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The US Military on the Front Lines of Rising Seas
The Union of Concerned Scientists analyzed 18 strategic US military installations on the East and Gulf coasts, finding that most face significant risks from rising seas. Under a 'highest' scenario of sea level rise, some bases could lose between 75 and 95 percent of their land area by 2100. The report highlights that tidal flooding frequency will increase steeply, and storm surges will reach further inland and with greater depth. It emphasizes the need for high-resolution mapping and regional collaboration, noting that the vulnerability of surrounding low-income and minority communities can further compromise base operations.
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Document type: Executive summary
Voluntary Methane Reduction Efforts Will Still Fall Short of Methane Reduction Goal
The Clean Air Task Force asserts that the EPA's Methane Challenge Program, which relies on voluntary industry commitments, cannot achieve the U.S. target of a 40-45% reduction in oil and gas methane emissions by 2025. While 41 companies joined as founding members, the program lacks participation from oil and gas exploration and production companies, which are responsible for 73% of the industry's methane emissions. Although 37 Local Distribution Companies representing nearly 60% of natural gas utility customers are participating, the author maintains that voluntary measures are no substitute for strong, nation-wide regulations of existing pollution sources.
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Document type: Statement
Financing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs): Options for Implementation
The report outlines a framework for financing the implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), focusing on three primary sources: domestic public budgets, international public funds, and private sector investment. It emphasizes the role of NAPs in articulating priorities to secure funding and highlights the necessity of integrating adaptation into national planning and budgeting cycles. Key discussions include the use of fiscal instruments to raise domestic revenue, the challenges of tracking adaptation finance, the process of developing 'bankable' project pipelines for international funds, and the public sector's role in creating an enabling environment for private investment.
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Document type: Report
ENERGY SAVINGS FROM WINDOW SHADES
The report evaluates the energy impact of Hunter Douglas insulating honeycomb shades using whole-building simulations in nine U.S. cities. It finds that these shades can significantly reduce heating and cooling energy consumption, particularly in existing homes, while improving operative temperatures and reducing peak electrical demand. The study emphasizes that savings are highly dependent on the operation schedule and window orientation, with west-facing windows being critical for peak demand reduction in summer.
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Document type: Report
CDBC’S GREEN AND SMART URBAN DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
The guidelines establish a 'first green, then smart' approach, where smart technologies are used to optimize the outcomes of sustainable urban design. The framework covers six smart categories: telecommunications, mobility, governance, energy management, safety, and public services, supported by global case studies to demonstrate economic and environmental viability.
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Document type: Guide
The federal coal program must end or seriously reform
The author contends that the Bureau of Land Management's coal leasing process is non-competitive and fails to capture fair market value, resulting in a $28.9 billion revenue loss over 30 years. The text calls for a halt to coal lease sales until reforms are implemented, including closing royalty loopholes, incorporating the social cost of carbon into pricing, and updating bonding requirements to protect public health and the environment. It asserts that keeping coal in the ground is the only approach consistent with climate science and the goal of avoiding irreversible climate catastrophe.
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Document type: Statement
Status of Resources and Execution of the Administrative Budget of the Green Climate Fund at 30 April 2015
The Green Climate Fund reported total administrative expenditures of US$ 4.5 million against a US$ 19.3 million budget for the first four months of 2015. As of 31 March 2015, signed contributions totaled US$ 171.2 million, with US$ 63.1 million in total resources available net of funding decisions. Secretariat spending reached US$ 3.6 million, while Board expenditures totaled US$ 655,209. Readiness programme expenditures reached US$ 0.26 million by 30 April 2015, with the Fund engaging approximately 60 countries. Additionally, a US$ 1.4 million special contribution from the Republic of Korea for headquarters equipment was fully exhausted by April 2015.
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Document type: Report
Llevar las perspectivas de la comunidad al arbitraje entre inversionistas y Estados: el caso Pac Rim
The report examines how the Mesa Nacional Frente a la Minería Metálica de El Salvador (MNFM), supported by CIEL and FESPAD, used amicus curiae submissions in the Pac Rim investor-state arbitration to highlight environmental and human rights concerns. It details the legal requirements for such interventions, the strategic importance of technical legal expertise combined with community grounding, and the outcomes of the jurisdictional phase of the arbitration. The document concludes with lessons for other civil society organizations on navigating the technical nature of international investment law to protect public interest and democratic decision-making.
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Document type: Report
Climate Change in the American Christian Mind
The report analyzes how different denominations of American Christians perceive climate change, finding that Catholics are generally the most concerned and supportive of climate policies, while evangelicals are the most split on the reality of global warming and more likely to prioritize religious beliefs over scientific explanations. It also assesses the trust placed in religious leaders, specifically Pope Francis, and the support for specific climate mitigation policies.
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Document type: Report
Climate Change in the American Christian Mind
The report finds that while majorities of Catholics and non-evangelical Protestants believe global warming is happening and human-caused, evangelicals are more split. There is broad support across all three groups for renewable energy research and infrastructure resilience, though evangelicals are more likely to prioritize religious beliefs over scientific explanations when they conflict. Pope Francis is identified as the most trusted religious leader on the issue, despite low general awareness of his forthcoming climate encyclical.
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Document type: Report
World Bank Investment in Power Project in Singrauli, India
The document details a 1997 World Bank investment of $400 million to expand power plants in Singrauli, India, which led to significant displacement and pollution. Despite requests for inspection and an acknowledgment of deficiencies in resettlement and rehabilitation, the project proceeded, resulting in long-term respiratory illnesses and water pollution. By March 2014, the area was officially declared a Critically Polluted Area by the Indian government.
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Document type: Case study
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND NET-ZERO BUILDINGS: GSA & RMI ANSWER THE CALL
The document outlines the GSA's National Deep Energy Retrofit (NDER) Program and provides a framework for achieving energy savings of 50% or more in federal buildings. It highlights the effectiveness of bundling energy conservation measures (ECMs), engaging diverse stakeholders, and utilizing a 'technical potential' tool to identify aggressive energy goals. Case studies, such as the Almeric Christian Federal Building, demonstrate the feasibility of net-zero energy through the ESPC process, while data analysis shows that NDER projects achieved an average of 38% energy savings, more than double the 18.5% average of non-NDER federal ESPC projects.
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Document type: Executive summary
Encroaching Tides
An analysis of 52 tide gauges along the US East and Gulf Coasts indicates a steep increase in tidal flooding events over the next 30 years. By 2030, over half of the studied communities are projected to experience at least 24 tidal floods annually. By 2045, one-third of these locations could face flooding more than 180 times per year, with some areas in the mid-Atlantic potentially inundated more than 10 percent of the time. The report argues that while local flood-proofing and federal resilience investments are necessary, the only long-term solution to slow sea level rise is the swift reduction of global warming pollution.
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Document type: Fact sheet
How Sea Level Rise and Tidal Flooding Threaten U.S. East and Gulf Coast Communities over the Next 30 Years
The analysis warns that sea level rise will cause tidal flooding to become chronic and widespread across the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts by 2045. Many communities will see a tripling or more of annual flood events, with some locations facing over 180 floods per year. The report emphasizes the need for urgent local and national adaptation strategies, including infrastructure upgrades and emissions reductions, to manage the inevitable disruptions to daily life and infrastructure.
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Document type: Executive summary
Cómo el aumento del nivel del mar y las inundaciones de las mareas amenazan a las comunidades en las costas en los próximos 30 años
The report warns that tidal flooding will become chronic and disruptive for many US coastal communities by 2030 and 2045, necessitating urgent local adaptation and national carbon emission reductions.
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Document type: Executive summary
Encroaching Tides
The report analyzes 52 tide gauges from Maine to Texas, projecting that by 2045, many U.S. East and Gulf Coast communities will face a ten-fold increase in tidal flooding. It argues that such flooding will disrupt daily life, damage infrastructure, and necessitate a coordinated national response combining local adaptation—such as elevating roads and restoring wetlands—with global carbon emission reductions.
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Document type: Report
House GOP champions climate disaster Frankenbill
The House passed H.R. 2, a package of 13 energy bills that the author claims would expand offshore drilling, deregulate hydraulic fracturing, and support tar sands and oil shale. The document asserts that the bill prioritizes polluters over renewable energy and would likely be vetoed by President Obama.
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Document type: Press release
Navigating the US Congressional Process of Reauthorising AGOA
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides duty-free US market access to eligible sub-Saharan African countries, is set to expire on 30 September 2015. While the US Executive Branch conducts impact investigations and makes recommendations, the US Congress holds the central role in determining the timing and content of reauthorisation legislation. The document warns that a swift renewal is unlikely due to a partisan stalemate in Washington, the 2014 congressional elections, and opposition from US agricultural and business interest groups. It advises African leaders to prioritize advocacy with the US Legislative Branch, specifically members of committees with jurisdictional interest, rather than focusing solely on the US Executive Branch during the 2014 US–Africa Leaders Summit.
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Document type: Policy brief
Comments on EPA Methane White Papers
A joint statement from the Attorneys General of New York, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish formal emission standards and guidelines for methane in the oil and gas sector following the publication of five technical white papers.
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Document type: Statement
Friends of the Earth statement on President Obamas endorsement of Walmarts unsustainable practices
Friends of the Earth condemns President Obama's endorsement of Walmart's sustainability efforts, citing the company's low actual renewable energy usage, failure to meet emissions targets, and a significant criminal fine for toxic pesticide dumping.
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Document type: Statement