CCAA Newsletter (Volume 5, Issue 11)- COP28: What It Means For Us, Heat Pumps Integration Into the Town of Manilus, Making it a Green Holiday, and a Solar Update.
Submitted by Kim Cameron, C0-President, Cortland County League of Women Voters and former Secretary of CCAA
Image from googleimages.com
The reports are getting more and more dire. “Climate Change is Speeding Toward Catastrophe. The Next Decade is Crucial, U.N. Panel Says”, (NYTimes 9/13/23). Global temperatures have broken new records in recent months, making this the hottest year on record….. Temperatures are now heading for a “hellish” 3C increase (World facing ‘hellish’ 3C of climate heating, UN warns before COP28, (Guardian, 11/20/23).
The Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) was recently published. It is a brutal assessment of our failings. One question stands out: “How are Americans impacted by climate change?”
Well, let me count the ways: displacement of climate refugees; disruptions to food systems; homes and property at risk from sea level rise, fires, smoke, and more intense extreme weather events, to name just a few. The overarching question – why don’t we hear more about how much these disasters cost our country?
The answer lies in our governmental system. We have no system in place to reward longer term thinking.
Yet, we do have an organization that is not beholden to the election cycle and that is the United Nations. This is the only organization that brings delegates from over 200 countries together annually for high-level talks and actions about the pollution that is destroying our world as we know it. This year’s event is COP28 and it is taking place in Dubai. The power of this organization is collective and the challenge is great because even one country can derail the progress.
I will be attending the first week of COP28 as one of six Observer Delegates for the League of Women Voters of the US. The League’s observer status is considered the highest that a non- profit organization can have. If asked, LWV-US can express its views on environmental and women’s issues at UN conferences around the world. I will blog about my experience on Substack: https://tinyurl.com/KimCOP28Blog. These next two weeks, starting Thursday, Nov. 30, will be exciting, nerve wracking, and massively important. I encourage everyone to read, watch, listen, discuss with others, and write to your legislators to let them know that you are paying attention.
Heat Pumps Integration in the Town of Manlius
Submitted by Stella Simeonova, CCAA Intern
Image from googleimages.com
In a recent Town of Manlius board meeting on November 15th, a pivotal discussion unfolded between the board members and construction developer Tom Goodfellow. The primary focus revolved around the enhancement of heating and air conditioning systems within buildings by leveraging the efficacy of heat pumps. Goodfellow aimed not only to introduce these systems but also to educate current developers on their multifaceted advantages.
Heat pumps used not just for heating but also for cooling and air exchange, are a major shift in building climate control. Goodfellow emphasized the importance of transitioning from gas furnaces to heat pumps due to their energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. He highlighted that many individuals remain unaware of the comfort and benefits associated with this technology.
Using the Whitlock building in downtown Syracuse as a case study, Goodfellow pointed out the significant affordability of heat pump usage when it comes to utility bills. The comparison between gas furnaces and heat pumps doesn’t merely reside in ecological efficiency but also holds financial implications for occupants. While apartments with gas furnaces might appear more economically suitable at first glance, a comparison in utility expenses reveals the advantage of heat pump usage – the stable energy levels translate to significantly lower monthly bills for renters.
During the presentation, Sara Bollinger, Town of Manlius Deputy Supervisor, raised the issue of the challenges associated with transitioning between these two energy exchange technologies during construction. Bollinger stressed the importance of considering Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) in the stretch code, emphasizing the significance of maintaining air quality through proper filtration systems. Goodfellow’s advice when it comes to following the stretch code was emphasized citing the importance of controlling the environment to the best of one’s ability.
The meeting concluded with a critical question: How to educate and encourage future and current developers to adopt heat pump technology in their projects? Town of Manlius Supervisor, John Deer, proposed a comprehensive approach involving collaboration with Sustainable Manlius, building specialized programs and technologies. Once these initiatives are established, the next steps include developing networks and sharing the education of the practice within Syracuse and other public and town committees. Additionally, Climate Change Awareness and Action (CCAA) could play a pivotal role in aiding and distributing assistance for projects through collaborations with universities.
The commitment displayed by the Town of Manlius towards embracing sustainable heating and cooling technologies marks a significant step towards a more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious future for the region. As discussions continue and initiatives take shape, it appears that the integration of heat pump technology is on its way to becoming a key of construction and development practices in the area.
Interns
Olivia Elise Mortonis from Ithaca, NY. She enjoys traveling across Europe, photography, and has an Instagram for her photography . A junior at SUNY ESF, she enjoys studying the link between the environment and socioeconomics! Olivia plans on moving to Europe to study Environmental and Public Policy for her Master’s degree.
Glenn Urgola is a senior at Syracuse University pursuing a BA in geography. From Albuquerque, NM, he was raised in a home shared with a Montessori pre-school run by his parents. A lover of nature and ecology, he enjoys hiking and birdwatching and is passionate about understanding the role of climate change in local and global communities, hoping to help reduce the impact of climate change in the underrepresented communities most affected.
Solar Update
Submitted by Roseann Lorefice, CCAA Newsletter Editor
Image from googleimages.com
The Town of Manlius has been on the forefront in encouraging the use of solar power. There are several projects in the pipeline and Town Supervisor John Deer was pleased to be able to report the following progress:
Town Landfill:
The solar panels have been installed and the project currently awaits connection by National Grid. When fully operational, this will power Town facilities and any excess will become available to town residents. If there is still more available, it will become part of Community Solar. It’s important to note that the project will take land that was no longer on the town’s tax rolls and put it to a use that benefits the town financially.
N. Eagle Village Road and Green Lakes Road:
Both sites are set to be operational with each producing 5 megawatts of power.
E. Taft Road:
The building permit has been issued and extended until 12/6/23. It is capable of providing 4.35 megawatts of power.
Duguid Road:
Building permits have been issued and are valid until 3/6/24.This parcel is made up of three sites, Manlius West, Manlius North and Manlius East, all located on E. Seneca Turnpike and carry a total production capacity of 11.4 megawatts.
Kirkville Road North:
The permit has been issued. This site will be able to produce 5 megawatts of power.
Bowman Road:
The building permit has been issued and is valid through 4/18/24.
7669 Peck Road:
This site is in development, awaiting planning board approval. It is capable of producing 4.25 megawatts of power.
The majority of these projects are slated to be Community Solar, available to both local residents and those from afar. In total, all of these projects have the potential to provide up to 25 megawatts of power and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and the community’s carbon footprint.
But what does this mean to the average town resident? Well, one megawatt equals one million watts or 1,000 kilowatts, roughly enough electricity for the instantaneous demand of 750 homes at once. That number fluctuates because electrical demand changes based on the season, the time of day and other factors. Another way of looking at it: a megawatt of capacity will produce electricity that equates to about the same amount of electricity consumed by 400 to 900 homes in a year.
So, Manlius town residents will soon be able to participate in local programs that will help reduce their home energy costs. Stay abreast of developments by checking this site.
Abundant Solar is the town’s partner in these endeavors.
CCAA Checklist
CCAA is constantly working to keep to its goal of advocating for the environment. In past newsletters, we have listed the various actions we have taken since our inception. As the year 2023 closes, we are proud to announce the following actions:
Our Board and volunteers tabled at the New York State Fair for the entire duration, meeting the public, providing educational material regarding the environment and also reaching out to children via crafts and projects. We joined with other environmental groups from across the state including : Alliance for Clean Energy, New Yorkers for Clean Power, United Solar Energy Supporters, and N.Y. League of Conservation Voters.
We have joined New York Renews in signing on to a letter to Governor Hochul urging her to sign legislation which is now on her desk, asking her to approve $1 billion in the Executive Budget for the FY 2024/2025 via the People’s Climate Justice Budget and the accompanying legislative initiative, the Climate, Jobs, and Justice Package (CJJP): the NY HEAT Act, Just Energy Transition Act, and Climate Change Superfund Act.”
We have taken the step of encouraging COP28 to put accountability into any recommendations that come from the current worldwide meeting. We are co-signers on a petition with many civil society organizations sending an openletter urging the incoming COP28 presidency to focus on a comprehensive energy transformation package with legal force including a full, fast, fair, and funded fossil fuel phaseout, renewable energy and energy efficiency targets, real protections for people and nature, and massively scaled up public funding on fair terms. This, not voluntary pledges, is a chance to show real leadership and make this COP historic
Image from googleimages.com
As the holidays roll around with joy and excitement, OCRRA reminds us to be responsible stewards during this time and consider the environment as our celebrations progress. Here are five tips and tricks from them to ensure that our festivities are as green and cheerful as possible!
REDUCE Review your stash of decorations and wrapping paper before buying more. Give an experience gift (like a dinner out or a concert); switch to digital gift cards; shop local; wrap gifts in reusable materials; opt for reusable cups, plates and utensils.
RECYCLE IN BIN Cardboard boxes, holiday catalogs, wrapping paper, greeting cards, etc.
RECYCLE ELSEWHERE (OR PUT IN TRASH) Things like bubble wrap, air shipping pouches, string lights, etc.
REUSE Gift bags, bows, ribbons, shipping materials, tissue paper.
TRASH Styrofoam, plastic cutlery, straws, cups and bags and boxes with metallic embellishments.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OCRRA
DATE: December 8, 2023
TIME:12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
AGENDA: GreeningUSA’S next Virtual Green Bag Lunch
AGENDA: “CHIPS Communities United: Giving a Voice to U.S. Chip Fab Communities”
You can view a recording of past GreeningUSA events on GreeningUSA’s YouTube Channel! https://tinyurl.com/yyl4jh9a
DATE: December 10, 2023
TIME: 2 p.m.
PLACE: All Saints Church, 1340 Lancaster Ave., Syracuse
AGENDA: “Micron: Promise and Peril?” A talk by David Sonnenfeld, retired professor at SUNY ESF, Don Hughes, Atlantic Chapter of Sierra Club, and Dick Kornbluth, CNY Solidarity Coalition, addressing the critical social and environmental issues related to this project.
DATE: December 19, 2023
TIME:6:30 p.m.
PLACE:Manlius Library
AGENDA: Manlius Watershed Stewards meet monthly every third Tuesday of the month. All are welcome. Mark your calendar for future meetings: January 16, February 20.
Why Many Scientists Are Now Saying Climate Change Is An All-Out Emergency. Read about it here.
And this, A Glimpse of Optimism on Climate Change. Check it out now.
Amazon’s Climate Pledge Was A Lie. Check out the facts.
Follow the daily blog that Dr. Kim Cameron, our own CCAA member and Vice President of the Cortland County League of Women Voters established right here!
A timely article on dwindling groundwater… Check it out right here.
Ever wonder how old Green Lakes REALLY is? You can read about it!
ATTEND THE NEXT CCAA MEMBER MEETING
As a member of Climate Change Awareness and Action, you are cordially invited to attend/participate in the monthly meetings which are held on the second Tuesday of each month, in person and/or via Zoom. Our next meeting will be held on January 9 at 6:00 p.m. with a social time starting at 5:30 p.m. Notices will be sent ahead of time to list the topic for the evening.
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.
Newsletter Committee Staff Writers: Marie Stewart, Anthony Bailey, Olivia Eden Fried, and Stella Simeonova Publishing and Design: Yvonne Chu, Annalena Davis Editor: Roseann Lorefice
CCAA Interns: Marie Stewart, Anthony Bailey, Olivia Eden Fried, Katie Daley, Andrea Hayman, Stella Simeonova, Olivia Elise Morton, and Glenn Urgola
