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REBUTTAL TO TROMP ET AL.'S RESPONSE, SCIENCE 302:226-229,10 OCT. 2003
Amory B. Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute provides a rebuttal to a response by Tromp et al. regarding hydrogen leakage rates. Lovins argues that the 10% to 20% leakage rate assumed by Tromp et al. is unsupported by evidence and technically implausible for commercial systems. He specifically disputes the claim that liquid hydrogen (LH2) boiloff from automotive tanks would contribute significantly to atmospheric emissions, asserting that such gases would be used as fuel or catalytically oxidized. Lovins further contends that the automotive industry is moving toward compressed gaseous hydrogen (GH2) over LH2 due to superior economics, safety, and weight, citing a concept SUV as evidence that high-pressure GH2 tanks can meet or exceed range benchmarks.
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Document type: Statement
Failing the challenge
The report "Failing the challenge" by Friends of the Earth International is a critical response to Shell's 2003 corporate report. It argues that despite public commitments to sustainable development and human rights, Shell continues to cause significant environmental damage and health crises in communities surrounding its global operations, particularly in the Global South.
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Document type: Report
Towards Assessing the Distributional Impacts of Meeting Kyoto Targets in Canada
This research paper introduces MARKAL-Equity, a model developed to assess the distributional impacts of meeting Kyoto Protocol emission targets on different income groups in Canada's residential sector. The study finds that low-income households are the most vulnerable to energy price increases, experiencing the greatest reductions in energy service demand and consumption, and lacking the financial capacity to switch to more efficient technologies compared to middle- and high-income groups.
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Document type: Research paper
Everyday Solutions to Climate Change
This briefing by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) provides a comprehensive guide for homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint through energy-efficiency measures. It establishes a baseline for the typical American single-family home and outlines a strategic, cost-effective path toward achieving climate neutrality by 2012 through a combination of behavioral changes, equipment upgrades, green power, and carbon offsets.
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Document type: Briefing
Air Conditioner Efficiency Standards: SEER 13 vs. SEER 12
This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute examines the debate over U.S. air conditioner efficiency standards, specifically comparing the SEER 13 standard established by the Clinton Administration with a proposed rollback to SEER 12 by the Bush Administration. It details the projected energy savings, emission reductions, and economic impacts associated with both standards.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Kyoto Protocol Packs Powerful Compliance Punch
This report analyzes the compliance system of the Kyoto Protocol, describing it as more robust than typical multilateral environmental agreements due to its quasi-judicial enforcement mechanisms and specific penalties for developed nations that fail to meet emissions targets.
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Document type: Report
Bush energy plan violates international law
The Center for International Environmental Law asserts that the 2001 Bush energy plan violates international law and the UN Climate Convention by significantly increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Document type: Statement
Case Studies of Power Sector Reform in Developing Countries
This report analyzes the restructuring of Bulgaria's power sector around 2000, detailing the transition from a state monopoly (NEC) to a 'Single Buyer' model with independent producers and distributors. It highlights the heavy influence of the IMF and World Bank, the failure to implement a fully transparent regulatory framework, and the social strain on low-income households. Key technical data includes a total capacity of 12,668 MW, dominated by thermal (51.7%) and nuclear (29.7%) power. The report also notes Bulgaria's GHG emission targets under the Kyoto Protocol and the critical state of its district heating systems.
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Document type: Report
ASSESSING GOOD PRACTICES IN POLICIES AND MEASURES TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
This research paper describes the development and application of a set of six criteria used to assess 'good practices' in climate change mitigation policies and measures (PAM) across six Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Led by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC), the project aimed to help economies in transition find low-emission development paths and build institutional capacity to meet UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol obligations.
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Document type: Research paper
PROSPECTS OF CDM FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA
This report analyzes the potential for China to participate in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol. It evaluates the economic, environmental, and social benefits and costs, emphasizing that while the CDM offers short-term gains in foreign investment and technology, it poses a long-term risk of technology dependence if core R&D and manufacturing capabilities are not transferred. The authors provide strategic recommendations for China to ensure the CDM supports its long-term sustainable development goals.
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Document type: Report
A Youth Strategy for Public Outreach on Climate Change
This 1999 consulting report by the IISD Business Trust, submitted to the Government of Canada, proposes a five-year engagement strategy to raise climate change awareness and motivate emissions reductions among Canadian youth aged 13 to 29. Moving beyond simple social marketing, the strategy emphasizes an 'engagement' model that positions youth as leaders and participants. It is structured around three interrelated streams: information and awareness campaigns, capacity building for youth, and community actions, with a strong emphasis on intergenerational and multisectoral collaboration.
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Document type: Report
Compliance Institutions for the Kyoto Protocol: A Joint CIEL/WWF Proposal
A joint proposal by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and WWF emphasizing the need for a carefully designed compliance system for the Kyoto Protocol to ensure greenhouse gas emission reduction targets are met.
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Document type: Report
COMERCIO INTERNACIONAL Y DESARROLLO SUSTENTABLE
This executive summary analyzes the relationship between trade liberalization, economic growth, and environmental impact in Argentina during the 1990s. It distinguishes between the manufacturing sector, where trade opening did not significantly clean the export basket, and the agricultural sector, where technological adoption led to a 'virtuous cycle' of increased production and environmental benefits.
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Document type: Executive summary
Visions of Sustainability in the Baltic Sea Region: Beyond Conventional Development
This 1998 report by the Stockholm Environment Institute presents two contrasting future scenarios for the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) up to the year 2030: a Conventional Development Scenario (CDS) and a Sustainability Vision. The report argues that a 'business-as-usual' approach will lead to increased environmental pressure and persistent socio-economic disparities, whereas a transition to sustainability requires proactive policy interventions, technological decoupling of growth from resource use, and a shift in human values.
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Document type: Report
Incorporation of Environmental Considerations in Energy Planning in the People’s Republic of China
This 1995 report by the Stockholm Environment Institute, conducted as a UNEP project with the National Environmental Protection Agency of China, analyzes the environmental impacts of energy planning in the People's Republic of China. Using the LEAP/EDB model, the study compares a Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario against two enhanced environmental scenarios to forecast pollutant emissions (SO2, CO2, NOx, PM, and CO) through 2020. The report identifies coal as the primary driver of pollution and recommends a shift toward a cleaner energy mix, improved energy efficiency, and the implementation of integrated energy-environment planning and economic instruments to achieve sustainable development.
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Document type: Report
TEXAS TRANSPORTATION ENERGY SAVINGS STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION
This 1995 report by the Stockholm Environment Institute analyzes energy consumption and pollutant emissions in the Texas transportation sector. Using the LEAP/EDB analysis system, the study establishes a 1994 baseline (Reference Scenario) and projects energy use through 2020 across five different policy scenarios: Reference, Rollback, Moderate, Aggressive, and Visionary. The report evaluates the impact of transportation control measures (TCMs), technological innovations, and pricing policies on reducing petroleum dependence and improving air quality.
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Document type: Report
EUROPEAN UNION CARBON TAX
This teaching note, prepared by Scott Barrett for the World Resources Institute's Sustainable Enterprise Program, provides a framework for a classroom negotiation exercise regarding a proposed European Union carbon tax. It combines negotiation theory with a case study on the economic and environmental challenges of implementing regional climate policies, specifically focusing on the risks of 'leakage' and loss of competitiveness.
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Document type: Guide
Estimating greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel consumption: two approaches compared
This research paper compares two methodologies for estimating national-level greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector, specifically analyzing CO2 emissions for 1988 and the additional heating effects of other combustion gases.
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Document type: Research paper
ahs-sustainability-letterfinal-206dc65c25ca66be.pdf
A letter from physicians associated with the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment to the Alberta government advocating for the creation and funding of an office of sustainability within Alberta Health Services (AHS).
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Document type: Statement
Backgrounder: Alberta Coal Plants, Climate Change & Human Health
This fact sheet from the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment outlines the link between Alberta's reliance on coal-fired power plants, greenhouse gas emissions, and the resulting impacts of climate change on human health both globally and within Alberta.
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Document type: Fact sheet