John Hennessy III,
P.E.
Energy‐related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions decreased by 89 million metric tons(MMmt), from 5,259 MMmt in 2015 to 5,170 MMmt in 2016. Although real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 1.5% over that period, other factors contributing to energy-related CO2 emissions more than offset the growth in GDP, leading to a 1.7% decline in energy-related CO2.
View this complete post...
The lifeblood of a community is its infrastructure system. In light of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria – which are only the most recent examples of extreme weather events to affect the nation – the Midwest Economic Policy Institute (MEPI) has examined the anticipated impact climate change will have on the Midwest.
View this complete post...
“They are natural hazards. They only become disasters where and how we have built our environments.” “And the current plan will be build it back the way it was. Rebuild it back to the past. Rebuild it back to fail again.” -Craig Fugate, Former FEMA Administrator Video by seeprogress on YouTube
View this complete post...
NRDC’s groundbreaking analysis demonstrates clearly that with bold action on energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification of vehicles and buildings with clean power, and electric grid enhancements, the United States can reach its 80 percent by 2050 climate goal. Moreover, we can get there at a much lower cost than any comparable study predicts.
View this complete post...
“There really is no conflict between saying you would like to have more infrastructure investment and saying that you’re an environmentalist. They’re one and the same. The challenge is that the plans and projects that are on the books in many states run counter to what we need in our communities to protect people. And that’s where we need to take a hard look at what kind of infrastructure we’re investing in, because the same-old, same-old as we just saw through these two big storms isn’t going to get us there.”
View this complete post...
While some repair work is moving forward at Oroville, significant issues remain to be addressed. This incident is a wake-up call for action on several fronts at this facility and thousands of other high-hazard dams in the United States to ensure a safe and reliable water system that protects communities and the rivers that flow through them. A warming climate with changing precipitation patterns underscores the urgency.
View this complete post...
The article this accompanies is the third in an important series. The foundational analysis of the contributions of major carbon producers to atmospheric CO2 emissions and methane emissions was the first to appear (Heede 2014), followed by a rich and concrete analysis of the moral responsibilities of the major carbon producers in light of those contributions (Frumhoff et al. 2015). This third analysis not only refines the calculations of the contributions of major carbon producers to atmospheric CO2 and methane emissions but also expands the calculations to include the contributions of those same producers to global mean surface temperature and global sea level (Ekwurzel et al. 2017).
View this complete post...
Despite moves from the current federal administration to roll back policies that manage carbon-intensive energy sources, California continues to lead in implementing statewide policies that incentivize innovation in business, technology and carbon reduction. While California provides a strong template for others to follow in sustaining economic growth while pursuing climate change mitigation policies, there is still work to be done to ensure the state meets its emission reduction goals. Indicators relating to the carbon economy help track this progress and illustrate the changing relationship between economic vitality and environmental quality.
View this complete post...
The Flood Green Guide organizes flood management methods into two categories: structural and non-structural. Structural methods involve physical changes to natural features or human infrastructure, including engineered (hard) methods (sometimes referred to as gray methods), such as dams or floodways, and natural and nature-based (soft) methods (sometimes referred to as green methods), such as wetland protection, upper watershed restoration or rain gardens.
View this complete post...
The last decade has proven that clean energy technology can power American homes, businesses and industry – and leaves America poised to dramatically accelerate its shift away from fossil fuels. With renewable energy prices falling and new energy-saving technologies coming on line every day, America should work to obtain 100 percent of our energy from clean, renewable sources.
View this complete post...    |
Follow InfrastructureUSA
Video, stills and tales. Share images of the Infra in your community that demands attention. Post your ideas about national Infra issues. Go ahead. Show Us Your Infra! Upload and instantly share your message.
Is the administration moving fast enough on Infra issues? Are Americans prepared to pay more taxes for repairs? Should job creation be the guiding determination? Vote now!
What do the experts think? This is where the nation's public policy organizations, trade associations and think tanks weigh in with analysis on Infra issues. Tell them what you think. Ask questions. Share a different view.
The Infra Blog offers cutting edge perspective on a broad spectrum of Infra topics. Frequent updates and provocative posts highlight hot button topics -- essential ingredients of a national Infra dialogue.
It is encouraging to finally see clear signs of federal action to support a comprehensive US infrastructure investment plan.
Now more than ever, our advocacy is needed to keep stakeholders informed and connected, and to hold politicians to their promises to finally fix our nation’s ailing infrastructure.
We have already engaged nearly 280,000 users, and hoping to add many more as interest continues to grow.
We require your support in order to rise to this occasion, to make the most of this opportunity. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to InfrastructureUSA.org.
Steve Anderson
Managing Director
SteveAnderson@InfrastructureUSA.org
917-940-7125
RSS Feed
© InfrastructureUSA | Terms of Use | Site developed by Andigo New Media
InfrastructureUSA.org is a nonprofit project fiscally sponsored by FJC, a Foundation of Philanthropic Funds.