[GWSG] Clathrates opening; biochar surprise; FL solar census; bicycles; mod nukes; Quebec cap & trade

[Tilley, Al]

1.  At the meeting of the American Geophysical Union Russian researchers reported a rapidly growing release of methane from Arctic clathrates.  Methane clathrates (also called methane hydrates), methane in cages of ice, lie under and on the floor of the Arctic ocean in vast quantities and are stable until the water warms sufficiently to melt the cage.    http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/shock-as-retreat-of-arctic-sea-ice-releases-deadly-greenhouse-gas-6276134.html  When methane release causes enough warming to release yet more methane, the resulting positive feedback has the potential to make it difficult or impossible for us to intervene in climate change.  We may expect studies of how close we are to that point of irreversible positive feedback.  http://e360.yale.edu/digest/huge_methane_plumes_are_discovered_in_arctic_ocean/3248/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+YaleEnvironment360+%28Yale+Environment+360%29

2.  Biochar not only sequesters carbon, it can reduce soil emissions of CO2 and N20.  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213114711.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News%29

3.  Million Solar Rooftops is attempting to map all solar installations in Florida, and to say who did the work at what cost.  http://millionsolarrooftops.com/florida_solar_search

4.  Cycling can play a significant role in carbon reductions—Denmark is an example of success.  Cycling in New York has doubled in the past year, partly due to new bike lanes.  http://e360.yale.edu/digest/increased_bicycling_will_help_eu_meet_climate_targets_report_says/3247/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+YaleEnvironment360+%28Yale+Environment+360%29

5.  Smaller (600 mw) nuclear reactors are recommended by a government report as the most desirable direction for new nuclear development.  They can be mass produced and answer many of the safety concerns with conventional design.  http://e360.yale.edu/digest/smaller_nuclear_reactors_recommended_as_good_option_for_us/3252/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+YaleEnvironment360+%28Yale+Environment+360%29  Cost and waste remain concerns.  http://blog.cleanenergy.org/2010/12/24/small-modular-reactors/

6.  Quebec has announced a cap and trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20% on a 1990 base by 2020, comparable to the European target.  The provincial authorities are critical of Canada’s withdrawal from the Kyoto accords.  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/quebec-goes-it-alone-with-cap-and-trade-climate-plan/article2273374/
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