January

2014 U.S. Climate Action Report

January 1, 2014. The Department of State issues 2014 US Climate Action Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This is the first U.S. Biennial report and the sixth U.S. National Communication to the UNFCCC. The report details how existing and planned U.S. action can reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions approximately 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. Progress includes doubling electricity generation from renewables, stringent fuel economy standards, and promoting energy efficiency. Also discussed is how U.S. communities are preparing for climate change. More information available here.

Turn Down the Heat: Why a 4°C Warmer World Must be Avoided

The World Bank is offering a free 4-week online course entitled Turn Down the Heat: Why a 4°C Warmer World Must be Avoided. Start date is January 27th. For more, see the course website.

New Funding Opportunity for Distributed Power Fuel Cell Technologies

ARPA-E has announced $30 million in available funding for the new Reliable Electricity Based on ELectrochemical Systems (REBELS) program, which is focused on the development of transformational electrochemical technologies to enable low-cost distributed power generation. ARPA-E encourages outstanding scientists and engineers to form new project teams for REBELS applications and projects. The deadline to submit a Concept Paper for REBELS is 5 p.m. ET on January 8, 2014. Additional information on REBELS can be found at ARPA-E eXCHANGE.