Action

Posts Tagged ‘action’

Arctic Council Calls for HFC Phase Down under Montreal Protocol; Reaffirms need for fast action to reduce black carbon, methane, and HFCs, in addition to carbon dioxide

Posted by admin on May 23rd, 2013

Washington, D.C. — Arctic Council Ministers from Canada, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, the Russian Federation, and the United States yesterday called for taking action “as soon as possible” to phase down HFCs under the Montreal Protocol and for reducing black carbon and methane emissions in the Arctic.

Noting that such actions “could slow global and Arctic climate change and have positive effects on health,” the ministers, including U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, echoed the growing chorus of international actors supporting fast action to reduce these climate pollutants to slow the accelerating rate of climate change and protect the planet’s most vulnerable regions and peoples.

“The Arctic Council’s Kiruna Declaration is major step forward and just in time,” said Durwood Zaelke, President of the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development. “Protecting regions like the Arctic and Himalayas that are warming at more than twice the global average requires immediate, targeted action against the climate pollutants causing massive harm right now. Saving these regions and the peoples who live there cannot wait,” Zaelke added. “It will be too late to save the Arctic once it’s melted.”

As highlighted by the Arctic Council, reducing black carbon, methane, and HFCs is a critical opportunity to cut the rate of global warming in half and to cut the rate of warming in the Arctic by two thirds over the next few decades. In addition to providing targeted protection for the most vulnerable peoples and climatic elements, such as glaciers, snow pack, and sea ice, reducing these short-lived climate pollutants to protect regions like the Arctic that are subject to accelerating climate feedbacks also plays a critical role in protecting the rest of the global climate system.

“The Arctic is not just the canary in the coal mine, warning us of what may come,” said Zaelke. “The changes in the Arctic could themselves deliver the global disaster we fear, and on a pace that is simply unmanageable.”

Climate feedbacks in the Arctic with potential global implications include the melting of sea ice and snow pack, which decreases albedo and increases absorption of solar radiation, the release of massive amounts of methane and carbon dioxide from melting permafrost and ocean sediments, and the release of carbon dioxide and black carbon from increased boreal forest fires.

The Senior Arctic Officials’ report to the ministers noted that a forthcoming summary report, Recommendations to Reduce Black Carbon and Methane Emissions to Slow Arctic Climate Change, will include key messages on the significance of black carbon and methane emissions from Arctic States, and key mitigation opportunities for methane. It will also present opportunities for the Arctic Council to make further progress on SLCF objectives, “including engaging with other forums and observer states.”

Zaelke emphasized the importance of opportunities to make such further progress. ”China, India and the countries that gained observer status to the Arctic Council this week are paying close attention to these developments,” Zaelke said. “China and India in particular are eager to protect their snow and ice covered regions, their water supplies, their agriculture and their public health. And they are beginning to recognize that reducing black carbon and other SLCPs is one of the fastest and most effective ways of doing this. Coordinated leadership from the U.S., EU, China, and India to address short-lived climate forcers could address the sources that give rise to these pollutants and could secure the major sustainable development and climate benefits that are so urgently needed.”

[Another report published this week shows that regional warming in central China is 10 to 14 degrees F greater today than during the last ice age 20,000 years ago; this is two to four times greater than previously thought. The findings were published 13 May in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. See ERL release here.]

The Arctic Council’s Kiruna Declaration and other meeting documents are here.

IGSD’s Primer on Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is here.

The Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants website is here.

Contact Info: Durwood Zaelke [email protected], (202) 498-2457

Erin Tulley, (202) 338-1300, [email protected]

Website : Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development

ENN Network News – ENN

Oklahoma Tornado Reinforces Calls to Action Arising From Build it Better Leadership Forum

Posted by admin on May 23rd, 2013

SOURCE: Risk Mitigation Leadership Forum Series

CHARLOTTE, NC–(Marketwired – May 23, 2013) – The deadly tornadoes that ravaged North Texas and Moore, Oklahoma in the days leading up to and following the Build it Better Leadership Forum in Charlotte, NC underscored the Forum’s key takeaways about the critical importance of strengthening buildings in the face of natural disasters.

The Build it Better Leadership Forum brought together more than two hundred scientists, meteorologists, construction experts and safety advocates for two days of discussion and brainstorming about how to help communities build stronger buildings that can better resist the impact of natural disasters.

As Forum delegates left with important action items to help advance disaster safety, the most recent tragedy in Moore, Oklahoma offered a powerful reminder of the urgency of this work.

Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) and co-presenter of the Forum, said the devastating effects of Monday’s deadly tornado in Oklahoma laid bare the fact that families live at constant risk when homes and communities are not disaster-resilient.

“We must drive policy that delivers stronger, safer and smarter ways to build and rebuild so that our nation’s communities are better equipped to confront tomorrow’s extreme weather,” urged Chapman-Henderson. ”Promptly adopting and enforcing modern, model building codes will help save lives, offer families greater financial security and shorten recovery time after catastrophic events like the Moore tornado.”

As the Build it Better Forum concluded, before the devastation of Moore captured the nation’s attention, Build it Better Forum leaders hailed important progress in making some communities in America safer from natural disasters. ”While we face daunting challenges, the participants at this Forum reminded us to be inspired by our many successes,” said Stephen Weinstein, Chairman of the RenaissanceRe Risk Sciences Foundation, the lead sponsor for the Forum. Weinstein noted Florida’s My Safe Florida Home retrofit grant program which helped more than 25,000 households become more disaster resilient. He also highlighted the South Carolina Safe Home Program as a model for pragmatic, cost effective mitigation. ”In North Carolina families have moved to safer ground and high risk areas have been transformed for community use and natural habitats,” continued Weinstein. “These are important successes that need to be celebrated while we rededicate ourselves to the hard work that remains in helping other parts of America better prepare for disaster situations.”

Julie Rochman, President and CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), a Forum co-sponsor, said disaster safety experts largely know what steps are needed to make the country and its buildings more disaster resilient. “We can see the path forward to make our buildings stronger and communities less vulnerable to disasters,” noted Rochman. “What we need to do is summon the political will in America to make the changes needed to help us become a safer nation.”

National Hurricane Center Director Rick Knabb, PhD., who helped open the Forum in Charlotte last week, summed up the sentiment of participants when he said, “Preparedness is an annual event but resilience is a permanent topic.”

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin also addressed Forum attendees. In his remarks, Goodwin applauded North Carolina’s lower than average insurance premiums in comparison to other states and said the lower rates were “largely due in part to improvements made to our Beach Plan and excellent working relationships with our stakeholders.” Goodwin also underscored the value of mitigation in keeping rates lower and reducing property losses in disaster.

Additional featured speakers and experts at the conference included:

Bill Read, Former Director of the National Hurricane Center; currently Severe Weather Expert at
KPRC-TV, Houston
Margaret Davidson, Director of NOAA’s Coastal Services Center
Chris Estes, President and CEO, National Housing Conference

Panel discussions addressed the unforeseen consequences from Hurricane Sandy and the complexity of the emergency management and rescue efforts along with the compounding effects of wind and water on community infrastructure.

Other panels addressed commercial and residential building exposure in the face of severe weather with a look at steps some communities have taken to better protect themselves through building codes, natural protections, better construction designs and the application of modern building science. Experts also discussed which states are most and least prepared for severe weather and why, and how low income communities can better prepare for, and respond to, natural disasters.

The Build it Better Leadership Forum was sponsored by the RenaissanceRe Risk Sciences Foundation along with the Coastal Hazards Center, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), the National Housing Conference and the Center for Housing Policy, the UNC Center for the Study of Natural Hazards & Disasters and WeatherPredict Consulting, Inc. Additional information about the Build it Better Leadership Forum is available at www.mitigationleadership.com.

Marketwire – Environment

EPA Takes Action Against Violators of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (HQ)

Posted by admin on May 2nd, 2013

Release Date: 05/02/2013
Contact Information: Dale Kemery (news media only)
[email protected]
202-564-7839
202-564-4355

The RRP rule protects homeowners and tenants from dangerous lead dust that can be left behind after common renovation, repair, and painting work. It requires that contractors and subcontractors be properly trained and certified, and use lead-safe work practices to ensure that lead dust is minimized. Lead exposure can cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities to seizures and death, putting young children at the greatest risk because their nervous systems are still developing.

“Using lead-safe work practices is good business and it’s the law,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA is taking action to enforce lead rules to protect people from exposure to lead and to ensure a level playing field for contractors that follow the rules.”

The enforcement actions address serious violations of the RRP rule, including fourteen actions where the contractor failed to obtain certification prior to performing or offering to perform renovation activities on pre-1978 homes, where lead is more likely to be present. Other alleged violations included failure to follow the lead-safe work practices, which are critical to reducing exposure to lead-based paint hazards.

The 17 enforcement actions listed below include 14 administrative settlements assessing civil penalties of up to $ 23,000. These settlements also required the contractors to certify that they had come into compliance with the requirements of the RRP rule. Additionally, EPA filed three administrative complaints seeking civil penalties of up to the statutory maximum of $ 37,500 per violation. As required by the Toxic Substances Control Act, a company or individual’s ability to pay a penalty is evaluated and penalties are adjusted accordingly.

Enforcement actions:

Groeller Painting, Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri.

Albracht Permasiding and Window, Co. of Omaha, Nebraska.

Midwest College Painters, LLC of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

ARK Property Investments, LLC of Richmond, Indiana.

Henderson & Associates Services of Largo, Florida.

Home Resources Management, LLC of Columbia, Tennessee.

Camaj Interiors & Exteriors of Jacksonville, Florida.

Cherokee Home Improvements, LLC of Church Creek, Maryland.

Window World of Harford located in Belair, Maryland.

EA Construction and General Contracting of West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Roman Builders of Morton, Pennsylvania.

Accolade Construction Group, Inc. of New York, New York.

PZ Painting of Springfield, New Jersey.

Creative Renovations of Brooklyn, New York.

Reeson Construction of Webster, New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Plate Glass Corporation of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

CM Rogers Handyman of Manchester, New Hampshire.

More information about the settlements: www.epa.gov/enforcement/waste/cases/lrrp050213.html

More about lead and instructions on getting certified: www.epa.gov/lead

U.S. EPA News

NABU International launches fund to support families of rangers killed in action

Posted by admin on May 1st, 2013

Rangers lose their lives to poachers in search of ivory and rhino horn (credit: Derek Keats/flickr)

Protecting Africa’s wildlife is a dangerous business. Every year an estimated 40 rangers lose their lives to poachers in search of ivory and rhino horn. NABU International – Foundation for Nature (BirdLife in Germany) has launched a unique support programme to provide financial assistance to the families that are left behind.

Bushmeat poaching and illegal killing of high value species such as elephants and rhinos are soaring. Poaching gangs increasingly employ sophisticated weapons and equipment, which leaves Africa’s chronically underfunded rangers dangerously exposed. But the human casualties of wildlife conservation are often forgotten.

“Rangers killed or severely injured while carrying out their duties leave behind families that are not only devastated by grief but suffer severe financial hardship as a result of losing their main bread winner”, said NABU International Foundation president Thomas Tennhardt.

NABU International’s Ranger Family Support Fund was launched in Ethiopia last week. It was initiated in response to a generous 50,000 Euro legacy donation.

The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) was first to benefit from the newly established fund. Poachers killed 35 Ethiopian rangers and seriously wounded 34 since 1989. In the past five years alone, six men received serious or fatal wounds. Awash National Park, 200 kilometres east of the capital Addis Ababa and home of the Critically Endangered Oryx, appears to be a particularly dangerous place for rangers.

NABU President Thomas Tennhardt presented the organisation’s gift to bereaved ranger families in the presence of the Ethiopia’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Amin Abdulkadir.

“It is partly for a sad reason that we have come together here and I wish that we could have met under happier circumstances. But we have gathered here also to honour the heroism of our scouts, who work and risk their lives in the frontline of conservation,” said Minister Abdulkadir who is responsible for the country’s national parks.

Prompted by the inauguration of the family support fund, the Minister intends to create a life insurance policy programme for the country’s ranger force.

“This new initiative will be an excellent opportunity to build cooperation with EWCA on wider conservation activities in Ethiopia at Protected Area Networks that are also Important Bird Areas,” said said Mengistu Wondfrash, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society, BirdLife in Ethiopia.

NABU International is planning to expand both the financial and geographical scope of its Ranger Family Support Programme in the future.

BirdLife Community

The Government of Canada Invests in Community Action to Preserve Biodiversity in St-Simon-les-Mines

Posted by admin on April 30th, 2013

The Government of Canada Invests in Community Action to Preserve Biodiversity in St-Simon-les-Mines. SAINT-SIMON-LES-MINES, Que. â April 30, 2013 â The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), on behalf of Canadaâs Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced $ 26,610 in funding from the Habitat Stewardship Program for a project in St-Simon-Les-Mines, Quebec.
News Releases

derma e(R) Takes Action to Preserve Our Planet

Posted by admin on April 22nd, 2013

SIMI VALLEY, CA–(Marketwired – Apr 22, 2013) – With greenhouse gas levels higher than ever, and air, water and soil pollution increasing, Earth Day 2013 can’t come soon enough. While more than one billion people globally will be participating in this inspiring day that supports a healthier environment, derma e^® has proven that it is taking action every day to help preserve our planet.

“When we founded derma e^® almost 30 years ago, I felt that it was really important to make a difference in people’s lives, not only by improving the health of their skin, but also by improving the health of the world we all live in,” states Dr. Linda Miles, co-founder and chief formulator for derma e^®. “It’s just been part of this brand’s DNA to make the world a better place.”

Indeed, derma e^® has shown its commitment to sustainable operations and enhanced conservation efforts in many ways. To reduce its environmental footprint, the company offsets 100% of conventional electricity use with certificates supporting clean, renewable wind energy. derma e^® also ensures every product it sells is packaged in 100% recyclable material, and it actively advocates green business practices as a member of Green America.

DERMA E^® COMMITMENT TO HEALTHY FORMULAS
Along with its effort to support a healthier planet, derma e^® also demonstrates an impressive commitment to putting forth healthy skincare. With over 80 items in its repertoire, derma e^® assures that every formula is as clean and green as possible without compromising product performance. “I have a personal commitment to the safety of every product and the quality of every ingredient that goes into our formulas,” states Dr. Linda. “derma e^® formulas contain a high concentration of naturals, so I won’t accept ingredients from vendors with questionable quality or unsustainable farming practices.” It is notable that the entire derma e^® line is 100% vegan, paraben-free, cruelty-free, non-GMO, phthalate-free, petrolatum-free and lanolin-free. Perhaps that’s why the brand has won more awards than any other natural brand to date.

This Earth Day, derma e^® gives us a good lesson in good, green business practices.

ABOUT DERMA E^®
Family owned and operated for nearly 30 years, derma e^® has pioneered the development of vitamin-rich, high-performance antioxidant skincare solutions. The natural, award-winning line is manufactured out of Southern California, USA. derma e^® can be found in over 8,000 retail outlets across the U.S. with additional distribution in 36 countries internationally and on www.dermae.com. For more information, visit www.dermae.com, call (800) 933-9344, follow on Facebook at derma e® Natural Bodycare or Twitter @derma_e.

Marketwire – Environment

Draft action plan to stop the decline in pollinating insects

Posted by admin on April 9th, 2013

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Give us your views on this draft action plan to reduce, and seek to reverse, the decline in bees and other insects that pollinate crops and flowers.
Environment and countryside

Bees: Welsh draft action plan for pollinators welcomed

Posted by admin on April 9th, 2013

9 April 2013

Commenting on the draft Action Plan for Pollinators for Wales, published today (Tuesday 9 April 2013) by the Welsh Government, Friends of the Earth Cymru Director Gareth Clubb, said:

“The Welsh Government’s draft pollinator action plan – in response to our Bee Cause campaign – is very welcome and shows real leadership.

“However, the power to ban pesticides lies in Westminster, not Cardiff Bay, and the Welsh Government must discuss devolution of these controls immediately if we are to have decent protection for Welsh bees.

“With wild bees in particular struggling across Britain, it’s essential that David Cameron’s Government acts too.

“The UK administration must follow the forward-thinking Welsh Government’s lead with a Bee Action Plan – and support restrictions on neonicotinoid pesticides linked to bee decline.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Welsh Government: draft action plan for pollinators.
2. The Welsh Government announced their intention to develop a Pollinator Action Plan for Wales at an event with Friends of the Earth in July 2012

If you’re a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust

Press releases by RSS

Massive ICIJ exposé on offshore secrecy should spur G8 action

Posted by admin on April 5th, 2013

UK Prime Minister David Cameron and fellow G8 leaders must crack down on anonymous company ownership, said Global Witness today following revelations by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) of the hidden offshore dealings of politicians, fraudsters and the super-rich.

The massive cache of leaked documents demonstrates how hidden ownership of shell companies can facilitate corruption, tax dodging and possibly worse.

Mr. Cameron has made a welcome promise to make tax and financial transparency priority issues at the meeting of G8 leaders in Northern Ireland this June.

Stuart McWilliam, Campaigner at Global Witness said: “This revelation of the extent of financial secrecy should act as a wake-up call to us all. Hidden company ownership enables corruption, state looting and dodgy deals that directly deplete state budgets and entrench poverty. Arms traffickers, drug dealers, and corrupt politicians all use shell companies to carry out their illicit activity.”

“It is not just offshore centres that facilitate this sort of secrecy. Lawyers, banks and company service providers in the UK and US are expert at providing anonymity to those who can pay,” he added.

“By requiring the names of the ultimate beneficial owners of all companies to be made public, G8 leaders could provide a huge boost to efforts to reduce corruption and financial crime globally and to promote development worldwide. There is no excuse for them not to act.”

/ Ends

Notes to the Editor:

1. Read the ICIJ story. The story was a collaboration between the ICIJ and 86 journalists from 46 countries, including the Guardian, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the Washington Post and Le Monde.

2. Read Global Witness’ Idiot’s Guide to Money Laundering.

3. Global Witness investigates and campaigns to prevent natural resource-related conflict and corruption and associated environmental and human rights abuses.

Contact Global Witness for further comment and interviews: Robert Palmer +44 7545 645406, +44 20 7492 5860, [email protected] or Stuart McWilliam +44 7711 007199, +44 207 492 5834, [email protected].

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/undercrimson/8087530881/

EPA Finalizes Vessel General Permit / Action will help protect U.S. water quality and reduce risk of invasive species (HQ)

Posted by admin on March 28th, 2013

Release Date: 03/28/2013
Contact Information: Stacy Kika, [email protected], 202-564-0906, 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued a final vessel general permit regulating discharges from commercial vessels, including ballast water, to protect the nation’s waters from ship-borne pollutants and reduce invasive species in U.S. waters.

The final vessel general permit covers commercial vessels greater than 79 feet in length, excluding military and recreational vessels, and will replace the 2008 vessel general permit due to expire on Dec. 19, 2013.

This permit regulates 27 specific discharge categories, and will also provide improvements to the efficiency of the permit process, and clarify discharge requirements by the following:

- Reduce the risks of introduction of invasive species. The permit includes a more stringent numeric discharge standard limiting the release of non-indigenous invasive species in ballast water. The permit also contains additional environmental protection for the Great Lakes, which have suffered disproportionate impacts from invasive species, aligning federal standards with many Great Lakes states by requiring certain vessels to take additional precautions to reduce the risk of introducing new invasive species to U.S. waters.

- Reduce administrative burden for vessel owners and operators. The permit will eliminate duplicative reporting requirements, expand electronic recordkeeping opportunities, and reduce self-inspection frequency for vessels that are out of service for extended periods.

The new discharge standards are supported by independent studies by EPA’s science advisory board and the National Research Council, and are consistent with those contained in the International Maritime Organization’s 2004 Ballast Water Convention. EPA is issuing the permit in advance of the current permit’s expiration to provide the regulated community time and flexibility to come into compliance with the new requirements.

More information: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels