Making Sense of Climate #13 - 07/12/22 (audio)

FM #827 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 827 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, July 12, 2022.  

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-827-making-sense-of-climate-13-07-12-22

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Articles referenced are collected in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y4iIVuxdC7POUfWzfDace_e4KtucpurS/view?usp=sharing 

See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Making Sense of Climate #13 - 07/12/22 (audio)

MassCEC Seeks Participants for Decarbonization Pathways Pilot - converting from fossil fuels to green energy

Apply by July 31st!

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking around 30 homes to participate in the first cohort of the Decarbonization Pathways Pilot. This new pilot will offer technical support, generous financial incentives, and performance monitoring to implement high-efficiency decarbonization measures. This is a great opportunity to get the technical support and financial assistance to bring your home into the 21st century!   Please consider applying and share this opportunity with your network. If you have any questions, please contact us at buildings@masscec.com.   MassCEC is accepting application between July 15, 2022 and July 31, 2022.  MassCEC is specifically looking for participants who intend to install whole-home heat pump systems within the coming year and are interested in completely eliminating fossil fuels from their homes during the pilot. We will also be looking for geographic, income, and building type diversity within the cohort.   Learn More & Apply Copyright © 2022 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center 294 Washington St. Suite 1150 Boston, MA 02108

Boston Globe: "Should the state ban the use of fossil fuel systems in new commercial and residential construction?" (poll)

Via the Boston Globe: "Should the state ban the use of fossil fuel systems in new commercial and residential construction?"

Read the opposing views online and take the poll at the end of the article ->   https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/07/metro/should-state-ban-use-fossil-fuel-systems-new-commercial-residential-construction/

The 'Yes' view comes from Lisa Cunningham, Architect; Director and co-founder, ZeroCarbonMA; Brookline resident. Lisa joined Ted and I for episode #10 in the Making Sense of Climate series. You can listen to her expand on her 'yes' view ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/in-this-making-sense-of-climate-episode.html

"Should the state ban the use of fossil fuel systems in new commercial and residential construction?"

CommonWealth Magazine: "State sets carbon targets for 2025, 2030"

 

"Hours after the Supreme Court dealt a devastating blow to the national climate effort, Massachusetts released an aggressive new blueprint that speeds up efforts to slash emissions by electrifying buildings and vehicles and transitioning the electricity supply rapidly from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. 

The new plan offers a detailed path for what the state must achieve by 2025 and 2030, presenting a vision for accelerating climate action in Massachusetts. 

“The Clean Energy and Climate Plan is a comprehensive and balanced plan that will serve as a guide for Massachusetts as we work to achieve ambitious emissions goals and reach Net Zero in 2050 in an equitable and affordable manner,” Governor Charlie Baker said in a statement."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/06/30/science/new-state-climate-plan-shows-that-even-without-federal-government-massachusetts-is-moving-ahead/ 

Gov Baker's press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-releases-massachusetts-clean-energy-and-climate-plan-for-2025-and-2030

Updated plan (PDF) ->  https://www.mass.gov/doc/clean-energy-and-climate-plan-for-2025-and-2030/download

Appendices to plan (PDF) -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/appendices-to-the-clean-energy-and-climate-plan-for-2025-and-2030/download

The Clean Energy and Climate plan webpage -> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-clean-energy-and-climate-plan-for-2025-and-2030

CommonWealth Magazine also provides coverage on the updated net zero plan

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/state-sets-carbon-targets-for-2025-2030/

Ted McIntyre and I have a series on "Making Sense of Climate." As it is based upon how the state is doing on meeting goals of the roadmap, this new update will be part of future discussions. You can listen to the prior episodes here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html

CommonWealth Magazine: "State sets carbon targets for 2025, 2030"

Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) - Hydrogen Pipe Dreams

Executive Summary

Fossil fuel companies are advocating blending hydrogen with “natural” gas (methane) for cooking and space and water heating. They claim this will generate heat while lowering the carbon footprint of the methane gas system. In fact, it will not. Most hydrogen gas is derived from methane or coal, both of which are major sources of greenhouse gasses, so utilizing hydrogen will actually increase greenhouse gas emissions. And using hydrogen to blend with methane increases the demand for and prolongs our dependence on methane, an extremely potent greenhouse gas. Meanwhile, it distracts from the uptake of renewable energy sources and cost-effective, efficient electric technologies proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With the window closing to address the climate crisis, we cannot afford this false solution.

Who are Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR)

Working for over 50 years to create a healthy, just, and peaceful world for both present and future generations, Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) uses medical and public health expertise to educate and advocate on urgent issues that threaten human health and survival. Our goals are to slow and eventually reverse climate change and to abolish nuclear weapons. 

Read the full report here (PDF) 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1738kIFAXIvdp46d74qqKqW5nDT2gT8Iz/view?usp=sharing

or from here -> https://www.psr.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hydrogen-pipe-dreams.pdf

Shared from -> https://www.psr.org/blog/resource/hydrogen-pipe-dreams-why-burning-hydrogen-in-buildings-is-bad-for-climate-and-health/

Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) - Hydrogen Pipe Dreams

State Representative Jeffrey Roy Endorsed for 10th Norfolk District by Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund

The Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund has endorsed Jeffrey Roy  in the election for State Representative of the 10^th Norfolk District, a credit to his commitment to the environment and climate action. With issues of public health, environmental justice, transportation, and energy policy inextricably linked, we need leaders at every level of government who understand the pressing issues of their community and will call for ambitious action. 

 

“Chair Roy was central to the passage of the 2021 Roadmap Bill, one of the strongest climate laws in the nation,” said Casey Bowers, Executive Director of the ELM Action Fund. “He also crafted the House’s offshore wind bill which will ensure the industry takes off in Massachusetts and provides the clean energy we need to reach our Roadmap targets. We’re grateful for his leadership in addressing the climate crisis.”

 

“I am honored and grateful to receive the endorsement from the ELM Action Fund, a group that has led efforts to fight global warming and has been a great partner at the State House in advancing climate policy,” said Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “Massachusetts has been a national leader in combating climate change and producing clean energy and I look forward to working with ELM to ensure that we continue to lead in this area.”

  

Chair Roy was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 10th Norfolk District in 2012 and represents the residents of Franklin and Medway. He serves as the House chair of the Telecommunications, Energy, and Utilities (TUE) Committee. In 2021, he led efforts to finalize the Roadmap Bill on climate change. He is a proven leader in his work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prioritize environmental justice (EJ) communities.

 

To learn more about Jeffrey Roy, visit his website at https://jeffreyroy.com/.

 

The Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) Action Fund is a nonpartisan organization that helps pass laws that protect our environmental legacy, holds our elected officials accountable, and works to build the political power of the environmental community. To learn more about our work and our recent electoral victories visit www.elmaction.org/elections.  

 https://twitter.com/EnviroLeagueMA/status/1526571203992989696

State Representative Jeffrey Roy Endorsed for 10th Norfolk District by Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund 

In this "Making Sense of Climate" episode - Brookline’s initiative, heat pumps, gas leaks, and the health and financial implications of these (audio)

FM #801 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 801 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Thursday, May 19, 2022.  

Ted and I are joined by Lisa Cunningham and Wendy Stahl. They are climate activists and co-founders of ZeroCarbonMA.org/ 

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  Wendy and Lisa are also happy to answer questions.

The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Ted, Lisa, and Wendy as we discuss Brookline’s initiative, heat pumps, gas leaks, and the health and financial implications of these.  

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-801-making-sense-of-climate-10-05-19-22 

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Contact information

* for Lisa or Wendy use  info@zerocarbonma.org  

* Conference committee members (3 from MA House & 3 from MA Senate)

House of Representatives: 

• Roy - https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JNR1 

• Chan - https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/T_C1 

• Jones - https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/BHJ1 

 MA Senate: 

• Barrett - https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/MJB0 

• Creem - https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/CSC0 

• Tarr - https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/BET0 

Articles referenced

Stanford Study on gas leaks   

https://news.stanford.edu/press-releases/2022/03/24/methane-leaks-mues-fix-available/

and

https://woods.stanford.edu/news/stanford-scientists-find-climate-and-health-impacts-natural-gas-stoves-are-greater-previously

RMI article on gas stoves  https://rmi.org/insight/gas-stoves-pollution-health/ 

And to buy a low-cost induction cook plate to try induction cooking 

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-induction-cooktop/ 

We recommend the least expensive “no frills” – works great!  And cast iron pans are magnetic and low cost (Ikea and Amazon also have low-cost magnetic/induction cookware).  

Globe article on Senate Drive Forward act

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/04/07/science/senate-unveils-sweeping-climate-bill/

Electrify your home guide  https://www.rewiringamerica.org/electrify-home-guide 

IPCC report “Code Red”  “The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable."  

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/08/1097362

Mass Clean Energy Center (MCEC) on heat pumps  https://www.masscec.com/blog/2021/09/13/masscec-pilot-showcases-success-whole-home-heat-pumps 

Talking Points on Section 65 of the Senate’s Drive Act (S. 2842)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XCxBnnmgBaGkDEsziqhzAgASJLCoOqxhUe5VZKF-9EY/edit 

Text of the MA Senate Drive Act 

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2819/BillHistory?pageNumber=2   or here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TDKb_6gw9HjE8q7ZPbU2hhM9ZS1mU6q9/view?usp=sharing 

See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

ZeroCarbonMA.org/

Making Sense of Climate #9 with Ted McIntyre - 05/12/22 (audio)

FM #800 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 800 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Thursday, May 12, 2022.  

Ted helps me “make sense of climate” and we hope this helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session 

The recording runs about 48 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as he helps me “make sense of climate.” 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-800-making-sense-of-climate-9-05-12-22

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Articles referenced

The MA Legislature needs to step in.

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/spending-billions-fixing-gas-system-makes-no-sense/ 

Healey files to reject DPU plan crafted by utilities

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/05/12/science/two-years-after-asking-future-gas-investigation-healey-asks-state-reject-results/

Example of $$ co-opting perhaps legitimate local concerns. MA needs to build its own power… but this is a threat to managing the grid plan on a national level

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/06/climate/hydro-quebec-maine-clean-energy.html 

Environs fought building stuff in 1970, but now want to build stuff,. how manage???

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/13/opinion/berkeley-enrollment-climate-crisis.html

Theoharides goes to German wind company

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/05/06/science/theoharides-announces-new-position-offshore-wind-industry/

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/theoharides-takes-us-offshore-wind-job-for-german-company/

This is an equity issue (only a tiny fraction of humans will ever fly) and a challenge to linear thinking. Would the sun still come up if you couldn’t  get to Beijing in 12 hours?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/may/10/just-one-of-50-aviation-industry-climate-targets-met-study-finds 

 

See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Air travel accounted for about 915m tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in 2019. Photograph: Jason Reed/Reuters