UK: Doubts On Smart Meter Savings
While smart electric meters will be good for aggregate savings, they might not save individual consumers much money. Add up?
June 30, 2011
Dot Earth On Google's Climate
Andy Revkin sends notes from a Google media and the climate conference. What do you need to know?
San Francisco Leads The Green List
San Francisco rates as the greenest city in North America, Vancouver is #2 and NYC comes in third. Siemens index here
AEP v CT: The Silver Lining
Look at the bright side of the Supreme Court decision, AEP v CT, when it comes to upholding EPA's legal climate authority.
Gemany: Nearer To No Nukes
The German Congress (Bundestag) votes to shut down the nation's nuclear power plants by 2022 and replace them with a mix of fossil and renewable energy. Plug in
California Puts Cap and Trade On Hold
California delays the kick-off of its carbon cap and trade program until 2013. Learn more
Keys To Urban Sustainability
How does urban density affect the sustainability of metropolitan development? Fine print
Sydney: Get Out Of Town
Sydney Australia offers residents $7000 to move away. Why is that?
Poll Sees Support For EPA
Poll results find opposition across the political spectrum to Presidential-hopeful Bachmann's proposal to do away with the EPA. Do the numbers
June 29, 2011
The Newest Normal
NOAA reports that the average US temperature for 1981-2010 is .5 degrees F warmer than the preceding 30 years. What's normal?
Google Has A Little List
Missed Google's green energy wish list yesterday? Get Grist's summary today.
Berlin And Beijing Ink Green Deal
The world's largest exporters, Germany and China, agree to cooperate on research and financing clean technology. Stay tuned
US Roofs Attract German PVs
A German PV thin film panel maker looks to do good business on American roof tops. Plug in
In Defense Of A Green Jobs Agenda
This is not an academic exercise. Get to work
Pawlenty Just Says No
Republican Presidential-hopeful Tim Pawlenty puts himself in the climate change denier column when it comes to human causes. There you go
Strategies For Smaller Footprints
The UK has an ambitious goal to cut its carbon footprint, but some of the biggest firms traded on the stock exchange have no carbon-cutting strategies. Rx
Tokyo: Summer 2011
Given its crippled nuclear power fleet and limited electric supply, Tokyo struggles to cope with summer heat. Not chill
June 28, 2011
Down With RGGI
Plaintiffs file a law suit to overturn New York's Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, claiming it imposes a tax never approved by the state legislature. Read it here
China: Less Drought More Hydropower
With its drought easing, China generates more hydropower but electric supply stays tight. Plug in
Wind Market Rises
The sale of small wind turbines for home use is increasing, even in tough economic times and Boston crafts turbine friendly rules. Spin in
What Google Wants
Google releases its green energy wish list topped by EVs, energy storage technology for the grid and supportive government policy. Can it get what it needs?
Oily Exxon
Greenpeace charges that Exxon has broken its promise to stop funding climate deniers. Look into it
Australia: Chilly On Carbon Tax
An Australian public opinion poll finds sharply lower support for creating a carbon emission tax. Future is cloudy
Slow Growth Is Not Enough
Although better vehicle fuel standards will slow the growth of oil imports and GHG emissions, they are not enough to reverse rising demand. What's needed now?
June 27, 2011
It's Still The Economy, Stupid
Bill Clinton's Global Climate Initiative meets this week with a 14-point climate and energy-linked agenda. Smart or stupid?
Weirdest Weather Since 1816
The heat, the cold, the rain and the droughts of 2010 are shaping up to be the most chaotic global weather patterns since 1816. What a world!
CA Court OKs Cap/Trade Work
A California appeals court allows the state to develop the nuts and bolts of its carbon cap and trade program.. Learn more
Germany: Power Industry Truns On A Dime
After slamming the Merkel government's commitment to a renewable power future, a major German utility company reverses itself. Hail to the chief
A Surprise Gas Tax Fan
Which conservative commentator confirms his support for a gas tax but not a carbon tax? Look into it
China: Carbon Trades Coming
China plans to have a unified CO2 emission trading mechanism in place by 2015. Stay tuned
Solar Number Crunching
Consider this proposition: the high dollar value of PV not its energy value makes the case for a new electric grid policy. Start here
London Rocker's Green House
A rock guitarist builds a pre-fab German-made green home in London in record time! Roll in
France: Committed To Nuclear Power
Fench President Sarkozy announces a billion euro ($1.5 billion) commitment to domestic nuclear power projects. Plug in
Drill Baby Drill
The Department of Energy awards $11.3 million for leading-edge geothermal energy projects in five states. Tap in
An American Phenomenon
Climate change has become entangled in the US culture wars. Is there any way out?
June 25, 2011
Location, Location, Location
A city park is no place for an urban farm. Get uprooted
June 24, 2011
Dam Dangers
Around the world, dams created for generating hydropower are decades old and some newer ones are in earthquake zones. Dive in
Germany: Mosque With Wind Power
A mosque in Nordenstedt, Germany installs a wind turbine in its minaret. Learn more
EPA To Test Fracking
The EPA will test the drinking water impact of hydrofracking used in natural gas extraction at seven sites, including the Marcellus Shale. Drill down
Japan: It Takes Nine Months
A 'device' jammed into the inner core of a Japanese nuclear reactor is dislodged after nine months. Whew!
What Makes Rick Perry Run
For Texas Governor and Presidential-hopeful Rick Perry, one reason to enter the race is to beat Mitt Romney who's not a climate science denier like him. Clear enough?
Clearing Up The Climate Debate
In this second installment, the media strategy of Australian climate skeptics is dissected. What, no worries!
On The Governor's Desk
A bill to protect New York's natural resources by requiring permits to pump water from its rivers, lakes and streams awaits Governor Cuomo's signature. Stay tuned
Pedal Power
Bike-sharing gains momentum in US cities. Learn more
Reclaim The Past
Industrial sites of earlier times are ideal locations for locating renewable energy installations. Here's why & how
June 23, 2011
UK: Sets Sights On N-Plant Sites
The UK identifies eight sites for the construction of new nuclear power plants by 2025. Fourteen years to go
Here's To You Cleveland
Grist has a little list of the most and least climate resilient cities in the US. Where is your city?
Revkin And Romm On Gore v Obama
Andy Revkin and Joe Romm weigh in about Al Gore's slam of President Obama's climate efforts and the media's methods.
Tokyo Today
What is life like in Tokyo three months after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown. Bird's eye tour
Carbon Diplomacy
An Australian newspaper quotes an American diplomat's assurance that the US will meet its carbon cutting goals of 17x20. Well ok!
June 22, 2011
No Budget, No Action
The biggest obstacle to undertaking energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings is the lack of a budget to do such work. Ring a bell?
X Marks The Spot
After lapsing eight years ago, New York is set to get an updated law that covers the siting of new power plants. Article X returns
Germany: Green City Index
74% of Germans are urban dwellers. How do their cities rank on nationwide green index? Find out
American Exceptionalism
The US demands that EU rules on CO2 emissions from the aviation sector not apply to its airlines. Learn more
Indian Point: Relicensing Update
If New York State has missed a a procedural deadline, will the Indian Point nuclear power plant get its operating license renewed by the federal government? Devils and details
UK: Tories For Climate Action
Conservative UK Prime Minister Cameron stands up for ambitious EU climate rules. UK is no US
Gore Gores Bam On Climate
Al Gore takes President Obama to task for his failures to act on climate change. Anybody listening?
June 21, 2011
The Next Big Thing - Or Not
While the technology isn't new, using small, modular nuclear reactors as conventional power plants is. Get acquainted
Bearing Witness
The account of one man's conversion from climate skeptic to action advocate. Make it personal
Japan: Opportunities in Energy Efficiency
Japan's campaign to slash energy use in the wake of its lost nuclear power plant output offers openings for efficient products. Make lemonade
Biofuels Take Flight
Planes using biofuels are the stars of the Paris Air Show, but will they become the aviation industry norm? ETA
Costs Could Czech-Mate Nuclear Plan
Construction costs could be the downfall of the Czech Republic's plan to build new nuclear power plants. Who's bidding?
Cut In DC, Pain At Home
Republican-sponsored cuts to the EPA 2011 budget are causing pain at the state level. Learn more
Sun Rise Late At White House
The White House misses its deadline for installing PV panels. Watt's up?
Hacking The Grid
Basic infrastructure, including the electric power gird, is vulnerable to hack attacks. Watch out
Re: Fracking Disclsure Laws
Five states now require disclosure of the chemical content of hydrofracking fluids, but are they good enough? Find out
June 20, 2011
A Sinking Feeling
Dangerous declines in ocean quality and marine life are taking place at an unprecedented pace and life on Earth could be at risk. Gulp!
On The Clean Energy Front
Green energy companies and trade groups companies unite to advance legislation on President Obama's clean energy standard. Plug in
The Javits Center Do Over
Tour the hopes and realities of a green retrofit initiative at the NYC Javits Convention Center. Enter here
Climate Change Not A Nusiance For SCOTUS
The Supreme Court votes 8-0 to deny states the right to bring climate law suits on the basis of public nuisance. Court decision here
PV Prices Plunge
Prices along the entire PV value chain reach record lows and put the cost of solar power in fossil fuel range. Plug in
Lab Meat
Scientists foresee the ability to grow meat in labs as a way to cut heat-trapping animal methane emissions. Really?
Google Underwater
Seeking to its cool giant computer servers while saving energy, Google will use sea water from the Bay of Finland. Dive in
Reviving Geo-Engineering
Based on a leaked document, it looks like the IPPC will re-open consideration of geo-engineering measures to cool the climate. Stay tuned
Consumer Education Breezes In
A Danish wind turbine maker proposes a new label for consumer goods made with at least 25% wind power. Whoosh
Albany & Austin Turn Off The Tap
Governor Cuomo is expected to sign a bill that requires large-volume water uses, like hydrofrackers, to get a New York State permit and Governor Perry signs a fracking fluid content disclosure law in Texas.
Seeing Spots
Ever wonder if the frequency of sunspots has an impact on the Earth's climate? Admit it and learn more
EU: Energy Policy At The Microlevel
A survey of 5,000 households in eleven countries finds a wide variety of responses to a uniform energy efficiency policy. Fine print
June 18, 2011
Predicting Our Energy Future
Industry experts offer their views on what's in store for the US energy sector. Other experts peer ahead here
June 17, 2011
Oil Supply Hits Peak
The US oil supply hits a 31-year high amid declining gasoline demand. Drill down
Mideast: Joined By The Wind
Israelis and Palestinians work together on wind power projects. Learn more
Carbon Funding Slumps
Investing in carbon-cutting projects in developing countries through the Kyoto Clean Development Mechanism sinks sharply. What's next?
The Volt Market
Wonder who's buying electric hybrid Volt cars and if they are pleased? GM's happy
What's Historic Can Be Green
Start with green building preservation and connect to making sustainable cities. Think about it
City Hall Power Pick
City Hall elects a natural gas-fired fuel cell rather than solar panels to keep its lights on. Plug in
June 16, 2011
Germany: Solar Subsidy Reprieve
Facing an installation shortfall, Germany extends its PV incentives for now. Learn more
Save The Planet Sink-By-Sink
Biogas, obtained from food waste that goes down the sink drain, is a resource for helping to save the planet. Waste not
Article X Opinion
Since 2003, New York has made do without a law to regulate the siting of power plants. Do we need a new law?
Australian Industry: Anti-Climate Campaign
The Australian power industry gears up its campaign against the government proposed carbon-cutting policy. Sound familiar?
Poll: Green OK, Cheap Better
A US public opinion poll finds support for renewable energy if it adds less than $10 to monthly bills. Meanwhile, PV installations soar before incentive program ends.
Only In London
An analyst of London's road-tested congestion pricing scheme does not expect to see it adopted in US cities. Why is that?
Sunny Side Up
New York City releases its interactive solar map and foresees great 'peak demand' potential.
LEED Not Legislate
Is there an argument for keeping LEED out of municipal building codes? Look into it
China: A Greener Building Boom
China considers ways to encourage greener municipal building codes and increase the energy efficiency and clean power capacity of its booming building sector and . Learn more
June 15, 2011
Concentrating On Solar Power
The Energy Department puts up $2 billion for concentrated solar power projects in California. Catch the rays
Some Call It A 'Death Hug'
Al Gore praises Mitt Romney's acknowledgment of climate change, but will it be an RIP in the Republican presidential primary? Dig in
Australia: The Climate Conversation Continues
Here's Part 2 of the Climate Conversation by Australian scientists.
Open Climate Science Source
California provides open-access to climate science research done at its universities and research centers. Learn lots
EV Maker Lightens Up
To replace heavy steel, BMW will build a carbon fiber factory and reduce the weight of its EVs. Roll over Mercedes
Scotland: End Energy Poverty
In the wake of rising bills, a Scots power utility seeks to support energy efficiency and ease fuel poverty. Nifty & thrifty
Green Building: Good For Bottom Lines
New research makes the business and economic growth case for investing in high performance building. Learn more
Article X Action
The New York State Business Council urges passage of a bill governing the siting of power plants while NY Environmental Advocates opposes a new Article X.
Businesss Remakes The Grid
Innovators find ways to integrate renewable energy into the power grid. Plug in
Take The Gowanus Expressway
Reimagining and redesigning Brooklyn's Gowanus Expressway illustrates the potential power of rebuilding urban roadway infrastructure. Look infra
June 14, 2011
California Climate Do-Over
California releases a court-ordered re-analysis of its menu of climate action strategies. And the winner is...
Solar Forecast: Partly Sunny
Revkin comments on Romm's comments on solar power. Look here
June 13, 2011
Seeing Through Denial
Australian scientists lauch a two-week series to demystify the M.O. of climate deniers. Start here
Philadephia: The New Underground
Philadelphia subways will be equipped with batteries to store electricity generated by train car kinetics. Watt a concept!
Number Crunching For Green Buildings
Here's how policies that support energy efficient building upgrades will benefit the environment and the economy. It adds up
UK: Promises, Promises
David Cameron, the UK Conservative Prime Minister, dashes green hopes. Learn more
West Should Follow The Leader
China is leading the new industrial revolution with plans based on cutting GHG emissions. Will western nations fall behind? Consider this
Update On Smart Grid Investments
Building a smart US electric power grid will cost money, so who's investing? Look into it
Tokyo: Save Energy With Vegetables
Tokyo residents could save energy this summer by growing goya plants in their windows to provide shade. Necessity & invention
Consider Salinity
A new satellite that measures changes in the salinity of sea-water will provide more clues about global warming. Fine print
Carbon Market Shrivels
Two-thirds of the carbon emissions at the latest RGGI auction found no buyers. Does it matter?
Italy: What's Old Is Nuke
A Berulsconi-backed voter referendum on restarting Italy's nuclear power program seems headed for defeat. UPDATE Referendum defeated
Tide Power Coming In
The long-awaited East River tide power project nears federal approval. Plug in
June 12, 2011
Laurie Kerr Honored
Laurie Kerr, senior staffer in the NYC Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability, wins the American Institute of Architects-NY 2011 Public Architect award.
June 10, 2011
Antwerp: Solar Station
Solar panels on a Paris-Amsterdam rail tunnel will help run Antwerp's railway station, and that's not all. Get moving
Germany: Post-Nuclear Opportunities
German business sees opportunities in the shutdown of the nation's nuclear power plants. Look into it
High Speed Rail For Chicago
Illinois studies the idea of a high-speed rail link between Chicago and Champaign-Urbana with possible extensions to Indiana and Missouri. Get on board
PV: Graphic Progress
Solar power prices plunge and installation times can't be beat. Catch some rays
Special Solar Students
Give special education high school students to a solar power project and find out what happens. Good news!
June 09, 2011
UK Slashes Solar Subsidies
Britain curtails access to the feed-in tariff that offers financial incentive to install solar power panels. Plug in
Wikileaks On Nuclear Hopefuls
Wikileaks contain a trove of information and speculation about countries with an appetite for nuclear power. Fission frisson
Scaling Up Super-Green Buildings
How to scale-up development of net zero-energy buildings is the topic of this New York Academy of Sciences e-Briefing.
PV: The Price Is Getting Right
PV makers expect energy cost parity with fossil-fuel generated power in three years in sunny parts of he US. Learn more
CT Gets A Green Bank
A new law creates a Connecticut bank to finance green projects, including loans for home energy efficiency upgrades that avoid the PACE bond problem. Spend some time
China-US: Clean Tech Opportunities
A two-way street for China-US clean-tech business development is being paved now. Come this way
Ethanol Subsidy Loses Its Mojo
The need in Iowa Republican politics to promise unwavering support for ethanol subsidies is gone. What happened?
Green Tide Trickles In
The story of a British-owned energy efficiency business opening shop in the US says a lot about the link between public policy, innovation and job growth. Don't miss it
Upbeat On Infrastructure Bank
John Kerry is optimistic about Senate passage of a bill creating a federal infrastructure bank to finance energy, transportation and water projects. Stay tuned
June 08, 2011
Climate Attitudes 2008-2011
A May 2011 survey of American attitudes about climate change and climate science shows what's changed since November 2008. Draw your own conclusions
Nullius In Verba
An analysis of evidence for the science of rising CO2 levels and hotly combative readers comments. Fine print
Green M & A Magnets
China, India and the US could be to be the top magnets for clean energy mergers and acquisitions in 2011. Follow the money
WikiCities
From do-it-yourself bike lanes and street seating to basic questions about citizen involvement in urban sustainabiiity, wikis could become a new force. Think about it
On The Rise Of Natural Gas
Review the IEA scenario of a world energy system that will be dominated by natural gas. Start here
Cull A Camel For Carbon
Australia plans to issue carbon credits for killing camels. What?
A Nuclear-Free Japan
Community safety concerns could shut down of Japan's entire nuclear generator fleet next year Says who?
Dawn of Solar EVs
Solar-assisted electric vehicle recharging stations are installed in Tennessee. Stay tuned
Climate Denial
Tom Friedman reminds us that Anthony Weiner's not the only one in denial. Face facts
Obama Fails On Green
Democrat Bruce Babbitt urges President Obama to stop backing down on Republican attacks on environmental protection. Noted
Underwater Alert
Scientists research the link between oceanic dead zones and increased heat and GHG levels. Dive in
June 07, 2011
Too Much Gas
The world's climate is in peril from the ample availability of cheap natural gas, cautions the IEA. Here's why
London Tests Thames Power
A tide power project using London's Thames River flows gets its first test. Dive in
GE Talks Turkey
A new GE turbine that runs on renewable fuels and natural gas is purchased by a Turkish utility. Flex that power
US To China: End Wind Subsidy
China agrees to a US demand to end its wind power subsidy under provisions of World Trade Organization. rules. Plug in
What The REC
Here's how to tell a good REC (renewable energy credit) from a dud. Spend some time
Japan: The Truth Leaks Out
Japan admits that radiation levels from the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plants, which stored spent fuel rods on site, were double the number reported.
ICLEI 2.0
C40 and ICLEI develop a second-generation tool that identifies and quantifies sources of urban greenhouse gas emissions in order to target the right solutions. Measure up!
June 06, 2011
Buildings Are People Too
David Hsu explains just how to measure building performance in order to manage it right. Learn about latent categories
Homeland Insecurity
The House votes to bar participation by the Department of Homeland Security in the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force. Really?
Emerging Economies/Carbon Incubators
The World Bank sees emerging economies as potential incubators for new carbon emissions trading schemes. Look into it
It's Back
The pattern of spiraling global levels of CO2 emissions has returned. Really bad news in depth
Food For A Hotter World
Since more atmospheric CO2 won't save global food production, what's Plan B? Dig in
Romney Or Omney?
Is Republic candidate Mitt Romney really saying he believes in human-induced climate change? LOL
Death Threats For Climate Scientists
Australian climate scientists receive death threats. Universities seek added protections. Learn more
Summer Arctic Ice Watch
What's the current status of Arctic ice and what is in store for the summer of 2011? Stay tuned
UN: Time's Up For Climate Pact
Time has run out for meeting a 2012 post-Kyoto climate agreement deadline. Tick tock
Germany: Latest Post-Nuclear News
Germany's cabinet approves plans to shut all nuclear power plants by 2022. Plug in
June 02, 2011
Forecasting Extreme Weather
Tornado Alley residents in Joplin, Mo. had 24 minutes to prepare. What about the folks in Springfield, Mass. — no one was expecting a tornado. What to do
June 01, 2011
NY Sues Feds Over Fracking
AG Eric Schneiderman makes good on pledge to sue the feds for not committing to conduct a full environmental review of proposed regs that would allow fracking. DRBC urged to avoid lawsuit and just do it!
Salarymen Jettison Suits
Japanese Environment Minister, Ryu Matsumoto, anounces Super Cool Biz campaign to conserve energy and save the planet by dressing down a notch. France 24 wieghs in on fashion implications.