Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
Following is the November/December edition of EarthLink, a bimonthly current awareness newsletter produced by INFOTERRA/USA. EarthLink provides information on international environmental activities, publications and news of interest to EPA staff and other environment professionals.
Sections:
Article: UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change in Kyoto, Japan
International Environment News
General
Air Quality
Water Quality
Biodiversity
Conservation
Recycling
Lead
Climate Change
Chemicals and Pesticides
Upcoming International Conferences
Internet Sites on the Kyoto Conference
INFOTERRA Information
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UN FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE IN KYOTO, JAPAN
The talks on climate change held in Kyoto, Japan from December 1-11, 1997 were originally predicted not to end in any real progress made toward having a breakthrough climate treaty. The feeling was that Asia’s financial problems would put a damper on any large spending plans developed for real cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, which affect the climate of the Earth.
The argument from the American point of view against any treaty was that because the USA is the largest polluter, it would also affect Americans most in terms of jobs and industry, while allowing developing nations to be exempt from any emissions cuts. (Washington Post, 12/01/97, A1 and A20). There was large representation by industry groups such as the Global Climate Coalition to push this idea along and to try and block the creation of a treaty limiting future emissions of greenhouse gases.
The other representatives in attendance were at first unable to reach any compromise on the issue of limiting emissions. The U.S. delegate to the Conference, Belinda Kimble, reiterated that the U.S. position was to hold 2010 emission levels of greenhouse gases at those of 1990, which the other delegates felt was not a strong enough commitment to change. After eight days of little progress in the talks, President Clinton chose to send Vice President Al Gore to Kyoto to aid in the formation of some international agreement which would be acceptable to all parties.
Although the aim of the conference was to create an agreement that would slow the effects of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are accumulating in the atmosphere, what resulted is an agreement by the 159 countries represented at the conference setting legally binding targets for cutting the emissions of six greenhouse gases by 5.2% between 2008 and 2012.
This agreement may or may not be approved by the U.S. Senate, which could have a significant impact, since the U.S. currently produces 25% of worldwide greenhouse gasemissions, which is twice as much per person as in Europe. “And so the UN conference, which always had more to do with the jockeying for individual trading advantage than preserving the global environment for future generations, ended more in discord than accord.” (The Economist Online, 12/97)
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT NEWS
General
“Environmental Institute Lays Plans for Gene Hunt.” Science 278, no. 5338 (24 October 1997): 569-570.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is undertaking a project to determine which genes make individuals more or less susceptible to the effects of pollutants and other environmental chemicals. This the first project to ever attempt to “survey genetic diversity for a large number of human genes.” Each individual has a unique combination of drug-metabolizing enzymes and receptors which determine that individual’s distinct reaction to drugs and chemicals. While the cost of the project is one source of uncertainty, “the biggest hurdle...is the crucial step that follows sequencing: determining the relevance of polymorphisms to disease.”
“Central and Eastern Europe: Ten Nations Sign Environmental Protection Agreement.” International Environment Reporter, 1 October 1997: 918.
On September 4 in Warsaw, Poland, ten Central and Eastern European states signed an agreement pledging to intensify efforts and establish closer cooperation on improving environmental protection. The countries that signed were Poland, Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine. The agreement is still open for signature by other countries. Hungary attended the meeting as an observer while the Czech Republic declined to participate. The Polish Minister of Environment, Stanislaw Zelichorwski, said he thinks the agreement reconfirms Poland’s role as environmental improvement leader.
Air Quality
Begley, Ronald. “Electric Power Deregulation: Will It Mean Dirtier Air?” Environmental Science & Technology 31, No.10, 1997: 462A-465A.
Congress and the states are moving closer to deregulation of the electric power industry, which would create an open retail market for electricity. There are many, including government, academic, and media representatives, who think this deregulation would result in higher air pollution, although this is denied by supporters of deregulation. The fear is that deregulation of electric power will bring an increase in the price of electricity, which will spur some to turnto use of older sources such as coal-fired plants, which are exempt from New Source Performance Standards. These coal-fired plants produce 20 to 30 times as much polluting discharge as the new natural gas-powered plants in use. However, the debate goes on, since deregulation does not necessarily mean coal-fired plants will be used more often, and the speculation continues.
Fairley, Peter, “EPA Rules Prompt Litigation Flood, ” Chemical Week, 8 October 1997: 44.
Several trade associations have filed suits against the new air quality standards for ground level ozone and particulate matter, which were recently finalized by EPA. According to the suits, the new rules lack significant scientific backing and the economic impacts to small businesses were not addressed during the rule-making process, which is required under regulatory reform legislation. In the meantime, Representative John Dingell (D., MI) is trying to gain support in Congress to overturn the new standards, but it is expected he will not be able to get enough votes to override a veto by President Clinton.
Perera, F.P. “Environment and Cancer: Who Are Susceptible?” Science 278, no. 5340 (7 November 1997): 1068-1073.
Along with individual susceptibility, environmental factors such as smoking, diet, and pollutants play a role in most human cancer. Some groups may have greater susceptibility due to genetic traits or ethnicity. This is illustrated by molecular epidemiologic studies of environmental carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aromatic amines. Individual genetic screening for rare high-risk traits or for more common, low-penetrant susceptibility genes is problematic and not routinely recommended. However, knowledge of the full spectrum of both genetic and acquired susceptibility in the population is essential in developing health and regulatory policies that increase protection of the more susceptible groups from risks of environmental carcinogens. Current risk assessment methodologies will need to be revised to explicitly account for individual variation in susceptibility to environmental carcinogens.
Water Quality
Renner, Rebecca. “Rethinking Water Quality Standards for Metals Toxicity.” Environmental Science & Technology 31, No. 10, 1997: 466A-468A.
The current standards for metals discharges to water for industry and municipal water treatment plants were originally based on toxicity tests on animals exposed to metals in the laboratory. However, scientists now know how the toxicity of metal in waters in the laboratory differs from metal toxicity in natural waters due to variance in pH, hardness, alkalinity, etc., whereas before they did not. These differences can be profound, and the advances made in knowledge of the subject area have led to EPA-backed research for new models to predict metals bioavailability. There is the possibility that bioavailability could be assessed on a site-specific basis. This is seen as an advance for science, but could have anegative effect on ecosystems because it could change the discharge limits of the current regulations.
“Water Resources: Better Planning Strategies, Safeguards for Water Supply Urged by Council of Europe.” International Environment Reporter, 29 October 1997: 1002.
During the October 16-17 Council of Europe Conference in Cyprus, the delegates agreed to start working on a “comprehensive planning strategy for Europe, with emphasis on protecting water supplies and combating pollution.” The Council, in a news release, stated that local water supplies should be used by planners where possible and water resources should be protected by governments and businesses. The Council of Europe, which has its headquarters in Strasbourg, France was started in 1949 and is made up of Western and Eastern European nation representatives.
Biodiversity
Tangley, Laura 3"A New Brief for Nature: Science is Revising the Politics of Biodiversity,” U.S. News and World Report, 27 October 1997: 68.
Since the term “biodiversity” was coined about ten years ago, scientists have recently been broadening the definition to include not just specific species or ecosystems (such as rainforests) but other habitats that are equally vital, such as oceans and soil. The view was widened from conserving habitats not just to prevent species loss, but to maintain the necessary “services” that keep the planet habitable (such as air purification, waste decomposition and crop pollination). Some scientists suggest however that certain species are “superfluous” and that what is important is not the absolute number of species that exist, but rather maintaining the diverse biological functions that is important. Others argue that these studies were conducted on simple, rather than complex ecosystems, and that there it cannot yet be determined what species are superfluous. Recent studies are also exploring the biological richness of other habitats, such as oceans and soils, rather than just rainforests, and are discovering new ecosystems that were unknown before. These explorations are making scientists rethink about their approaches to the study of biodiversity, and about conservation as well.
Conservation
Satchell, Michael “A UN “Plot” on U.S. Rivers: How a Tiny Conservation Idea Became a Global Conspiracy,” U.S. News and World Report, 27 October 1997: 42.
A new program, announced by President Clinton in February 1997 and designed to clean up a handful of local rivers has turned into a “global conspiracy” in the views of some. The American Heritage Rivers project is a voluntary program allowing local communities to access existing federal funds and expertise, while not interfering with property and water rights. Theconspiracy theory stems from Clinton’s creation of a 1.7 million acre park in Utah without the approval of Congress. This was viewed by many who felt it was another “land grab” move by the Federal Government. The “American Heritage Rivers” project also aroused suspicion, since its name is similar to that of the UN’s “World Heritage Sites”( a small conservation program designed to designate areas of worldwide importance), and is viewed as a plot between U.S. and UN leaders to take over American land. A bill has recently been introduced by Idaho Rep. Helen Chenoweth - co-sponsored by 43 other House Representatives - to kill the project by prohibiting the participation of federal agencies.
Reid, J.W. and R.E. Rice. “Assessing Natural Forest Management as a Tool for Tropical Forest Conservation.” Ambio 26, no. 6: 382-386.
In the last several years, as attempts have been made to reconcile conservation and development agendas, many conservation organizations have embraced the notion that careful use of timber resources from natural forests could be part of a viable conservation strategy. Unfortunately investments in “natural forest management” are financially unattractive and governments are generally unwilling or unable to force loggers to make such investments. Even where these problems can be overcome, advocates of conservation need to carefully consider whether natural forest management will result in less damage than would have occurred otherwise. The answer to this question depends on what kind of human intervention would have taken place in the absence of the forestry project: little or none; uncontrolled logging or deforestation for agriculture. Only in the latter case does natural forest management unquestionably represent an environmental improvement. Finally, an assessment must be made as to whether forestry is a cost-effective way of achieving conservation goals. After analyzing these factors, the authors conclude that in some limited circumstances natural forest management represents a promising conservation strategy.
Recycling
“How to Get Rid of Rubbish” The Economist, 18 October 1997: 18.
On the surface, the push to recycle as much as possible seems like a solid answer to waste problems. However, it is the view of this article that laws that require recycling are unwise, and may actually do more harm than good to the environment. National and state-wide quotas do not take into account the local conditions that determine recycling costs; recycling large amounts can end up costing more than dumping or burning waste; and there is often no guarantee that all sorted waste will actually get reused. Governments need to research the most effective ways to dispose of waste by estimating the costs (both monetary and environmental) of burning and dumping, vs. recycling of trash. Recycling could be done on a more voluntary basis, and more efficient recycling techniques could be put in place to make it more cost effective.
Lead
Chukwuma, C. “Environmental Lead Exposure in Africa.” Ambio 26, no. 6: 399-403.
The environmental and public health implications of low level lead (Pb) exposure in children, whereby there is possible psychometric deficit, is of concern to everyone. Controversy exists as to the actual impact of lead exposure on the neuropsychological development of children. It is pertinent to consider monitoring, detection and intervention for children with moderately increased blood-lead levels in association with other social, cultural, ethnic, economic, and developmental factors. A considerable number of prospective studies on the interaction of blood-lead levels in children and other factors have been conducted in developed industrialized countries, but not in developing countries such as Africa. Increased research in this area is required in Africa, particularly in erstwhile and existing industrial or mining areas, and highly mineralized areas.
Climate Change
Brownlee, Shannon and Laura Tangley. “The Wrath of El Nino.” Vol.123 No.13 (6 October 1997): 16-22.
“El Nino- ‘the child’ in Spanish -was named for the Christ child by Peruvian fisherman, who noticed that the ocean warmed periodically around Christmas time.” This article explains the make-up of El Nino, discusses its history, size, projected strength, and the amount and type of damage it is capable of causing. It also examines the effects on the wildlife, sea life, environment and even the health complications caused by this phenomenon.
Skodvin, T. and J.S. Fuglestvedt. “A Comprehensive Approach to Climate Change: Political and Scientific Considerations.” Ambio 26, no. 6: 351-358.
The concept of comprehensiveness embedded in the climate convention is discussed with attention to political and scientific considerations that need to be taken into account for this approach to serve as a tool for enhancing the effectiveness of a climate regime. The manners in which the approach may serve as an instrument for facilitating negotiation and implementation of a climate regime are discussed, and an operational definition is suggested. A key question with regard to the employment of a comprehensive approach in climate politics concerns how well methodologies for comparing gases perform. This question is discussed with regard to Global Warming Potentials (GWPs). When the most important greenhouse gases are concerned, the authors suggest that in the absence of better alternatives, the use of GWPs may serve as a preliminary tool for policy making until better methods are developed. It is emphasized that the choice of time horizon has significant ecological and politicalimplications that should be taken into account.
“Sharing the Greenhouse,” The Economist, 11 October 1997: 20.
There is growing consensus among scientists that the greenhouse effect is indeed having an effect on the global temperatures, due in part to emissions from human activities. However, most of the countries who gathered in Rio in 1992 and promised to cut their emissions to 1990 levels by the end of this decade have not done so. At present, countries unwilling to cut emissions cannot be forced to do so, and no procedure is in place to set quotas for countries at different stages of development. Although industrialized nations produce the majority of greenhouse emissions, the economic growth of developing countries is occurring quickly, and it is predicted that their emissions will probably account for most of the total by 2025. At some point, they will need to be brought on-board to cut their emissions, but industrialized nations, particularly America, need to take the lead at Kyoto and setting the example, while encouraging developing nations towards greener practices.
Ross, M.N., J.R. Benbrook, W.R. Sheldon, et. al. “Observation of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion in Rocket Exhaust Plume,” Nature 390, No. 6655, 6 November 1997: 62.
Modeling studies have suggested that significant local ozone depletion caused by emissions from solid-fueled rockets may occur, however the actual response of the stratosphere has never actually been measured. This article discusses measurements that were taken to observe the effect on stratospheric ozone following the launch of two Titan IV rockets during 1996. It was observed that in both cases, ozone concentrations dropped to near-zero levels in the plume wake (in regions four to eight kilometers wide) within 30 minutes of the launch. Ozone loss persisted for 30 minutes, after which concentrations recovered to ambient levels. The article discusses these observations in depth, and the possible causes for these observations.
Stolarski, Richard “A Bad Winter for Arctic Ozone,” Nature 389, No. 6653, 23 October 1997: 788.
Ozone loss in the Antarctic is a well-known problem, but the Arctic region was thought to be less susceptible to ozone loss. This article discusses two papers (published in the previous week’s edition, and this edition respectively) that report on large ozone losses observed in the Arctic during the winter and early spring of 1995-96, and over the previous few winters. Over the past few winters, the stratosphere in the Arctic has stayed colder for longer than usual, and this seems to have led to lower concentrations of ozone. Temperatures remain cold enough to “tie up nitrogen as HNO3", and this lack of nitrogen leads to lower ozone levels. The article also discusses other possible causes that may be behind the year-to-year variations of Arctic ozone levels.
Roscoe, H.K. and A.E. Jones. “Midwinter Start to Antarctic Ozone Depletion: Evidence from Observations and Models.” Science 278, no. 5335 (3 October 1997): 93-96
Measurements of total ozone at Faraday, Antarctica show a winter maximum. This new observation is consistent with the descent of air within the polar vortex during early winter, together with ozone depletion starting in midwinter. Chemical depletion at these latitudes in midwinter is suggested by existing satellite observations of enhanced chlorine monoxide and reduced ozone above 100 hectapascals and by reduced ozone in sonde profiles. New three-dimensional model calculations for 1994 confirm that chemical ozone depletion started in June at the sunlit vortex edge and became substantial by late July. This would not have been observed by most previous techniques, which either could not operate in winter or were closer to the Pole.
Carroll, Michael R., “Climate Change: Volcanic Sulfur in the Balance,” Nature 389 no.6651 (9 October 1997): 543-544.
The author discusses Victor Kress’ theory that sulfur emissions may contribute to cooling of the earth’s atmosphere. The sulfur emissions produce sulfuric acid aerosols which absorb solar radiation and result in atmospheric cooling. Volcanic activity effects the climate by the amount of sulfur emitted, not by the size of the eruption or the amount of ash produced.
“El Nino Slows Greenhouse Gas Buildup?” Science 278, no. 5339 (31 October 1997): 802
Scientists have found that El Nino is responsible for temporarily halting the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by human activity. This occurs as a result of a global burst in delayed plant growth which appears to take up the excess carbon dioxide. This development is a major step toward explaining ecosystem responses to climate change.
Braswell, B.H. and D.S Schimel. “The Response of Global Terrestrial Ecosystems to Interannual Temperature Variability.” Science 278, no. 5339 (31 October 1997): 870-872.
Scientists measured atmospheric carbon dioxide and temperature and the vegetation index to determine relationships between climate, carbon dioxide, and ecosystems. “At the global scale, lagged correlations between temperature and carbon dioxide growth rate were found, indicating modulation by biogeochemical feedbacks. Spatial analysis of the temperature and vegetation index data suggests that the global correlations are a composite of individualistic responses of different ecosystems.” The relationships between climate and carbon storage could be indirectly changed by alterations in global ecosystem distributions.
Hessen, Dag O., A. Hindar, and G. Holtan. “The Significance of Nitrogen Runoff for Eutrophication of Freshwater and Marine Recipients.” Ambio 26, no. 5: 312-320.
This article explores the effects of nitrogen loadings to freshwater and marine recipients in two large watersheds of southern Norway. Changes in nitrogen retention over larger areas would severely affect nitrogen concentrations in freshwaters, and subsequently increase the N load to marine recipients. Increased atmospheric deposition, changed hydrology, reduced nitrogen uptake by vegetation due to nitrogen “saturation”and/or root damage caused by acidification, could contribute to this leakage. Climatic fluctuations strongly affect the seasonal runoff patterns, and a more long-term climate change could mobilize the huge stores of organic N following increased mineralization. The bioavailability and seasonal patterns combined will bemajor determinants to responses in the recipients, as will the nutrient ratios. Data from both the Bjerkreim and the Auli watersheds with their subcatchments underline the overall importance of agricultural activity for nitrogen runoff.
Hessen, Dag O., Arne Henriksen, A. Hindar, J. Mulder, K. Tírseth, and N. Vagstad. “Human Impacts on the Nitrogen Cycle: A Global Problem Judged from a Local Perspective.” Ambio 26, no. 5: 321-325.
This article revisits the major problems relating to man-made disturbances in the global nitrogen (N) cycle, and links the local findings from the project to the large-scale effects. The human transformation of atmospheric N2 to chemically and biologically more reactive species causes a number of environmental effects. The focus of the project involved was budget estimates of N for two large watersheds of southern Norway, the Bjerkreim and the Auli. The above article deals with the specifics and this article ties the results into the larger world picture.
Chemicals and Pesticides
Wuebbles, Donald J. and James M. Calm. “An Environmental Rationale for Retention of Endangered Chemicals,” Science 278, no. 5340 (7 November 1997): 1090-1091.
Some chemicals blamed for stratospheric ozone depletion may help reduce global warming. This article addresses the idea that ozone depletion and global warming should not be treated as separate environmental issues. Most ozone-depleting chemicals are also greenhouse gases, but some hydrochloroflourocarbons regulated as ozone-depleting substances decompose before reaching the tropopause, thus not harming the ozone. The effects chemicals have on ozone depletion and global warming are quantified as ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) relative to the chemical’s atmospheric lifetime. “Selective and controlled containment of chemicals now scheduled for phaseout because of their ODP could offer overriding environmental advantages.” The phasing out of certain chemical based solely upon one or the other of ODP or GWP could be more harmful than beneficial. HCFC-123 and HCFC-124 have low ODPs and low GWPs and thus could be viable substitutes for CFCs.
“Pesticides: Five Organophosphates added to U.N.’s International Trade Monitoring Program.” International Environment Reporter, 1 October 1997: 913.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, based in Rome, announced September 23, that five organophosphate pesticides are being added to a “watch list” under the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) program. This is a voluntary system. Methamidophos, methyl parathion, monocrotophos, parathion, and phophamidon join the 17 pesticides and five industrial chemicals already on the list meaning they “should not be exported without the agreement of the importing country,” FAO said. These pesticides have been known to cause health risks to farm workers and could cause poisoning to consumers who eat vegetablesharvested shortly after being treated by the pesticides.
UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES
Notices regarding the following international conferences have been sent to INFOTERRA during the last few months. Notification is received through the mail and over the Internet. The list below is not comprehensive; INFOTERRA maintains a fairly large file of conference announcements. If you have any questions about the conferences listed below, or would like to consult our conferences file, please contact the INFOTERRA office at (202) 566-0544 or send an email request to: library-infoterra@epamail.epa.gov.
1. Seminar on Coastal Area Management
Hotel Dedeman, Lara Yolu, 07100 Antalya, Turkey
phone: +90 (0)242 321-3930 & 321-7910; fax: +90 (0)242 321-3873
March 25-29, 1998.
Jointly organized by IAIA (International Association for Impact Assessment)
and ISoCaRP (International Society of City and Regional Planners), the
seminar will focus on coasts and small islands, taking on a new endeavor
launched by UNESCO in Jan. 1996 in response to the needs of maritime nations
for sound coastal management. The seminar intends bringing together spatial
and environmental planning specialists, and initiating an exchange of
experience, as well as a joint search for innovative approaches to relevant
issues. Workshops will address: Accessibility, Tourism and Resources.
For more information and for registration please see: http://www.orl.arch.ethz.ch/CAMSeminar/
,
or contact Judy van Hemert, IsoCaRP Secretariat, Mauritskade 23, 2514
HD &endash; The Hague, The Netherlands
phone: +3170346-2654; fax: +3170361-7909; email: isocarp@bart.nl.
2. 30th Annual Air Pollution Workshop (APW)
Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
April 20-23, 1998
http://www.biology.appstate.edu/apw.html
The APW is the major meeting for investigators working in the area of air pollution effects on vegetation (crops, forests and other natural ecosystems) and has been instrumental in the development of the EPA Air Quality Standards. The APW is traditionally an informal workshop, and there are no formal proceedings. Presentations are short, with abundant discussion. Posters are becoming increasingly popular at the workshop. Recent topics have concentrated on ozone effects, from the ecosystem perspective to molecular, from dose-response studies to modeling efforts, and in the last few years have attracted scientists doing global change work. The interaction between rising CO2 and air pollution continues to be a major theme in these meetings. For more information, contact Dr. Howard Neufeld at neufeldhs@APPSTATE.EDU.
3. First Kuwaiti Conference on the Information Highway
Kuwait City, Kuwait
March 16-18, 1998
The theme will be "Technology Serving Society", and the conference will cover all aspects related to Information Highway (IH), especially those pertaining to the Middle-East region, and to developing countries . More specifically, it will include the following four sub-themes:
1 . Applications of IH
2 . Administrative and Social Aspects of IH
3 . Legal Aspects of IH
4 . Technical Aspects of IH
For more information, contact: Ms. Ferial Al-Freih, Chairperson - Higher
Organizing Committee, Kuwait Information Highway Conference
Fax: 00965-4836097; Email: rmenezes@kisr.edu.kw
4. Globe 98
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
March 18-20, 1998
GLOBE 98 is the fifth in a series of biennial conferences and trade fairs on business and the environment. As the world’s foremost global business and environment event, GLOBE 98 provides corporate and environment industry executives with the strategic business intelligence needed to enhance decision making, identify opportunities and risks, and facilitate business transactions. It also provides access to hundreds of corporate managers and senior government officials from around the world.
For more information contact:
GLOBE Foundation of Canada, World Trade Centre, 504999 Canada Place,
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 3E1; Telephone: 6047751994; Fax: 6046668123;
Email: info@globe.apfnet.org
. Web Site: http://www.globe.ca
Internet Sites on the Kyoto Conference
Official Site of the Third Conference to the Parties of the UNFCCC
This official conference site gives information on who attended and what the outcome was, as well as on the Convention itself, including the full text of the document.
CNN Global Warming Pages
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/1997/global.warming
The CNN website has a Climate Change page which features special sections about the Kyoto conference, with articles and editorials available.
The Economist Online
http://www.economist.com
The Economist Online features special sections on climate change as well, with editorials and news articles available through the archive.
Global Climate Coalition
http://www.worldcorp.com/dconline/gcc/index.html
The Global Climate Coalition, an organization of business trade associations and private companies, was established in 1989 to coordinate business participation in the scientific and policy debate on the global climate change issue. The GCC represents virtually every sector of U.S. industry, including electric utilities, railroads, transportation, manufacturing, mining, oil, and coal. Because the GCC was a leading protest group in Kyoto at the beginning of December, this site has a large dataset available on the Kyoto Conference.
