Wishing Won't Make It So
Tougher regulations are needed to enable the UK to make deep cuts in GHG emissions. Grrrr
June 30, 2010
BP: One Less Law Suit
Following a Supreme Court decision limiting the right of shareholders to sue a foreign company in US courts, the New York State pension fund is less likely to file a claim against BP. Please explain
Build A Better Mousetrap
A US energy technology company seeks investors for a European combined heat and power initiative. Go global
Benchmarking Power
Every year, CERES reports on the emissions performance of the largest power producers in the US. Get the latest!
Running On Fumes
The Guardian headline says it all "Obama fails to rally support for energy bill" Read the rest
Some Gains For Cleaner Fuel
The sulfur content of #2 heating oil in New York State will plunge with the passage of new legislation, but there will no so such cuts for the #4 4 and 6 heating oil common in New York City. Learn more
What Would Kagan Do?
Prospective Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan expresses her views on the Constitutionality of citizen suits to uphold environmental laws. Find out
Too Hot For A Tea Party
A July Tea Party gathering in Las Vegas is called off because of the heat. Whew!
June 29, 2010
Just Say No
When it comes to climate legislation, the GOP - and some Democrats too - channel Nancy Reagan and go negative. Roll call
Getting To 60
Will the death of Senator Robert Byrd have an impact on chances for passing a Senate climate bill? RIP
Cloudy Thinking
Catch up with the latest scientific thinking about the impact of clouds on climate change. and how hot things could get.
Risk Or Risk Management?
If the underground storage of CO2 leaks more than1% in a thousand years, it would pose serious risks of adding to climate change. Look ahead
Travel Plans?
While the promise of eco-tourism is great, the learning curve is steep. Visit Peru
Germany: $$$ For Global Green Work
A German development bank seeks $500 million to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in developing nations. Learn more
Australia: The $23 Solution
The Green Party urges Australia's new Prime Minister to work for a $23 per ton tax on CO2 emissions. Stay tuned
Asian Nuclear Ascendancy
Demand for nuclear power in Asia is booming, but future growth is uncertain. WSJ
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
Seine Power
Paris asks utilities to harness Seine river currents to generate electricity. Locally sourced
G20: Fossil Fuels $100 B, Climate Not Much
Whatever G20 countries may say about the cost of climate protection, they subsidize the fossil fuel industry at $100 billion annually. Follow the money
June 25, 2010
Germany: Tax & Live Longer
With a new tax on nuclear power, Germany could extend the life of its aging reactors. IOU
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
Natural Gas Futures
A new industry-funded study sees both growth and limits ahead for the natural gas market. Drill down
EU: Bank Reorganizes CO2 Trading
JPMorgan Chase reorganizes its European carbon emissions trading business in the face of uncertain markets. Learn more
Australia: Second Chance For Carbon
Australia's new Prime Minster vows to work for putting a price on CO2, something shelved by her predecessor. Stay tuned
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
1 If By Land, More If By Sea
The potential for making large volumes of electricity from off-shore wind projects dwarf what can be expected from land-base wind turbine projects in New York. Dive in
Australia: Climate Politics Bite
Australia's new Prime Minister, Julia Gillard faces a turbulent climate politics scene . Down under
The Long (Bulb) Goodbye
Few people are aware that the sale of incandescent light bulbs is coming in 2014 or what the alternatives are. Hello!
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
London Exchange Launches Carbon Index
Carbon indexing, based on the FTSE all-share index, is the newest thing on London's stock exchange. Stock up
Will UN Shut Down Carbon Market Scam?
Prices rise on EU's carbon market as the UN prepares to tighten up on shady trading in HFCs. Stay tuned
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
Less Uranium, More Power
Drawing board technology for thorium-powered reactors could make uranium-fueled reactors more efficient. This just in: fusion power from a Brooklyn DIY
Texas Oil Buys California Vote
An oil-industry fueled ballot initiative to suspend California's climate law will go before voters in November. Stay tuned
Graham: Ready, Aim...
A leaked strategy memo, said to be from green advocacy groups, spells out the line of attack on Senator Lindsey Graham for abandoning climate legislation. Fire
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
UK Companies: Tax Us
British manufacturers call for a simple, economy wide carbon tax. KISS
Outlining Offsets
WRI analyzes the offset provisions of the Kerry-Lieberman climate bill. Fine print
Mind The Gaps
A utility-only climate cap & trade bill stirs polarizing reactions. Who's saying what?
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
Farming Feels Climate Impacts
Food production feels the damaging impact of droughts, rain and temperature extremes caused by a changing climate. Here, now
June 21, 2010
Media Matters
Learn the lessons a science reporter brings to his climate change reporting. No hype
Eco-Edge in L.I. Home Market
Interest in greener Long Island homes is on the rise. Move in
May 2010: The Data Is In
Every month, NOAA reports on on global climate temperatures. Overall May 2010 data is the hottest since reporting began in 1880. Whew!
Italy: Skeptical Leadership
The CEO of an Italian electricity utility with plans to launch a clean energy IPO is branded as a climate skeptic. Learn more
Search Me
True or false: rising use of the internet spells bad news for climate change? Log on
Spain: PV Investment Shrivels
With shrinking public subsidies, private investment for new PV projects in Spain plunge 99%. Plug in
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 20, 2010
Media Mea Culpa
The Times of London admits its error in smearing climate science. Learn more
June 18, 2010
Cooler Cool
Scientists develop a new air conditioner, which uses dessicants and needs less electricity. Dry it
Endangerment Safe
A federal appeals court rejects challenges to EPA's health endangerment finding on GHGs. Text here
Pakistan Aims For Wind Power
With the great potential for wind power along South Asian coasts, Pakistan seeks funds for its first project to alter its energy mix. Tap in
Eco Funnies
What would a week be like without some cartoons? LOL
Making Good On Public Goods
Can the world's ecosystems be converted from a landscape of market failures to valued, well-managed assets? Look into it
Local Is Beautiful
The Mayor of Portland wants to create "20-minute neighborhoods" Catchier than "cap & trade"?
NYC Weaves A Reilient Web
As a low-lying coastal city, New York is working on many fronts to protect its infrastructure in a hotter, wetter world. Get the latest
Super Swedes
One neighborhood in Stockholm, Sweden shows how cities can thrive by deploying two distributed energy strategies: draw on local power sources and use energy super-efficiently. Learn more
June 17, 2010
Coal Stays In The Picture
In China, the combination of vast domestic reserves and an expanding economy means coal will remain a major power source. Get it
Fool Proof
Will new, simpler standardized nuclear power technology make reactors less risky? Look into it
Germany Postpones Nuclear Decision
The fate of aging German nuclear power plants will depend on government funding decisions that have been postponed until the fall. Backstory here
Nuclear Budget Pounded Down
Among the casualties of UK budget cuts is a domestic maker of nuclear power components that will not receive an expected £80 million loan. Unplugged
At The Crossroads
Tellus research lays out four contrasting global paths to follow in the 21st Century. Which way to sustainability?
NYU: A Bigger Carbon Footprint?
Controversy surrounds NYU's plan to build a glass-clad 38-story tower in Greenwich Village, but nothing yet about the project's energy efficiency. 30x17?
RGGI Auction Nets $80 Million
Although prices at the June RGGI auction for CO2 emissions permits were way down, $80 million proceeds will boost state energy efficiency, renewables and low income energy assistance budgets. Sold!
June 16, 2010
Summer Energy Tips
It's never to late to start saving money by saving energy. Start here
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
GOP's Command & Control
The Lugar-Graham energy bill relies on command and control tools rather than market-based policies. Look into it
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 15, 2010
Look Ma, No Cars
An upcoming architecture exhibit includes a vision of a car-free lower Manhattan in 2030. Walk in
Spain: Go Green Slower
Spain sets its sights lower for expanding the nation's alternate energy capacity by 2020. Plug in
UK: Warnings On The Wind
Wind power companies urge the Cameron government to maintain support for wind power or face a slumping domestic energy sector. Stay tuned
Lose To Win
Want to win at cutting home energy use in Brooklyn? Take the Lander challenge. Yes you can in the 39th District
June 14, 2010
Baby It's Hot/Cold Outside!
A warming arctic could mean colder, snowier winters in other latitudes. As predicted, weird!
They're Against It!
European car makers oppose any carbon tax that raises fuel prices. Horse feathers
Gates' Nuclear Fund
Bill Gates raises $35 million to develop a "traveling wave" nuclear power plant that relies on refueling with spent fuel once a century. Stay tuned
RGGI Fund Raided
New Hampshire sweeps $295 million from its clean energy and efficiency-dedicated RGGI account and puts it in the state's general fund. Whoosh!
Financing Our Future
Pratt Center briefs New York homeowners and renters on how to pay for energy retrofits. Coming soon
Down On PACE
Federal mortgage financiers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac won't let homeowners borrow PACE funds for solar or energy retrofits because they object to first its lien provisions. Learn more
June 12, 2010
New & Green In Jersey City
Aerated, enegy efficient concrete is just one green feature of new homes being built on an old Jersey City brownfield. Aerated concrete?
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
Nothing In Florida
How did $126 million in federal stimulus funding fail to create any green jobs in Florida? Find out
In Case Your Missed It
Senator Graham expresses his current views on climate change. Really
Blue-Green Handshake
Wind turbine makers agree to buy more American-made parts and the steelworkers' union agrees to back clean power legislation. Win-win
Murkowski Vote: The Morning After
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
Good As Gold?
Engineers challenge the LEED Gold rating awarded by the US Green Building Council to a Wisconsin school. Look into it
Green Peace
This summer, Israeli and Palestinian architecture students will study about green buildings together. Learn more
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
Spain: Learn By Doing
Steep growth in Spain's clean energy industry confronts hurdles to further expansion. Plug in
Australia: Newcastle In The Lead
Newcastle, New South Wales, not the more famous Sydney, will be home to a $100 million smart electric grid. Smart city
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
More Or Less?
At current UN climate talks, developing nations raise doubts about how rich nations will count emissions cuts. Stay tuned
China: The Wrong Kind Of Growth
China's annual CO2 emissions soared by 9% to over 7 billions tons in 2009. Learn more
Blowing Your Way?
By 2015, New York could be getting electric power from wind turbines in Lake Ontario or Lake Erie. Stay tuned
June 08, 2010
What, Me Worry!
Seeking to unseat California Senator Boxer, Carly Fiorina dismisses her climate advocacy as misguided worry about the weather. Climate Wire [Subscribers]
We Want Wind Power
Neither a bad economy nor lack of federal climate legislation have dampened a demand for new wind power. Here's why
Get Your Words Worth
The English do have a way with words when it comes to climate journalism. Parsed & flayed
Re Fenestrate
Inventors come out with a more energy efficient window that change shading with the temperature. Look into it
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
China: Carbon Markets - Not
The prospects for developing a carbon trading market in China are dim. Learn more
A Simple Solution
The IEA tells G 20 nations the best way to combat climate change is by ending its $550 billion yearly subsidies to the fossil fuel industry.
June 04, 2010
Cities Break Their Oil Addiction
Cities are leading the way away from fossil-fuel dependent transportation. Move it!
It's Not Easy Being Infrastructure
Follow the tangled tale of plans to build a transmission line to carry solar power through Colorado. Plug in
June 03, 2010
In Hot Water
What do record high ocean surface temperatures have to do with predicting hurricanes? Find out
Sick Of Oil? Try Batteries
Spurring a new generation of batteries and jobs in Michigan for next generation clean vehicles could be the best hope for preventing future oil spills. Start here
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
China: Smoke & Mirrors On Carbon
Progress toward meeting China's self-imposed goals of cutting its carbon intensity by 2010 are debunked. Recount it
Banking On Energy Efficiency
Major banks are cutting their own energy use and see business opportunities in getting others to do likewise. Learn more
Fill 'Er Up Clean
The Bloomberg Administration proposes an alternative fuel filling station for the South Bronx. Get pumped
Electric Jitters
Ever lie awake at night worrying about killer threats to the nation's electric power grid? You will now
India: UnCERtain On UN Credits
A sharp decline in the CER credits received by India through the UN's Clean Development Mechanism raises questions. Dig in
Cameron-Clegg Energy Options
Experts weigh in on the range and feasibility of the British government's direction on energy. Read on
The Blue & Red Ad
Liberal and conservative advocacy groups co-sponsor an ad calling for passage of the American Power Act. Watch 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!
Dollars & Sense
Deutsche Bank launches a project to measure the dollar value of retrofitting NYC buildings for energy efficiency. Spend some time
Euro Shadows On Solar Spain
The euro crisis dims prospects for Spain's heavily subsidized PV industry. Plug in
June 01, 2010
iPad FAQ
If the first thing you think of when seeing an iPad is "How green is it?" Read on
Just Ask!
It's time to bring women's perspectives into making sharp tools for effective climate actions. Yes she can
Japan Rides A Nuclear Boom
Japan makes specialized nuclear power plant containment vessels in high demand by the US and China. Trade here
Singapore: A Global Green Contender
Singapore's growing green tech sector could become world-class. Don't overlook it's hanging garden walls
China: Climate Fact-Finding
The New Republic visits China and blogs about its climate and energy policies. Scroll & click
Think Global/Act Jackson Heights
Residents of Jackson Heights in Queens, NY help create a green agenda for their neighborhood. Get it here![19MB]