Review of the Draft Fourth National Climate Assessment
Review of the Draft Fourth National Climate Assessment

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2018-06-18

Total Pages: 207

ISBN-13: 0309471699

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Climate change poses many challenges that affect society and the natural world. With these challenges, however, come opportunities to respond. By taking steps to adapt to and mitigate climate change, the risks to society and the impacts of continued climate change can be lessened. The National Climate Assessment, coordinated by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, is a mandated report intended to inform response decisions. Required to be developed every four years, these reports provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date evaluation of climate change impacts available for the United States, making them a unique and important climate change document. The draft Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4) report reviewed here addresses a wide range of topics of high importance to the United States and society more broadly, extending from human health and community well-being, to the built environment, to businesses and economies, to ecosystems and natural resources. This report evaluates the draft NCA4 to determine if it meets the requirements of the federal mandate, whether it provides accurate information grounded in the scientific literature, and whether it effectively communicates climate science, impacts, and responses for general audiences including the public, decision makers, and other stakeholders.

High Energy Costs
High Energy Costs

Author: Hans H. Landsberg

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2015-09-25

Total Pages: 421

ISBN-13: 1317310357

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The two major concerns in the energy policy debate relate to economic efficiency and whether the price should indicate to each consumer the true cost to the economy of using more energy, and the second is that of economic equity where it is argued that energy is a basic necessity for survival and the government has the responsibility to provide assistance for lower-income families. Originally published in 1982, this volume focuses on the uneven impact of rising energy costs on different income groups, regions, and household locations. This collection of papers helps to fill the knowledge gaps about the amount and distribution of household energy expenditure. The volume is organised with a paper introducing each topic followed by one or two discussants’ remarks further examining the issues at hand. It is a valuable title for students interested in environmental studies and national policy.

High Energy Costs
High Energy Costs

Author: Hans H. Landsberg

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2015-12-14

Total Pages: 123

ISBN-13: 131729713X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

High energy prices affect nearly the whole of the American population, arguably affecting some consumer groups more than others. Although originally published in 1981, the issues explored in this study such as who is affected most by energy price increases, regional differences and what can or should be done in the United States in regards to energy costs are still as relevant today as they were then. These papers attempt to directly address these concerns in the wake of the 1979-80 price shock in America and to advise what action can be taken to allay these concerns. This title will be of interest to students of environmental studies and economics.

Hidden Costs of Energy
Hidden Costs of Energy

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2010-05-26

Total Pages: 506

ISBN-13: 0309155800

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Despite the many benefits of energy, most of which are reflected in energy market prices, the production, distribution, and use of energy causes negative effects. Many of these negative effects are not reflected in energy market prices. When market failures like this occur, there may be a case for government interventions in the form of regulations, taxes, fees, tradable permits, or other instruments that will motivate recognition of these external or hidden costs. The Hidden Costs of Energy defines and evaluates key external costs and benefits that are associated with the production, distribution, and use of energy, but are not reflected in market prices. The damage estimates presented are substantial and reflect damages from air pollution associated with electricity generation, motor vehicle transportation, and heat generation. The book also considers other effects not quantified in dollar amounts, such as damages from climate change, effects of some air pollutants such as mercury, and risks to national security. While not a comprehensive guide to policy, this analysis indicates that major initiatives to further reduce other emissions, improve energy efficiency, or shift to a cleaner electricity generating mix could substantially reduce the damages of external effects. A first step in minimizing the adverse consequences of new energy technologies is to better understand these external effects and damages. The Hidden Costs of Energy will therefore be a vital informational tool for government policy makers, scientists, and economists in even the earliest stages of research and development on energy technologies.