RUSSIA REFUSES TO RATIFY KYOTO PROTOCOL
The Russian Government has indicated that it will not sign the Kyoto Protocol because it will hurt the country’s economy. The Kyoto Protocol, signed by many of the world’s nations at a conference in Japan in 1997, sets targets for countries to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which are seen as a key factor behind global warming. To take effect, the pact requires ratification by a minimum of 55 countries, which must include the industrialized nations that accounted for at least 55 per-cent of that group’s carbon dioxide emissions in 1990. So far, industrialized nations that have signed on account for 44.2 per- cent of the 1990 emissions. Russia accounts for 17.4 per-cent of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions, so its ratification would push the group over the top. The United States has also pulled out of the Kyoto Protocol claiming that the accord would hurt the American economy. The U.S. is the leading polluter in the world and is responsible for 36 per-cent of all carbon dioxide emissions.
On the same day that Russia made its announcement – the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a study stating that the effects of warmer temperatures are already visible and measurable. The study indicated – that based on temperature forecasts produced by over 2,000 international scientists – worldwide average temperatures will rise by a range of 2.5 degrees to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100 unless dramatic action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
TOYOTA PRIUS RECEIVES CAR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Motor Trend magazine, the world’s #1 automotive authority announced the selection of the Toyota Prius (a gas/electric hybrid car) as the 2004 Car of the Year. Now in its 55th year, the title of Motor Trend Car of the Year is the most coveted and most recognized award in the automotive industry. “We realize the selection of a hybrid vehicle is going to stir controversy, but we believe the performance, engineering advancements, and overall significance of the Toyota Prius merits the distinction of Motor Trend’s car of the Year,” said Kevin Smith, editor-in-chief of Motor Trend. “The Prius is a capable, comfortable, fun-to-drive car that just happens to get spectacular fuel economy. It also provides a promising look at a future where extreme fuel-efficiency, ultra-low emissions, and exceptional performance will happily coexist. That makes it meaningful to a wide range of car buyers”.
The Toyota Prius competed with 26 other new vehicles from sports cars to minivans in a rigorous testing protocol that featured all types of weather and driving conditions. TheToyota Prius is powered by a combination gas and electric motor. The gasoline engine is used when cruising on the highway and the electric motor is used for low-speed driving. This results in significantly better gas mileage and cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 50%. The Prius recovers energy while braking and this is used to charge the batteries so they do not need to be re-charged at a charging station.
COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHTS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE SALES
According to the New York Times: “Sales of energy efficient compact fluorescent lights are the fastest-growing segment of the lighting market. But even in states like Wisconsin, where utilities have subsidized purchases of energy-efficient lighting for more than a decade, cheap incandescent light bulbs outsell the newer technology by a four to one margin. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that if every American homeowner simply replaced the incandescent lighting in his or her five most frequently used fixtures with compact fluorescents, the nation would save 800 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity consumption – the equivalent of shutting down 21 power plants.
ENERGY TIP
- Transportation accounts for over 30% of the energy used in Virginia. Here are some tips for saving money and energy with your vehicle.
- Minimize idling – when idling you are getting 0 MPG.
- Avoid quick acceleration – this delivers more fuel to the engine then can be burned.
- Observe speed limits – high speed reduces fuel economy due to wind resistance.
- Keep your car tuned up – a tune up can save 10% or more in fuel.
- Maintain proper tire pressure – under-inflated tires reduce fuel economy.
- Buy radial tires – radial tires give a 3-5% improvement in fuel economy.
- Change your oil regularly – dirty oil will reduce fuel economy.
- Take extra weight out of your vehicle – 100 lbs. can reduce mileage by ½ MPG.