Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche recall plans for emission cheating scandal rejected by CARB

In another setback for Volkswagen/Audi and Porsche related to their emissions cheating scandal, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced yesterday that it had rejected proposed recall plans submitted by the companies as incomplete and deficient in several areas.

The plans were made to address the repair of certain Auxiliary Emission Control Devices (AECDs) and defeat devices in 3.0 liter, diesel passenger cars made for model years 2009 – 2016. Approximately 16,000 Volkswagens, Audis and Porsches sold in California are affected by this decision.

Photo: Audi advertising image, Fair Use

The decision was unexpected by many following the case because CARB had recently approved plans submitted by the companies for 2.0 liter diesel vehicles.

You can read CARB’s press release, which includes links to the actual rejection letters and other information concerning the violations at this link: VW/Audi/Porsche 3.0 Liter Diesel Plan Rejection

Clouds aren't where they used to be because of man-made climate change

A recent article in The Washington Post reported that new scientific research dealing with clouds has confirmed what many climate change models had already predicted.

photo: F. J, Maccioli

Apparently, the “location” of clouds has changed dramatically over the last 30 years. The reason appears to be due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations and a recovery from radiative cooling caused by volcanic eruptions.

Published in the journal, Nature, the research found that mid-latitude storm tracks have retreated poleward, subtropical dry zones have expanded, and the height of the highest cloud tops has increased at all latitudes.

The research shows that the observed cloud changes agree with those predicted by climate change models, thus further supporting the case for anthropogenic (man-made) climate change.

The study was prepared by scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, the University of California at Riverside, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Colorado State University.

Climate change and the Amazon rainforest - a history

“At first I thought I was fighting to save rubber trees, then I thought I was fighting to save the Amazon rain forest. Now I realize I am fighting for humanity.” – Chico Mendes, an environmentalist and union leader who was murdered by those opposed to his activities.

Photo: Council on Foreign Relations, Fair Use

Next to the burning of fossils fuels, the largest source of global greenhouse emissions is deforestation. Halting this practice and reversing it could reduce global GHG emissions by about 33 percent, according to scientists with expertise in this area.

Over the last several years, many people have discussed the negative impacts on climate change caused by deforestation. For those of you familiar with the subject, or, those of you who doubt or have little interest in it, the Council on Foreign Relations has put together an excellent representation of what has happened over the years to the Amazon Rainforest – the largest in the world -  and its impact on climate change, the economy, politics, indigenous peoples, and the environment.

It’s very well done – a must-see worthy of further discussion. Click on the following link to see the entire presentation:

Amazon Deforestation

Environmental Justice Advisory Committee to hold climate change advisory workshops

A series of public workshops to obtain input on addressing air pollution and how to help California meet its 2030 greenhouse gas reduction goals will be held this month across California.

A key goal of the workshops is to engage California residents from low income and minority communities that have historically had the most exposure to air pollution.

Organized by the Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC) and assisted by the California Air Resources Board (ARB), the input will be used for the state’s Climate Change Action Plan, also called the Scoping Plan, that will be the blueprint for reducing California’s GHG emissions 40 percent by 2030.

Photo: California Air Resources Board, Fair Use

The first meeting will be held on Monday, July 11, in San Bernardino.  The other July meetings include:

San Diego (Thursday, July 14); Oakland (Tuesday, July 19); Wilmington (Monday, July 25); South Los Angeles (Tuesday, July 26); Fresno, Modesto, and Bakersfield (Thursday, July 28); and Sacramento (Friday, July 29).

Additional meetings will also be held this fall.

For more information on times and location, please click on this link:

EJAC/ARB Workshops