September 30, 2015
The Driving Force Of Energy Innovation
Past performance is no guarantee of future return, so place your bets
ExxonMobil Before The Bar
Critics foresee lawsuits against ExxonMobil based on what its own scientists knew about a changing climate
Inhaling In Nail Salons
A pilot project, staring in January 2016, will monitor worker exposure to air toxics at NYC nail salons
Climate Action: Pope 1, Economist 0
Economist Nordhaus muddles what carbon markets can do, Francis doesn't
NYC Pensioners Won't Have To Live Off Coal
Mayor de Blasio calls for NYC's five pension systems to sell off their coal assets & develop a long-term fossil fuel investment strategy
Election 2016: JEB Embraces A Fossil-Fueled Future
The latest Jeb Bush energy policy supports more fossil power, is mum on climate change & makes vague reference to energy policy innovation
September 29, 2015
Citi Bike - Not For Everyone
Harder For Big Oil To Make A Buck
Is Shell's retreat from Arctic oil exploration a sign of financial distress in the fossil fuel industry?
The New Customer Service Model
Big utilities find new places to do business -- small rooftop PV installations
The Young, The Red And The Green
Younger adults who identify as Republican want government to cut GHGs & often want to switch to renewable energy
Avoid NY Metro Transit Catastrophe
What the NY metro region needs now, lots of subsidized ferry service
Pollution Politics Make Strange Bedmates
Why would the National Black Chamber of Commerce ally with the National Association of Manufacturers to fight clean air rules?
September 28, 2015
NYC: Fast Forward On Energy Make-Overs
The de Blasio Administrations unveils its retrofit accelerator to make building energy upgrades easier, cheaper & less rare
India And Brazil: No Climate Funding
Unlike China, India & Brazil will not contribute to a global climate fund to help poorer developing nations, but domestic actions are expected
Banks Back Climate Action
Seeing significant business opportunity, six big banks call for concerted government climate action
Microsoft: Profit, Loss And Carbon
Microsoft calculates its own carbon emissions as a kind of internal carbon tax
Trust But Verify
California legislation tackles the verification challenge when it comes to building energy efficiency reports
September 25, 2015
UK: Biz Smack-Down On Energy Policy
Corporate UK is unhappy with the government's 'incoherent' green energy policies
Fossil Fuels Investments Out
Portland Oregon & its Multnomah County vote to divest from fossil fuels
Nuke Industry Faces Clean Power Rule
The good & bad news is that the nuclear power industry gets what it deserves in EPA's Clean Power Rule aimed at cutting power plant carbon emissions
Climate Whatchamacallit
The Associated Press Stylebook dictates that its journalists shun the term "climate denier"
Light, But Don't Ignite, At Home
A new non-flammable storage battery could make storing solar power at home a lot safer
Germany: Offshore Wind Up Now
Offshore wind power is overcoming technical & financing problems, but will growth last?
Where People Will Live Longer
10 places where Clean Air Air impacts will extend people's lives
China: The Market Challenge To Carbon Trading
Given the limits of China's market experience, a carbon cap & trade program might have implementation problems
September 24, 2015
Singapore: Green Building Science
Greenmark 2015 is a new Singapore sustainability scheme and research initiative focused on energy use & building health
Ex-Mayor Still Speaking Out On Cities/Climate Action
With some of the most important climate change talks of our time on the horizon, the voices of cities must be heard. https://t.co/igGdiZ3l2z
— Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) September 22, 2015Australia: Doing Something About The Weather
Ex-Australian Prime Minister Abbott considered investigating the nation's weather bureau because it reported temperatures that supported climate science
Hillary's Got A Plan...
To modernize the energy infrastructure & up climate protection, but will enviros embrace it?
Obama Takes On Climate Change
How NYC Lost Its Foam Ban
The back story on how NYC's ban on plastic foam containers got overturned & how the devil's in the details
REV4NY Conference Live-Streaming
$175 Million For NY Clean Energy
Governor Cuomo announces $175 for five new clean energy large-scale projects as part of his Reforming the Energy Vision drive
Doing Right By Light
Support the big switch — street lighting day at #CWNYC
Doing Right By Light
Support the big switch - #LED street lighting day at #CWNYC: http://t.co/2RJnSKS9a6 pic.twitter.com/FchNYTEwKB
— ClimateWeekNYC (@ClimateWeekNYC) September 24, 2015September 23, 2015
The Edge In Amsterdam
Likes The Pope, Loves The Market
While praising the Pope's climate advocacy, economist William Nordhaus has issues with the Pontiff's anti-market POV
UN: Sustainable City Goals
It's not easy being a city, so specifics on how to become a sustainable city are a big help
Real $ For Solar Research
The Department of Energy will invest $100 million for the next generation research on more efficient & lower cost solar power
Reading By Daylight
2016 #daylighthour roll of honor. Lastly, No 8: NYPL reading room (old daytime image with with the lights off!) pic.twitter.com/A9UpcGtzVx
— BEEx (@BEExNY) September 22, 2015Germany: Merkel's VW Problem
The German Prime Minister's climate-friendly reputation may be dented by the VW pollution scandal
This May Come As A Shock
It's lobby, not cost, that is key to climate policy-making
VW's Stealth Software
VW's proprietary software allowed it to game its pollution control systems, argues Columbia Law School professor, Here are 3 ideas to stop such cheating
Lungs Win In South Bronx
Replacing dirty diesel trucks making deliveries to the Bronx Hunts Point market is a clean air & public health success story
September 22, 2015
China: Mega-Cities Do Climate Membership
C40 celebrates decade anniversary with addition of Chinese megacities http://t.co/dVgDwHqOJq via @Cities_Today pic.twitter.com/XRGaY1xc7t
— C40 Cities (@c40cities) September 22, 2015Get To Know Your Building Better
California amplifies the impact of energy benchmarking with a bill that gives owners access to whole building data from their utility
Campaign 2016: Trump's Climate
Fact-checking what The Donald said about climate change during a radio interview
Newark: Prize For Riverfront Park
Newark, NJ gets an EPA award for the cleanup & park development in its Ironbound District waterfront
Don't Go Backwards
New York' Times Square before and after pedestrianization. Why on earth would NY go backward? http://t.co/r38qd1dkwJ pic.twitter.com/FftaaiUVTa
— The Nature of Cities (@TNatureOfCities) September 22, 2015German Giant Makes Big Carbon Pledge
German industrial giant Siemens vows to cut its global carbon footprint 50x20 and be carbon neutral by 2030
Senate Climate Bill - Priceless
Senate Democrats to launch a climate action bill that doesn't impose a price on carbon emissions
What Exxon Knew In 1982
Exxon's own climate modeling supported the emerging scientific warming position in 1982 with a prediction of "noticeable temperature changes starting "early in the 21 Century & going up from there
September 21, 2015
Walk Into History
One year ago today, rather a lot of us went on a walk through New York #peoplesclimatemarch pic.twitter.com/J3NsagQgdX
— Bill McKibben (@billmckibben) September 21, 2015Hudson River Ferries - Fuggedaboutit
Manhattan's westside north of 72nd Street not on the list new ferry service promised by Mayor de Blasio
Feds Need Better Climate Impact Planning
While federal infrastructure project proposals must undergo environmental impact review, authorities rarely require projects to incorporate climate impact considerations
Put A Price On It
435 corporations are reported to now be putting internal prices on their carbon emissions
September 18, 2015
Stick With Plan A
"There is no plan B because there is no planet B": @UN chief. Hear from leaders at #CWNYC http://t.co/vDcrxJrKM5 pic.twitter.com/ZYk0ENqhW8
— The Climate Group (@ClimateGroup) September 18, 2015Australia: Energy Storage First
Tesla Powewall, energy storage units that work with rooftop PV, will be available to Australian home owners by year's end
The Pause That Never Was
New statistical studies show there has been no 'pause' in global warming
Letterman Will Be Living Dangerously
Dave Letterman will be a correspondent on the climate change documentary series, Years of Living Dangerously
Enviros Add Resiliency To Miami Budget
After climate planning was shut out from Miami-budget making, greens get $300,000 added to start making local infrastructure climate resilient
Climate-Friendly Affordable Housing
Super-energy efficient Passive House design is adopted for a Portland OR affordable housing development
Heartwarming News
The City Council passes a bill requiring all NYC street-level businesses to keep their front doors closed when the AC is on
September 17, 2015
Cut Parking Spots, Save Lives
A NYC City Council bill would cut 200 parking spots at targeted intersections to make the streets safer for GHG-free pedestrians & bikers
GOP Debate - The Climate Moment
At minute 149 of the 3-hour GOP candidate debate, the topic of climate change appeared
EU: Wind Power Prediction
25% of EU electricity could be wind-powered by 2030 according to industry insiders
Fracking: Its Cost In Water
Marcellus Shale hydrofracking uses more water per well than any other fracking region in the US
September 16, 2015
The C-Word On CNN
Unlike the Fox broadcast, will CNN bring up climate change at tonight's GOP debate?
Using The Sun At Night
The day is nearer when you can use solar power at night
Google Autofill
Sydney: Cutting Tourism's Cimate Impact
A hotel in Sydney Australia starts cutting down tourism's big carbon footprint
Obituary: Adam Purple
A New Yorker who was an eco-visionary and made New York inimitable dies at 84
What Exxon Knew In 1977
A senior Exxon scientist spelled out the human sourced carbon emissions-climate change link to company management 38 years ago
The Times They Are a Changin'
It's no longer OK to be the paid mouthpiece for climate deniers and coal companies according to the world largest PR firm
September 15, 2015
Aspen: Totally Renewable
How Aspen, CO became the third US city to get all its electric power from renewable sources
Hippe Icon To Go Electric
If you remember the 60's, now you might drive into retirement in a electric-powered VW microbus
NYC Gets Smart Vehicle Tech Grant
Up to $20 million in federal funds will pay for a NYC smart vehicle pilot project to cut congestion & improve pedestrian safety
CA Fires Damage Jumbo Geothermal Plant
Damage to the world's largest geothermal power plant, sited in Sonoma, California, inflicted by raging forest fires
China And US: Joint GHG Actions
City, state & regional GHG cuts to be the focus of a joint Chinese and US climate announcement on 09/15, City-by-city action goals here
September 14, 2015
Mr. President - Leave It In The Ground
Green groups want Obama to immediately stop selling new leases for extracting any fossil fuels on federal property
Left Coast Energy Bills
It was a busy week with winners & losers for California climate-friendly energy legislation
Australia: Climate-Foe PM Ousted
Tony Abbott is out as Australia's Prime Minister replaced by Malcolm Turnbull, said to be more open to climate action
In Defense Of Public-Private Park Partnerships
A former NYC Parks Commissioner finds lots to like in the public-private partnership model for financing parks, the latest in a long history of urban public goods paid for by private wealth
Utilities For A Climate-Friendly Future
More of Dave Roberts must-read column
ClimateWeekNYC Countdown
Exactly one week until #CWNYC! Check out our calendar for daily updated listing of events: http://t.co/91RUCD8X1C pic.twitter.com/y0o3aAXQ7W
— ClimateWeekNYC (@ClimateWeekNYC) September 14, 2015Shut The Door On AC
A new City Council bill would create a closed door rule for all street level NYC businesses running their AC's
September 11, 2015
China/US: Power Research Agreement
China & the US agree to coordinate research on improving their electric power grids and their role in renewable energy
Whole Lotta Gas Leaking Going On
A newly published report finds Manhattan's aging natural gas lines leak much more per mile than those in cities with newer systems
In Mourning, Still Organizing
Even if NY Magazine's newly-minted climate optimism is ahistorical, organizing for climate justice remains a must says movement stalwart
UK: Habit-Forming Rejection
The Tory government is set to reject yet another application for a green energy project
Oil Industry Victory Smaller Than It Looks
For Carl Pope the oil industry defeat of California legislation to cut oil use by 50% is not a sign of strength - but don't relax just yet
Climate Change Statistics 101
What's the risk message in the 'fat tail' of climate change statistics?
NY Nuke Shutdown Likely
Although its operating license does not expire until 2034, financial woes could shut down a New York nuclear power plant by 2017
The Subway Squeeze
3 million people enter Manhattan subway stations every day, here's a station by station map of where they are
NYC Biz OK On Composting
NYC commercial businesses with a composting mandate can live with it but fret over expansion to smaller venues
September 10, 2015
Decarbonizing Our Future - The Value Proposition
New @Citi research: Why a Low Carbon Future Doesn't Have to Cost The Earth http://t.co/FV88c7WdGZ #WeMeanIt pic.twitter.com/8ruZotYCV3
— Andrea Learned (@AndreaLearned) September 10, 2015Beyond The Photovoltaic Bikini
It's not a minute too soon to start envisioning new tasks for solar power
Russia: EV Rechargers Everywhere
By late 2016, all Russian gas stations will have to install electric vehicle recharging gear
UK: Nuke Plant Economics Not So Hot
Plans for a new French-owned UK nuclear power plant face grim economic numbers
Climate Inaction Is Immoral
Failure to take effective climate action equals immoral discrimination against future generations says UK climate economist
California Climate Bill Fails
Facing prospects of defeat supporters withdraw California legislation to cut petroleum by 50% (EDITOR NOTE: It is my understanding that sections of the bill mandating increased renewables 50% by 2030 & upping building energy efficiency 50% by 2050 are still in play & likely to pass)
Get Granular On Climate Beliefs
As we approach most costly #wildfire season ever, only 52% of US is worried abt #climatechange http://t.co/zA58rQ2e2O pic.twitter.com/gj2tBSm2to
— Yale Climate Project (@YaleClimateComm) September 9, 2015The New Red Green Scare
An Arizona Congressman wants to impeach EPA chief Gina McCarthy
Join The Dave Roberts Fan Club
September 09, 2015
Record Hot/Record Cold - Says It All
The simple statistic that perfectly captures what climate change means http://t.co/uJRyLBZ3kl pic.twitter.com/cwYEeI2XKa
— Post Green (@postgreen) September 9, 2015Cabling NY Wind To VT
With NY's growing wind power capacity, an underwater cable is proposed to bring some to VT
Obama: Clean Energy Champ
The Department of Energy has facts on the ground & $1 billion in interest payments to prove its loan program advances a renewable energy agenda
Decongestion Rx
Gridlock Sam prescribes congestion pricing as the best cure for chronically clogged NYC traffic
CEOs' Low Expectations
CEO's voice low expectations for the outcome of the Paris climate talks, but do they really care?
See Ya Later Texas Coal
A coal-dependent Texas utility moves into utility-scale solar power purchase deal with SunEdison
EPA Clean Power Plan - A Messaging Triumph
Some environmental justice advocates dismiss the EPA Clean Power Plan as 'grossly insufficient'', but a perfect example of Obama's brand of political practice
September 08, 2015
Really Big Solar On The Way
China and Pakistan are building the world’s largest solar farm in the Punjabi desert
http://t.co/7XKUVi28ph pic.twitter.com/svsD6kGxk7
— CECHR (@CECHR_UoD) September 8, 2015Family Feuds Over EPA Clean Power Plan
Conflicts emerge within states over response to the EPA Clean Power Plan
France: Climate Talks At Risk
French President Holland warns upcoming climate talks could founder over the issue of payments for emerging nations
Passive House For Kansas City
The nation's largest Passvie House multi-family project is on tap for Kansas City
GOP: More Bark Than Bite On Climate Talks
Reasons to allay your fears about Republican bad-mouthing of the Paris climate talks to foreign governments
Do Or Die For California Climate Action
It's down to the wire for passage of SB 350, a California bill with 3 ambitious climate and energy goals
Australia: Climate Chairman Quits
The chair of Australia's Climate Change Authority quits, leaving 5 of its 9 positions vacant
It Could Be Worse
New research suggests a climate-linked collapse of North Atlantic circulation system may not be such long-shot
Overload for Glass Wall Demand
Soaring demand for glass curtain walls in new building collides with production limits
September 04, 2015
China: Climate Action Prediction
China's current economic woes should not hamper outcomes at December's UN climate negotiations
Don't Be A Drip
The San Diego water academy teaches citizens how to save water
Japan: Indoor Lettuce
An automated vertical factory farm could be growing lots of lettuce in Japan by 2017
Nordic Wind Investments Sag
Wind farm investments fall in Nordics as low electricity prices cut profitability of projects http://t.co/aJt7z7KVbU pic.twitter.com/18K0fWwEwx
— BloombergNEF (@BloombergNEF) September 4, 2015Up On The Roofs
NYC rooftops have the potential to host 11 gigawatts of solar power-making
NY Funds Green Higher Ed
14 SUNY campuses to share $400K to advance research in energy, environment, economics & education
California To Fossil Fuels: Bye-Bye
With The Governor's signature, California's public pension systems will have to sell parts of their fossil fuel stock holdings, more climate legislation expected this year
Solar Decathalons: 2002-2015
See what students have been envisioning for the Department of Energy solar home design competition since 2002
Friday Movie Review
Chloe & Theo, a tale about an Inuit who tries to warn “elders” at the UN about climate change
September 03, 2015
Cash For Coal Clunkers
A utility with clunky old coal-burning power plants (+ one nuke plant) wants Ohio regulators to make consumers buy their electricity
Climate Week NYC Countdown
Join our #CWNYC mass-tweet to put people power behind low carbon leadership: http://t.co/OTk0dxBYvf pic.twitter.com/6aRI3q6VEO
— ClimateWeekNYC (@ClimateWeekNYC) September 3, 2015Click-Bait Energy Headline
NYC 30x17 - Maybe Not
A NYC audit finds municipal buildings are at risk of missing the City's own GHG emissions reduction goals
September 02, 2015
3.04 Trillion
There are lots & lots more trees on Earth than previously thought
Indian Solar Plant, Chinese Partner
A factory to make solar cell modules is slated for India with partnership with a Chinese firm
Asia: Clinging To Coal
Overheard at @POWERGENASIA from our Head of Asia @wujjus #PGA15 pic.twitter.com/XMO8Yqnt9U
— BloombergNEF (@BloombergNEF) September 2, 2015Christie On Climate - Breathless
Breathing, according to Governor Christie, is one cause of climate change (he denies saying it)
Carbon Tax Brawl
Don't miss the red-hot climate debate over the potency & probability of a US carbon tax
Fossil Fuel CEO's Big Bucks
Facts & figures on executive compensation in the fossil fuel industry
Utility Scale Solar Power - Hrumph
Based on Ivanpah, California's jumbo solar power project, the debate is on over the future of this renewable energy technology
September 01, 2015
Fossil Fuels Losing Market Edge
As solar & wind energy prices drop, fossil fuels risk loss of dominance
General Mills 28x25
General Mills to cut its carbon emissions 28% by 2025, but impacting emissions in its supply chain will be harder
Clean Energy Boosts Military Security
Renewable energy installations add to the security of the US military & saves taxpayer dollars
Bigger Is Better
True or false? a few big urban parks have more impact than numerous small green spaces
Religious Messaging Gap
Are U.S. Catholics hearing the Pope's climate change message?
Nesting Now
A review of the third generation Nest home thermostat
Possible Come-Back For Alaska Climate Policy
Alaska's Governor mulls the revival of his state's climate change policy group, dormant since 2009