Wednesday, 18 May 2005

The energy bill being flogged by President Bush and congressional Republicans is "Jurassic," writes Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) in Grist, both literally -- based as it is on fossil fuels derived from long-dead dinosaurs -- and figuratively. In place of that hidebound, backward-looking policy, Inslee has crafted an alternative plan, the New Apollo Energy Act, which would invest in clean energy technologies, create high-tech jobs, and restore American economic competitiveness, all while protecting the environment.

Pick a Little, Talk a Little

Few new ideas emerge from latest U.N. climate meetings

What comes after Kyoto? That was the focus of a 190-nation, two-day seminar convened by the U.N. this week in Bonn, Germany, the first in what's likely to be a gazillion-step process of figuring out what sort of climate-change treaty should pick up where the Kyoto Protocol leaves off. As usual, U.S. representatives were brimming with enthusiasm: "It's not clear that there's going to be a Kyoto effort beyond 2012," said U.S. negotiator Harlan Watson. Feel the love! Other countries were more supportive, but familiar arguments surfaced immediately. Developed countries argued that emissions caps should be extended to developing countries; developing countries argued that developed countries should meet their existing caps first. And so on. The one newish idea to emerge came from geopolitical powerhouse Papua New Guinea, which suggested that developing countries with remaining intact rainforest be paid to preserve it. After all, the Papuan ambassador reasoned, rainforests absorb carbon, and "a tonne is a tonne is a tonne." At which point Watson woke up long enough to wonder, "What's a 'tonne'?"


A reader wishes to support America's underfunded national parks -- and thus proposes visiting them. But that could mean burning a lot of gas. Is the only eco-friendly solution to stay home, stare forlornly at pictures of Yellowstone, and mail off checks to park-conservation groups? Advice guru Umbra Fisk comes to the rescue with another idea.

Where Have All the Wildflowers Gone?

Decline of wildflowers in forests worries scientists

Sprawling housing developments, hungry deer, invasive plants, and other threats have sent many forest wildflower species in the U.S. into decline. Scientists say there are limited studies and surveys available on the delicate flowering plants, known as spring ephemerals, because they are only visible above ground for a few weeks of the year and/or may go several years without flowering at all. But the few records they do have indicate reason for concern. Historical data from Wisconsin reveal an 18 percent decline in the richness of native species, including spring ephemerals and other wildflowers, over the past 50 years. Though in many parts of the Eastern U.S. forest density is actually increasing as abandoned farmland returns to its original state, research is beginning to show that much of the natural diversity, including wildflowers, is lacking. "Our forests are becoming less interesting," says scientist Tom Rooney. "It's similar to going to an art museum, and each time you go, there are a few pieces of art missing."

Oh What a Feeling!

Toyota to build Camry hybrids at U.S. plant

Toyota announced plans yesterday to begin production of a new hybrid Camry model at a Kentucky plant, marking the Japanese automaker's first foray into hybrid production in North America. With Camry sales tops in the U.S. last year and the company's hybrid Prius selling used for higher than sticker price, Toyota sales exec Jim Press thinks combining the Camry with hybrid technology will be "like magic." The cars should start rolling off assembly lines late in 2006, with initial output expected to be about 48,000 vehicles a year. Toyota will be investing some $10 million in the Kentucky plant, mostly for equipment modifications and employee training, but the state's recently passed hybrid-friendly tax legislation will help recover some of the costs. Says Press, "Hopefully this will plant a seed, because the industry needs to go to [the hybrid] solution throughout all the products." Word.