lmoore’s Recent Comments

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  sheesh, correction

  Sorry: The authors didn't say the number of storms would go down, either.

  In classic scientific precision, "it depends".On Global warming will reduce U.S. hurricane landfall, says controversial new research posted 1 year, 9 months ago 9 Responses

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  some details on the study

  The authors don't say the number of storms hitting the U.S. will go up.

  Instead, they concluded that future trends would depend on the spatial distribution of warming, particularly what happens in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans.  That's because warming in these various basins affects "wind shear", which can inhibit storm development. Climatologists at the RealClimate blog have pointed out that wind shear varies from year to year, and that in low-shear conditions (for example during La Nina), the warm water will be waiting to fuel nasty storms.  

  For a more detailed summary of this paper, and others, please visit Environmental Defense's website about hurricanes and global warming.  (The current paper is by Wang and Lee, at the bottom of the page.)

  Lisa Moore
  Environmental Defense
  On Global warming will reduce U.S. hurricane landfall, says controversial new research posted 1 year, 9 months ago 9 Responses

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  Absolutely

  I agree, we have to increase energy efficiency for as many end uses as possible. Fortunately there are a lot of ways to do it quickly and cheaply.

  Yahoo! has a 'carbon calculator' that shows the emissions savings you can get with various changes around the house. Heating, cooling, and appliances are really important. (Full disclosure: Environmental Defense helped with some of the numbers behind the calculator.)

  The references I gave in my earlier comment simply make it clear how difficult it can be to nail down the exact numbers - which isn't an argument to ignore any energy use.

  cheers,
  Lisa

  Lisa Moore
  Environmental Defense
  Climate411.orgOn How much power do Americans guzzle for lighting? posted 1 year, 11 months ago 18 Responses

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  not dim

  You're not alone in your confusion!

  An analysis by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (pdf) estimated that the USA uses about 13 percent of total electricity for lighting. The service sector used 3-4 times more electricity than either residential or industrial sectors. (Why so high? Think of retail stores, parking lots, warehouses, etc.)

  However, the author (who published a short version of his paper here) pointed out that data and methods are frustratingly spotty and incomplete.  

  The United Nations also describes these estimates as "difficult".

  Even if we're not certain of the exact numbers, it's obvious that energy efficiency has a huge role to play in any effort to decrease energy use, fight pollution and slow down global warming.

  If you want to learn more about CFLs, my colleagues have assembled a fantastic guide to CFLs, including reviews, FAQs, and a savings calculator.

  Lisa Moore
  Environmental Defense
  Climate411.orgOn How much power do Americans guzzle for lighting? posted 1 year, 11 months ago 18 Responses

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  we're not there yet - but we can do it

  The exciting news sure is piling up! California's new law, RGGI, the US-CAP announcement, Congressional hearings, and now this. (Incidentally, today the SCOTUS also ruled against Duke Energy, in a second reminder that the federal government can't ignore air pollution).

  As exciting as this is, however, the fight against global warming is ultimately up to Congress. We need a meaningful, economy-wide cap on greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, we know what that cap needs to be, so let's get started!

  Hopefully the next huge news will come from the Hill.  

  Lisa Moore, Ph.D.
  Environmental Defense
  www.climate411.orgOn This is a game changer posted 2 years, 7 months ago 19 Responses