CA: Climate Slugfest
Debating action on climate change sent sparks flying between California Senate candidates Barbara Boxer and Carly Fiorina. Eighth round
September 30, 2010
Bits & Pieces
Senators support Obama's strategy of passing climate legislation one piece at a time. Chunky dory!
The Wegman Tool
Get the backstory on the Wegman Report, Senator Barton's tool to attack climate science. Drill down
September 29, 2010
Is Small The Answer?
Like small Italian wind turbine projects, scale might be a key to success elsewhere. Turn in
The Porous Apple
New York City will protect water quality with porous pavements, green roofs, and other soft means to soak up rain water before it overpowers sewage treatment plants. Whew!
September 28, 2010
Climate Action Republican-Style
If the Republican Party captures the House in November elections, what's is store for the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming? Watch out
Obama: Time To Act On Energy
President Obama calls for concerted action on energy policy in 2011. OK
Australia: Good As Gold?
A giant gold mining company splits with BHP Billiton to oppose an Australian carbon tax. Dig in
How To Follow The Money
Exactly where is big money flowing to fight against climate action? It counts
Prop 23: Vote No
The LA Times calls on voters to reject Proposition 23, a ballot initiative aimed at overturning California's climate action law. Stay tuned
It's Not Easy Being Passive
Passive houses pose challenges from unexpected sources, like insurers. Oh pioneer!
Don't Mix Oil & War
A Washington think tank urges a 50% cut in oil dependence by US military to limit risks of losing access to supplies and price spikes. Look into it
Do More With Less
Historically low interest rates can finance green job growth to cut historically high unemployment rates. Spend some time
Domestic Content
A Chinese firm and GE form a joint venture to make and market wind turbines in China. Learn more
Melting Away
Scientists are shocked by how fast glaciers and ice-sheets are melting and could more than double estimates of sea level rise by 2100. Dive in
September 27, 2010
Geothermal Could Heat Up Green Job Market
A new geothermal technology could be used to generate electricity, heat and jobs, while cutting costs. Drill down
Be Passive
Passive house design aims for much greater energy efficiency than other green building standards. Get active
RES-olution
Here's the latest debate on whether the US needs a Renewable Energy Standard and what it should say. You decide
What Are They Thinking?
What do 37 Republican candidates for Senate believe about climate science? Find out
Solar Asia
Critical funding for domestic solar power is coming to nations like India and Bangladesh. Learn more
Scotland: A Money Spinner
A Scots wind power project to develop many small sites attracts $79 million. Plug in
September 24, 2010
Prop 23 in California
CA voters will decide whether or not to suspend AB 32 aka the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 What if?
September 22, 2010
Fate of the World
Can leading environmental game maker Red Redemption in collaboration with Oxford University climate experts jolt complacent minds into taking action? Get your game on
September 21, 2010
Finland: Cloud Caving In to Green
The greenest most secure data center on earth due on line in Jan. is in a cave which was carved into the rock under a cathedral during WW II. Chilling heats
September 18, 2010
More Expert
Revkin captures the tenor of what scientists say about other scientists when it comes to climate change. Mind that domain
September 17, 2010
Paint It White
Cool roofs are catching on. Coverage here
Solar Thermal Mojo
California licensed 1,500 MW of new solar thermal in the last three weeks and could greenlight nearly 3,000 more MW before federal tax incentives run out in December. That's hot
Red White & Green
A poll sponsored by the NRDC finds Americans are positive about the EPA and the work it does. Just ask
Yes We Do
Obama's stimulus funding is creating green jobs and technologies, but the media misses the story. Look into it
Australia: PM Doesn't Say No
With the Green Party in her coalition, Australian Prime Minister Gillard does not close the door on a carbon tax. Stay tuned
Good News - Or Not
Scientists say we will not run out of uranium any time soon but doubt the pluses of recycling plutonium. Enough already!
Green Dorm
Pratt Institute students, staff and faculty collaborate on a green room in a 1960's dormitory. Drop by
Weatherization Is Women's Work
Portland, Oregon is an innovative epicenter of home weatherization jobs for (not only) women. Here's how it's done
September 16, 2010
PBS Science: True Or False?
The PBS ombudsman examines whether a Nova science broadcast was skewed by its sponsor, David Koch. Must read
THe Urban Honor Roll
With more than half the world's people living in cities, smart, urban green innovation really counts. ICLEI's US top 10
Godfather Green
Organized crime in Europe makes a killing on money laundering through clean energy deals. Non-fiction
Is Solar Sustainable in South Africa?
South Africa studies the viability of a proposed 5,000 MW solar power plant. Plug in
UK: Not Future Proof
Neither private property nor public infrastructure are prepared to withstand the impacts of climate change. Start now
Campaign To Save Carbon Rules
Green groups launch a campaign to protect the EPA from Congressional attack on its power to regulate carbon emissions. Start here
Hey Slow Spenders!
It's hard to see any economic stimulus coming from federal energy efficiency funds in Georgia and Tennessee because they've spent just $5.6 million of their $109 million. Spend some time
PA Snoops On Frack Foes
Pennsylvania Governor Rendell expresses regrets for actions of his Department of Homeland Security to discredit foes of hydrfracking for natural gas. Drill down
September 15, 2010
Raising The Building Bar
The goals of high performance building design are rising, but will energy efficiency lead to greater energy use? Plug in
Big Problems, Small Planet
Dean Kammen looks into a new generation of climate and energy development challenges facing the World Bank, while the World Energy Council explores how megacities can lead on energy and urban innovation.
Germany: Just Say Maybe
A German government idea to make all residential buildings zero GHG emitters by 2050, at a cost of $3.1 trillion, catches flak within Chancellor Merkel's own alliance. Stay tuned
What's Good For China?
Does China's economy benefit from a US failure to enact climate change legislation? Climate Wire & CFR
Families Sue Frackers
12 Pennsylvania families sue a natural gas driller, claiming its release of hazardous materials harms their health. Drill down
UK: Green Lining In Economy's Clouds
The UK could see a 2% boost in economic growth from its green sector to help offset declines in other sectors. Learn more
PV Demand Buoys Prices
Strong European demand for photovoltaic panels should keep prices higher than expected. Work it out
Doing Climate Science
Explaining the link between warming oceans and 21st century hurricanes is still a work-in-progress, but the risk of living in low-lying coastal areas is clear right now. Kerry Emanuel
How Do We Know It's Hotter?
The heat waves of summer 2010 made headlines and here's how scientists got the data to back them up. Fine print
Climate MeetUp In NYC
17 nations, sources of 80% of the world's CO2, will meet in NYC during Climate Week to look for common ground. Who'll be there?
Electing Climate Zombies
US and US media outlets are tracking Republicans climate skeptics in the 2010 Senate, House and Governors' races. Stay tuned
September 14, 2010
More Pounds For Less Carbon
The British government sketches out plans for a green development bank to help finance a low carbon economy. Look ahead
In Case You Misssed It - Optimism
David Goldstein makes the case for energy efficiency as a key to environmental and economic success. Open here
What The Summer Interns Found
51 MBA summer interns identified $350 million in energy savings at Fortune 1000 companies. Value added
The Metro & The Hot House
Body heat from Paris subways will be used to warm nearby apartments. Ooh-la-la
September 13, 2010
Carbon Coalition?
With its razor-thin majority, what will Australia's government do about permits for LNG projects and pricing carbon? Stay tuned
Heat Seekers
Get the latest data on global temperatures for 2010 and draw your own conclusions. Read all about it
Imagine That!
Launched five years ago, what's happened at GE's Ecomagination program? Immelt reports
Would Would Reagan Do?
George Schultz, a member of President Reagan's cabinet, comes out against a California ballot measure to overturn the state's climate action law. Learn more
Let's Lease It
There's growing interest by homeowners and cities in leasing rooftop solar panels. WSJ
September 10, 2010
Carbon Market Capers
Research finds the EU carbon trading market is gamed by heavy industries that keep prices low and the number of emissions permits high. Here's how
World Bank Tilts Toward Green
The World Bank appoints Daniel Kammen as its chief technical specialist for renewables and energy efficiency. Shift here
RGGI: Bargian Basement Prices
The September RGGI auction for CO2 emissions permits fell to the reserve price of $1.86 a ton. Come on down
UK Military OK On Wind Project
The UK Defense Ministry drops its objection, based on concerns over radar interference, to a new wind turbine project. Turn in
Polar Science Right Now!
Follow the Cape Farewell IX Arctic science expedition over the next four weeks. Start here
Car-chitecture
Keep a sharp eye for building details of an earlier age and tour NYC's early garages. Drive in
Green Guide To Florida Race
While Florida voters don't put environmental issues high on their issues list, Grist thinks a look at the green positions of candidates for Governor is still worthwhile. Do you?
CA: Is Repeal Appealing?
How would a November vote for California's Prop 23 to overturn the state's Global Warming Solution law affect its economy? Look into it
Green Group Make AG Pick
The New York League of Conservation Voters endorses Eric Schneiderman for State Attorney General. Learn more
Trolly Bound For Red Hook
Red Hook Brooklyn is getting closer to getting old fashioned, new-fangled mass transit. Get on board
September 09, 2010
Play It As It LA's
With apologies to Joan Didion, peer into Los Angeles' smoggy climate-changed future. Go west
Has LEED Failed?
LEED, the popular way to give buildings an eco-rating, is not universally admired. Look under the hood
Scotland Slashes Emissions
Using a mix of market and policy tools, Scotland cuts its GHG emissions 21% from 1990 levels. Cheers
Science Is About Sharing
The National Academy of Sciences urges researchers to improve on sharing their climate data to increase its impact. Learn more
What's Wrong With Wind Power?
Since the federal government has no say on electric transmission siting, developing a viable interstate system is a long shot. Plug in
Ikea's Wind Farms
With its purchase of six German wind farms from a Spanish firm, Swedish-based Ikea gets electricity from fifty-two renewable sources. Euro power!
Reaping The Wind
Wind industry advocates anticipate many benefits of the EU's mix of carrots and sticks policies. Turn in
Indonesia's Coal Goal
By 2020, cash poor Indonesia could be financing infrastructure development with coal exports to Asia. Dig in
September 08, 2010
Does China Cheat On Renewables?
Look into allegations that China's support for it booming renewable power industry violates World Trade Organization rules. Start here
Reid's Bite-Sized Climate Strategy
Senate Leader Reid offers a piecemeal approach to federal climate legislation. Tasty?
Who Owns The Arctic?
Control of Arctic resources will be contested by many nations as climate change transforms the region. Stay tuned
Climate Facts On File
Want to have the facts at your fingertips when engaging with a climate skeptic or someone seeking the science behind the headlines? Start here
Michigan: Shades Of Green
The green contours of Michigan politics might surprise you. Take a look
More than One Risk
Revkin weighs in on weird weather and climate change. Cold comfort
Another FIrst For China
China attracts more renewable energy investments than the US and is developing markets to support its own manufacturers. Look ahead
Loading the Dice
Why asking if this summer's extreme weather events were caused by climate change is the wrong question. Here's why
September 07, 2010
PACE Blogger: 2011?
An allergy to first lien debt and a lack of performance data are just two of the woes facing PACE bond fans, but a legislative overhaul of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2011 might be the best time to revive the program.
NY Firm Grows Green Stock Exchanges
New York-based NYSE Euronext, the nation's largest US stock exchange operator, to expand trading volume in carbon, electric power and renewables. Learn more
Enriching Uranium With $$
Overcoming reliance on aging technology in the US, a new influx of investment reinvigorates the means for making fuel for nuclear power plants. Invest some time
Australian Greens See Red Over Coal For China
London: Green Finance Hub
The UK government announces an initiative to make London the global center for green finance, while municipal authorities launch a $153 million Green Fund. Stay tuned
Energy Efficiency: Off To A Slow Start
Enrollment is lower than expected for a UK program which requires buildings that are large electric consumers to sign up for energy efficiency. Learn more
September 06, 2010
Germany: No Age Barrier
Germany will permit its fleet of aging nuclear power plants to stay online, with a fuel rod tax to support renewable energy. Plug in
September 04, 2010
CA PACE Bond Bill Advances
A bill that would permit public sector pensions to invest in PACE bonds awaits Governor Schwarzenegger's signature. Stay tuned
September 03, 2010
Secret German Military Peak Oil Report
A leaked report by the German military raises concerns about market failures and European energy security arising from declining global fossil fuel resources. Summary in translation
UK: The China Connection
A senior climate scientist claims the UK's carbon footprint has grown because of imports from nation's like China. Look into it
Put A Price On It!
GE, Siemens and other big manufacturers of renewable power technology urge Australia's' new government to put a price on carbon. Learn more
In Harm's Way
Mapping the location of vital US infrastructure facilities is vital for emergency planning and promoting resilience, but will it be enough? Start with facts
The Heat Did It
Hot weather, not dumb smart meters, explains the rise in California electric utility bills, and bungled customer relations made things worse. Plug in
Some Things Don't Change
A new history examines how defenders of industrial pollution developed, deployed - and continue to use - the same techniques developed a century ago. Reviewed here
September 02, 2010
What Lies Beneath Sleipner?
Norway's Sleipner platform above its North Sea natural gas fields, pumps CO2 beneath the water for long term capture and storage and could be a model for other CCS installations.Drill down
The Gates Debate
Bill Gates' call for a carbon tax to fund a new generation of climate-friendly R&D sparks a riposte from the Tellus Institute and a return. Follow that thread!
Bike Power
Generate electric power while pedaling an exercise bike! No sweat
September 01, 2010
Atlantic Heat & Hurricane Landfall
Is there a link between summertime Atlantic Ocean temperatures off the east coast of the US and the likelihood of a hurricane coming ashore? Spin in
Learn The Right Thing
Based on the policies of ten leading states, CAP calls for a federal policy to upgrade the energy efficiency of 50 million buildings, create 625,000 jobs and save Americans $64 billion in energy bills. Start here
NJ: Guide To Sustainable Growth
A university white paper calls on New Jersey leaders to link global demand for green products and practices to the state's core strengths in order to succeed. Learn more
Wind From The East
A giant Korean manufacturer sets its sights on 13-fold growth for its wind farm business. Stay tuned
Forget The Headline
The most interesting fact about NYC's hot summer is how much electricity is used and who's using more than ever. Hint: Home AC
Another Nail In The Coffin
Homeowners with PACE bond loans for install PV panels have to pay off the loan before selling their property. Bang bang
Another Nail In The Coffin
Homeowners who got PACE bond loans now have to pay them off before Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac will approve mortgage refinances. Bang bang
New Wind Power Cools But Market's Hot
While 2010 is a bad year for building new wind turbines, US utilities are buying up low-priced wind assets. Plug in
Pricing A Carbon Tax
When asked "how much?", carbon tax supporters offer a wide range of dollar values. Here's an argument for the high end. Fine print