Wind Power Soars
2009 was a banner year for growth of global wind power capacity. Keep turning
March 31, 2010
NY Fracker's Fate Tied To Gov
The prospects for a major natural gas driller in New York's Marcellus Shale could dim when Governor Paterson leaves office. Look into it
Kenya: Replace Water With Steam
Kenya's electric utility seeks $700 million for a geothermal power project to reduce the need for hydro-power. Drill down
A More Solar California
California funds federal research on how to integrate small-scale PV power into the state's electric grid. Plug in
Make IT Green
Greenpeace charges that cloud computing adds to global warming and internet companies like Google and Facebook have lots of room for improvement. Calculate that
On-Shore Politics/Off-Shore Drilling
UK: Out With The Old
Closure and clean up of old British nuclear power plants will cost billions, but that's the price for public buy-in to build new atomic generators. Stay tuned
March 30, 2010
Energy Stars In Your Eyes
Take a quick tour of some of America's Energy Star winning buildings. See here
Sierra Club Friends EPA
The Sierra Club would defend the EPA's authority to regulate CO2 emissions in the face of threats to strip its powers in a climate bill. Stay tuned
Thunder & Lightning
Climate Progress storms at the New York Times coverage of the rift between forecasters and climate scientists. Umbrellas up
Regulators Clam Up On Carbon
Just as new climate risk reporting rules roll out, some state insurance regulators seek to curtail disclosure. Climate Wire [Subscription needed]
UK: Green Jobs Rising
Corporate investments in the UK are on the horizon that will create 3,000 clean energy manufacturing jobs. Get to work
March 29, 2010
Teach Old Homes New Tricks
Collins Spells Out CLEAR
Senator Collins explains the climate bill she co-sponsors with Senator Cantwell and compares it to the Kerry-Graham-Lieberman approach. Got it?
Green In The Heart Of Texas
Texas considers a broad renewable power target for 2014 and tighter building and appliance standards to increase energy efficiency.
China Catches The Wind
In 2009, China was number one for installing new wind power capacity and number three on the list of wind turbine makers. Turn, turn
UN Climate Chief Cleared
Independent auditors conclude that Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the UN climate panel, did not engage in financial irregularities. Learn more
Stockholders To BP - Take Head Out Of Sand
A group of BP stockholders opposes investing in Canadian oil sand projects, claiming the corporate model ignores climate change impacts. Drill down
March 27, 2010
Weatherization Isn't Stimulating
The first year of federal funding to weatherize buildings is nothing to write home about. Learn more
March 26, 2010
Building A Green Building Market
Real estate industry research creates an index of eco-friendly urban market conditions. National & NYC Midtown
Climate Bill: Dropping Hints
As the Senate works on a climate bill, ideas surface. Psst or What if...
UK: Recipe For Success
The combined impact of the UK's deep recession and more nuclear power cut greenhouse gas emissions 8.6%. Slice and dice
The Discomfort Zone
Have we passed the point of no return in altering biological systems supporting life on Earth as we know it? Watch the video
Government Auditors Go Green
An audit of the EPA Energy Star appliance turns up frauds and howlers. It's a crime!
CPV? CPV!
A new rooftop technology, the concentrated photovoltaic array, is said to produce electricity at a cost competitive with nuclear power and closing in on coal. Plug in
Super Models
The National Science Foundation will spend $50 million a year on computer models able to create city-scale scenarios of climate change impacts. Stay tuned
March 25, 2010
Get Your Red Hot Green Code
The new international model green construction code is now available. Click here
Reporting On Climate Science
The Guardian defends its reporting on the leaked climate scientists' e-mails and what it means for climate science. Work the green beat
Fading Green
A recent Gallup Poll finds Americans don't rank climate as an important concern. Read reactions in the National Journal and post your own.
2 Could Get You 10 Or 20
The British government hopes its investment of two billion pounds in a new clean energy bank will attract ten-to-twenty billion in private capital, but that may not be enough to meet its goals. Stay tuned
NYC: #10
New York City could lose its green bragging rights with a ranking of #10 on EPA's list of US cities with energy efficient buildings. Look into it
Coral Reef In Hot Water
The unique coral reefs of Australia's Lord Howe Island are stressed by warming ocean temperatures. Dive in
US: Not #1
in 2009, China invested $34.6 billion on a clean energy economy compared to a US investment of $18.6 billion. Learn more
Comparing Energy Costs
The IEA calculates that nuclear power is cheaper than competing conventional energy sources only when interests rates are low. Go figure
March 24, 2010
Home In The City
The EPA finds that home building trends from 1990-2008 point toward metropolitan areas. Density is destiny
Eco-Tourism
The northern German city of Hamburg promotes green options for visitors. Stop by
India-China: Tension Over Labor Imports
India's plan to add 10,000 MW of electric power, much of it from plants being built by Chinese firms, collides with policies restricting use of Chinese workers. Plug in
Pay The Piper, Call The Tune
Giving new meaning to the phrase 'climate neutral', the upcoming climate change exhibit at London's Science Museum, funded by Royal Dutch Shell, shifts its focus. Listen up
UK: Funding Clean Power
The British government pledges one billion pounds for a new fund investing in low carbon energy projects. Spend some time
Climate Progress=Economic Progress
Deutsche Bank reports that post-Copenhagen, policy progress must come from the national and regional levels and leaders will be economic winners. Dig in
A CLEAR Winner
Research finds that household dividends will compensate for higher fuel prices under the Cantwell-Collins climate bill. Lower income households could gain higher net benefits. Fine print
March 23, 2010
A Smaller Atomic Footprint
Microsoft and Toshiba explore ideas for small nuclear power plants that could run for a century. Stay tuned
Climate Collaboratorium
Save the planet at MIT. Create a climate plan or vote for the plan you like best. Enter here
March 22, 2010
Either/Or - Not!
If the latest federal climate bill tries to strip the EPA's authority to regulate CO2 to gain political support, watch out. There's a better way. Look into it
Boston: Energy Efficient & Affordable
Boston's public housing is set for a $63 million energy efficient overhaul. Here's how
Given Me A 'P', GIve Me An 'A'
The first bit of the long-awaited Brooklyn Bridge Park is now open. P-A-R-K!
I Like Ike The Atom
A March 2010 poll finds a growing majority of Americans favor nuclear power. Back to the future
Climate Bill On Deck?
Grist takes a swing at the inevitable question, what does passage of health care reform predict about getting climate legislation? Play ball
Cement's Acid Test
A demonstration project to capture CO2 while making cement raises doubts about large scale operations and managing the acid byproduct. Stay tuned
March 19, 2010
The Truth Is Scary Enough
The Economist derides climate skeptics and IPCC bashers. It says the truth is scary enough and it's time to act. Read all about it
No Nice Price
Grist urges Congress to put off carbon pricing and beef up the clean energy and energy efficiency provisions of climate legislation. Rethinking
Guilty Of Space Heating
Plugging in an energy-eating office space heater is a sign that building operators have work to do on the HVAC systems. Ring a bell?
State's Rights on Carbon Controls
The prospect of EPA giving states the power to impose carbon emissions control technology standards gets a mixed reception. See BACT
March 18, 2010
Australia: Why Spend More?
A bill in the Australian parliament would require disclosure of energy use when selling or leasing office buildings. Measure up
Pessimists On Parade
Could it be the culture that prevents the US from acting on climate weirding? Look into it
What Might Happen
A summary of available details about the Kerry-Lieberman-Graham climate and energy bill. See here
March 17, 2010
CO2: Location Matters
New research finds carbon dioxide domes form over cities and they magnify the health risks of other air pollutants like ozone. Get situated
Taiwan Seeks Offsets In Africa
Although not party to the UN climate agreement, Taiwan will buy carbon offsets in several African nations that are Kyoto participants. Learn more
Market Inefficiency Blocks Building Efficiency
A DOE analysis shows that improving building energy efficiency really saves money and the market has missed this fact. Measure & manage
Bullish On Coal
Looking at US stocks, coal is up, solar's down. Invest some time
Is There A Pulse?
Senate leadership considers possible moves on a climate and energy bill. Blip ...
Scotland: The Saudi Arabia Of Marine Power
Scotland is poised to develop as much as 1.2 gigawatts of tide and ocean powered electricity. Dive in
Green=Better Bank Rating
Can lending to green apartment projects help banks get a better rating during Community Reinvestment Act reviews? Look into it
March 16, 2010
Here's Looking At You Earth
Photos from the 1970's that remind us why it is important to save the planet. Time goes by
Global Solar Consortium Grows
A US firm joins the multinational consortium with plans to bring renewable energy from the Sahara to Europe within a decade. Link in
Governors Unite On Wind Power
A bipartisan panel of governors call for federal action on renewable energy and power grid standards to support the growth of wind power. Tap in
Students Turn Up The HEAT
HEAT, a student organization, played a major role in the Johns Hopkins University $73 million commitment to cut carbon emissions 50% by 2025. Learn more
How To Seal An Envelope
Learning from Massachusetts, superinsulation is key to thermally sealing a building envelope and saving energy. Open and shut
March 15, 2010
Reader Quiz
Mayor Bloomberg announces the sale of 21 NYCHA buildings to a new NYCHA controlled entity. The sale, with the participation of Citibank, will raise many millions of dollars and obtain federal stimulus funding to pay for building renovations. Here's the question: will the renovations meet the energy efficiency goals of the Greener Greater Building Plan?
Home Of The Brave
Which is tougher, fighting in petrodollar funded Mid-East wars or voting for a clean energy climate plan? asks VoteVets.org
Swim With Fishes
The Indian Point nuclear power plants situated on the Hudson River opposes a State plan to protect aquatic life by requiring facility owners to install water recirculating systems. Plug in
China Makes The Market
A new study finds that China's power trumps the UN's in setting CO2 emissions offset prices. Here's how
Offsetting Credibility
Recent deals, one with Hungary and Japan and another involving Chinese wind farms, support the doubter's view of carbon offset programs. Any questions?
Later For That
After health care, Wall Street regulation and campaign financing, not climate or energy, are likely to top Obama's legislative agenda for 2010. Stay tuned
The Green Rider
Insurance firms offer riders on property insurance for rebuilding greener at premiums of 2-5%.
Decongestion In China
A New York transportation idea maven reports on his visit to Guangzhou, China. Stop and go
March 12, 2010
Poll Finds Climate Deniers Trend Right
A Gallup Poll finds waning public belief in climate change, with the greatest shift among conservatives. Q & A
Do-It-Yourself or Red Herring?
Alaska Senator Murkowski is reported to oppose Energy Star home energy efficiency funding because it lacks do-it-your-self provisions. E&E Daily {Subscribers only]
Solar: It's A Global Business
One 220 MW solar project in Egypt will be financed by Japan and another by the Kuwait Fund For Arab Economic Development Plug in
Frack & Roll
While it's just one data set , a new study links hydrofracking for natural gas to earthquakes in the Dallas-Foth Worth area. Read more
Nuclear Power: Think Small
A new generation of modular (under 750 MW) nuclear reactors could be feasible, but GE's Jeff Immelt sees only a small role for nukes in the energy mix. Look ahead
Build Better Walls
DOE funding produces new ways to build energy efficient homes with high R-value wall systems. Get the specs
March 11, 2010
Alaska Split On Carbon Rules
Unlike Senator Murkowski, Alaska's other senator, Mark Begich, supports EPA regulation of GHG emissions. Look north
A Solar Goldrush
Investors search the world for the next big thing in solar power. Feed in here
Japan Will Cap & Trade
Japan's cabinet will approve climate legislation that relies on cap and trade tools, but industry weakens original bill with rising caps.
An E-Ducated Consumer
E-book or print, which is the greener choice? Look into it
AARP Weighs In On Climate Bill
The AARP supports the Cantwell-Collins climate bill with its carbon tax and distribute rather than cap and trade provisions. Here's why
Smart Grid's Safe Harbor
The IRS will not tax recipients of $3.4 billion in federal grants for smart grid projects. Ruling here
March 10, 2010
Who's Grid Smarter?
Businesses rather than home owners could be more welcoming to the smart electric grid. Plug in
The Great PV Debate
UK policy swings behind rooftop PV, although not everyone's on board. The pro position
In Support of Intermittence
From an energy system perspective the on and off nature of wind and solar power is not a problem. Here's why
Why Breakthoughs Break Down
The impact of so-called energy technology breakthroughs is is shaped by the realities of the built environment. Read on
New! Improved!
Sponsors try rebranding the cap and trade mechanism of federal climate legislation as pollution reduction to improve its chance of passing. Mad men
Pricing Global Carbon Offsets
What could halt the price slide in carbon offsets under the Kyoto Protocol? Look ahead
RGGI Market: Flat & Lowdown
Prices at the March 10 auction for RGGI carbon emissions permits could stay at historic lows. Bid in
Cut SF6! What's SF6?
California will limit power plant emissions of the super greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride, SF6, in 2011. Cut in here
March 08, 2010
A Super Grid Plan
Ten European firms plan for an electric supergrid to carry wind power from the North Sea to the UK, Germany and Norway. Plug in
Whatever Exxon Wants
Exxon's new deal on natural gas exploration contains an escape clause regarding rising costs related to regulation. Get fracked
IMF: Time To Adapt
The IMF wants a fast-track global fund to foster climate change adaptation. FInd out more
Methane: Headlines & Science
Delve into the scientific context behind last week's headlines about methane escaping from Arctic Ocean sediment. Fine print
Plan Ahead
Do NYC's recent rezonings redirect new residential development into transit-rich areas? Zone in
March 05, 2010
A Hot-Oil Hybrid
A conventional Florida power plant adds mirrors to focus the sun's heat on an oil-filled pipe which will create steam to drive its turbine. How electric!
Science Confirms We Did It
A new report by an international team of scientists reconfirms that climate change is caused by human actions. Get the facts
March 04, 2010
Who Is Jairam Ramesh?
India has a new Special Envoy of the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Jairam Ramesh, and re-orienting the nation's climate policy is a top priority. Get acquainted
Swinging At Gates
Bill Gates sees a breakthrough in nuclear power technology as the solution to the climate crisis. Based in the economic history of technical innovation, Gates' bet is a long shot. Here's why
California Woos Green Business
With elections looming, California devises a low-interest loan fund to attract green industry and may cut sales taxes on green manufactured goods. Stay tuned
See The Bears
Carbon market analysts fear that projected growth will not materialize due to faltering global policy efforts. Just bull?
Australia's Coal Goal
Australia's state of New South Wales has plans for two new power plants that could be burning coal. Learn more
Make It Green
The New America Foundation floats a four point program for growing a clean energy domestic economy in competitive global marketplace. the US. Listen up
March 03, 2010
Krugman's Toy Model
Paul Krugman constructs two toy economic models of climate policy: act now or act later. Come play
Batteries Included
California may require electric utilities to develop power storage capacity in their distribution grids. Renewable news
EPA: 50,000 x 13
The EPA will not regulate facilities with CO2 emissions under 50,000 tons a year until 2013 at the earliest. Stand by
Dallas Does Solar
A deal between electric utility TXU and Silicon Valley's SolarCity will allow Dallas homeowners to get solar panels financed, designed and installed on their roofs. Plug in
FHA, Foreclosures and Lemonade
Words and pictures about how the FHA could create new energy-efficiency value from the calamity of home foreclosures. Start here
Big Bucks For Coal Plants
The UK ponders a major investment in carbon capture technologies at selected new coal-burning power plants. Spend time
March 02, 2010
EU's Green Gap
Will the EU be outspent by economic competitors like the US and China on developing new clean technologies? Look into it
UK & Spain Split On Incentives
March 01, 2010
China Looks Polar
With its potential for shorter trade routes and natural resources, China is taking a strategic interest in the Arctic. Stay tuned
Underwater Power
A Canadian company proposes to build a $3.8 billion underwater transmission line to run electricity from Labrador to New York City. Dive in
Sue EU
A European-based American attorney sues the EU and member nations for failure to enforce their ambitious environmental rules. Go courting
Only Cost Counts
A survey of British consumers finds that initial cost rather than energy savings shape buying decisions. Think fast
Nothing Sacred?
Native American tribal members express doubts about the sacred nature of the site for the proposed Cape Wind project. Look into it