Election Day, November 8, was a historic date in New York State with the overwhelming passage by voters of the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. As the largest environmental bond act in state history at $4.2 billion and the largest on any ballot anywhere in the nation in 2022, the measure will support environmental improvements that preserve, enhance and restore New York’s natural resources and create more than 84,000 local jobs.
“New Yorkers said Yes to investing in clean water to drink, clean air to breathe, reduced flooding, environmental justice and jobs. This Act, propelled forward by an incredible coalition of partners, is a win for everyone and will make an impact in communities across the state for generations to come.” Kate Boicourt, Director, Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds New York – New Jersey )
COP27: Climate Change and the Global Methane Pledge
Submitted By Dan LaVine, CCAA Intern
Photo provided by Matthew Tenbruggencate on Unsplash.com
As I begin writing, the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) has ended in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The conference ran from November 6 to November 18.
President Joe Biden spoke on Veteran’s Day acknowledging our veterans and specifically mentioning John Kerry, who served in the U.S. Navy and is our nation’s first Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. He spoke about clean energy being imperative and advised that according to the World Meteorological Organization, the last eight years have been the hottest ever. He went on to mention many initiatives that are in process. One of them is The Global Methane Pledge(https://www.globalmethanepledge.org/).
The Pledge was launched by the United States and the European Union in November 2021 at the COP26 in Glasgow. The countries that have joined agree to globally reduce methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030. The Pledge started with nine countries in 2021 and in John Kerry’s closing statement at COP27, he said the Pledge now has 150 countries on board representing three quarters of the world.
Mentioned in the conference, it is important to note that methane is 80 times more potent than carbon and accounts for nearly half of the net warming we are experiencing. According to the EPA(Environmental Protection Agency), 50 to 65 percent of methane emissions come from human activities. The reduction of methane emissions is one of the top opportunities to help meet the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The EPA outlines actions to reduce methane emissions for Industry, Agriculture, and Waste from Homes and Businesses. In Industry, Natural Gas and Petroleum Systems are responsible for 32% of methane emissions in the U.S. Upgrading and repairing equipment from production to transport will reduce methane emission leaks. In Agriculture, modification to animal feeding practices and altering manure management strategies contribute to reducing methane emissions. In Waste from Homes and Businesses, implementing emission controls that capture landfill methane are effective in reducing methane emissions. The U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan further outlines specific details and numerous actions to reduce methane emissions.
Further expanding on the Global Methane Pledge, President Biden announced the updating of the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, to include tightening regulations on the gas and oil industry. There will be a focus on reducing methane emissions from this industry by 87 % below 2005 levels in the U.S.. Additionally, along with numerous other actions the UN welcomed the launch of the Methane Alert and Response System which will provide countries with data to identify major emission sources and take action. China’s climate envoy Xie Zenhou also stopped by a methane pledge event where John Kerry was speaking and was given the floor to talk about the draft methane reduction strategy China is currently working on. Since China is the biggest methane emitter in the world, there are hopes that this news will eventually lead to China joining the Global Methane Pledge. Significant progress has been made in expanding focus and commitment to the reduction of methane emissions globally. Time will tell, perhaps at COP28, the amount of progress made by these commitments to reduce methane emissions that negatively impact climate change.
Onondaga County Aquarium: An Environmental Perspective
Submitted By Allyson Farnand, CCAA Intern
Photo provided by syracuse.com
Whether you like it or not, a brand-new aquarium will soon be added to Syracuse’s collection of family-fun attractions in 2024, bringing a slew of support and criticism across the county. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon intends to transform the city with the help of the year-round asset that the aquarium provides, projecting a budget of $85 million. Despite the initiative barely passing the county legislature with a 9-8 decision and several organized efforts to advocate for reallocating the funds to more pressing needs, the county is moving forward with the plan to construct an aquarium on Syracuse’s Inner Harbor.
Examining the aquarium’s feasibility study, one major justification for the aquarium would be environmental education for the public. As aquariums attract people of all ages, especially young children and students, the Onondaga County Aquarium holds the potential to be an educational stimulus along with a tourist destination. A total of 600,000 gallons of freshwater and saltwater exhibits will span across 80,000 square feet with outside areas devoted to additional exhibits, visitor experiences, event seating, and educational opportunities, which will lead to “greater stewardship of the natural environment.”
Beyond the face value of learning about the environment, the freshwater exhibits intend to tell the story of Onondaga Lake and its revitalization. The aquarium would shine a light on environment and species conservation, which Honeywell aimed to do through revitalization of vegetation and wildlife within the lake’s ecosystem, including invasive species. Along with environmental conservation, Honeywell became involved in the capping and dredging of the lake and restoring it to what it is today – going from one of the most polluted lakes on the planet to its current state is certainly deserving of attention.
In an interview following the 9-8 county legislature vote, Ryan McMahon responded to a question about the aquarium’s environmental impact with reassurance that an environmental review will be conducted to offset any harm that the project would incur. The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) will oversee the aquarium’s construction, which mandates local and state officials to take environmental impact as well as socioeconomic factors into deliberation. The three-part Environmental Assessment Forms record crucial information about the project itself, such as how many acres will be disturbed, transportation and traffic, energy, usage and efficiency, erosion, flooding, and human health. If there are any significant impacts on the environment that the aquarium will have, it will be mitigated through SEQR.
Although many details about the aquarium’s construction plans – and overall success – are nonexistent as of now, a hope for the project could be to set an example of a major aquarium taking green initiatives. To continue the aquarium’s goal of environmental stewardess and education, citizens and executives alike can push for the implementation of renewable energy sources, such as solar or geothermal, and encouraging water use efficiency. By doing this, Syracuse attracts not only a fish-loving community but also upholds environmental stewardship and the story of Onondaga Lake as a priority not to be overlooked.
AN INVITATION FOR CCAA MEMBERS
Submitted by Peter Wirth, CCAA Vice President
WHAT: Whitlock Building Tour & CCAA Holiday Get Together
WHEN: Tuesday Dec. 6th, 6PM – 9:00 pm.
Fossil Free Building with 26 apts. & 14,000 sq. ft. of Commercial Space
On Tuesday, Dec. 6th at 6 PM Tom Goodfellow, owner and developer of the Whitlock Building, 480 South Salina St. will host a tour of his fossil free building for Climate Change Awareness and Action members. Following the tour we will adjoin to Salt City Bar next door to the Whitman building to celebrate the holiday. Tour limited to 20 individuals. RSVPhere. Call 315-476-3396 if you have any questions. All are welcome to the holiday get together at the Salt City Bar. Parking is available nearby. Entrance for tour is at South side of building facing Salt City Bar.
Tom started rehabbed the building in 2018 and turned it into 26 apts. and 14,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. He electrified the building and capped the gas line. It is a fossil fuel free building. Tom proudly displays the gas meter in the foyer of his building. There are also plans to install a 50K solar PV system on the roof in the near future. The building is 100% occupied.
Tom was committed to taking a traditional gas heated building constructed in the early 1900’s and rehabbing it into a highly energy efficient, state of the art facility utilizing no fossil fuels. The Whitlock Building demonstrates that a transition to fossil free construction is technically and financially achievable NOW. Tom rehabbed the building with no NYSERDA grants or incentives with the exception of an asbestos removal grant from National Grid. With new construction the process is even easier to build fossil free.
The tour will help municipal leaders, planners, developers, contractors, home owners and anyone concerned with the challenge of reducing carbon emissions understand that the technology exists today to heat and cool our buildings, even in cold climates such as CNY without fossil fuels. Not only is is technically possible it makes sense financially. Carbon emissions are the cause of climate change which is destabilizing weather patterns worldwide causing significant damage to our infrastructure.
Tom has been a home builder and developer in CNY for over 40 years. As a parent and grandfather he is passionate about the need to transition away from fossil fuels but also as a businessman understands the financial constraints of the construction world.
On November 12, 2022 CCAA, Citizen’s Climate Lobby, and GreeningUSA hosted an in-person event at the Liverpool Public Library. The event was titled Sustainability in CNY- Climate Change Workshop. Over 40 people gathered for a little over two hours to discuss transportation, sustainable economics, energy, natural solutions, and public engagement. Each topic was led by a facilitator that helped guide the conversation and provided expert knowledge on their topics. The facilitators of each topic were Barry Carr, Coalition Director of Clean Communities of CNY and Loral Wilson, Intern at Clean Communities of CNY (Transportation); Katelyn Krisel, Financial Advisor, Manlius Town Board Council Member, and President of Sustainable Economies Alliance (Sustainable Economics); Lindsay Speer, Director of Community Programs for Alliance for a Green Economy and the Campaign Director for HeatSmart CNY (Energy); Greg Michel, Executive Director at Onondaga Earth Corps, Inc.; Scott Kushner, Board Member at GreeningUSA.
After a quick introduction to the format of the workshop, groups spent ~45 minutes discussing climate concerns and potential solutions on their topic, then another 40 minutes presenting what their groups had found to be important and key points during their discissions. Every group raised concerns over the recent announcement of Micron coming to the area and the need for social justice and for legislative action was mentioned numerous times.
Organizers of the event have planned post-workshop meetings that will take into account the discussions that took place and will be connecting with participants to provide action-oriented materials.
Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a national volunteer-led organization that lobbies elected officials and other leaders to support climate solutions. If you are interested in volunteering with CCL CNY click here to join!
New York Renews Launches the Climate, Jobs, and Justice Package (CJJP)
Submitted By Yvonne Chu, CCAA President
Photo provided by Yvonne Chu
On Nov. 16 th , 2022 organizations across New York State helped to launch the New York Renews Climate Jobs and Justice Package that demands for a $15 billion budget for the future, climate justice, and for NY communities. Seven campaign launch events were coordinated by 21 NY Renews Coalition organizers including CCAA.
New York set a precedent by putting into law climate targets of a 70% renewable energy by 2030, 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040, and an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. However, to reach the target goals in a timely and just way, enforcement of the law and financial support is required.
According to NY Renews CJJP, the $15 billion ask would be divided between climate jobs and infrastructure, creating a just transition, developing worker and community assurance, and for individual household needs. In order to meet this financial need, polluters could be charged through a polluter penalty. The corporate polluters, that have traditionally passed the bill into the community, would pay a price per ton of greenhouse gas emissions which would increase year over year, effectively protecting the ratepayers.
There are many asks in the Climate, Jobs, and Justice Package, but it is necessary that all parts of the package are put into legislation in order to meet the CLCPA goals. For more information about the package, visit https://www.nyrenews.org/cjjp
Switch to Induction Cooking Reduces Carbon Footprint
Submitted By William Sunderlin
I bought an induction range in 2018 as part of the process of eliminating all fossil fuel combustion in my home. I had already insulated my house, installed geothermal heat pumps for air heating and cooling and hot water, would soon buy an electric vehicle and get my electricity through a community solar project. It was a great day when I got rid of my gas range and shut off my National Grid gas connection permanently.
An induction range is like a conventional electric one, only more efficient. Electricity is used in an induction stovetop to create an electromagnetic field, which heats the entire pot or pan, not just its bottom. With almost no residual heat, cooking happens faster. Cooking must be done with pots and pans that are made of ferrous metal (iron or steel, not aluminum or copper) so they can carry a magnetic charge. If a magnet sticks to your pot or pan, you know you can use it on an induction cooktop.
I have talked with friends who resist switching to induction cooking because they love cooking with gas. I get it. I too loved cooking on my gas stovetop. But in all honesty, I do not miss cooking with gas one bit. The good feeling of reducing your carbon footprint, making more efficient use of scarce resources, and eliminating all danger of natural gas leaks in the house (if you choose to eliminate all uses of gas) more than compensates for the familiar use of that blue flame.
Some people balk at the price of an induction range, which is somewhat more expensive than a conventional electric range, on average. The induction range I bought in 2018 was actually about the same cost as an electric range, and yet it had the highest Consumer Reports rating among all induction ranges sold in the US. I can testify that I have had enjoyable and problem-free cooking even though I chose the inexpensive route.
“Now we’re cooking with gas!” was a gas industry slogan used in the 1930s to encourage conversion away from electrical cooking. It’s now time to reverse history and live by a new slogan “Now we’re cooking with induction!”.
For a helpful view of the pros and cons of induction cooking, read this 2022 article by Consumer Reports:
Whether switching to induction is the first, middle, or last step on your journey toward eliminating fossil fuel combustion in your home, I’m sure you will be glad you did. I’m happy to field your questions if you have any.
The Ministry For The Future
Book Review submitted by Kim Cameron
Image provided by google.com
Have you sat down and thought about what the future needs to look like in order to wean ourselves off fossil fuels? What major disaster would have to happen in order to effect change? How would countries come together to deal with climate change? What political mechanisms would have to be in place? Well, if you have spent any time thinking about these questions, you might enjoy reading “The Ministry for the Future” by Kim Stanley Robinson.
This novel starts with a major climate change catastrophe in India – 20 million people die from a heat wave. The detail is graphic and gripping. But it leads to development of the Ministry for the Future, a body established under the Paris Agreement. The book follows Mary Murphy, the leader of the Ministry, as she navigates her way through the many political changes that need to take place to effectively reduce greenhouse gases. It is a book about the near future, tantalizingly familiar, yet not quite reachable yet, an optimistic book with the premise that humanity can cooperate to bring about change. Kim Stanley Robinson is a well-known science fiction author who combines scientific accuracy with non-fiction descriptions of history and social science. At over 550 pages, this book is a tome, but every page is worth the read! If you would like to listen to an interview with the author, check out Planet A podcast with Dan Jorgensen, the Danish Minister of Climate, Energy, and Utilities: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-a-talks-on-climate-change/id1521997920?i=1000577576222
Sustainability Tips
Submitted by Sonia Kragh
Editor’s Note: Feeling overwhelmed when trying to establish a goal to help fight climate change? Starting this month, this CCAA newsletter will bring you simple, practical ideas to help you make a difference in our efforts to preserve our planet! Small steps contribute to big goals!!!
December Tip: Vampire Energy
An energy vampire is a device that continues to use energy and drain power, even when it is turned off. They lurk in your home, taking the form of phone chargers and cable boxes, computer cords and coffee pots. These phantom energy suckers can account for as much as 20% of your monthly electricity bill. According to a study conducted by Earthday, 100 billion kilowatt-hours of vampire energy produce
Image provided by google.com
nearly 80 million tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of the annual carbon emissions from about 15 million cars.
What to do?
Eliminate Vampire Power
1.Unplug electronics, chargers, and appliances when not in use.
2.Set electronics to energy save mode; turn your monitor off when you step out.
3.Use a power strip to turn all devices off at once.
4.For more information, and a room by room guide to find vampire energy sources and see how much it is costing you and the planet, check out these links:
Living in Central New York it is easy to miss the signs that climate change is a serious threat to life. We have an abundance of water and who doesn’t like a milder winter. It is important to realize that events happening thousands of miles away do impact us. The recent article in the Post Standard, “Climate change is expected to cause deeper droughts and more wildfires” is a good example. Wildfires in the Northwest brought particulate matter to upstate NY in concentrations that the Dept. of Health issued an advisory warning. Go here to read it.
Another example is the drought affecting the Mississippi River. The Mississippi is a major river system for transportation of agricultural commodities such as soybeans, cotton, grain, wheat and corn.Water levels in the Mississippi are now near 30-year lows because of a lack of rain in the Ohio River Valley and the Upper Mississippi. As a result, U.S crop exports at Louisiana Gulf Coast terminals were at their lowest level in nine years according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and shipping prices have soared. Farmers are losing income due to higher shipping costs and consumers are seeing an increase in prices.
It is important to remind ourselves that in modern day society we are interconnected. A drought or fire thousands of miles away can and does affect us.
MUSINGS ON THE POSITIVE SIDE OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Submitted by George Lorefice
Image provided by freeimages.com
Many Americans feel that individual actions won’t make a difference in affecting climate change but as individuals, we need to start somewhere. If nothing more than feeling like you are doing something to contribute, personal actions do matter through setting an example and influencing others. Like many other things (i.e., voting), the collective actions of many individuals do make a difference.
Here are some of my personal and obscure ideas on carbon reduction:
•Buy smaller bath towels to reduce washer and dryer loads.
•Hang clothes outside when possible (solar energy!). The bending and lifting motion can replace your “Y” membership for exercise.
•Use kitchen scraps and pot liquor to make your own vegetable broth.
•To reduce plastic usage:
Use tap water instead of bottled.
Buy products like juice, milk, powdered laundry detergent and olive oil in non-plastic containers.
Buy loose veggies and fruit and use re-useable produce bags.
Here is some news on the positive side of climate change:
•Take a look around and notice the number of EV charging stations popping up!
•Biden’s “Inflation Reduction Act” is pouring billions of dollars into a number of programs to reduce our collective carbon foot print from subsidies for EVs, solar panels and wind turbines to enhancing the electric grid.
•Heart Aerospace’s ES-30 short hop, 30 passenger battery operated planes have Air Canada, United and Mesa Airlines placing orders.
•Remarkably, it appears that the U.S. Senate does believe in science and bipartisanship. They just ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which phased out ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFSs), to include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which are potent greenhouse gas chemicals.
For further input on the many positive avenues to reducing our carbon footprint, look at Project Drawdown (www.drawdown.org/solutions)
and Project Regeneration (www.regeneration.org) for some uplifting solutions.
oJoin us on December 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for a tour of the Whitlock Building in downtown Syracuse, 480 S. Salina St.RSVPhereto make a reservation. And afterwards, it’s Party Time (see article)!
oUCAN (the United Climate Action Network) will hold its next meeting on December 12from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cazenovia Library Community Room. On the agenda are discussions on the January summit and Earth Day planning. All are welcome. For more information about the group and its mission visit their website:
oAlliance for a Green Economyasks: Please make a call to Governor Hochul today! 518-474-8390We’re calling to let Gov. Hochul know that it is crucial she supports a strong Scoping Plan from the Climate Action Council that includes all-electric new buildings starting in 2024 and upholds the priorities of Indigenous nations but does NOT include any new fossil-fuel or nuclear-powered plants. We are in the midst of a climate crisis in this country! Right now there are millions of New Yorkers who are depending on these measures for their future.
oSustainable Manlius Committee, a volunteer group in the Town of Manlius, that organizes and leads projects and events within the Town of Manlius that drive the awareness and adoption of sustainable practices. currently has an open position for Community Chair. Responsibilities include overseeing the activities of the committee projects, representing the committee in the community and before the media, working with the assigned Town Councilor and Committee Secretary to develop agendas and preside at meetings, recruiting new members. More information if you are interested in applying can be obtained from sustainablemanlius@gmail.com
oCalling all Town of Manlius constituents!The Town of Manlius is currently drafting a Climate Action Plan and needs your input. A Climate Action Plan is a strategy document that helps set goals and outlines initiatives to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Your input is crucial in creating an inclusive Climate Action Plan that adequately addresses community concerns. We want to hear your ideas, and what you think should be done to address your local environmental concerns. The primary audience for the survey is Town of Manlius residents, but those located in the village of Manlius, Minoa, and Fayetteville and/or those that work or go to school in the town of Manlius are also encouraged to respond. We need your input.
Are bike and walking paths important to you? Would you like to see more EV charging stations in the Town? Would you like to find out how native plants and trees can capture carbon emissions?These and many more ideas might be part of the Climate Action Plan if you take a very short survey put together by Sustainable Manlius to get your opinions. Below is the link to take the survey: https://tinyurl.com/yckmbs69
oTime to consider President Biden’s proposed update to the Federal Acquisitions Regulation (FAR) requiring that major and significant contractors/suppliers measure and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions, and set Science-Based Targets for reducing their impact in accordance with the Paris agreement. The proposal is in a public comment period until Jan 13th. Consider supporting it and/or commenting. You can even do so anonymously.
oSOCIAL MEDIA REQUEST: Please remember to “like” and “comment” on our Facebook and Instagram pages as often as possible. “Share” our posts with your friends and neighbors. You will be helping us to reach a wider audience and make our work more impactful.
NEWS BITES
·If you missed the October conference of the New York State Association of Conservation Commissions (NYSACC), you may access materials provided by conference participants at this link:
·Update on the EPA Clean School Bus Program that we previously reported on: Jordan-Elbridge and the Fabius-Pompey School Districts qualified for the EPA Rebate Program and will receive one school bus for an $395,00 incremental cost rebate. In our immediate region, Fulton, City of Syracuse and Tully qualify. The communities need to advocate to tap into the rebates.
·United Solar Energy Supportersis proud to present the first three films of itsSolar Energy Short Film Series, demonstrating the benefits for communities that host solar energy projects. These films are a nod to Mount Morris, a rural town in Western New York whose town leadership embraced medium- and large-scale solar projects, reaping significant economic and societal benefits for their community.To view the films go towww.usesusa.org/solar-film-series/
Large Scale Solar Roofs Getting The Respect They Deserve
“When you run all the numbers, there can be significant economic advantages to producing solar power close to where it will be consumed.”Read itonCleanTechnica
Attend the next Monthly CCAA Meeting When: Tuesday, January 10th, 6:00 p.m. Each month, CCAA invites you to join us, in-person or over Zoom. Come meet people who are committed to working towards fossil-free communities. The meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The room opens at 5:45 p.m. for socializing. Register here.
GreeningUSA Newsletter To subscribe to a comprehensive list of climate change and sustainability events, and to publicize an event you are organizing, email GreeningUSA: info@GreeningUSA.org.
Whitlock Building Tour & CCAA Holiday Get Together
Take a tour of the Whitlock Building- an energy efficient- fossil fuel free building, then join us at the Salt City Café and Bar across the street to celebrate our accomplishments throughout the year and network with other climate conscious people! RSVP REQUIRED FOR THE BUILDING TOUR.
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.
CCAA Internships and Other Volunteering Opportunities If you are interested in volunteering with CCAA in any capacity, please contact us at newsletter@climatechange-action.com or call 315-308-0846. Don’t worry about your skill level. We are all learning. We need people who can:
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!
We encourage you to follow our social media accounts to support CCAA and stay up to date on other environmental news.
