Court Slows Smog Rule
A federal court delays roll-ouf of an EPA rule to cut smog-making emissions from power plants
December 31, 2011
December 30, 2011
Last Words For 2011: Vaclav Havel
Vaclav Havel (d. 2011) closes out the year
Don't Forget 2011
Does this video recap of record-breaking weird weather in 2011 makes you look forward to 2012?
Drowning In Carbon Credits
The glut of CER credits in the EU carbon market combined with Durban climate talk inaction depresses prices and puts the system at risk
Financing Fracking
One way to peer into the future of hydrofracking is to look at the corporate bond market
Cuomo In 2012
Get some year-end hints about Governor Cuomo's 2012 sustainability, energy and transportation agenda
NY's Newest Green MBA
Working from the premise that business solutions are critical to solving environmental problems, Bard College launches a sustainability-rooted MBA program
December 29, 2011
Public Health Costs Of Climate Chaos
Whatever the specifics of a changing climate, factoring in its public health impacts steeply raises the cost of inaction
DOE: Picking Winners
DOE $41.6 million stimulus fund investment in clean energy fuels cells starts to pay off
Buying Newt
A look at corporate contributions in 2008 might offer insight into Newt Gingrich's pivot on climate and energy issues
Brazil: Buying Wind
Brazil orders 254 MW in new wind turbine capacity for delivery by 2014
No Crash Test Dummy
Buying a car? Consider the injury rate of passengers in accidents involving hybrids compared to gas-powered vehicles
UK: Investing in 15x20
Since April 1, 2011, renewable power projects have attracted $3.8 billion in the UK, but critics say this is not enough and call future funding uncertain
Wind: Wins and Losses
A top Massachusetts court upholds a long-term power purchase agreement for Cape Wind but a pending Delaware wind project loses its purchase commitments
Adjusting To Climate Chaos
Get acquainted with efforts around the world to cope with challenging climate changes
Methane Mysteries
Methane is known to be a potent GHG, but why its atmospheric concentrations change is not well-known
December 28, 2011
A Different Us v Them
To understand the uproar at the over the chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, don't think Democrat v Republican
Hydrofracking Happy In Canada
Western Canada speeds down the road to becoming a capital of hydrofracking for fossil fuel extraction
Japan: Sun Signs
Although Japan's CO2 output soared this year, there are hints of solar-powered alternatives on the way
Denmark: Down Year For Wind Turbines
Vestas, the giant wind turbine maker, has had a bad year, facing low cost foreign competition and depressed European demand
Vermont: 90x50
Consider the Vermont plan for getting 90% of its energy from renewable sources by 2050
India: Fuggedaboutit
India announces it will not sign any binding agreement to cut its GHG emissions
Fracking Photo-Op
A snapshot of the conflicting impacts of hydrofracking in one New York community
UK: Low Carbon v Fossil Future
Predictions are the cost of developing a low-carbon energy future is close to the cost of a fossil fuel-filled future.
NYC's Green Build List 2011
Who made it on this top ten New York City green real estate stories for 2011?
December 27, 2011
NYC's Newest Green Laws
Mayor Bloomberg signs a raft of green bills, including two that make NYC a more bike-friendly and healthier city.
Research Surprise
Scientists find that warming temperatures may slow the spread of malaria by making the killer parasite milder.
A Plea For Supporting Science
With so much still to learn about climate and earth sciences and the need to do data-gathering research, now more than ever, research funding is key to scholars, decision-makers and citizens alike.
Looking For Leadership
Former Senator and Clinton-era official Tim Wirth calls on President Obama to to show some leadership on climate action if he gets re-elected.
Climate Needs B-2-B Strategy
Can businesses who get green become the key to unlocking the resistance of other businesses to act on climate change?
China: Super-Sized Coal Plant
China plans to build Asia's largest coal-burning power plant in the port city of Beihai.
Bank Talks Green But Backs Fossils
Despite its renewables commitment, the bulk of the European Investment Bank energy investments still go to fossil fuel projects.
The Cable Guy
Buried in the human interest story about the man who dives to the bottom of the Hudson River to lay new cable, is the infrastructure story of what that cable does and who owns it
China: Two Ways On High Speed Rail
China continues development of new ultra-high speed experimental trains while it cuts back on building new capacity
Past Performance Is No Guarantee
Although life on Earth has always bounced back after radical changes in its climate, this time it could be different
December 25, 2011
The Urban Forest In Winter
An urban ecologist's final observation for the year about a Manhattan forest
December 23, 2011
Benchmarking Bragging Rights
A four-star review of the NYC Greener Greater Buildings Plan and the latest on Local Law 84, its benchmarking law
States Unclog Path To Solar Growth
Hawaii and California reconsider utility rules that limit the growth of roof-top solar installations and other forms of distributed generation
China: Down On Aviation Carbon Fee
Hostile to The EU imposing an aviation carbon emissions fee, China threatens trade retaliation
Canada: Dreaming Of A White Christmas
Unlike the famous holiday tune, Canadians are likely to have more green Christmases
India: Getting Urban
Anticipating a rising tide of urban growth in India, transit options will be key to sustainability and the government seeks to relaunch infrastructure development
A Holdiay Wish - Seal Your AC
Tis the season to learn the best way to seal up your window-mounted air conditioners and save on home energy costs
From The Halls Of Montezuma
Us Marines can now rely on solar power when deployed in remote field locations
In The Smart Grid Crystal Ball
An industry optimist sees significant smart grid global growth along with renewables capability and security concerns in 2012
UK: Transmitting To Tomorrow
UK authorities approve a low-voltage electric transmission network designed for renewable energy sources
December 22, 2011
Nuke Design Gets The OK
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission signs off on the design of the Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear power plant, but a critic calls the decision premature.
The Quebec-California Connection
Quebec and California team up on a carbon cap & trade program through the Western Climate Initiative
A Sure Thing In 2012
Even without government enforcement, consumers will have a wide spectrum of energy efficient light bulbs to choose from in 2012
Science At Work
Another in a series that explores how science gets done, focusing this time on how paradigms get shifted.
Not A Jobs Pipeline
What's wrong with the argument that the Keystone XL tar-sands pipeline would be a big jobs generator?
Philadelphia: Soil Kitchen
Catching up on some of the niftiest urban eco-innovators of the year, this one's from Futurefarmers
In Case You Missed 2011
List of top environmental events in 2011, not much good cheer here
December 21, 2011
A Bike Rider's Quest
Would the local sale of Amsterdam-type bikes in New York City encourage more people to pedal?
EPA: Safer to Inhale
Moving to cut emissions of airborne mercury by 90%, along with other toxic power plant pollutants, EPA issues its long-awaited Clean Ar Act rule while opponents grumble
2011: Smart Grid Trends
Follow the year's five top developments in the smart grid sector
Public Hearings On NYC Zone Green
Public hearings will begin in January on NYCs greener zoning proposals
Can't See The Forest For The Trees
To satisfy the state's timber industry, Maine's Governor bans LEED ratings from use in government buildings
Fukushima: Reality Is Bad Enough
Scientific American debunks bad science that links US deaths to the Fukushima nuclear disaster
Lord Stern's Contradiction
Dig deeper into the meaning of UK economist Nicholas Stern's insight on the contradiction between climate action and the market vale of fossil resources
Reflecting On Energy Predictions
Review six energy predictions made this year and consider their merits
UK: Predicting An Efficiency Fiasco
Why does the goal of upgrading the energy efficiency of 14 million British homes over the coming decade appear doomed to failure?
EU: Aviation Carbon Fees Upheld
Europe's highest court upholds a rule imposing carbon fees on airlines landing in EU member nations
December 20, 2011
Beyond Petroleum - Not
Fossil fuel giant BP quits the solar energy business
Canada: Not So Clean
Newly released documents reveal that official Canadian claims about the environmentally acceptability of tar-sands oil were less than true
NY: Zero Sum For Fracking Oversight
Governor Cuomo's initial budget proposal for 2012 contains no money for oversight of natural gas drilling [Greenwire $ub]
US To EU: We Won't Pay For Plane Emissions
The US threatens to retaliate against the EU for requiring airlines to pay a fee on their carbon emissions.
Google Earth-Friendly
Google to buy four California solar power plants, bringing its sector investment up to $915 million
Credit Strains In Transit
With the rollback of a 2009 tax dedicated to the MTA and no replacement sources tapped, Moody's warns about 'credit strain' pressures on transit revenue bonds
On The Bronx Waterfront
MIT students and Bronx residents start planning for eco-puncture, waterfront access and infrastructure adaptation on the borough's waterfront
600,000 Homeowners Save $$$
Now that federal federal stimulus funds have weatherized 600,00 low-income homes, owners can save $400 a year on heating and cooling bills
Tracking Fracking
Scientific American creates an on-line resource to track ongoing inquiries and debates in the hydrofracking sphere
quiri
December 19, 2011
Fight Or Flight
The international fight over new GHG emission fees for the aviation industry in unlikely to be resolved by a court ruing expected this week
2012 Energy And Climate Batttle Fronts
Start making lists of the hottest federal energy policy and GHG emissions controls fights coming up in 2012
Moving The Green Dial
Consider the tactics of an emerging generation of eco-activists.
Behind The Shale-Gas Boom
Think it was the miracle of market forces that propelled the shale-oil boom? Think again
Gone Soon
Check out this list of energy efficiency federal tax credits that disappear on New Year's Eve
Top Eco-News Of The Year
Check out this list of the best in environmental journalism for 2011
Air Toxics Rule A Lightening Rod
Even before its official release, the new EPA rule cutting mercury, acid gases and particulates emissions from coal-fired power plants has foes and friends
Ireland: The Salt Water Solution
Zap salted water with electricity and get a low-cost, non-toxic, energy efficient industrial-strength cleanser
EU: Life Raft For Carbon Trading
With Euro carbon emissions permits trading at levels too low to matter, the EU considers market interventions while a London-based low-carbon investment firm faces the end
Cities: The Other 90%
An exhibit of practical, socially-conscious urban interventions from Caracas to Durban and more is reviewed here
December 16, 2011
Take This Seriously, Please
Grist's Dave Roberts explores the tone, tenor and thresholds needed to get Americans serious about climate action
Newt's Back Pages
A short recap of Newt Gingrich's comings and goings on climate change and eco-stewardship
Australia: Hold The Applause
The new Australian carbon scheme gets a skeptical once-over
No Tar Sands For Top Banana
Chiquita Brands pledges to shun the use of energy derived from Canadian tar sands.
Russia To Canada - Me Too
Russia applauds Canada's withdrawal from the Kyoto climate treaty and announces it won't make any new carbon-cutting commitments
Electricity: Paying More And Using More
US wallets shrink as utility bills soar, but consumers don't cut back on their electricity use
Everybody Talks About The Weather
Looking for an eco year end wrap-up? Here's the US weather catastrophe slide show
Old Mines, New Wind Power
Abandoned iron ore pits in Minnesota could be used as hydroelectric batteries for storing and dispatching wind power
UK: Solar Challenge And Nuclear Decisions Time
A UK court rules that solar power companies can challenge government cuts to subsidies, while a decision on construction of a new nuclear power plant is imminent
Watered-Down Oil Pipeline Bill Passes
Congress passes legislation that increases penalties and tightens some operating standards for fossil-fuel pipelines, but critics see serious safety omissions.
California 33x20
California advances toward getting 33% of its electricity from renewables in 2020 by approving the utility purchase of another 444 MW of solar power
December 15, 2011
Seeing Sun Dots
Power from quantum dots of semiconductor material could be the lower-cost, high-efficiency future for solar energy.
NYC: An Energy Efficieny First
The NYC Energy Efficiency Corporation makes its first investment in the energy efficiency upgrade of a 1958 office building in lower Manhattan
UK: Yawning At Climate Change
In 2011, opinion polling finds that climate change drops off the list of top British concerns
Greens Bark At Toothless Proposals
Green groups criticize European Commission proposals to make natural gas a 'transition' fuel on the way to a 97% renewable target in 2050 as lacking binding goals
The Competitive Edge
At the Department of Energy Washington headquarters, the building is divided into zones competing for monthly energy efficiency improvement awards [Climate Wire $]
Congressional Cuts
Here's the latest on what gets cut and remains intact of EPA powers and funds in Congress's budget bill
Laffer Smiles On Carbon Tax
Reagonomics guru,Arthur Laffer calls for a carbon tax to replace the income tax
Out Of Town
With climate change adding to the peril of desertification in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, does innovative reforestation stand a chance? [New Yorker $]
December 14, 2011
EU: Cheap Carbon
The price of EU carbon emissions permits hits a new low
Driving Low-Carbon Innovation
Don't miss these four case-studies of leading corporate low-carbon innovators
Canada: Petro-State
Understanding the breadth of Canada's petro-economy is key to the country's exit from the Kyoto treaty
Bloomberg To Obama: Cut Mercury Emissions
Citing the toxic health impacts of mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants, Mayor Bloomberg urges the President to regulate them now
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
The latest media sighting of the shuttered solar panel maker Solyndra is that a Delaware grand jury is investigating how the firm handled its federal loan guarantee
Stern On Durban: One Thumb Up
US climate negotiator Todd Stern spells out his progress assessment from the Durban COP17 meeting & Abigail Borah's POV
MA Makes RGGI Work
The much maligned northeast carbon cap and trade program, RGGI, proves its economic multiplier effect in Massachusetts and New Jersey too.
Pre-Copenhagen, Post-Durban
Written prior to the 2009 Copenhagen climate treaty meeting, this Rx for making a fossil fuel-free world still packs a punch after the 2011 Durban gathering.
December 13, 2011
Australia: Dissimilar Cities
Urban ecologists start to rethink the one-size-fits-all model of how cities grow and the eco-impacts they make
Old Green Is News
LEED certification for existing buildings outstrips LEED for new building by 15 million square feet.
Sustainable Business In 2012
Triple bottom line prospects for 2012? Not so good
Portugual: Unplugged
Nissan backs out of plans to build an EV battery plant in Portugal, saying it's got enough existing production capacity.
Anthropocene Optimists
For some, living in a world made hotter by humans will be the incentive for the next wave of technological innovation
Italy: Bank Backs Renewables
In 2011, an Italian bank invested $2 billion in renewable power projects in Italy and Eastern Europe, with growth expected in Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey next year.
Testing, Testing
GSA is the federal agency with $4.8 billion to develop innovations in testing the energy efficiency of the government-owned buildings and vehicles
Another Fracking Profit Center
Companies that supply workers and equipment to handle tainted water from gas-extracting hydrofrackers are thriving
France: Nuclear Company Loses Billions
Areva, the giant French nuclear power utility, loses 1.6 billion euros as post-Fukushima uranium prices plummet
December 12, 2011
Fresh Greens
The latest on what New York City's got on tap to make its zoning rules an instrument for - not an obstacle to - a greener Gotham, greenhouses included
Durban: Post-Mortem
What did the media say about the outcome and meaning of COP17, the Durban climate meeting?
Build A Better Light Bulb
Bulb manufacturers step up to the energy efficient lighting challenge with investments and new jobs
Legal Risks For Wind Tech
Intellectual property laws can be a land mine for wind turbine makers
Perry Stumbles Over Solydra
While criticizing the President's energy policy, Rick Perry lashes out at the 'country' of Solydra
Cabon Price Slumps On Euro Woes
Ignoring some bright spots at the Durban climate talks, EU carbon prices sag under the weight of ongoing euro turmoil
Variable Speed Rail Policy
A good national rail policy includes support for both conventional and high-speed service
Beyond Durban, Get Urban
The best ideas to come out of the Durban climate meeting focus on cities as the locus of sustainable action
The Sahara: Beyond Hybrid Power
Visitors to a solar-natural gas hybrid electricity generator in Egypt see signs of a solar-powered future based in the Sahara
Incoming Fire
Ten pillars of federal environmentalism at risk over the next twelve months
December 10, 2011
Durban Blog
As the time for a Durban climate agreement dwindles, what is the current state of play?
December 09, 2011
Solar Circumnavigation
While the Earth circles the Sun, a solar-powered catamaran is circling the Earth.
Silver Lining For Fate Of Climate
Will the hot international race for efficient low carbon technologies and market share do more to cool the climate than UN negotiations?
Immerse In Blue Carbon
The dynamic role of oceans in storing and releasing CO2 comes into climate science focus.
Learning More By Using Less
New York City students, working with teachers and building supers, can compete in a program with a cash award for the best way to cut their school's carbon footprint.
Architects' Green Their Own Nest
The architecture firm HOK get a Platinum LEED rating for the commercial interior renovations of its own NYC office.
Climate Goals Put In Doubt By Market Values
Climate economist Nicholas Stern sees a contradiction between public climate policy goals and the market value of fossil fuel companies based on estimates of underground reserves.
Last Chance For Sustainability
In what could be the last such funding for a long time, HUD awards $97 million in sustainable planning grants to a rainbow of regional and local projects
Africa: Urban Green
Find out who stars and who lags on the African Green Cities Index.
Teens Sue For Their Future
Youth sue the feds and nine states to compel governments to uphold their responsibility to protect atmospheric resources in trust for future generations.
December 08, 2011
EPA: Don't Drink The Water
EPA finds evidence that aquifer groundwater in Wyoming is contaminated with hydrofracking fluids.
Cuomo Greens Prospect Park
The Prospect Park Alliance receives $2,687,000 from Governor Cuomo to replace an ice-skating rink and building with a LEED-certified recreational facility with 'green roofs', while restoring historic landscaping. [Source: Open for Business: Strategic Plan & Regional Project Awards, Dec. 2011]
Klein's Climate Message
After Naomi Klein attended a Heartland Institute conference, she wrote about climate politics in The Nation and followed it up in an Dot Earth dialog with Andy Revkin
Durban: Redefining The Road Map
The G77, composed of more 130 nations and China, warms to a climate road map without a set destination while the US dithers
Coal On The Move
As China becomes a market for US coal, a fight over new West Coast shipping terminals heats up.
December 07, 2011
China: Bill Gates Partnership
China and Bill Gates explore new technologies to jointly develop next-generation nuclear power plants
Big Retailers Trend To Mass Transit
Pivoting away from auto-dependent big-box stores, major national retailers seek more mass-transit links
Fixing The Volt
GM says its near to solving the electric battery problems that lead the Volt car to go up in flames.
Buffet Buys California Sun Power
A utility owned by Warren Buffet buys a 550 MW California solar power project for $2 billion, no federal loan guarantees needed.
Can't Get Here From There
Despite job and population growth that is concentrated in the outer boroughs, New York's public transit options haven't kept up with the trend.
Blogging The Smart City
Take a virtual tour of big ideas and trends at the Barcelona Smart City Expo 30
Durban: Downbeat Tone
UN Secretary -General Ban Ki-Moon is not optimistic about the outcome of the Durban climate treaty meeting.
Climate Change Poses Health Dangers
It won't affect everyone the same way, but the impacts of climate change will raise the world's health risks levels
Beijing: Don't Inhale
Health-hazard levels of ultra fine particles pollute the air - outside and indoors - in Beijing.
December 06, 2011
Getting Up To Grid Speed
The state-based realities of the US electric grid, with its 1930's rules lack the planning and regulatory coordination to satisfy 21st century needs.
Rethinking The Apple
Reflect on why the New York City Zoning Code is up for a greener make-over and at the age of 50
South Africa: Green Street Now
If you've been to Cato Manor in Durban South Africa, this story will make you glad and if not, it will still make you glad.
Japan: Demolition Derby
A Prius was the only car to survive a highway pile-up that destroyed Ferraris, Mercedez and a Lamborghini.
A Class Of One
Is UK columnist George Monbiot the only media environmentalist who supports nuclear power?
Payroll Tax-Eco Funding Linkage
Republicans bring fast-tracking Keystone XL pipeline approval and blocking EPA industrial boiler emissions rules into the Congressional fight over extending the the payroll tax. EEnews $ub
UK: Upfront Power Payments Pinch
The demand of UK for upfront payments to supply new manufacturing businesses slows economic growth.
December 05, 2011
India: Going Once, Going Twice...
India drives down the cost of solar power by compelling companies to auction their developments, bringing project prices into coal territory.
Zero Learning
A new net-zero carbon emissions school in Los Angeles starts by being 70% more energy efficient than similar facilities and it's LEED Gld too.
Up On Your ToEs
Scientists develop a method to distinguish the "noise" of natural climate variations from the Time of Emergence (ToE) of climate change signals around the planet.
Billions For Better Buildings
The Obama Administration announces $2 billion to make current federal buildings more energy efficient and another $2 billion for greening universities, hospitals and private properties.
Power Ads
A quick history of advertising for electric and power says a lot about how we live.
The Lullaby Of Birdland
Songbirds change their tune in urban settings.
Schwarzenegger's Advice
Get over Solydra already, ex-Governor Schwarzenegger's advises GOP Presidential aspirants, and focus on how the US can support new energy sources.
Some ABCs of Renewable Power
How much renewable power is used in the US, where does it come from and other fundamentals can be found here
Durban: some Must, Others May
While stipulating a new international climate treaty should keep required carbon cuts for industrialized nations, similar targets should be voluntary for the rest says China.
UK: Worry On Green Investment Bank
The future of the UK Green Investment Bank is clouded by funding cuts, allegations of pork-barrel politics and more
UK: Carbon Comparison Aviation
Proposed legislation would allow travelers to compare standardized carbon emissions data among UK airlines when buying tickets.
December 04, 2011
Starting To Sweat
Global carbon emissions set new records in 2010, up 5.9% in just one year.
December 03, 2011
Get Passive
Ultra-low energy using housing design makes an appearance in the New York City apartment market
December 02, 2011
Re-Engineering The Climate
Weigh some pros and cons of geo-engineering as a solution to climate change.
Big Changes For Natural Gas
Industry forecasters predict the US will become the world's leading natural gas exporter by 2010, although 90% of production would be consumed domestically.
Cities For The 21st Century
Gurgaon, a mushrooming IT center at the edge of New Delhi, is just one of sixteen cities that will matter most in the 21st Century.
Offsets Undermine Carbon Markets
The problems with measuring and monitoring carbon offsets in the Alberta, Canada emissions trading scheme are not uncommon.
December 01, 2011
It Will Cost You
An accurate calculation of the subsidies given to different energy industry sectors depends on who you ask.
Energy Software In Court
Two home energy reporting software developers are locked in a court battle over copyright claims.
Solar Power: 33x60
Solar power, in all its forms, could deliver one-third of the world's power needs by 2060, according to the International Energy Agency.
Africa: Tomorrow Is Here Now
From Cairo to Capetown, African nations are already feeling the impacts of a more chaotic climate.
See Delaware Now
Due to rising sea levels and sinking land levels, Delaware is shrinking, with its coastal wetlands the first to go.
South Africa: Solar Prospects
South Africa, now relying on coal for 90% of its electricity, eyes creation of 9,400 MW of solar power by 2030.
Betting On Solar
In considering today's investment options, solar power shines.