US: Driest Conditions Since the Dust Bowl?

The United States is facing some of the driest conditions since the droughts of the 1950's and 1930's which  were characterized by the Dust Bowl. The US Department of Agriculture has declared the current drought as the largest disaster in its history, affecting over 26 states -nearly two-thirds of the continental US. However, this current drought, although equal in size, "is not as severe or long lasting as the multiyear droughts of the 1950's and 1930's" according to Mark Svoboda, a climatologist  with the US National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Svoboda refers to this drought as a "flash drought" because it arrived in a time frame of weeks to months, relatively fast for a drought.


The dry conditions were caused by the heat wave that hit the greater Midwest in June.
The drought is hitting agriculture and livestock the hardest. The dry spell came during the most critical point for corn growth. Tom Vilsack, the USDA secretary, noted that the forecast for other agricultural products, including soybeans and livestock, had been hurt by the drought.

It is hoped that with sustainable water practices, people will be able to manage the drought conditions.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant

Australia Pushes Boundaries of Preservation

In June, Australia announced its intention to create the world's largest marine reserve. The reserve will cover more than a third of Australia's coastal waters, encompassing 3.1 million square kilometers of ocean. Restrictions are being placed on fishing and oil and gas exploration within the reserve.

Environmental Minister Tony Burke said, "It's time for the world to turn a corner on protection of our oceans and Australia today is leading that next step."

The areas that will be protected include the Great Barrier Reef, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The areas provide support for tropical ecosystems in reefs and deep sea canyons, such as sharks and tuna among other aquatic species. A US navy ship also rests in the water which sunk in 1942 during the Battle of the Coral Sea.

Burke said he wanted the reserves to set a benchmark for the world in environmental protection and food security – access to and consistent availability of food. The plan aims to guarantee future fish stocks by preventing overfishing.

The finals plans should be announced by the end of the year.
Here is a detailed video of the plan.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant

Peru's Renewable Energy Sector Takes Leap Forward

A US development finance institution, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has approved financing for the construction of two 20 megawatt solar power plants in Peru. These plants will generate almost 100 million kWk of clean, renewable electricity per year. The investment amounting to $185 million will enable Conduit Capital Partners to finance the construction and operation of the plants.

OPIC President and CEO Elizabeth Littlefield said, “The Peruvian government, in partnership with the private sector, continues to make great strides in bringing electricity to the majority of its population. This project will enable Peru to take advantage of its great solar potential in order to increase energy access in rural, poorer areas where the need is greatest.”

The two solar power plants will be constructed in Peru's southern mountain range, which offers significant solar energy potential. Peru will benefit from the increase in electricity and provide more rural communities with access. In 2011, electricity coverage in rural communities was about 30%, with more than 6 million Peruvians lacking electricity.

This is a great step forward for the development of Peru and their renewable energy sector.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant

Colorado Wild Fires Catch Nation's Attention

Colorado has been prominent in the news due to the spread of wild fires. One of the largest fires, the High Park Fire, began 15 miles west of Fort Collins with a strike of lightning.  Currently, the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs doubled in size overnight and has forced the evacuation of more than thirty thousand residents.  Reports indicate that this is the second worst wild fire in Colorado history.

 The dry conditions and a record low level of snow pack is fueling the fires. Record-breaking temperatures, strong winds and thunderstorms are also hampering efforts to control the fire. "The fire conditions could not be worse," said Anne Rys-Sikora, spokeswoman for a multiagency fire response team. "It is like a convection oven out there."

About half of the nation's large wild fire personnel are now focused in Colorado, reported US Forest Service chief, Tom Tidwell. The US Forest Service has been given assistance from the Air Force through the loan of four C-130 cargo planes to drop fire retardant or water. President Obama is scheduled to visit the Waldo Canyon area on Firday "to view the damage and thank the responders bravely battling the fire."

We wish those fighting the fire strength and continued safety. Our thoughts are with those who have suffered loss due to the fires. Here is information of how you can help.

Angelica Oman
Graduate Program Assistant

Denver Law Students Win Prestigious Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation Scholarships

Three Denver Law students have won scholarships from the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation. Elisabeth A. Hutchinson, Robert N. Miller II, and Jennifer A. Urban have been awarded the prestigious scholarships for the 2012-2013 period.  Twenty scholarships in total were awarded, and the three won by DU students represented the most won by any single university's students.

Don C. Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy program at Denver Law, said, "The Denver Law program has a long history of students winning these important scholarships.  The scholarships represent a tremendous achievement because they are highly sought after.  We are delighted with this outcome and we thank the Foundation for the critical role it has and continues to play in the education of young professionals who are interested in the natural resources sector."

Law students enrolled at one of the Foundation's 30 member law schools and who can demonstrate a commitment to the study of natural resources law are eligible to apply.

The Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation is one of the world's leading natural resources-focused organizations.  With members from across the world, the Foundation is a leader in continuing professional education.  Its incoming president is Denver Law graduate Catherine J. Boggs.

Rio+20 Earth Summit 2012

Thousands of people are meeting at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development this month in Rio de Janeiro. The first UN Conference on Sustainable Development took place 20 years ago in Rio de Janeiro, hence the name Rio+20. The objectives of the Summit are to secure renewed political commitment to sustainable development, to assess progress towards internationally agreed goals on sustainable development, and to address new and emerging challenges.

The meetings this month are hoping to inspire a call for action from its attendees. It is hoped that there will be a shift away from long term pledges and toward creating friendly competition between the nations of the world to outperform each other. The two main areas of focus are poverty eradication and sustainable development in a green economy and creation of an institutional framework for sustainable development.

Leaders of the world are gathering to share their definitions and action plans for achieving sustainable economic development. US President Barack Obama, India's Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, Francois Hollande of France and Vladimir Putin of Russia are among the attendees. It is predicted that there will be disagreement between developed and developing countries as their priorities clash. The tension is caused by the 'common, but differentiated responsibilities' of the two.

Reaching agreement on sustainable development and poverty eradication are the ultimate goals of the Conference. Developed countries may need to provide technology and infrastructure support to enable developing nations to comply with the sustainability goals.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant

Mexico: First Developing Country to Enact Legislation Against Climate Change

In early June, President Felipe Calderon signed a law introducing climate change legislation. The bill was passed by a unanimous vote in the Senate back in April. This demonstrates an overwhelming consensus on climate change.

The law outlines several goals focussing on reducing the rate of greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy. By 2024, 35% of Mexico's energy will need to be generated from renewable resources. In addition, government buidlings will be mandated to use renewable energy.The rate of greenhouse gas reduction is 30% by 2020 and 50% by 2050.

The legislation is impressive for a developing country, especially a country that depends heavily on its oil exports. Most countries in this position fight climate change initiatives as they believe it will damage their oil economy. Mexico is leading the way for developing nations in climate change legislation.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant