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New Mexico Army National Guard: A Tradition of Air Defense Ready for Change
The New Mexico Army National Guard has an Air Defense history. In the past thirty years the soldiers of the 111th Air Defense Brigade have diligently trained on the Duster, the Roland, the Chaparral, the Hawk, the Avenger and the Patriot systems. None of these units have been deployed to perform their wartime air defense mission. Due to the changing world climate, the Army is involved in a variety of missions around the world and at home. The New Mexico Army National Guard must become a relevant member of the team and transform part of its air defense organization to units that will meet their Country's call. The Army has a viable total force concept. It was the active and reserve components together that were successful in Desert Storm. Since that time this combined team has been deployed to numerous peace-keeping operations and domestic emergencies. Presently we are in a war against terrorism and our primary mission has become homeland security. The New Mexico Army National Guard has the responsibility to meet the full spectrum of missions. It has an opportunity to create a new type of Guard unit capable of deploying faster, training more efficiently and equipped to perform homeland security, domestic emergencies, peacekeeping operations and their war fighting mission. Times have changed and so should the New Mexico Army National Guard.
Army War College (U.S.)
Montoya, Kenny
2002-04-09
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Global Climate Change [Updated March 27, 2002]
"There is concern that human activities are affecting the heat/energy-exchange balance between Earth, the atmosphere, and space, and inducing global climate change, often termed 'global warming.' Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and other trace greenhouse gases. If these gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere at current rates, most scientists believe global warming would occur through intensification of Earth's natural heat-trapping 'greenhouse effect.' Possible impacts might be seen as both positive and negative. A warmer climate would probably have far reaching effects on agriculture and forestry, managed and un-managed ecosystems, including natural habitats, human health, water resources, and sea level depending on climate responses. Although causal relationships between projected long-range global climate trends and record-setting warmth and severe weather events of the past two decades have not been firmly established, attention has been focused on possible extremes of climate change and the need for better understanding of climate processes to improve climate model forecasts. The basic policy question remains: Given scientific uncertainties about the magnitude, timing, rate, and regional consequences of potential climatic change, what are the appropriate responses for U.S. and world decisionmakers? Fossil-fuel combustion is the primary source of CO2 emissions, and also emits other 'greenhouse' gases. Because the U.S. economy is so dependent upon energy, and so much of U.S. energy is derived from fossil fuels, reducing these emissions poses major challenges and controversy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Justus, John R.; Fletcher, Susan R.
2002-03-27
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Global Climate Change: U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Status, Trends, and Projections [Updated March 12, 2002]
"On 15 October 1992 the United States ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which entered into force 21 March 1994. This committed the U.S. to 'national policies' to limit 'its anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases,' with a voluntary goal of returning 'emissions of carbon dioxide [CO2] and other greenhouse gases [Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)]' at the 'end of the decade' 'to their 1990 levels.' Subsequently, in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC, the U.S. participated in negotiations that ended with agreement on further reductions that could become legally binding. The United States signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1998, but President Clinton did not send it to the Senate for advice and consent. President Bush has said that he rejects the Protocol, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Whitman has told reporters that the Administration will not be pursuing the UNFCCC commitment either. Instead, President Bush is proposing to shift the nation's climate change program from a goal of reducing emissions per se to a goal of reducing energy intensity -- the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of economic productivity. Under the proposal, the intensity, which has been declining for a number of years, would decline18% between 2002 and 2012, as opposed to a 14% projected 'business as usual' decline."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blodgett, John E.; Parker, Larry, 1954-
2002-03-12
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Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative
At the end of 2001, 438 nuclear power reactors were in operation in 31 countries around the world, generating
electricity for nearly 1 billion people. They account for approximately 17 percent of worldwide installed base capacity for electricity generation and provide half or more of the electricity in a number of countries. As a whole, these reactors have an excellent operating record and are generating electricity in a reliable, environmentally safe, and affordable manner without emitting noxious gases into the atmosphere. Concerns over energy resource availability, climate change, air quality, and energy security suggest an important role for nuclear power in future energy
supplies. While the current Generation II and III nuclear power plant designs provide an economically,
technically, and publicly acceptable electricity supply in many markets, further advances in nuclear energy
system design can broaden the opportunities for the use of nuclear energy. To explore these opportunities, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology has engaged
governments, industry, and the research community worldwide in a wide-ranging discussion on the
development of next-generation nuclear energy systems known as "Generation IV". Generation IV nuclear energy systems will: Provide sustainable energy generation that meets clean air objectives and promotes long-term availability of systems and effective fuel utilization
for worldwide energy production.
Minimize and manage their nuclear waste and notably reduce the long term stewardship burden in the future, thereby improving protection for the public health and the environment. Increase the assurance that they are a very unattractive and least desirable route for diversion or
theft of weapons-usable materials.
Excel in safety and reliability.
Have a very low likelihood and degree of reactor core damage. Eliminate the need for offsite emergency response.
Have a clear life-cycle cost advantage over other energy sources.
Have a level of financial risk comparable to other energy projects.
United States. Department of Energy
2002-03
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Global Climate Change [Updated January 30, 2002]
"There is concern that human activities are affecting the heat/energy-exchange balance between Earth, the atmosphere, and space, and inducing global climate change, often termed 'global warming.' Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and other trace greenhouse gases. If these gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere at current rates, most scientists believe global warming would occur through intensification of Earth's natural heat-trapping 'greenhouse effect.' Possible impacts might be seen as both positive and negative. A warmer climate would probably have far reaching effects on agriculture and forestry, managed and un-managed ecosystems, including natural habitats, human health, water resources, and sea level depending on climate responses. Although causal relationships between projected long-range global climate trends and record-setting warmth and severe weather events of the past two decades have not been firmly established, attention has been focused on possible extremes of climate change and the need for better understanding of climate processes to improve climate model forecasts. The basic policy question remains: Given scientific uncertainties about the magnitude, timing, rate, and regional consequences of potential climatic change, what are the appropriate responses for U.S. and world decisionmakers? Fossil-fuel combustion is the primary source of CO2 emissions, and also emits other 'greenhouse' gases. Because the U.S. economy is so dependent upon energy, and so much of U.S. energy is derived from fossil fuels, reducing these emissions poses major challenges and controversy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fletcher, Susan R.; Justus, John R.
2002-01-30
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U.S. Climate Action Report 2002. Third National Communication of the United States of America Under the United Nations Framework convention on Climate Change
In this U.S. Climate Action Report, we provide our third formal national communication under the Framework Convention, as envisioned under Articles
4 and 12 of the Convention. We describe our national circumstances, identify existing and planned policies and measures, indicate future trends in greenhouse gas emissions, outline expected impacts and adaptation measures,
and provide information on financial resources, technology transfer, research, and systematic observations.
United States. Department of State
2002
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Our Changing Planet: The FY 2002 U.S. Global Change Research Program
"The United States Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) supports research on the interactions of natural and human-induced changes in the global environment and their implications for society. The USGCRP began as a Presidential initiative in 1989 and was codified by Congress in the Global Change Research Act of 1990 (P.L. 101- 606). The statute directs the implementation of a program aimed at 'understanding and responding to global change, including the cumulative effects of human activities and natural processes on the environment.' On June 11, 2001, President Bush announced the establishment of the U.S. Climate Change Research Initiative to study areas of uncertainty and identify priority areas for investment in climate change science. The definition of this new initiative is underway, and is expected to lead to changes in USGCRP climate research activities in FY 2003 and beyond. These changes will be highlighted in the next annual report of the USGCRP."
U.S. Global Change Research Program; National Science and Technology Council (U.S.)
2002
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Arctic Ocean and Climate Change: A Scenario for the U.S. Navy
"At a meeting held at the Naval Ice Center on 7 July, 2000 with representatives from the National/Naval Ice Center, the Oceanographer of the Navy (N096), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), MEDEA, the Arctic Research Commission, and U.S. Coast Guard the national and strategic issues surrounding operations in an ice-free, or ice-diminished Arctic were framed. It was recommended that a forum be established to evaluate the Naval implications of operating in an ice-free Arctic. In order for this forum to succeed it was deemed essential that the views of nationally recognized experts on Arctic climate change be presented to the Navy in order to assure a sound scientific basis for future planning. The US Arctic Research Commission undertook to survey the community of experts in the field and to present their views to the Navy as a basis for further planning. The following is an edited compilation of the views of that panel of experts convened by the United States Arctic Research Commission to assist the Navy in considering the effects of climate change on their operations in and around the Arctic Ocean in the mid to late Twenty First Century."
United States. Arctic Research Commission
Brass, Garrett W.
2002
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Global Climate Change [Updated December 14, 2001]
"There is concern that human activities are affecting the heat/energy-exchange balance between Earth, the atmosphere, and space, and inducing global climate change, often termed 'global warming.' Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and other trace greenhouse gases. If these gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere at current rates, most scientists believe global warming would occur through intensification of Earth's natural heat-trapping 'greenhouse effect.' Possible impacts might be seen as both positive and negative. [...] The United States has indicated it would continue its cabinet-level review of climate change, and would seek new approaches based on voluntary measures and market mechanisms, but no timeframe for a new U.S. proposal has emerged. Other parties continue to express hope that the United States will rejoin international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Justus, John R.; Fletcher, Susan R.
2001-12-14
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China-U.S. Aircraft Collision Incident of April 2001: Assessments and Policy Implications [Updated October 10, 2001]
"The serious incident of April 2001 between the United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC) involved a collision over the South China Sea between a U.S. Navy EP-3 reconnaissance plane and a People's Liberation Army (PLA) naval F-8 fighter that crashed. After surviving the near-fatal accident, the U.S. crew made an emergency landing of their damaged plane onto the PLA's Lingshui airfield on Hainan Island, and the PRC detained the 24 crew members for 11 days. Washington and Beijing disagreed over the cause of the accident, the release of the crew and plane, whether Washington would "apologize," and the PRC's right to inspect the EP- 3. In the longer term, the incident has implications for the right of U.S. and other nations' aircraft to fly in international airspace near China. (This CRS Report, first issued on April 20, 2001, includes an update on the later EP-3 recovery.) The incident prompted assessments about PRC leaders, their hardline position, and their claims. While some speculated about PLA dominance, President and Central Military Commission Chairman Jiang Zemin and his diplomats were in the lead, while PLA leaders followed in stance with no more inflammatory rhetoric. Still, the PLA is likely to benefit from this incident. Despite PRC claims that the EP-3 plane caused the accident, it appears that the PLA pilot, executing a close pass in an apparent attempt to impress or intimidate the EP-3 crew, made a fatal error in judgment. International law is clear that all aircraft have a right of overflight with respect to ocean areas beyond the territorial sea (past 12 miles out). There are implications for U.S. policy toward the PRC and Taiwan, and defense policy. This incident of April 2001 is the third in a series of major troubling difficulties since the mid-1990s that could have serious implications for U.S.-PRC relations. The standoff raised questions about whether the issues of the incident and arms sales to Taiwan should be linked and whether to change the process of annual arms sales talks with Taipei. A further worsening of political ties could negatively affect the business climate in China for U.S. firms and disrupt negotiations over China's WTO accession. Airborne reconnaissance remains a vital component of intelligence collection for military and other national security purposes. Observers speculate that the chief benefit to the PRC from inspecting the EP-3 would be to gather information about U.S. targets and degree of success that could enable them to prepare countermeasures to hinder future U.S. surveillance efforts. The incident has potential implications for U.S. military surveillance operations in at least four areas: operational strain on the EP-3 fleet, conditions for conducting airborne surveillance missions in the future, the need for escorts or other protective forces, and using unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) for airborne surveillance missions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2001-10-10
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Global Climate Change [Updated September 26, 2001]
"There is concern that human activities are affecting the heat/energy-exchange balance between Earth, the atmosphere, and space, and inducing global climate change, often termed 'global warming.' Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and other trace greenhouse gases. If these gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere at current rates, most scientists believe global warming would occur through intensification of Earth's natural heat-trapping 'greenhouse effect.' Possible impacts might be seen as both positive and negative. A warmer climate would probably have far reaching effects on agriculture and forestry, managed and un-managed ecosystems, including natural habitats, human health, water resources, and sea level depending on climate responses. Although causal relationships between projected long-range global climate trends and record-setting warmth and severe weather events of the past two decades have not been firmly established, attention has been focused on possible extremes of climate change and the need for better understanding of climate processes to improve climate model forecasts. The basic policy question is: Given scientific uncertainties about the magnitude, timing, rate, and regional consequences of potential climatic change, what are the appropriate responses for U.S. and world decisionmakers?"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Justus, John R.; Fletcher, Susan R.
2001-09-26
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U.S. Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI): Survey of Research Strategies to Reduce Scientific Uncertainties
The research initiatives identified in this report aim to make rapid progress in reducing the uncertainties in our knowledge of climate change by a focused investment in high priority areas over the next five years. The NAS recommendations are comprehensive and outline needs for research that will extend far in the future. The specific proposed actions have a dual aim: (1) to reduce the present uncertainties in climate science and develop the enabling modeling capabilities, and (2) to develop research and data products that will facilitate the use of scientific knowledge to support policy and management decisions. This survey of research initiatives is organized according to the above two goals. A brief discussion of ongoing plans and activities is provided in order to highlight work most closely related to the proposed tasks, which will complement or accelerate existing activities, followed by some key deliverables.
United States. Department of Commerce
2001-08
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Joint Statement by President Bush and Prime Minister Koizumi [June 30, 2001]
In this joint statement, President Bush and Prime Minister Koizumi welcome the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan alliance. They emphasize that this alliance is the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and that strengthening this alliance is crucial to confront new challenges in the region. The two leaders also agree to expand bilateral cooperation regarding climate change.
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2001-06-30
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Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on a Transatlantic Vision for the 21st Century [March 29, 2001]
This summarizes Transatlantic relations and European unification in a post-Cold War context. It expresses the need for new efforts to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, to combat global poverty, to address climate change, and to fight the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. The statement underscores the importance of the German-American friendship in promoting Transatlantic relations and security.
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2001-03-29
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Foreign Policy Challenges Facing the Bush Administration
"At least four broad challenges seem likely to top the foreign policy agenda facing the Bush administration," says Robert J. Lieber, Professor of Government and Foreign Service at Georgetown University. The first of these, he says, "concerns relations with America's allies, especially the Europeans and Japanese." Also of key importance are relations with Russia, the "unique problems and choices" posed by China, and the Middle East, which "represents perhaps the most dangerous single foreign policy challenge facing the United States." Lieber is editor and contributing author of "Eagle Rules? Foreign Policy and American Primacy in the 21st Century," to be published Summer 2001 by Prentice-Hall. The United States continues to occupy a unique role in world affairs. In each of the areas of foreign and security policy cited here, as well as in trade, international economic policy, and non-traditional foreign policy arenas such as the environment, climate change, disease, refugees and humanitarian intervention, international cooperation is rarely effective without an active American role. The task for the new Bush administration will thus be to face these multiple challenges in such a way that it provides leadership without becoming overextended, maintains American primacy, engages other countries to act jointly wherever possible, and sustains domestic support for the policies and the level of resources needed to carry them out effectively. This role is not only indispensable internationally, but it reflects the critical national interests of the United States.
United States. Department of State
Lieber, Robert J., 1941-
2001-03
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Serial No. 107-13: Climate Change: The State of the Science: Hearing before the Committee on Science, United States, House of Representatives, One Hundred and Seventh Congress, First Session, March 14, 2001
From the opening statement of Sherwood L. Boehlert: "The subject of today's hearing is the environment, and specifically, global climate change. I think it is safe to say that this is the most controversial of our three opening topics. But there is one principle concerning global climate change on which just about everyone can agree, and that is that we need a strong and continuing research program to understand more about climate. And it is that research program that is our primary focus this morning." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Sherwood L. Boehlert, Ralph M. Hall, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Lynn Woolsey, Daniel L. Albritton, Berrien Moore, Charles Kennel, and John Brown.
United States. Government Printing Office
2001
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More Capable Warfighting Through Reduced Fuel Burden
The task force reviewed approximately 100 current and future technology solutions and sought to understand DoD's fuel requirements and its end-to-end fuel delivery processes. The task force then turned its attention to understanding DoD's policy on energy efficiency and the processes for requiring and acquiring more efficient platforms and systems. The task force also investigated the environmental impacts of fossil fuel use, including global climate change. The task force made the following significant Findings during the course of its work. Although significant warfighting, logistics and cost benefits occur when weapons systems are made more fuel-efficient, these benefits are not valued or emphasized in the DoD requirements and acquisition processes
United States. Defense Science Board
2001-01
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Volpe Center Highlights [November/December 2000]
"The Volpe Center has an increasing role in global transportation issues. In the Highlights for January 2000, I wrote about the expansion of our work to the international arena. This trend continues and is reflected in much of our recent work. Our approach is flexible. The Volpe Center shares its technical knowledge by being able to respond to specific challenges such as the reconstruction work begun last year in Honduras. The Center also makes its technological advances available to the general global community. For example, new Global Positioning System technology has been made available to other countries including Australia and several European nations. We work with our international colleagues by developing collaborative agreements and participating in international working groups. We also host meetings for various transportation groups from all over the world and receive many transportation delegations from other countries. In addition to our country specific work on the international front, we are also involved in international efforts to address such problems as global warming. Mr. Kevin Green of the Transportation Strategic Planning and Analysis Office plays an important role in supporting DOT's [Department of Transportation] Center for Climate Change and Environmental Forecasting, which works to develop solutions for managing greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of climate changes on transportation systems. Mr. Green was part of a team that has provided technical support to the government of Argentina in voluntarily setting targets for greenhouse gas emissions. He has also represented DOT at international workshops and negotiating sessions under the United Nations' framework of the Convention on Climate Change."
John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
2000-12
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Our Changing Planet: The FY 2001 U.S. Global Change Research Program
"The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) seeks to provide a sound scientific understanding of the human and natural forces that influence the Earth's climate system-and thus provide a sound scientific basis for national and international decisionmaking on global change issues. The USGCRP seeks to observe, understand, predict, and assess the critical natural and human-induced dynamic states and trends of the Earth's global environmental system across a wide range of time and spatial scales."
U.S. Global Change Research Program; National Science and Technology Council (U.S.)
2000-09
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Organizational Culture of the Command and Administrative Staff of Spokane County Fire District #3
"Spokane County Fire District #3 is a department that transitioned from an all volunteer department to a combination paid/volunteer department. The paid personnel form the command and administrative staff. When the transition started twenty plus years ago, the paid personnel came from the volunteer ranks. This is not the case today. Fifty-percent of the personnel have come from outside the volunteer ranks. With the influence of 'new blood' into the organization came a change in the culture of the department. To this point, there has been no formal measure of the organizational culture of the command and administrative staff. The purpose of this research was to define the current organizational culture and climate among the command and administrative staff. Descriptive and evaluative research methodologies were used in answering the research questions through a literature review, a department telephone survey and an employee survey. The following questions were answered: 1. What are the dimensions or characteristics of an organizational culture? 2. How have other like-sized Fire Departments measured their organizational culture? 3. Currently, what are the organizational strengths and weakness that make up the culture of our Department's command and administrative staff? 4. What can we do differently based on the outcome of the organizational assessment? The research revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the culture of the command and administrative staff. Seventeen elements were surveyed. Overall, the organizational culture of the sub-group was very strong. The stand out weaknesses were pay, benefits and feedback."
National Fire Academy
Jennings, Brian K.
1999-11
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Executive Order 13123: Greening the Government Through Efficient Energy Management
"The Federal Government, as the Nation's largest energy consumer, shall significantly improve its energy management in order to save taxpayer dollars and reduce emissions that contribute to air pollution and global climate change. With more than 500,000 buildings, the Federal Government can lead the Nation in energy efficient building design, construction, and operation. As a major consumer that spends $200 billion annually on products and services, the Federal Government can promote energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of renewable energy products, and help foster markets for emerging technologies. In encouraging effective energy management in the Federal Government, this order builds on work begun under EPACT and previous Executive orders."
United States. Office of the Federal Register
Clinton, Bill, 1946-
1999-06-03
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Military Implications of Global Warming
"The 1998 National Security Strategy repeatedly cites global environmental issues as key to the long-term security of the United States. Similarly, U.S. environmental issues also have important global implications. This paper analyzes current U.S. Policy as it pertains to global warming and climate change. It discusses related economic factors and environmental concerns. It assesses current White House policy as it relates to the U.S. military. It reviews the Department of Defense strategy for energy conservation and reduction of greenhouse gases. Finally, it offers recommendations and options for military involvement to reduce global warming. Global warming and other environmental issues are important to the U.S. military. As the United States leadership in environmental matters encourages global stability, the U.S. military will be able to focus more on readiness and on military training and operations."
Army War College (U.S.)
Greene, Patrice E.
1999-05-20
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White House Global Climate Change Initiative and Congressional Review Act Implementation: Is OMB Hiding the Truth About New Regulations and Programs? Hearing Before the Subcommittee on National Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs, of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fifth Congress, Second Session, June 17, 1998
This is the June 17, 1998 hearing on "White House Global Climate Change Initiative and Congressional Review Act Implementation: Is OMB [Office of Management and Budget] Hiding the Truth About New Regulations and Programs?" held before U.S. House Subcommittee on National Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs. From the opening statement of David McIntosh: "The purpose of today's hearing is to examine the record of the Office of Management and Budget in telling the American people the truth about how Federal programs and regulations operate. In particular, we will address two issues. First is OMB's cooperation, or lack of cooperation, with this subcommittee's request for information regarding the White House Climate Change Initiative, including OMB's review of pending letters of response from specific agencies about that issue. Second is OMB's progress, or lack of progress, in the implementation of the Congressional Review Act." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: G. Edward DeSeve, and Robert P. Murphy.
United States. Government Printing Office
1999
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In Touch with Industry: ICAF Industry Studies 1999: Strategic Materials
This is a comparative study of national strategic materials policy
from the perspective of U.S. national security and, therefore, contains a
certain bias. The Committee concentrated on the traditional material of
steel and aluminum and on the advanced materials of ceramics,
polymers, composites, and the "smarts." The findings fall into three
broad categories. First, The United States, Canada, and the European
Union still have the remnants of the Cold War's (1945-1989) strategic
materials policyJ Second, Belgium, Poland, and Spain are conscious of
the strategic nature of selected materials, but appear unsure as to "who"
in their country or region can be the most reliable provider of strategic
material products. Third, there is a general recognition that the return of
the "global commons;" the occasional natural disasters; the apparent
world climate changes; the pollution of the habitat; and the growth,
urbanization, and migration of the world's population directly affect all
aspects of the entire life cycle of minerals, metals and materials, both
traditional and advanced.
Industrial College of the Armed Forces (U.S.)
1999
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Evaluating the Organizational Culture of the Union Township Fire Department - Clermont County, Ohio
"The purpose of this research project was to evaluate the organizational culture of the Union Township Fire Department. This was done to identify its current climate as well as understand needs, priorities, weaknesses, strengths and at least lay the foundations to which further research could be done at a later date to measure change and make recommendations for change as necessary. An evaluative research procedure was used to analyze the current organizational climate. This was done through surveys of employees of the department. In conjunction with the survey, a literature review was conducted. Following the survey, a baseline of the organization would be developed that would give a snapshot in time reflective of where the organization was at that time. From that baseline, and with information from the literature review, plans could be developed for future organizational change and development."
National Fire Academy
Deimling, Stanley G.
1998-07
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Our Changing Planet: The FY 1999 U.S. Global Change Research Program
"The Global Change Research Act of 1990 mandates the preparation of scientific assessments of global change. T he Subcommittee on Global Change Research, which coordinates the USGCRP [U.S. Global Change Research Program], has initiated a national, scientifically based assessment of the consequences of climate change and climate variability for the people, environment, and economy of the United States. The goal of the National Assessment is to determine the regional and national implications of climate change and variability within the United States in the context of other environmental, economic, and social stresses."
U.S. Global Change Research Program; National Science and Technology Council (U.S.)
1998-03
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Role of Bioethanol in Global Climate Change
"The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has supported a research and development program for the establishment of renewable, biomass-derived, liquid fuels for the better part of the last twenty years. These 'biofuels' represent opportunities to respond to uncertainties about our energy security and the future health of our environment. Throughout its history, the Biofuels program has experienced an ongoing fiscal 'roller coaster'. Funding has ebbed and flowed with changing political and public attitudes about energ/. The program was initiated in a flood of funding in the late 1970s related to the energy shortages experienced in that period. The flooding turned rapidly to drought as falling oil prices dissipated public concern about energy supplies. In the late 1980s, funding for the program slowly increased, driven by national security issues.
Despite its turbulent fiscal history, the Biofuels Program has made tremendous technical
progress. The centerpiece of the program is the development of what we refer to as
'bioethanol'; ethanol produced from cellulose and hemicellulose contained in grasses, trees and waste biomass. The research and development carried out by DOE over the decade of the 1980s, for example, resulted in a three-fold reduction in the estimated cost of ethanol made from cellulosic biomass, based on comparisons of production costs developed at the beginning and end of the decade."
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)
Sheehan, John
1998-02-26
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Army Reserve Role in Military Support to Civil Authorities: A New Approach for the 21st Century
Natural and manmade disasters are dynamic, untimely and stressful occurrences. Scientists from around the world have predicted ever-increasing, dramatic changes to the global environment. International terrorism and other asymmetric threats will increase within our borders. The potential for disasters has never been greater. During the foreseeable future, the U.S. military is expected to operate in a climate of tight budgets and increased missions while reducing its personnel. The time has come for the U.S. Army Reserve to play a key leadership role in domestic disaster relief. This country's military was founded on the concept of the citizen-soldier, dedicated to the nation. This paper will explore new ways the U.S. Army Reserve can be used as a significant team-player in the management of military response to domestic disaster relief operations, given an uncertain and volatile future in the 21st Century.
Army War College (U.S.)
Fraley, James A., Jr.
1998
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Socioeconomic Factors and the Incidence of Fire
"Over the past 100 years, the risk of fire in America's homes has decreased dramatically. Myriad changes have helped make us safer, including the adoption and enforcement of building codes, changes in the way we heat our homes and cook food, and widespread use of smoke detectors. Still, each year in the U.S. there are over 400,000 fires in residential structures, and these fire kill and injure many people. Between 1983 and 1990, an average of 74 percent of all fire deaths occurred in residential fires, as did an average of 66 percent of all fire injuries. However, research indicates that the risk of a fire in the home is not the same for everyone. Climate, building stock characteristics, and human factors importantly influence fire rates. This working paper concentrates on the last two categories, building stock characteristics and human factors. The intent is to identify socioeconomic factors that influence the complex and varied relationships between buildings, humans, and the occurrence of residential fires."
United States Fire Administration; National Fire Data Center (U.S.)
1997-06
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Coastal Wetlands and Global Change: Overview
"The potential impacts of climate change are of great practical concern to those interested in coastal wetland resources. Among the areas of greatest risk in the United States are low-lying coastal habitats with easily eroded substrates which occur along the northern Gulf of Mexico and southeast Atlantic coasts. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have identified coastal wetlands as ecosystems most vulnerable to direct, large-scale impacts of climate change, primarily because of their sensitivity to increases in sea-level rise."
United States. Department of the Interior; Geological Survey (U.S.)
1997-06
