacks causes 130,000 asthma attacks
American Lung Association has rated DC's air American Lung Association has rated DC's air quality as an "F” quality as an "F”
Source: http://www.dcmetrosftp.org/newsletters/NL20071001.html#DWS
Local Effects (DC Local Effects (DC Specific)Specific)
Air pollution's negative health impactsAir pollution's negative health impacts Damage to children's lungs Damage to children's lungs Birth defects affecting heart Birth defects affecting heart Harm to the fetus linked Harm to the fetus linked to low birth weights to low birth weights and cancer later in life and cancer later in life Damage to the Damage to the cardiovascular systemcardiovascular system increasing the risk increasing the risk
of heart attacksof heart attacks
Source: http://www.dcmetrosftp.org/newsletters/NL20071001.html#DWS
Rising Temperatures Rising Temperatures (Water)(Water)
Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), would be adversely impacted by higher water temperatures.
Higher water temperatures, if coupled with both increased pollutant runoff in the spring (as a result of changes in precipitation patters)
and higher air temperatures during summer months - will likely lead to increased frequency and duration of algal blooms. Lead to degraded water qualitySource: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review DraftSource: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review Draft
DC Metro Region CO2 DC Metro Region CO2 Emission Reduction GoalsEmission Reduction Goals
COG’s Climate Change Steering Committee recommends establishing regional greenhouse gas reduction goals for three target years:
2012 to force early action, 2020 a medium-range goal to encourage
expansion of recommended policies and programs, and
2050 a long-range goal to stimulate support for research into technologies and clean fuels
needed to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review DraftSource: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review Draft
DC Metro Region CO2 DC Metro Region CO2 Emission Reduction GoalsEmission Reduction Goals
COG’s Climate Change Steering Committee’s Recommended goals are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
10% below business as usual by 2012; 20% below 2005 levels by 2020; and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050.
Source: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review DraftSource: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review Draft
Comparison of Projected Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under BAU and Proposed
Emission Reduction Scenarios: 2005–2050
Source: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review DraftSource: National Capital Region Climate Report. July 2008 Review Draft
Solutions Roadmap?Solutions Roadmap?
Potential SolutionsPotential Solutions
No consensus on solutionsNo consensus on solutions Science on solutions clouded by special Science on solutions clouded by special
interests interests
Clean CoalClean Coal
Nuclear EnergyNuclear Energy
Ethanol from CornEthanol from Corn
Taking Action: Mitigating Emissions From Energy
Consumption Improve energy efficiency, Reduce demand for energy, and Develop clean (alternative) energy
sources.
Taking Action: DC Metro Area Residential Sector
Accounts for 33% of total energy demandAccounts for 33% of total energy demand Weatherization, Using of efficient appliances, Installation of programmable thermostats High efficiency lighting.
Taking Action: DC Metro Area Commercial/Industrial SectorCommercial Sector : 46%Commercial Sector : 46%
Industrial Sector: 9%Industrial Sector: 9% High efficiency lighting Using of efficient appliances
Improving the energy performance of commercial buildings can reduce building energy consumption by 10-30 percent.
Taking Action: Expand Local Renewable Energy Sources
Solar Wind Biomass Geothermal
Take Action DC: Congestion Charge?
A congestion charge is a payment required of drivers (or owners of vehicles) to enter a designated area of a city, usually the core business area which has the most traffic. Reduces traffic
Air pollution levels and Carbon emissions Used in a growing number of cities around the
world (e.g., London, Bergen (Norway), Stockholm (Sweden), and Singapore).
Source: http://www.dcmetrosftp.org/newsletters/NL20071001.html#DWS
Take Action DC: Congestion Charge?
Spike in carbon emissions from 2001 to Spike in carbon emissions from 2001 to 2005 2005
Two times the national rate Two times the national rate Increases commuting Increases commuting
from the suburbs from the suburbs
Source: http://www.dcmetrosftp.org/newsletters/NL20071001.html#DWS
Congestion Charge (London)Congestion Charge (London)
London experience with its congestion charge shows its significant benefits:
Traffic congestion has been reduced 30%, Carbon dioxide emissions declined by more than 15%, Reductions in nitrogen oxide (8%) and particulates (7%). Revenues accrued went to subsidizing the London Underground
and bus use, Students now ride free, Bus system being expanded, Quickest and cheapest way to increase mass transit capacity. The next stage will include emission-based charging, targeting
SUVs and other vehicles with the highest carbon emissions.
Source: http://www.dcmetrosftp.org/newsletters/NL20071001.html#DWS
Cost of congestion, and revenues to reduce it
Annual cost of congestion in the DC estimated to be as high as $3.2 billion.
Resources for the Future estimates $60 million in revenue would result from a $4.70 toll for entering the downtown area,
Reduces congestion costs by $94 million per year. Just as London, DC should use congestion charge
revenues to expand bus service and progressively lower their cost to riders.
Source: http://www.dcmetrosftp.org/newsletters/NL20071001.html#DWS
Environmental, economic andsocial justice are inseparable
Nearly 30,000 DC households are at or below Nearly 30,000 DC households are at or below 50% of poverty level50% of poverty level
11,000 live between 50% and 74%11,000 live between 50% and 74% 10,000 live between 75% and 99%10,000 live between 75% and 99%
DC Households earning under 50% of the DC Households earning under 50% of the Federal Poverty Level pay 49.8% of their Federal Poverty Level pay 49.8% of their annual income for home energy bills.annual income for home energy bills.
Source: Fact Sheet: 17-492, “The Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008”
Environmental, economic Environmental, economic and social justice and social justice
Greatest benefit to its working class Greatest benefit to its working class majority majority
Low and middle income Low and middle income
residentsresidents Particularly their children Particularly their children
Other steps to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions
Enforce and improve the idling laws Implement a parking surtax Require businesses to give their workers a
cost-of-travel bonus if they travel by public transportation
Implement a hybrid and then fully electric conversion program for the replacing the District’s taxis.
Encourage bicycle use by expanding bike lanes
Source: http://www.dcmetrosftp.org/newsletters/NL20071001.html#DWS
ConclusionConclusion