Submitted by George Lorefice (loreficegj@gmail.com)
Earth Day is coming up!! CCAA will be tabling at several events around CNY to get the word out on climate change and what we can do to reduce our carbon footprint. I hope you will participate.
My first month as president was spent in Florida, which made me aware that we have a way to go to convince people that climate change is real. Admittedly my wife and I upped our carbon footprint travelling down and back in our RAV4, but it was one of those things we are loath to give up, as well as visiting our grandson in Seattle.
Staying at hotels along the way we noted that there was a mixed bag towards reducing single use fossil fuel-based plastics. We saw more paper plates and cups but then also saw paper cups and plastic utensils individually wrapped in plastic. There were more shampoos and conditioners in dispensers replacing single units. Where we were in Florida recycling was a voluntary effort and not very convenient. Aluminum cans were about the only thing that there was an attempt to recycle.
In Florida “climate change” is a taboo word, yet insurance companies and local building codes are requiring new construction to be on up to 16’ pilons along the coast due to more intense hurricanes and flooding as sea levels rise.
Meanwhile up North the last two coal-fired power plants in New England are set to close! Hurray! Some progress!
As members of CCAA we may be reducing or carbon footprint because it is environmentally sound, and we can afford it. We need to remind ourselves that not everyone can afford to buy an EV or switch to a heat pump. This is where government subsidies will help get us over the hump until the marketplace catches up.
Happy Earth Day!
Announcements
CCAA is still in search of a volunteer who is interested in becoming the organization’s Treasurer. You don’t need a professional finance background, just some basic organizational skills and a willingness to participate in our friendly group. If interested, please contact George Lorefice, president, at loreficegj@gmail.com.
927MW Sunrise Wind Project Approved Off Martha’s Vineyard: The Biden administration announced on Tuesday its approval for a 924-megawatt offshore wind project that will power approximately 320,000 New York homes when it comes online in 2026. The Sunrise Wind project, developed by Ørsted and the utility Eversource, is located 30 miles east of Montauk, New York, and 18 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard. It will be the country’s seventh — and largest — major offshore wind farm. The project’s approval marks a positive development for an industry facing inflationary pressures, increased borrowing costs, and supply chain difficulties. The seven already-approved offshore wind projects will together generate eight gigawatts of power; the Biden administration has set a goal of achieving 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
Interested in participating in a federal study on heat pumps conducted in CNY?If you have an electric heat pump installed in your home and want to participate in a local Dept. of Energy funded research project, contact Ian Shapiro. Ian is the founder of Tatem Engineering and currently a Professor at SU. This is part of a study whose goal is to increase the efficiency of heat pumps. If you want to learn more about the project, go to https://news.syr.edu/blog/2024/02/23/syracusecoe-project-selected-for-building-america-program award/ For information on eligibility contact Professor Shapiro at imshap@syr.edu
CCAA co-sponsors NY Utility Accountability Forum:Legislation has been introduced in the NY Assembly to limit how utilities can spend ratepayer money. While NY already prohibits the use of ratepayer money for lobbying and trade association dues, there’s room for stronger language to existing law that covers a more expansive definition of lobbying.
350.org is supporting legislation like this across the country as one important way to hold utilities accountable for blocking our transition to renewables while raising rates on working families. We have a legislative toolkitto support groups that want to work on utility accountability legislation like this.
Environmental Education Project for students:Natalee Wrege, a graduate student at Paul Smith’sCollege, is contacting K-12 teachers throughout NYS to see how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) andmapping resources can help classes connect to the Adirondacks through Environmental Education concepts. This project will help inform teachers of the many potentials that GIS offers while supporting student learning in ecology and environmental stewardship.
The research question being investigated is: How can we connect K-12 teachers to Adirondack spaces and environmental education concepts through GIS resources? This question proposes actionable strategies that excite and engage students and teachers in place-based learning.
Teachers interested in participating in this project should contact Natalie at nwrege@paulsmiths.edu
Nappi Wellness Institute Receives National Designation for being Green!Upstate’s Nappi Wellness Institute has received the second-highest national designation for green buildings from LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the most widely used green building rating system in the world. The Institute earned a Gold certification last month by adhering to prerequisites and credits during design and construction that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health, and indoor environmental quality. Projects go through a verification and review process and are awarded points that correspond to a level of LEED certification.
Carbon Challenge
Starting in 2015, Kevin Nickels, along with his brother Steve Nickels, co-founded Nickels Energy Solutions in Central New York. Their goal was to advance the use of renewable energy by educating individuals on both the environmental and financial benefits of residential solar energy while providing high-quality installations.
In speaking with Kevin Nickels, he explained how different homes have different needs regarding solar energy. Solar energy continues to advance with new technologies like Solar Shingles, a development by GAF Energy, which provides a way to integrate solar panels into the roof of a house. Among other residential solar panel services, Nickels Energy Solutions provides Solar Shingle installations, creating high-quality, sustainable, and aesthetic solutions for homeowners looking to replace their roof while implementing solar energy.
CCAA has sent in comments for the Scoping Plan on Micron. We are primarily concerned about the implications of energy usage by Micron on the goals set forth in the CLCPA for NYS. Here are our concerns:
Natural Gas: Micron is constructing a 16-inch-high pressure gas line. This has the capacity of carrying tens of millions of cubic feet of natural gas.
Heating of the Plant: We want the plant to use as little natural gas as possible. For the FAB plants, Micron says that waste heat from the manufacturing process utilizing natural gas would be used for heating and they were considering using natural gas furnaces for any additional heat needed. We request that electric heat pumps be used for any additional heating loads and used in all buildings on the site. We shared information about contacting Tatem Engineering in Ithaca, which designed commercial building using both air and ground sourced heating and cooling technology. We expect a 21st century manufacturing plant will not use 100-year-old heating technology.
The Cafeteria: The cafeteria should be all electric – no natural gas. A firm in Pittsburgh that designs all electric commercial kitchens utilize induction and traditional electric cooking. We encouraged Micron to design cooking facilities around electric.
100 % Renewable Energy for Electricity: We applaud Micron’s commitment to 100% renewable energy but concerned when architectural drawings did not indicate roof top solar. Since the electrical load of all 4 FAB plants will be equal to the electrical demand of the states of Vermont and New Hampshire combined it is imperative that Micron be held to their commitment if NYS is to meet the goals set forth in the CLCPA. Micron needs to share what renewable energy mix (Solar, wind, hydro etc.) they have secured so far and their plans to meet the 100% renewable goal officials. Given the electrical demands of these plants we are concerned that Micron by itself could make it impossible for the state to achieve its climate goals. For more information go to www.syracuse.com/business/2024/03/microns-clay-project-gets-its-first-dose-of-public-opposition-and-tough-questions.htm
COP28: I Was There!
Submitted by Kim Cameron, Ph.D., delegate to COP28
Editor’s Note: On May 14 at the Fayetteville Library at 6:00 p.m., Dr. Kim Cameron will make a presentation on COP28, having attended as a representative of the League of Women Voters of Cortland County. You are cordially invited to attend.
Twenty-eight times since 1995, the member states of the United Nations have come together to wrestle with the increasingly urgent issue of climate change. This global issue requires global solutions and that’s where the UN shows its strength. 197 countries send delegates to negotiate solutions to the Climate Crisis and the issue of support for those countries impacted by the excesses of our 20th and 21st century living. The League of Women Voters of the United States is also there – as an observer – under our role as observer delegate at the UN, one that the League has been privileged to have almost since the founding of the UN.
How do 197 countries agree on anything? That is the miracle of the Conference of the Parties (COP). Delegates roll up their sleeves, negotiate, argue, scream, and plead, and eventually, sausage comes out of the sausage maker. But COP28 is about more than governments coming together. And that is what this talk is about. It is about the connections that get made, the understanding that is achieved by bringing groups from different backgrounds together to solve this huge, ever-expanding, and accelerating global crisis.
Plastic Recycling: Is It Viable?
Submitted by Ingrid Gonzalez-McCurdy,
CCAA Member (ingrid.mccurdy@gmail.com)
Image from lifescience.org
Most of us are in the habit of recycling containers from the products we use. But how useful is this really? Are we protecting the environment when we recycle plastic waste made from fossil fuels? Collecting and processing recycled containers comes with a cost for municipalities, while less than 10% gets recycled globally. Plastics are cheaper to produce new than they are to recycle, leading to incineration and dumping. We see evidence of this in the miles-long plastic islands in the ocean. National Geographic refers to it as the “garbage patch,” – “a vortex of plastic waste and debris broken down into small particles in the ocean.” Much of this waste is not biodegradable and sinks to the ocean floor.
In a February 2024 article by Michael Copley, published by NPR, Copley debunks the notion that plastics recycling is a green solution. Instead, “plastic makers, including oil and gas companies, knew that it wasn’t a viable solution to deal with increasing amounts of waste, according to documents uncovered by the Center for Climate Integrity.” Recycling had good public relations value but did not provide a good long-term solution for the growing volume.
The world is now faced with a dilemma of what to do with the volumes of plastic now found in our oceans. Charles Moore, who discovered the patch in 1997, said that cleanup would, “bankrupt any country who tried it.” And so, the UN has stepped in, with the involvement of negotiators from around 150 countries to address this growing problem. Stakeholders including environmental groups, public health and human rights advocates, clash with the oil and gas industry, threatened by dwindling profits. To learn more, you’ll find links to articles here:
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch by National Geographic
Climate Migration: Is a Change in Store for The Finger Lakes
Image provided by Madis Senner
Editor’s Note: This article appeared in the March/April issue of Life in the Finger Lakes and is reprinted with the permission of the author.
I don’t think many of us were surprised to learn that 2023 was the hottest year on record for the eighth year in a row. Or that we recorded the highest ocean temperature ever last year. What did surprise many of us were the Canadian wildfires last summer that filled our air with smoke for weeks. Clearly climate change is beginning to affect us in unimaginable ways. How are we in the Finger Lakes going to be affected?
Like most places, our temperatures will rise, weather patterns will become more erratic and there will be a decrease in the biodiversity of flora and fauna. The biggest change may be a large influx of climate migrants looking to escape stifling heat and flooded coastal areas. For them, the Finger Lakes Region is a climate haven.
Five years ago, I wrote a piece for Life in the Finger Lakes, “Is Population Growth Coming to Upstate New York?” The article predicted a rise in our population from an inflow of climate migrants. So far there continues to be a net outflow of residents from New York State. However, prognosticators and national media have since begun to tout our area as a climate haven. In his book How to Prepare for Climate Change, CBS correspondent Daniel Pogue recommends moving to cities along the Great Lakes such as Buffalo. “Cold, snowy Syracuse and Buffalo could be shelters from the storms,” Pogue said in an interview. He added, “Florida and Arizona are the worse places for you to retire.” Several other organizations believe the Great Lakes Region will be a climate haven, such as Wisconsin Public Radio, Crains Detroit, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and NOAA.
Gaia Vince, in her book Nomad Century, How Climate Migration Will Reshape Our World, feels the Great Lakes Region in the USA and Canada are climate havens that will see a “huge influx of residents … as the vast bodies of water should keep the temperature fairly temperate.” Believing the 45° N parallel (the very northern tip of NYS) and above will become the 21 century’s “booming haven.”
We need only look to our neighbor to the north of Lake Ontario to see how large inflows of immigrants can flood an area and change its complexion. It seems like there is one housing development after another from Niagara Falls to well on the other side of Toronto, approaching the Thousand Islands. In 2021 Toronto was ranked the 21st most congested city in North America; it spiked to being third in 2022. If we act now this does not need to be our fate.
The case for the Finger Lakes as a climate refuge is compelling. Our temperature is more moderate, and we have an abundance of water, both from the Finger Lakes and our proximity to the Great Lakes. There are several factors that are creating climate migrants and drawing them to our area. First, life is becoming increasingly challenging in the south. Second, support networks sustaining hot areas are beginning to fray. Thirdly, the pool of northern havens is not as large as believed.
Editor’s note: Would you like to continue reading this engaging article? Click HERE. It appeared in the March/April issue of Life in the Finger Lakes and is reprinted with the permission of the author.
Share Your Climate Concerns
Submitted by Jan Kublick, CCAA Legislative Chairperson (jan.kublick@gmail.com)
As a reader of this newsletter, you know that human caused climate change is a real concern. What percentage of Americans agree with you? According to surveys by Yale, more than you might think. 28 percent of all Americans are ‘alarmed’, and 29 percent are ‘concerned’. The difference is important, as those alarmed by the climate crisis are more likely to support actions to address the problem. In New York almost 80% know global warming is happening, and over 60% know it is human caused. Remarkably, however only 39% discuss it, even occasionally. (See Yale Program on Climate Change Communications (climatechange@yale.edu) for more information).
Do you discuss climate concerns with others? For climate “awareness” to turn to climate “action”, these discussions must happen. To grow support for slowing climate change, and for turning away from fossil fuels to renewable energy, it is essential that more people are concerned, and more people are excited about renewable energy. Most important is that more people vote based on those issues. The elections coming in November are going to determine whether climate change is accelerated or slowed. Candidates and whole parties differ greatly on this issue. Climate is very much on the ballot.
Last year CCAA arranged a well-attended virtual presentation by the founder and CEO of the Environmental Voter Project (EVP), Nathaniel Stinnett. EVP identifies and then engages with likely environmental voters who don’t vote and seeks to turn them into regular voters. Anyone interested in EVP should go to this link: (environmentalvoter.org). This year EVP is working in seven New York races including our 22nd and the neighboring 19th. CCAA is hoping to arrange another presentation this year. At the site you will find an invitation to a presentation on May 7th at 8:00 p.m. about the Project’s work this year in the State. Please consider signing up for this virtual event, and please share your concerns about climate with others.
Cazenovia Lake Update
Submitted by Glenn Urgola, CCAA Intern (eurgola@syr.edu)
Image from Madison County Tourism Bureau
This past March, Anne Saltman has released her latest annual climate data report for Cazenovia and its surrounding regions. Saltman’s report, updated annually and including data up to 2023, covers long-term trends in climate data, including changes in air and water temperature, precipitation and drought, ice duration on Cazenovia Lake, and extreme weather events. Her work emphasizes the need for continuous research on climate data to establish and implement environmental goals for local communities like Cazenovia. Data is presented with graphs that clearly visualize changes in climate conditions over time alongside a description of the data itself and its sources.
The importance of monitoring each climate characteristic is also explained individually, and the overall importance of research like this is exemplified in the section titled: “On the Bright Side: Local Response to Climate Change”. This section highlights the goals and actions made by Cazenovia to address climate change, demonstrating how continual research is integral for advancing a community’s understanding of climate change to make meaningful progress.
Submitted by Stella Simeonova, CCAA Intern (stella.simeonova@nommad.com)
Images provided by Stella Simeonova
Cypress Creek Renewables is working on a new project called “Oxbow Hill Solar” in Fenner, Upstate NY. Recently, they introduced the project to the Sierra group of which CCAA’s VP, Peter Wirth is a part. “Oxbow Hill Solar” aims to build a commercial-grade solar farm alongside the Fenner wind project. However, not everyone living in the area is on board with the idea. Many people express concerns about the impact the panels will have on the already existing cornfields and the scenery of the landscape.
By examining the project within the location, Oxbow Hill, renowned for its wind turbines, three primary concerns come to light. Firstly, there’s the challenge of positioning the solar panels to ensure a safe distance from the wind turbines, while also maximizing their effectiveness. Secondly, there is competition for access to the grid given limited transmission access. Cypress Creek is first in line to hook up to the grid before the proposed additional wind turbines. Lastly, there’s apprehension about the deforestation required to accommodate additional space for the solar farm. Some argue that given the scenic view of the farm fields the solar farm will change the rural character of Fenner.
After having a conversation with one of the landowners directly involved, it became clear that the project’s primary objective isn’t to use the land indiscriminately. The family recognizes that as time passes, such a large parcel of land is not needed for farming. Managing the farm is a demanding task not many people understand, and realizing that they will be unable to maintain their current pace of work as they age, the family has decided to turn part of their farm into a green power. This will not only help the family, but it will also contribute to the expansion of renewable energy sources in Upstate NY.
Collaborating with Cypress Creek Renewables, they’re striving to implement one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly methods of power generation. With a proposed capacity of 140 MW, the aim of the “Oxbow Hill Solar” is to provide electricity to 30,000 homes across New York State.
Welcome, New Interns
Image provided by Evelyn Pae
Evelyn Pae: “I’m a M.S. student at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. My thesis is in Environmental Biology and focuses on the differences in lab vs wild strains of invasive spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) in North America. I love studying the natural world and it makes me feel good to play a small role in raising awareness about its importance and beauty. I am working on improving my graphic design skills to have something useful to contribute to groups like the CCAA.”
Marialicia Vick: “Hi, everyone. I’m one of the new interns for the Climate Change Awareness and Action group. I am a junior at Le Moyne College, studying communications. I am a Syracuse local having graduated from Bishop Grimes Jr/Sr high in the spring of 2019. Ever since I was little, I have always been drawn to nature so when this internship for me to be able to help educate people on the importance of Climate change presented itself, I jumped on it. A fun fact about me is that I am a huge fan of Disney! I look forward to doing great things within this organization.”
CCAA Film Series Continues
Image provided by Yvonne Chu
On March 25, CCAA hosted the second film in its Climate Change Film Series that is ongoing throughout the spring. The film, “Chasing Ice” was shown to CCAA members and community members at the home of SU Professor and Artist Holly Greenburg.
In this documentary, nature photographer James Balog and his team on the Extreme Ice Survey assembled a multi-year chronicle of the planet’s rapidly melting glaciers to publicize the effects of climate change. The film presented overwhelming visual evidence that climate change is progressing at an accelerating rate with ice the biggest indicator. The afternoon showing allowed attendees to engage in a spirited discussion to better understand what is happening and to learn how the public can respond to this threat to our climate.
The series continues with a screening of “Earth Emergency” on April 14, once again at 304 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. Refreshments will be served, and registration is required. Click HERE to attend.
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We CAN get 1000 calls to Governor Hochul, encouraging her to put ALL the crucial pieces of the NY HEAT Act into the NY state budget! We cannot keep fighting gas infrastructure pipeline by pipeline. Please sign up for – and share with your networks and teams – this 1000 Calls to Governor Hochul action: Sign up for our 10DAY call relay to pressure Governor Hochul during the budget negotiations.
Plug In America has now launched its 2024 annual EV survey and invites you (if you live in the U.S.) to take a few minutes to share your experience with your perceptions of electric vehicles. https://pluginamerica.org/survey/2024-ev-driver-survey/
You can view a recording of past GreeningUSA events on GreeningUSA’s YouTube Channel! https://tinyurl.com/yyl4jh9a
Two hundred Miles Charging in 5 Minutes! The EV revolution is happening in leaps and bounds. In mid town Manhattan there is a charging station with capacity for 24 cars. Each charger is 90 times faster than a level 2 charger. This is in operation now! For more details go to:https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1142496_google-backed-gravity-claims-fastest-ev charging-in-america
In the past 53 years, the average Springtime temperature in CNY has risen over 2°F and is continuing to increase. Spring 2024: Climate change spurs warmer seasonal temperatures.
ALERT: The global CO2 levels at Mauna Loa have been continuously monitored starting 66 years ago this month. Carbon dioxide levels were 313 ppm on March 29, 1958. Today (Feb 26) it’s 425 ppm. At the current trend, CO2 levels are projected to be above 560 ppm by 2080, twice the levels they were at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.
The mild winter we’ve had this season makes the topic of this video from July 2019 even more salient. If you want to know what the climate in Syracuse will be like by the time your children have grandchildren, watch this 8-minute video: https://youtu.be/rAam4R1M5zE
“An interactive map from researchers at the University of Maryland shows how cities might be transformed by climate change. WIRED’s Matt Simon talks with environmental scientist Matt Fitzpatrick about the map” and why cities like Syracuse could feel like Maryland by 2080. To see Matt Fitzpatrick’s climate change map, visit: https://fitzlab.shinyapps.io/cityapp/If you want to read about the science behind the creation of this interactive map, visit: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-08540-3
Trillions of tons of buried hydrogen: Clean energy gold rush begins. It used to be oil, then natural gas, but now hydrogen is the new clean energy source. Imagine prospectors and drillers rushing to locate and tap into these vast underground hydrogen reserves. It’s just getting started. But we need to be wise about tapping into and using this relatively new again resource. https://newatlas.com/energy/geologic-hydrogen-gold-rush/
CCAA members are encouraged to attend the monthly member meetings. Below is a schedule of upcoming presentations. Be sure to mark your calendars and plan to attend!
April 14: Film, “Earth Emergency” 304 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville, NY
May 14: COP28, “I was there!” Community Room, Fayetteville Library, Fayetteville, NY Dr. Kim Cameron
June 11: What is the Carbon Challenge? TBA , Yvonne Chu
Feel like saving the world?Why not donate a few dollars to CCAA? Maybe it won’t be quite enough to save the whole planet, but it will help keep us going, and that’s the next best thing! We appreciate your support.
Attention, all CCAA members. Earth Day is fast approaching and there are several tabling events that need able-bodied folks to help. Check out the following dates and please let the contact person know that you can help.
APRIL 19 Earth Day celebration at SUNY Morrisville held at the Applied Learning Student Showcase. Our own Past President Yvonne Chu will be the keynote speaker. Volunteers are needed for 2 – 3 hour shifts starting at 11:30 a.m. Contact Ken Johnson at kmjohnson717@msn.com
APRIL 20 Party For the Planet held at the Burnet Park Zoo in Syracuse. We need 3 – 4 volunteers. Let Ken Johnson know you can be there to help. 315-498-4146 or kmjohnson717@msn.com
APRIL 20 Earth Day in Pompey, NY, sponsored by the Pompey Environmental Conservation Committee from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Setup is at 8 a.m. and Ken Johnson, our Education Chairperson would like to know that you can help. Kmjohnson717@msn.com
APRIL 21 Earth Day celebration at the American Legion in Cazenovia sponsored by UCANN from 11 a.m.—3 p.m. There will be an EV car show and activities for families and kids. Dr. Aaron Strong, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Hamilton College will speak on Carbon Offsets. Ken Johnson kmjohnson717@msn.com is coordinating volunteers.
APRIL 21 Earth Day Hike at Clark Reservation from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Setup help begins at 1:30 p.m. Contact Sonia Kragh (sykragh@yahoo.com) to volunteer.) Come and celebrate Earth Day from 1 pm to 4 pm in the large pavilion at Clark Reservation State Park! Various local earth-centered organizations will be there (Onondaga Audubon, Habitat Gardening of CNY, Dewitt Advisory Conservation Commission, and more). A guided (challenging) hike led by volunteer Mike Bonvell will start at 2 p.m. and last from one to two hours. Free native plant seeds will be distributed starting at 1 p.m. (quantities are limited). Registration is now open at this SITE. Check Facebook for UPDATES. VOLUNTEER to help by contacting Sonia Kragh (sykragh@yahoo.com). Set-up begins at 1:30 p.m.
MAY 4 Mark your calendars for Earth Fest Day in the Town of Manlius, one of the largest celebrations in Onondaga County. The event will take place in Canal Landing Park in Fayetteville from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Rebecca Broome, Project Coordinator is currently looking for volunteers. Contact her at rbroome@townofmanlius.org
Within NY Renews, the Youth Committee is a space mostly for high school and college age individuals. We’re moving towards bi-weekly trainings followed by community organizing to support our campaigns. Joining the youth committee is a great opportunity to level up your organizing, learn about campaigning, and get involved in the climate justice movement.
We meet every other week with additional time on projects for those interested. If you are interested, please fill out the sign-up form so we can get more info about your interests and experiences (it’s not competitive). We would love to hear from you!
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