5 06EnergyIndependance

Slide1: 

PSR is the U.S. affiliate of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War

Slide2: 

Energy Independence: Securing a Healthy and Peaceful World Catherine Thomasson, MD

America’s Energy Policy: 

America’s Energy Policy

Fossil Fuel Impacts on Public Health : 

Fossil Fuel Impacts on Public Health Global Warming Fossil fuel pollution Resource wars

Smart Energy Choices: 

Smart Energy Choices Improved efficiencies & conservation. Investing and developing safe, sustainable renewable energy. Decentralized, more secure energy sources

Slide7: 

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/sustainability/greenhouse_effect.html

Greenhouse Gases: 

Greenhouse Gases 75% CO2 from fossil fuels ~50% methane is manmade (fossil fuels, cattle, rice agriculture and landfills). 1/3 of current N2O emissions (agricultural soils, cattle feed lots and chemical industry)

Global Warming or Natural Variation? Data from Ice Cores: 

Global Warming or Natural Variation? Data from Ice Cores Levels of CO2 are 27% higher than any point in the last 650,000 years. 11/05 Science www.ncdc.noaa.gov

The Warming Trend Has Already Taken HoldA few examples:: 

The Warming Trend Has Already Taken Hold A few examples: Oceans, which can store large amounts of heat, have warmed since 1950 Antarctic ice shelves eroding Alaskan tundra is thawing Sea level rise: 8 inches in last 100 years S. Levitus et al, Science 2000; 287:2225-9

Slide11: 

-2 -3 -4 -5 Younger Dryas IPCC (2001) forecast: + 1.4-5.8oC, with band of uncertainty Little Ice Age in Europe (15th-18th centuries) 21st century: rapid rise Holocene Optimum Global Temperature: the Past 20,000 Years, & the Next 100 Years 10,000 2,000 1,000 300 100 Now +100 20,000 Medieval Warm 1940 http://www.who.int/globalchange/climate/summary/en/

Slide12: 

IPCC 2001: New Findings Climate is changing: Temp is up 1 deg F. Range 2.5-10.4 by 2100 Human action contribution Extreme Weather Events Heat waves, Droughts & Floods Intensity & Frequency (rains >2”/d) Biological Systems are responding

HEAT WAVE Aug. 2003: 

HEAT WAVE Aug. 2003 14,000 dead in France (2003) No decrease in mortality after heat wave 20,000 excess deaths in Europe Incidence of heat waves will double Am J Pub Health 2004;94(9) NASA

Heat Waves and Poverty: 

Heat Waves and Poverty Lack of air conditioning Inadequate or polluted water Lack of health services www.unshod.org/iotw0010/ indiaHeatWave_small.jpg Paris 2003

Weather Extremes: 

Weather Extremes Floods in Eastern Germany 2002 Mudslide, Ventura Co.

Hurricane Katrina: 

1,100,000 people displaced; 1,200 dead Hurricane Katrina

Slide17: 

Extreme Weather Leads to Outbreaks of Infectious Diseases: Case Study- Hurricane Mitch -- Malaria (>30,000 cases) -- Dengue fever (>1,000) -- Cholera (>30,000) -- Leptospirosis On average 13 times more people die per reported disaster in countries with low human development indicators than those with high indicators. Per UNEP DISEASE CLUSTER

Slide18: 

> > Montana on August 6, 2000 Bitteroot National Forest, Montana on August 6, 2000

Global Warming Causes Rising Sea Level: 

Global Warming Causes Rising Sea Level Sea level already up 8 inches since 1950 3.5-34.5 inches by 2100 Areas north of Florence most affected in Oregon

Coastal Impacts of Rising Sea Level: 

Coastal Impacts of Rising Sea Level Loss of islands Saltwater infiltration of clean drinking water Loss of tourism. Construction blocks natural retreat of shore and development of new wetland. St. Mary’s County

Effect on Oregon Snowpack: 

Effect on Oregon Snowpack Temp in Oregon 1.3 deg F hotter. Up to 25% reduction in snowpack in Cascades since 1930’s. Expect 50-70% loss by 2050. Stream flow reductions Loss of snowpack affects tourism, skiing, drinking water, irrigation and electricity production in summer www.vhtr.org

Impact of Global Warming on Agriculture & Ecosystems: 

Impact of Global Warming on Agriculture & Ecosystems Change in species specific zones Loss of Pinot noir grapes in Oregon with greater than 2.7Degree F increase Orchards temperature sensitive Increase in insect populations ½ of Oregon agriculture is irrigated

Global Warming & Infectious Diseases: 

Global Warming & Infectious Diseases West Nile Virus Wikipedia Schistosomiasis-CDC Malaria-Medstar Lab

Mosquitoes on the Move: 

Mosquitoes on the Move Source: World Wildlife Fund, 1996 Warmer temperatures encourage northward migration of malaria-carrying mosquitoes

Hantavirus: 

Hantavirus Infection results in 37% mortality. Hantavirus causes a generalized febrile ds with pulmonary infection Drought reduces natural predators of the mouse vector

Slide29: 

Rising Temperatures Worsen Air Pollution

RAGWEED POLLEN PRODUCTION: 

RAGWEED POLLEN PRODUCTION Wayne et al., Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 2002;8:279 p = 0.005

Slide31: 

  ASTHMA 2-3x Since 1980s     Climate Change, Pollution AND Asthma Indoor pollutants     SES/emotional factors Ground-level Ozone (T-dependant) Pollen & CO2 Diesel, NOx s (& pollen) Droughts & Fires Floods & Mold

Asthma: 

Asthma 16 million in US or 7.5% of the population 9 million are children Increased 75% since 1980. Largest increase in preschool children (160%) Low income & African Americans disproportionately affected.

Global Warming Causes Asthma: 

Global Warming Causes Asthma In communities with high ozone concentrations: relative risk of developing asthma in children playing 3 or more sports = 3.3 (95% CI 1.9-5.8) compared with children playing no sports Lancet 2002; 359:386-91 US EPA

Slide34: 

Decreased lung volumes in college freshman associated with lifetime exposure to air pollution.

Burning Fossil Fuels is the Greatest Source of Air Pollution!: 

Burning Fossil Fuels is the Greatest Source of Air Pollution!

Other Fossil Fuel Pollution: 

Other Fossil Fuel Pollution Japanese oil storage fire. Tribune India

Natural Gas Pipeline: 

Natural Gas Pipeline Erosion at pipeline site in Oregon (Geoengineers) PGE-PGT

Total U.S. Energy Consumption 2000: 

Total U.S. Energy Consumption 2000 National Energy Foundation

US Sources of Imported Oil 2004: 

US Sources of Imported Oil 2004 www.eia.doe.gov

World Peak Natural Gas and Oil : 

World Peak Natural Gas and Oil

Outcomes of Dependence on Fossil Fuels: 

Outcomes of Dependence on Fossil Fuels Global Warming Pollution Infrastructure vulnerability Foreign policy decision-making based on acquiring fuels Natural Gas pipeline from Caspian Sea to Turkey and Europe

The Security Cost of U.S. Oil Dependence: 

The Security Cost of U.S. Oil Dependence Skews U.S. foreign policy. Oil revenues fund terrorism and/or conflict. Resource wars. Vulnerable energy infrastructure. Proliferation risks of nuclear power. www.rrmuseumpa.org Oil fires in war Iraq 1991

Oil Policy Linked to  Foreign Policy: 

Oil Policy Linked to Foreign Policy US Defense Dept, 2004

US in the Middle East: 

US in the Middle East Roosevelt and all subsequent US presidents support of the royal Saudi family CIA removal of Mossadegh of Iran Carter’s support of Shah of Iran Support for Saddam Hussein against Iran Invasion of Iraq

US Economy Dependant on Foreign Oil: 

US Economy Dependant on Foreign Oil Myers Visits Saudi Arabia, Jordan www.defenselink.mil ExxonMobil

Slide46: 

The Saudi Connection How “$70” billion in oil money spawned a global terror network By David E. Kaplan 12/15/03

Slide47: 

“An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force. --President Jimmy Carter, 1980 State of the Union Address

“Oil Drives US Basing” Defense News 9/03: 

“Oil Drives US Basing” Defense News 9/03 Bases in Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan Training missions in Georgia Azerbaijan with a new US supported oil pipeline & proposed site of US military base Airbase: Camp Stronghold Freedom, Uzbekistan

Case Study: The Niger Delta: 

Case Study: The Niger Delta Adeje, Nigeria Fire Disaster

Oil and War: 

Oil and War Countries that export oil are more than 40 times more likely to be engaged in civil war than those that do not export oil. --World Bank

Oil, War and Public Health: 

Oil, War and Public Health War IS a medical issue: Physical injury Psychological illness Disability Degradation of public health infrastructure Lack of clean water Lack of electricity Loss of personal safety Robert Fisk, Iraqi child

Vulnerable Energy Infrastructure: 

Vulnerable Energy Infrastructure Vulnerable to attack Pentagon states Alaskan oil pipeline is indefensible Destruction of refineries by Hurricane Katrina 3 proposed Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) terminals in Oregon-Coos Bay, Astoria, St. Helens www.gasnet.com Kenai, Alaska Zebu. uoregon.edu

Nuclear Power Vulnerabilities: 

Nuclear Power Vulnerabilities U.S. home to >100 nuclear power plants Vulnerable to attack or sabotage Located near population centers No safe storage Inadequate security

Slide55: 

1) Strengthen international institutions and support the “Rule of Law”. 2) Stop the spread of nuclear weapons 3) Change budget priorities to reflect real security needs 4) Address the root causes of terrorism—poverty & hopelessness SMART Platform 2006 House Resolution 158

Slide56: 

Less than 5% of the Department of Energy’s budget pays for energy efficiency and renewable sources like wind, solar, and biomass. Since 1947 US paid $145 billion on nuclear R& D versus $5 billion on renewables Trojan Nuclear Plant Ancil Nance

Solutions: 

Solutions

Governmental Actions: 

Governmental Actions Regulate or increase incentives to improve efficiency in housing, transportation, and industry Develop new clean energy or increase market incentives to do so. Salem, OR Capitol

Slide59: 

State of Oregon website for energy resources egov.oregon.gov/ENERGY/

Transportation Efficiencies: 

Transportation Efficiencies Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards: Current 27.5mgp/20.5 truck Increase to 32/24 saves 2.7 mil. barrels/day = 2x ANWR production. Raising CAFÉ to 40mpg = NO Persian Gulf oil. Oregon adopts California auto emissions standards-30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2016. Portland Hybrid bus

Transportation Efficiency: 

Transportation Efficiency Rail-highest efficiency Mass transit Alternative vehicles Battery/Electric cars Bio-diesel Ethanol Better Neighborhood planning © Roland Wooster 2006

Other Efficiencies: 

Other Efficiencies Since 1992 Oregon avoided building 3 coal-burning power plants by encouraging energy efficient appliances & green building Stevens roofing on Rose Arena

Support Sustainable Energy: 

Support Sustainable Energy Pollution added tax $2000-$5000 per vehicle. Shift the $20 billion subsidies and tax write offs per year from Oil and Gas companies to sustainable energy industries.

Support Sustainable Energy: 

Support Sustainable Energy $1,571 cost per car of keeping Fifth Fleet in the Middle East

Solar Energy: 

Solar Energy More costly per unit of energy Can be on the grid or off. Passive or active www.energy.state.md.us

Wind Energy: 

Wind Energy Equivalent in price to natural gas or coal Intermittent source Seattle 100% green electricity Wind could supply at least 20% of US electricity needs www.dabydeen.com

Achieving More Wind Energy: 

Achieving More Wind Energy Consistent policy support for production tax credit Nondiscriminatory access to transmission lines New transmission lines

Geothermal: 

Geothermal Plant in Klamath Falls Environmentally friendly 24 hour electricity production Fully heats Iceland

Slide69: 

http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk

Bad choice: 

Bad choice Commence a phase-out of nuclear power.

Sweden Oil Free by 2020: 

Sweden Oil Free by 2020 By 2003, 26% from renewables (EU av. 6%) Working with Saab and Volvo to provide vehicles only using ethanol and biofuels Pledges no increase in nuclear. Sweden aims to use forests for biofuels Photo: Mattias Klum

Multnomah County CO2 Emissions: 

Multnomah County CO2 Emissions 2 light rail lines 75% growth in public transit use >10% renewable energy purchase Recycling rate of 54% 750,000 trees planted since 1996 800 Home and 10,000 multifamily units weatherized Energy Trust of Oregon established

What Can One Person Do?: 

What Can One Person Do?

Contact Your Elected Officials: 

Contact Your Elected Officials NO! Energy legislation that enforces fossil fuel dependence No new drilling off coast of Oregon No new nuclear plants YES! Support new tailpipe Emission Standards Support clean energy target of 25% by 2020

Personal Energy Choices: 

Personal Energy Choices Choose high efficiency vehicles and appliances Work with your employer Turn off electrical devices Choose green electricity Review home and remodeling energy choices Leave your car at home- bike or use mass transit Find regional resources to help, support and motivate you!

Join Together for Change: 

Join Together for Change 921 SW Morrison #308 Portland, OR 97205 Phone: 503-274-2720 www.OregonPSR.org

Thank you!PSR Energy Security Initiative1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1012Washington, DC 20009www.psrenergysecurity.org: 

Thank you! PSR Energy Security Initiative 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1012 Washington, DC 20009 www.psrenergysecurity.org

Additional Resources: 

Additional Resources Physicians for Social Responsibility’s Energy Security Initiative (Online Resources) http://www.psrenergysecurity.org Energy Information Administration (Official Energy Statistics from the U.S. Government) http://www.eia.doe.gov Resource Wars: The New Landscape of Global Conflict and Blood and Oil: The Dangers and Consequences of America’s Growing Dependency on Imported Petroleum, both by Michael T. Klare. The End of Oil, Paul Roberts 2004

Kyoto Protocol: 

Kyoto Protocol Amendment to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 156 countries In force Feb. 2005 The Kyoto Protocol is a legal agreement under which industrialized countries will reduce their collective emissions of greenhouse gases by 5.2% compared to the year 1990