[GWSG] Resource valuation; CPP stayed; ALEC vs. solar; slr slowed; teaching cc; 200-mile evs; Tampa conf.

[Tilley, Al]

1.  A new way of calculating the value of natural resources distinguishes between ecosystem services, the resources we are using, and natural capital, those resources we have in reserve or development.  For example, we acquire service value from drawing down an aquifer but incur losses of natural capital.  https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/02/08/scientists-have-come-up-with-a-way-to-put-a-price-on-nature/



2.  The Supreme Court has stayed the Clean Power Plan.  While the action need not even slow the plan down, it does suggest that it is under threat.  http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/02/09/3747972/john-roberts-climate/   Over thirty states engaged in emissions control efforts could continue those, and an array of federal emissions control initiatives are still in force.  http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/10/supreme-court-ruling-obama-power-plant-emissions-clean-energy-impact  Following the stay the Obama administration affirmed its commitment under the Paris agreement, though the stay could undermine faith in our efforts.  http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/10/us-clean-power-plan-setback-will-not-affect-paris-climate-change-deal  The ruling is another element rendering the upcoming presidential election crucial.  http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/feb/10/supreme-court-halted-obama-climate-change-plan



3.  Utilities in several states are attempting to prevent the adoption of roof-top solar by homeowners, using tactics supplied by far right fossil fuel interests through ALEC and other conduits.  They have had most success in Arizona, Nevada, and Florida.  http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-koch-brothers-dirty-war-on-solar-power-20160211?page=8



4.  Increased evaporation from the oceans from warming and the resulting precipitation on land have decreased sea level rise by about a quarter in recent years.  The researchers are unsure about how long the effect will persevere, or whether it might reverse.  http://www.climatecentral.org/news/rain-and-snow-slowing-sea-level-rise-20024



5.  US middle and high school science teachers generally spend little class time on climate.  When they take up the topic, only about a third of the students are given sound information.   http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/11/two-thirds-of-us-students-are-taught-climate-change-badly-study-finds



6.  As the price of batteries for electric cars fall, Tesla and GM have announced the release of affordable 200-mile range models.  The adoption rate for electric vehicles is set to bound upward.  http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/02/11/3748451/tesla-gm-affordable-electric-cars/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cptop3



7.  Conference in Tampa: Climate Solutions for a Sustainable World, Sat. Feb. 27.  Sponsored by Citizens' Climate Lobby and the Patel College for Global Sustainability, USF.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climate-solutions-for-a-sustainable-world-how-we-can-make-a-difference-tickets-20710965054  ?

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