CCAA Newsletter (Volume 6, Issue 2)- Heat Pumps in Bulgaria and the European Union, Impact of Climate Research on Local Community, Canada and the Carbon Tax, and the Carbon Challenge
Submitted by Kim Cameron, Ph.D., Co-president, League of Women Voters of Cortland County (kimberlycameron4@gmail.com)
Image from googleimages.com
2023 was the year that we all realized that our man-made climate crisis is going to impact us in ways that we really hadn’t paid much attention to: HEAT.
We became intimately acquainted with heat domes (remember August 2023 when the middle of our country set record highs… Chicago: heat index of 116F, New Orleans: 102F (with crazy high humidity), Texas: record of consecutive days over 100F). Of course, it wasn’t just in the U.S: Southern Europe, Japan, even winter weather in the Southern Hemisphere was unusually warm.
People die during these events. Why? Because we can’t cool our bodies down to an internal temperature of approximately 98F. We’ve adapted to cold through clothing and we’re starting to develop clothes that will cool us, but in general, sweat is our answer to heat. The process: cool our outer skin, which cools our internal blood, which cools our internal organs so all our lovely proteins function properly. But what happens when it’s 116F and humid? We don’t sweat and there is no cascade of events.
All is not lost. We can mitigate some of the effects of high heat. First, we now have a robust heat alert system. Many other countries do not. Second, we’re planting trees to produce shade and absorb water. Other ideas: Los Angeles is experimenting with painting streets white. Architects are now designing buildings that deflect heat. Check out Al Bahar Towers in Dubai and many cities are mimicking the Rotterdam Rooftop Walk initiative (https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/07/rotterdam-green-roofs). These are “tweaks” that will buy us time to implement the real solution: stop polluting our atmosphere with greenhouse gasses.
For more info on the effects of heat (and a book I highly recommend): The Heat Will Kill You First by Jeff Goodell published in 2023.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Cameron was a delegate to COP28 held recently in Dubai as a representative of the League of Women Voters.
Impact of Climate Research on Local Community: Cazenovia Lake
As climate change advances, its effects are felt on both a global and local scale. In areas like Cazenovia in upstate NY, the effects of climate change are interwoven into its residents’ lives, whether they are aware of the true impact or not. Conditions such as unpredictable rainfall patterns and declining duration of ice in Cazenovia Lake have serious implications for the residents and industry in the Town and Village of Cazenovia.
One Cazenovia resident, Anne Saltman, is researching the changes in local climate indicators and presents the findings to the Town and Village of Cazenovia. Beginning in 2021 Saltman, who has a background in municipal planning and environmental work, has produced annual reports detailing the changes in various climate conditions in Cazenovia over time. Drawing from data pulled from public records, a recently installed weather station, and community research, Saltman’s reports create a comprehensive yet transparent image of how climate changes are affecting the environment and livelihoods in Cazenovia. This is achieved using comprehensive graphs and explanations, as well as information on the importance of collecting and distributing information about climate change. Saltman’s work is available online through a website maintained by the United Climate Action Network (UCAN), a grassroots organization located in Central New York, which organizes and engages with local groups and communities and advocates for environmental sustainability.
With accessible resources like Anne Saltman’s climate research, as well as community engagement through groups like UCAN, residents of Cazenovia are encouraged to take an active role in protecting their local environment. Saltman distributes her report to residents of the town and village of Cazenovia, the Cazenovia Public Library, the Cazenovia School District, as well as local environmental organizations, with the goal of spreading awareness and hope for the future and to encourage further community organization, adaption, and resilience. This incentive is reflected in public action like the Town and Village of Cazenovia Climate Action Plan, which presents a list of actions and objectives that residents and businesses can take to address climate changes. Here, the goals are clear, and they highlight the importance of making information on climate change accessible and understandable, while also reinforcing the significance of organized and informed community action.
Saltman will be completing her research and releasing the 2023 report in February. Saltman can be contacted at: anne.b.saltman@gmail.com
Promising Future for Heat Pumps in Bulgaria and the European Union
Submitted by Stella Simeona, CCAA Intern (stella.simeonova@nommad.com)
Image from googleimages.com
More heat pumps! Welcome to an insightful interview with Simeon Simeonov, a distinguished architect from Bulgaria, holding the position of Senior Architect at NOMMAD ARCHITECTS LTD in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria—a proud member of the European Union. In this discussion, we focus on the rising prominence of heat pumps in Bulgaria and across Europe.
Architect Simeonov, is the heat pump recognized in Bulgaria and in Europe as a heating device? The heat pumps are becoming more and more popular in Europe. Three million pumps were sold in 2023, an increase of 38 % compared to the previous year. In Bulgaria, the main driving factors for heat pump usage are the ecological considerations related to climate change and the cost reduction of expenses for heating.
What are the main advantages of the heat pumps over the other heating options? The heat pumps are a standard modern technology working on a principle like a refrigerator or an air-conditioning unit. They extract the heat of a certain source – most often the external air (could also be water or earth) and magnify the extracted heat. The key element is their considerable efficiency in transferring heat instead of generating it. One of the main advantages is that the heat pumps produce 3-5 kWh of heat for each 1 kWh of electricity, thus consuming three to five times less electricity compared to a regular heater. This logically leads to a decrease in the expenses for heating.
Is this an affordable product for the average family in Bulgaria? The heat pumps are a cost-efficient and sustainable option for heating. Still, under the current conditions in Bulgaria, the payback for one heat pump is around 10 years. That is why the government is developing programs for a free substitution of old wood and coal heating systems with the ecological and energy-efficient heat pumps. It is expected that the governmental assistance will reach 85,000 socially dependent families. This subsidized program, which will continue until 2027, is a part of the European strategy for decarbonization, improvement of the air quality, and consistent green transformation.
Editor’s Note: We extend our gratitude to Architect Simeonov for sharing his wealth of knowledge and shedding light on the transformative journey towards eco-friendly heating solutions. The ongoing commitment of individuals like him, coupled with governmental initiatives, paints a hopeful picture for a future, not only in the U.S. but also across the globe.
So, What Are the Canadians Doing? The Carbon Tax
Submitted by George Lorefice, CCAA member (loreficegj@gmail.com)
Image from googleimages.com
What is it?
Canada’s Carbon Tax was instituted in 2019. It is a price on carbon, levied on emissions from fossil fuel sources (coal oil, natural gas, propane, gasoline). The tax is designed to reduce the cost of climate change to the economy by providing an incentive for people and businesses to transition to greener forms of energy: Less fossil fuels used, less taxes. The way the tax is implemented is a patchwork among the provinces if they meet federal standards.
How does it work?
A standard price is set per tonne (metric) of CO2 equivalent emissions generated. In 2023 it was $65 (Canadian) per tonne and will increase over time. Ninety percent of revenues are returned to households via a rebate program. If you use less than a standard, you get a rebate (See the calculator in the reference article). Like anything else there is controversy, especially with the recent decision to pause the tax on home heating oil for three years (only 3% of Canadians use oil).
Results:
In British Columbia the data show that it has led to lower emissions from five to fifteen percent but on a federal level it is too soon to tell. Currently the results are a “mixed bag” due to concessions and political pressure.
The program is certainly something to follow and learn from. I personally think if politics don’t get too involved it will be an incentive to reduce emissions, especially when rebate checks come.
Our signature program, the Carbon Challenge, is getting an overhaul and reboot. If you have previously participated, you will be receiving an email asking you to complete a survey to help update the effort. We’d love your feedback to help us update and improve the challenge.
Future newsletters will highlight the program in more detail. In the meantime, if you have never participated, please go to www.climatechange-action.com for a look at how YOU can be a part of the solution to climate change.
Attention All CCAA Members!
There is an opening for Treasurer on the CCAA Board. All members are eligible to apply for this position. Please contact Yvonne Chu, yvchu01@gmail.com, ASAP for more information if you are interested.
ORGANIZATION: Finger Lakes Prism
EVENT: Hemlock Woody Adelgid Workshop
WHEN:February 12, 2024
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
AGENDA: Learn about this invasive insect threatening the hemlock.
ORGANIZATION: NYS Advocacy Group DATE: February 27, 2024 TIME: 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. AGENDA: Advocate for the Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act and the Bigger Better Bottle Bill and meet with our legislators with a specific agenda item.
Registration: Anyone interested in joining us, please contact Phil Rose – prosemeister@gmail.com.
It’s official: 2023 was the hottest year on record. You can read all about it HERE.
Can you drive 6000 miles in an EV? Well, if you’re curious, check this OUT.
A new 66 million-year history of carbon dioxide offers little comfort for today. Here’s the STORY.
Learn how the war in Gaza has affected the ENVIRONMENT.
Induction is gaining steam for its precise temperature control, superior safety, and speedy cooking times without using fossil fuels. You can learn more by clicking HERE.
Yale Climate Connections is a news service that aims to help you understand the reality of climate change and what you can do about it. You can sign up for its weekly newsletter at this SITE.
ATTEND THE NEXT CCAA MEMBER MEETING
As a member of Climate Change Awareness and Action, you are cordially invited to attend the first in a series of films to be shown on February 25, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. It will be held at 304 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. The film, A Sea Change, will be featured followed by discussion. Refreshments will be provided. Registration required . Click HERE.Limited to the first 30 registrants.
And mark your calendarsfor the continuing film series:
March 24, Chasing Ice
April 14, Earth Emergency
All showings are at 3 p.m. at 304 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville and registration will be required.
On May 14, at the regularly scheduled CCAA member meeting, join us at the Fayetteville Library in the Community Room at 6:00 p.m. for a presentation on COP28 by Kim Cameron, Ph.D.
Dr. Cameron was a delegate to the world conference on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Cortland County and has valuable insights as to the workings of the group and their achievements.
Editors’ Note: Regularly scheduled meetings for CCAA members are generally the second Tuesday of each month. This changes (as you can see) to accommodate special events.
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.
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, Stella Simeonova, and Glenn Urgola 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
