Energy and Environment Program
Energy and Environment Program
U.S. Policy on Climate Change: What Next?
A Credible Commitment 
(115K), Frank Loy and Bruce Smart
Overview by the Forum co-chairs, concluding that early action is necessary, that voluntary actions are not enough, that an economy-wide cap-and-trade system is the most efficient politically feasible approach, and that Americans would support Presidential and Congressional leaders calling for such action.
Stabilization of Greenhouse Gas Concentrations (278K), T.M.L. Wigley
The science of climate change and stabilization issues, including stabilization pathways for different targets, emissions requirements to achieve stabilization, and the climate consequences of following a stabilization pathway vs. a no-climate-policy pathway.
Review of Mitigation Cost Studies and Trajectories, and Assumptions that Drive Them (115K), John P. Weyant
Discussion of seven key assumptions that drive analyses of the cost of achieving emissions reductions and lead to vastly different cost projections.
Atmospheric Stabilization: Technology Needs, Opportunities and Timing
The link between greenhouse gas emissions and their concentrations in the atmosphere, the issue of timing, and the importance of technology and how to stimulate it.
The Effectiveness of Voluntary Programs and Next Steps in Climate Change Policy (196K), David Gardiner
Whether voluntary programs are adequate to address climate change, and whether the next step should be an economy-wide or a sector-by-sector approach.
Emissions Trading in the New Global Market for Climate Protection: Will America Lag or Lead? (345K), Fred Krupp
The need for early action to prevent dangerous interference with the climate system, the benefits of emissions trading, and the need for a legally binding emissions cap in the U.S. as a first step toward re-entry into the Kyoto system.
The value of carbon sequestration to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions, associated benefits to natural systems, considerations for project implementation, and the need to ensure the credibility of projects.
The Century-Long Challenge of Fossil-Carbon Sequestration
The potential of deep geologic sequestration to allow the continued use of coal and to contribute to a future hydrogen economy, and a discussion of issues relating to carbon capture and storage.
Towards a Lower Carbon Future 
(164K), Charles Nicholson and Paul Rutter
BP officials discuss low-carbon energy supply options, global energy demand, initial experience with carbon trading, UK policies, and company initiatives relating to climate.
Climate Change: A Common Sense View from the Forest (108K), George H. Weyerhaeuser Jr. and Prolman
An overview of forest-based sinks, forests as a risky asset that can be managed, the need for internationally agreed accounting procedures and verification mechanisms, and a discussion of new technologies Weyerhaeuser Company and others are developing.
Global Warming from the Perspective of a Coal Burning Utility (105K), Kristine M. Krause
Wisconsin Electric's approach to supplying low-cost electricity, complying with clean air regulations, and supporting a phased reduction of greenhouse gas emissions with an economy-wide, flexible cap-and-trade system.
Climate Change and Technology: An Auto Perspective (114K), Thomas G. Marx
Support for voluntary efforts and incentives for technological innovation as the core of U.S. climate policy, and discussion of General Motors' efforts to improve conventional vehicles while looking to hydrogen as a long-term solution.
An Integrated, Four-Pollutant Approach to Power Plant Emission
A rationale for a policy supported by PSEG Power and others to integrate carbon dioxide reduction targets in legislation to reduce SOx, NOx, and mercury emissions from power plants.
Reducing Carbon Emissions and Limiting Costs (122K), Richard D. Morgenstern
A discussion of the Skytrust proposal for a broad cap-and-trade system focused on "upstream" energy suppliers, with an initially modest cap and a "safety valve" to limit the cost of achieving reductions.
The Massachusetts Approach to Power Plant Clean-Up (111K), Bob Durand and Gina McCarthy
The Secretary and Assistant Secretary of Environmental Affairs describe an integrated approach to regulating four pollutants, including carbon dioxide, from six coal-burning power plants in Massachusetts.
Forum Participants (72K)
