Tag: emissions

LTE Under Consideration: The Year 2022 and Climate

On By CCLATXIn Clean EnergyLeave a comment

The year 2022 was a remarkable year for the climate.

  • The U.S. emissions went up by 1.3%
  • It was the 6th warmest year according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It should have been cooler being a Le Nina year.
  • According to Dr. Hansen, 2022 was 0.04 degree Celsius warmer than 2021 likely because more energy is coming in than going out.
  • The 10-warmest years on record have occurred since year 2010.
  • The US had 18 one billion plus dollar climate disasters.

We had news to celebrate 2022. Inflation Reduction Act was the largest ever climate bill that was passed by the U.S. Congress. Volunteers of Citizens Climate Lobby have work to do by reaching out to the state and city governments and ensure that allocated federal dollars are invested in clean energy sources to bring the emissions down.

This will improve our health and quality of life.

Kalpana Sutaria

Project Manager, City of Austin and Member, Citizens Climate Lobby Austin Chapter

Submitted to the San Antonio Express News

January 2023

We need more Texas lawmakers to confront the reality of climate change

On By CCLATXIn Texas House CaucusLeave a comment

Re: Nov. 10 commentary, “We need resilient infrastructure and global climate plan now.”

Thanks to Rep. Zwiener for co-founding the Texas House Caucus on Climate, Environment and the Energy Industry and getting 30 members to join. We need such lawmakers to honestly look at the facts on climate change crisis and take action for health and well-being of their constituents.

The response of the Texas Legislature to the problems of the electric grid during and after the February winter storm has been nothing but disheartening. The loss of at least 210 lives and $80 billion in damages, and unbelievable suffering of Texans was not enough for the legislature to take strong action. The state climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon has reported that Texas is vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards, most of which are weather and climate events.

Yes, we need resilient infrastructure that will figure climate change as part of planning and that will reduce harmful emissions by transitioning to cleaner sources of energy.

Kalpana Sutaria

Austin American-Statesman

November 16, 2021

We need more than just the Paris Climate Accord

On By CCLATXIn Paris AccordLeave a comment

Re: Jan. 21 article, “Biden’s first act: Orders on pandemic, climate, housing.”

President Biden’s actions are most welcome on critical issues including the pandemic and ever-worsening climate crisis. They have caused emotional and economic devastation. It is refreshing to know that these crises will be collaboratively addressed based on facts and truth.

The reversal of the Trump administration’s freeze on vehicle mileage and emissions standards is critical to reduce pollution. The transportation sector is responsible for 28% of the total U.S. emissions. Manufacturers are ready to ramp up production of clean vehicles. The U.S. will need all possible measures to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Accord, which we will rejoin.

Global engagement is necessary but the Paris Climate Accord won’t be enough. Young people are demanding bold actions to draw down emissions. The lawmakers of the most resourceful nation, the U.S., could lead the world by sponsoring bipartisan proposals that help low-income families, create jobs and help reach the climate goals.

Kalpana Sutaria

Austin American-Statesman

February 5, 2021