Almost Free
Germany will give out 86% of its carbon emissions permits for free and auction to stockpile the rest. Stock up
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
What Walmart Wants
How does Walmart go about greening its supply chain? How big works
February 25, 2010
Putin Power
Russian Prime Minister Putin leans on the energy sector to invest in new electric power capacity. Or else
Inhofe Attacks
Climate denier James Inhof may try to use his Senate power to criminalize the work of IPPC climate scientists. Stay tuned
EU: The Cap's Too Big
With GHG emissions down 11% due to the recession, the EU has excess of carbon emissions permits in circulation. Soak it up
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
Feel More Secure
A Washington Post editorial urges action on climate change, calling legislation a national insurance policy. Get covered
Drilling for Dollars
Earthquakes are just one peril facing geothermal power projects, tricky finance is another. Dig in
Jones Is Back
Van Jones, a former environmental justice advisor to the President, returns to work at a Washington think tank. Take two
February 23, 2010
Call That Working?
A report from DOE's Inspector General finds scant progress on federally funded home weatherization programs meant to stimulate jobs. New York's completion rate is .62%. Slo-mo
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
Time To Recalculate
Citing miscalculations, the authors of a 2009 scientific paper predicting how much sea level would rise by 2100 due to global warming retract it, saying the actual number could be higher or lower. Learn more
Insulated From Death
Australia's Green Party seeks to censure the government over worker deaths related to a home insulation program. Look into it
Office Depot LEEDs
The national chain Office Depot will seek LEED for Commercial Interiors (CI) ratings for all its new stores. Come on in
Germany Backs Off From Solar Cuts
Germany moderates its plan to slash subsidies for developing solar power parks. No shock
EPA CO2 Regs: Tough or Toothless?
February 22, 2010
Reading Tea Leaves
Is there any connection between climate skepticism and industry opposition to a climate bill? Look into it
Earth To Senate: One More Time
The Senate gears up for a last-ditch effort on climate legislation. And then?
China: BIg Buyer Of Saudi Oil
Last year, China bought more crude oil from Saudi Arabia than the US. Shifting sands
Scientists Tackle Doubt
Science faces a legitimacy crisis and the profession starts work on reviving its good name. Is there a method?
Signal Error
Customer anger over higher electric bills alerts utilities that smart meters' price signals are not well-received. Learn more
February 19, 2010
It's A Global Energy Economy
A German firm will use California solar technology in the Middle East and South Africa. Plug in
How Much Does That Cost?
Reports for the UN calculate the global cost of environmental damage from corporate activity and raise the question of who should pay. Learn more
UK: Not Ready For Prime-Time
A consultant report finds the UK is unprepared to tackle climate change and business will meet just 1.4% of its target by 2020. Stay tuned
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
Capital Segments
While energy producers leave USCAP, power generators stay in. Go figure
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
Climate Skeptics In Charge
A survey of US utility industry executives reveals 44% do not believe climate change is caused by human activity. Gee whiz
Fast Breeder Reactors Raise Red Flags
While "fourth generation" nuclear reactors have supporters, critics are speaking out on the risks. Learn more
Will California Lead The Way?
California's climate policy is trending toward cap and refund rather than cap and trade. Look ahead
Capturing Attention
With President Obama's nod to CCS technology for coal-burning power plants, visit the West Virginia Mountaineer. Start here
Does Size Matter?
A new generation of small, modular nuclear reactors could become contenders. Stay tuned
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
Global Weirding
In case you missed it. It's here
The New Green Ford
Ford rolls out a plan to make its dealerships more energy efficient and eco-friendly. Stay tuned
The Climate App
Now there's an iPhone application with rebuttals to climate denier claims. Stay current
No Nukes Down Under
Australian Prime Minister Rudd rejects nuclear power as part of his plan to cut carbon emissions. Get the latest
Staying Alive Won't Be Cheap
Regulators warn that extending the life of France's aging nuclear power plants will cost billions. Rx?
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?
Shrinking CAP
USCAP, a business-environmental coalition seeking federal climate legislation, loses ConocoPhillips, Catepillar and BP America. Melt in
The Other Ethanol
New research may bring the cost of cellulostic ethanol down to the $2 a gallon range. Fill 'er up
EU: Beat That Goal!
The EU might exceed it's 2020 target of getting 20% of its power form renewable energy. Plug in
Weatherizing St. Louis
A St. Louis home weatherization project creates jobs and saves owners hundreds of dollars on utility bills. 2 for the price of 1
Snow Job
Record snowfalls blanket record warm winter temperatures. Sled in
Dirty Facebook
An environmental blog claims that Facebook will power its new computer servers in Oregon with coal-fired electric power from Idaho. Look into it
February 15, 2010
Warm Snow
Sounds counterintuitive, but it snows more when it's warmer. Here's why
Bangladesh: Is Your Check In The Mail?
Bangladesh urges nations that pledged funds for climate impact mitigation to honor their promises. Pay pals
Too Much Of A Good Czech Thing?
The Czech electric power grid could be overwhelmed by a boom in solar PV installations. Plug in
UK Weighs Green Bonds
To attract new capital, the UK looks into selling green bonds to finance low-carbon energy generation. Buy that?
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
Boulder Rolls Downhill
Boulder Colorado finds that behavior is the obstacle to cutting GHG emissions. WSJ
February 12, 2010
Obama's Economic Report
Read the chapter on energy and climate change. Fine print
Atom Split Could Be Nixed
The New York State Public Service Commission may not allow Entergy, owner of Indian Point and another in-state nuclear power plant, to sell off its atomic assets. Learn more
While Washington Dithers
States aren't waiting for Washington leadership on energy and climate issues. They're leading
Euro Cuts, China Gains
With European nations slashing clean energy feed-in tariffs, China is gaining market share with low-cost equipment. Plug in
Maybe Baby
The much delayed opening of Brooklyn's newest waterfront park is now scheduled for spring 2010. Walk on in
In For The Long Haul
A clean energy industry and the jobs it will bring need long-term powerpurchase agreements. Plug in
Japan: Power Investments
Japan's government mulls over a $1.1 billion low-interest loan package for solar and nuclear power as well as electric cars. Get energized
Make More By Using Less
Venture capital is attracted by energy efficiency. Spend some time
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
Green Is The New Green
Deutsche Bank and Nasdaq create a global clean tech index comprised of 119 firms. Rate that
Arizona Cuts Loose
Arizona will leave the western states coalition that plans to cap CO2 emissions, citing costs to businesses and consumers. Unplug
Data & Dialogue
The EPA wants to share its data and hear your views. Click around
ARRA Comes To Harlem
With a $3.6 million in federal stimulus funds, a developer launches energy efficient renovations of 198 apartments on West 135th Street. Dig in
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
LA Alchemy
Dessicated Owens Lake north of Los Angeles could become the home of 3 - 5 gigawatts of solar power for the city and the state. Plug in
Take A Tip From Tokyo
Tokyo's plan for cutting carbon emissions could be come the model for Japan. Tip in
Australian Carbon Vote
The lower house of the Australian Parliament votes in favor of Prime Minster Rudd's carbon trading scheme. The ayes have 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
Dissecting The TImes
Critics flag a New York Times story on faults with climate science, finding it riddled with errors and bias. Blogs bite
Who's Smarting Now?
Early roll-outs of smart elecrric grids are proving to be bumpy learning opportunities.
UK Debates How To Control Carbon
Unlike the US battle over whether to regulate carbon emissions, the UK is grappling with what is the best mix of regulation and market tools. Dig in
MA Open For Green Business
Massachusetts is a magnet for clean tech investment and on the ground installations, which means jobs. Work at it
A Rising Sea Of Troubles
Public faith in climate science is eroding. What can be done to restore trust? To arms!
February 09, 2010
Credit For Climate-Friendly Folks
A Pennsylvania couple are the first to sell a carbon emissions credit linked to personal use. A how-to
Intelligent Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the first city in the EU to use IT to create an urban-scale smart grid. Plug in
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
SF Sets The PACE
San Francisco has a new way to help property owners pay for energy efficiency enhancements, PACE bonds. Catch up
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
Energy Eater: China or US?
China's cities consume far less energy than even California's climate friendliest cities or mass-transit champ NYC, but that could change soon. Get the numbers
No Deposit No Return
The Shanghai 2010 World Expo, with temporary structures and exhibits from 192 nations, poses urban sustainability issues rather than solving them. Drop in
February 08, 2010
Green Expectations
Look into what the EPA can (and can't) do to regulate CO2 emissions. Rules rule
Buy American
French utility giant Areva buys Ausra, a US solar thermal power company. Plug in
Nantucket Wind: Still No
Opposition still blows in from all direction to the off-shore Cape Wind project. What's new?
Building FIx-Up Fund Booms
A UK investment group assembles $107.5 million for energy-efficiency renovations. All REIT!
Carbon Market Failure
A British Parliamentary committee finds the market price for CO2 is not enough to curtail emissions. Look into it
Building A Financial Base
Staring soon, Fannie Mae will offer incentives to home buyers for energy-related improvements Energy Star loans will come to NY and professional appraisers will learn how to value residential energy-efficiency. Make it count
February 05, 2010
Power Up
Read this interview with two US experts on China's electric power sector. Connect here
Self-Imposed Limits
The developer of a new power plant near San Francisco offers to limit CO2 emissions. Can do spirit!
Dim and Dimmer
International prospects for a new generation of nuclear power plants are not bright. Look ahead
February 04, 2010
Cash For Clunckers Crash
Japan spars with the US over provisions of a cash-for-clunkers auto rebate program. Drive in
Vancover: A Climate Medalist
If climate protection was in Olympic competition, winter games host Vancouver would win a bronze medal. Score it
Death Watch?
Serious cap and trade legislation may be doomed in Washington. Read the tea leaves
Desert Warfare
Find out what's behind the headlines in the battle over installing solar panels in the Mojave Desert. Incoming fire!
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
Put A Price On It!
The International Energy Agency tells the US the only way it can meet its climate pledge to the UN is to put a price on carbon. Ante up
Hack Attack
250,000 emissions permits are stolen from accounts at a German carbon trading firm. Cyber swipe
A New Transparency
Scientists must make their climate research more open to the public says UK researcher in hacking flap while US climate scientist is mostly given passing grades by a review panel.
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
Can't Buy Me Love
President Obama's record budget increase for clean tech from $113 million to $2.4 billion is criticized from all sides. No no no no
UK: Beyond Feed-In Tariffs
The British government will subsidize roof top installations of wind and PV, even if their electricity does not get fed into the grid. Plug in
What's The Opposition For?
Australia's Liberal Party voted against a cap and trade bill. Now it proposes project funding to cut GHG emissions. Look into it
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
How Sweet It Is
Brazil and Shell Oil start a joint ethanol venture with the corporation putting in $1.6 billion in cash and buying up $2. 5 billion in debt. Learn more
Code Green - The News
One hundred eleven ideas for making NYC's building code greener and more energy efficient have been delivered to Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council. Get updated
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
On The Climate Hot Seat
The chair of the International Panel on Climate Change could be at risk after the latest questions about data quality.
A Renewable Carbon Concoction?
A new study claims a "renewable" fuel mix of coal and wood pellets could be a cost-effective way to cut GHG emissions from power plants. Look into it
Oil & Gas: Get A Grip
A major management consultant advises the oil and gas industries about cutting their carbon footprints. Start here