CitiesGoGreen - October 2008 - (Page 9) In Motion “Virtual Water” Shows Actual Use Comments and additional materials at CitiesGoGreen.com Climate change responses are in many ways more about people than about technology. The second annual Behavior, Energy and Climate Change Conference recognizes that. With a focus on understanding how individuals and organizations make decisions and on applying behavioral and social insights to encourage an energy-efficient and lowcarbon economy, the first conference attracted 500 people from a broad range of backgrounds, including local government. Primary sponsors include elements of the University of California, Stanford University and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. The conference is in Sacramento, California, November 16-19, (888) 332-8258. Litres of water required 1 cup of coffee 1kg wheat 1kg meat China daily per capita U.S. daily per capita Litres of water 140 1000 5,000-10,000 2,266 6,800 Anchorage, AK First To Volunteer For Carbon Disclosure Project Some 30 cities (Anchorage was first to volunteer) will measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions in a project organized by the Carbon Disclosure Project and ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability. “Over 70 percent of total global emissions are generated from cities, and if you don’t measure these emissions you cannot manage them,” said Paul Dickinson, chief executive of the nonprofit CDP. “This is a vital step for city councils who wish to gain a better understanding of their own impact and prepare their cities for a carbon constrained world.” The cities will use ICLEI’s tools and resources to assess and report their emission profiles to the CDP by October 31. The results will be published by CDP and ICLEI in January 2009, and the program will open to local governments nationwide early that year. Information: Ms. Annie Strickler, Annie.strickler@iclei.org, (510) 844-0699 x328. Peak Oil Saves Lives Not only are people driving less as a result of higher gas prices, they’re dying less, according to a University of Alabama (Birmingham) and Harvard Medical School study. High prices at the pump have led to a marked decrease in automobile fatalities, a result of people driving less often and at slower speeds. The study concludes that for every 10% rise in gas prices, 2.3% fewer people perish on the pavement. If prices remain at $4 per gallon or higher, fatal automobile accidents could be cut by nearly a third, resulting in 12,000 or more lives saved annually. The study’s co-author, Professor David Grabowski of Harvard Medical School, cautions that this life-saving effect could be offset to some degree as people shift to small, lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles. October 2008 9 Photo courtesy Stockholm International Water Institute Conference on Behavior, Energy and Climate Change in Sacramento, CA Dr. Tony Allan won the 2008 Stockholm Water Award for, among other things, the concept of “virtual water,” the water embedded in a commodity. This allows comparisons and informed choice. For instance, a cup of coffee takes 140 liters of water, and a hamburger patty 2400 liters. This view makes it clear that a meat-light diet and reducing food waste are two excellent ways to reduce water use. True to his conclusions, Dr. Allan is now a vegetarian. http://citiesgogreen.com/issues/october-2008/in-motion/virtual-water-shows-actual-use http://www.CitiesGoGreen.com http://citiesgogreen.com/issues/october-2008/in-motion/conference-on-behaviour-energy-and-climate-change-in-sacramento-ca http://citiesgogreen.com/issues/october-2008/in-motion/conference-on-behaviour-energy-and-climate-change-in-sacramento-ca http://citiesgogreen.com/issues/october-2008/in-motion/anchorage-ak-first-to-volunteer-for-carbon-disclosure-project http://citiesgogreen.com/issues/october-2008/in-motion/peak-oil-saves-lives http://citiesgogreen.com
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