Sign in at
www.weatherizedc.org
for the Home Energy Festival -- a variety of homes are participating

Late yesterday WeatherizeDC.org called and assigned me to the
Home Energy Festival happening at
the home of
Karen Florini at
1809 24th Street NW, Washington DC,
near Massachusetts Ave NW,
on the west side of the DuPont Circle area -
Metro DuPont Circle North exit, Red Line.

Hope to see you there, Philo.

They said I could post to have more members of the meetup attend at this home, as there should be space there, and as they are looking to expand their weatherization efforts in the city.

Ms. Florini is currently Director of Strategic Alliances for the Environmental Defense Fund's National Climate Campaign, focusing primarily on federal legislative matters.

Below is the description of the WeatherizeDC.org Home Energy Festival from their website:

Wednesday, December 16th will mark the largest mobilization for home energy efficiency in history. Homeowners from every neighborhood in Northwest DC will open up their homes and host their friends, family, and neighbors at a WeatherizeDC Home Energy Meeting!
A home energy meeting will help you learn more about the process of weatherization, your next steps as a homeowner or volunteer, and our opportunity as a community to build a model green city.
RSVP to learn more and get connected to your closest Energy Meeting Host with WeatherizeDC.org.

WeatherizeDC.org will be continuing their efforts throughtout the winter - the a preliminary goal of weatherizing 200 homes in the city from their direct efforts, and inspiring much more weatherization.

Weatherizing, and other conservation and lifestyle steps, are crucial to stop Global Warming and delay shortages of depleting fossil fuels. Renewalable energy goes well with weatherization and other reduction of usage steps.

Other events coming up.

December 17: Reducing Our Oil Imports Over the Next Decade
2:30 - 4:00 p.m in 902 Hart Senate Office Building. Please RSVP by calling the Clean Fuels Development Coalition at 301-718-0077, or email Carol Warren at CFDCCarolWarren@aol.com.

The Clean Fuels Foundation and the Ethanol Across America education campaign invite you to a briefing on energy security saluting the anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN), Co-chairman of the Ethanol Across America Advisory Committee and an original sponsor of the RFS, will host the briefing. Former Director of Central Intelligence James Woolsey, Anne Korin, author of Energy Security Challenges For The 21st Century, and others will discuss national/energy security issues, the role of biofuels ,and advances in food and fuel production technologies.

January 26-28, 2010: EDTA Conference & Annual Meeting at the Washington Auto Show

The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) invites you to its annual conference at the Washington Auto Show. TFeaturing - two general plenary sessions, 12 breakout sessions covering all aspects of the electric drive industry, and pre-conference workshops., as well as social and networking opportunities. By registering for the EDTA Conference, you will have full access to the Washington, DC Auto Show—including the “Government Sneak Peek” on January 26. To register, visit www.electricdrive.org or call 202-408-0774 x 306.

Below is from
Writers: Josh Cornfeld, David Sher, and Amy Sauer

Please distribute Climate Change News to your colleagues. Permission for reproduction of this newsletter is granted provided that the Environmental and Energy Study Institute -- www.eesi.org -- is properly acknowledged as the source. Past issues are available here. Free email subscriptions are available here. We welcome your suggestions, comments, and questions.

Talks in Copenhagen Continue as Draft Climate Plan is Released

On December 7, delegates from over 190 nations met in Copenhagen for talks on a new global treaty to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Key issues being discussed are emissions reductions targets for both developed and developing countries, the level and means of financing a clean energy transition for poor nations, and strategies for reducing deforestation. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon noted that he has been active in discussions with key leaders. "I have been very consciously engaging with developing countries," he said. "Even if there have been some trust issues, we have been bridging this gap as much as we can. This is what I am going to continue to do."

On December 11, members of the Ad-hoc Working Group on Long-Term Cooperative Action released a draft text just over six pages long. It stipulates that the world should seek to keep global temperatures from rising beyond a range of 2.7–3.6°F above pre-industrial levels. The text also offers a range of possible emissions reductions targets for developed countries by 2020 compared to 1990 levels: by a range of 25 to 40 percent; by 30 percent; by 40 percent; or by 45 percent. Major developing countries could reduce their GHG emissions 15 to 30 percent of 1990 levels by 2020. The draft also calls on rich nations to create fast-start financing over the next three years to help poor nations deal with climate change, but does not specify any amount. As the draft text was released, the European Union (EU) pledged to provide $10 billion to help poor nations over the next three years.

The conference concludes December 18 .At least 110 heads of state have committed to joining the summit as it draws to a close. President Obama announced that he would attend the talks on December 18, with the White House stating that “continued U.S. leadership can be most productive through participation at the end of the Copenhagen conference.”

Current Climate Pledges Will Lead to a 3.5°C Rise

On December 6, the energy consultancy Ecofys and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research released a new report which found that if current greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction pledges are implemented, the global average temperature will likely increase by 3.5°C. Concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) would hit about 650 parts per million (ppm), according to the current commitments by nations. At the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate Change in July, world leaders adopted a 2°C target. “The pledges on the table will not halt emissions growth before 2040, let alone by 2015 as indicated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and are far from halving emissions by 2050 as has been called for by the Group of 8,” said Niklas Hoehne of Ecofys. “Instead, global emissions are likely to be nearly double 1990 levels by 2040 based on present pledges.”

World Bank Poll: Majority of People Want Action on Climate Change, Even If It Entails Costs

On December 4, the World Bank released a new poll which found that 88 percent of total respondents and 82 percent of those surveyed from the United States believed their countries should take action against climate change. The poll surveyed 13,518 people from 15 nations - Bangladesh, China, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Russia, Senegal, Turkey, the United States, and Vietnam. Additionally, majorities in 14 out of 15 countries surveyed, including the United States, agreed that, “Dealing with the problem of climate change should be given priority, even if it causes slower economic growth and some loss of jobs.” World Bank Vice President for Sustainable Development Katherine Sierra said, “The poll's findings shed light on global attitudes at a particularly important moment: the run-up to the conference on climate change to be held December 7-18 in Copenhagen. Hearing from people in the developing world offers a new lens on this issue.”

IMF: Careful Carbon Pricing Will Not Hurt Economic Recovery

On December 4, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) position paper concluded that the world can address climate change with economically efficient policies without harming the economic recovery. “The economic crisis does not change the basic climate challenge,” the IMF said. “Even a serious recession, with prolonged output losses, has limited implications for appropriate mitigation objections.” The IMF's Benjamin Jones and Michael Keen said, “A cautious shift toward more aggressive carbon pricing (through taxation or tradable emission permits) need not impede recovery.” They warned that suboptimal policies leading to high volatility in the carbon market would hurt the recovery and advocated against the free distribution of emission allowances.

Climate Change to Drive Up to One Billion from Homes

On December 8, an International Organization for Migration (IOM) report forecasted that climate change could cause up to one billion people to leave their homes by 2050. “Further climate change, with global temperatures expected to rise between 2 and 5°C by the end of this century, could have a major impact on the movement of people,” the report said. IOM also estimated that 20 million people were left homeless in 2008 after environmental disasters. The report concluded that few “climate refugees” would be able to leave their countries. “Aside from the immediate flight in the face of disaster, migration may not be an option for the poorest and most vulnerable groups,” it said. Instead, IOM predicted that migrants would move into already crowded cities.

From Julia Sullivan <jsullivan@360jmg.com> today

SEFC 2009 Affordable Solar: Moving to the Mainstream

Members of this meetup are being offered the same special registration rate as members of the Maryland - DC - Virginia Chapter of the Solar Energy Industry Association, "MDV-SEIA" at the knowledge-packed SEFC 2009 - December 3-5.

The December 3-5 2009 Solar Energy Focus Conference 2009, "SEFC 2009" at the Hilton Hotel, 620 Perry Parkway, in Gaithersburg, Maryland is a great Solar Energy and Efficiency event coming soon. Start 9am DEcember 3, end 5pm December 5.

Thursday December 3 - Morning - Solar Finance Workshop - crucial to any installation
Afternoon - Annual MDV-SEIA meeting
Evening - 6-9pm Public Reception and Opening of Exhibit Hall

Friday December 4
Registration and Exhibit Hall 7am-5:30pm
Speakers, Lunch, snaks and Closing Reception 8:30am to 7:30pm

Saturday December 5
No Exhibit Hall
Workshops throughout the day
- most with fees - or is it included if you paid for the full conference?
Ask Julia Sullivan <jsullivan@360jmg.com>
or at 202-204-2173

45+ speakers will address SEFC 2009's theme of Affordable Solar: Moving to the Mainstream, including:

-Professor John Byrne, PhD 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Winner for work on advisory panel to the UN on Global Warming and Climate Change

-Jigar Shah, Carbon War Room CEO & SunEdison Founder

- Rhone Resch, President & CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)

- And many other knowledgeable and notable speakers and exhibitors.
SEFC 2009,Affordable Solar Moving: Moving to the Mainstream, is a phenomenal learning and networking opportunity for everyone interested in renewables and energy efficiency, whether for their own homes or as a business opportunity. ---With 10 panel discussions, 25+ exhibitors, 6 workshops and networking events making this significant Solar Industry event around.
Members of this meetup have the special opportunity to receive the same registration rate as members of Maryland , DC, Virginia Chapter of the Solar Energy Industry Association, "MDV-SEIA" at SEFC 2009

1. MDV-SEIA Discounted Rate for General Admission
Anyone from this meetup, who is interested in attending, can receive a special discounted rate of only $195 / person. This is the same rate that we offer to all Maryland , DC, Virginia Chapter
of the Solar Energy Industry Association, MDV-SEIA members.
To receive this discount, they should visit the registration page:
http://www.mdvseia.camp7.org/Default.aspx?pageId=441867

The registration type will be "partners' registration" and the registration code will be "partner"
2. Partial Attendance
Although I highly recommend your group members look at the conference program to see if there are any speakers or panels they'd like to attend first, they can also choose to just attend the exhibit hall, on Thursday December 3, 2009 from 6 - 9 pm for the public reception. They can meet with the 25+ exhibitors free of charge.
3. Students
Any members of this meetup who are in high school, college or solar certification courses can receive the special student rate, $85/person. They'll need to contact Julia Sullivan of SEFC 2009
at jsullivan@360jmg.com
or at 202-204-2173 for more details.

Getting there on public transit:
-- Gaithersburg MARC Commuter Rail Station - about 1.5 miles to the Hilton Hotel. walk, bike, or check with WMATA for bus schedules or
-- Shady Grove Metro Station - Red Line end of the line - is 4.5 miles to the Hilton Hotel in Gaithersburg -- admittedly a very long walk, but possibly mild bike ride, also check WMATA bus, and you could transfer to MARC train to Gaithersburg

If attendees indicate whether they would be willing to offer a ride or need a ride and enable emailing through the meetup site, some ride-sharing might be possible for a few.

Also - News unrelated to SEFC 2009 above:
Event
Monday November 30 6-8:30pm help prepare for Friday Climate 350 Rally at:
CCAN Headquarters 6835 Eastern Ave Takoma Park, MD
RSVP to and/or contact:
Keith Harrington <keith@chesapeakeclimate.org>

Tuesday December 1, 2009 6:30pm
Come Join GREEN BUILDING INSTITUTE at
The Second Annual Membership Appreciation and Fundraising Gala
Please join the Green Building Institute, its members, sponsors and friends for an evening filled with good food, live music, and a "green" raffle.
The Gala will take place at: the Enviro Center, 7761 Waterloo Road, Jessup, MD 20794
All current, past and future members of the Institute and their friends are welcome to join us!
Because space will be limited, please RSVP, by calling 443-733-1234
If you can offer me, Philo Collins, a ride from DC or GreenBelt Metro please email me at
philosofr - gmail.com

Friday December 4 Noon - Climate 350 action with 1Sky and CCAN at White House - Lafayette Park DC
http://ccan-takoma-park.groups.local.1sky.org/en/calendar.event.view/id/12576/uid/12576/year/2009/month/12/day/01/

Become a fan of My Green Neighborhood - installation videos and other info, run by member L.A. Davis of D.C.
http://www.facebook.com/n/?pages%2FMy-Green-Neighborhood%2F166197057710&mid=175c0c8G2289354bG35a2b90G4c

Climate change: Copenhagen in graphics --
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8359629.stm
The USA uses per person far more energy - non-renewable and climate changing - then other countries, except the oil rich Gulf States

“60 Minutes” Confirms that the Clean Coal Smoke Screen Continues
www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/04/smoke_screen_continues.html
see also
www.coalcountrythemovie.com

January 23 2010 Chesapeake Bay "Keep Winter Cold" Polar Bear Plunge with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network - publicity and get-together event and fundraiser

WHAT: Green Roofs and Pervious Pavers
WHEN: Saturday, November 7th, 2009 from 10am - noon
WHERE: Trinidad Recreation Center - see the green roof
1310 Childress Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
making good things happen in this neighborhood - Trinidad
WHO: Speakers: Jenny Guillaume, DDOE – Pervious Pavers
Ty Voyles, DC Greenworks – Green Roofs

Please join the DC Department of the Environment
& the Department of Parks and Recreation for the
last 2009 workshop in their
Organic Gardening and Lawn Care Series.

Learn about the different types and designs
of green roofs and their benefits. You'll
also learn about using pervious pavers instead
of an impervious surface like concrete and
asphalt for walkways, driveways, and patios.
Learn how both these practices can reduce
stormwater runoff.

Green Roofs in DC
http://ddoe.dc.gov/ddoe/cwp/view,a,1209,q,499551.asp#5

DC Green Roof Showcase
ddoe.dc.gov/ddoe/lib/ddoe/2009.04.10_Green_Roof_Showcase.pdf

(Ward 5)
District Department of the Environment -- DDOE
51 N Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 535-2600

What: Sustainable Tourism Presentation and Green Travel Auction

Who: Chris Seek, President of Solimar International, and board member of Sustainable Travel International

When: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 6:00-8:00pm
Where: Busboys & Poets, Langston Room (14th and V St.- near 14th and U St.)
*2 blocks from U St. Cardozo Metro, Green/Yellow Line
further from DuPont Circle Metro, Red Line
Tickets: $15 Members, $20 Non-Members* (Cash/Check Only at Door)
Includes One Drink Ticket. Menu items available.
*one-time additional $5 fee provides membership status
RSVP: dcgreenconnection@gmail.com
For more information, contact Monika Thiele (206.790.1769)
From Monika Thiele, organizer of DC Green Connection:

Greetings DC Green Connection Members and Friends!

I hope you are enjoying the fall colors which really seem to have popped this weekend! I'm out here on the Chesapeake Bay looking the sun dappled leaves and Canadian geese flying south, getting ready to migrate back to DC myself.
Hopefully you've had a chance to peek at the information for this Thursday's DC Green Connection event featuring the topic of travel and tourism. How can we all take steps to travel more lightly and apply green practices to our choices for transportation, lodging, dining and tour operators?
Chris Seek, board member of Sustainable Travel International (a non-profit), will guide us through today's tourism landscape and share tips for traveling more responsibly. Chris is also President of Solimar International, a DC-based sustainable tourism consulting firm that provides strategy, training, investment and marketing services to tourism businesses and associations around the world.
The presentation will start at 6:00pm followed by a networking reception and information about Sustainable Travel International's green travel auction! All proceeds go to benefit Sustainable Travel International's mission to promote responsible travel and ecotourism, support sustainable development, and help travelers and travel providers protect what's best about the destinations we visit.
Our green hosts for the evening, Busboys & Poets, are a certified B corporation, meaning that they apply high standards of social and environmental performance which you can learn more about on Thursday.
Please join us and bring your friends to help spread the word about traveling green!
Green regards,
Monika Thiele
The DC Green Connection &
Sustainable Travel International

Sustainable Travel International (STI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to promoting responsible tourism, supporting sustainable development, and helping travelers and travel providers protect the environments and cultures they visit.
The DC Green Connection (DCGC) is a new green venture dedicated to growing the green economy locally and promoting sustainable living widely. Find out about simple ways to green your lifestyle, make more informed consumer choices, and connect with green businesses near you!

Host: Focus-In! Cinema for a Conscious Community
Type: Party - Movie/TV Night
Network: Global
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Time: 9:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Busboys @ 5th & K
Street: 1025 5th Street, NW
City/Town: Washington, DC

Food and drinks will be served! T-shirt giveaway and more!

A special "Focus-In! Cinema for a Conscious Community" presentation focusing on Global Warming!

'The Age of Stupid' is the new cinema documentary from the Director of 'McLibel' and the Producer of the Oscar-winning 'One Day in September'. This enormously ambitious drama-documentary-animation hybrid stars Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite as an old man living in the devastated world of 2055, watching 'archive' footage from 2008 and asking: "why didn't we stop climate change while we had the chance?"