Last Updated:
February 28, 2007

GCRIO Program Overview

Library 
Our extensive collection of documents.

Privacy Policy

Archives of the
Global Climate Change Digest
A Guide to Information on Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Depletion
Published July 1988 through June 1999

FROM VOLUME 2, NUMBER 1, JANUARY 1989

REPORTS

Item #d89jan17

The Impact of Climatic Variations on Agriculture, M.L. Parry, T.R. Carter, N.T. Konijn, Eds., Vol. 1. Assessments in Cool Temperate and Cold Regions, 888 pp., March 1988, Vol. 2. Assessments in Semi-Arid Regions, 800 pp., June 1988. Published for International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and U.N. Environment Program by Kluwer Academic Publishers. In North America: 101 Philip Dr., Assinippi Pk., Norwell MA 02061 (617-871-6600); elsewhere: POB 322, NL-3300 AH Dordrecht, The Netherlands. Papercover prices: Vol. 1, $44, £29, Dfl.95; Vol. 2, $39, £26, Dfl.85; also available in hardcover.

Results of a four-year, joint international project consisting of case studies in 11 regions of the world that explored the effects of gradual climatic changes, and of shorter-term and smaller-scale anomalies such as El Niño. In Volume 1 crop-climate models are used to estimate first-order effects on crops and livestock. Second-order effects at the enterprise level are simulated, and regional input-output and employment models are used to estimate higher-order effects. Significant first-order effects include changes of crop types and even of types of farming in some regions, and changes in yields, water availability, pests and diseases. Many of the higher-order effects could be countered by adjustments, such as changes in land use or agricultural policies, that were tested in the study.

Volume 2 considered various degrees of drought on semi-arid regions. Significant first-order effects include major movements of boundaries of agricultural zones, carry-over effects between seasons such as altered soil status, crop dependability that is highly sensitive to small changes of mean climate. A wide range of adjustments by farmers are considered. More detailed agroclimatic "screening" of environments would better match agricultural activities with regional climates.

Item #d89jan18

Reducing the Rate of Global Warming--The States' Role, S. Machado, R. Piltz, 33 pp., Nov. 1988. Renew America, 1001 Constitution Ave. NW, S. 719, Washington DC 20036 (202-466-6880). Individual citizens $7, business/government $10.

In this report Renew America, a nonprofit group dedicated to efficient use of natural resources, demonstrates the key role states could play in countering global warming by adapting their existing air pollution programs to reduce greenhouse gases, and by promoting energy conservation and renewable energy sources. State-by-state tables compare current emissions and programs and will serve as a basis for ranking states as more information on greenhouse gases becomes available. Specific policy recommendations are made.

Item #d89jan19

Energy Efficiency: A New Agenda, W.U. Chandler, H.S. Geller, M.R. Ledbetter, 76 pp., July 1988. American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, 1001 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington DC 20036 (202-429-8873); $8.

A detailed and well-documented presentation of new policies by which the United States can address environmental quality, economic competitiveness and energy security through energy efficiency. Describes 21 specific policy actions under six policy initiatives intended to reduce energy intensity by 2.5% per year. Policies for environmental protection are: an international energy-efficiency protocol to reduce the risk of climate change; Soviet, American and OECD cooperation on energy efficiency; technologies to save energy while protecting stratospheric ozone; emissions ceilings for acid rain control; encouragement of integrated energy and environmental planning at the state and federal levels.