Climate Change Archives | Citizens Utility Board

The UN’s Bold Climate Change Solution

Elizabeth — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 19:18:06 +0000

A United Nations panel has released its third and final report on climate change, and following the dire warnings in the first two installments, this one strikes a hopeful tone with scientists’ plans for the world’s path forward. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the last of a three-part report, “Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability,” earlier this year. The solution is elegantly simple, according to the report: Concentrate on demand over supply. Traditionally economists have looked at supply and demand to determine how much of a good or service (supply) is needed to meet the needs of the people. Instead of focusing on supply, the report suggests taking a deeper look at demand and being more responsive to what people need versus how much can be produced. The Fossil Fuel Industry claims people living in poverty need fossil fuels to get out of poverty. Instead, Julia Steinberger, a contributor to the report, proposes another perspective. “Energy is a means for people to get services, so let’s think about how we deliver those services in a more efficient way,” said Steinberger, an environmental economist. Changing the way we look at energy demand has the potential of limiting 40-70% of emissions by 2050. This demand-side solution doesn’t mean giving up the comforts of our daily lives, it means being more mindful of what we use while funding clean energy climate solutions, cutting down on fossil fuels, and prioritizing sustainable, equitable policies for all. For example, researchers at Yale have developed a Decent Living Energy model to better understand how much energy would be required for everyone in the world to live at a decent living standard. Despite the Fossil Industry’s claims, the model suggests eradicating poverty and providing decent housing options for all could help cut the world’s energy consumption demands in half. As it stands, households in the top 10% alone (in Illinois, households making over $245,173) make up for 36-45% of global emissions. If you’re looking for an in-depth breakdown of the report, CUB recommends Drilled Podcast’s report summary from climate reporter Amy Westervelt. “The report made one thing abundantly clear: the technologies and policies necessary to adequately address climate change exist,” Westervelt clarifies. “The only real obstacles are politics and fossil fuel interests.” If you want to do your part at home, here are some steps to start making a difference: Visit CUB’s Clean Energy page to learn about efficiency programs and actions that are both good for the planet and reduce your costs. Speaking of demand, Illinois has “demand-response” programs that are good for the planet as well as your pocketbook. Check them out. Join the CUB Action Network– The action network allows you to send messages to policymakers on key energy issues. Thousands of Illinois consumers took action over the last few years and helped pass the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), historic legislation that represents Illinois’ biggest step yet in fighting climate change. Currently, one of our biggest legislative battles is trying to eliminate a surcharge that’s helping to increase bills for consumers who rely on fossil fuel […]

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UN report: Climate disasters are likely to get worse–we must act now

Jim Chilsen — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 20:56:31 +0000

With increasingly cold winters and hotter summers, Illinois consumers face the prospect of higher and higher gas and electric bills. It’s likely to get worse, according to the latest climate report by the United Nations, but we still have time to act. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released its latest 2022 Climate Report showing we will face increasing climate hazards as soon as 2050, but the worst of it can be prevented or lessened if we take meaningful action now. The report details how the planet is facing the increasingly severe impacts from climate change, continuing the trend we’ve seen over the past few decades. Where the 2021 report was dubbed a “code red for humanity,” this year’s report is “an atlas of human suffering and a damning indictment of failed climate leadership,” said UN Secretary General António Guterres. Scientists are dubbing this report the “your house is on fire” report to signal just how necessary it is to take action to prevent these outcomes. For the United States, climate change over the next few decades includes rising air, water, ocean, and ground temperature by as much as 1.5 degrees celsius. These increasing temperatures will also require more use of our limited water supplies, test the capacity of our infrastructure systems, and impact our country’s food and nutrition security. The consequences aren’t only hotter temperatures and natural disasters, but also huge adjustments to our everyday lives. Here’s three key facts you need to know: 1.5 degrees celsius is the key temperature threshold before massive permanent damage to our planet. This threshold was set in the 2015 as the point of permanent, irreversible damage to the environment. We are at 1.1 degrees celsius currently, with projections to hit the critical threshold as soon as the 2030s. The risks with climate change are coming faster than expected and every fraction of a degree counts. “The longer you wait… the more you will pay later,” reports co-chair Hans-Otto Poertner. There’s a brief window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all. We must take meaningful action against fossil fuels now instead of delaying cuts in heat-trapping carbon emissions or simply waiting to adapt. Scientists say we can save more lives by reducing heat-trapping gas emissions from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas. Increasing global temperatures will continue to disrupt the supply-chain and slow down international trade–meaning the delays we’ve seen over the last few years in shipping and grocery store shortages could continue to get worse. These issues hit the most vulnerable people and environments the hardest. “It’s really bad and there’s a good chance that it will get worse,” said Robert Habeck, the German vice chancellor and minister for climate and economy, reacting to the report. “But if we do everything we can, that will make a difference. Our actions will make the difference… That’s what hope is.” So don’t be paralyzed by the problem: Act now. If you can’t do something big, do something. Everyday actions can make a huge impact in how much we are affected by climate change over […]

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Infrastructure bill awaits Biden’s signature, climate package faces uphill battle

Hannah — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 19:29:47 +0000

The House has passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill that would provide a much needed boost to the country’s broadband, utility and transportation services. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the $1 trillion plan in the coming weeks, but the bill’s companion, a $1.75 trillion social safety net and climate policy package, faces an uphill battle in Washington. A big thank you to CUB supporters who sent hundreds of messages to Washington urging passage of the infrastructure bill. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which passed the Senate in August and the House on November 5, will upgrade America’s roads, bridges, airports and rail systems while also expanding internet service and addressing the nation’s overworked electrical grid. What’s in the infrastructure package? Among other things, the Infrastructure investment and Jobs Act contains funding for: Electric vehicles. The bill would provide $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging stations. Electric and hybrid school buses will also be purchased with an additional $5 billion. Internet access. $65 billion is earmarked for the expansion and improvement of internet access for low-income consumers, rural areas and tribal communities. Electric grid modernization. The legislation sets aside $65 billion to improve the power grid, a system that has become less reliable and resilient in recent years. The funds would also be used to support carbon capture initiatives and cleaner electricity sources. Water. Water and wastewater infrastructure will see $55 billion from the bill. $15 billion of that total is to be used to replace lead pipes, and $10 billion is to clean up contaminated water. Public transit. Some of the $39 billion for public transportation will be distributed to state and local governments to purchase zero- or low-emission buses. The remaining funds will help expand access and improve accessibility for people with disabilities. An additional $66 billion will be allocated to expand and improve Amtrak service nationwide. According to an analysis by Illinois Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, among other benefits, Illinois should see: $1.7 billion to improve drinking and wastewater infrastructure. About $4 billion to improve access to public transit. At least $100 million for broadband improvements. About 228,000 Illinoisans currently do not have broadband access. As part of the package, about 2.9 million low-income Illinoisans would get an internet access benefit. $149 million to expand electric vehicle charging networks in Illinois. Now that the infrastructure bill has passed, legislators are now turning to its companion bill, dubbed the Build Back Better Act. The $1.75 trillion package includes provisions on child care, eldercare, healthcare and prescription drug pricing, and it would funnel $550 billion toward climate and clean energy initiatives. The bill requires passage in the Senate and the House. Senate supporters have said they hope to pass it by Thanksgiving. The legislation does not have bipartisan support, so the climate package’s future is uncertain. Contact your U.S. Representative and Senators and let them know you support necessary action to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect utility customers. (Send a message to Washington now!) Build Back Better contains funding for: Clean energy tax credits: Over 10 years, $320 billion in tax credits […]

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High gas prices cause concern as cold temps near

Hannah — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 17:24:16 +0000

Nearly every natural gas utility again raised their prices in September, causing more concern for consumers’ gas bills with winter just around the corner. These supply rates, some double or triple the utilities’ 2020 prices, are the result of the extreme cold that hit the nation back in February. As we head into colder weather, it is critical to factor these high prices into your usage. The price per therm you’ll pay for natural gas in September, also known as the Purchased Gas Adjustment, or PGA, is shown in the chart below. It includes PGAs from this month, last month and September 2020 for comparison. Hover your mouse over the graphic to show prices. The high prices we are seeing are the lingering effects of record-low temperatures that hit parts of the United States in February, disrupting gas supply across the nation and causing power outages in Texas. As temperatures begin to drop heading into cooler months, it is important to be prudent with your natural gas usage, especially with these high prices. Visit CUB’s Gas page for more information on energy efficiency and tips to help you save on your bills. And if you’re having trouble paying your bills, please contact your utility immediately.

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Landmark climate report underscores urgency for action in Springfield, Washington

Jim Chilsen — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 15:18:55 +0000

Dangerous weather due to climate change is inescapable in years to come, and the world will only be able to prevent the most catastrophic effects of global warming if it immediately begins to move away from burning fossil fuels, according to an unprecedented scientific analysis that proves the importance of Springfield and Washington passing strong clean energy legislation. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres called the report a “code red for humanity.” “The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable: greenhouse‑gas emissions from fossil-fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk,” he said. “Global heating is affecting every region on Earth, with many of the changes becoming irreversible.” The U.N. report comes as Washington is considering an infrastructure package of legislation with groundbreaking clean energy improvements, and Springfield is at an impasse over what could be the strongest clean energy bill in Illinois history. “The U.N. report underscores that we have to plan for a clean energy future now, without delay,” CUB Director of Communications Jim Chilsen said. “Washington and Springfield have to pass legislation that will solve for climate change while also holding energy companies accountable and protecting our power bills.” CUB has argued that climate change is not only bad for our well-being but also bad for our energy bills. We released an analysis this year that found climate change could raise ComEd bills by about $11 billion in years to come. The new U.N. report was based on more than 14,000 studies and authored by 230 of the world’s leading climate experts. Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis is the most comprehensive summary ever of the science of climate change. It was released on August 9 by the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Key findings from the report: *The report confirms that humans are the main cause of climate change. The increases in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere since the industrial revolution (1760 to 1840) are directly connected to such factors as the burning of fossil fuels like coal, gas and oil for energy and deforestation due to farming, logging and development. That has led to greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane trapping heat and warming the planet by about 1.1 degrees Celsius, or 2 degrees Fahrenheit. *Some of these negative climate developments are happening quickly. For example, ocean levels have risen 8 inches on average over the past century, at a rate that is nearly double since 2006. Heat waves are longer and hotter since 1950, and bursts of extreme ocean heat–which kill aquatic life–have doubled in frequency since the 1980s. *Further warming and historically bad weather–rising seas, disappearing glaciers, extreme heat, floods, drought, tropical storms–are inescapable and some changes will be “irreversible for centuries to millennia.” *The world’s window to act is closing, but there’s still a chance to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. That would mean a coordinated effort among countries to switch away from fossil fuels and stop adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by around 2050. That could halt global warming at around 1.5 degrees Celsius. […]

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