Global Warming

HOPE – An Update:

Kristina Haddad — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:22:00 -0400

By Sasha Abelson, Consultant

Last year I wrote about the tragic execution of a family of mountain gorillas in the Virunga national park in Africa. This horrific act occurred due to a battle over fuel. I chose to write a blog about this because I was struck by the profound sadness of these killings and because I realized that this was also a story which violently illustrated an energy crisis in the Congo and beyond.

I have been following the plight of these gorillas on http://gorilla.cd/blog/. Over the past year the brave forest rangers of Virunga were forced to flee the park due to an escalation in fighting. They recently returned to the park and were filled with joy to discover in their absence, the gorilla population had grown by 13% with the birth of 10 gorilla babies.

In addition, the rangers have been working to set up fuel briquette stations which will provide the villagers with an alternative source of energy. Fuel briquettes can be created with biomass and other agricultural waste. The rangers are hopeful that once the villagers have the ability to create their own fuel, they will no longer resort to burning old growth forests and gorilla habitat.

The story of the Virunga gorillas demonstrates a cycle that has been echoed throughout the rest of the world. Since the industrial revolution we have pillaged the earth in order to ‘fuel' our growing economy. We have drilled miles into the earth for oil, mined the tops off of mountains for coal and chopped down ancient forests to satiate our growing energy demands. A century later, the dramatic rise in CO2 emissions have led scientists to conclude that oil and coal are two of the dirtiest fuels and are largely responsible for climate change.

In February, 2009, President Obama pledged to make renewable, green energy alternatives a major priority for his administration. He pledged to reduce our CO2 emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. These are not just numbers and words - they represent a new way of thinking. We must find clean, renewable sources of energy, using wind, sun, hydrogen, and biomass to grow our economy, while at the same time conserving and respecting the one earth that we have.

Breaking Bread for Climate Change

Kristina Haddad — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:58:00 -0500

New America's climate policy team was a key sponsor and organizer of the recent Governors' Global Climate Summit. The summit brought together leaders from all over the world to begin to carve out a bold path to the next global climate change agreement in Copenhagen. From our point of view the summit hit a home run. Among the outcomes was an MOU to reduce emissions from deforestation, a Declaration, which committed the signers to develop cooperative actions on climate change throughout the world and most profound an announcement made by President-Elect Barack Obama to the summit attendees (and the world!). A deep sigh of collective relief and, in some cases, tears fell as he pronounced "My presidency will mark a new chapter in America's leadership on climate change that will strengthen our security and create millions of new jobs in the process."

The summit however was not without criticism. Mainly, the point was argued, having folks travel from around the world and country to a climate change conference was counterproductive because of the GHG emissions that would be produced as a result. It's not the first time I have heard this argument and being on the outside I too have at times thought - "wow a lot of resources, time and money has gone into "xyz" conference - I sure hope something really important comes out of this!" Being on the outside it's an easy judgment to make and quite frankly I have attended more than a few of those rubber chicken dinner conferences where it feels like a series of mind numbing power points and labored cocktail receptions.

But among those I have been fortunate to attend a few gatherings that were tremendously inspiring, educational and provided the opportunity to forge relationships that would have never been forged via email or phone. The Governors' Global Climate Summit was one of those. The summit stood out not only because it was history in the making but because of the people that attended. I witnessed and experienced myself participants exchanging information, ideas and inspiration. It was mentioned by many that the kind of exchanges and conversations that occurred would have never occurred had they not been in person, face to face.

Whether it be a handshake or the sharing of a meal there is no substitute for human interaction. I truly believe that in these side conversations and early morning coffee meetings big ideas and strategies are hatched. In the case of the Governors' Global Climate Summit - this opportunity was not wasted. Participants from China, India, Brazil, Canada, the EU, Indonesia and the United States were mingling, conversing, and most importantly bonding. In a world that increasingly operates by relationships forged in cyberspace the power of a handshake is sacred. It's for that reason that I am confident that the good that will come out of the Summit will far, far outweigh the emissions that resulted - which by the way were offset.

The Governors Global Climate Summit – An Opportunity to Meet Face to Face:

Kristina Haddad — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:42:00 -0500

By Sasha Rose Abelson, Consultant

On November 18 and 19, leaders from around the world gathered in Los Angeles to discuss the urgent issue of climate change. For many of the participants, this was an opportunity to meet face to face for the first time.

Day one of the summit was devoted to discussing different mechanisms that can help in the fight against global warming. ‘Collaborting on GHG Reporting' emphasized the importance of an accurate system to to measure, monitor and report GHG emissions. The panelists stressed that a transparent and credible reporting scheme is crucial to ensure a legitimate carbon market. Later in the day, the sectoral approach to controlling GHG emissions was discussed. This approach would use specific protocols to regulate different industrial sectors of the economy such as energy, transportation, cement etc.

Day two of the summit consisted of a round table discussion between the world leaders during which they were able to explain the progress they had made in the fight against global warming as well as future goals. The Governor of Kansas spoke of harnessing the wind power of her state, the Governor of Wisconsin spoke of other creative methods to create renewable energy (eg: using the byproduct of cheese production to create bio fuels - that's right - cheese.)

A remarkable amount of progress was achieved during the summit. I was thrilled to view a video message from President Elect Obama in which he pledged that his administration would mark a "new chapter in American leadership on climate change." A Forestry MOU was signed between the governors of Brazil, Indonesia and the US (representing 50% of the tropical forests on earth). A Declaration was signed by the world leaders which agreed to fundamental principals which must be taken in the battle against climate change.

In addition to these honorable achievements, I believe many triumphs occurred off stage and away from the cameras. Some of the breakthroughs that were not mentioned in the press were the handshakes, the eye-to-eye contact, chatting during coffee breaks and conversations over the dinner table, and the thrill the Chinese delegation got upon meeting Rob Lowe at Universal Studios. (That's right - Rob Lowe).

The summit provided an opportunity for the attendees to get to know one another as leaders on climate change and as individuals. The Governors Global Climate Summit laid the groundwork for these leaders to engage in future negotiations and served as an introduction to a relationship between people with shared common goa

Climate News Roundup: September 12 - September 18, 2008

Kristina Haddad — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:27:00 -0400

Friday, September 12, 2008

AVIATION: U.S.-bound flight from New Zealand to showcase ways to save time and fuel. A major initiative to help cut airline flight times, burn less fuel, and reduce harmful carbon emissions is to be presented today by the FAA at the San Francisco International Airport. Los Angeles Times, California. 12 September 2008. [Registration Required]

CARBON MARKETS: World carbon standards to relax. World greenhouse gas markets probably will relax their notions of what constitutes a carbon credit to encourage more people to reduce emissions of planet-warming gases, the head of the Chicago Climate Exchange said. Reuters. 12 September 2008.

BANGLADESH: Bangladesh launches climate change action plan. Bangladesh, one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, has launched a strategy to help the nation adapt to threats such as rising sea level, water-logged land and increased salinity. Nature. 12 September 2008.

GREENWASHING: MTV ad attacks 'greenwash' firms. MTV is launching a global marketing push to tackle climate change that includes a TV ad attacking businesses guilty of "greenwash" - deliberately misleading consumers about their eco-credentials. London Guardian, England. 12 September 2008.

Monday, September 15, 2008

INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE TALKS: Australia, China and US in climate talks. Australia has brought together the world's two major greenhouse gas polluters, China and the US, to search for common ground on cutting carbon emissions - including clean coal technologies - while protecting security of energy supplies. Sydney Australian, Australia. 15 September 2008.

CHINA - CARBON TRADING: Environment exchanges waiting for trading. On August 5, two environment and energy exchanges opened almost simultaneously in Beijing and Shanghai, the first of their kind in China. China Daily. 15 September 2008.

STATE POLICY (CO): Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission rules may be a model for other states. Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission members' tentative endorsement of several new rules may garner the attention of several states as they look to regulate the ongoing energy boom in the American West. Glenwood Springs Post Independent, Colorado. 15 September 2008.

GREEN CITIES - SOLAR: Berkeley council to vote on solar tax district. Berkeley is expected to make a major leap forward Tuesday in its first-in-the-nation plan to allow homeowners to pay for solar energy systems through their property taxes. San Francisco Chronicle, California. 15 September 2008.

GREEN CITIES - CFLs: DWP is poised to deliver energy-efficient light bulbs. In what appears to be the nation's largest giveaway of compact fluorescent light bulbs, the Department of Water and Power plans to hire crews to deliver 2.4 million bulbs to every household in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Daily News, California. 15 September 2008.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

STATE POLICY: States aim to cut gases by making polluters pay. Ten states are about to undertake the nation's most serious effort yet to tackle climate change, but there are worries that it may fail to reduce pollution. New York Times. 16 September 2008. [Registration Required]

CARBON REGULATION: Carbon regulation could hit 1 million U.S. firms: study. The prospect of U.S. regulation of climate-warming carbon dioxide has sparked a pre-emptive outcry from the Chamber of Commerce, which warned of bureaucratic gridlock if proposed limits are put in place. Reuters. 16 September 2008.

TARGETS: Carbon targets too low to ensure a stable, long-term climate, expert warns. Scientists may have to turn back time and clean the atmosphere of all man-made carbon dioxide to prevent the worst impacts of global warming, one of Europe's most senior climate scientists has warned. London Guardian, England. 16 September 2008.

CARBON TRADING: Lehman Brothers shuts carbon trading desk. Lehman Brothers shut down its carbon emissions trading desk after the bank filed for bankruptcy protection, putting a number of projects - mostly by small companies in developing countries - in jeopardy. Reuters. 16 September 2008.

ALGAE BIOFUELS: 'Huge interest' in algae biofuel. An algae biofuel developer is about to seek up to $20 million to fund international expansion after discovering it can make a crude oil substitute. Christchurch Press, New Zealand. 16 September 2008.

LEDS: LEDs May Be Ready To Take Off Thanks To Improved Technology 9/16/2008 - Using LEDs for general lighting may finally be a bright idea. In the past few years, light-emitting diodes have made huge advances in energy efficiency. Industry sources and outside experts say LEDs are now the most energy-efficient lighting source available. They use far less energy than other bulbs, last a lot longer, and cost less to use over their lifetime. For now, the lights still cost more than the average consumer is used to spending on a light bulb - a lot more. Prices for LEDs on the market today can be more than five times what an incandescent bulb costs. However, the LEDs use about 85% less energy and last 30 times longer. They also use about half as much energy and last five times longer than compact fluorescent lights. For more read Clean Technology Insight 9/16/08

UK - TARGETS: Think Tank Says UK Will Miss 2020 CO2, Renewable Energy Targets 9/16/2008 - Independent think tank Cambridge Econometrics predicted that the U.K. will miss its targets on renewable energy and carbon emissions reductions. The group's report forecasts that by 2020, just 4.25% of U.K. energy consumption will come from renewable sources, far short of the 15% target agreed with the European Union earlier this year. It predicts the U.K. government will also miss its target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010, instead achieving only a 12.4% reduction. By 2020, the group says CO2 emissions are on track to be 14% below 1990 levels. This is largely because electricity generation from carbon intensive sources like coal- and gas-fired power plants will still make up a significant proportion of U.K. power generation up to 2020, the report said. For more read Clean Technology Insight 9/16/08

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

IMPACTS: 10 ways global warming could hurt your health. Scientists all over the globe have observed changes that are impacting individuals' health--and have also created models to predict where we might be headed. US News & World Report. 17 September 2008.

ELECTRIC CARS: Chevy Volt's unveiling sparks questions about financing. GM executives acknowledge that the $25 billion the industry is seeking in federal loan guarantees would help subsidize the hybrid car's development and production. Los Angeles Times, California. 17 September 2008. [Registration Required]

ELECTRIC CARS: All-electric vehicles no magic bullet - US scientist. A future of all-electric cars coasting along streets and highways may be illusory, given that their range may be cut in half by aggressive drivers speeding along with the air conditioning blasting, US scientists said on Monday. Reuters. 17 September 2008.

FORESTS - OPINION: The Sierra forests can prevent Global Warming. Judging by recent statements, it isn't clear whether the state recognizes the outsize role California's forests play in naturally absorbing carbon emissions, or the quantity of carbon dioxide released when these forests are irresponsibly clear-cut. San Jose Mercury News, California. Opinion, 17 September 2008.

EMISSIONS TRADING - JAPAN: Japanese Trading Houses To Act As Brokers For Emissions Trades 9/17/2008 - The Japanese government will allow trading houses and financial institutions to act as intermediaries in emissions trading trials, which are to begin next month, The Nikkei learned Tuesday. The market for trading global warming gas emissions provides an opportunity for companies that have exceeded their reduction targets to sell their surpluses and for firms missing their goals to make up the shortfalls by buying credits. To realize a viable trading system, it will encourage a wide variety of companies to participate. Nippon Steel Corp. (5401) and other major steelmakers have already decided to come onboard. For more read Clean Technology Insight 9/17/08

Thursday, September 18, 2008

CO2 STORAGE: Emissions may be stored under sea. Parts of the sea-bed between Northern Ireland and Scotland could become a storage facility for carbon dioxide, according to a new study. BBC, United Kingdom. 18 September 2008.

GREEN CITIES - SOLAR: Berkeley, Calif. approves city-backed solar loans. The California city has approved a new financing scheme for loans to homeowners who install rooftop solar panels, a landmark programme that could inspire other US cities to follow suit. London Guardian, United Kingdom. 18 September 2008.

STATE POLICY (CA): Tackling greenhouse gases would boost California's economy, air board study says. Taking strong measures to reduce greenhouse gases to combat global warming would help California's economy, boost employment and increase household savings and personal income, according to a new analysis. San Francisco Chronicle, California. 18 September 2008.

ELECTRIC CARS: Tesla Motors to build plant, headquarters in San Jose. Tesla Motors Inc., aiming to be the first high-volume maker of electric cars, plans to build a $250-million plant to produce sedans in San Jose and move its headquarters to the same facility. Bloomberg News. 18 September 2008.

FEDERAL POLICY - RENEWABLE ENERGY: Senate Energy Tax Deal Trims Credits On Renewable Energy 9/18/2008 - Senate negotiators made significant cuts in proposed extensions of tax credits for wind and other forms of renewable energy in order to reach a bipartisan compromise that is expected to pass the Senate this month. The new Senate energy tax legislation, details of which were released Wednesday afternoon, would extend tax credits for wind energy production for one year only, through 2009. Tax credits for geothermal, biomass and other renewable energy sources eligible for the production credit would be extended for two years, through 2010. The solar energy investment tax credit would be renewed for eight years through 2016, as would tax credits for residential solar projects. The Senate deal would make the residential solar credit much more generous by removing the $2,000 cap, which covers just a small fraction of what a typical residential solar-electric system would cost. For more read Clean Technology Insight 9/18/08

NEW TECHNOLOGY - GREEN BUILDING: European Steelmakers, Rio Tinto Partner On Low CO2 Project 9/18/2008 - European steelmakers and diversified miner Rio Tinto PLC have agreed to collaborate on building an environmentally friendly steel plant that uses new technology to reduce CO2 emissions. A consortium of 48 European companies and organizations from 15 European countries, including the world's largest steelmaker ArcelorMittal and Germany's ThyssenKrupp AG have formed a group called the Ultra-Low Carbon Dioxide Steelmaking Group, or ULCOS, to cooperate on creating new technology to reduce steelmaking CO2 emissions by at least 50%. ULCOS has partnered with Rio Tinto to use the miner's technology along with its own to build a pilot plant in Voelkingen, Germany, near the French border. For more read Clean Technology Insight 9/18/08

CARBON OFFSETS: GE/AES Venture Partners With Google On Carbon Offset Projects 9/18/2008 - A joint-venture between AES Corp. and General Electric Co. will develop projects with Google Inc. to offset greenhouse gas emissions, with the search engine giant using most of the reductions to erase its own carbon footprint. Greenhouse Gas Services announced the agreement Wednesday, saying the first project will be in North Carolina. GE and AES launched Greenhouse Gas Services about a year ago to develop offsets projects and sell the credits they produce to companies looking to meet climate change goals. The Google partnership will likely develop a handful of projects in the U.S. and abroad to start, with Greenhouse Gas Services keeping a fraction of the emission offsets for resale, said Mauricio Vargas, chief executive of Greenhouse Gas Services. For more read Clean Technology Insight 9/18/08

Climate News Roundup: August 15 - August 21, 2008

Kristina Haddad — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:54:00 -0400

Friday, August 15, 2008

GREEN JOBS: Oregon creates hot jobs in green energy. The green energy sector in Oregon is an economic and environmental success story in an area hard-pressed for family-wage jobs, an example of "green collar" employment blossoming in reaction to high energy costs and concerns about global warming. Portland Oregonian, Oregon. 15 August 2008.

SOLAR ENERGY: Two large solar plants planned in California. The plants will cover 12.5 square miles of central California with solar panels, and in the middle of a sunny day will generate about 800 megawatts of power, roughly equal to the size of a large coal-burning power plant or a small nuclear plant. New York Times. 15 August 2008. [Registration Required]

ALGAE: Algae could help cut coal plants' carbon emissions. With international attention focused on carbon dioxide and its role in global climate change, power companies might find a hero in humble algae. Louisville Courier-Journal, Kentucky. 15 August 2008.

SOLUTIONS: Portland gym will run on pedal power. People will do more than burn energy at a gym set to open Sept. 1 on Northeast Alberta Street. They'll also create it. At the Green Microgym, human energy will be harnessed from fitness bikes and converted to electricity. Portland Oregonian, Oregon. 15 August 2008.

CARBON CREDITS: Farmers earn carbon credits. It's been a year since Montana farmers cut the record wheat harvest of 2007, but carbon traders say for many there's still money to be made from a bumper crop trapped beneath the sod. Billings Gazette, Montana. 15 August 2008.

GOVERNOR'S BORDER CONFERENCE: Schwarzenegger says U.S.-Mexico border unites. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday urged fellow governors on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to cooperate on issues from water management to building a green economy. Associated Press. 15 August 2008.

ELECTRIC CAR: San Jose in talks with Tesla for electric-car plant. City officials and Tesla executives confirmed Thursday that San Jose is on the short list of Bay Area locations for the factory that will build the silent-running, zero-emission electric cars. San Jose Mercury News, California. 15 August 2008.

ELECTRIC CAR: GM Gives First Look At Production-Ready Chevy Volt 8/15/2008 - General Motors Corp. on Thursday showed off the first images of the production version of its battery-powered Chevrolet Volt. The auto maker, racing to ready the electric Chevy for production by 2010, made significant changes to the exterior of the vehicle the company first unveiled at the 2007 Detroit auto show. Bob Boniface, GM director of advanced design, displayed sketches of the final Volt at an automotive conference in Traverse City, Mich. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/15/08

Monday, August 18, 2008

GREEN CITIES: L.A. could learn a thing or two from Portland. The city is a veritable transit utopia where light rail goes to the airport, parking restrictions increase public transit use and free streetcar service benefits downtown businesses. Los Angeles Times, California. 18 August 2008. [Registration Required]

ALT CAR: Zero emissions drive to green fund. A Melbourne engineer who has built a zero-emissions hydrogen engine has welcomed the proposed doubling of the green car fund, which would make $1 billion available for low-carbon vehicle research by 2011. Sydney Australian, Australia. 18 August 2008.

CARBON STORAGE: Carbon storage test called key to coal's future. With a formal site groundbreaking today, researchers are preparing to test a technology that would allow carbon dioxide to be stored underground instead of released into the air. Bristol Herald Courier, Tennessee. 18 August 2008.

CARBON TRADING: Carbon trading NZ link studied. Climate change experts meeting in Auckland this week will discuss linking the Australian and New Zealand emissions trading markets to expand the range of low-cost carbon abatement options available. Sydney Australian, Australia. 18 August 2008.

CARBON CREDITS: CEZ To Buy Emissions Credits From Chinese Power Company 8/18/2008 - Czech power company CEZ AS has signed a contract to buy carbon credits from biomass power generator Hunan Liang of China, CEZ's spokeswoman Eva Novakova said at the weekend. CEZ Chairman Martin Roman signed the contract over the weekend in China and didn't release further details except to say the Chinese bio-mass power plant would likely have an excess of 300,000 carbon credits by 2012. As CEZ will buy the surplus credits from a non-European seller, they are likely be sold at a favorable rate, local analysts said. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/18/08

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

FEDERAL AGENCIES: Anti-regulation aide to Cheney is up for energy post. A senior Cheney aide is the leading contender to become a top official at the Energy Dept. This would put one of the administration's most ardent opponents of environmental regulation in charge of forming department policies on climate change. Washington Post. 19 August 2008. [Registration Required]

IMPACTS: Environmental conflicts to increase. Environmental experts say that armed conflicts would rise in the future to unprecedented levels due to competition for meager natural resources which are already under pressure due to climate change. Africa Science News Service, Africa. 19 August 2008.

CARBON LABELING: Japan to label goods' carbon footprints. Japan is planning to label consumer goods to show their carbon footprints in a bid to raise public awareness about global warming, an official said Tuesday. Agence France-Presse. 19 August 2008.

CHINA - GREEN INVESTMENT: China replaces UK for green investors. China has displaced the UK in rankings of the most attractive destinations for renewable energy investment, according to Ernst & Young, the professional services firm. The UK dropped from fourth to sixth place in E&Y's index, swapping places with China. London Financial Times, United Kingdom. 19 August 2008.

ELECTRIC CAR: GM set to bring Volt electric car to Europe. General Motors is planning to rebadge its Chevrolet Volt electric car as an Opel and bring it to Europe as part of the US carmaker's plans to expand the model range of its highly anticipated new vehicle. London Financial Times, United Kingdom. 19 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (WI): Wisconsin Panel Approves Climate Change Plan 8/19/2008 - A task force appointed by Wisconsin's governor is recommending increased investment in renewable resources and a series of targets for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions to 75% of 2005 levels by 2050. The investment and proposed emission cuts are among several recommendations made by the Task Force on Global Warming, a panel that includes representatives from industry, agriculture, environmental and tribal groups, appointed on April 5, 2007 by Gov. Jim Doyle. Doyle established the panel to seek policy initiatives on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The task force's report will be reviewed by the governor, who has the authority to implement some of the recommendations without legislative approval.

JAPAN - CARBON CAPTURE: Japan To Launch Carbon Capture And Storage Initiative 8/19/2008 - The government plans to team up with power utilities, oil companies and other businesses to carry out large-scale testing of the carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, The Nikkei learned. The Nikkei reported in its Tuesday morning edition that under the plan Japan CCS Co., a joint venture among 29 companies, is to work toward commercializing a CCS technology in around fiscal 2011 by using a coal power plant in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, as a pilot project. The power plant is operated by Clean Coal Power R&D Co., a joint venture established by the 10 major power utilities. The 250,000kw facility discharges roughly 1 million tons of carbon dioxide a year.

Wednesday August 20, 2008

GREEN INVESTMENT - GEOTHERMAL: Google puts US$10 mln into new geothermal technology. Google Inc Tuesday said it would invest more than US$10 million in an emerging geothermal energy technology as part of its effort to lower the cost of electricity from renewable sources. Reuters. 20 August 2008.

Thursday, August, 14, 2008

GEOTHERMAL: Australian "hot rocks" offer 26,000 yrs of power. Barely one percent of Australia's untapped geothermal energy could produce 26,000 years worth of clean electricity, scientists said, as the government announced a a A$50 million (US$43 million) project to help develop the technology. Reuters. 21 August 2008.

FORESTS: Paying to save the forests. Climate change has added new impetus to forest conservation efforts as we increasingly appreciate how efficiently forests sequester carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Discover. 21 August 2008.

SHAREHOLDER RESOLUTION: Climate resolutions 'having big impact.' Climate change-related shareholder resolutions have achieved breakthrough resultsin the U.S., reflecting growing investor concerns over global warming, according to a coalition of investors. London Financial Times, United Kingdom. 21 August 2008.

GEOTHERMAL: Drilling for hot rocks. For $1 billion over the next 40 years, the U.S. could develop 100 gigawatts of electricity generation that emits no air pollution and pumps out power to the grid even more reliably than coal-fired power plants, according to scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Scientific American. 21 August 2008.

GREEN CITIES: Bloomberg calls for alternative energy. Outlining his vision for a dramatic reconfiguration of urban energy sources, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg says he is exploring potential for installing turbines and other alternative energy generators throughout New York City, in the water and on bridges and skyscrapers. Washington Post. 21 August 2008. [Registration Required]

IMPACTS - ECONOMY: Scientists urge US to protect economy from climate. Eight scientific organizations urged the next U.S. president to help protect the country from climate change by pushing for increased funding for research and forecasting, saying about $2 trillion of U.S. economic output could be hurt by storms, floods and droughts. Reuters. 21 August 2008.

POST-KYOTO: Climate negotiators reconvene this week in Ghana. Negotiators meet in Ghana this week to resume work on a new climate change treaty and discuss ways to prod developing countries to join the fight against global warming. Associated Press. 21 August 2008.

POST-KYOTO: Africa meeting key step in climate talks: UN climate chief. Rich nations will come under pressure at climate talks in Africa this week to get specific about how quickly and by how much they intend to cut their carbon footprints, said the UN climate chief. Agence France-Presse. 21 August 2008.

HYDROGEN: Tucson man uses hydrogen to increase fuel efficiency. We're all concerned about how much it costs to fill our gas tanks these days, but one local man has taken matters into his own hands to get more out of each tank - he uses hydrogen. Tucson KMSB TV, Arizona. 21 August 2008.

CHINA - E-WASTE: China to regulate recycling of electronic waste. China on Wednesday approved a draft law on the management of electronic waste, aiming to reduce the pollution it causes. Xinhua News Agency, China. 21 August 2008.

FEDERAL POLICY - EMISSIONS: US court says states can lift emission monitor bar. A US federal court on Tuesday overturned an EPA rule that prevented state and local authorities from raising emissions monitoring requirements for polluting units such as chemical plants and oil refineries. Reuters. 21 August 2008.

GREEN CITIES: NYC mayor spins back his turbine idea for city. Mayor Michael Bloomberg is backing off his suggestion to put windmills on city bridges and rooftops after newspapers mocked the idea with photo illustrations of turbines on the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. Associated Press. 21 August 2008.

COAL-TO-LIQUID: Crow coal-to-liquid plant may use too much water. "One of the most technologically advanced, sophisticated energy projects on the planet" is what Gov. Brian Schweitzer called a proposal to build a coal-to-liquid plant somewhere on the 2.2 million acre Crow Reservation in southeast Montana. Billings Outpost, Montana. Opinion, 21 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (ND): Going backwards: Building an oil refinery in South Dakota. In South Dakota, politicians and business leaders are cheering a massive oil refinery planned for the state's southeast corner. If built, it will be the first oil refinery constructed in the United States in more than 30 years. High Country News. Opinion, 21 August 2008.

GREEN CITIES: Lighting Science To Install LED Street Lights In NYC Pilot 8/21/2008 - The Big Apple and a city-based architectural firm have shined some light on Lighting Science Group Corp., which is the only company selected to provide LED lights for a street-light pilot project in New York City . New York-based architectural lighting design firm Office for Visual Interaction Inc. and Lighting Science have signed a contract with the city for six lights, and if successful, they could potentially replace the city's 300,000 street lights or supply new lights. OVI designed the light poles and New York-based Lighting Science is making a new light emitting diode product for this use. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/21/08

Where's the Beef?

Kristina Haddad — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:28:00 -0400

Last Thursday I had the privilege of listening to a panel of climate change experts at a conference which was moderated by NAF's Climate Policy Director Terry Tamminen. Among the panel was a diverse group including Nobel Peace Prize Laureate R.K. Pachauri. At the conclusion of an incredibly stimulating panel discussion each of the participants was asked what they do in their own life to stop global warming. Dr. Pachauri, without pause, answered "I don't eat meat."

Being a vegetarian I realize food is a sensitive subject. I put it in the category of money, politics and religion. After all it's one thing to tell someone to change out a light bulb, but another to tell someone to give something up, which for some, brings great pleasure. However, when you realize the impact meat consumption has in terms of environmental degradation, public health, animal welfare, the poor and yes, climate change, it suddenly makes this American staple a bit less appetizing.

An article written by the famed cookbook author Mark Bittman for the New York Times, entitled "Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler" - does an outstanding job of summarizing the meat dilemma (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/weekinreview/27bittman.html?_r=2). In the article he notes the results of a calculation made by Gidon Eshel, a geophysicist at the Bard Center, and Pamel A. Martin, an assistant professor of geophysics at the University of Chicago. Eshel and Martin calculated that if Americans were to reduce meat consumption by just 20% it would be as if we all switched from a standard sedan to a Prius. Another study he quotes that was conducted by the National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science in Japan estimated that 2.2 pounds of beef is responsible for the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the average European car every 155 miles and burns enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for nearly 20 days. His article articulates many of the issues related to meat consumption but there was one fact that struck me most profoundly: though some 800 million people on the planet now suffer from hunger or malnutrition, the majority of corn and soy grown in the world feeds cattle, pigs and chicken.

I'm not naïve and understand that meat is part of the American identity - a cowboy, a steak (a Marlboro cigarette) and a horse are images that project the essence of America, the West in particular. But instead of eating meat on a daily basis or even a weekly basis we might want to take a cue from the folks who live on the ancient island of Crete. The Cretan population is known to be one of the longest living groups of people on the earth and have a simple diet that is both healthy and easy on the earth. The Cretan diet food pyramid below shows where meat stacks up -- once a month the pyramid suggests.

As Mr. Bittman concludes his article he quotes Mark W. Rosegrant, Director of Environment and Production Technology at the nonprofit International Food Policy Research Institute who foresees "a stronger public relations campaign in the reduction of meat consumption - one like that around cigarettes - emphasizing personal health, compassion for animals and doing good for the poor and the planet." Now that sounds like a campaign a Nobel Laureate might get behind.

Climate News Roundup: August 8 - August 14, 2008

Kristina Haddad — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:58:00 -0400

Friday, August 8, 2008

SOLAR HIGHWAY: Oregon installs first highway solar project. In an attempt to spur the spread of solar power, the Oregon Department of Transportation on Thursday unveiled the nation's first solar panel project on a major U.S. highway. Portland Oregonian, Oregon. 8 August 2008.

EMISSIONS TRADING: Boost for emissions trading scheme. European Union and United Nations systems for tracking the use of carbon credits will be connected before December, a move that should significantly facilitate emissions trading. London Financial Times, United Kingdom. 8 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (WI): Wisconsin Energy Plans New 150MW Wind Farm For 2010 8/8/2008 - Wisconsin Energy Corp. is planning to build a new wind farm with a capacity of around 150 megawatts by 2010 as utilities across Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula prepare to meet new environmental standards, Clean Technology Investor has learned. Wisconsin Energy, which already has the largest wind farm operating in the state of Wisconsin, is looking to further develop its wind business, said spokesman, Brian Manthey, in an interview with Clean Technology Investor. . For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/8/08

CAR CHARGING STATIONS: Tepco Plans 1,000 Car-Charging Sites Around Tokyo 8/8/2008 - Tokyo Electric Power Co. plans to have up to 200 recharging stations for electric vehicles up and running in the Tokyo area in fiscal 2009, with an eye toward expanding the network to 1,000 or so in about three years, The Nikkei reports in its Friday edition. Tepco has already developed a quick-charging device that allows an electric car to run 40 kilometers on a five-minute charge and 60 kilometers on a 10-minute charge. It plans to install the device in line with the planned launch of electric vehicles by Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the maker of Subaru automobiles, in fiscal 2009. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/8/08

AVIATION EMISSIONS: New Group Aims To Help Airlines Manage EU Fuel, Emission Rules 8/8/2008 - Three aviation fuel management companies announced on Thursday the formation of a joint venture aimed at helping the commercial airline industry meet new European Union regulations that require the tracking of aviation emissions. Flight Sciences Global Partners, the spawn of California-based Flight Sciences International, Belgium-based Sabena Flight Academy Consulting, and Canada-based BMB Fuel Consulting Services, will focus on fuel emissions consulting and will be based in Brussels. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/808

STATE POLICY (CA): Drive For Natural Gas Vehicles Faces Big Test In California 8/8/2008 - The notion of spending taxpayers' money to help fill U.S. roads with natural gas-fueled vehicles faces a major test when voters in California, the nation's largest auto market, go to the polls in November. Natural gas providers are spending millions of dollars on advertising to convince Californians to pass a ballot initiative allowing the state government to invest in the now-tiny market for natural gas-fueled cars and trucks. The push comes as gas producers, emboldened by a windfall of domestic production, press federal lawmakers to help expand the market for gas as a means for reducing dependence on foreign oil and cutting greenhouse-gas emissions. If the California ballot initiative passes, up to a million vehicles fueled by compressed natural gas, or CNG, could ultimately end up on the state's roads. If the proposal - called Proposition 10 - fails, backers will face a tougher task selling authorities on the wisdom of investing in infrastructure for natural gas-fueled vehicles, compared with spending on biofuels or electric cars and trucks. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/8/08

BIOFUELS: EPA Chief Denies Request To Cut Biofuels Mandate 8/8/2008 - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson on Thursday denied a request to cut by half the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation's fuel supply, a victory for the nation's corn growers and ethanol makers. The EPA chief found that a 2007 law that ramped up ethanol production was not posing severe economic harm, brushing aside complaints from Texas Gov. Rick Perry that the diversion of corn to ethanol production was damaging the state's beef, chicken and dairy industries, which use corn as a food staple. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/8/08

WIND ENERGY: UK Govt Gives Conditional OK To 2 Wind Farms Totaling 390 MW 8/8/2008 - U.K. Business Secretary John Hutton announced conditional approval for two wind farm developments in northeast England with a total generating capacity of 390 megawatts. Approvals for the two wind farms depend on technical solutions to mitigate the effects on military defense radar equipment nearby. StatoilHydro ASA and Evelop Projects are developing the 315 MW Sheringham Shoal offshore wind farm, located off the coast of Norfolk. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/8/08

Monday, August 11, 2008

GREEN CITIES - EMISSIONS: US cities to measure CO2 emissions. Twenty-one US cities, including New York and New Orleans, have announced they will measure their greenhouse gas emissions, in a joint effort to seek ways to halt and reverse global warming. Agence France-Presse. 11 August 2008.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

GREEN BUILDING: Green report pushes for carbon-neutral construction. British Columbia is escalating its war on greenhouse gases, examining a measure that will require some new buildings to be carbon neutral as early as 2016 - and every new building to have no carbon footprint by 2020. Toronto Globe and Mail, Ontario. 12 August 2008.

IMPACTS: How giants of the deep are helping us to understand climate change. As elephant seals dive and hunt in one of the most inaccessible environments on Earth, they are feeding back information that is helping to shed light on the climate, using sensors that have been stuck to their coats. Edinburgh Scotsman, Scotland. 12 August 2008.

REGIONAL INITIATIVES: Governors to develop Southern energy plan. Southern governors, whose states represent one of the nation's major energy-producing regions, are working on a comprehensive plan to reduce the South's carbon footprint and create jobs. Associated Press. 12 August 2008.

AUTO IDLING: Idling for 3 mins burns fuel required for travelling 1 km. Automobile experts have estimated that a vehicle that idles for three minutes with the air-conditioner on, burns fuel required for travelling one km. Bombay Economic Times, India. 12 August 2008

JAPAN/POST-KYOTO: Too Early To Commit Post-Kyoto Target -Japan METI 8/12/2008 - It is too early for Japan to set a medium-term numerical target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions in a post-Kyoto treaty world, given that the U.S., the developed world's largest emitter, is unlikely to come up with a definitive position before a new president is elected, a senior Japanese government official said. "Unless the U.S. lays out its plan, India and China won't tell us anything. Without any idea on what these large emitters will do, it's not wise (for Japan) to commit any numerical target," said Jun Arima, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Deputy Director-General for Environmental Affairs. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/12/08

CHINA - ENERGY AUDITS: China To Audit Public Facilities To Achieve Energy Cut Target 8/12/2008 - China will audit public facilities' energy conservation efforts annually starting this year, as part of the government's efforts to achieve its energy reduction target for 2010. The State Council said on Monday that it will require public facilities including state agency departments and government-sponsored organizations to record their use of electricity, oil, gas, coal and heat, and to seek ways to reduce consumption. Under the new regulation to take effect Oct. 1, state agencies will submit energy conservation reports every March from next year. China aims to reduce energy use per unit of gross domestic product by 20% in 2010 compared with 2005. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/12/08

Wednesday August 13, 2008

CHINA - AUTO TAX: China raises consumption tax on big cars, cuts tax on small ones in move to fight pollution. China is raising its sales tax on big cars to as high as 40 percent, and drastically cutting taxes on small cars, in its latest attempt to combat emissions that contribute to heavy blankets of smog over most of its cities. Associated Press. 13 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (CA): Highway 50 plan may not be green enough for state. In what appears to be a California first, state highway officials are shelving a major Highway 50 widening plan in Sacramento until they can study whether the expansion will contribute to global warming. Sacramento Bee, California. 13 August 2008.

REGIONAL INITIATIVES (WCI): Group says industry lobbyists try to 'water down' climate initiative. There's an accusation recently floated by the Sierra Club that lobbyists for big industries, including utility and transportation sectors, are "pushing hard to water down" efforts of the Western Climate Initiative. Salt Lake Deseret Morning News, Utah. 13 August 2008

REGIONAL INITIATIVES (RGGI): NY joins alliance to cut CO2 emissions from power plants. New York has joined a regional system to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the state's power plants. Catskill Daily Mail, New York. 13 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (MA): Governor Deval Patrick signed two important bills further positioning Massachusetts as a leader in clean energy and environmental stewardship: the Green Jobs Act, which will support development of the clean energy technology industry that will move Massachusetts toward the green economy of the future, and the Global Warming Solutions Act, which will make Massachusetts a national leader in climate protection. www.mass.gov/governor

ALGAE/FUEL: Sapphire Energy Bets Big On Algae For Fuel 8/13/2008 - Sapphire Energy and its backers are sold on the potential of algae-derived biofuels, and this could set them on the crest of a tidal wave in the energy world, or leave them sinking into obscurity. The privately held San Diego company says it is producing at experimental levels a liquid fuel made from algae that is chemically identical to gasoline, and would be compatible with the current energy infrastructure. As the fuel is derived from carbon dioxide-soaking plant matter, the product wouldn't contribute to climate change. And unlike some other biofuels, such as corn-based ethanol, it doesn't require agricultural land to be produced. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/13/08

JAPAN - EMISSIONS: Japan Utilities Emitted More CO2 In FY07 8/13/2008 - Japan's 10 major power companies emitted 14.3% more carbon dioxide in fiscal 2007 than in the previous year, in part because an earthquake and an accident caused some nuclear power plants to be shut down, The Nikkei reported in its Wednesday edition. The increased CO2 output by the utilities pushed up the country's overall emissions by about 4%. This means that corporations and households will feel the pressure to take additional steps to cut emissions, given that Japan is committed to cut its fiscal 2008-12 greenhouse gas output by 6% from the fiscal 1990 level under the Kyoto Protocol. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/13/08

Thursday, August, 14, 2008

CARBON SEQUESTRATION: Carbon sequestration frustration. Burying CO2 from coal-fired plants could increase other pollutants, a new study suggests. Power plant emissions that cause acid rain, water pollution and ozone layer depletion may actually be made worse by capturing and pumping CO2 deep underground. Science News. 14 August 2008.

CARBON OFFSETS: Why carbon offsets backfire. With a city motto of "Exclusively Industrial," the town of Vernon was already a pollution magnet. Then offsets made it worse. Mother Jones. 14 August 2008.

SOLAR ENERGY: Sunlight on mirrors. A technology that uses mirrors to concentrate solar power could provide millions of homes with clean energy. Environmental Science & Technology. 14 August 2008.

AFRICA: African firms start to take action on climate change. With global warming expected to hit Africa hard, some companies in the "forgotten continent" are taking action themselves to fight climate change. Reuters. 14 August 2008.

CARBON CREDITS: New fund for carbon projects. Local companies which want to get carbon credits from their businesses yet face financial obstacles can now get a booster shot from the government. Straits Times, Singapore. 14 August 2008.

REGIONAL INITIATIVES (WCI): Climate change: Regional strength. The regional Western Climate Initiative will give this state and others considerable power to address global warming and fossil-fuel dependence. Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Washington. Editorial, 14 August 2008.

ALTERNATIVE FUELS: General Motors, PTT To Develop Alternative Fuels For Vehicles 8/14/2008 - General Motors Corp., the world's biggest car maker, said Thursday it will tie up with Thai energy conglomerate PTT PCL to develop alternative fuels for vehicles. "GM will act as a catalyst, a facilitator and a conduit to support the development and sharing of the latest technology to address energy and environmental issues confronting the Asean region," GM chairman and chief executive Richard Wagoner said in a statement. Possible collaboration between the two companies includes conducting research in areas of cellulosic ethanol and other non-food crops, expansion of biodiesel sources, development of CNG bifuel and dual fuel, as well as the development of low-cost hybrid, fuel cell and diesel engine technology for Thailand and Southeast Asian countries, said GM. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/14/08

Climate News Roundup: August 1 - August 7, 2008

Kristina Haddad — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:53:00 -0400

Friday, August 1, 2008

WIND ENERGY: Wind energy: Much potential, but also daunting challenges. Pioneers in the emerging wind-power industry are touting their product as The Next Big Thing as they chart a course to produce at least 20 percent of the nation's electricity in just over two decades. McClatchy Newspapers. 1 August 2008.

STATES/EPA - LEGAL: California moves ahead with plan to sue EPA. Fed up with the federal government's refusal to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, California announced it will lead five states and New York City in a landmark lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency. Long Beach Press-Telegram, California. 1 August 2008.

CALIFORNIA UTILITIES: L.A. utility wary of California's emissions strategy. Hailed as a step in the right direction to fight climate change, California's proposed greenhouse gas reduction policy has worried some of its most valued customers. Associated Press. 1 August 2008.

SOLAR CELLS: Solar-cell material can soak up more sun. Today's solar cells absorb only visible light, wasting the infrared that makes up half of the Sun's output that reaches Earth. But a new material can absorb infrared too, and should make it possible to hike the power solar cells can produce, say researchers. New Scientist, England. 1 August 2008.

NUCLEAR: Nuclear future uncertain as French deal stalls. Plans for the next generation of UK nuclear power stations faced uncertainty today after France's EDF failed to agree a takeover of British Energy. London Independent, England. 1 August 2008.

RECYCLING - CARPET: Carpet recycling is gaining ground. In 2002, after negotiations with federal officials and environmental groups, US carpet manufacturers set a goal of recycling 40 percent of discarded carpeting by 2012. Since then, the number of local carpet collectors has risen from five to more than 50. San Francisco Chronicle, California. 1 August 2008.

BRITISH COLUMBIA - AUTO EMISSIONS LAWSUIT: B.C. wants to file legal brief to support California tailpipe emission suit. California may be getting some support from British Columbia in the state's bid for tougher pollution standards for cars. Canadian Press. 1 August 2008.

OFFSHORE DRILLING: Governors take stand against offshore drilling. West Coast governors urged the federal government Tuesday to keep new oil drilling rigs out of their waters and to spend more money on programs to restore the health of the Pacific Ocean. Tacoma News Tribune, Washington. 1 August 2008.

INTERNATIONAL - COAL: A dangerous untruth. Opposing plans for new coal-fired power plants in developed countries has become an international frontline of climate change politics. London Guardian, England. Opinion, 1 August 2008.

CO2 PIPELINE: CO2 Pipeline Proposals Start To Gain Interest 8/1/2008 - Carbon dioxide pipelines aren't common outside of the oil patch now, but the notion of a network of pipes crisscrossing the U.S. as part of a system to reduce the nation's emissions of greenhouse gases is gaining ground. Early interest is forming in a web of pipes, comparable to the network in place for natural gas, to move emissions captured from power plants to underground storage sites. Some state and provincial governments are starting to mull transportation options as they study the prospects for carbon sequestration. And at least one private-equity backed company already envisions a "carbon highway," delivering thousands of tons of the heat-trapping gas to safe storage sites. "It is something we have got to have answers for soon," said Bill Hoback, bureau chief of the Illinois state office of coal development. Illinois officials are in the early stages of studying the transportation of CO2, with the expectation that federal limits on emissions will require heavy emissions reductions from coal-fired power plants. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/1/08

CARBON CAPTURE: ADA-ES Picked By DOE For Emissions Reduction Project 8/1/2008 - Specialty chemical manufacturer ADA-ES Inc. said that the Department of Energy has selected it to develop a technology that will capture carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants. Littleton, Colo.-based ADA-ES will be the prime contractor for what is expected to be a several million dollar project with the DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory and several industry participants. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/1/08

CHINA - LED LIGHTING: Cree Launches LED Educational Center In China 8/1/2008 - Light-emitting diode company Cree Inc. opened an educational center near its sales office in Shenzhen, China to teach clients and others the importance of quality in the LED industry. The course it runs - which will be taught in Mandarin - will teach lighting designers and manufacturers about the basics of LEDs, how to properly use the Cree product and how to troubleshoot. Durham, N.C.-based Cree makes LED chips that are widely used by other companies in LED products. The company also makes LED lighting fixtures. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/1/08

CHINA: The Climate Group Hails China's Low-Carbon Export Push 8/1/2008 - China, the world's biggest carbon emitter, is embarking on a "clean revolution" by seizing more low carbon export opportunities, showing that developing nations can also profit from renewable energy investment, independent organization The Climate Group said. By 2020 China intends to produce 12 million tons of low carbon fuel and double its proportion of renewable energy to 15%. Moreover, the country is introducing higher fuel efficiency standards for cars which would be 40% higher than those in the U.S. In order to meet its ambitious 2020 renewable energy goals, the country needs to invest a further $398 billion by increasing its annual spending from $12 billion in 2007 to $33 billion in the future, the group said in a report titled "China's Clean Revolution." For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/1/08

Monday, August 4, 2008

GREEN CITIES: Las Vegas bets on environmentalism. The popular image of this desert gambling mecca is that of indulgence and indiscriminate consumption. Words that rarely come to mind: Conservation. Sustainability. Green. USA Today. 4 August 2008.

IMPACTS: Climate change could cost N.J. billions. Climate change will wallop New Jersey by 2100, endangering lives and causing tens of billions of dollars in losses, according to a recent report issued by the University of Maryland. Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania. 4 August 2008. [Registration Required]

SOLUTIONS - BAMBOO: Bamboo can play a deep role in saving the globe. An agricultural scientist says bamboo absorbs three to four times as much CO2 as any other tree and can scrub pollution from septic tanks and factory effluents as it has a natural affinity for nitrogen, phosphorous and heavy metals. The Hindu, India. 4 August 2008.

CARBON STORAGE - OHIO: Ohio counties take lead in study of underground carbon storage. Ohio researchers have gone underground - performing cutting-edge environmental experiments that are pushing the state to the front of a race to stem global warming. Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ohio. 4 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (FL): Crist open to drilling, but not too near shore. With gasoline just below $4 a gallon, Gov. Charlie Crist says he has to keep an open mind when it comes to drilling off Florida's coastline. But he has his limits. Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Florida. 4 August 2008.

CHINA: China likely to broaden anti-pollution monitoring. China is likely to introduce new pollution monitoring measures in 2009 and learn from action taken during the Olympics to try and ensure Beijing does not sink back into smog, officials said on Sunday. Reuters. 4 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (MA): A tax credit to save some green. The $1.78 billion environmental bond bill approved by the Legislature last week provides the state with $366 million to protect open space from the pressure of development over the next five years. Boston Globe, Massachusetts. Editorial, 4 August 2008.

SPAIN: Spanish Government Approves EUR245M Energy-Saving Plan 8/4/2008 - Spain's cabinet Friday approved a EUR245-million energy saving and efficiency plan for 2008-11 that aims to cut oil consumption by about 44 million barrels. That would be the equivalent of 10% of the country's annual oil imports over the four-year period, the Industry Ministry said in a release. The plan targets the transport sector, industry and households, with 31 measures to boost the use of electric or hybrid cars and public transport, as well as of energy-saving light bulbs and household appliances. The measures will cost the government EUR245 million. The plan includes a pilot project to introduce electric car targets to achieve an electric or hybrid car fleet in Spain of 1 million vehicles by 2014. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/4/08

STATE POLICY (OR): Oregon PUC Rules In Favor Of Third-Party Financing 8/4/2008 - The Oregon Public Utility Commission has ruled that third-party financing models for building and operating solar facilities on premises owned by utilities are legitimate under its and the state's rules. In a release, the Salem, Ore.-based commission said that the question arose when PacifiCorp and Honeywell International Inc. earlier this year asked for a ruling specifying the rights and responsibilities of all parties in three-way generating agreements. Those agreements allow the likes of Pacificorp and Honeywell to collect federal and state tax credits. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/4/08

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

GREEN CITIES: Newsom signs the nation's most stringent green building codes. San Francisco took a major step to cement its reputation as the most environmentally progressive U.S. city, signing into law stringent green building codes for new construction and renovations. San Francisco Chronicle, California. 5 August 2008.

EPA GLOBAL WARMING POLICY: Union slams EPA chief for ignoring staff on global warming. EPA chief Stephen Johnson stunned his staff last month when he publicly opposed their proposals for regulating greenhouse gas emissions, four union officials representing EPA staff working on global warming policies said. McClatchy Newspapers. 5 August 2008.

CARBON STORAGE - FORESTS: Virgin forests more efficient at storing carbon. Untouched natural forests store three times more carbon dioxide than previously estimated and 60 per cent more than plantation forests, a new Australian study of "green carbon" and its role in climate change says. Reuters. 5 August 2008.

CARBON CREDITS - FARMERS: Carbon Credit Program generates $8 million for farmers, ranchers. More than 2,300 farmers and ranchers will receive checks in the mail this week for capturing and storing carbon dioxide in their soil through the National Farmers Union Carbon Credit Program. Dunn County News, Wisconsin. 5 August 2008..

CARBON TRADING - CHINA: China Starts First Carbon Trading Exchange In Beijing 8/5/2008 - China Tuesday launched the country's first carbon trading exchange in Beijing to trade carbon emission quotas, the Xinhua News Agency reported on its Web site. Beijing expected the platform to raise domestic carbon prices, which are far lower than international levels, the report said. Domestic carbon prices are at 8-10 euros per ton compared with the international prices of 17 euros per ton. The exchange will allow carbon trading in a more transparent and informative process to help in increasing their prices, it said. China has been the biggest beneficiary of carbon trading, according to the World Bank, which says it now produces more than 70% of all the world's carbon emission projects. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/5/08

STATE POLICY (ID): Idaho Power Plans To Invest $71M To Convert To Smart Meters 8/5/2008 - Idaho Power Corp. plans to convert all the power meters in its service area to advanced metering technology over three years starting next January, at an estimated cost of $71 million. The utility, which serves an area populated by nearly one million people in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon, filed a request with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to install the advanced metering system, also known as smart meters. Smart meters are thermostats which have communications and monitoring technology in them to allow customers and utilities to better understand their energy usage and costs during peak and off-peak hours. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/5/08

JAPAN - EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS: Japan Environment Minister Calls For 25%-Plus Cut In Emissions 8/5/2008 - Japan should aim to have its greenhouse gas emissions down by more than 25% from the 1990 level around the 2020-30 period, Environment Minister Tetsuo Saito said Monday. "I would like to make an announcement at the appropriate time next year," Saito said in reference to setting a medium-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for the country. On the carbon credit trading system that is to launch in October on a trial basis, Saito said: "We need to create a full-scale system that is linked with the world's markets by 2012, which is when the Kyoto Protocol expires." For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/5/08

EU - CARBON TRADING: ECX Exchange Says July CO2 Volumes Almost Triple To 346M Tons 8/5/2008 - Carbon exchange European Climate Exchange, or ECX, said Monday volumes in July reached a record 346 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, almost three times more than in the same period last year. "July experienced significant price volatility" in the trading benchmark contracts, the London-based exchange said in a statement. The December 2008 contracts based on European Union Allowances traded at EUR29.33 a ton at the beginning of July and fell to EUR22.06/ton on the last trading day of the month. The Certified Emission Reductions contracts to December 2008 began the month at EUR21.91/ton and dropped to EUR17.72/ton by the end of July, it said. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/5/08

Wednesday August 6, 2008

STATE POLICY (MD): Gov. O'Malley announces plans for more sustainable transportation fuel system. Governor O'Malley yesterday was joined by Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and administration officials to present roadmap for a more sustainable transportation fuel system in Maryland, beginning with the construction of four new E-85 fuel pumps throughout Maryland. Bay Media Services, Maryland. 6 August 2008.

GREEN CITIES: San Francisco's carbon footprint is shrinking, mayor says. San Francisco has cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5 percent from 1990 levels and is on track to meet its goal of a 20 percent reduction in four years, Mayor Gavin Newsom said today. San Francisco Chronicle, California. 6 August 2008.

FED POLICY - CAFÉ STANDARDS: Environmentalists push tougher fuel standard. Environmental groups urged federal regulators Monday to toughen proposed fuel economy rules for cars and trucks through 2015, saying a goal of 35 m.p.g. by 2020 in last year's energy bill should be moved up five years because of high gasoline costs. Detroit Free Press, Michigan. 6 August 2008.

STATE POLICY (KY): Beshear clears roads for electric car plant. Gov. Steve Beshear signed an executive order Tuesday allowing low-speed electric vehicles on some state roads in an effort to lure an electric car manufacturing plant to Kentucky. Lexington Herald-Leader, Kentucky. 6 August 2008.

ECO-FRIENDLY TUGBOAT: Eco-friendly tugboat makes waves at P.E.I. firm. A Prince Edward Island company, Xero Point Green Technology, is developing the power system for the tugboat for American firm Foss Maritime Company, the largest operator of tugboats in the U.S. Canwest News Service, Canada. 6 August 2008.

E-WASTE: Greenpeace cites rising e-waste in Africa. Greenpeace called on the world's electronics companies to eliminate hazardous chemicals from their products, saying toxic waste from wealthy nations' gadgets ends up being dumped in poor countries despite laws prohibiting it. Associated Press. 6 August 2008.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE POLICY (OBAMA): 1M hybrids on road by 2015. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Monday the nation should set a goal of putting 1 million plug-in electric hybrid vehicles on the road by 2015, offering $4 billion in federal aid to meet the ambitious goal. Detroit News, Michigan. 6 August 2008.

GREEN CITIES: Newsom pledges city will harvest power from sea. Mayor Gavin Newsom pledged Monday that San Francisco will begin generating electricity from the power of the sea - at least on a demonstration basis - before he leaves office. San Francisco Examiner, California. 6 August 2008.

FUEL CELLS: Nissan: Developed Advanced Battery For Fuel Cell Cars 8/6/2008 - Nissan Motor Co. said Wednesday that it has developed an advanced battery for fuel cell cars and will roadtest vehicles with this advanced battery by the end of this year. The auto maker is in the middest of efforts to catch up with domestic rivals Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. in the development of fuel cell cars. Such vehicles run on electricity generated by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and emit only water. Nissan, in which Renault owns a 44% stake, aims to launch its new fuel cell model sometime after 2010. Compared with the company's previous generation battery, the cost of the new battery - a key factor for fuel cell cars to reach a mass-market - has been cut by 35%. The company didn't disclose how much it costs now. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/6/08

WAVE ENERGY: Renewable Energy, Triton To Develop Bermuda Wave Farm 8/6/2008 - Renewable Energy Holdings PLC is working with Triton Renewable Energy Ltd. to build a 2 megawatt test wave farm in Bermuda, and eventually a grid-connected 20 MW farm. The companies will use Renewable Energy Holdings' wave power technology and engineering services and Bermuda-based Triton will help develop the project. The companies will then look for a power purchase agreement with the Bermuda utility, they said in a statement. The companies couldn't be reached for comment. Renewable Energy's wave power technology is expected to be available for commercial applications in 2009. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/6/08

Thursday, July 31, 2008

IMPACTS: Prepare for global temperature rise of 4C, warns top scientist. The UK should take active steps to prepare for dangerous climate change of perhaps 4C according to one of the government's chief scientific advisers. London Guardian, England. 7 August 2008.

IMPACTS: Will grasslands overtake U.S. forests due to warming? Climate change may cause grasslands to spread to parts of the United States that are currently covered in forest, a new study says. National Geographic News. 7 August 2008.

GREEN TECH CONTEST: U.S. Energy Department gives $100K to clean-technology start-up contest. The California Clean Tech Open, the 3-year-old business competition for entrepreneurs working to turn ideas into companies, got a big boost from the Department of Energy on Tuesday - $100,000 to foster green-building technologies. San Jose Mercury News, California. 7 August 2008.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Software tool to cut PC's energy use offered for free. More than half of the energy used by computers is wasted, and an industry group says a simple piece of software will help solve that problem. San Jose Mercury News, California. 7 August 2008.

GREEN BUILDING: 'Green' building codes sprout up across USA. As energy costs rise, more states and cities are adopting policies that encourage or require new construction to be energy-efficient. USA Today. 7 August 2008.

NUCLEAR: Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump cost soars 67 pct. The planned US nuclear waste dump at Yucca Mountain in Nevada will cost billions more than previously estimated due to a hike in the amount of waste it will have to dispose of and inflation, the Energy Department said Tuesday. Reuters. 7 August 2008.

HYDROGEN: Hydrogen generators get a test drive in the search for fuel economy and lower emissions. An alternative to the cold turkey approach of hopping on a bike may be to gradually wean ourselves off of our gasoline addiction. Reno News and Review, Nevada. 7 August 2008.

ELECTRIC CAR: $10 million invested in Zap electric cars. Zap, a Santa Rosa firm that makes electric cars, said an entrepreneur from Dubai has invested $10 million in the Bay Area company at the same time officials in Kentucky are plying it with incentives to move its factory from China to the Bluegrass State. San Francisco Chronicle, California. 7 August 2008.

BIO-WASTE: BIODenham Invests $60M To Turn Sewage Into Fertilizer Gold 8/7/2008 - Boston-based Denham Capital has committed $60 million to develop ten plants that convert municipal bio-solid waste into fertilizer. The plants will be developed by VitAG Corp., a Beech Island, S.C.-based company that has developed technology in partnership with Ferrate Technologies LLC, which manufactures a bio-solid deodorizer and with undisclosed engineering, fertilizer and equipment companies, according to a statement from the companies. Traditionally, fertilizer is made with natural gas as one of its components, and using the VitAG technology, means creating a more sustainable -- and potentially cheaper -- alternative given rising natural gas prices. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/7/08

EU/U.N. CARBON TRADING: 8/7/2008 - The European Union will link its carbon trading accounting system with that of the U.N. before December, so that CO2 credits earned outside the E.U. can count within the bloc, the Commission said Wednesday. Under the U.N. Kyoto protocol to fight climate change, countries that have an emission reduction target can earn sellable certified emission reduction credits, or CERs, by setting up CO2-cutting projects in developing countries. Once the U.N. certificate registry is linked with the European one, companies and countries will be able to count the U.N certificates as credits within the European emission allowances system. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/7/08

RGGI AUCTIONS: RGGI Signs On World Energy Solutions To Manage Auctions 8/7/2008 - World Energy Solutions Inc. said it signed a contract with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to design and manage its regional carbon dioxide allowance auctions. It is another sign that states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic intend to implement their program and not wait for the Federal government to push through its own cap-and-trade plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/7/08

SOLAR ENERGY: High Oil Prices Prompt Europeans To Turn To Solar Power 8/7/2008 - High oil and gas prices have made residential solar energy more economical for households, sparking a jump in European demand. Germany and France are among the governments underwriting the shift to solar by allowing consumers to sell the energy they produce using photovoltaic cells - which convert sunlight directly into electricity - to the national grid at a profit. In the U.K., the government grants help with the cost of solar installation, but there's no national tariff system For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/7/08

SOLAR ENERGY: Mitsubishi Electric To Step Up Marketing For Home Solar Systems 8/7/2008 - Mitsubishi Electric Corp. will beef up its marketing framework for home photovoltaic systems, increasing sales agencies trained for the firm's proprietary installation procedures by 50%, Nikkei reported. The company aims to lift domestic sales in the residential solar power systems business to 9 billion yen in fiscal 2008, up a little more than 10% on the year. Sales agents can obtain a designation as certified installers upon completion of technical training and after passing a test. As certified agents, they can offer a 10-year maintenance warranty, a favorable feature for marketing efforts. For more read Clean Technology Investor 8/7/08

Climate News Roundup: July 18 - July 24, 2008

Kristina Haddad — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:28:00 -0400

Friday, July 18, 2008

HYDROGEN CARS: Hydrogen cars could rule road by 2050, slash oil need. A government-backed study says America could nearly eliminate its need for gasoline for cars, pickup trucks and SUVs by 2050 if the government helps build a market for hydrogen fuel cells and other technologies. McClatchy Newspapers. 18 July 2008.

IMPACTS: Antarctic icebergs scouring seabed are new threat to marine life. Antarctic marine life is coming under increasing threat from icebergs that are scouring the seabed and destroying their habitat, a new study by the British Antarctic Survey has found. London Daily Telegraph, England. 18 July 2008

EPA STUDY - IMPACTS: Climate change puts U.S. way of life at risk: EPA. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under fire for apparently discounting the impact of climate change, on Thursday said global warming poses real risk to human health and the American way of life. Reuters. 18 July 2008.

WIND POWER: State supports $4.9 billion wind power plan. If the plan wins final approval, it would be the country's largest investment in clean and renewable power. Austin American-Statesman, Texas. 18 July 2008. [Registration Required]

STATE POLICY (TX): Perry lays out Texas energy vision. Governor wants to double number of nuclear plants, add wind power, tap potential of biofuels. Austin American-Statesman, Texas. 18 July 2008. [Registration Required]

AL GORE: Al Gore's 10-year plan to solve the climate crisis. Today, Al Gore used his unique bully pulpit to promote an ambitious plan for controlling climate change: Produce all electricity from renewable and other nonpolluting sources of power within 10 years. The Daily Green. 18 July 2008.

CDM PROJECT: Namibia approves CDM project. A geothermal energy project has become the first clean development mechanism (CDM) project to be approved in Namibia. Windhoek New Era, Namibia. 18 July 2008.

AUSTRALIA - CARBON TRADING SCHEME: Australia outlines carbon trading scheme. Australia on Wednesday outlined a carbon trading scheme including a pledge that heavily polluting industries--exporting much of their product and those facing international competition--could receive free credits for up to 90 per cent of their emissions. London Financial Times, United Kingdom. 18 July 2008.

FRANCE - NUCLEAR: France orders probe at all nuclear sites. The French government on Thursday ordered an investigation into the water table around all of France's 58 nuclear reactors in an effort to dispel fears raised by a leak from a treatment plant run by Areva in southern France. London Financial Times, United Kingdom. 18 July 2008.

STATES POLICY (FL): Florida willing to get tough over oil drilling ban. Florida's governor would go to court to guarantee his right to permit Florida offshore oil exploration. But the possible running mate for presidential nominee John McCain told the Financial Times it would be "more productive" for Congress to overturn its ban on offshore drilling. London Financial Times, United Kingdom. 18 July 2008

STATES POLICY (KY); Get ahead of energy curve. If Gov. Steve Beshear is sincere about preparing Kentucky for a carbon-constrained future, he'll have to drop his dream of squeezing gasoline from coal. Lexington Herald-Leader, Kentucky. Editorial, 18 July 2008.

WASTE TO ENERGY: Gas from garbage. What Dallas does have is the technology and ingenuity to create its own natural gas in a matter of a few months-- an exciting, forward-thinking venture that will make the most out of a decidedly unexciting thing: household trash. Dallas Morning News, Texas. Editorial, 18 July 2008

PLASTIC SUBSTITUTE: Mitsubishi Chemical To Use Plant Resins For Plastics 7/18/2008 - Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. plans to mass-produce synthetic resins made from plant extract, seeking to reduce its dependence on petroleum, with output slated to begin as early as fiscal 2010, The Nikkei reported in its Friday morning edition. Plant resins are expensive, impeding its competitiveness against petroleum products such as naphtha. But as long as crude oil prices stay around or above $100 a barrel, plant-based resins will fare well, the Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp. unit has concluded. For more read Clean Technology Investor 7/18/08

SPAIN - SOLAR: In Spain, It's The Running Of Solar Companies 7/18/2008 - Solar companies aren't waiting for a worst case-scenario in Spain, they're betting on it. Solar companies have quickly jumped into that country in the last several years, lured by new subsidies from the Spanish government directed at making solar as economically viable as other sources of energy. But a proposed cap on the program could cut total solar installations by a quarter next year, and even with a decision weeks away, solar companies are already looking to bolt. In 2008, solar companies will install roughly 1,100 megawatts of power in Spain thanks to the new subsidies that propelled companies across the world to enter the market from Barcelona to Seville. While the Spanish government expected some gains in solar installations, an almost doubling from 600 MW a year ago has left the government with a larger subsidies bill than it would like, and rumors have spread that those subsidies may come with a big catch next year. For more read Clean Technology Investor 7/18/08

UK - TIDAL POWER: UK's Marine Current Turbines Says Tidal Device Delivers Power To Grid 7/18/2008 - U.K. tidal energy company Marine Current Turbines said Thursday it has delivered its first electricity into the grid from its SeaGen turbine in Northern Ireland's Strangford Lough. The 1.2-megawatt tidal stream power system will be generating electricity at full capacity in a few weeks, the company said. "This is an important milestone for the company and indeed the development of the marine renewable energy sector as a whole," said Martin Wright, managing director of Marine Current Turbines, of the project that will deliver electricity to 1,000 homes. For more read Clean Technology Investor 7/18/08

WIND POWER: US Small Wind Turbine Market Grew 14% In 2007 7/18/2008 - The U.S. small wind turbine market grew 14% in 2007, driven by rising electricity prices and concerns about climate change, the American Wind Energy Association said Thursday. Small wind turbines produced about 9.7 megawatts of new power-generating capacity in 2007, bringing total small wind-generating capacity to 55-60 MW, according to AWEA. More than 9,000 small wind turbine units were sold in 2007, with total sales of $42 million. Small wind systems in the U.S. displace an estimated 60,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year, the equivalent of taking 10,000 cars off the road, according to AWEA. For more read Clean Technology Investor 7/18/08

Monday, July 21, 2008

WIND POWER: Green light for massive wind farm. Plans to build Europe's largest onshore wind farm in South Lanarkshire have been approved by Scottish ministers. BBC, UK. 21 July 2008.

IMPACTS: Scientists warn of wetlands 'carbon bomb'. The world's wetlands, threatened by development, dehydration and climate change, could release a planet-warming "carbon bomb" if they are destroyed, ecological scientists have warned. London Daily Telegraph, England. 21 July 2008.

CLIMATE REPORT: 100 months to save the planet. A "Green New Deal" is needed to solve current problems of climate change, energy and finance, a report argues; according to the Green New Deal Group, humanity only has 100 months to prevent dangerous global warming. BBC, UK. 21 July 2008

STATE POLICY (NJ): Soaring enery costs sparking 'green' legislation in New Jersey. With gas prices hovering at $4 per gallon and the nation in an economic funk, there is no shortage of ideas on how to make New Jersey more energy efficient. Associated Press. 21 July 2008

ALT FUELS: Quest for alternative fuels starts with an engine at Argonne National Laboratory. Begun with about $100,000 in start-up money nearly two years ago, the omnivorous engine project is an effort to design a spark-ignition engine that can run on a variety of liquid fuels. Chicago Tribune, Illinois. 21 July 2008.

ELECTRIC CARS: GM, utility group to announce electric car tie-up. General Motors Corp and an organization representing US utilities are set to announce a partnership to prepare for the widespread sale of plug-in electric cars, people familiar with the plans said Friday. Reuters. 21 July 2008.

PLUG-IN HYBRIDS: Future is nearly now for plug-in hybrids. When hundreds of experts gather this week for the country's first and biggest plug-in hybrid conference, the tone of the gathering will reveal a dramatic change: The talk is of "when," not "if." San Jose Mercury News, California. 21 July 2008.

STATE POLICY (NJ): New Jersey Energy Plan Looks At Aggressive Goals 7/21/2008 - New Jersey state officials held their last public hearing Thursday for the forthcoming New Jersey Energy Master Plan that outlines state renewable energy goals, and they have seen a wealth of support for the plan. Officials are required to update an energy plan every 10 years according to state law, but they last wrote a plan in 1991. The new plan will be finalized in the fall.

STATE POLICY (CA): California Becomes First In Nation To Establish Green-Building Codes 7/21/2008 - The California Building Standards Commission has taken a step toward building a greener future for the state with new green building codes for new houses. The commission made California the first state in the nation to incorporate these standards into its building codes. The codes will be phased in over the next three years. The new code requires California homes to be approximately 50% more energy-efficient than homes built to national energy standards by July 2009, a 20% reduction in overall water use within all new homes starting on July 1, 2011, and air quality measures that include adhesives, paints and coatings with low or no levels of "volatile organic compounds," high-efficiency air-conditioning filters to better filter out dust and particulates, and always-on exhaust fans to ensure better fresh air circulation in the home by Jan. 1, 2011. For more read Clean Technology Investor 7/21/08

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Relevant stories for Tuesday were minimal and were repeats of stories reported the previous days.

Wednesday, June 23, 2008

SOLAR POWER: Saharan sun could power European supergrid. Vast farms of solar panels in the Sahara desert could provide clean electricity for the whole of Europe, according to EU scientists working on a plan to pool the region's renewable energy. London Guardian, England. 23 July 2008.

CO2 OFFSETS: Don't offset your CO2 emissions, retire them. At the age of 25, Dan Lewer is going into retirement -- carbon emissions retirement that is. Lewer is co-founder of a new online carbon offset company called Carbon Retirement, which launched on July 15. Reuters. 23 July 2008.

GEOTHERMAL: In the push for alternative energy, what happened to geothermal? Geothermal energy, which has been heralded by some scientists over the years as a rich untapped resource, has garnered much less attention than other alternative energy sources, particularly from politicians. US News & World Report. 23 July 2008.

GREEN CITIES: Green Streets project reduces carbon footprint and energy bills. Families taking part in a greener living experiment have made big cuts in their carbon footprint, managing to reduce their energy use by 30 per cent and CO2 emissions by 20 per cent London Daily Telegraph, England. 23 July 2008.

STATE POLICY (CT): Republicans stand with Rell on her plan for energy rebates. Republican lawmakers scored a minor coup for Gov. M. Jodi Rell Tuesday, backing her plan to send some proceeds from the auction of global-warming pollution credits back to individual utility customers. New London Day, Connecticut. 23 July 2008.

NUCLEAR: Vote clears way for US nuclear deal with India. India's government survived a hotly contested confidence vote Tuesday, clearing the way for it to finalize a landmark nuclear energy deal with the United States. Associated Press. 23 July 2008.

NUCLEAR: Britain pushes on with nuclear power revival plan. Britain wants to be the most attractive place in the world to build nuclear power plants and has published draft rules for finding places in England and Wales to do it. Reuters. 23 July 2008.

COAL-TO-LIQUIDS: Firm touts Alberta coal-to-liquids plant. A small Calgary company on Tuesday proposed Canada's first coal-to-liquids (CTL) plant in northwest Alberta. Calgary Herald, Alberta. 23 July 2008.

Thursday, June 24, 2008

SOLUTIONS: Americans must diet to save their economy. Want to save the US economy? Go on a diet. That's the message ecologists are trying to get across. They say the apparently looming energy crisis could be averted if US residents cut their calorie intake. New Scientist, England. 24 July 2008.

IMPACTS: Study warns of water problems. A new study predicts that climate change will create devastating drought in Nevada and throughout the Southwest and continue to drop the levels of already low Lake Mead and Lake Powell, threatening the water supply for 2 million Nevadans. Associated Press. 24 July 2008.

STATE POLICY (CA): California green energy proposal has thin support. Awareness is low, but 63 percent of those who had a view on it favor a California ballot measure that would require half the state's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025, a Field poll issued Tuesday shows. Reuters. 24 July 2008.

HYDROGEN CAR - U.S. POSTAL SERVICE: SoCal mail carriers use hydrogen car. A U.S. Postal Service station in Orange County began using a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle Wednesday to deliver the mail. Modesto Bee, California. 24 July 2008.

CAR CHARGING STATIONS: Coulomb, V2Green To Offer Electric Car-Charging Stations 7/24/2008 - Anticipating a wide roll out of electric cars in 2010 and beyond, Coulomb Technologies Inc. and V2Green Inc. are offering a technology to allow drivers of electric cars to plug in and charge their vehicles outside of a garage. Campbell, Calif.-based Coulomb will make charging stations that can be used on city streets, outside office buildings or in apartment building parking lots, for example, so drivers who don't own garages or merely want to charge their vehicles during the day can access charging stations. Seattle-based V2Green will provide smart-grid services, giving the utilities information to help ease the burden of this extra draw on the power grid. For more read Clean Technology Investor 7/24/08

PLUG-IN ELECTRIC CARS: Electric-Car Maker Aptera Gets $2.75M Charge From Google 7/24/2008 - Google.org's RechargeIT program, launched in June 2007 to accelerate the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles, has made its first investments. According to a blog post by Karl Sun, an investment principal with Google.org, Aptera Motors Inc. will receive $2.75 million from the program. The Carlsbad, Calif.-based company develops electric and hybrid vehicles. Aptera's first production model, the Typ-1, will be available in December at a cost of about $30,000, the company previously told VentureWire. The all-electric version gets 120 miles per charge, while the hybrid version gets 300 miles per gallon, the company said. For more read Clean Technology Investor 7/24/08

EMISSIONS MONITORING TECH: Accenture Offers IT Product Suite To Monitor Emissions 7/24/2008 - Accenture Ltd. launched a new "Green Technology Suite," a set of tools designed to help an organization be green and save money as well through its information technology department. The tool uses software, methodology and consulting services to allow a company or organization assess its carbon emissions and decrease that level, as well as save money on operating costs, focusing on IT. New York-based Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. For more read Clean Technology Investor 7/24/08

Get Smart, the G8 and Global Warming

Kristina Haddad — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:10:00 -0400

Scanning the news for stories on climate change can be depressing. For example, I read this week about a report put out by the Green New Deal Group that says that humanity has only 100 months or less to stabilize concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere before we hit a potential point of no return. According to a BBC report the group says that rising greenhouse gas emissions, combined with escalating food and energy costs, mean the globe is facing one of its biggest crises since the 1930s. When I saw the headline it made me pause. 100 months - that's a little over eight years. Not much time in my opinion.

Then I read another article (actually several) - that the G8 leaders had agreed to back a 50% cut in GHG emissions by 2050 without identifying any specific or binding medium-term targets. Yikes. After all, it is widely agreed that we must reduce GHG emissions by at least 25-40% below 1990 levels by 2020 if we are to have any chance of beating back the worst of climate change. Based on the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), this consensus holds that preventing global mean temperature from rising above the critical threshold of 2 degrees centigrade in the 21st century will require radical cuts in greenhouse gas emissions of 80-90% by 2050. The 25-40% below 1990 levels reductions is an intermediate target on the path to achieving this goal. The G8 "commitment" of about half of this 2050 target is, quite frankly, a joke.

So with both of those news stories percolating through my brain I thought it best to take a break. My niece was performing in a children's stage production of "Get Smart" -- what better way to forget about the destruction of the world then to watch the bumbling secret spy agents of "Kaos" (the bad guys - pronounced "chaos") and "Control" (the good guys) battle it out.

During the intermission of the play I noticed that all 38 of the actors had a picture of themselves displayed on the school auditorium wall (2 casts, hence the large amount). For their accompanying bio each one was clearly asked a set of questions: What do you love about acting; what's your biggest goal in life; what do you wish for the world, or something to that effect. First I read my nieces - she was most interested in ending poverty, saving the planet, being on Broadway and giving everyone in the world free ice cream. Okay - I can get behind that. Then I went on to the others. . . "Protect the earth" "End global warming" "Stop global warming" "Clean up the planet" "Stop climate change". AT LEAST ¾ of these kids had mentioned ending global warming as their wish for the world. I was bowled over. These kids were getting it!

And then it hit me . . .so if these kids recognize the dire need to do something about the problem why not the leaders of 8 of the most powerful countries in the world? Is it because they will likely be dead and gone when our earth is hitting crisis mode? Or more likely is it that politics, posturing and greed supersede simply doing the right thing. And with that thought, the second half of the show began - once again Kaos and Control swarmed the stage battling out for the future of our world. Whoa, I thought - this is just like real life. We have our real life Kaos and Control fighting it out. Now if only we could get these kid actors to Copenhagen for the next round of talks. They could teach those guys in Kaos. . . er, I mean, the leaders of the world, a few things.