GLOBAL WARMING

GLOBAL WARMING

I believe it is scientifically evident that human activity is responsible for the warming of our planet. I decided to address the topic of global warming because I don't want to further destroy our beautiful home  - and I believe I am not alone.

The purpose of this blog is to identify fossil fuel consumption on the Cal State LA campus, research and make a case for sustainable energy alternatives with the help and support of the Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) Environmental Policy Committee. This issue affects all of Cal State LA's students, faculty and staff as well as all the surrounding neighborhood, indirectly all of Southern California and to a smaller extent the rest of the world as our use of fossil fuels has brought on a significant and measurable rise in global temperatures. Sustainable energy solutions are important because fossil fuel resources are finite and not renewable. But most importantly, it is our use of fossil fuels that has caused the extreme climate changes we have only begun to experience.

RESEARCH

This chart from NASA's "Global Climate Change" webpage shows levels of carbon dioxide in parts per million over the past 400,000 years. The year associated with zero (0) is 1950. The measured levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide began to rise exponentially from year 0. Comparing to the previous 400,000 years it is very clear that recent human activity is the cause of this increase.

A blanket around the Earth

On Earth, human activities are changing the natural greenhouse. Over the last century the burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil has increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂). This happens because the coal or oil burning process combines carbon with oxygen in the air to make CO₂. To a lesser extent, the clearing of land for agriculture, industry, and other human activities has increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.

A blanket around the Earth. NASA. https://climate.nasa.gov/causes. Accessed 15 Oct. 2018.

The role of human activity

In its Fifth Assessment Report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a group of 1,300 independent scientific experts from countries all over the world under the auspices of the United Nations, concluded there's a more than 95 percent probability that human activities over the past 50 years have warmed our planet.

The industrial activities that our modern civilization depends upon have raised atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from 280 parts per million to 400 parts per million in the last 150 years. The panel also concluded there's a better than 95 percent probability that human-produced greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have caused much of the observed increase in Earth's temperatures over the past 50 years.

The panel's full Summary for Policymakers report is online at http://ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar5/syr/AR5_SYR_FINAL_SPM.pdf.

The role of human activity. NASA. https://climate.nasa.gov/causes. Accessed 15 Oct. 2018.

A CASE FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ALTERNATIVES



Power play: Envisioning a wind, water and solar world

Placing planet Earth on a strict diet—100 percent renewable energy—can be done by 2050, without the need for radically new technology, contends Stanford University Professor Mark Z. Jacobson.

The path to a world powered by wind, water and sunlight is, in fact, decidedly low tech, Jacobson says. Storing heat in underground rocks. Making mounds of ice at night, when electricity is cheaper, and melting it for air conditioning during the day. Building wind turbines on and offshore.

But Jacobson’s team in Stanford’s Atmosphere/Energy program is moving far beyond this simple vision of a clean power world. His research group uses sophisticated modeling to develop tailored energy plans that would allow a smooth transition to renewables in all 50 U.S. states, as well as 139 countries, by 2050. He helped co-found a non-profit, “The Solutions Project,” that disseminates these plans and educates the public and policy makers about them.

Since wind and solar power fluctuate, how do you keep the power grid stable?

Wind and solar are complementary in nature. When the wind is not blowing, the sun is often shining during the day. But really you have to match peaks in demand. The way to do that is to use low-cost electricity, heat storage and cold storage. Electricity storage includes concentrated solar power storage, pumped hydroelectric power and existing hydroelectric power. Heat/cold storage includes hot and cold water, ice and underground rock. In addition, some energy is stored in hydrogen for use in transportation. Finally, we combine these features with demand-response management.

Why the focus on solar and wind?

Because they’re the only two forms of energy that theoretically can supply the entire world for all purposes, many times over.

Brennan, Pat. Power play: Envisioning a wind, water and solar world. Energy Innovations. 11 May 2016. https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2442/power-play-envisioning-a-wind-water-and-solar-world. Accessed 15 Oct. 2018.

INTERVIEWS

I first approached the Energy and Sustainability Manager here at Cal State LA's Facilities, Planning, Design and Construction department. Brad Haydel answered the following questions:

What are some ways Cal State LA is currently using sustainable energy? Are there plans for future increased use of these energy types? If so, what?

Sustainable energy is said to be supported by the “twin pillars” of renewable energy and energy efficiency. In other words, sustainable energy is supplied by renewable energy, and energy demand is reduced with energy efficiency. It’s important to look at both sides when discussing “sustainable energy.”

Renewable energy, such as solar power, gets a lot of attention because it’s a simple and straightforward solution. Solar power is a proven technology, it generates electricity without the high carbon emissions associated with the burning of fossil fuels, and its costs are falling at a rapid rate. This makes solar an essential part of the discussion, and it’s the reason why Cal State LA is installing a 1MW solar system on top of Parking Structure E, which is currently under construction.

Although renewable energy is an essential aspect of “sustainable energy,” it’s only part of the equation. The more important piece of the puzzle is our increasing demand for energy, which drives the need for an increased supply of energy. This is why energy efficiency is so important. Energy efficiency means using technologies that require less energy to perform the same functions, such as using LED lighting instead of incandescent light bulbs.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy efficiency is the world’s most important fuel, and small investments into improving energy efficiency have “a significant impact on global energy demand, reducing consumers’ energy bills, holding back emissions growth and making energy systems more secure.” Energy efficiency has even been described as “the largest, cheapest, safest, cleanest, fastest way to provide energy services.”

This is the reason why Cal State LA looks to energy efficiency as the “first fuel,” something to invest in ahead of other more complex or costly energy sources. The University is consistently engaged in energy efficiency projects, such as the integrated LED lighting and advanced lighting controls recently installed in “Eagles Nest” Gym, which resulted in a 70% reduction in lighting energy demand. Over the next year, Cal State LA will focus on replacing lighting at Parking Structure A and C, as well as the Student Health Center.

The University also completes comprehensive building commissioning projects that address major lighting, mechanical and automation system programming upgrades. The recently completed Salazar Hall project is estimated to reduce the building’s greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint by over 775 MTCO2e annually and save over $160,000/year. The University is looking to complete similar projects at Fine Arts and Simpson Tower over the next few years.

Cal State LA is also focused on improving its energy-efficiency programs through enhanced measurement and verification that use real-time energy data and analytics to identify opportunities for improved performance and operational savings. Last, but certainly not least, Cal State LA has recently completed a first draft of its Climate Action Plan with a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040. It is due to be published in May 2019.

How can students at Cal State LA get away from using fossil fuels and support on-campus sustainable energy solutions? Off-campus?

The most important way students can help Cal State LA reduce its GHG footprint is by reconsidering how they commute to campus. GHG emissions related to student travel account for nearly 50% of total GHG emissions at Cal State LA. Students can help by taking advantage of Cal State LA’s Transit Center, which hosts many local and express buses and trains operated by Metro, Foothill Transit and Metrolink.

Students are eligible to receive discounts on both Metro and Metrolink passes through the Parking and Transportation Office. The office can also help connect students interested in carpooling with Ridesharing Apps like Waze Carpool, Lyft Line, and Rideamigo. Students can also bike to campus and sign up for their own bicycle lockers.

Students can also help reduce GHG emissions by participating in Cal State LA’s Demand Response Events. During periods of peak electricity demand, Facilities Services reduces the University’s energy load to relieve stress on the electric grid and lower our greenhouse gas footprint. Students are notified the day before, and are encouraged to support the event by turning off lights in unoccupied rooms, working by daylight or task lighting and unplugging seldom-used appliances.

By supporting this program, our electricity provider, LADWP, doesn’t have to fire-up their heaviest polluting peaker plants during high electricity demand. These energy saving behaviors can be carried on throughout the year, and students are always encouraged to unplug appliances when not in use, close windows and doors open to the outside, and turn lights off when leaving a room.

Students can also submit energy-saving proposals to the Cal State LA Green Revolving Fund (GRF). The GRF supports projects that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, waste reduction and other sustainability initiatives with a demonstrated return on investment. The GRF is intended to empower all members of the Cal State LA community to contribute their ideas with its $1 million allocation from the University’s utilities budget.

Do you have any recommended resources or agencies they can refer to?

·         A Greater LA: Climate Action Framework, http://climateaction.la

·         Alliance to Save Energy: PowerSave Campus, https://www.ase.org/projects/powersave-campus

·         American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, https://aceee.org

·         ASI’s Environmental Policy Committee, https://asicalstatela.org/committee/environmental-policy-committee

·         Cal State LA’s Center for Energy and Sustainability, http://ceas.calstatela.edu

·         Cal State LA’s STARS Report, https://stars.aashe.org/institutions/california-state-university-los-angeles-ca/report/2016-06-06/

·         Cal State LA: Sustainability, http://www.calstatela.edu/sustainability

·         Cal State LA: Transportation Services, http://www.calstatela.edu/parking/transportation-services

·         CSU Sustainability Policy, https://www.calstate.edu/cpdc/sustainability/policies-reports/documents/JointMeeting-CPBG-ED.pdf

·         Department of Energy (US DOE), https://www.energy.gov

·         Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, http://www.ipcc.ch

·         International Energy Agency (IEA), https://www.iea.org

·         LA’s Sustainable City pLAn, http://plan.lamayor.org/about-the-plan/

·         Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Resilience, https://www.lamayor.org/Resilience

·         Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability (LARC), http://www.laregionalcollaborative.com/about/

·         NASA: Climate Change and Global Warming, https://climate.nasa.gov

·         New Buildings Institute: Zero Net Energy, https://newbuildings.org/hubs/zero-net-energy/

·         Second Nature Climate Commitments, https://secondnature.org

·         South Coast Air Quality Management District, http://yourstory.aqmd.gov/home

·         U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), https://www.eia.gov

·         United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), https://www.epa.gov

·         USGBC: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), https://new.usgbc.org/leed

Can students do anything to encourage government agencies and/or public/private industries to "go green"? If so, what can they do?

There are many things that students can do to effect change, and all of them take effort and dedication. Some simple advice I have would be to form a coalition of students with similar visions for change. You can join an existing group, such as ASI’s Environmental Policy Committee or the Campus Sustainability Committee, or form a new group from scratch. In order for change to be successful, support from a team of like-minded people is important, but strong leadership is critical.

As a group, you can work together to create a vision and a sense of urgency around the need for change. You will then need to communicate the vision, and “walk the talk” by demonstrating the type of behavior you want to see. This may include writing to certain officials, drafting policy statements, voting in elections, boycotting certain products, buying from companies that support your values, or by participating in your right to public demonstration.

It’s important to recognize that change can be frustratingly slow at times, so persistence is key. You’re likely to be faced with numerous obstacles, so developing relationships and creating short-term wins are necessary to sustain momentum. Once people recognize the compelling benefits of your proposals, small change may begin to appear, and then you’ll need to focus on continuous improvement. If leaders can see how how these new behaviors or actions can help themselves and their organization, then it is likely only a matter of time before it becomes a part of their personal values.

This question makes me think of a quote by anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

I next approached fellow students in my Electric & Hybrid Vehicles class. The following statements are in response to my questions "Do you think earth is experiencing global warming? If so, do you think humans are responsible? If so, do you think there is anything we can do about it? If so, what?"

Michael Dunn

"I absolutely believe that human activity heavily contributed to global warming. We need to drastically reduce our energy demand from fossil fuel combustion. Develop alternative renewable energy sources/resources, such as solar, wind, hydro, cell, etc."

Wayne Mackey

"Climate change is an alternative condition than current conditions. This statement has no threat to human life or ecosystem. When climate changes to condition of risk loss of human life or ecosystem then change of climate is critical. The question is, "Has human life or ecosystem changed in the worse?" Yes - just look at our conditions."

Fermin Maldonado

"I want to reduce carbon footprint by applying sustainability in everything I do. Making the world a better place, starts within ourselves individually. Carpooling and minimizing car usage by walking or biking more, is just the beginning. Power usage reduction around the house that includes LED lighting, minimizes electrical appliances usage, or switch to a photovoltaic system. Simple things like reducing water waste, by checking for water leakage. Recycle and live a minimalist life style and grow my own food in a green house. Use solar water heating and minimize gas usage. I want to teach friends and family about sustainability so they can also teach others and spread the word."

On Friday, October 26, 2018 I was able to attend a meeting of the Environmental Policy Committee and asked interested members to email their answers to my questions. I plan to attend the next meeting on Friday, November 9, 2018.

Javier Moro, the Environmental Affairs Commissioner for Cal State LA's Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) wrote the following:

"The overall temperature of the planet is increasing because of human activity. The isotope carbon-13 is less common in fossil fuels compared to carbon-13 levels in nature, but we are now starting to see an increase of carbon-13 isotopes in the atmosphere, which is caused by human activity. Climate change doesn't mean that it will be warmer everywhere it just means that there will be more severe hurricanes, wildfires, floods, ocean acidification and droughts all over the globe. The evidence for climate change is overwhelming. 9 out of the 10 hottest years happened within the 21st century. Glaciers in the Antarctic are disappearing, and deforestation is pumping more CO2 levels into our atmosphere than ever before.

We can do a lot to help fight climate change. If we were to reduce the amount of time we spend driving and instead take public transportation we would release less CO2 levels into the atmosphere. If business owners were to obtain their products from local industries we can also reduce the amount of CO2 levels into the atmosphere. We can also recycle, decide to eat less meat, take quicker showers or simply unplug everything in our homes (except the refrigerator) before we go out. Climate Change will not only affect humans living on Earth but also every species living on the planet. Earth is the only planet we call home, so we should try our best to take care of it."