Is Bill Ford Seeing Green?

Ford just announced an increased commitment to hybrid vehicles, with a target of producing 250,000 hybrids a year by 2010. I'm not sure whether to be encouraged or depressed by the announcement. Sure, it's a step in the right direction. It's a vote of confidence in hybrids by an American manufacturer, and it represents a ten-fold increase from the number of hybrids that Ford is building this year.

But does it really show that Ford understands the urgency of the situation we're facing? Here are some stats from a Wall Street Journal article about the announcement:

• Number of hybrids Ford will produce in 2010: 250,000


• Number of hybrids Toyota will produce this year: 250,000


• Number of hybrids Toyota will produce per year "early in the next decade": 1,000,000

Toyota to build a US Plant

According to The Detroit Free Press, Toyota Motor Corp., the world's largest seller of gasoline-electric cars, will decide in June where in North America to build such vehicles.

Demand for fuel-saving hybrids could grow to as much as 10 percent of
total U.S. new vehicle sales by 2010, Jim Press, Toyota's U.S. managing
director, said last month. U.S. sales of Toyota's Prius more than
doubled this year through February to 12,644 from 6,140 a year earlier.
Honda Motor Co. and Ford Motor Co. also sell hybrids in the United
States.

Renting Fuel Efficient Vehicles: What are the options?

Friday's New York Times article highlights the growing trend in environmentally friendly rental cars and other forms of for-hire transportation.

Given current gas prices and growing popularity of hybrid vehicles it seems logical that rental car companies would add these fuel efficient vehicles to their fleet mix. However rental car companies state that they are not able to obtain these vehicles due to the shortage of cars available.

Bill Ford recently said in an open letter to New American Dream, "To be successful, sustainability has to be customer-driven."

What better way to drive customer demand than by signing onto Ecopledge's Hertz Campaign . Ecopledge is calling on the Hertz Corporation a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company to increase the fuel economy of its rental fleet to 40 mpg by 2012.

SF adds hybrids to its taxi cab fleet

Yesterday morning, February 22, 2005 the city of San Francisco unveiled 15 Ford Escape Hybrid vehicles to its taxi fleet. After twenty years of driving gas guzzling vehicles, Alan Gochberg said that his daily fuel bill for his 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift dropped from $25 to about $9, a cut of almost two-thirds.

Allan Fromberg, spokesperson for NYC's Taxi and Limousine Commission stated that, "We are very much looking into the possibility" of adding Escapes to the fleet.

For pictures of the event and to read the full version of this story click here.

Republicans take stand and prepare to fight against global warming

The Kyoto Protocol will go into effect in less than two weeks. Although President Bush and his dedicated administration are carrying on as though there is nothing conspicuous about this treaty or global warming as a growing and very real worldwide environmental concern; some Republicans in the Senate are emerging as leaders in the fight against global warming. To learn more about who is standing up against Bush and his cronies, click here.

Toyota takes the lead again!

Toyota Motor Company recently unveiled its next generation hydrogen-powered fuel cell hybrid-electric bus. Fuel-cell cars emit only water and are touted by environmentalists as the ultimate environment-friendly vehicle. For more information see Kyodo News International.

Canada Considers Adopting California's Emission Standards

Paul Rogers of the San Jose Mercury News reported that on January 17, 2005 the Canadian ministers of environment and transportation visited California on Monday to learn more about the rules, requiring auto companies to reduce emission of gases that contribute to global warming.

The single biggest step to curbing global warming is to raise the fuel economy of light trucks and passenger cars. However recent attempts to raise the CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) standards have consistently stalled in Congress during the past dozen years, as the auto industry, the Bush administration and some Detroit Democrats have worked hard to block tougher mileage standards.

If Canada joins the eight U.S. states that have already adopted California's emission standards there is a great chance that the U.S. automakers who have challenged the state's rules in court, will be forced to build more fuel efficient vehicles.

Ford Agrees to Sell EV Trucks

Seven days into the Sacramento based EV vigil, Ford Motor Company committed to reversing its decision to repossess and destroy its last zero emission Ranger EVs. Ford's director of sustainable business strategies, agreed that Ford would keep its original promise to sell the pollution-free pickup trucks to its loyal lessees.

Climate protection advocates, healthcare professionals and others intent to remain in vigil at the downtown Sacramento dealer until Ford formally announces their decision.

For more information, check out Ecopledge's Ford coalition partners website at Jumpstart Ford.

Ford Ranger EV Drivers Resist Repossesion

Today in Sacramento, Ford electric vehicle (EV) drivers, climate protection advocates, healthcare professionals and others began a "EV vigil" to protest Ford's confiscation and destruction of its all electric, zero-emission Ranger pickup trucks.

Dave Raboy, an EV driver, states," People stop me on the street all the time and ask how to get their own electric pick up truck. When I tell them that Ford is refusing to sell me mine and crushing the rest of its EVs, they are infuriated."

But Ford says it's calling them in because the company's focus has shifted to hybrid vehicles.

For more information, check out Ecopledge's Ford coalition partners website at Jumpstart Ford.

NY State Power Plants Agree to Reduce Coal Emissions

Michael Cooper, of the New York Times reported today that the operators of six coal-burning power plants in upstate New York agreed to reduce their smog causing emissions. These actions, at these plants alone, will be the equivalent of removing 2.5 million vehicles from the New York state's roads, as well as every diesel truck in the country. By installing filters, switching to "cleaner" burning coal and shutting down some of the oldest and most inefficient units more than half the amount of sulfur dioxide, the main cause of acid rain, will be released. Nitrogen oxide emissions will also be slashed by a fifth.

Global warming the new political debate

For an in depth look at how big business is influencing international global warming policy link to PBS' video on global warming from "Now with Bill Moyers" .

Is the U.S. Ready for The Smart Car?

Almost ten years ago I traveled across Europe from London to Scotland over to Amsterdam and then down to Italy. All across the European Union the streets were dotted with extremely small bubble like cars, The Smart.

The Smart, built by DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes Car Group, is a two seat micro-car (eight feet in length to be exact) that gets 60 miles per gallon. The smart car has been a favorite among European city dwellers for years, but are U.S. consumers ready for The Smart.

Possibly. DamilerChrysler is considering bringing The Smart to the U.S. market and will use next month's Auto Show in Detroit to gauge U.S. interest in Smart's full product line, which includes a four seater and a roadster.

New Report Puts Heat on Global Warming Polluters

Groundbreaking Study Links Global Warming to Specific Extreme Weather Events

Scientists have known for years that global warming is likely to cause more frequent and more severe extreme weather events, including hurricanes and droughts. Now, they can determine just how much global warming has increased the risk of these types of events.

A new report suggests that computer models can now calculate specifically how much the risk of events such as the deadly European heat wave of 2003 has been elevated by global warming. This data could potentially be used by victims of extreme weather events to sue global warming polluters for their role in causing these events. No such suits have been filed yet, but the study raises the question of whether prudent companies shouldn't act now to reduce their exposure to global warming liability.

Santa's Reindeer are in Danger

Science Daily reported today that Santa's Reindeer may be in grave danger is global warming continues. Archaeologist Donald Grayson from the University of Washington says, "The number of southern reindeer will diminish dramatically as their range will move far to the north, and the number of reindeer in the north also will fall greatly."

This finding arises from a new study that examined archaeological records in southwestern France, where reindeer became locally extinct during earlier episodes of warming, 10,000 to 130,000 years ago.

Power Companies Ignoring Technologies that could reduce global warming

The World Wildlife Fund released today a new report, Ranking Power, that documents the failure of the world's largest power companies to address global warming. The report ranks 72 power companies on their investments in renewable and energy-efficient technologies. Most companies scored poorly, demonstrating that the industry -- despite being the leading cause of global warming -- refuses to take steps to reduce it by deploying existing technologies.

You can download the report at:

www.panda.org/campaign/powerswitch/news_publications/news_detail.cfm?uNewsId=16790.

New Numbers on Ford and Toyota

More evidence that Ford should get with the program and start building modern fuel efficient cars:

Silicon Valley company offers $5000 to employees...

No, this is not a bonus for meeting quotas or exceeding company expectations. Hyperion, a software company based in Silicon Valley has launched an initiative, known as Drive Clean to Drive Change, to encourage employees to take individual steps to improve the quality of air and combat global warming. Under the program, any employee who drives a car that gets more than 45 miles per gallon qualifies for a $5,000 bonus.

CEO Godfrey Sullivan stated, "We know we are not necessarily going to change the world through this initiative, but it's our aim at Hyperion to get people thinking about Change, about making a difference." Hyperion has 2,600 employees and anyone that has been with the company for more than a year qualifies. Hyperion will find up to 200 employees each year.

Hybrid Car Batteries in Short Supply

Earle Eldridge writer for USA Today reports on the shortage of hybrid-car batteries.

Currently there are three major suppliers of the batteries - Japan's Panasonic and Sanyo and U.S. based Cobasys. According to Eldridge these manufacturers may have enough production capacity to meet automakers' current plans over the next few years. However, automakers are already complaining that suppliers are unable to add production and hope that will the growing popularity of hybrids companies will be enticed to build the battery packs.

According to J.D. Power and Associates by 2007, over 410,000 hybrid vehicles will be sold in the United States, up from an estimated 70,000 in 2004. Will the projected increase in sales be enough to lure battery companies to venture to hybrid batteries?

Day of Intervention

Ecopledge members will join activists around the world today to engage with Ford dealerships. The mass action is a direct response to Ford's broken promises to improve fuel efficiency. Actions will take place in more than 40 North American cities including Boston, Des Moines, Edmonton, New Oreans, Oakland and Vancouver.

For more information on please visit the Ecopledge's Ford Campaign website.

Taxing Efficiency

People in California are driving more fuel efficient cars, and this has apparently led to a problem: the state isn't getting enough revenue from its gas tax. Of course, because it's California, they come up with a uniquely imaginative solution: Repeal the gas tax and replace it with a mileage tax. The driver of a Hummer and a Prius both pay the same tax, and as a bonus everyone gets a tracking device to help the government can keep track of their location.

(Via Political Animal)

Oil Supplies Won't Keep Up With Demand

ODAC has just released a new study of world oil reserves, which compares new oil fields coming online to old oil fields that will be tapped out. The conclusion? There is very little room to increase production over the next ten years. Meanwhile China is increasing its oil consumption by leaps and bounds and Ford motor company has plans to produce close to a million F-150 pickup trucks (at about 18 mpg each) in the coming year.

Let's hope that Ford, the other automakers, and the US government see the writing on the wall before we crash into it at 60 miles an hour.

Unbelievable: Global Warming Exposes Artic to Drilling

In an article published by Planet Ark's daily Reuters World Environment News and according to a report prepared by the United States and seven other nations, rising global temperatures will melt areas of the Artic, making them more accessible for oil and gas drilling.

According to this report global warming is heating the Artic almost twice as fast as the rest of the planet. Therefore, Artic oil exploration will benefit from less extensive and thinner sea ice, while oil companies will find it easier to transport oil and gas because the warmer temperatures will open sea routes.

Simply Unbelievable....

Organize or Participate in a Ford Intervention

With only 5% of the world's population, the US consumes a quarter of the world's oil, more than any other country. Most of America's oil is used for transportation. For over five straight years the automaker with the most inefficient cars and trucks has been Ford Motor Company. Ford's gas guzzling vehicles are driving America's oil dependency and destroying the world's climate.

We need your help to intervene with Ford and tell Ford dealers to stop pushing gas guzzlers! Please visit our website and see how you can help November 18, for an International Day of Intervention against Ford Motor Company!

State Pension Funds Press Investment Firms to Risks of Global Warming

Recently, Matthew Dalon of the Wall Street Journal (not available online) reported that some of the major investment firms' largest clients have recently demanded that fund managers describe what actions they are taking to address the potential risks posed by climate change.

In a letter sent last month to the 50 largest investment funds, the Investor Network on Climate Risk noted that, "The potential for long term climate risk raises the possibility that certain economic sectors may become more or less profitable as the environment changes..." Furthermore, requesting that they, “Please tell us whether investment managers at your firm are monitoring the impact of this risk on companies in portfolios they manage.�

This is an exciting next step for more information and to request a copy of this article please feel free to contact Beth at Ecopledge.com.

Deconstructing Ford's Green Strategy

This morning I found a great article entitled, Ford's Evolving Green Strategy Needs More Action.. This article provides a full picture of what Ford needs to do to be truly competitive in today's green market. Furthermore it deconstructs Ford's strategy by revealing the pace, volume and internal strategies used by Toyota and Honda. Simultaneously, pointing out the holes and the all too often "too little too late" of the Ford Motor Company.

Green Power Group

The Green Power Market Development Group is a collaboration of 12 leading corporations and the World Resources Institutededicated to building corporate markets for green power. Their goal is to develop corporate markets for 1000 MW of new, cost competitive green power by 2010.

I am not in the position to state whether this is an applaudable endeavor or yet another greenwashing attempt. However, I can say that these partnerships will push the viability of alternative power into the mainstream. To date, the Green Power Group has completed projects totaling 123 megawatt and their purchases have occurred at 330 facilities across 26 states.

Lexus hybrid SUV orders set record

Miguel Lianos reported today that the 2006 Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV sold significantly more pre-launch orders than any vehicle in Lexus's entire 15-year history. As of August 31st, over 9000 "pre-sold" orders had been placed.

Despite the overwhelming response and apparent consumer demand, Lexus hasn't said how many 400hs it plans to manufacture monthly, and industry watchers caution it may take some time before Lexus can deliver then to consumers.

Stopping Global Warming Begins at Home

College students disturbed about global warming need look no further than their own campus to take action.

As reported by E Magazine, students throughout the country are working with their campus administrations to reduce their use of fossil fuels. Colleges and universities are not insignificant consumers of electric power. As this article states:

While Ecopledge's work focuses on some of the world's largest polluters, efforts such as these provide students with another avenue to pursue in seeking to reverse global warming.

Getting Away With It

Environmental Working Group reported in a recent publication that refineries, power plants and other large industrial facilities in California that violate clean air laws typically pay penalties lower than what an SUV driver may legally be fined for a smog violation.

Since 1999, the Shell refinery in Martinez, CA and Chevron refinery in Richmond, CA were each issued more than 120 notices of violations, an average of almost two a month. With a median fine of just $1,450 major polluters have accepted the low fines as a cost of doing business. Meanwhile the fine for a motorist who illegally operates a vehicle of more than 6,000 pounds i.e., most larger SUVs, with an exhaust system that fails to meet state standards is $500 to $2,500.

California has set strict standards for mobile emission sources. It is now time that similar standards be erected and enforced for stationary or smokestack polluters.

Chrysler Going Hybrid

Automotive Fleet e-news reported today that "DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group doesn't intend to cede the growing hybrid car market to rivals such as Ford Motor Co." To date, Chrysler has been emphasizing diesel vehicles rather than hybrids. By focusing on diesel technology, Chrysler is giving up on the critical California and Eastern Seaboard markets; markets where diesel cars cannot be sold because they do not meet stricter air pollution regulations.

In an attempt to meet somewhere in the middle, Chrysler has developed a mild hybrid version of its heavy-duty Dodge Ram and has announced that they will introduce several hybrids. However they would not identify the vehicles Chrysler might choose.

Driving Solo in the Carpool Lane

Today Margaret Talev of the Sacramento Bee reported that Chairman Bill Ford of The Ford Motor Company has launched a campaign to kill a legislative plan. Currently this plan would allow Californians who buy the most fuel efficient hybrid vehicles to drive solo in the carpool lane. In a letter to Governor Schwarzenegger, and copied to state lawmakers, Ford says that this is a "buy Japanese" bill and a "special interest measure...intended for almost exclusive use by Toyota Prius drivers."

Perhaps if Bill Ford improved his fleetwide fuel efficiency he too could drive his American built car solo in the Carpool lane.

Why is Ford Destroying Electric Vehicles?

Our friends at the Jumpstart Ford campaign are trying to save several hundred electric vehicles from the junkyard crusher.

Global Warming Goes Mainstream

Cover stories in business press highlight need for urgent action

It appears that corporate America is finally realizing that global warming is an urgent problem that must be addressed immediately. Recent cover articles in Business Week and Fortune
discuss the myriad of problems that are associated with our oil addiction and present detailed plans of action designed to reduce our oil use.

The Business Week article in particular provides an excellent review of the nearly unanimous scientific consensus on global warming (i.e., it's happening, we're causing it, and it will wreck havoc on our environment and the world's economy) and concludes with a call for swift and decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Any business leader worth his or her MBA should now be aware that global warming presents profound risks to businesses, and that any business that ignores these risks does so at its peril.

As Business Week puts it: "Get serious about global warming -- or be prepared for the consequences."

Peak Oil Update

Kevin Drum has the latest on Peak Oil.

Diesels vs. Hybrids

According to The New York Times, cultural lines are determining whether diesel or hybrid vehicles are the best way to improve fuel economy. Japanese automakers, Toyota and Honda, first developed hybrid technology in part to save consumers gasoline money. In a hybrid an electronic motor takes over for the gas engine at low speeds and stops, greatly reducing gasoline expenditures in stop and start driving common in Japan's often dense and congested city streets. Meanwhile, Europeans prefer diesel-powered vehicles, which get better mileage and also avoid the high taxes on gasoline.

Most consumers (regardless of cultural lines) are basing their vehicle preferences on gas money saved. However, environmentalists across the world prefer vehicles with higher fuel efficiency, including but not limited to hybrids. Diesel engines when compared with conventional gasoline automobiles offer lower carbon dioxide emissions (which cause global warming) but don't do well on emissions of smog forming pollutants. Diesel also releases PM10 - a proven carcinogen and criteria pollutant under the Clean Air Act. Gretchen DuBeau, Global Warming Advocate of U.S. PIRG states, "The public health costs do outweigh the benefits of diesel."

As a recent blog entry notes US automakers are way behind in the technology implemented by both Japanese and European automakers. Tom LaSorda, C.O.O of DaimlerChrysler, says the company is still researching hybrids and is pushing for a diesel option. Currently there is no U.S. manufactured hybrid or diesel on the market. The last diesel engine to be offered by any one of the U.S. top automakers was over three decades ago.

A few drops in the bucket

It looks like we were premature in criticizing Ford about the Escape Hybrid. According to the NYTimes, availability of this new SUV has been delayed until October.

How do we get to 40%, or 80%, or -- dare we say it -- 100%? If we can build clean cars, why are we building anything else?

Uncle Sam Wants You to Buy an SUV

And not just any SUV, but a really big, really expensive SUV.

Kevin Drum provides a great summary of this outrageous incentive to pollute.

Ford's Escape Hybrid

Ford is expected to release the Escape Hybrid SUV tomorrow. Coming in at approximately 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, this vehicle is somewhat better than the standard Escape, which gets (depending on the model) approximately 23/28 mpg.

The big problem with the Escape Hybrid is that it is a niche vehicle, and global warming is not a niche problem. Ford will produce 20,000 Escape Hybrids in the coming year. During that same time they will produce well over 800,000 F-150 gas guzzlers. Already in 2004 Ford has sold 45,000 more F-150s than they did during the first seven months of 2003.

The release of the Escape Hybrid won't change the fact that Ford has the lowest fleetwide fuel efficiency of any major US automaker. Their fleetwide fuel efficiency is expected to go down again this year, as it has steadily since 1993. That's what needs to change.

Here's the press release that Ecopledge and several of our coalition partners released today.

Ford Can’t ‘Escape’ Lowest EPA Fuel-Efficiency Ranking

At less than one-half of one percent of the most gas-guzzling fleet on the road today, the new Hybrid Escape barely improves Ford’s fleet-wide average from 18.8 to 18.84 mpg

August 4, 2004—As the first of Ford’s gasoline-electric hybrid SUVs roll off its Kansas City assembly line with great fanfare, a coalition of environmental and human rights organizations challenge the company to make a real commitment to increasing the fuel economy of its entire fleet of cars and trucks.

“Ford’s Escape hybrid is a rolling advertisement for better technology and less pollution,’ said Elisa Lynch of Bluewater Network, ‘but it can’t hide the fact that Ford will still have the worst fuel efficiency of any major U.S. producer.�

According to U.S. EPA data, Ford has had the lowest average fleet fuel economy of any major U.S. automaker every year since 1999. With an annual production of only 20,000 vehicles, the introduction of the Escape hybrid is not expected to change that last place showing. Ford produces over 6,000,000 vehicles annually. The Escape SUV will account for less than one half of one percent of the 2005 model year production.

“We’re pleased to see that Ford is bringing a hybrid vehicle to market, but we’re still waiting for its overall plan,� said Jennifer Krill of Rainforest Action Network. “If Ford wants to position itself as an environmental leader, it needs to do more than produce one improved vehicle in limited quantities.�

Even as it was gearing up for the Escape rollout, the company was taking actions to undermine the entire federal fuel economy program. Weighing in on the recent Bush Administration request for comments on the fuel economy program structure, Ford supported maintaining an exemption for trucks between 8,500 and 10,000 pounds, as well as a loophole that permits pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans to meet lower fuel economy standards.

“Ford is supporting the Bush Administration’s proposal to maintain a loophole that blocks our escape from U.S. dependence on oil,� said Gretchen DuBeau of U.S. PIRG.�

Coalition members are dismayed that Ford is moving ahead with plans to confiscate and destroy its 350-vehicle fleet of Th!nk electric vehicles, which have been used by highly satisfied drivers under long-term lease since 2001. The current leaseholders have asked to be allowed to keep the vehicles, and a Norwegian manufacturer and the Norwegian government have asked for Ford to sell them the vehicles. Ford has not responded to any of those requests.

“If Ford were truly serious about increasing fuel economy, it would not be wantonly confiscating and crushing its pure electric vehicles,� said Jason Mark of Global Exchange. “The current drivers love these cars, and there are drivers in Europe who want them, but Ford is destroying them. Ford likes to call its Escape hybrid a ‘no compromise vehicle.’ In fact, by pulling these alternatives off the roads, Ford is compromising our children’s future.�

The groups challenged Ford to take immediate action to increase the fuel economy of its entire fleet using hybrid technologies as well as other conventional technologies that can greatly improve fuel efficiency.

“We wish we could feel more hopeful about Ford’s commitment to reducing oil dependence and carbon dioxide emissions with Ford’s launch of the Escape hybrid,� said Andrew Shalit of Ecopledge. “Unfortunately, the paltry number of hybrids the company is building, combined with the destruction of its pure electric vehicles, leaves us wondering when that day will be.�

New Environmental Regulations Push U.S. Automaker's Profits Down

Sunday's New York Times (free registration required) reported that as new environmental regulations move to reduce global-warming emissions, automakers may be forced to spend more on each vehicle in order to comply with new global warming rules.

As carbon constraints take hold and access to new technologies are developed and integrated, manufacturers able to produce vehicles with lower carbon emissions may see their global market share grow and their financial performance improve.

According to a report issued by the World Resource Institute Ford and GM stand to lose the most. According to this report their lack of commitment to lower CO2 emission rates is going to cost them. Ford will have to spend more than $403 on each vehicle while G.M. would have to spend $377 more. Meanwhile manufacturers, such as Honda and Toyota, who have already invested much more in fuel efficiency technologies, may actually be helped by tougher regulations.

Despite Ford's “greenwashing of their blue oval�, this report demonstrates how far Ford has to go before it is truly an environmental leader in the automotive industry.

NYC & 8 States Sue Global Warming Polluters

Contrary to yesterday’s blog entry in which corporations were applauded for proactively reporting and minimizing their greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental Media Service reported on July 21, 2004 that New York City and eight states (California, Connecticut, Iowa, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin) filed suit against the five largest global warming polluters in the United States. The companies being sued are American Electric Power Company; the Southern Company; Tennessee Valley Authority, Xcel Energy Inc.; and Cinergy Corporation. Combined these five industry giants own or operate 174 fossil fuel burning power plants and emit over 650 million tons of carbon dioxide each year. The plaintiffs have filed suit because global warming is a serious threat to communities and the environment in the states. The action mandates the targeted companies reduce their pollution however the action does not seek monetary compensation.

The Greenhose Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting amd Reporting Standard

Despite the U.S. reluctance to participate in the Kyoto Protocol, there have been undeniable advances in the accounting and reporting of corporate greenhouse gases (GHG) worldwide. The World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Buisness Council for Sustainable Development recently published the revised edition of The Greenhouse Gas Protocol. While WRI and WBSCD were the key conveners of the project, the success of the protocal depended on the close involvement of over 500 buisnesses, organizations and governments. The wide acceptance of the GHG Protocol has been pivotal in creating greater standardization for corporate GHG accounting and reporting and is a solid step for environmental corporate responsibility.

CO2 in our oceans water. Will this affect the food chain?

This is a question that some marine biologists and oceanographers are contemplating. According to Reuters atmospheric carbon dioxide levels would be 55 ppm (parts per million) higher without ocean absorption. Atmospheric levels are currently 380 ppm up from 280 ppm two centuries ago.

Oceans have the capacity to continue to take in CO2 for thousands of years. However as ocean surfaces capture and store carbon, the slow water circulation keeps the toxic gas more highly concentrated in the upper 10% of the ocean, where there is a high concentration of species.

Although this article does not directly target a particular corporation or industry sector per se I found this research to be yet another appalling example of how our current production methods, weak national and international environmental regulations and overall general indifference may soon come back to haunt us via the destruction and pollution of our very own food web.

BIG is not always better.

Not according to France's Environment Ministry. Under a new green road tax, effective in January 2005, French drivers who favor large SUV's and other large luxury cars will have to pay up to 3500 euros more. Under this plan cars will be divided up into five classes, from the least polluting to the most. Smaller cars, emitting less than 140 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer driven, will qualify for a rebate paid for by the taxes generated from the gas-guzzler vehicles. (Converting for the metricly challenged, this means that cars need to get about 40 miles per gallon or more to qualify for the rebate.) (via EarthBlog>

In the United States one out of every four new cars bought are SUV's. Some Americans believe that SUV's will make them safer, but it just isn't so.

Gretchen Dubeau of U.S. PIRG blames the Bush administration:

While it's true that the government could and should do more, we can't let that stop us from getting companies like Ford to do the right thing.

Full Disclosure

It's often said that if you want to change something, it's a good idea to start by measuring it. This isn't just a matter of helping you keep track of your progress. There are times when the simple act of measuring something and putting the numbers in front of people's faces will generate change. Visibility is the first step to reform.

Bill McKibben had a wonderful piece about this in Orion a couple of years ago. In My Mileage is Better than Your Mileage he describes how a little LCD on the dashboard of the Honda Insight has made Insight drivers not only aware, but obsessed with the mileage of their cars.

Kevin Drum has just proposed a wonderful new application of this rule.

And what are some other ways that we could change behavior just by showing people the numbers in their every day lives?

Chairman of Shell Fuels Debate over Global Warming

Ron Oxburgh, chairman of Shell, recently said that, "No one can be comfortable at the prospect of continuing to pump out the amounts of carbon dioxide that we are pumping out at the present...." By way of solution, Lord Oxburgh proposed capturing carbon dioxide emissions and storing them underground via a technique known as carbon sequestration.

Yet, many environmentalists and consumer advocates alike feel as though this plan is just plain rhetoric. Critics believe that carbon sequestration is an expensive and unproven smokescreen for the continued dependency on fossil fuels and will in the end harm the both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

I believe a more viable, economically sound and environmentally friendly approach involves higher fuel efficiency standards and increased levels of hybrid production among all major car manufacturers complemented by agressive development of clean renewable energy sources.

California Makes Bill Ford's Life More Complicated

The New York Times reports that California is considering climate change policies that would require auto manufacturers to increase their fuel efficiency by about 30%.

Bill Ford thinks is terribly inconvenient:

And if we are going to take that approach, we agree with our coalition partner Elisa Lynch from Bluewater Network that a 30% increase over the next ten years is barely a good start.

Ford, GM, and the Future

The Wall Street Journal reports that "both GM and Ford this week cranked up discounts to move out backlogs of big SUVs, which have suffered slowing sales as gas prices have risen."

Meanwhile, we hear reports that even Alan Greenspan now believes we are entering an era of permanently higher crude oil prices. "This will force U.S. producers and consumers to rethink how they use energy."

Let's hope.

Hybrids Beat Hydrogen

With all the hype about Hydrogen, it's important to remember that Hydrogen is not an energy source. You have to get the Hydrogen from somewhere, and that's the rub. The easiest place to get Hydrogen these days is natural gas, but it's actually more environmentally efficient just to burn the natural gas directly. You can get Hydrogen by running electricity through water, but in order to do that you have to generate electricity.

Long term, Hydrogen could be a great way to store energy. The wind doesn't always blow and the sun doesn't always shine. It's important that we develop systems for turning intermittent renewable energy sources into continuous clean energy sources. Hydrogen could play a role there.

But there are many questions to be answered and lots of work to do before Hydrogen can play that role. Which brings us to the issue of clean cars and the Hydrogen Highway. As Joe Romm makes clear in an interview with Salon, hybrids are the way to go for the next decade or two. Hydrogen deserves continued research, and it may be valuable in the long term. But we shouldn't let that distract us from our immediate need for cleaner, more efficient cars, a need that can be satisfied with existing technology at an affordable price.

You can read the full interview, with lots more details, at Salon.