The Climate Minute

A report in the New England Journal of Medicine finds more then 4600 people died in Puerto Rico as a result of Hurricane Maria. The enormous discrepancy with the Trump administration’s estimate of 64 is stark. After months in the dark, we hope some light shines on that island. Also, two legal cases that could force the disclosure of what Exxon knew, and when it knew it advanced. The judges allowed ‘discovery’ of corporate documents to proceed. Finally Dave Roberts of Vox tweeted an interesting question: “What would the last two centuries of human development have looked like if fossil fuels had always been properly priced?” Let us know what you think!

The concept of a massive seawall to protect Boston Harbor is less cost effective than local adaptations, says a new report. Mayor Walsh plans a climate conference, but must answer questions on urban pipelines and procrastination on implementing Community Choice Energy. Listen in!

Scott Pruitt’s EPA withheld a report about poisonous chemicals in drinking water, and then barred CNN and AP reporters from a meeting about it. Plus the “jerks at FERC” want to ignore the greenhouse gases from pipeline content, Exxon wants permission to cook it’s books on monitoring methane leaks, and Gina takes a potshot at Bill, or did she? The answers to your worries? Vote in November.

Massachusetts leads the way again in choosing Vineyard Wind to build an 800MW off shore wind farm. That, coupled with choices are Brayton Point, electric buses and the great energy proposal (the Pacheco Bill) make for a wind-wind situation. Listen in.

Two examples of deception this week: Entergy paid actors to testify in favor of a power plant in New Orleans and the White House is hiding a ‘nightmare’ report on water quality. And, by the way, Jupiter is changing our weather…very slowly. Listen in.

We discuss the possible upsides and downsides of the new California solar panel program. How should Climate Hawks prepare for the inevitable unintended consequences of our proposals? (Hint: vote!)

NY AG Eric Schneiderman resigns after the New Yorker reveals him as a violent man. He was leading the effort against Exxon. What now? Back at home, Boston will host a mayoral conference on climate in June. Listen in.

California will insist on solar panels on new homes. And will sue Pruitt over fuel standards. Pretty cool.

Trees play an important role in the vibrancy of cities. Listen in as we speak with David Meshoulam of “Speak for the Trees Boston” at the Local Environmental Action Conference last March at Northeastern.

Scott Pruitt’s tiresome “swamp-monster” routine has moved beyond parody to absurdity, but is nonetheless as a continuing insult to Climate Hawks. SAD! A more constructive and substantive discussion is happening around the putative need to support nukes and the more pragmatic need for electric busses. Listen in!