Wind and hydro power Kodiak Island
Music/comment : “Anything happening in the ocean, including ocean acidification affects our livelihood. It affects our understanding of the crab and for us to have our jobs, we need to make sure that the crab resources remain sustainable.”
That’s Jamie Goen director of the trade group Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers who as a former oceanographer tested off-kilter ocean chemistry around the globe. She is one of many specialists featured in a six-part “Future Ocean” podcast series by the Alaska Ocean Observing System.
Goen and others explore connections between increasing acid levels in Alaska, ocean warming and algae blooms.
In episode three, economists explain carbon pricing and how a price put on emissions can be used as a tool to phase out fossil fuels.
Music/comment – “ Yes, it’s been many years and many failures in the making to get something of this ambition done. It set a new standard for state action.”
That’s Kevin Tempest of Seattle’s Low Carbon Prosperity Institute.
Following California’s lead, Washington State earlier this year passed a law creating a market-based cap and trade program and another to reduce carbon in transportation fuels.
Podcast six showcases clean energy projects in 80 rural Alaska communities, how renewables can be financed through a “green bank,” and showcases Kodiak where nearly 100% of the community is powered by hydro and wind, including its lineup of big seafood processing plants that run year-round.
The podcast series is all about carbon policy solutions to protecting Alaska’s waters and fisheries. Included is a free Alaska Energy Smart curriculum for K-12 students .
Listen to Future Oceans through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network. The series was produced by Dorothy Childers and Maggie Wall.
Funding came from Sitka Salmon Shares, the Alaska Ocean Observing System, the Claudia and Stosh Anderson Fund, Deborah Williams and Mary Kancewick.
EPISODE 1
Exploring Ocean Acidification and the Connection Between Acidification, Ocean Warming, and Harmful Algal Blooms
Marine scientists engaged in ocean acidification research and monitoring harmful algal blooms talk about what they are studying in Alaska. Length: 25 minutes
EPISODE 2
Ocean Warming: Our Fisheries and the Scientific Advice to End Global Carbon Emissions
As carbon emissions are building up in the atmosphere, the ocean is absorbing and storing much more heat, transforming Alaska’s oceans before our very eyes. We discuss scientific advice to sharply reduce carbon emissions. Length: 27 minutes
EPISODE 3
Welcome to Carbon Pricing: How to account for the social cost of carbon
Guest economists discuss what it means to put a price on carbon emissions as a tool to wring fossil fuels out of the economy and accelerate the emerging transition to renewable energy. Length: 24 minutes
EPISODE 4
What is Cap and Trade? Learn about California and Washington State
This episode explores the cap and trade model with a focus on California and Washington State. Special attention is focused on a fatal flaw in the use of carbon offsets as a component to cap and trade systems. Length: 25 minutes
EPISODE 5
What is a Carbon Fee or Carbon Tax? Learn about bills in Congress
A carbon fee or tax offers an approach to carbon pricing represented in multiple bills in Congress. This episode features the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. Length: 26 minutes.
EPISODE 6
Energy Transformation in Alaska: Turning our oil wealth into clean energy
This episode is a deep dive into Alaska’s transition to renewable energy, including innovations taking place in rural Alaska and opportunities for renewable energy along the railbelt. Length: 24 minutes.
