Climate and Energy

Note that these chapters are mostly about energy policy, not climate per se.

Explicitly assumes that the key to global warming comes down to energy policy, efficiencies, and technological transition. Lots of good news, but U.S. lags and exhibits policy reluctance -- so far. Some good news at state and local levels and by individuals and civil society organizations.

The energy transition is happening. Sort of.

Brown's son reports from Texas: wind power will remain but not so the oil drilling. Remember Peak Oil Hypothesis. Vivid story.

Forget Kyoto. Obsolete. Need far greater CO2 reductions.

Brown dismisses the controversial Kyoto treaty as inadequate, already. Global reduction in CO2 more like 70%, says latest data. Brown sets a daunting goal!

Bad news: poor will suffer most from global warming.

See recent New York Times story Poor Nations to Bear Brunt as World Warms, April 1, 2007.

Brown forgets to mention that the price effect will drive efficiency and alternative sources of energy.

Brown may underestimate market forces and how markets can be harnessed. (He gets to that in Part III, so stay tuned.)

My story re consulting for prepcom for Kyoto for EU.

Story about policy analysis intersecting with political analysis.

EU sets goal of 33% drop in carbon emissions by 2020 -- and save 60 billion euros (about $80 billion). And gain energy competitive advantages (plural).

This is a big deal. Future U.S. global competitiveness may be at stake. Innovation and adaptation are vital.

Japan, already very energy efficient, also sets daunting goals.

Japan centralizes its industrial policy making and can coordinate such an effort.

And what of U.S? World Wildlife Fund makes a proposal. That's all from U.S.?

Note: No U.S. plan in sight. Watch some states, industries, and technological innovations. Be concerned.

Some corporations are doing great things, like Interface carpeting and Ray Anderson

Great. Is this sufficient?

Brown sums up this section with worthy technological optimism.

Brown is, after all, an optimist.

Look to U.S. power generation needs: staggering need for 1,600 new power plants -- likely to be coal. Brown calls for changing light bulbs and for buying your Prius. Indeed.

Okay, wind is increasing and conservation is key move. No policy initiatives are mentioned. Best news is at the level of the states and regions within U.S.

Harness the wind, says Brown. Note the surge here. Shift $210 billion in perverse fossil energy subsidies to wind.

Appreciate this impressive phenomenon. Note success in EU. The potential is enormous and this is happening. Perverse subsidies establish an implicit but hidden industrial policy.

Solar power has a role to play. Percentages are large but absolute amount less so.

Lots of clever applications and Brown places much faith in this technology.

Conclusion has some punch. Wind and ethanol. Brown warns on competition of food and energy.

Punch conclusion with lots of bravado, optimism, but warnings. Worth considering. Much potential here.