Going But Not Gone Yet
Ozone hole layer remains size of North America
http://t.co/YlcjB7OudD recovery is on track pic.twitter.com/M0GMXfClN4
— CECHR (@CECHR_UoD) October 31, 2014October 31, 2014
Money Flows In Energy Politics
UN: Which Way To Zero
While a net zero carbon emissions goal by 2100 is the UN's policy recommendation, you're on you own about how to get there
E Pluribus Unum Grid
Prospects brighter for creating a unified national electric transmission grid
Power Africa: Maybe Not
President Obama's program to bring new, cleaner electricity to African nations faces domestic opposition & more
Sydney: Government Efficiency
Sydney's lighting its public spaces with 4,100 LEDs, saving taxpayer dollars with energy efficiency
Worth Quoting
"The most fateful time in a law’s life is not the fight to get it passed but the implementation afterward. I think activists and advocates sometimes forget this and tune out after the victory party" Dave Robers/Grist
Solar Worries
Are problems at the industrial-scale Ivanpah solar power plant start-up snafus or is low output a sign of something worse?
Storage Innovation For Renewables
Because wind & solar don't happen 24/7, innovations in energy storage technology are key to growing reliance on renewables
October 30, 2014
China: The Great Wind Power Rush
Will China's wind power boom, with up to 20 GW of new energy this year, outlast a government incentive program?
Sourcing Sea Level Rise
Scientists identify sources rising sea levels, 1/2 from melting ice, 1/2 from warming oceans
The Newest Generation Gap
Under 35's really favor renewable energy, over 65's big fossil fuel fans finds U. Texas poll
Fossil Fuel Not Throwing Shade
Even with low fossil fuel prices, the solar power market is rising
Denialst Tool: Fomenting Doubt
Borrowing from the tobacco wars, climate change deniers start by sowing doubts about the science, but it's anti-regulation politics that steer the enterprise
Meet Adam Bryant
What can New York Times readers expect from Adam Bryant, the new climate beat editor?
It's Always Something, So Be Prepared
How to protect NYC's people & infrastructures for surviving the next Big One, whatever it is
Robin Hood - Biggest Sandy Donor
The Robin Hood Foundation $1million donation to Sandy relief makes it the top corporate or foundation giver
October 29, 2014
Denver: Benchmarking For Tomorrow
The Denver City Energy Project can capture the opportunities in energy efficiency, starting with benchmarking
Canada: Missing Renewable Prospects
The rising demand for renewable energy in developing nations could leave Canada's fossil fuel market far behind
The Attitude-Action Gap
Millennials rank high on climate concerns but don't vote in large numbers
Wales: Tidal Lagoon Power
What is tidal lagoon power and will Wales want it?
Holland: Big Box Solar
Now, Dutch Ikea stores sell solar panels for home installation
Sandy 2 Years After: Storm Surge Science
Sandy's devastating storm surge sheds light on climate change impacts & how to build a safer future, especially in coastal areas
Sandy 2 Years After: Public Confidence
Survey of 70 New Yorkers finds 70% don't feel safe from the impact of future storms & floods
Sandy 2 Years After: Don't Rely On The Red Cross
The Red Cross response to Sandy was deeply flawed reports Pro Publica
NYC Subways Safest For Women
Of 16 global subway systems NYC's is the safest for women in terms of being groped, flashed or worse
October 25, 2014
And Then There Was One
October 24, 2014
NOLA Benchmarks
New Orleans starts benchmarking energy use in 92 municipal buildings
80x50 In NYC
A bill to cut NYC GHG emissions 80% by 2050 gets its first public hearing
China: Carbon Trade Market Update
Stiff fines set for the Chinese carbon emissions trading scheme but carbon caps remain a work-in-progress
NY's New Microgridder
The NY Power Authority starts to reinvent itself for th 21 Century
EU: 40x30
Despite some member opposition the EU agrees to steeper GHG cuts, 40% by 2030 raise its renewable energy and efficiency targets
Clashing Solar Scenarios
Are utilities warming to PV power to grow it or to kill it off?
Portugal: Renewable Power Player
How did Portugal become a global renewable energy leader?
Grid Heads - Plug In Here
Standford University launches a journal dedicated to rethinking the power grid, lots to learn
October 23, 2014
China: Coal Use Dip
Could the 1-2% dip in Chinese coal consumption signal a new energy trend?
EU: Add Autos To Emissions Trading
A draft EU 2030 climate & energy policy says member states can choose to add road transport in the EU ETS
European Utility Woes
Europe's big utilities face unprecedented turbulence as the old profit paradigm shfits
A Sea Change in Florida
The City of South Miami, deploring state inaction on sea level rise, passes a resolution to become the 51st state
Climate Bonds For Risky Business
Insuring For Climate Damage, Not
The insurance industry mostly ignores climate-change when calculating risk
More Heat Than Light
Claims that energy efficient lighting in the developing world will only lead to more energy use are misleading
EPA Carbon Rule And Renewable Energy
The EPA could be way underestimating growth projections for clean energy in its carbon emissions rule proposal
October 22, 2014
MA Leads On Energy Efficiency
Where does your state rank on the energy efficiency list? NY slips to #7
Food For Thought: Tomorrow's Infrastructure
75% of 2050's infrastructure has not been invented yet, think of the sustainable city opportunities!
Not A Walmart Ad
It's a fact, Walmart has more installed solar power than 35 states
NY Green Bank Up And Running
First deals for the New York Green Bank
EU/US: Urge Stronger Warming Warnings
The forthcoming UN IPCC climate report should contain stronger warnings about the consequences of uncontrolled climate change, say EU & US envoys
Beijing: Don't Inhale
Beijing’s polluting smog clouds city’s marathon http://t.co/3qxiPtG2F6 pic.twitter.com/2GdhdKREV4
— Craig Jones (@EcoCraigJones) October 22, 2014Science At Work: Cheaper Solar Cells
By using less silicon or lower grade silicon the price of next generation solar cells could drop sharply
Like A Frog In Slowly Boiling Water
For 335 months straight the Earth's temperature has been above average
Eluding The Utility Death Spiral
What should utilities do to avoid the dreaded death spiral? Instead of viewing ratepayers as passive sources of cost recovery, utilities ought to view them as, y’know, customers writes Dave Roberts
October 21, 2014
Public Opinion, Persuasion And Policy
Does public opinion matter when making public policy on climate change?
2013 Carbon Emissions
Not hopeless, but far from what's needed and what drives global trends
India: Don't Blame Home Electricfication
Increased home electrification causes only a small fraction of India's rising carbon emissions
Build A Bigger BART
Here's how Bay Area Rapid Transit will expand around San Francisco Bay
Expect Solar Changes
Expiration of federal investment tax credits could lead to corporate consolidation in the solar industry
Geothermal Energy Prospects
Milan: Breathtaking Green Design
We no longer have to choose between living in the city or the forest http://t.co/yPAJGsUKip pic.twitter.com/B59SQyoPrP
— grist (@grist) October 21, 2014Bonn: Carry-Through On UN Climate Talks
Upcoming UN climate talks in Bonn will be the first test of international momentum since NY Climate Week summit
World's Worst Climate Villains
What does it take to be such bad guys?
October 20, 2014
Mysterious Death Of An Urban Gardener
Inspiring urban greener, Morgan Powell, found dead, City medical examiner investigating
Where Science And Policy Don't Meet
Although rising ocean temperatures are a sign of global warming, setting lower temperature targets makes bad climate policy
October 17, 2014
Pathways To High Performance Housing
Today, UK builders can use BREEAM, Passive House or EnerPHit to make housing very energy efficient
New Delhi: Most Polluted City
Home to some of the dirtiest urban air on the planet, India launches an air quality index to inform the public when pollution spikes
Q/A With SolarCity CEO
What's the SolarCity business model for getting to 40% solar power market penetration by 2040?
Greenpoint Park To Do Double-Duty
Green, leafy open space and flood protection are co-benefits of an upcoming waterfront park, part of a Greenpoint development project
Climate Views In Florida Race
What distinguishes the climate views of the two campaigners in the Florida Governor's race?
EU: Climate 40x30 On-Tap
An EU agreement to cut GHGs 40% by 2030 could come next week, although national concerns remain
The Limits Of Climate Economics
Why economists can't predict the costs of cutting carbon & protecting our climate -- and why that must not delay taking action
More Than Zero
The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge might get its first pedestrian/bike lane if advocates prevail
October 16, 2014
Don't Say CC In Florida
A climate hawk's big buck campaign fund attacks Florida's climate-denier Governor without using the words "climate change"
Cheap Solar Power Makes Greener Tea
Cheap, utility-scale solar power coming to Georgia as a result of an environmental-Tea Party meeting of the minds
Energy Efficient Manufacturing Winners
11 US manufacturing firms are recognized by the federal government for their energy efficiency achievements
Weather Forecast
Another winter with the polar vortex, but maybe less bad than last year
We Built New York All Wrong
Threatened by rising sea levels, New York City's low lying residential areas and infrastructure need new ways to be made survivable
Shedding Light On The NY REV
A crisp & clear summary of current thinking about the REV, New York's radical remaking of the rules governing utilities like Con Ed
UK: Order A Dozen Eggs Mini-Nuke Plants
To combat climate change, the UK should build dozens of mini-nuclear power plants, urges an ex-government minister
October 15, 2014
Tour de Bronx
Can't make it to the Tour de France? Cycle 40 miles in the Bronx on October 26
Johannesberg: Green City Innovator
For Johannesberg's green urban leadership, what's good for the city is good for South African growth
Rather Be In Philadelphia
Philadelphia Mayor Nutter announces a citywide competition to save energy in Philadelphia’s largest buildings, propelled by the momentum of its Energy Benchmarking Law
Homes Warm To Solar Power
US homeowners are getting almost one gigawatt of solar power via purchases, leases & more
All About Passive House
EU: Too Cheap To Matter
The price of EU carbon emissions permits, due to oversupply & a weak economy, may stay too low to change anything
The Next International Climate Treaty
The US POV on what kind of climate deal should emerge from the 2015 Paris meetings
Climate-Friendly, Not Utopian
Evidence is mounting for how to grow the US economy in a climate-friendly fashion
The High Performance Bullitt
Seattle's @Bullitt_Center is the most efficient office building in the world http://t.co/r4sChBdETJ pic.twitter.com/qwK6cOwDDe
— grist (@grist) October 15, 2014October 14, 2014
Hot And Hotter
Scientists report April-September 2014 was the hottest April-September on record
Julia Roberts Is Mother Nature
Desert Solar Project Dessicates
A project to create solar power in African & mideast deserts & transmit it to Europe fails to deliver for shareholders
India: The 16 Cent Solution
India's electric utilities will offer households LED bulbs for 16 cents a pop
The Giant Battery Test
A $54 million energy storage pilot program in California could prove the value of battery technology to making renewable power the new normal
EU: Healthy Energy Choices
Factoring in health & climate costs, on-shore wind power is the EU's cheapest power source
The Pentagon's Climate Roadmap
The Pentagon reports that the chaos of climate change poses threats to US national security and now it has a response plan
Nobel Prize Winner On Climate Negotiations
Jean Tirole, the 2014 Nobel Prize winner in Economics, analyzes how to strategically advance international climate agreements by confronting the free-rider problem
Summer In The City - A Preview
It's not a minute too soon to start planning for summers in a hotter, more grid-stressed NYC
October 11, 2014
Tomorrow's Fuel Sippers
Today's EPA research should translate into tomorrow's more fuel efficient vehicles
October 10, 2014
Parks Should Be For People
The NYC City Council has a chance to make most of Central & Prospect Parks car-free zones
Domesticate Your House
Five home energy hogs you can tame
Global Climate Talks Clue
Could this Peruvian Minister's comment be a clue about where the US is headed?
Antarctica: Icing Up (Part 2)
Here's more, it's complicated & not the last word
Canada: Keystone Pipeline Looks East
Lego To Stop Playing With Shell
Responding to a Greenpeace campaign the toymaker Lego will not renew a promotional with Shell, but when?
The Red Hot 2 Degree Debate
If over-shoooting the 2 degree C global temperature rise as the point-of-no-return is inevitable, what should climate policy makers do?
Lincoln Center Goes Renewable
As part of its greening plan the Juilliard School at Lincoln Center installs rooftop solar panels after signing a wind power purchase deal for other buildings in the arts complex
South Africa Inks Nuke Power Deals
After signing a deal with Russia, South Africa signs another deal with France for a total goal of 9,600 MW of nuclear power capacity
October 09, 2014
Green From 9-5
Nine high performance office buildings that make working better
Blame Your Cat
Cats kill more birds every year than wind turbines
Antarctica: Icing Up
Climate scientists offer an explanation for why Antarctic sea ice is at record highs, despite a warming planet. Here's more
Red Hook: After The Flood
Take a virtual tour of a Red Hook home renovated to meet post-Sandy building codes
Japan: Solar Slump
The recent slump in Japan's appetite for installing new solar power capacity could become permanent with utility push back on grid access
Cogen - Believers And Others
Despite the many advantages of cogenerating heat & power, not all doubters have been won over
The Daily Flood
Live in an East Coast city? Expect floods to become a regular thing
October 08, 2014
Glasgow: 1st Carbon Disinvestor
The University of Glasgow is the first European school to dump its fossil fuel investments
US Influence Abroad
Voters divided over US influence on climate action by other nations
Banking On Energy Storage
Why are Citigroup, HSBC & UBS so bullish on energy storage technologies?
$310 Billion Of Good News
The global market for energy saving devices is valued at $310 billion & is making a measurable impact on energy use
Climate Change In 2014 Elections
Yes, climate change appears on the 2014 Congressional campaign trail
Calling All Microgrids
What can solar microgrid advocates learn from the cell phone revolution?
Stomping On FERC
Want to do something evil (cripple energy demand reduction programs)? Wrap it inside something boring (a federal appellate decision striking down FERC Order 745). This is important, just click on the link and read patiently
Times Restores Its Climate Beat
The New York Times reverses itself, resuscitating its multi-reporter climate team
October 07, 2014
US: Not In Top 10
These 10 countries have pledged billions to fight climate change. The US isn't one of them: http://t.co/aT0FyTtIfA pic.twitter.com/Q2dak6Nl6s
— Climate Desk (@ClimateDesk) October 7, 2014Could Be The Next Cable Network
Is an aerial tramway to connect Manhattan and hip parts of Brooklyn & Queens more than pie in the sky?
Australia: Pension Fund Dumps Coal
LGS, a top Australian public pension fund, to sell off its coal assets, citing climate change as a big investment risk
Carbon Pricing: Pitfalls And Promises
Experience with pricing carbon suggests cutting costs of renewable energy is also needed for climate action
Germany: Energiewende's Win-Win
Despite significant upfront costs, the German transition to clean energy will be a big win for the economy & the climate
...All Around The Town
Mayor de Blasio directs $130 million in public funds for the repair & upkeep of 35 overlooked parks and playgrounds
Alternate Energy Prize Winners
The inventor of a solar panel that doesn't need sunshine & another inventor who applies artificial photosynthesis to make hydrogen share a million dollar prize
Will Work For Carbon Tax
Putting a number on the job-creation potential of a federal carbon tax
Saved From The Death Spiral
How electric cars could reboot the utility sector
October 06, 2014
NYCHA Residents Cool To Mayor's Energy Efficiency Ideas
Some NYCHA residents don't put improved building energy performance at the top of their to-do list, taking issue with the Mayor's climate action agenda
Assessing EPA's Carbon Plan
The proposed EPA Clean Power Plan is a step in the right direction, but that's all
In Hot Water
Evidence points to faster heating of Southern Hemisphere oceans since 1970 than previously thought
Japan: Anti-Solar Utilities
How Japanese power utilities seek to limit solar power gains
Japan: Anti-Solar Utilities
How Japanese power utilities seek to limit solar power gains
Contending For Climate Dominance
Compare contrast the Klein & McKibben climate narrative that of Gore & Stern
See Solar Power 24/7
Artist John Gerrard installs a 28' x 24' LED computer simulation of a solar thermal power plant at Lincoln Center's plaza
Science At Work: Climate Sensitivity
How much warming is produced by a given amount of GHG added to the atmosphere?
Imagine - From Spofford To Sustainable Housing
Majora Cater imagines transforming a now-shuttered Bronx youth detention center into sustainable, affordable housing
October 03, 2014
Climate Week Must-Reads
Check out these five business-themed reports issued during Climate Week 2014
Plug-Load Energy Slurpers
As building systems like HVAC & lights get more energy efficient, the amount of energy used by gear plugged into outlets becomes clear
Cheaper Off The Grid
HSBC predicts German homes with solar panels and battery storage could get their electricity cheaper than from the grid by the end of the decade
Australia: Investors Flee Renewables
A government review of its renewable energy policy is blamed for a 70% investment plunge in one year
Caveat Emptor
Not all green bonds are created equally green
Subway Stations - Not So Good
An audit by the state Comptroller finds only 51 of NYC's 468 subway stations are in good shape
Enough With The Messaging
Forget finding the right message for conservative climate-deniers, they won't be converted
London: ET Phone Home Via Solar Box
Old-fashioned phone London booths are repurposed as free public charging stations for cell phones & other digital devices
The Solar Condo Concept
Some day residents & businesses might buy individual solar panels that are part of a big array, rather than putting PV on their own rooftops
October 02, 2014
Boston: Microgrids And The Law
Legal eagles see a way forward for microgrid projects in Boston
Koch Brothers Buy Kansas
The Governor of Kansas supported wind power until the Koch Brothers changed his mind
Post-Sandy Neighborhood Survey
Two years after Sandy it's time to find out if NY'ers feel safer now
Clean Energy Investment Up
After 2 years of decline global clean energy investment rises 16%, lead by China & Japan, but weighed down by by European numbers
Science At Work: The Hot Cold Nexus
Are cold winters linked to global warming? is a hot research topic
Climate Refugees
It's time for international law experts to devise a legal status for climate-induced displaced persons
We Have Met The Enemy...
Nobody burns carbon like the good ol' U.S. of A. http://t.co/F8ZR7kwWNV pic.twitter.com/SOgBiOHjm0
— Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) October 1, 2014October 01, 2014
Morocco: Big Solar Investment
The World Bank approves $500 million for two utility scale Moroccan solar power installations
Counting Climate Marchers
Is there a reliable way to count the number of people on NYC's People's Climate March?
That's Chill
Despite industry objections the Department of Energy stands by its new energy efficiency standards for commercial coolers & freezers
Something About Republican Candidates
Bob Beauprez, Republican candidate for Colorado Governor, stands his climate-denialist ground
Net Zero The Next Building Frontier
Will net-zero carbon emissions become the new standard in the commercial building market?
Poland v EU On Carbon Targets
The EU carbon cutting target of 40% by 2030 is deemed too high & costly by coal-reliant Poland
Science At Work: Urban Heat's A Killer
Research details the distribution of risk factors for heat-linked urban mortality
What The Data Says
Key findings of the 3rd annual NYC Benchmarking Report on building energy use
Where Manhattan Floods
New Amsterdam, 1660, overlaid onto present-day Downtown Manhattan. 400 years worth of landfill. (via @thisbigcity) pic.twitter.com/9HKQiTsF51
— Derek Devine (@derek_devine) September 30, 2014