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September 02, 2010

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!

September 01, 2010

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

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

August 31, 2010

The Energy Descent

Wade into the raging debate over what should come after the Oil Age and whether current green ideas are good enough. Enter here

Needed: Cooler AC

Air conditioning was invented early in the 20th Century. Now it's time for something better. Get updated

Don't Waste Heat

Computer chip and nano-technology could vastly expand our ability to use waste heat for making electricity. Here's how

August 30, 2010

Parting the Clouds

Satellite data offers clues about the impact of clouds on climate change. Peer in

August 27, 2010

HUD: Stop Burning $$!

HUD could save $1 billion every year by installing energy efficient appliances, boilers and insulation in its low-income housing. Learn more

An LED Dark Spot

Based on historical data, research concludes that ultra-efficient LED lighting will not cut overall energy use. Some turn-off

August 26, 2010

Cities On The Front Line

Cities must retool for resilience as the climate gets weirder. Get specifics

Glacial Retreat

View photos of Asia's shrinking glaciers in the USGS atlas. Chilling

Obama's Stalls Out On Green

Obama's failure to deliver on domestic climate legislation and global leadership will make the environmental impact of the coming economic contraction even worsel. Feelin' gloomy

August 25, 2010

Koch Brothers: Climate Denial "Kingpins"

The super-rich David and Charles Koch support many things, including the climate change denial campaign. Follow their money

August 24, 2010

Going Green & Getting Results

EPA's Energy Star program offers on-line resources for getting started and succeeding in making buildings energy efficient. Learn more

Green For Less

Want to increase your home's energy efficiency and cut costs? Federal tax credits can help. Look into it

August 23, 2010

NOAA Knows

Looking for up-to-date data from NOAA's 2009 Climate Accessment? Enter here

August 20, 2010

Winning Counts

If you're interested in climate action, watch these five election contests around the nation. The list

Green Brass

Could the US military become a driver of US energy and climate policy action? Look into it

August 19, 2010

Does LEED Ignore Public Health?

Some argue LEED building guidelines ignore public health, others take exception. See column & comments

What's Up With The Weather?

Whether you call 2010's weather weird or extreme, get the climate science behind the headlines. Read all about it

August 18, 2010

Hung Out To Dry

Energy expert Charles Komanoff wants to correct the advice recently offered about what Americans could do to become more energy efficient. Dear Sir

Ready, Aim...

The climate movement should make use of the NRA's play book if hopes to succeed in politics. Fire up

August 17, 2010

Guilt By Association

Let's name climate disasters after climate deniers. A modest proposal

August 16, 2010

Do The Right Things

When polled, Americans gave the wrong answer about what they could do to become more energy efficient. Think fast

Energy In Albany

The New York State Deputy Energy Secretary sets out a menu of policy and public funding options. Get it here

August 13, 2010

From Song To Schmutz

Contemporary Chinese artist Zhang Hongtu draws a comparison between the pristine and the polluted. See for yourself

Embodied Energy

What is embodied energy and why should advocates of low carbon cities care? Consider Suzhou

August 12, 2010

Energy - Not A Level Playing Field

The US has supported fossil fuels for decades and today the scale of it support for other power sources pales in comparison. You betcha!

What Would Brune Do?

Sierra Club chief Michael Brune reflects on the failure to pass federal climate legislation and lays out a near-term action agenda. Look into it

What To Do When It's Too Hot

Extreme heat is a known health risk and developing urban adaptive capacity is a must. Start here

August 11, 2010

Cook With Goldberger

Architect Richard Cook speaks with architectural critic Paul Goldberger about the tangibles and intangibles for making buildings "regenerative" and cities sustainable. Listen in

August 10, 2010

I'll Take Manhattan

In case you've got doubts about big city life in the middle of August, here's a reminder why Manhattan or Tokyo have the density the sustainability-minded should crave. Honest!

We've Got A Problem Here

Sultry summer weather and utility consumer dislike for smart meters and grids is a recipe for trouble. Got a solution?

Climate Failure Fallout

Announcement of federal funding to restart the FutureGen coal-burning power plant project, but without costly CCS technology, could be a sign that without a climate law, big investments in carbon technologies are off the table.

August 09, 2010

Remaking Michigan

With an unemployment rate of 13.2%, can a green revolution save Michigan? Ask the Governor

August 07, 2010

Andy's House

Get a tour of the energy efficiency upgrades at Andy Revkin's house. Welcome

August 06, 2010

A High Line For Harlem

Adapt aging infrastructure, create open space and bring new retail action and food markets -- all in one East Harlem project. Remaking La Marqueta

Plug In To Save The Planet

Here's a simple proposal to create the energy we need and end our addiction to foreign oil. Use your hybrid!

Snowmaggedon Not!

Scientists explain how last winter's heavy snow is consistent with climate change. Take off the gloves

August 05, 2010

Put A Price On Failure

Soul-searching begins after Dems and environmentalists fail to deliver a Senate climate bill. Re message

Let's Cool Manhtattan, The Bronx & Staten Island Too

New research on what works to shrink on the urban heat island effect. Get the facts

August 04, 2010

Texas To EPA: Drop Dead

The state of Texas tells the EPA that it will not comply with federal GHG control rules come January 2011. Just try!

Free Legal Advice

Interested in practicing green building law? Read this

August 03, 2010

The Heat Is On

According to Munich Re, a major insurance firm, a planet that gets 2 degrees C hotter "should not be regarded as safe". Chilling

August 02, 2010

The Opposite Of 'Level Playing Field'

While the global renewable energy industry got $45 billion in subsidies, the fossil fuel industry raked in $557 billion in subsidies. Trough it up

Reacting To A New Reactor Design

The NRC raises safety questions about the new design of 14 nuclear reactors currently under permit review. Learn more

Climate & The CA Governor's Race

Jerry Brown, running for Governor of California, calls support of the state's climate law a defining issue in his race against Meg Whitman. Look into it

July 30, 2010

How Science Advances

Good science is about ongoing learning, testing and relearning. It's not a closed-end undertaking. A climate lesson

July 29, 2010

Is There A Pulse?

Since the politics will have to change before the US gets a climate bill, are there any signs of life on the climate front now? Thump

Control Carbon: Embrace The Alternative

What is "fee and dividend" and who would support it now that "cap and trade" has collapsed? Learn more

July 28, 2010

Future: A Lot Different Than Now

The National Academy of Sciences report on adapting to climate change grapples with how to plan for some big unknowns. Dig in

Green Starchticture

Find out who's on the G-List of the top green buildings and ask yourself about the lack of overlap with conventional architectural A-Lists. Start here

July 27, 2010

We're The Canaries

Photos of a world at risk. Home here

None Like It Hot

With prospects of ever-hotter weather, learn about the impact of heat on human health. Cold comfort

July 26, 2010

The Enthusiasm Gap

Was the death of the climate bill the result of tepid support or fear of the unknown?

Sea Ice & Us

A warming Arctic can cause weird weather elsewhere on the planet while sea ice is thinner than ever. Learn more

NYSERDA Plans Ahead

The New York Energy Research and Development Authority has a new strategic plan for a secure, sustainable and reliable energy future in challenging times. Fine print

July 23, 2010

Could Be

The Senate's failure to act on a climate bill could be the start of something great. Join the conversation

July 22, 2010

Behavior Counts

Understanding residential energy use behavior is one way to improve home energy efficiency in the absence of a price on carbon. Study here

Climate Bill: RIP

Two EPA staffers savage the offset provisions of Congress' climate bills, calling them fatally flawed. Nothing's better

Suicide By Coal

Just saying "no" may no longer be a bullet-proof strategy for the US coal industry. Dig in

July 21, 2010

Make It Legal

An economist's argument for passing federal cap and trade legislation rests on this fact: without legislation dirty energy will remain cheap energy. Count on it

July 19, 2010

BEST For Buildings In The Bronx

Green collar workers at BEST for Buildings go door to door in the South Bronx seeking property owners interested in weatherization and saving money. Greewire [Subscription firewall]

CSS: Green - As In Not Ripe

The GAO reports carbon capture and sequestration is not a mature technology and the Department of Energy should provide more information on the current state of climate-friendly technologies. Fine print

July 16, 2010

Let Us In!

The latest wrinkle in climate legislation might be a cap and trade opt-in provisions for manufacturers. Uh-oh

Moore's Curse

Unlike Moore's law, which states that microchip capacity will double every 18-24 months, don't expect global green energy capacity to do any such thing. But don't tell these scientists at work

Reframing Disaster

Reframe the lessons we need to learn from the BP oil disaster to get real change. Learn from Lakoff

Make Overs For Suburbia?

The new urbanism, making suburbs and cities denser and building mass transit that attracts riders, faces ongoing hurdles. Start here

July 15, 2010

Romm's World Cup

Get Joe Romm's take away on the World Cup, where China advertised a green technology company and the US advertised MacDonalds. Gooaal!

July 13, 2010

The Newer Normal

With polls showing falling support for fighting climate change, more conventional climate-as-interest-group politics could take its place. And then?

A Friend Of Fracking

A Pennsylvania geoscientist makes the case for using hydrofracking to obtain natural gas. Drill down

July 12, 2010

Learning By Loaning

Six case studies of government and utility clean energy loan programs paint a complex picture. Fine print

News To Me

In an era of multiple and disaggregated news media, is there one right way to report on climate science? Discuss

July 09, 2010

A New Normal

As a hotter, different world becomes the norm, will people think that's just how it is rather than act to contain climate weirdness? Mull it over

Location Counts

Notice that last year's media coverage about charges of shoddy climate science were front page news, but recent findings that disproved the allegations were not? Look into it

Bloom Servers In Service

Tennessee gets its first Bloom energy servers, fuel cells with ultra small carbon footprints that can make electricity out of any gaseous fuel. Plug in

July 08, 2010

Green Leasing In Portland

New Yorkers talk about green leases, in Portland Oregon they're inking them. Go west

Climate Bill Would Cut Deficit

The Congressional Budget Office reports that with passage of the Kerry-Lieberman climate bill, the federal deficit would decrease $19 billion while discretionary spending would increase by $48 billion. Here's how

July 07, 2010

Climate Bill Soon? What It Needs

If the Senate acts on climate and energy, here are ten ideas to include. Read on

No Climate Bill, Now What?

Seven observers ones weigh in on moving past a failed Senate climate bill to actions that can make a difference. Think hard

July 06, 2010

To Act Or Not To Act

How should a society decide which future risks to confront or how to calculate the costs of inaction? Start here

Economists Don't Do Energy

What do economist have to say about what's coming in an energy constrained world? Not much

Teach-In

Looking for a more compelling, clear and effective way to explain the greenhouse gas effect? Model talk & comments

Samso: The Little Island That Could

The Danish island of Samso launched a self-sufficient, renewable energy project in 1997. Progress report

July 04, 2010

Green Rx: Take For Financial Blues

Carbon taxes or cap and trade can be a powerful cure for the Great Recession amd help reduce long-term deficits. Learn more

July 02, 2010

Off Gas

Should the environmental cost of obtaining natural gas should rule it out as the transition fuel of choice? Look into it

July 01, 2010

Not-Smart-Enough-Meters

Households with smart electric meters show modest consumption cuts, but for deeper cuts, utilities will have to do a lot more. Wise up

Denmark's Energy Portal

Check out this interactive green energy resources map from Denmark. Head north

June 30, 2010

Benchmarking Power

Every year, CERES reports on the emissions performance of the largest power producers in the US. Get the latest!

June 29, 2010

Cloudy Thinking

Catch up with the latest scientific thinking about the impact of clouds on climate change. and how hot things could get.

Travel Plans?

While the promise of eco-tourism is great, the learning curve is steep. Visit Peru

June 28, 2010

What's Next?

With climate legislation stalled in Washington, now is the time to ask what kind of legislation would be worth passing. Think hard

June 25, 2010

Retro-Greening

What is retro-greening and who's doing it? Losers are winners

Celebrate Summer Efficiently

Now that it's summer in the city, catch up with the latest ideas on making building HVAC systems energy efficient. Get technical

Meet The Author

Eric Pooley, author of a new book on Washington climate politics, is interviewed by the The American Prospect. Q&A

ESCO's Grow In MUSH

ESCO's provide multi-year energy efficiency services and do well in the MUSH market that is made up of municipal government, universities, hospitals and other long-term institutional property owners. Plug in

June 24, 2010

What Do Climate Contrarians Know?

A National Academy of Sciences survey of scientists who are climate deniers finds that they lack the expertise in climate sciences. Get the facts

Setting A Commercial PACE

What are the top issues for commercial building owners thinking about PACE bonds? Look into it

Australia: Target Zero

By using wind and concentrated solar power, the Zero Carbon Project proposes to free Australia from fossil fuels by 2020. Look ahead

June 23, 2010

Waste Not, Want Not

In the US, waste heat from industrial processes is an untapped source of energy and a way to save jobs. Get it

June 22, 2010

China: More Than Coal

A research visit to China reveals the economic, scientific and environmental strides being made on the energy front. Learn more

Outlining Offsets

WRI analyzes the offset provisions of the Kerry-Lieberman climate bill. Fine print

All Fracked Up

Been too busy with the BP oil spill to catch up with the Marcellus Shale gas hydrofracking story? It's not too late

Scientific Seals

Seals equipped with heat sensors gather data about sources of heat that melt Antarctic ice. Dive in

June 21, 2010

Media Matters

Learn the lessons a science reporter brings to his climate change reporting. No hype

Search Me

True or false: rising use of the internet spells bad news for climate change? Log on

Picture This

View the National Geographic photo gallery that illustrates how we live now and what life on the 21st century electric grid could look like. Click

June 17, 2010

Fool Proof

Will new, simpler standardized nuclear power technology make reactors less risky? Look into it

At The Crossroads

Tellus research lays out four contrasting global paths to follow in the 21st Century. Which way to sustainability?

June 16, 2010

Making Book

Grist reviews The Climate War, an up-to-the-minute book about Washington climate policy and asks, if current efforts fail, what's Plan B? Get an answer

Trouble In Mind

Why should the Gulf oil spill and responses to it should make us worry about climate change? Find out

Green Building Ideas Advance

Get a sneak preview of legislation the NYC Council will consider this month to improve energy efficiency and water use in local buildings. Here

June 14, 2010

Baby It's Hot/Cold Outside!

A warming arctic could mean colder, snowier winters in other latitudes. As predicted, weird!

Financing Our Future

Pratt Center briefs New York homeowners and renters on how to pay for energy retrofits. Coming soon

June 11, 2010

A History Lesson

Q: What do lung cancer and climate change have in common? A: Opponents to government action. Learn more

Back To Square One

The BP oil catastrophe ought to put an end to calls for "energy independence" as a proxy for federal action on climate change. Think hard

Murkowski Vote: The Morning After

Reactions to the defeat of Senator Murkowski's move to strip EPA's authority to regulate CO2. FT, CP, TNR & More

June 10, 2010

Inside Washington

Dot Earth covers "The Climate War", a new book about what climate politics looks like in Washington. Don't despair

June 09, 2010

Rising Risk For Business

Insurance research warns that the world has entered a time of deep uncertainty about energy sources and costs, regardless of short-term politics. Think ahead

Climate Pollster On Polling

Get an expert tour behind the headlines on public opinion about climate change. Enter here

Think Global, Act Granular

The Brattleboro Vermont Coop creates a hundred year sustainability strategy. Start here now

June 08, 2010

Cut That Tax

If money makes the world go round, would bigger tax deductions for making commercial buildings energy efficient, save it? Could be

Cure LEED?

Follow this lively discussion about whether LEED building standards slight human health goals. Rx

June 07, 2010

Washington Watch

Stay up-to-date on Washington climate and energy politics. Here & Now & Toast?

June 03, 2010

From Farm & Forest To Tank

Research on the indirect carbon emissions from biofuels raises questions about their offset value. Learn more

June 02, 2010

Grist For Thought

Is the Senate American Power Act better than the alternatives? Think about it

Attention Must Be Paid

While BP's oil gushes into the Gulf of Mexico, our profligate personal decisions also add to the energy and climate crisis. Pay attention

Arctic Tipping Point

Arctic permafrost stores a vast quantity of CO2. As warming temperatures release the gas into the air, the warming could speed up. Phew!

June 01, 2010

Just Ask!

It's time to bring women's perspectives into making sharp tools for effective climate actions. Yes she can

Think Global/Act Jackson Heights

Residents of Jackson Heights in Queens, NY help create a green agenda for their neighborhood. Get it here![19MB]

May 28, 2010

Any Detectable Impact?

An investment analyst makes the case for the positive economic impact of the Kerry Lieberman climate and energy bill. Tap tap

Be Prepared!

The New York Academy of Science reports on how New York City can start now to prepare for the impact of climate change. It is less expensive than rebuilding after a catastrophe. Fine print

May 27, 2010

No Fly Zone

Aviation industry CO2 emissions, now 2-3% of the world's total, are expected to treble by 2050. Any alternative?

May 26, 2010

When Did You Stop Beating Your Wife?

Romm ruminates on why the New York Times keeps printing climate denial stories. Take that!

May 25, 2010

Bite-SIzed Climate Papers

The RSS climate policy reader assembles 18 pithy policy pieces ranging from treaties, to carbon taxes, to adaptive capacity. Dig in

Can Data Move NY?

The goal of the BTA, an encyclopedic spread sheet of transportation data in NYC, is reinventing public policy. Stop & go

May 24, 2010

Turn Like A Fish

Researchers learn to build a better wind power farm from how schools of fish move . Fluid, dynamic

Measuring Up: Behind The Headlines

Changes in instrumentation makes data on warming oceans more accurate but poses some interpretive challenges. Details, details

May 21, 2010

What's It Worth?

The Stavins argument for the value of free CO2 emissions allowances. Here

May 20, 2010

Rx For Sluggish Buildings

Building commissioning, a good way to check up on the inner workings of new or older buildings to see if they are performing as designed is not difficult to do, but it's rarely done. Learn more

May 19, 2010

The Case of The Vanishing Glaciers

As Himalayan glaciers melt, clues about the impacts add up. Look downstream

What's In It For Me?

The federal government asked for public comment on the smart grid and who should pay for it. Responses & responders

Speak Up, Be Heard

The National Academy of Sciences launches a project to determine how climate science can effectively communicate to decision makers. Stay tuned

Splitsville

What's at stake in the deep divide among greens over the Kerry-Lieberman climate bill? Look into it

May 18, 2010

Don't Get Railroaded

A skeptic looks at plans for intercity high-speed rail in Britain. Queue up

Building Branding

Calculate the value of US office buildings with LEED or Energy Star labels in terms of rents and occupancy rates. Start here

American Power Act NAY!

Why you should oppose the Kerry-Lieberman American Power Act.

American Power Act AYE!

Why you should support the Kerry-Lieberman American Power Act.

May 17, 2010

A Better Brick

Forget brick-making in CO2-spewing kilns. Now microbes can do the work. Think different

EJ Groups Demand Charter Reform Now

Environmental justice organizations urge the NYC Charter Reform Commission to enhance fair share and community planning powers. Learn more

See CCS In Your Future?

CCS, carbon capture and storage, is far from a sure thing, but that could be changing. Look into it

Look Closer

Climate science is advancing by looking at data from small geographic regions in big time frames. Here's how

May 14, 2010

NYC: Growing Green Jobs

A May 2010 report spells out green job types, emerging markets, growth drivers and targeted educational needs for New York City. Get to work

Oily Ideas

Wonder what the Kerry-Lieberman bill looks like from the perspective of the oil & gas industry? Dip in

May 13, 2010

UK: The New Green Agenda

Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in the UK have a different environmental agenda than conservatives in the US. Look into it

NYC: A Greener Greater Energy Code

A greener, greater NYC requires top-notch Energy Conservation Code rules. A public hearing on the draft rules is scheduled for May 18. Text & information

Goodbye To All That Coal

Hansen & Mazria believe the US can ends its reliance on coal by 2030. Here's how

May 12, 2010

The PACE Quickens

With California leading the way, PACE financing for energy efficiency and clean energy laws are booming. Learn more

What Works At Work?

Delve into a study of six federal workplace energy efficiency projects. Be more productive!

April 23, 2010

For The Birds

Brooklyn's grungy Gowanus Canal is being lined with bird houses designed by local architects for swifts and kestrels. Fly by

Greener@Three?

New York City rates its progress in meeting the goals of plaNYC2030 on its third anniversary. 1, 2, 3

April 22, 2010

Making Lemonade

Some businesses see opportunities in the myriad impacts of global climate change. Look into it

Climate Change Could Up-End US Politics

NOAA reports climate impacts could lead to massive immigration and domestic relocation that would transform US politics by 2035. Relocate

Cantwell Makes It CLEAR

Senator Cantwell spells out the argument for her climate bill, CLEAR, and why the Kerry cap and trade bill is not the answer. Get clarified

April 21, 2010

The Energy Habits Of Efficient Corporations

The Pew Foundation's case studies distill corporate strategies for leading the way on energy efficiency. Here's how

Profiles In High Performance

ASHRAE profiles the energy renaissance in leading US office buildings. Fine print

Antarctica: Trouble Ahead?

New evidence from Antarctic ice finds vulnerability to sudden, alarming changes. Drill down

April 16, 2010

Senate Sausage-Making

Who gets what with a Kerry, Graham, Lieberman climate bill and what's negotiable? Romm weighs in

Getting Over Copenhagen

Hope is not a plan and it's time to abandon the Copenhagen model. Here's an economist's four-prong path for climate action that must include the US, China and India. Look ahead

April 15, 2010

Earth Day Politics

Reflecting on Earth Day at 40, Denis Hayes argues SOP pragmatic politics is a failed path to climate action in Washington. Rx

Hybrids Are The New Red White & Blue

Former CIA Director James Woolsey calls on Americans to make the nation safer by demanding cars that don't run on gasoline. Re-energize

April 14, 2010

The Hidden Cost Of Suburban Life

People who opt to live further from central Boston because housing is cheaper spend what they save on transportation. Priced out

EU: The New Normal

Deutsche Bank reports that energy efficient building can become ubiquitous in the EU and recommends ways to move markets faster. Read on

April 13, 2010

Australia In 2050

Forget barbeques and Bondi Beach, by 2050 Australia will be densely urban and coping with climate change. Model futures

Better Behavior

Behavioral science has tools more potent than price signals for changing people's energy use . Nudge, nudge

April 12, 2010

Urban Greenery

Is the Mayor's green plan for New York City taking root? Dig in

April 09, 2010

Looming Labor Shortage

Research points to an emerging gap between growing market demand for clean energy and energy efficiency skills and the nation's current training capacity. Learn more

April 08, 2010

Eco Home Economics

Here's a no-nonsense guide to green consumer product claims. Read up

Smoothing The Wind

The reliability of wind power can be enhanced by linking power sources through underwater cables. Plug in

April 07, 2010

Green Shoots: Credentials Count

COWS, a think-and-do-tank, forges a framework for human capital development in a greening economy. Fine print

April 06, 2010

Carbon Crystal Ball Gazing

Could the Obama administration be ready to regulate carbon emissions rather than make a move on climate legislation? Look into it

Wet, Warm & Local

Find out what's in store for NYC as climate change impacts kick in and what some New Yorkers think about it. Op-Ed & Comments

Don't Need A Weatherman

Climate deniers are having their day and public support for climate action contracts. Look out kid

April 05, 2010

Too Cheap To Matter?

The social cost of carbon could be 'the most important number you never heard of'. Count on it

Call This News?

Print media bloopers about basic climate science catch flack. Read on

April 02, 2010

Get A Life (Cycle)

A new study estimates the GHG life cycle costs of natural gas and finds there are few hard numbers to use. Explore

NY Auto Show

Scientific American take Ford's new all-electric compact van out for a spin in NYC.

Metropolitan Innovation

Where do innovative ideas for cities come from and how do they become realities? RPA interview

March 30, 2010

Energy Stars In Your Eyes

Take a quick tour of some of America's Energy Star winning buildings. See here

Thunder & Lightning

Climate Progress storms at the New York Times coverage of the rift between forecasters and climate scientists. Umbrellas up

March 29, 2010

Teach Old Homes New Tricks

Yes, preserving old homes while improving their energy efficiency is possible. US & UK

Collins Spells Out CLEAR

Senator Collins explains the climate bill she co-sponsors with Senator Cantwell and compares it to the Kerry-Graham-Lieberman approach. Got it?

March 26, 2010

Building A Green Building Market

Real estate industry research creates an index of eco-friendly urban market conditions. National & NYC Midtown

The Discomfort Zone

Have we passed the point of no return in altering biological systems supporting life on Earth as we know it? Watch the video

CPV? CPV!

A new rooftop technology, the concentrated photovoltaic array, is said to produce electricity at a cost competitive with nuclear power and closing in on coal. Plug in

March 25, 2010

Reporting On Climate Science

The Guardian defends its reporting on the leaked climate scientists' e-mails and what it means for climate science. Work the green beat

Fading Green

A recent Gallup Poll finds Americans don't rank climate as an important concern. Read reactions in the National Journal and post your own.

March 24, 2010

Home In The City

The EPA finds that home building trends from 1990-2008 point toward metropolitan areas. Density is destiny

Eco-Tourism

The northern German city of Hamburg promotes green options for visitors. Stop by

Climate Progress=Economic Progress

Deutsche Bank reports that post-Copenhagen, policy progress must come from the national and regional levels and leaders will be economic winners. Dig in

A CLEAR Winner

Research finds that household dividends will compensate for higher fuel prices under the Cantwell-Collins climate bill. Lower income households could gain higher net benefits. Fine print

March 23, 2010

Climate Collaboratorium

Save the planet at MIT. Create a climate plan or vote for the plan you like best. Enter here

March 22, 2010

Either/Or - Not!

If the latest federal climate bill tries to strip the EPA's authority to regulate CO2 to gain political support, watch out. There's a better way. Look into it

Climate Bill On Deck?

Grist takes a swing at the inevitable question, what does passage of health care reform predict about getting climate legislation? Play ball

March 19, 2010

The Truth Is Scary Enough

The Economist derides climate skeptics and IPCC bashers. It says the truth is scary enough and it's time to act. Read all about it

No Nice Price

Grist urges Congress to put off carbon pricing and beef up the clean energy and energy efficiency provisions of climate legislation. Rethinking

State's Rights on Carbon Controls

The prospect of EPA giving states the power to impose carbon emissions control technology standards gets a mixed reception. See BACT

March 18, 2010

Pessimists On Parade

Could it be the culture that prevents the US from acting on climate weirding? Look into it

March 17, 2010

CO2: Location Matters

New research finds carbon dioxide domes form over cities and they magnify the health risks of other air pollutants like ozone. Get situated

Green=Better Bank Rating

Can lending to green apartment projects help banks get a better rating during Community Reinvestment Act reviews? Look into it

March 16, 2010

Here's Looking At You Earth

Photos from the 1970's that remind us why it is important to save the planet. Time goes by

How To Seal An Envelope

Learning from Massachusetts, superinsulation is key to thermally sealing a building envelope and saving energy. Open and shut

March 15, 2010

Home Of The Brave

Which is tougher, fighting in petrodollar funded Mid-East wars or voting for a clean energy climate plan? asks VoteVets.org

The Green Rider

Insurance firms offer riders on property insurance for rebuilding greener at premiums of 2-5%.

March 12, 2010

Poll Finds Climate Deniers Trend Right

A Gallup Poll finds waning public belief in climate change, with the greatest shift among conservatives. Q & A

Nuclear Power: Think Small

A new generation of modular (under 750 MW) nuclear reactors could be feasible, but GE's Jeff Immelt sees only a small role for nukes in the energy mix. Look ahead

Build Better Walls

DOE funding produces new ways to build energy efficient homes with high R-value wall systems. Get the specs

March 11, 2010

An E-Ducated Consumer

E-book or print, which is the greener choice? Look into it

March 10, 2010

Who's Grid Smarter?

Businesses rather than home owners could be more welcoming to the smart electric grid. Plug in

The Great PV Debate

UK policy swings behind rooftop PV, although not everyone's on board. The pro position

In Support of Intermittence

From an energy system perspective the on and off nature of wind and solar power is not a problem. Here's why

Why Breakthoughs Break Down

The impact of so-called energy technology breakthroughs is is shaped by the realities of the built environment. Read on

March 08, 2010

Which Way On Wind

Are 'Buy American' provisions for federal wind power programs misguided? Yes. No.

Methane: Headlines & Science

Delve into the scientific context behind last week's headlines about methane escaping from Arctic Ocean sediment. Fine print

Plan Ahead

Do NYC's recent rezonings redirect new residential development into transit-rich areas? Zone in

March 04, 2010

Who Is Jairam Ramesh?

India has a new Special Envoy of the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Jairam Ramesh, and re-orienting the nation's climate policy is a top priority. Get acquainted

Swinging At Gates

Bill Gates sees a breakthrough in nuclear power technology as the solution to the climate crisis. Based in the economic history of technical innovation, Gates' bet is a long shot. Here's why

Make It Green

The New America Foundation floats a four point program for growing a clean energy domestic economy in competitive global marketplace. the US. Listen up

March 03, 2010

Krugman's Toy Model

Paul Krugman constructs two toy economic models of climate policy: act now or act later. Come play

FHA, Foreclosures and Lemonade

Words and pictures about how the FHA could create new energy-efficiency value from the calamity of home foreclosures. Start here

February 26, 2010

Life In the Fast Breeder Lane

Fast breeder reactors solve the problem of spent fuel disposal, but have other big problems. Any solutions?

Inside DOE

Despite disappointingly slow disbursements, DOE has big plans for energy funding to boost the green economy. Learn more

February 25, 2010

IPPC: Is It Doomed?

The debate over the quality and integrity of the IPPC's climate science rages on. Watson v Pielke

PACE Setting

DOE and investment professionals look into financial factors for making PACE bonds marketable. Fine print

February 24, 2010

The Bloom Box Backstory

Just what is this latest thing in clean energy, the Bloom Box? Find out

In A FOG? ((Friend Of Gates)

Read a ringing endorsement of Bill Gates' call for breakthroughs in clean, cheap energy for saving the planet and ending poverty. Mum on nuclear power

February 23, 2010

Made In NYC

Much of the iron used for NYC's well-lit and airy cast iron buildings was made in the Big Apple. Look back

EPA CO2 Regs: Tough or Toothless?

There is more than one environmental view on EPA's proposed rules to regulate carbon dioxide emissions. Sheppard v Johnson

February 22, 2010

Reading Tea Leaves

Is there any connection between climate skepticism and industry opposition to a climate bill? Look into it

February 19, 2010

Be Disruptive

The 20th Century model of the electric utility is becoming obsolete with the emergence of disruptive technologies, argue Hansen and Lovins. Get ready

Chu's First Year

Steven Chu, head of the US Department of Energy, is interviewed by the Financial Times. Far from Berkeley

February 18, 2010

Quinn Seeks Greener Apple

NYC Council Speaker Quinn calls for PACE bond legislation to finance energy efficiency upgrades as part of her vision for a green economy of innovation. SoC address

Capturing Attention

With President Obama's nod to CCS technology for coal-burning power plants, visit the West Virginia Mountaineer. Start here

February 17, 2010

What's Up With That? {Media-Wise]

Media outlets in the English-speaking world are awash with climate stories that now embraces the furthest denier fringes. Read the column & the comments

Gimme Shelter

How does a Brooklyn building go from a burned out-shell to super-natural green homes? Borough in

February 16, 2010

Waste Not, Want Not

CUF finds NYC small business misses out on easy energy efficiency savings, while voicing concern over utility costs. Why's that?

Snow Job

Record snowfalls blanket record warm winter temperatures. Sled in

February 15, 2010

Warm Snow

Sounds counterintuitive, but it snows more when it's warmer. Here's why

The IPCC Goes Through The Spin Cycle

Need a recap of the IPCC climate science flap in the media? Get it here Get an historian's view too.

Doing Climate Science: Part 4

Watch climate researchers at work in Wilkes Land, Antarctica. Very cool

February 12, 2010

Obama's Economic Report

Read the chapter on energy and climate change. Fine print

In For The Long Haul

A clean energy industry and the jobs it will bring need long-term powerpurchase agreements. Plug in

February 11, 2010

New & Improved!

In the wake of damaging disclosures of IPCC problems, friendly critics offer suggestions for improving this scientific enterprise. For your consideration

Certainty As Sideshow

Andy Revkin and his readers weigh in on how public policy should relate to climate science's levels of certainty. Cover it

No Losers Here

Media stories about the battle between China and the US for global climate economic supremacy have it wrong. Reconsider

Social Climate Science

Just what are social scientists saying about public mobilization for climate change? Beyond the nudge

February 10, 2010

Who's Smarting Now?

Early roll-outs of smart elecrric grids are proving to be bumpy learning opportunities.

A Rising Sea Of Troubles

Public faith in climate science is eroding. What can be done to restore trust? To arms!

February 09, 2010

Tell Me A Story

Like any art form, the news has rules for telling a story. Here's how it's done for climate change. And then

Cities Threaten Forests

New scientific research reveals that in the 21st century urban growth is a greater threat to forests than small-scale farming and logging. Learn more

Oh That Audi Ad!

Audi's Super Bowl ad is sliced and diced. Watch out

February 08, 2010

Green Expectations

Look into what the EPA can (and can't) do to regulate CO2 emissions. Rules rule

February 05, 2010

Power Up

Read this interview with two US experts on China's electric power sector. Connect here

February 03, 2010

Gray Power Now!

How to save the planet by using waste energy from manufacturing and farming to make electricity for the grid. Something new

February 02, 2010

Obama Saves The EPA

The President also beefs up OSHA and the SEC after an onslaught of neglect. Organizing powers

Carbon Offsets - Really?

Under the Kyoto Protocol carbon offsets are supposed to be a mainstay for cutting GHG emissions, but in the real world it's more complicated. Start sleuthing

Scientists At Work

What are climate scientists doing in Antarctica this month? Watch Penguin TV

What Will $54 Billion Buy?

President Obama's proposal to triple federal loan guarantees for building new nuclear reactors gets a skeptical review. Look into it

Code Green - The Text

The Urban Green Council reports on how to make NYC's building codes greener, healthier and more efficient. Fine print [19.8MB]

February 01, 2010

The Senator Reconsiders

Instead of worrying about damaging the US economy by passing a climate bill, Senator Graham is worrying now about US inaction. Here's why

The Lite Green Decade

The Aughties talked the climate talk, but evidence of the climate walk was mixed. Time travel

Oil & Gas: Get A Grip

A major management consultant advises the oil and gas industries about cutting their carbon footprints. Start here

January 28, 2010

Hot About The Weather

A claim that faulty US weather station data led to overestimating the temperature is refuted by a new study that found the faulty data was too cool. Measure & verify

Lion or Kitty?

Will Obama's climate agenda meet the same fate as Jimmy Carter's energy policy, called the moral equivalent of war [MEOW]?

Anemia In The Oceans

With climate-induced ocean acidification, one-cell marine organisms could have less ability to absorb the iron they need. Research it

January 27, 2010

Taking A Swing At Gates

Joe Romm doesn't think much of Bill Gates' views on climate action. Wham bam

Iceland Is #1

The annual Yale Environmental Performance Index gives Iceland it's highest rating. The US, at #61 is just behind Paraguay. Learn more

January 26, 2010

Q: What's Green & Rare & Smart All Over?

A: Energy efficient homes. Find out why

Off-The-Shelf Answers

Smart use of of existing technologies will go a long way toward saving energy finds new McKinsey study. Here now

News From Sundance

Variety gushes over GasLand, a documentary about drilling for gas in the Marcellus Shale. Get it here

January 25, 2010

It's A Byrd, It's A Plane...

West Virgina Senator Byrd comes out swinging against the coal industry's stance on climate change. It's kryponite!

The Coming Climate

McKinsey & Co. flags drivers and opportunities for global business in the post-Copenhagen climate arena. Learn more

January 21, 2010

Nature Looks At Climate Science

Like all good science, climate science is not a finished product. What are the knowledge needs?

Not The SOS

What's on the cutting edge for high performance building materials? Find out

January 20, 2010

That Ain't All Folks!

Grist ticks off what Senator Murkowski's been doing to zap climate controls. Not done yet

Get Mapped

Today, maps aren't just pictures, they are interactive. Check out this solar NYC sample. Re-orient

Forget Eco-Conspicuous Consumption

To cut the carbon footprint of new and old buildings steer clear of solar cells or wind turbines and focus instead on energy efficient materials and building systems. How sensible!

January 19, 2010

Pay The Price

Thinkers meet to save the planet by putting a price on natural systems. Add it up

What Does Hot Mean?

2009 tied for the second hottest year on record. Consider what goes into measuring global temperatures and assessing trends. Ask Jim Hansen

January 18, 2010

Tomorrow Is Today

Climate scientists and supporters should study Martin Luther King's I Have A Dream speech and learn something about how to change the world. Start here

A Dream Takes Root

The success of Melrose Commons in the South Bronx testifies to the power of grass roots visionaries. Get sustained

January 14, 2010

Blaming Obama

Is the President guilty of magical thinking about the solution to climate change? Get serious

What's Happeing In The Southern Ocean?

Another font-line story about climate scientists at work. Dip in

It's Hard To Connect

Researchers report that technical and administrative barriers make it hard for NYC solar PV to connect into the Con Ed grid. Unplug

January 13, 2010

Hearing Science

How do environmental scientists draw media attention to an issue? Here's one way

The Conflict Within

The debate heats up inside the green movement over the impact of developing large scale clean energy projects. Face it

January 11, 2010

183 Clean Tech Winners

183 clean energy tech manufacturers will share $2.3 billion in tax credits awarded by the Obama administration to stimulate green economic growth. Grist comments

RGGI Auction Update

RGGI carbon emissions auctions have raised more than $155 million for New York. What's in contract and what's been spent? Start calculating

January 07, 2010

It's Only Weather

Let's be clear. Cold winter weather is not an argument for climate skeptics. Look into it

January 06, 2010

COP-15: The Process Was The Problem

The Copenhagen climate meeting failed. Now a observer proposes alternatives for future international negotiations. Look ahead

January 05, 2010

Stimulated By Mass Transit

USPIRG reports that federal stimulus money spent on public transit created two-times more jobs than funding for highways. How calculating

Lessons Learned

A sprint, with links, to recent climate science publications. Click, click

Build A Better Heat Pump

Now there's an EPA Energy Star rating for geothermal heat pumps and a 30% tax credit for home owners. Drill down

January 04, 2010

Science v Media

Following the flap over the leaked climate science e-mails, it's clear that scientists have a lot to learn about facing the media and reaching the public. Start here

Some Expectations

Was 2009 the climate prologue for 2010?

Watch and wait.

December 29, 2009

Beyond Window Shopping

Grow veggies in your windows! This is not a news story or a plug, just an irresistible idea. Fenestrate

Steam Heated!

Ever wonder how radiators heat your home and why they're found under windows? Warm up

December 23, 2009

China Did It

A British eye witness charges China with blowing up the Copenhagen climate talks. Look into it

December 22, 2009

Count Your Carbon Blessings

Whether for last minute shopping and travel plans or buying home appliances or investing, a company's climate efforts might count in making your choice. Get informed

Will Bloom Work It Out?

Ron Bloom, Obama's manufacturing policy advisor, will be faced with the complexities of green tech. Think Chinese turbines in Texas

December 21, 2009

Andy Revkin: Hail & Farewell

December 21 is Andy Revkin's last day at the New York Times [Kate Galbraith is leaving too]. A good moment for reflection. Moving on

A Plethora Of Post Mortems

Before shifting to holiday cheer, take a look back at Copenhagen with interested observers. Reflect

What's That In Your Boiler?

Some 9,000 buildings in NYC use highly polluting #4 or 6 oil in their boilers. The Environmental Defense Fund calls for a decade long phase-out of this dirty fuel. Start here & check out an Interactive map

December 18, 2009

Scientists At Work

Jim Hansen writes about the nitty-gritty of engaging in climate science. Go to it

It's Alive!

What tops a green building? A living building and the first one is in Rhinebeck, New York. Drop in

December 17, 2009

New Arctic Science

Scientists report more grim findings on arctic warming. Even the cooling models are bleaker. Look north

December 16, 2009

Polling The Public Climate

This public opinion poll on American's views of climate science, policies and costs reveals a lot about how questions are posed. Just ask

December 15, 2009

Mega Green

Look behind the headlines for a detailed picture of China's clean energy crash program. Enter here

Deep Water Soundings

Scientists recognize the need for a deeper understanding of the role of ocean currents in climate change. What's new now?

Bloomberg In Copenhagen

NPR interviews Mayor Bloomberg in Copenhagen. Jet in

Climate Law: A Student Blog

Here's what the Copenhagen meetings look like from a law student's perspective. No the final

December 14, 2009

Passive In Philly

A passively heated house is being built in Philadelphia with good design and economy in mind. Details

December 11, 2009

Copenhagen: PoMo Spectacle

Feeling cheerful? You won't after reading this posting from Copenhagen. Shred or spin?

Climate Change & Culture Change

Think anew about climate, culture and the communications media. Ponder here

December 10, 2009

Build A Better Infrastructure

McKinsey offers a menu of ideas about better ways to invest in smarter infrastructure. Start here

EU Can Do Better

The World Wildlife Fund looks at the EU's proposed carbon cutting targets in Copenhagen and finds too much wiggle room. Three holes

Lacerating Leaks

A UK journalist argues the storm over leaked climate e-mails has been a public relations disaster for both science and policy. Study the case

Al Gore Talks About You-Know-What

Slate interviews Al Gore about climate deniers, those leaked UK e-mails, US politics and Copenhagen. Read on

December 09, 2009

EPA: The 1.5-2% Solution

EPA reports the cost impact of climate legislation on energy intensive, export oriented industries like cement and steel is the the 1.5-2% range. Very fine print

December 08, 2009

States Ahead Of Feds On Climate

With President Obama in a political bind, even bold state climate action can reach only so far in Copenhagen. Stay tuned

Mr President, Go For The Green Gold

Are low-interest energy efficient mortgages the best way to boost green jobs and green homes? Look into it

December 04, 2009

A Nickel For Your Thoughts

Seattle's outgoing green guru Mayor Greg Nickels reflects. Read on

Hot Framing

A UK climate scientist reflects on why the fights over the science and the politics are so fierce. Look into it

Climate Science Isn't Settled

The state of good science is never settled. Think about what's wrong with the WSJ's wholesale attack on climate science. Fine print

December 02, 2009

As Good As Brand X

An EPA audit finds that most Energy Star products meet or beat energy efficiency requirements, but so do many brand X appliances. Label that!

What The Poll Found

A new poll finds support for action on energy and cutting carbon emissions, confusion over details of federal climate legislation and, despite the need for some explaining, a preference for taxing carbon over trading it. Just ask

December 01, 2009

Roll Over For Russia?

Environmentalists are alarmed over a Russian demand to roll over its carbon account surplus into any hew global climate treaty. Learn more

November 30, 2009

Be Prepared

In case you meet a climate contrarian at an upcoming holiday party, here are some conversational pointers. Hello

Look Into The Sun

Get a glimpse of how climate science works. Analysis & Responses

Reviving Daylight Management

"At the flick of a switch" is so 20th century when it comes to indoor illumination. Look brighter now

November 27, 2009

Decoding East Anglia's Climate Crisis

After an uproar over the hacked e-mails of climate researchers at the University of East Anglia, a Guardian columnist reflects. The New York Times posts reactions.

November 25, 2009

Italy's Smarter

Italy is the first country to install a nationwide system of smart electric meters. Here's how

Making Faster Tracks

With plans afoot to build high speed rail lines around the US , what's needed to succeed? All aboard

November 24, 2009

Have A Good Day, Not

Updating the 2007 IPPC climate report, 26 scientists find the planet is changing faster than projected just two years ago. No denying it

November 23, 2009

Can't Buy Me Love

Scholars warn that just putting a price on carbon won't stimulate new ideas and investment in energy-efficient innovation. What to do?

November 20, 2009

Disclose That Risk!

The Securities and Exchange Commission is gearing up to require corporate disclosure of risks they face related to climate change. When the party of the first part...

Working Science

Fascinated by climate science methodology debates? don't miss this essay. Fine print

Rating Euro Cap & Trade

It appears that the EU's CO2 market does cut emissions. Details & devils

November 19, 2009

Green Map: Capetown S.A.

Going to the World Cup in South Africa in 2010? Now you can travel with a Green Map of the spectacular Capetown region. Get it here

November 18, 2009

Close The Clean Energy Gap

The Breakthrough Institute reports that the US suffers from a dangerous gap in public sector funding for clean energy technologies when compared to rising Asian nations. What to do? [5.3MB]

NYS Green Law: The Back Story

Ever wonder how environmentally friendly bills get passed in New York? Here's some background on the 2009 home weatherization law. Action 101

Smart Plugs For Smart Consumers

Now utility consumers can monitor and control their energy use by plugging a gadget into a wall outlet says GreenUpgrader. Measure & manage

November 13, 2009

RGGI Lessons

Amid the furor over carbon cap and trade, the RGGI program in ten northeast states shows that fair and open carbon markets do exist. (Whether emissions are reduced is another matter.) Read on

November 12, 2009

NJ: Solar Power Pays

New Jersey's photovoltaic boom is directly linked to its marketable credits program. Very SRECS-y

November 11, 2009

The Gentle Art of Persuasion

A psychologist's guide for scientists, journalists and educators on how to persuade the public about the importance of taking action on climate change. Start here

Mapping Green Collar Jobs

Interact with the Apollo Alliance map of new opportunities for green collar jobs. Look around

The Burbs, So 20th Century!

Energy efficient eco-districts are the 21st century's response to last century's suburban sprawl. Evidence abounds

November 10, 2009

Cool, Yes. Climate-Conscious. ?

New York City's been lucky to get new public buildings with design pizazz, but are they carbon friendly? Measure the media's climate consciousness

November 09, 2009

We Can Do Better

The EPA orders two of its own attorneys to take down their YouTube video, which trashes cap and trade and calls for a climate policy based on carbon fees and rebate. See it here

November 06, 2009

German Program Tops The List

Two environmental organizations give top honors to Germany's support for energy efficient buildings, which fight climate changes and creates jobs. Who's hot, who's not?

November 05, 2009

Economists Agree!

A survey of US economists finds consensus on the benefits of climate protection outweigh the costs. Can't discount it

Latin America's Climate Challenge

The impact of climate change in Latin America is already evident, although the region's nations have not coalesced on any policy. Think beyond borders

November 02, 2009

O Oregon!

Portland, Oregon posts an ambitious climate action plan for a sustainable city. 40x30

October 30, 2009

Green Financing Handbook

NYC compiles a resource list of programs which offer financial support to businesses that want to go green and grow. Fine print

Climate Science Advances

Climate scientists discover that methane, especially when it interacts with aerosols, is a more potent GHG than previously understood. Learn more

Freakonomics - Get Your Facts Straight

A geophysicist writes an open letter to Freakonomist Steve Levitt and relies on facts to make his case. The envelope please

October 29, 2009

Will The Climate Change Faster Than We Do?

A classic debate over cultivating social change: alter the institutions, innovate the technology, send different price signals or transform human behavior gets aired in a World Bank Study about taking action on climate change. Don't skip readers' comments. Dive in

October 28, 2009

Hit The Road

The NYC Apollo Alliance releases a strategy for growing a green economy that creates prosperity for all. Follow the map

Trouble Ahead?

How well are NY metro area cities and counties preparing for climate change impacts. Find out

October 27, 2009

(Too) Easy Being Greenest

By most measures, NYC is far-and-away the greenest, the most energy efficient city in the US, just not on purpose (says Sallan). Think

Climate Gazing

The National Journal asks for readers views on the Kerry-Boxer climate bill and how it might be changed. Read & react

October 26, 2009

Installing A Learning Curve

This is one family's experience with getting solar PV installed on their roof. Who learned what?

Oil's View On Climate Legislation

High profile climate change-related law suits have captured the attention of the US oil industry. Peer in

October 23, 2009

FIght Climate Change With Whiter Clouds

Here's a bright idea! Increase the albedo effect of maritime clouds by spraying them with sea mist. Reflect solar heat away from the Earth's surface. Be dazzled

Native Americans v Exxon Mobil

A federal court dismisses the climate change suit brought by a Native American tribal village against Exxon Mobil. Click for decision

October 22, 2009

Will Saving The Planet Kill The Economy?

A new study weighs in on the hot debate over the economic impact of cutting CO2 concentrations back to 350 ppm. Jump in

October 20, 2009

VP Seeks Recovery Through Retrofit

Vice President Biden issues a study on how home energy efficiency retrofits can combat climate change and grow good jobs. Municipal energy financing is a key recommendation. Fine print

A (More) Modest Proposal

Harvard scholars call for a portfolio of domestic climate targets if Copenhagen fails to produce a global agreement. Start here

PSC To Con Ed: Cut Peak Demand

New York's Public Service Commission okays a plan for Con Ed to reduce peak electricity use, cut emissions and save ratepayers money in one Brooklyn neighborhood. Plug in

October 19, 2009

Talk Back To Kerry-Graham

National Journal readers respond to last week's Kerry-Graham climate Op-Ed in the NY Times

Whose Wood Would You Want?

LEED gives points for using FSC-certified wood, but now,other sustainable forest product groups want in. Touch wood

October 16, 2009

Throwing Punches Over A-Plants

Lovins slams Brand's position on nuclear power. Wham!

Yes They Are!

A new study finds jobs in renewable energy and efficient buildings are good paying and lists the top 15 US metro areas for clean tech job growth. Work on it

Density Is Destiny

Want to save the planet? Live in a city. Some urban attitude

October 13, 2009

Wowee Maui

A smart Hawaiian resort will get smarter with its smart power grid. Another stimulus-backed project

October 12, 2009

On-Line Green Law Data Base

Columbia University launches a database on energy and green building legislation in New York's cities. Start searching

October 09, 2009

Market Failure?

What, another essay on cap and trade v. carbon taxes? Yes

The Gentle Art of Compromise

Love it or loathe it, Waxman-Markey language about what to do with the value of free emissions allowances, made Congress' yes vote possible. Parse it

Enter The Chamber

Headlines focus on the departure of brand-name companies from the Chamber of Commerce over its stance on climate legislation, but what goes on inside the organization? Knock, knock

October 08, 2009

And The Answer Is...

Alternate fuels? don't bother! Nuclear power? fuggedaboutit! Want to save the planet? opt for efficiency. Check it out

MIA: Great Communicators

Scientists are failing to make climate change a public hot-button issue. Romm's alarmed

October 07, 2009

States Stepping Up

Researchers see state level, utility ratepayer-funded energy efficiency efforts taking the lead over the next decade, while federal goals lag behind. Look ahead

Ask Umbra...

About offsets. Go on! and then read the Stockholm Environment Institute report

October 06, 2009

It's Not Easy Being Smart

Designing a smart electric power grid that saves energy and saves consumers money is a work in progress. California's on it

Can USCAP Change The Climate?

USCAP, a coalition of major corporations and environmental groups, urges the Senate to pass a climate protection bill. Dear Harry

October 05, 2009

A Cellulostic Skeptic

Here's a blogger who's got no faith in the potential of cellulostic ethanol to become a major fuel. Look into it

More News From Rio

Even before the Olympics 2016 decision, a regional development conference in Rio di Janeiro heard papers on climate change and sustainable development. Get them here

October 02, 2009

Looking For Money

Getting from bright clean energy ideas to viable clean energy businesses means finding the right investors. What's that like?

Plug-In Cars & Smart Grids

If plug-in electric cars become wide-spread, the grid will face the challenge of getting smart enough to reliably serve this new power demand. Look ahead

October 01, 2009

Texas CO2 Down. Why?

A detailed study explains what drove down CO2 emissions in Texas . Charts! graphs! answers!

Rating Carbon Offsets

Get the lowdown on the good, the bad and the dubious. Just click

September 30, 2009

Urban Wind

San Francisco reports on a plan to promote urban wind installations. Turn here

Fighting Climate Change With ICT

Get the latest on the role of information and communications technology in cutting GHG emissions in many economic sectors. Read on

September 29, 2009

Storage Solutions

Viable electric storage technologies will be key to large-scale use of intermittent energy sources. Where are we now?

Wouldn't It Be Nice

With dramatic climate changes just over the horizon, a call for US action at December's Copenhagen meeting. Stay tuned

September 28, 2009

Making Climate Models

Predictions about climate changes are based on scientists' models, but what should go into them and what should be measured are open to constant refinements. Work hard

September 25, 2009

Burying Progress

Get an update on the West Virginia power plant being built with CO2 sequestration capacity. Dig in

September 24, 2009

Nine Tipping Points

Scientists identify nine crucial tipping points toward catastrophic global change. We've passed three of them already. Going, going...

Green Ranks

Newsweek ranks the 100 greenest large corporations in the US. Get the list

September 22, 2009

China, US & Climate

Without an international treaty, how could China cooperate on climate change? Learn more

Proposal For A Chinese Carbon Registry

Getting serious about climate in China means developing a carbon registry that's up to the task. Start here

September 21, 2009

Court Finds CO2 Is A Nuisance

In a long awaited decision, the Second Circuit finds on behalf of plaintiffs who argue in Connecticut v AEP that CO2 emissions are a public nuisance. Read the decision.

September 17, 2009

What RGGI Funds

NYSERDA reports on program funding that comes from RGGI carbon emissions permit auctions. Follow the money

The Conservation Of Matter

What happens to dead electric-car batteries and what parts of them can be recycled? Find out

London's Low Carbon Zones

London's Mayor launches projects in ten communities to cut carbon emissions. Explore

September 16, 2009

Grist Disses Obama Oil Idea

Grist uses a leaked letter from the Obama administration to cast doubts on the value of ending certain domestic oil subsidies. Click here

Listed?

DOE has awarded $323 million of an available $2.7 billion in Energy Efficiency and Conservation block grants to states, localities and tribes. Check it out

Going Going

Watch the ice melt.
Balog-at-TED.png
Going Going...

September 15, 2009

The Solution Not The Problem

A federal climate bill will cure - not cause - fuel price volatility. No price caps or collars needed. Read Romm

Can The CDM Be Saved?

Harvard researchers propose fixes for the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism. Learn more

September 14, 2009

The Most Inconvenient Truth

There will be no global ban on burning coal for electricity. Now what?

Does a Dow Green Rating Matter?

Dow Jones has a tool for rating corporate sustainability. There are at least two schools of thought on whether it works. Learn more

September 10, 2009

Commissioning: Get Smart!

A report finds real savings and quick payback times in 643 new and existing buildings that went through commissioning. Problem solving [5.3MB]

Adaptationn Beats Apocalypse

A hotter climate will force changes on NYC. What's on the Adaptation Task Force agenda? Wade in

No Grid, No Go

No 21st century, climate friendly energy policy is possible without overhauling the nuts and bolts of the nation's electric power grid. Plug in

Meteorologists At Work

A proposal to provide 'climate services', information for planning responses to climate change at the regional and local scales, was spelled out at a gathering of meteorologists. Learn more

September 09, 2009

Count On It

The value of avoiding the costs of climate change far exceeds the price of carrying out Waxman-Markey requirements according to an NYU Law School report. Fine print

Wht Kind Of Green Is NATO

NATO's new-found environmental interest raises eyebrows. Look into it

September 08, 2009

Van's Her Man

Huffington shouts out for Van Jones. Take that Glenn!

Greenworks Philadelphia

New York's not the only city with a plan. Dig in [10.3MB]

Make An IMPACT

IMPACT, passed as part of the Climate bill in the House, grows new green jobs and supports current jobs too. Consider the numbers nationwide and for NY. Work it out

September 03, 2009

Banking On Cities

Cities from around the globe gathered at a World Bank Roundtable to talk shop and lessons learned about urban energy policy. It adds up

EAT It

Cities can lead the way on climate change with comprehensive energy consumption taxes and fees. (EAT=Environment Added Tax, my acronym). Dig in

September 02, 2009

Moving Clean Power

A Duke University report looks at obstacles to growth of an electric transmission system that supports renewable energy, not expanded fossil-fuel use. Fine print

September 01, 2009

Choose A Plan That's Best For You

In a climate and fossil-fuel constrained world, countries must adopt energy plans that fit their physical, demographic and life-style facts, but they must start now. Opt in

August 31, 2009

I Like Bikes

Hate cars? Get a bike and ride safely. Get in gear

What Wind Needs

Is new storage technology or expanded transmission ability what's needed to make wind power a US major power player? Plug in

August 28, 2009

Wanted: Adult Supervision

Kolbert's book review wonders what the author achieves by living without a refrigerator, and other self-imposed eco-rigors, for a year. You will too

August 27, 2009

Leave It Underground

A economist asserts the best way to combat climate change is to stop mining for fossil fuel. Look into it

Can Information Change The Climate?

If Congress passes a climate bill this year, it might set low goals. But stronger 'scientific look back' language and a regularly updated global climate index could be the key to higher ambitions. Read on

August 26, 2009

Get In Gearboxes!

A growing domestic clean power industry will thrive with domestic production of components like gear boxes and workers with the skills to make them. Work it out

August 25, 2009

Through A Green Lens Darkly

Forget a rosy future. A greener world is unlikely to be a safer world. Here's the argument

Educating Consumers

Check out this European county-by-country rating of top energy efficient appliances. Learn more US ratings in development. And more

Southern Efficiency

Researchers report that the south, a region of growing population, can cut its energy use 9% by 2020 with available cost-effective measures. Here's how

August 24, 2009

Fight The Federal Deficit, Save The Planet

An economist makes this claim: A climate bill based cap-and-dividend would not add to the federal deficit but it would pay for energy efficiency. Think hard

A Back To School List

Check out this top-ten list of university environmental studies programs. Learn more

When Cool Isn't Cool

Environmental sleuth Eric Goldstein investigates stores with open doors that let the air-conditioning escape. Cool!

August 21, 2009

He'll Take Manhattan

Urbanist Tim Halbur fights sprawl, likes Manhattan and has a wait-and-see take on what Obama will do for cities. Go metro

Tangles In Net Metering

Join the fray over whether utilities should charge customers who feed energy into the power grid. WSJ article & Reader comments

August 20, 2009

Probing The China Paradox

How can China be both a global leader on renewable energy and the world's greatest air polluter? Look into it

August 17, 2009

New, Improved, Really!

Higher efficiency standards for appliances and equipment are reliable tools for saving energy and cash. More, more

August 14, 2009

Discounting Uncertainty

An IPCC member argues that combating climate change costs too much. What's the problem

August 13, 2009

Mirror Mirror On The Grid

A new 24,000 mirror array generates 5 megawatts of electricity in southern California. More on the way. Holy heliostats!

Memo to President

Find out what John Holdren, President Obama's chief science adviser is advising. On message

August 12, 2009

PSC: Energy Program Changes

The Public Service Commission revamps New York's energy efficiency program for apartment buildings. Legalese

Learning From Others

The EU-ETS offers lessons for the US on setting up a carbon trading market. Take note

The Energy Numbers

Love crunchy numbers? Here's the EIA's latest report on energy use now and in the near future. 10, 9, 8

August 11, 2009

Green Money Map

Get this graphic of where $5.5 billion in federal funds for greener government buildings will go. Interact!

August 10, 2009

Movement Yes. Conspiracy No

Responding to right-wing attacks, the Apollo Alliance lays out the argument for green-collar job legislation. Read on

All Or Nothing

An economist's argument for a climate bill that rests on a carbon tax or no bill at all. Here goes

Dogs Of A Different Color

NRDC hears Senate 'brown dogs' barking, but doesn't see them biting climate legislation. Learn more

August 06, 2009

LEED: An Assessment of Potential

While LEED green design standards have become popular, critics charge that the actual energy performance of certified buildings is, at best, unknown. Part 1& Part 2

Experiment On Us

Global warming will lead to the disappearance of some species and the rise of others. Stick around

August 04, 2009

The Solar Blogger

Follow an Everyman's adventures with roof-top solar panels. And then

August 03, 2009

Do You Believe In Magic?

Roger Pielke dismisses most advocates of climate change action as victims of magic thinking, calling himself the realist. Into the fray!

More Troubles Bubble Up

Methane, a potent GHG, is appearing in Pennsylvania drinking water near the source of 'fracking' for natural gas. Drill down

The Energy Efficiency Key

A McKinsey report finds that the US can save $1.2 trillion by 2020 through investing $520 billion in energy efficiency starting now. Look into it [6.37MB]

July 24, 2009

Travel Tips

Got vacation time? Why not visit top-rated high performance building destinations! Click and go

What's A Microgrid?

Not on-grid, not off-grid, but microgrid could be this century's energy breakthrough. Connect

July 23, 2009

Building Support For Climate Bill

Buried in the bulk of the Waxman Markey climate bill is a section on a climate friendly federal building code. Learn more

July 22, 2009

A Concept For Copenhagen

Still searching for new international climate agreement? This proposal tackles the problems of binding international participation and leakage. Read on

White Is The New Green

Read the comments posted on a Dot Earth column about experiences with white roofs and saving energy. Join in

July 21, 2009

What's Under The Asphalt?

Brook Park and its Mill River in the Bronx could see the rebirth of what was there before the asphalt. Find out

Captured & Competetive

Harvard researchers put a price on new and mature CCS technologies for coal-fired power plants. Start counting

July 20, 2009

Footprint In Mouth

Every wonder about the carbon footprint for getting bananas and coffee on your breakfast table? Find out

July 16, 2009

A Hellish Climate

Every wonder what a warmer Hell might be like? Come on down

No Sun, No WInd, No Problem!

The traditional problem facing alternate power from sun and wind was intermittence. New battery technologies and micro-grids related may lick it. Learn more

July 15, 2009

Lease It Green

What everyone needs to know about green leasing and solving the split incentive problem. Legal eagling

July 13, 2009

Climate Scientists At Work

For scientists, climate change data makes sense on a decade scale. A pause in global warming is not a sign of global cooling. Fine print

July 09, 2009

Memo To Copenhagen

A new global climate agreement should use a carbon cap equivalent to define a country's entire emissions portfolio and measure its emissions reductions. Look into it

Global Oil Production & Projections

Does the latest EIA data on current and projected oil see a peak? Get the graphs

What NOAA Needs To Know

With a marine biologist heading NOAA, what tops her top science research list? Read the interview

July 08, 2009

Be Prepared

The Big Apple studies what it could be like to become the Baked Apple. Start adapting [1.7MB]

July 07, 2009

Passive On The Cutting Edge

Passive houses are the ultimate in ultra-energy efficiency. Get active

Wind & Taxes

Historically, wind power investment was tightly linked to federal tax policy. What's happening now?

It's Debatable

Follow the debate, the vote and the responses on the motion "This house believes that sustainable development is unsustainable". Join in

Income Distribution Is The Key

Researchers propose that income distribution targeting "high emitting" individuals instead of national wealth should be the global strategy for combating climate change. "Many of the lowest-cost opportunities for CO2 emission reduction over the next few decades in all countries, especially in the developing countries, will be found in the middle of the emission distribution, associated with billions of people of modest means. Many of them will be moving into cities for the first time and, in a CO2-responsive economy, would be housed in well-built apartment buildings equipped with efficient appliances and served by efficient mass transit systems." Fine print

July 03, 2009

Trap That Carbon

Scientists work on devising porous solids to trap CO2 emissions. Rockin!

Neutralizing Acid Oceans

A US effort to regulate ocean acidification linked to climate change could be on the way. Dive in

Useful Knowledge For Greener Cities

Enter the EPA's green building portal and discover a wealth of useful on-line information. Just click

July 02, 2009

Germans Lose Their Green Groove

GHG emissions in Germany are rising and its alternative power sector is falling behind. Learn more

Science At Work

Roger Pielke's attacks on current climate science rebutted. Join in

Can't Blame The Cosmic Rays

Recent astronomical research does not support the hypothesis that fluctuating levels of cosmic rays hitting the Earth causes climate change. Fine print

July 01, 2009

2009: More Inconvenient Truth

The recent government report on climate change impacts in the US makes for scary reading. In NYC, the once-in-100 year coastal flood could occur every decade Summary here

New LEED Needs

USGBC advances high performance measurement and verification with new energy and water consumption data reporting requirements for LEED certification. How validating!

June 30, 2009

Look Back & Look Ahead

What are the pluses and minuses of the ACES bill approved by the House and what are the big issues for a Senate climate bill? One view

June 29, 2009

Thumbs Up For ACES

For Joe Romm, Congressional passage of the American Clean Energy and Security bill is a stunning political achievement. Here's why

June 24, 2009

Make It Cheaper, Stupid!

The bad boys of the environmental movement pooh-pooh cap and trade and carbon taxes. Their solution to climate change is big bucks for clean tech. Nordhaus & Shellenberger

What Will It Cost You?

Compare and contrast the EPA and CBO estimates for the cost of the Waxman climate bill if it becomes law. Makes sense

Gold-Plated Power

A new study totes up the costs of new nuclear power plants and concludes that they are no clean-energy bargain. Fine print

June 23, 2009

Waste Not

IBM research may lead to warming your workplace with waste heat from your PC. Cool

June 22, 2009

Clarifying Copenhagen

The June Copenhagen climate report raises the warning level but that doesn't mean all is lost. See here

June 19, 2009

Eco-Math

New studies support the equation that climate protection + clean energy = economic growth + good green collar jobs. Links here

June 18, 2009

A Sign Of The Times

Take a stroll near Madison Square Garden to catch a real-time LED sign that displays how much GHG is in the atmosphere. But will measurement lead to political management of climate change? Stay tuned

A Great Debate

Since it ain't over til it's over, this debate over the Waxman Markey climate bill is essential reading. Start here

June 17, 2009

It's Not A Giveaway!

Grist revisits the Waxman-Markey bill and says it's not a free handout of carbon emissions permits after all. Follow the money

Who's Chu?

Rolling Stone profiles Obama's Nobel Prize-winning Energy Secretary, Steven Chu. Plug in

June 12, 2009

The Science & The News

Delve into the science behind the headline about slowing wind speeds over the US and the implications for wind power. Take data!

June 10, 2009

Carbon Cuts Create Economic Growth

California researchers find energy efficiency and renewables power both job growth and economy-wide payoffs. Get the link and while you're here Get another

Trading Carbon: Permits & Deriviatives

Under a US carbon cap and trade scheme, design and regulation of financial markets for emissions permits and derivatives are necessary for success. Duke's carbon primer

June 09, 2009

The Climate In Congress

Will Congress pass climate legislation this year? Get Grist's prediction

Picture Perfect

Here's what renewable energy looks like. The slide show

Oil Shock & Economic Crisis

Brookings Institute research argues that record oil prices in 2007 contributed to the economic melt-down of 2008. Fine print

June 08, 2009

Chu's Choice

Energy Secretary Chu's chosen path on climate and energy would be paved with game-changing technologies. Your choice?

June 04, 2009

Eco-Blogs

Scroll through this digest of observations and ideas ranging from glacier science, to GM, to nuclear and solar power. Fine print!

June 02, 2009

Working It!

Green Cities assembles the ingredients for growing high performance cities with good green collar jobs and energy efficient buildings. Fine print

June 01, 2009

Next Up, The Senate

Senate Democrats are gearing up for a climate change bill that tracks the Waxman-Markey bill in the House. Stay tuned

The Fifth Facade

Diana Balmori leads the way on green roofs in NYC and around the world. Heads up

May 29, 2009

Waxman-Markey Uncapped?

Provisions in Waxman-Markey that allow for the sale of extra emissions permits as a market 'safety valve' could negate the imposition of a carbon cap. Fine print

May 28, 2009

Making It Murky

The Economist predicts any cap and trade program that gets through Congress will be murky, complex and less effective than a carbon tax. And that's not all

Adapting To Adaptation

Experts are talking about how nations and populations can adapt to climate change, but what's being done? Find out

May 26, 2009

Frack That

Congress might require disclosure of the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, 'fracking', to drill for natural gas near water supplies. Learn more

May 22, 2009

Why Waxman's The Way

The ever climate-vigilant Joe Romm supports the Waxman-Markey bill. Here's why

May 21, 2009

How Accomodating

An energy economist looks at the Waxman bill and doesn't like what he sees. Check it out

May 20, 2009

Urban Arithmetic

Simple math shows that big cities are greener than small ones, but also that elephants are more resource efficient than mice. Go figure

It Might Be Worse

MIT research predicts a much hotter world by 2100 without changes in global climate action. Much hotter!

May 19, 2009

Waxman Bill Fails The Test

The acid test of good climate policy is supporting new energy technologies rather than making the cost of old energy higher. Nordhaus & Shellenberger

Get Efficient

The NYLCV posts a primer on energy efficiency and how to get it in the Empire State. Start here

May 15, 2009

DOE's Nuclear Short List

DOE considers four new nuclear reactor projects for billions in federal loan guarantees. Who's listed?

May 14, 2009

Fat Nation

Why are cars sold in the US so much heavier (and less energy efficient) than cars sold elsewhere? Get the skinny

May 13, 2009

Unadaptable

The World Bank reports the potential havoc of climate-related sea level rise and storm surges will be much greater in some developing regions than others. Ready?

Media & Climate Change

With the prospect for federal action on climate change, how the media covers the issue become critically important. Drill down

May 11, 2009

Managing Future Energy Risks

McKinsey reports that risks posed by volatile energy prices can be manged by adopting cost-effective energy efficiencies. Fine print

Gainesvilles' Solar Gains

Gainesville Florida is a solar boomtown, bucking dimmer PV prospects elsewhere. Find out why

What's Up Down Under

Existing Australian office buildings are improving energy efficiency, safeguarding against rising costs and attracting new tenants. Good on ya

April 24, 2009

The Red-Hot Green Jobs Debate

One front in the climate wars is what it will cost business, another is whether climate policy will produce a wave of new work. Here's a sample of the red-hot green jobs battle. Yes! No!

April 23, 2009

Why Wind's A Winner

Energy maven Charles Komanoff marshals his facts for wind power. Gale force!

April 22, 2009

Green Collar NYC

Here's what green collars jobs in NYC look like right now. Work on it

Carbon Tax v Cap & Trade: The Next Round

A carbon tax supporter compares the Larson (tax) and Waxman-Markey (cap and trade) federal climate change bills. Take notes!

SEQRA & Climate Change

A Municipal Art Society report finds that New York's current environmental review law is up to the job of evaluating climate impacts of proposed actions. Fine print

April 20, 2009

Climate Heat v Political Heat

Democrats in Washington are split over climate change legislation. Is there a way to unite? Consider this

April 17, 2009

Green Jobs 101

What are green jobs and what will help them grow? The Pew Center has some ideas. Charts & links

April 16, 2009

Behave Yourself, Save The Planet

Peer pressure can be a powerful agent for meeting climate change goals says behavioral economist. Tweak it!

April 15, 2009

Solar Industry: City v City

A good-news bad-news story on the domestic solar power industry. Read all about it

April 14, 2009

CCS, Yes?

Carbon capture and storage is an emerging technology for the coal-fired power industry. It's controversial and it's complicated. Look into this array of Scientific American resources.

April 13, 2009

Feed-In Tariffs 101

Feed-in tariffs aim to grow the renewable energy supply. It's an idea with fans and foes. E&E News [Subscribers]

Gaming The Tax Code

Follow the twisted tale of how a federal tax credit for reducing fossil fuel use was used by the paper making industry. Get pulped

April Is The New May

In Early Spring, ecologist Amy Seidl provides a fact-filled portrait of climate changes in the world around us. Consider lilacs

April 09, 2009

Easy To Be Green

The key to energy efficiency in one Victorian house was adjusting the pressurtrol. The what?

April 07, 2009

Nudging

For Obama advisor and law professor Cass Sunstein, a nudge is a small shove that leads to big changes. Behave better

Promises, Promises

The promise to create gleaming new eco-cities in China is going nowhere. What happened?

April 06, 2009

Zeroing In

A Massachusetts study points the way to new and renovated zero net energy buildings. Fine print [5.8MB]

The Green Rose

Jonathan Rose, a real estate developer with green goals, does well by doing good. Profile here

April 03, 2009

Another Look at Waxman Markey Bill

Did you know that EPA would be responsible for enforcing transportation provisions of the Waxman Markey climate bill or that greenhouse gases would not be regulated by the NSR program? Dig more

Markey: Republicans Flunk The Truth Test

Congressional climate bill co-sponsor Markey gives Republicans an "F" on the accuracy of why they oppose his legislation. Dig in

April 02, 2009

How To Rate Great?

If great social policy is 'remedial, serial and exploratory', how does the Waxman-Markey climate change bill rate? Read on

Google's Renewables Map

Google and greens team up on a map of sites in the US west for renewable energy generation and transmission. Keep clicking

March 31, 2009

Climate Roulette

MIT posts a game of climate roulette to grasp the idea that risk management is the way to approach the climate challenge. Take a spin

March 30, 2009

Follow the $3.2 Billion

The federal stimulus statute created a $3.2 billion Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. Cities and counties could be big winners, with $1.9 billion in the offing. Lots of links

March 28, 2009

Tipping Pointers

While use of the tipping point notion in climate science is open to debate, Revkin's latest DotEarth column is loaded with useful links. Point & click

March 27, 2009

$10 Billion For Energy Efficiency

A bill now in Congress would provide $10 billion over four years to fund energy efficiency alterations in existing homes and commercial buildings. Legal-eyes!

Scalable Solutions: Green & Global

Even bigger than calls for green collar jobs, global green reindustrialization could offer scalable solutions to climate, energy and economic needs. Fine print

March 26, 2009

Romm v Owens

Joe Romm calls 'Climate vs Economy' by David Owen in the current New Yorker 'irresponsible' and 'disinformation'. What's riling Romm?

March 25, 2009

Fact Checking

Just who are the folks that signed a Cato Institute climate-denier ad? Meta-analysis

March 24, 2009

Is Either/Or The Right Question?

Delve into an analysis of the latest Gallup poll which asked whether protecting the environment or economic growth was more important. Just asking

Watch This

Breathing Earth is a moving image of where we're headed. Click

March 20, 2009

What Do Amerians Want?

Unlike a recent Gallup poll, a Yale/George Mason University survey finds strong citizen support for fighting climate change. Learn more [3.4MB]

March 19, 2009

Global Green Stars

Although just 2% of commercial buildings and .3% of hew homes are rated green in a recent report, photos and facts about seven of the world's high performers still thrill. Start here

What's Phenology?

Phenology is the relationship between physical conditions and the timing of ecological event; it's where the impact of climate change shows up in the biosphere. It gets weird

March 17, 2009

Home Green Home: Romm v Revkin

Looking for handy tips on greening your home? First read the debate. Right or wrong

Does the Cost of PV Add Up?

A PV user spells out the costs and policies behind the price of power from the sun. Learn more

Payroll Taxes & Climate Change

What's the argument for cutting payroll taxes and (BTW) creating a carbon tax? Read on

March 16, 2009

Mike's Stimulus Tracker

NYC's got a website for tracking federal stimulus dollars for infrastructure, energy efficiency & more. Follow the $$

Mazria Testifies

Architecture 2030's Ed Mazria responds to Senators' questions about making buildings energy efficient. Here here

March 13, 2009

What, We Worry?

A new Gallup poll tallies Americans' environmental anxieties. "Not only does global warming rank last...it is the only issue for which public concern dropped significantly in the past year." Going, going

The Green Facade

Green urbanism is just a facade charges this erudite critic. Get deep

March 12, 2009

Legal Eagles Turn To Green

Lawyers examine the legal risks of building green and how to avoid problems. Set the bar

Kolbet's Climate

Environmental journalist Elizabeth Kolbert weighs in on the media, politics and climate scientists. It's dynamic

March 11, 2009

How To Get There From Here

A new report argues that by expanding use of available alternative energy and energy efficiency , the US can shrink its carbon emissions 23% by 2020 and 85% by 2050. Start here [1.4MB]

Van's The Man

Grist interviews Van Jones, the new White House good green jobs go-to guy. Look ahead

March 10, 2009

DOE's Rising Energy Star

Energy Secretary Chu targets efficiency as the best way to cut energy use today and move toward a sustainable future. E&E PM [Subscribers only]

March 09, 2009

Moving Carbon Around

Pipelines to transport captured CO2 to deep underground storage are not currently available in the US but the technology exists. Learn more

What's A Sector Solution?

Track this typology of three sectoral approaches to a post-Kyoto climate agreement. Fine print

March 06, 2009

Up, Up, Up

The EPA's annual greenhouse gas inventory finds emissions rising 1.4% from 2006 to 2007, for an overall increase of 17.1% since 1990. Cold winters and warm summers blamed. Data here

March 04, 2009

Manufacturing Climate Solutions

A new report commissioned by the AFL-CIO and the EDF highlights how to reuse industrial waste heat and cut 400 million metric tons of CO2. Blue & green

Nearly Neutral

Yale University misses its goal of building a carbon neutral structure but see how far Kroons Hall goes! Study up

March 03, 2009

Drill Baby, Drill

Drill for geothermal power as research finds it could be cheaper than coal power. (Psst - energy efficiency is cheaper still.) Hot stuff

Them's Fightin' Words

Ed Mazria, green building advocate, takes on the business-as-usual establishment. Gloves off!

February 27, 2009

VP Confabs On Green Jobs

Guess who's coming to the first meeting of Joe Biden's Middle Class Task Force with its green jobs focus. A list

February 26, 2009

Beware The Climate Cynic

Climate cynic John Tierney meets his match, a Cornell U. undergrad. Kapow!

February 25, 2009

What To Do With RGGI $$?

New York issues a draft plan for investing $525 million in RGGI auction proceeds. For public comment

February 23, 2009

It's Rebateable!

Can a US climate policy be consumer friendly? Could be

February 20, 2009

Make A Connection

How do scientists link global climate change with local environmental changes? Click in

Cap & Trade v Tax - Again

For those who can't get enough of this debate, here's the latest NRDC position. Fine print

The New Carbon Debate

Should the EPA regulate CO2 emissions now or wait for new federal legislation? Think

February 19, 2009

MisLEEDING

Green buildings are so popular that some projects are claiming LEED status without actually being certified. Caveat emptor

Green Transmission

New FERC chairman Jim Wellinghoff sees renewables, demand side management and distributed power ahead for the nation's electricity grid. That's powerful

Blueprint For A Greener NY

The NY League of Conservation Votes has a plan for a more sustainable state. Start here

Coal-Fired Civil Disobedience

Why is Bill McKibben willing to face arrest to stop America's coal addiction? Powershift here

February 13, 2009

National Grid v Eminent Domain

Building a 21st Century national electric grid could be harder than building the 20th century's interstate highway system. Go BANANAs

It's Melting. So What?

A glacier and ice sheet expert delves into the specific impact of Antarctic melting and rising global sea levels. Hot stuff

February 11, 2009

Do You Wanna Dance?

Who's up and who's down on passing a US climate bill and what that's got to do with public opinion? Start here

The House Climate On Climate

See this February portrait of House member sentiments on passing a climate change law. Come closer

February 10, 2009

Not So Smart Grid

A skeptical take on the smart national grid idea from an environmental perspective. Plug in

Revkin's Nightmare

Andy loses sleep over a world where limitless solar energy could fuel limitless appetites on a finite planet. How about you?

February 05, 2009

Fish Getting Lost

Scientists find evidence that acidifying sea water resulting from elevated atmospheric CO2 levels can impair fish navigational abilities. FInd out more

February 04, 2009

Far-Sighted Or Near-Sighted?

How the President's clean energy goals look depends on where you look from. Start here

Obama To OMB: Change

President Obama launches a make-over of the Office of Management and Budget. Scientists are optimistic. Fine print matters

February 03, 2009

Stimuli: Compare & Contrast

Get a graphic comparison of House and Senate stimulus funding for energy efficiency and alternative energy. Surprised?

January 29, 2009

Needs Improvement

US DOE starts a rule making for greener light bulb standards that would save 9.6 quads of electricity, but it could do better. Attention EEs!

No More Excuses

The soaring GHG emissions rates of countries like Indonesia, Israel and South Korea means it's time for them to sign on to the next global warming treaty. Learn more

California Data

Green job growth, investment and energy productivity are booming in California, but numbers are small compared to the newest economic data. Media here Report here [8.9 MB]

January 28, 2009

Down The Drain

The consequences of failing to slash GHG emissions are poorly understood by the public. Just stabilizing emissions is no solution. Serious stuff

Shovel Along

The shovel-ready stimulus mantra is shortchanging mass-transit and research on clean energy development and deployment. Get it right

The Media Climate

Get the back story on reception of the media's attention to findings about Antarctic warming. Hear here

January 26, 2009

ITC? PTC?

Get the latest thinking on what the tax code can do for the halting alternative energy sector. QED

Lighten That Plugload!

McKinsey studies data centers and serves up ways to cut both costs and carbon footprints. Centralized responsibility and a single efficiency metric are key. Good advice

January 22, 2009

From The IRS

Learn about Clean Renewable Energy Bonds from this IRS circular. (To readers: Is the CREB program operational now?) Tax man

Kyoto Spurs New Technology

Based on analysis of new patents, researchers find that the Kyoto Protocol has spurred 13 types of new climate abatement technologies, with the US and Australia lagging. Fine print

Sacrifice Is No Solution

The Sierra Club sees market reforms and public investment of carbon auction proceeds, not sacrifice and austerity, as the straightest path a a climate friendly planet. See here

Cap & Trade It!

The debate ranges on over cap & trade or tax as the key to saving the climate Get a summary of NRDC's position. Read up

What's The Green State of Your State?

Check out this list of California cities with high performance building laws. Rate your state

January 20, 2009

Climate Economics For You & Me

This book review about climate economics for non-economists has a lot to say, not all of it positive. Go figure

January 16, 2009

Romm Rips The CAP

Joe Romm tears into the USCAP's proposed climate bill and he's merciless on the lessons learned from the EU's Clean Development Mechanism experience. Stomp & shred

January 15, 2009

Who's On First?

EU infighting and domestic politics could open the way for Obama to be the game-changer on global warming. Up next

New York's Ticket To Ride

The MTA's in transit to 21st Century transit sustainability. Synopsis here

January 12, 2009

Solar Economics

Learn who's investing in solar power and who's buying into it. Adds up

The ABC's of Green Home-Electronics

A friendly reminder that what you do at home can change the world. Start here

The Office Carbon Footprint

Australia is working to shrink the carbon footprint of commercial buildings and their tenants. Here's how

January 10, 2009

And Then There Were None

Central Brooklyn could become a "net-zero" source of CO2 emissions. Down please

January 09, 2009

Tell Me Why

Why is gathering information on green building performance hard and what can be done to make it easier? Find out

January 07, 2009

Own A Building? Plan Ahead

Now is the time for building owners to consider what CO2 regulations will mean for their portfolios. Start here

January 06, 2009

Watch Out For Water Vapor

Second installment of our 2009 climate science tutorial. Get acquainted with new concepts and refinements of old ones. Read on

Paramterisation And More

First day of our 2009 climate science tutorial. Get acquainted with new concepts and refinements of old ones. Fine print

January 05, 2009

When Brighter Is Dimmer

New thinking about how to light your way at night. See here

Words Matter

Reporters on the climate beat must understand their subject and write accurately about it. Get it right

January 02, 2009

Get Mapped

Explore the planet by way of a green, social mapping platform. Start traveling

Plan Ahead Again

A 2002 road map for a national sustainable development strategy is more relevant than ever in 2009. Onramp here

December 30, 2008

Needed: A 21st Century Energy Sector

The failed climate, financial and reliability legacy of the 20th Century's fractured electricity sector must be overhauled to meet 21st Century demands. Listen here [MP3]

December 29, 2008

Indexing Innovation

Now's the time to track economic and environmental progress on combating climate chaos. California can [1.5MB]

It's Counterintuitive!

Economic analysis reveals that 'energy efficiency gets cheaper the more you spend on it.' Think again

December 23, 2008

Get RETI

In California, RETI's goal is to supply answers about how to upgrade the power grid to serve renewable energy suppliers. Fine print [4.5 MB]

December 22, 2008

EJ On The Way

The Obama administration seems poised to deliver on the promise of environmental justice. Stay tuned

Will The Atom Make A Comeback?

Peer into the future of nuclear power development in the US. Come on

December 19, 2008

An Infrastructure Agenda For Obama

Catch up with best bets for reviving the economy by greening the infrastructure. Start here

December 18, 2008

A Green Building Agenda Fo Obama

Eco-architect offers a program of green residential mortgage write-downs and accelerated depreciation allowances for commercial buildings to combat climate change and pay for it with taxes linked to a booming jobs market. Keep reading

A Green Agenda For Obama

Eco-advocates and analysts agree that a massive move to renewable energy should top Obama's climate and economic recovery to-do list. Learn more

December 16, 2008

If Green Tech's The Answer

For some, government policy that favors investment in green technology R&D is the best strategy for combating climate change. Here's a chance to learn more about it. Lots of links

Either/Or Or Other?

Andy Revkin gets a blizzard of replies to his questions about the right paths toward climate and energy solutions. Read them, add your own

December 15, 2008

Measured Goverment

Chances for an economic recovery will grow if the new Administration devises and then uses a green project scorecard. Get the facts

December 12, 2008

California Changin'

Scope out what's behind the headlines on California's new climate action plan. Think large [2 MB]

December 10, 2008

Don't Discount It

The climate policy debate could be resolved by economics and how to calculate the discount rate. Start here

Defined Benefits

In 2007, "renewable" energy got $4.9 billion, the lion's share of federal energy subsidies. Of that sum, $3 billion went to the ethanol industry. What's in a name?

H2O's Critical Infrastructure

Supplying clean drinking water and treating sewage are essential to the nation. It's important to make sustainable infrastructure investments and to keep climate impacts in view. Liquid assets

Yes They Can

An NRDC report on the auto industry finds that GM and Ford vehicles could meet California GHG emissions standards nationwide by 2012. That's efficient!

December 09, 2008

Super-Smart Grid

Catch up with the latest thinking about smart electric grids and the role of high temperature superconductivity. Fine print

December 04, 2008

Stop Fiddling

The EIA reports that US GHG emissions increased another 1.4% in 2007. GHG intensiveness declined 0.6%, the smalled decrease since 2002. Learn more

Salt Water Power

Catch up with the latest developments in making electricity from never-intermittent tide and wave power. Dive in

December 02, 2008

Spend, Not Tax, Is The Answer

Nordhouse & Shellenberger launch their latest attack on their version of conventional climate change thinking and prescribe deficit spending as the solution. Either/or?

December 01, 2008

Connect The Dots

Transportation revolutions are embedded in larger infrastructure revolutions. Track the implications. Start here

November 28, 2008

Concentrate On The Sun

This could be the dawn of solar thermal power. That's bright

Pass A Climate Law Now

"A recession isn't a bad time to get started on climate legislation." True or false?

November 26, 2008

GHG Records Shattered

The WMO reports that atmospheric levels of CO2, methane and nitrous oxide reached all time highs in 2007. Break down here

NYC Transported

NYC's innovative Transportation Commissioner hasn't been stopped by the congestion pricing fiasco. Green light

Keys To An Urban Agenda

A recent conference, "Imagining Cities: Urban Design After the Age of Oil" spotlighted sustainable transportation, infrastructure and money as keys to greener cities. Open here

November 25, 2008

Crisis, Climate And The Media

The media looks at itself in this moment of political transition and economic crisis to see what's happening to coverage of the climate crisis. Don't despair

LEED-ND & Preservation

Draft LEED standards for neighborhood development (ND) are available for public comment. Here's a preservationist perspective. Learn more

November 24, 2008

On The Grapevine

Obama's transition team may be reading this climate blueprint that makes do without a new climate law. Check it out

Light Up

Beyond CFL's - bright ideas for energy efficient lighting. Seek illumination

Cap & Trade v Tax: Graduate Level

The debate rages over whether cap & trade or taxation is the best way to cut carbon emissions. Take notes

November 21, 2008

Do Green Buildings Do It?

Find out if LEED-rated commercial buildings deliver on their promises. Start here

Store CO2 In Brine

Engineers find potential for efficiently capturing CO2 emissions in salty water. Learn more

November 20, 2008

Delay is No Longer An Option

How to repower America and fix the economy. It's not either/or

Less Carbon, More Jobs

Analysis of five low-carbon technologies by Duke University researchers sees major economic growth potential. Read it

November 19, 2008

Those "C&S" Words

Analysts argue that carbon capture and sequestration are within our technical reach. The key will be in what kind of climate policy is adopted.Look into it

November 18, 2008

Taking The Temperature

Get a glimpse of how climate scientists practice their calling. Fine print

Taxing Thoughts

Ever wonder about the best way to finance renewable energy projects? Start here

Going For Green Infrastructure

Private investment researchers call for a green national infrastructure bank as a smart strategy for hard times. Spend time here

November 17, 2008

Not A Pretty Picture

For the first time, Energy Star rates tvs' energy use when the sets are on. Guess what? Even the best flat-screen tvs are energy hogs. Plug in

No New Coal Now

EPA halts construction of new coal-fired power plants for now. Read the fine print [1.5MB]

Look (Far) Ahead

Based on Joe Romm's review, it looks like the Dingell-Boucher climate bill gets traction in 2026. ASAP?

November 13, 2008

It's Not The Sun

New research find that sunlight is responsible for just 10% of the Earth's recent warming. Learn more

November 11, 2008

Weighing Our Energy Options

Read Michael Klare's thoughtful piece on the tough choices facing the new president - and all of us. It's not either/or

Learn From Labels

How do carbon labels on supermarket products influence UK consumer choices? Check it out

November 10, 2008

Travel Plans

Arctic warming has revived age-old dreams of sailing through the Northwest Passage. Learn what scientists are saying. Brrrr

November 07, 2008

Calling For Energy Innovation

Heard on the grapevine - Obama's staff is reading this report. Yes, you can too [4.3MB]

Start At The Top

Global warming impacts in the Arctic mean rethinking the fundamentals of national security policies. Start here

November 06, 2008

On Obama's Short List?

There's buzz that Robert Sussman is on Obama's short list for EPA chief. In 2007, Sussman testified before Congress about coal and carbon sequestration. Learn more

Get Smart

What's the difference between the dumb electric grid we've got now and the smart grid we could have? Find out here

November 05, 2008

What Should Obama Do?

Climate activist Bill McKibben offers a domestic and global agenda for the Obama administration. Take notes Other views in the news. Here

'Feed-In Tariffs' Trashed

This UK critic holds a dim view of 'feed-in tariffs' as a tool in the renewable energy kit. Small isn't beautiful

November 03, 2008

Stock Up?

Although it's tough on Wall Street now, experts look ahead to the potential role of 'securitization' to finance alternative alternative energy and infrastructure. Plug in [2.7 MB]

Greenroots For A New Green Deal

Here's a strong statement of where the US could be going and how to get there. Van Jones

October 31, 2008

Picking Winners

Effective energy policy requires governments to support specific sustainable technologies. Here's how

Methane Chimneys In The Arctic

Since 2003, methane, a potent GHG, has been bubbling up from the warming Arctic Ocean floor. Not good news

October 30, 2008

Too Cheap To Meter?

Or is nuclear power too expensive to matter?. Read the essay and don't skip the comments. Wham bam

The Day After Tomorrow

Fact or fiction? seven scenarios for a climate-changed future. Look ahead

Shrek and Climate Science

Shrek's a stretch, but it's good to be reminded how science works. Enjoy

October 29, 2008

McKibben On Friedman On Climate

Bill McKibben thinks Tom Friedman's new book about the climate crisis comes late to the scene and is too upbeat. Review the review

October 27, 2008

Want A Revolution?

Read the second edition of the Greenpeace/EREC outlook for renewable energy. Start here [9.5 MB]

October 24, 2008

Q: What's Hot & Cold?

A: A solar-powered refrigerator. Get smart

October 23, 2008

Deep Geothermal

Australians dig geothermal energy. You could too. Drill down

Great Expectations

By focusing on effects not causes, the environmental failure dooms itself to failure. Gus Speth argues that what we need now is a new popular political culture. Refocus

October 22, 2008

How Things Work

What is solar power and how does it work? Glad you asked

Not A Sure Thing

Game-changing deployment of carbon capture/sequestration technology will need a 'dramatic shift' in public policies and, without great strides on energy efficiency, won't be enough to stop climate change. Start here

October 21, 2008

Eco-Nomics For the 21st Century

Global warming and the global financial meltdown are two good reasons to reinvent the "gloomy science". It's not marginal

October 20, 2008

Rising Tide of Power

Dive into new developments in technologies to harness wave and tide power. Wave hello

October 17, 2008

Inspectors OK First RGGI Sale

The performance of RGGI's first carbon emissions allowances sale gets a thumbs up from the market monitors. Fine print

50 Ways To Combat Climate Change

Florida announces fifty ways to slash its GHG emissions while saving $28 billion and demand reduction is high on the list. Start here

Oceans' Acid Trip

CO2 is turning oceans acidic at an alarming rate. Ahoy

October 15, 2008

Climate Riddle Solved

Scientists solve tropical warming-gap mystery. Hot stuff

October 14, 2008

Get Energized

Looking for a citizens' guide to sustainable energy actions? Start here

October 09, 2008

Margaret Kriz - Pessimist

A seasoned environmental reporter places long odds on near-term passage of federal climate legislation. Here's why

Tom Friedman - Optimist

The world's getting hot, flat and crowded, but things could improve. Read this

The Atomic Solution Illusion

Amory Lovins lights into the promise of a revived nuclear power industry. Slug it out

October 08, 2008

Climate Science: A Refresher Course

The summary you need on current climate science. Here

Japanese Lessons For China

Popular protest and macroeconomic forces propelled Japan toward environmental clean up in the 1970's. Can similar forces solve China's GHG emissions problems today? Study it

October 07, 2008

Chinese Coal

MIT research finds that new Chinese power plants have up-to-date technology but suffer from operational and management deficits. Look into it [1.1.MB]

Cap & Trade Next Year?

Congressmen members and Dingell have a carbon cap and trade bill that aims to cut GHG emissions 80% by 2050. Summary here

October 06, 2008

EIA Energy Forecast: Up Only

The EIA projects a 50% rise in global energy demand by 2030, with an 85% increase from non-OECD states. Fine print [1.2 MB]

October 03, 2008

Cap & Invest Strategy Slammed

A carbon tax advocate takes off the gloves in reviewing NRDC's cap-and-invest-in-technology proposal. Wham, bam!

What Investors Like

An Ernst & Young study finds that clean tech investments soared by in 2008 but will that meet demand? Spend some time [6.7MB]

October 02, 2008

Cap and Trade Unjust?

A major California environmental justice alliance charges that the State's cap and trade GHG emissions reduction plan is unfair and recommends carbon fees instead to meet climate protection goals. Learn more

October 01, 2008

In Defense of Carbon Offsets

Often derided, carbon offsets can make sense. Here's how

September 26, 2008

Cutting Carbon Economically

A carbon price is the least-cost policy for cutting emissions and an R&D subsidy is the most-cost approach. Advance your economics

September 25, 2008

Green Cities Rising

Global cities incubate eco-projects. They leap forward, but aren't perfect. See what's new

Austria Nixes Nuke Power

Austria says no to nuclear power and yes to energy efficiency and renewables. Here's why [4.5 MB]

September 23, 2008

LEEDing Forward

As a sign of the times, the USGBC updates its LEED Strategic Plan for 2009-2013. Learn more

September 22, 2008

Times They Are A Changin'

Researchers assess the climate change business and risk potential of six key industrial sectors and estimate their potential business cash flows against future scenarios in which governments and consumers shift toward a low-carbon economy. Who's a winner? [4.1MB]

Who's The Greenest Of Them All?

Once again, Sustain Lane rates Portland Oregon the greenest city in the US, but this year, NYC breaks into the top five. Here's what the ratings mean

September 19, 2008

Chicago's Green Building Blueprint

Chicago's got a plan for making energy efficient buildings its new normal. Fine print [7.22MB]

September 18, 2008

Making Connections

Energy-ethanol-corn-agribusiness-politics. Look into it

Everything Changes

Need something else to worry about - try the science of abrupt climate change. Fine print

September 17, 2008

What Moves Markets?

A report by the American Physical Society finds that federal climate action is key to bringing existing and emerging low-carbon technologies to mass markets. Efficiency's the thing

What's The Discount Rate Got To Do With It?

Setting a discount rate in the economics of global warming economic policy is one hot topic! Here's the speed-dating version of the debate. Love it

September 12, 2008

Pricing Carbon: Deep Thoughts

A new study of carbon cap & trade predicts both differential impacts on emissions and significant revenues. Fine print

African Rainfall & Climate Change

Scientists see links between drought in central Africa to climate change by way of ocean warming. Connect here

September 11, 2008

Deep Green

Tom Friedman once wrote, "Green is the new red, white and blue". Now, listen to a conversation with Tom on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross about his new book and America's current color.

Tougher Tidal Turbines

Scots researchers are testing a new contra-rotating tidal turbine. Spin in

September 10, 2008

2008: How Cool

What to make of reports about plunging global temperatures? Think in patterns

September 09, 2008

Chew On This

Researchers find the climate impact of food choices is greatest for red-meat eaters not for those who eat food grown at a distance. Dig in

Numb To Drilling

The media got the facts wrong when reporting on offshore oil drilling and its impact on the price of gas. That's right

September 05, 2008

Will Your Feet Get Wet?

Here's a review of new scientific papers on sea level rise and global warming. Jump in

September 04, 2008

For Loss Of A Tax Credit...

Congress' failure to extend tax credits for renewable energy isn't getting much coverage now, but it should. Read more

September 02, 2008

New Mayor New Plan

London's new Mayor issues his urban climate adaptation plan. Fine print [2.8MB]

August 29, 2008

Russia's Climate Impact

Russia's energy interests could pose a bigger challenge to the next US administration's climate control policies than China. Here's why

August 28, 2008

Climate Wargames

Emerging climate impacts have major national security implications and wargames are a strategic planning tool. Explore this website

Too Picken' Big?

The stirring T.Boone Pickens energy plan may be unrealistically ambitious under current conditions writes energy scholar. Think about it

August 27, 2008

New Nukes - Risky Business

Does the economics of new nuclear power for the UK add up? Look into it

August 21, 2008

Wetter & Drier

Satellite data suggests that IPPC climate change models might lowball both future storm and drought severity. Dip in

August 20, 2008

NRC: Licensing The Future

A Nuclear Regulatory Commission report explores how to license the 'very high temperature gas-cooled reactor'. What's that?

August 19, 2008

LEED 2009

LEED is evolving. Get the summary.Start here

August 14, 2008

Benefit Of Carbon Seqestration In Doubt

Researchers claim the energy needed to sequester CO2 emissions from power plants could lead to more pollution problems than the process solves. Look into it

Once We Know It Could Be Too Late

Damage to the oceans' phytoplankton resulting from climate change is hard to see now, but once detectable it could be irreversible. Dive in

August 12, 2008

Twin Cities Blue-Green Mission

A report by the mayors of Minneapolis and Saint Paul sees growth opportunities in local green manufacturing. Good for jobs good for the environment. Twin-win

August 08, 2008

Getting More Diligent

Due diligence reviews, a staple of real estate transactions for polluted properties, could become a necessary tool for determining a property's carbon footprint. Here's why

Risks High, Act Now

A World Bank/UN report finds the societies and economies of East Asian cities face grave climate change impacts and must plan now to protect their populations. Project resilience [4.5MB]

August 06, 2008

Green & Affordable

Energy efficient, affordable housing is catching on around the country, but smart public policy is needed to make this trend the 'new normal'. Details here

Define That Collar

Despite the popularity of the phrase "green-collar jobs", not everyone is talking about the same thing. Says who?

August 05, 2008

Greening The Corporate Supply Chain

Research finds that even climate-aware companies have not adopted climate-smart purchasing practices that include upstream energy efficiencies. Link up

August 01, 2008

You Can't Ignore Today

Far-sighted energy policies won't succeed if they ignore people's immediate needs argues a TNR columnist. Click on the arrow below







July 31, 2008

It's Solar Time

Riding high on technical breakthroughs and dropping production costs, solar power is poised for the big time say industry analysts. Read up

July 29, 2008

But Can It Work Here?

A US utility industry report, based on a fact-finding tour of solar power in Germany, sees both potential and problems for growing a domestic program.
Look into it

July 24, 2008

True Then, True Now

In 2006, an academic study on jobs and the energy industry concluded, "Across a broad range of scenarios, the renewable energy sector generates more jobs than the fossil fuel-based energy sector per unit of energy delivered." Renewable jobs

New Math Unmasked

A climate skeptic's latest claims turn out to be based on odd arithmetic and odder assumptions. Fine print

What Should Dems Do About Gas Prices?

Polls find that the public wants government action now on high gas prices. Gore has a deploy-new-tech response, but where's Obama's? Stay tuned

July 18, 2008

Energy Attitude In California

Poll results find that high gas and fuel prices are leading Californians to drive less but staying committed to strict auto emissions standards. As well, they're taking a second look at nuclear power and LNG terminals. Data here

Smarter Money

Research finds that current funding mechanisms for climate projects in developing countries are not delivering on their promises. Change needed. Fine print

July 17, 2008

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Carbon capture and storage technologies for coal-fired power plants get a chilly reception here. Learn more

Efficiency In No Fantasy

Amory Lovins argues that the most effective energy path means adopting a wealth of available technologies. Start here

July 15, 2008

Burned By Bush

The EPA releases the analysis by government scientists of the human health and related impacts of climate change. Dig in [2.2MB]

July 14, 2008

Clearing The Air

Errors riddle recent media reports on aerosols and European climate change - and that's not all. Clarify that

July 11, 2008

Window Power

Window glass can become a source of solar power if it's coated with a special light-trapping dye. See here

Summer Reading

Summer's in full swing - time to catch up on the hottest climate-change books. Turn the page

July 08, 2008

NYC's Roadmap To 30x17

Mayor Bloomberg launches his plan to cut NYC government's carbon footprint 30% by 2017. Start now

July 07, 2008

The Short-Run & The Long

Ever wonder about the impact of short-term events like El Nino and long-run climate trends? Charts, graphs and links to monographs will give you answers. Fine print

July 03, 2008

The Ozone-Climate Connection

New research finds that higher atmospheric ozone levels in Antarctica could raise regional temperatures. Fine print here

Bring Back Science

Looking toward the next Administration in Washington, a call to restore scientific integrity in federal environmental work. Start here

July 01, 2008

Focus On Green Work

Here's a state-by-state portrait of jobs needed to grow the green economy and six related strategies to fight climate change. Picture that

June 30, 2008

A More Perfect Union

When Congress gets down to business on climate change, the experience of twenty-seven states could lead the way. Look ahead

June 27, 2008

Urban Developments

With California and Texas cities at the opposite ends of the sustainability spectrum, northeast cities like Boston fall midway, with more differences between the center city and the suburbs. What are the policy implications? ABC's here

June 26, 2008

Solar Power Economics

By 2020, a McKinsey study predicts that the price of solar power in several big markets will be close to the price of electricity from fossil fuels. Still, solar power will be just 3-6% of total generation capacity. See more

June 25, 2008

What To Do With Carbon Revenues

The Congressional Budget Office offers options for using projected revenues from the sale of carbon emissions permits, with an emphasis on household tax incentives to keep affordable housing affordable. Read up

June 24, 2008

Catch The Updraft

Here's a vision of a Solar City Air Filtre that would be a carbon negative power generator. See?

Coding Faster

Architecture 2030 devise an 'interim' energy efficiency guidance for use until local building codes can catch up. Get guided

June 20, 2008

Extreme Weather-It's Here

Scientists find that trends toward extreme weather conditions due to climate change change are already here. Ready?

Waterworld

Scientists find that since 1961 sea levels have risen 2 inches, 50% greater than estimated. Wade in [6.4MB]

June 19, 2008

Too Darn Hot!

Get immersed in the science of measuring oceanic temperatures. Plunge

June 18, 2008

NIMBY

Macro-scale climate modeling tools aren't designed to predict the weather in your backyard. Expand your mind

June 16, 2008

EJ Group Calls For Carbon Tax

The Climate Justice Leadership slams climate cap and trade schemes; endorses an equitable carbon tax. Tax advocate Komanoff comments.

June 13, 2008

Making Climate Policy In A Federal System

With one federal government and 50 states, forging climate change policies isn't simple. Pew reviews

June 12, 2008

The New Green Eyeshade

Traditional economic accounts like GDP don't account for the environment. How can these metrics be greened? Mother Nature counts

GAO Climate Policy Survey

A GAO survey finds that experts agree on the urgent need for a price on carbon emissions, but differ on how to set it. Dig in

Wedge Writer Weighs In

We wanted to stop the political stalling on climate change and the proposals for blue sky technology grants. Stephen Pacala

June 11, 2008

Cap It!

Denis Hayes takes a dim view of the Warner-Lieberman cap & trade scheme. Urges producer level caps, not emitter level caps on GHG emissions. Use permit revenues for smart infrastructure and tax equity. And more

June 10, 2008

Dethroning Old King Coal

The World Resources Institute foresees huge challenges to creating a national carbon capture and storage system. The pre-condition for success is putting a price on carbon emissions. Look into it [1.2MB]

June 06, 2008

What's Your Size?

The Brookings Institute finds metropolitan America 'poised' for climate leadership and sizes the carbon footprint of America's 100 biggest cities. Get metric

June 05, 2008

Looking Beyond Kyoto

Consider these ideas for structuring the next global climate agreement. Fine print

You Bet

Will the authors of a scientific paper on 'decadal' temperature fluctuations accept a €2500 bet about their predictions? Stay tuned

June 04, 2008

Protecting NYC's Liquid Assets

Find out if NYC's ambitious watershed protection program is succeeding. Watch the video

Going Their Way

States have been leading the way on climate action so federal action won't be a shot in the dark Watch the film! Use the links! Get energized

May 30, 2008

Wind Power Soars

Installed wind power in the US exceeds predictions. Catch up with DOE's 2007 annual report. Plug in [3.9MB]

What's The Right Thing?

Confronting climate change means facing thorny ethical issues, including our relationship with future generations. Delve in

China Growing Green Ideas

While China's environmental record is grim, innovations are springing up; think green cement. A must read

May 29, 2008

Learning By Doing

The cost of recycling in NYC is now just slightly higher than the cost of waste disposal. That's sustainable

May 27, 2008

Don't Discount It

Follow the thread of this critical comment on Freeman Dyson's climate views. Start

May 23, 2008

Update On Wedge Theory

Time to review the idea of solving the climate crisis by deploying a host of available technologies. Author's assessment

May 22, 2008

Climate Price Tag: Do Nothing-Pay $1.9 Trillion

A report done for NRDC puts the annual US economic cost of climate change inaction at $1.9 trillion. Adds up

Infrastructure & Climate Change

Delve into NYC's plans to adapt it water supply and sewerage system to climate change impacts. It's deep [7.9MB]

May 13, 2008

Carbon Tax Is Best

A Congressional Budget Office study finds that the most efficient way to price carbon in order to reduce CO2 emissions is to tax the carbon rather than cap and trade it. Read it here

Continue reading "Carbon Tax Is Best" »

Trade v Tax: Another Round

While revenue projections are virtually identical for cap & trade and carbon tax schemes, the politics are not. Keep score

Continue reading "Trade v Tax: Another Round" »

April 30, 2008

Reading Paleo-Tea Leaves

Climate scientists peer into the past to help grasp current climate change agents. Study it

One Year After

Find out what NYC's done over the 365 days to meet its PlaNYC 2030 goals. Check in here [7.2MB]

April 28, 2008

Coal On Capitol Hill

Senator Voinovich proposes a coal industry-friendly, state action-hostile climate bill; no co-sponsors yet. Summary here [1.2 MB]

April 25, 2008

Go Upstream

What would an ideal, effective and equitable GHG cap and trade program look like? Here's one model. Test drive it

April 21, 2008

The Future Is Coming

With 18 months remaining for the Bloomberg administration, how should PlaNYC 2030's agenda be prioritized? Look ahead [2.1MB]

April 18, 2008

Weekend Science

Now's your chance to understand the melting of Greenland's icesheet. Go fast

April 17, 2008

Greener Down Under

Australian commercial property owners respond to market, regulatory and climate risks by cutting emissions linked to their existing building portfolios. Here's how

April 16, 2008

MTA Greens Itself

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority Commission on Sustainability recommends clean energy targets and more transit oriented development. Get moving

Better Business

Experts find that it's only prudent for businesses to assess possible physical impacts of climate change on their facilities and operations. Plan ahead

April 14, 2008

Climate Agreement Beats Treaty

A former US climate negotiator argues that the President and Congress should enter into a global warming agreement. It would work like a treaty, but be more bi-partisan and pack a greater punch. Look into it

April 11, 2008

Global Climate & Domestic Competitivenesson

The Pew Center on Global Climate Change responds to a Congressional White Paper and draws different conclusions. Dig in

April 10, 2008

Scenarios and Forecasts

IPCC work models ranges of future scenarios. Pielke's work does not. Deep stuff that matters. Fine print

April 08, 2008

PlaNYC & Jobs

A NYC government study predicts the number of new jobs that could by generated by PlaNYC goals. It is silent on potential green construction and climate change-related jobs. Fine print here

April 07, 2008

Over The Long Term

Wow your friends by using climate terms like "Charney sensitivity" when debating Earth's paleo-record and what it means for the future of the planet. Fine print

April 04, 2008

Science Blogging

Does blogging undermine science? Take a short tour of a subject with many ramifications. Join here

April 01, 2008

Beyond 'Thou Shalt Not'

The first wave of environmental rules relied on prescriptive formulas. But now, rule makers contending with climate change must think differently. Move on

Resolving Split Incentives

When landlords and tenants lack a common interest in energy efficiency, it's called the split incentive problem. Consider the solutions

March 31, 2008

See For Yourself

Use meta-modeling to explore assumptions and consequences of the economic impact of US climate change policies. Look in

March 27, 2008

Kansas Coal Plant Risky For Customers

A financial analysis of the coal plant proposal rejected by the Governor of Kansas reveals that it would have put ratepayers at risk. Fine print here

Bad News & Good News In New England

New England lags in cutting GHG emissions, but emissions did fall and might be falling faster now. Get the news

March 24, 2008

Censoring Science

Read or hear the interview with James Hansen and author Mark Bower. Click

March 20, 2008

Wave Hello

Wave and tide power are generating renewable energy right now but when will there be more? Plunge in

March 19, 2008

Past The Comfort Zone

A draft study by James Hansen finds that current atmospheric CO2 levels of 385 ppm exceed a climate stability level of 350 ppm. Rapid action is urged. Read it here [1.1MB]

March 17, 2008

The Ex-Emerald Isle?

A joint Irish and American report finds that since 1980 Ireland's temperature has soared three time faster than the global average and shifts in rainfall could undermine its agriculture. The Irish at home and abroad must mobilize to combat climate change. Start here

March 14, 2008

Growing A Green Urban Economy

The promise of green collar jobs puts US cities on the edge of major changes, but skilled-labor shortages could be a risk. This Apollo Alliance report offers solutions. Read on

March 13, 2008

Watch Out For Leaks

Economists assert that up to 50% of RGGI's projected CO2 emissions cuts could be lost to leaks. Leaks occur when a utility buys lower cost power from a utility in an non-RGGI state. Their solution is a suite of harmonized state taxes on energy consumption to lower demand. [Psst: A national carbon cap policy is another solution] Study it LINK REPAIRED

March 10, 2008

A National Security Energy Strategy

High demand for battlespace fuel combined with the military's reliance on the commercial power grid creates unnecessary risks for national security. A Defense Department report recommends five solutions. Yessir

Latin America & The Energy Transition

Petro-politics studies the intersections of political power and carbon-fueled power. Compare & contrast

March 06, 2008

NYC: The Climate Poll

The good news is that New Yorkers think global warming is a very serious problem. The bad news is they are right. Drill down

March 03, 2008

Measuring LEED

An analysis of 121 LEED-NC buildings finds that 'on average' they save energy. Get the nitty-gritty

Talkin' About Adaptation

The risks and costs of climate change impacts are on the way. The time is now for adaptation planning. Start here [1.3MB]

February 28, 2008

Climate Change Petition

Three environmental advocacy organizations filed a petition with the President's Council on Environmental Quality seeking amendments and guidance documents that would direct all federal agencies to perform climate change analysis as part of their National Environmental Protection Act review. Read it

February 27, 2008

Bar Calls For State Energy Policy

A report by the Energy Committee of the NYC Bar Association recommends creation of a State Energy Policy Board. Fine print

February 25, 2008

Coal Options

Some say no more coal, others look to carbon capture and sequestration programs. Peer in

February 22, 2008

Why Buy A Hybrid Car?

A new policy study finds that sales taxes, gas prices and social preferences are the most powerful incentives in consumer decisions to buy hybrid fuel cars. Drive in

February 21, 2008

PV, Not Yet

For an array of reasons, this academic study finds that solar photovoltaic power isn't ready for prime time. Plug in

A Brief History of Hurricanes

Take some time to get acquainted with the new science of paleo-tempestology. Get started

February 14, 2008

Carbon Sequestration 101

What to do with all that carbon? Here's a primer on how to put it someplace secure and long-term. Enter here

February 04, 2008

Meta-Model Science

Here's a look at climate scientists working to coordinate models, funds and research. The newest thing is the Meta-ensemble

February 01, 2008

Dingell/Boucher Climate White Paper

This Congressional think piece explores how domestic climate legislation could "encourage" developing nations to curb GHG emissions in a framework of international trade that meets WTO rules. Tariffs, standards, or markets?

January 31, 2008

A Conservative Carbon Cutter

"Rewards" not "subsidies" would spur research & development of climate friendly technologies. But who'll pay for the research?

January 28, 2008

Fair Trade?

Governors of ten states urge the Federal Trade Commission to impose stricter standards for carbon offsets and renewable energy credits. That's fair

January 24, 2008

Hot & Cretaceous

Ever wonder what made the Cretaceous Era so hot and what's different now (besides no dinosaurs)? Science at work

Working For Green Roots

Sustainable communities need good jobs and there's great potential in the green, clean energy economy. Dig in [3.1MB]

January 22, 2008

Could Macy's Test Gimbels?

How and when market competition can spur testing for toxics in consumer electronics. [Q: Could it work to improve the energy efficiency of consumer products?] Read on

January 17, 2008

15 Climate Briefings

Dig into this encyclopedic assessment of US climate policy options. Kopp&Pizer

January 16, 2008

Delivering On The Promise

High performance building design holds out the promise for sharply reducing energy consumption--but does it deliver? Measure it

January 15, 2008

The Limits Of "Social License"

Social pressures and norms may have limited power in driving environmental policy to regulate certain industries. Here's a case study of the trucking business. Look into it

January 11, 2008

Noisy Weather

When modeling climate change, how to capture the "signals" without being distracted by weather "noise". Buzz in

January 10, 2008

Bridging Decongestion

A report on options for cutting Manhattan's traffic congestion, raising revenues too, now available. Read it

January 09, 2008

Read The Fine Carbon Print

If you're wondering about those carbon credits you got, read the rules proposed by the Federal Trade Commission. Now comment

Bali-Beyond The Climate Headlines

This analysis of the recent Bali climate conference rates it as a qualified success. Look into it

January 03, 2008

UK: High Performing Office Buildings

New British office buildings can become zero-carbon emitters. Here's how[2.6MB]

January 02, 2008

Solar Plans-The Comments

Scientific American posts hundreds of comments on its grand solar plan for the US. Keep on scrolling

December 31, 2007

The Age of Consequences

What do social scientists and national security experts foresee for 21st Century climate change impacts? Sober stuff [2.1MB]

December 28, 2007

The Risk Business

Insurance, the business rooted in calculating risk, is feeling the climate change heat. Got a policy?

December 26, 2007

Sun Rise

The potential for solar power to solve our energy and climate problems is "off the charts". Here's how

December 21, 2007

Learn From Experience

Let's look at the record of the EU-ETS. Advanced political-economy

December 12, 2007

California Court Upholds Car Fuel Rule

California's right to impose higher vehicle fuel efficiency standards than federal CAFEs is upheld by a federal court. This decision closely tracks a recent Vermont court decision. Read it here

Who's In The Driver's Seat?

Commuters who drive to work in NYC's proposed congestion pricing zone are, on average, relatively affluent suburbanites. Stop & go

December 05, 2007

Decongestion Aid

Critics of the Bloomberg congestion pricing plan offer no credible alternatives report finds. Stop by

Good Jobs/Green-Collar Job

The NYC Apollo Alliance finds that economic benefits and good green collar jobs can play a big part in making the Big Apple a sustainable city. Work on it [14.8MB]

December 03, 2007

McKinsey Report: Save 28% Now!

The US is rich in "negative cost opportunities" for cutting its GHG emissions. Fight inertia[4.1MB]

November 30, 2007

Bigger & Better?

Think that economic growth and environmental progress can be compatible, but looking for reasons why, start here.[2.4MB]

November 29, 2007

Update: One Recovering Pol

Catch up with Al Gore's adventures in venture capitalism. He's here

November 26, 2007

Setting The Right Price

A new report finds that British business gets the climate challenge and wants public policy that will set market-changing carbon prices by 2020. Read it here[1.3MB]

November 13, 2007

Rethinking Urban Infrastructure

Can we get from NIMBY to civic pride with a sustainable approach to infrastructure? Here's how

November 12, 2007

Back To The Future, Again

Looking back at Detroit's history of cleaner car promises raises doubts about the future. Take a spin

November 08, 2007

Fire Signs

The fires in southern California fit climate model predictions, while adding GHG's to the system. Learn more

November 05, 2007

What's That Coming From Your Tailpipe?

Catch up on recent books about the US auto industry. Inhale here

November 02, 2007

Say CCS To Coal?

While some say no to coal, others propose to capture and store carbon emitted by power plants. Hot stuff

Signs Of Sluggishness

Are ocean carbon sinks filling up? Look into it

November 01, 2007

Climate: Uncertain & Sensitive

Global climate trends are inherently "uncertain" because the climate system is "sensitive" to many factors. Why is this important?

October 31, 2007

What New Yorkers Need to Know

Focusing on energy generation and consumption, NYSERDA maps out its five year research agenda. Find it here[2.9MB]

October 30, 2007

Climate Q/A

Bill McKibben answers climate change questions. NYRB

October 25, 2007

Earth: Experiemental Subject

Geo-engineering has its fans-and its detractors. Join in

October 22, 2007

PlaNYC 2030 Update

Read the first status report on Mayor Bloomberg's plan for a sustainable city. Click

October 15, 2007

Climate Econ 201

An economics argument for making a quick transition to carbon neutral electric power. Plug in

Climate Econ 101

Pricing carbon makes economic sense for current and future generations. Setting a discount rate does not. Here's why

October 04, 2007

Breaking Up

Learn about new mass-balance polar ice sheet measurement methods and findings. Click

September 28, 2007

Energy Star-EPA Annual Report

Catch up on EPA's premiere climate protection programs. Click [1.5MB]

September 24, 2007

Carbon Disclosure Report 5

Read the complete fine print. Summary [1.8 MB], S&P [1.9 MB], FT [3.0MB]

September 20, 2007

Focused Research

NYS sets its research agenda on pollution linked with energy generation and use. See more [2.9MB]

September 13, 2007

Congressional Carbon Control

Contrast and compare the cap and trade programs under Congressional consideration. Click [3.6MB]

Capturing The Carbons

Much research and investment lies ahead to make carbon capture and storage a reality. Way to go?

September 12, 2007

Court To Car Makers: Cut Carbon

A federal district court decides in favor of Vermont's and New York's CO2 emissions standards for new cars. Read the decision

September 11, 2007

Allocating Ideas

If Congress passed a cap & trade-based climate bill, how should it distribute carbon emissions allowances? Get the options

September 10, 2007

Beyond 2012

Read the UN Foundation's proposal for a post-2012 climate action framework. Don't delay

September 05, 2007

Take A Green Building Tour

Although the US didn't sign the Kyoto Protocol, its green building movement is growing. Join up

September 04, 2007

Tax Carbon? Yes!

Read this strong pro-carbon tax essay. It tells you both why and how. It's economic

August 31, 2007

Growing Clean Tech

What kind of public policy would stream venture capital into the clean tech industry? Look into it

August 22, 2007

Summer Reading

Energy efficiency investments pay off. Catch up with the latest studies. Click & link

August 10, 2007

EU ETS Isn't Working

A new study finds that despite its ambitions, the EU ETS has been undermined by short-sighted decisions and the CO2 price is near collapse. Read it

July 31, 2007

Decoupling Power

This one's for wonks. Read the NYS Public Service Commission order for proposals to decouple utility rates from electricity and gas consumption. Sexy, no, significant, yes. Just click

July 27, 2007

Keeping Up With Congress

The 110th Congress has a number of climate bills in circulation. Compare and contrast

July 20, 2007

Change The Corporate Climate

Effective corporate action on energy efficient building demands both leadership and the right organization. Create demand

July 12, 2007

Who Gets What

The operation and rationale for allocating carbon emissions allowances stirs up debate. Join in

No Regrets

How much we should invest now to minimize climate change and consider the cost of delay? Think hard

July 04, 2007

In Case You Missed It

Last year, William Nordhaus delved deeply into the Kyoto Protocol's conceptual problems and concluded that price-type instruments are needed to combat climate change. Catch up

July 02, 2007

What's The Score?

New York ranked seventh for energy efficiency in the nation based on the eight part ACEEE scorecard. While the Empire State did well overall, it came in fifteenth for utility spending on energy efficiency and its building codes didn't shine. It adds up

June 29, 2007

Straighten Up & Drive Right

Go straight to sustainable solutions. The keys are fuel efficiency and the right biofuels. Get moving [1.2 MB]

June 19, 2007

Beware The Albedo Flip

James Hansen warns in a new report that decisive action on climate must occur in the next ten years or an irreversible crisis is certain due to things like the "albedo flip". What's that?

June 18, 2007

Congress & Climate Change

What can US climate legislators and business communities learn from the European ETS experience? Allocations & allowances

May 29, 2007

Carbon: Tax or Trade?

Spend some time with a free-market, pro-tax answer and the LA Times

May 24, 2007

Silver Buckshot

We can't wait for cap and trade to save the planet. It may be necessary, but it's not sufficient. Take aim

Rules Of The Game

Time to change the rules that underwrite Big Carbon. Got game?

May 23, 2007

What's Left Is Right, Right?

Snapshot author Charles Komanoff navigates the rapids of climate change alliances. Ahoy

May 16, 2007

Decongestion Remedy

London's congestion pricing expert shows us how to do it. NYAS eBriefing

May 08, 2007

UN To US: Be Prepared

In the age of carbon-constraints, winners in the global market place must innovate-or else we'll all lose. Listen to Dr. Rajendra Pachauri's audiocast

May 07, 2007

Feds For State Leadership on CO2 Cuts

State regulations to control autos' CO2 emissions praised by US IPCC negotiators. That's news

May 03, 2007

Not Just California Dreamin'

Now that California's committed to get GHG emissions down to 2000 levels by the year 2010 and slash them 80% below 1990 levels by mid-century, this scholarly analysis of cap and trade programs is a must read. Get serious

April 30, 2007

A Guide For The Perplexed

The worst carbon offset schemes are like the sale of religious indulgences in the Middle Ages. Here's a report card on the carbon offset market in the Carbon Ages. A Consumer's Guide(1.1MB)

April 20, 2007

We're Not There Yet

April 16, 2007

To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required

A panel of retired senior military officers and national securiy experts spell out links between national security and the threat of climate changes in this must read report. (1.2MB)

April 09, 2007

IPCC 4 Report-Impacts The Scientists' Version

In light of the controversy between scientists and diplomats over language in the latest IPCC 4 Report, here's what the scientists wanted to say. Compare & contrast

IPCC 4 Report-Impacts The Final Version

Here's a link to the Summary for Policy Makers of the IPCC's second report on Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation & Vulnerability

April 02, 2007

Build A Cooler Planet

Making high performance building the world's new normal will go a long way to fight global warming. Read Buildings and Climate Change-Executive Summary

It's Official-C02 is a Pollutant

In a landmark 5-4 decision in Massachusetts v EPA, the US Supreme Court found that the EPA has the legal power to carbon under the Clean Air Act. Read it here

High Performance Ideas Needed

Innovation and access to a new generation of enegy efficiencies are must-haves to combat climate change. Earth Institute Report

March 18, 2007

Hotter Faster?

Although there's strong evidence of accelerated global warming, authors of the recent IPCC report lacked the necessary consensus to report on it. Get the facts

March 16, 2007

Tomorrow's Power Supply

A new MIT study sees clean coal technologies as fundamental for a carbon-constrained world. Read on

March 14, 2007

Tax Or Trade?

Here's a sharp white paper on the raging debate over how to reduce carbon emissions. Read the fine print

March 13, 2007

Is Gore Wrong?

February 28, 2007

Kicking the Habit

February 02, 2007

IPCC 4 Report

January 31, 2007

Investing in Low Carbon Utilities