The Energy Descent
Wade into the raging debate over what should come after the Oil Age and whether current green ideas are good enough. Enter here
August 31, 2010
What's In Store?
If the US stays on a do-nothing path on climate change, this year's events are a preview of what lies ahead. For your consideration
Lomborg's U-Turn
Climate skeptics' poster child, Bjorn Lomborg, appears to have changed his mind. Look into it
Needed: Cooler AC
Air conditioning was invented early in the 20th Century. Now it's time for something better. Get updated
Don't Waste Heat
Computer chip and nano-technology could vastly expand our ability to use waste heat for making electricity. Here's how
August 30, 2010
Curtail The Inquisition
A Virginia judge denies Attorney General Cuccinell's motion to obtain to scientific papers of a climate researcher Michael Mann Enough already
Hubba Hubba!
What's a wave hub and can it fulfill the clean energy agenda? Get connected
Modernize IPCC Management
The International Panel on Climate change should regularly rotate its top leadership and enhance its transparency are major recommendations of the InterAcademy Council. Learn more & more
Stop The Funny Business
Responding to allegations of fraudulent offset claims, the UN suspends its international carbon offset program in China. Learn more
Japan: Compulsory Caps
Japan plans to impose CO2 caps on major emitters in 2013 with the launch of a permit trading market. Stay tuned
Parting the Clouds
Satellite data offers clues about the impact of clouds on climate change. Peer in
August 27, 2010
PACE Bond Bill - Just Say No
Federal home mortgage regulator FHFA opposes a Congressmemebers' proposal to launch a PACE bond pilot program. No! Yes!
HUD: Stop Burning $$!
HUD could save $1 billion every year by installing energy efficient appliances, boilers and insulation in its low-income housing. Learn more
DOE Guarantees It
The Energy Department is creating a loan guarantee program for manufacturers of renewable energy systems and parts. Stimulating!
Fannie & Freddie Lose Billions
Since 2007, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have lost $226 billion, most of it from the purchase of high-risk home mortgages. Here's how
An LED Dark Spot
Based on historical data, research concludes that ultra-efficient LED lighting will not cut overall energy use. Some turn-off
Audit Finds Climate Chief Above Board
The UK's Sunday Telegraph attack on the personal financial integrity of Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the International Panel on Climate Change, has been proved false. Get the facts
PV Pedaling On Roosevelt Island
Kiosks for a bike-sharing project on Roosevelt Island will run on solar power. Wheel in
August 26, 2010
Cities On The Front Line
Cities must retool for resilience as the climate gets weirder. Get specifics
Re: Capture
A proposed UK coal-fired power plant considers a novel carbon capture technology. Learn more
Capital District: 40x20
Australia's national capital district sets a CO2 reduction of 40% by 2020 from a 1990 baseline. Ambition down under
Germany: A Carbon Tax - Not
Germany proposes a "contribution" by electric utilities to fund more renewable energy and keep old nuclear power plants open. Whatever
Solar Power - Cloudy Future
A California solar thermal project gets government approval, but who will buy its power output? Plug in
Joe Miller's Climate Impact
What would the election of Joe Miller, a climate change denier, as the new US Senator from Alaska mean for federal climate policy? Look into it
Glacial Retreat
View photos of Asia's shrinking glaciers in the USGS atlas. Chilling
Obama's Stalls Out On Green
Obama's failure to deliver on domestic climate legislation and global leadership will make the environmental impact of the coming economic contraction even worsel. Feelin' gloomy
August 25, 2010
Koch Brothers: Climate Denial "Kingpins"
The super-rich David and Charles Koch support many things, including the climate change denial campaign. Follow their money
Solar Subsidies Sunset
In Europe, as the price of solar power goes down, so do government supported feed-in tariffs. Plug in
Think Different
Apple refuses to have its iPhone participate in a UK green ranking scheme. Wrong call?
Philly's Green Innovation Grant
Penn State University wins a Department of Energy grant to develop a public-private energy innovation hub in Philadelphia. Details here
More Gas?
A controversy simmers over proposed natural gas pipelines from New Jersey and Staten Island into Manhattan's Meatpacking District. Dig in
August 24, 2010
NY Green Grant Shocker
Philadelphia, not New York, gets almost $130 million from the feds for a research center on energy efficient building. Read all about it
Australia Could Coalesce on Climate
The virtual tie in Australia's national elections opens the way for greater climate action by independent and green winners. Good on ya!
Geo-Engineering? No
Research finds that full-out geo-engineering would not cut the sea-level rise predicted for 2100. Only cuts in GHG emissions and CCS would make the grade. Look into it
Lose To Win
Get the short list for the National Building Competition and see how contestants stack up on energy efficiency gains. The top 14
Going Green & Getting Results
EPA's Energy Star program offers on-line resources for getting started and succeeding in making buildings energy efficient. Learn more
Green For Less
Want to increase your home's energy efficiency and cut costs? Federal tax credits can help. Look into it
Court Ruling On Climate Scientist Pending
A court ruling on the Virginia Attorney General's demand that a climate researcher's grant application materials be turned over to his office is expected by the end of August. Stay tuned
August 23, 2010
Green Stamps
'Going postal' gets a whole new meaning with the 65,000 square foot roof topping off a NYC post office. Look it up
Sustainabiity ABC's
State capital, Salem, Oregon, is the study topic of university students looking for the keys to create a sustainable city. Start here
Wake Up & Smell...
Coffee grounds -- good for growing things, cuts down waste. Be alert
21st Century Questions
What would happen to a nation that's overwhelmed by climate change and rising sea levels? Think about that
Plan Z
What to do now, before the climate crisis hits (your) home. Don't miss it
CO2 Overdraft
The Global Footprint Network reports the world has spent out its entire CO2 budget for 2010. Now what?
NOAA Knows
Looking for up-to-date data from NOAA's 2009 Climate Accessment? Enter here
August 20, 2010
Winning Counts
If you're interested in climate action, watch these five election contests around the nation. The list
China: Clean Energy Self-Reliance
China's clean energy sector expands with domestic investments and no longer uses UN Clean Development funds. Learn more
Fuggedaboudit!
The White House website deletes cap and trade and Energy Department clean energy research grants from its climate policy page. Try to remember
We've Got A Little List
NRDC cites 22 US cities for their energy initiative. Who's on it?
I'll Have What EU's Having
An analysis of recent European economic performance finds growth in clean energy and reductions in energy intensity. Trend in
Green Brass
Could the US military become a driver of US energy and climate policy action? Look into it
August 19, 2010
MIA At DC Housing Summit
Advocates for PACE bonds and other housing sustainability issues appear to have been omitted from the guest list at this week's home mortgage policy summit in Washington. Oops!
Define Your Terms
What does climate change mean? Now you can look it up. OED
Stalled PACE Stalls Green Growth
The shut-down of PACE bond programs cuts into green California jobs and businesses. Stop by
Florida's PACE Program
Like other states with PACE bond legislation, Florida is grappling with federal home mortgage agency opposition. On hold?
Coal Keepers
Yorkshire residents prefer their coal-burning power plants to wind turbines. Defensible?
Does LEED Ignore Public Health?
Some argue LEED building guidelines ignore public health, others take exception. See column & comments
States' Rights, Climate Wrongs
Texas and Arizona are not the only states resisting EPA plans to regulate GHG emissions next year. Stay tuned
NJ Goes Renewable
New Jersey will offer tax credits to renewable energy projects. Green for green
What's Up With The Weather?
Whether you call 2010's weather weird or extreme, get the climate science behind the headlines. Read all about it
Renwables: Fade to Black?
Europe's renewable energy development could shrivel with shrinking government support. Plug in
August 18, 2010
Have We Got A List For You!
San Francisco posts a green products list for local eco-friendly consumers. Check it out
Hung Out To Dry
Energy expert Charles Komanoff wants to correct the advice recently offered about what Americans could do to become more energy efficient. Dear Sir
Be More Calculating
Senator Bennett drafts a bill that requires home purchase lenders to calculate a property's energy operating costs before granting a mortgage. That's efficient!
Ready, Aim...
The climate movement should make use of the NRA's play book if hopes to succeed in politics. Fire up
But Is It Single Malt?
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland make a biofuel from whiskey for cars. Cheers!
A Fairer Share For New Yorkers?
In November, New Yorkers will vote on a City Charter amendment to expanded Section 197-a's "fair share" requirements, but critics say they don't go far enough. You decide
August 17, 2010
Chamber Attacks Endangerment
The US Chamber of Commerce petitions a federal appeals court to review EPA's determination that GHG emissions pose a human health danger. Busy busy
If The Wind Don't Blow
A UK university study finds half of the nation's wind turbines are put in places without much wind and produce very little power. Turn in
Guilt By Association
Let's name climate disasters after climate deniers. A modest proposal
Keep The $$ Coming
California mayors urge continued support of federal block grant funds for energy efficiency projects, despite a slow start on existing funds. Spend some time
Having Power, What A Difference!
Last year, stricter environmental performance standards were favored by Britain's Conservatives and Liberal-Democrats. Now, in power, they've changed. Stay tuned
August 16, 2010
Weather, Water & Politiics
Pakistan's devastating floods are just one part of the weather/climate-related water perils facing that nation and the world. Pay attention
Do The Right Things
When polled, Americans gave the wrong answer about what they could do to become more energy efficient. Think fast
China: More Is More
China, now the worlds second largest economy, builds new electric power capacity at a blistering pace. Get more
Solar Sockets
Now the mechanically-challenged home owner who wants solar power can buy a PV device that plugs into any electric socket. Keep it simple
Get Your Words Worth
A science journalist grapples with reporting on weather catastrophes and climate change. It ain't easy
From Old Economy To New
Consider the bottom line for a firm that started by manufacturing interior auto parts and now is a rising star in making buildings energy efficient. Start here
Shortchanged
California has spent hardly any of $25 million in federal stimulus dollars for making public buildings more energy efficient. $121,788 to be precise
Energy In Albany
The New York State Deputy Energy Secretary sets out a menu of policy and public funding options. Get it here
August 13, 2010
From Song To Schmutz
Contemporary Chinese artist Zhang Hongtu draws a comparison between the pristine and the polluted. See for yourself
So Last Year
A proposal for a US-built solar power plant in the Mongolian desert made during Obama's Chinese visit in 2009 seems dead. Look back
Global CO2 Dips
Global carbon dioxide emissions decreased 1.3% in 2009, but a closer look reveals a patch-work data pattern. Learn more
What's 23 & LEED Gold?
A twenty-three year old NYC office building earns LEED Gold and an Energy Star rating for its retrofit. Look into it
Looking For Answers
Delve into the thickets of PACE bonds for commercial buildings and the first lien problem. Fine print
Embodied Energy
What is embodied energy and why should advocates of low carbon cities care? Consider Suzhou
Cementing the Future
Can a new kind of cement that stores CO2 be the killer app for controlling climate-changing gases? Get set
More Shovels Needed
France plans to create deep geological resting places for the radioactive waste from its nuclear reactors. Dig in
Fix PACE With Specifics
Nitty-gritty advice for PACE bond advocates looking for practical ways to save the program. Not rocket science!
August 12, 2010
Energy - Not A Level Playing Field
The US has supported fossil fuels for decades and today the scale of it support for other power sources pales in comparison. You betcha!
Home Energy Comparison Shopping
Starting in 2012, home sellers in the UK must provide energy efficiency data to prospective buyers. Learn more
Danish Gear For Wind Power Down Under
A Danish firm will supply 140 turbines for Australia's largest wind power farm. Plug in
What Would Brune Do?
Sierra Club chief Michael Brune reflects on the failure to pass federal climate legislation and lays out a near-term action agenda. Look into it
Room To Cut & Room To Grow
A business-oriented climate conference in Australia finds there is ample opportunity to cut CO2 while growing the economy. How?
Dirty Air? Filthy Lucre!
A new web site follows the fossil fuel money flowing through Congress. Invest some time
Become a Bee Watcher
The High Line is just one place for citizen-scientists to gather data on how bees are affected by habitat and land use. Sign up!
What To Do When It's Too Hot
Extreme heat is a known health risk and developing urban adaptive capacity is a must. Start here
August 11, 2010
New Sustainability Chief For NYC
David Bragdon is appointed by Mayor Bloomberg as the new director of the Office of Long Term Planning & Sustainability. Welcome
Attention Uptown Locavores
New York State farm-grown food now on Bronx & Harlem dinner plates. Share
Climate Agenda & Gov's Races
With so much climate action occuring at the state level, could election outcomes for Governor close off this policy channel? Look into it
The Fannie & Freddie Fiasco
Although this is not directly a story about PACE bonds, it's a deep-focus picture of Fannie Freddie woes as Washington wonders what to do about housing finance. Dig in
Renaissance Of Radioactive Risk
Greenpeace reports that Russian wildfires are stirring up radioactivity from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster. Look into it
Cook With Goldberger
Architect Richard Cook speaks with architectural critic Paul Goldberger about the tangibles and intangibles for making buildings "regenerative" and cities sustainable. Listen in
August 10, 2010
I'll Take Manhattan
In case you've got doubts about big city life in the middle of August, here's a reminder why Manhattan or Tokyo have the density the sustainability-minded should crave. Honest!
China: Less Than Meets The Eye?
A closer look at China's plan to shut energy-inefficient factories reveals some were already closed and others were on the chopping block. Learn more
2010: Hot Water, More Hurricanes
Based upon elevated Atlantic Ocean temperatures, experts predict a bumper crop of strong hurricanes this year. Stay tuned
Climate Opinion
A controversial climate pollster finds more than 70% of people surveyed in Maine, Florida and Massachusetts want the government to limit GHG emissions. Qs & As here
We've Got A Problem Here
Sultry summer weather and utility consumer dislike for smart meters and grids is a recipe for trouble. Got a solution?
Seeing $$ In Green
The insurance industry sees profit potential in the renewable energy and climate risk arenas. Here's the deal
Climate Failure Fallout
Announcement of federal funding to restart the FutureGen coal-burning power plant project, but without costly CCS technology, could be a sign that without a climate law, big investments in carbon technologies are off the table.
Pro PACE
In response to federal mortgage regulator FHFA, read this defense of the PACE bond program.
August 09, 2010
Utlity To Buy Solar Power
Electric utility Xcel Energy will buy solar power from a planned CPV solar plant owned by Goldman Sachs. Plug in
China: Shut 'Em Down!
China issues a list of 2,087 factories to be shut down this year because they consume too much power. Learn more
Remaking Michigan
With an unemployment rate of 13.2%, can a green revolution save Michigan? Ask the Governor
Greenland Shrinks
A giant slab of ice breaks off of Greenland's main glacier. Splash!
Clean Coal Gets Cold Shoulder
A "clean" coal-burning power plant proposed for Victoria Australia is not clean enough to win local support. Stay tuned
The Volt Age
By 2020, 80% of EU households should have smart electric meters, with a UK goal of 100%. Plug In
Pro PACE
Looking for a rebuttal to the FHFA case against PACE? Click here
August 08, 2010
Fannie & Freddie: Past & Future
Get the back story on the troubled federal mortgage giants Fannie Mae & Frediie Mac. Things might change
August 07, 2010
Chinese Wind Farm Gets US Parts
Overcoming a stumbling block, Chinese firms building wind turbines in Texas agree to use parts made in the US. It's a deal
Andy's House
Get a tour of the energy efficiency upgrades at Andy Revkin's house. Welcome
August 06, 2010
Save PACE Bonds: Make A Phone Call
Grist urges its readers to dial the White House and demand help for the PACE bond program. Hello
Map That Job!
Interact with this on-line map of where the green jobs are growing in California. Get to work
A High Line For Harlem
Adapt aging infrastructure, create open space and bring new retail action and food markets -- all in one East Harlem project. Remaking La Marqueta
NY: Omen On Hydrfracking?
The one year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas voted by the New York State Senate could inspire a trend. Drill down
Plug In To Save The Planet
Here's a simple proposal to create the energy we need and end our addiction to foreign oil. Use your hybrid!
Snowmaggedon Not!
Scientists explain how last winter's heavy snow is consistent with climate change. Take off the gloves
Sun+Salt=Lights At Night
A solar power plant that stores energy in molten salt to provide continuous electricity opens in Italy. Eureka!
OK On Brownfields Program
New York State signs off on a City brownfields clean-up program. Home rule
Targeted Carbon Taxes
The UN climate treaty meeting in Bonn contemplates taxes on air travel and cross-border money transfers to raise program funds. Stay tuned
August 05, 2010
No PACE Bonds? Try LEMs
Fannie Mae-friendly Location Efficient Mortgages could provide assist energy-conscious urban home buyers. Check it out
Put A Price On Failure
Soul-searching begins after Dems and environmentalists fail to deliver a Senate climate bill. Re message
UK: Solar Revolution Is Coming
"He which hath no stomach to this fight, Let him depart" Hurrah!
China Contemplates Green Tax
China considers a trial tax on CO2 emissions and polluted water discharges in four rural provinces. Learn more
Let's Cool Manhtattan, The Bronx & Staten Island Too
New research on what works to shrink on the urban heat island effect. Get the facts
August 04, 2010
Who's The Greenest Of Them All?
Brooklyn's Vanderveer Place wins the Botanic Gardens greenest block award. Place matters
Texas To EPA: Drop Dead
The state of Texas tells the EPA that it will not comply with federal GHG control rules come January 2011. Just try!
Why Bother With Bonn?
The upcoming international climate treaty meeting in Bonn could be a bust. Watch out
Net Zero Near Chicago
The big draw of a planned 132 lot housing development near Chicago is zero net-energy. Move in
Store The Wind
A new battery technology for storing on-again, off-again wind power passes its first tests. Learn more
Free Legal Advice
Interested in practicing green building law? Read this
An Efficiency Consensus
Industry and advocates agree an a new generation of home appliance energy efficiency standards. Energy stars!
Will Hybrids Be A Hit?
Over time, the price of gas could be the biggest factor in the success of new hybrid cars coming out. Look ahead
Price Matters
As oil prices near $100 a barrel, European industry sees profit in carbon capture and sequestration even though on-line projects are years off. Count on carbon
What's In That Loophole?
Research finds that loopholes in the Copenhagen climate agreement would allow a 9% rise in GHG emissions from developed nations by 2020. Look into it
Gear Up For Electric Vans
GM invests $5 billion to build a hybrid plug-in van that should attract fleet owners. Stay tuned
If We Build It...
NYC's new electric car recharging station hasn't seen much traffic, but that could change this fall with the roll-out of cars like the Leaf and the Volt. Will they come?
August 03, 2010
Start With The Base
If we make green technology products for people near the bottom of the income scale, can their impact trickle up and transform the world's energy habits? Look into it
Venturing Into Green Tech
$1.5 billion in venture capital went for clean tech such as electric cars and recharging stations in just three months. Plug in
Australian Farms At Risk
Australia, the world's forth largest grain exporter, faces shrinking crop yields as it gets hotter and drier. Hungry for more?
Climate Foes In Attack Mode
Opponents of EPA climate action launch multi-prong attacks. Learn more & More
The Heat Is On
According to Munich Re, a major insurance firm, a planet that gets 2 degrees C hotter "should not be regarded as safe". Chilling
August 02, 2010
The Opposite Of 'Level Playing Field'
While the global renewable energy industry got $45 billion in subsidies, the fossil fuel industry raked in $557 billion in subsidies. Trough it up
Reacting To A New Reactor Design
The NRC raises safety questions about the new design of 14 nuclear reactors currently under permit review. Learn more
Carbon Tax=Deficit Relief
Now could be the time for passing a carbon tax to provide tax relief to strapped European treasuries. Buy in?
Clash In The Chamber
A split has formed in the Chamber of Commerce with a new climate action friendly group, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, being rebuffed by the old guard. Get CICE
Sun Power Sets In Spain
Spain will make deep funding cuts for electricity from new PV plants. Watts up?
Climate & The CA Governor's Race
Jerry Brown, running for Governor of California, calls support of the state's climate law a defining issue in his race against Meg Whitman. Look into it
China Raises $ In US For Wind Power
A Chinese wind turbine maker plans a $500 million IPO in the US. Cash in
China Buys Danish Wind Power
China will purchase Danish wind turbines to get 36 MW of clean power. Turn, turn, turn
Climate Aid: Promises, Promises
The UN demands proof that developed nations are honoring $30 billion pledged for climate aid. Show us!
Paris: E-Autolib
Riding on the success of its free bike project, Paris will roll out free electric cars for getting around town without polluting. Plug in