[GWSG] Irma's FL visit; 2C too much; a win-win transition; gas unwell; Antarctic melt survey; Georgetown switches; panels in JAX

[Tilley, Al]

1. Cherrill Heaton sends this article on the flooding along the St. Johns River in Northeast FL following Hurricane Irma last fall, and the planning or lack of it for coming sea level rise. http://gatehousenews.com/risingseas/flooding/ It has proved impossible to find a detailed assessment of flooding following Irma in this region-exactly what flooded and for how long. Perhaps someone knows a source for the info. It would be significant in assessing our vulnerability.



2. Several studies indicate that 2C of warming would lead to unacceptable consequences. We might still achieve a limit of 1.5C with vigorous action. https://phys.org/news/2018-04-degrees-longer-global-guardrail.html



3. Joseph Robertson of Citizens' Climate Lobby argues that attempts by the fossil fuel industry to interrupt the energy transition are based on a mistaken zero-sum view. We have the opportunity to provide "increased value for everyone." https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/apr/02/on-climate-change-zero-sum-thinking-doesnt-work



4.  Declines in battery prices now mean that both wind and solar plus battery storage generally outcompete new natural gas plants. "Existing gas plants are being shut because their economics are no longer attractive." A majority of Republicans now support renewable energy over fossil fuels. https://climatecrocks.com/2018/04/02/updating-will-gas-break-wind-will-wind-pass-gas/



5. The grounding lines of several of Antarctica's major glaciers are receding more rapidly than supposed, with implications for the stability of the ice sheets and thus for sea level rise rates, though the rates are not yet projected. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2018/04/02/an-alarming-10-percent-of-antarcticas-coastal-glaciers-are-in-retreat-scientists-find/?utm_term=.e49a19ea66a3

The comprehensive survey indicates that the Antarctic will soon overtake Greenland as the major contributor to sea level rise. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/02/underwater-melting-of-antarctic-ice-far-greater-than-thought-study-finds



6. Georgetown, Texas, switched to 100% renewable power in three years. Now the city is leasing rooftop space from citizens to build a virtual local powerplant. Like Burlington, VT, Georgetown found that having a municipal utility made things easier. https://cleantechnica.com/2018/04/02/yes-cities-can-do-100-renewable-energy-even-in-texas/



7. Jacksonville, FL, will be home to a new 400 MW capacity solar panel factory, the only one in the US to be built since the Trump tariffs went into effect in January. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2018/04/florida-will-be-new-home-to-400-mw-solar-module-factory.html?cmpid=enl_rew_solar_energy_news_2018-04-03&pwhid=0064918d43befb8a690dd568b8f217edbb3b02e9198549c12236d4755aa8e299a6f766c3089d548f6dede2bde19e4024bb026a0f81e2a1b83ae47eadbc77bb41&eid=291059574&bid=2054542 ?

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