A Win-Winner
RGGI, the ten state compact that auctions carbon emissions, has raised $404 million to fund energy efficiency products. Learn more
February 28, 2011
Iceland: Harnessing Volcanos
Iceland considers how to capture the power of its volcanoes for generating electricity and sending it to Scotland. Hot stuff
What Went Wrong
Another installment in the Destiny development debacle. More soon
Financing For Energy Efficiency
Looking for ways eliminate the up-front-cost barrier of making buildings energy efficient? Look here
China: Weigh Enviro Impact of Plans
China sees the need to shift toward rating project proposals on their carbon footprints as an economic imperative. Look ahead
Supply The Demand
Expecting growing demand in the UK market, a German PV manufacturer builds a plant in Kent. Plug in
Fracking Follow-Up
Some thoughts in the wake of the major investigative report on hydrofracking in the New York Times Testing, testing
February 26, 2011
Midwest Loves Mideast
US farmers who raise corn and soybeans, feedstock for bio-fuel, set to profit from high global oil prices. Plow in
February 25, 2011
ESCO Education For NYC
Energy service companies offer to remove PCB laced lighting fixtures from New York's schools at no up-front cost to the City. Plug in
California Break In
California is set to raid its dedicated low income and energy efficiency improvements kitty and put the money in the state's general fund. Bye bye
Conservative Call For Conservation
Bob Inglis calls for an energy conservation tax to support national security.
Buyer's Remorse
The German nuclear power industry has second thoughts about a law that extends the life of old plants and imposes a tax to support alternative energy. Learn more
Sydney Cycles
By 2016, car-dependent Sydney Australia will have a 200 kilometer bike lane network. Pedal in
A Nuclear Provocation
With headlines aflame over imperiled access to mid-east oil, this provocateur's paean to nuclear power is timely. Ready?
February 24, 2011
Tell Me Why
Scientists and media professionals try to determine why Americans remain unconvinced about the findings of climate research. Listen in
Breakthrough Breakdown
The Breakthrough Institute attack on energy efficiency, based on the idea that more efficiency lowers costs, which leads to more consumption, doesn't stand up to scrutiny. Get it straight
Live In A Green House
Check out this NYC resource guide for greening your home, staying healthy and saving money. It's easy
Germany: The Great Coal Rush
The EU's carbon trading system induced a building boom of new coal fired power plants in Germany by distributing free emissions permits in 2005 Look into it
Not A Leg To Stand On
A Commerce Department report is the latest investigation to conclude that Climategate charges against government researchers were baseless. End of story
Campus CHP Stars
The EPA gives Energy Star awards to three university campus combined heat and power projects. Rah rah rah
Denmark: Yes We Can
Denmark sides with England and other EU countries seeking stricter climate goals and its economic benefits. The green team
The Three Rules Of Green Real Estate
Location, location & location. Home rules
UK: Cheers For High Speed Rail
A government proposal to link London to Birmingham with high speed rail wins business support. Get on board
Looking For Something To Read?
Here's a short list of websites and books on climate science for all you general readers. Start here
Australia: Carbon Tax Coming
Australian Prime Minister Gillard vows to have a carbon tax in place next year. Details ahead
Antarctica: 20 Century Explorer, 21 Century Science
New studies of tiny sea creatures collected by an early 20th century Antarctic explorer reveal increases in CO2 on the ocean floor. Climate clues
February 23, 2011
2010: More Climate Disasters
Insurance giant Swiss Re calculates that 2010 was a record-maker for climate-linked losses around the world. Risky business
From AC To DC, Only Better
Is there a way to cut energy losses when an electronic gadgets convert AC power for use as DC power. Google it
Nuclear Power Fans
An industry-sponsored poll finds wide support for nuclear power and there's even more support for government loans to develop low-carbon energy projects. Learn more
Can A Canal Come Clean?
Consider what it will take clean up the notoriously polluted Gowanus Canal Wade in
Hybrid Math
How long will it take a car owner to make back in fuel savings the up-front cost of a hybrid? It depends
France: Nuclear Make-Over
In the face of stiff international competition, France will modernize its nuclear power industry. Plug in
Waiting For The Bus
Just as New York City's job and population takes off outside Manhattan, bus service is lagging. Hop on
EU: Market Reacts to 25x20 Plan
EU carbon trading market players are divided over the proposal to set a target of cutting overall CO2 emissions 25% by 2020. Priceless
Signal or Static?
Research detects a price signal in rental and purchase values for green, high performance buildings. Fine print
February 21, 2011
If Market Failures Are The Problem
Can market tools solve the 'problem of the commons' when it comes to enivronmental protection? Ask Professor Stavins
Cut Cabon To Grow
A UN report makes the case that greener economies have rosy prospects. The 2% solution
DIY Food
Umbra reports on DIY yogurt without any electric gadgets. Be part of the solution
In Praise Of H.R. 61
Amending the federal tax code is the linchpin of a cleaner, more self reliant domestic energy policy. De-code this
122 Million Dollar Green Build Investigation
The IRS investigates a developer who promised everything green In Syracuse, NY. Destiny's fate?
Bank Launch Languishes
The UK government proposal to establish a green infrastructure bank inches along. Stay tuned
UN's Green Price List
Getting specific about a recharging a global economy and making it climate-smart, the UN lists sector by sector costs. Spend some time
Behind The Green Curtain
The latest wave of green journalists look behind the press releases, but issue fatigue is a problem. Report in
February 20, 2011
The Great Indoors
A San Francisco office building will treat its wastewater indoors wiith power from its solar panels and reuse the treated water for non-drinking water functions. Living machinery
February 18, 2011
Look Here!
Take a tour of some awesome-looking clean power generators. What's not to like?
Some Like It Hot
House Republicans line up to vote on bills that would strip away EPA's climate powers. Showdown soon
Ikea: Power Generator
Ikea will build wind turbines to create electricity for its seventeen stores in Sweden. What about Red Hook?
Covering The Climate Beat
Revkin looks at how the media covers big climate science stories. Decode it
Deep Heat Rising
Research suggests that warming deep ocean waters help explain observed global sea level rise. Dive in
What's The Score
The League of Conservation Voters does an annual eco-rating of members of Congress. Here's how things played out in 2010
February 17, 2011
And The Break Even Number Is...
If oil costs $100 a barrel, investments in carbon-cutting clean energy and carbon start to pay off, according to a senior UK official. Adds up
Too Cheap To Meter?
With rising demand from China, global uranium prices are predicted to hit new highs and stay there. Count on it
California Market Skeptics
Will California's cap and trade program succeed in shrinking its carbon footprint through market choice and innovation? Consider this
Quick Calculations
Compare Republican and Obama budget proposals for energy programs. Advocate with authorizations
Going To Extremes?
A comment about the science behind the headlines on extreme weather events and climate change. Fine print
Kill The Messenger
The House votes to slash $8.4 million from the GHG registry budget. Why might that be?
Incubating Clean Tech Biz
What's the secret to the success of six ARPA-E supported clean tech start ups able to attract $4 of private investment for every $1 of public money? Look into it
Amazon Tipping Point
A mass die-off of trees in the Amazon caused by last year's drought could mean a critical loss of CO2 absorbing capacity for the planet. Lost horizons?
Winning The Word War
While climate activists cast around for catchier monikers, US climate deniers are on a roll. Warm up here
Is Diesel Soot The New Black?
Diesel-powered generators used at New York Fashion Week raise environmental and health concerns. The latest thing
February 16, 2011
More PV Power For Gulf State
Abu Dhabi to get another 100 MV of new solar voltaic power in 2013. Plug in
Scarce Oil?
Exxon's purchase of a company with significant oil reserves suggests that it's getting harder to find new supplies. Drill down
ETA For 2nd Ave Subway?
Decades in the making, the Second Avenue Subway is on the way. Swipe here
Boulder: Invest In A Green Campus
Investment in a revolving loan fund to improve energy efficiency at a college campus in Boulder, Colorado pays off. Get smart
Tighten Market Security
In the wake of recent frauds, Britain urges the EU to improve security of its carbon emissions trading registries. Must trust
First Galileo Now Climate Science
Are Republicans going down the same path on climate science as the religious establishment that declared the astronomer Galileo a heretic? Move on
Haul That Waste!
Three states challenge a Nuclear Regulatory Commission policy allowing long-term storage of waste fuel at power plants. Away we go
South Warms To Nuclear Power
The first wave of new US nuclear power plants to be built in decades is concentrated in southern states. Watts up?
February 15, 2011
Sacramento Schools Get A Green Fellowship
The US Green Building Council will spend $300,000 to assist Sacramento, CA schools to get more energy efficient and eco-friendly. Making the grade
Rocky Road For Climate Chief
Connie Hedegaard, the EU's chief climate official faces problems old and new. How's she doing?
EU: CO2 Caps On Vans
Starting in 2014, CO2 emissions will be capped from vans operating in the EU and violators will face financial penalties. Drive in
What Republicans Want
Learn something about Republican budget proposals for energy-related research and development, clean technology, energy efficiency, etc. Want more?
UK: Industry Oppposes Carbon Cost
Energy intensive industries in Britain sound an alarm over government plans to create a floor price on CO2 emissions. Ring a bell?
Schools Fail PCB Test
Tests find PCBs leaking from light fixtures at three more New York City schools. Learn more
February 14, 2011
Patchwork Changes
Scientists predict that weaker trade winds over the Atlantic will mean more rain for the Amazon region and less for the Sahel. Here & there
My Urban Valentine
For Valentine's Day — and the days after — a love letter to cities and their role in getting American moving again. XOOX
China: PV Lessons From Europe
China studies how Europe grows its solar power market to decide how to proceed at home. Learn more
Sun Shines On Solar Growth
2010 was a boom new for the installation of new solar power capacity. Here's why
Bloody Battle Looms Over Green
One of the fiercest budget battles in Congress will be fought over EPA and energy programs. Coming soon
Hands Off Our Tax Breaks!
The oil and gas industry denounces the President's budget proposal to cut its tax credits. while Gingrich's previous green moment may cost him future tea party support.
David & Goliath Koch Industries
Koch Industries responds to a put on about its climate politics with a law suit against the spoofers. Wham!
Making The Economics Case
Wade into the debate over the impact of climate regulation during a time of low investment and stalled job creation. Start here
Eager For Lower Gas Prices?
A review of the prices of gas at the pump shows they drop with terrible economic conditions. Supply & demand
UK: Greens Pivot On Carbon Price
British environmental groups oppose a floor price on carbon emissions, fearing 'windfall' profits for the nuclear power sector. A new twist
February 11, 2011
France: Less Carbon, More Steel
Steel-making is a very carbon intensive industry, but a giant French manufacturer could lead the way towards decarbonization. Super man!
What's A Terawatt?
Consider what it would it take to replace fossil fuels with clean energy over the next three decades. Uh-oh
Climate Science: An Editor's View
The editor of an earth sciences journal explains the editorial process and comments on a controversy. No funny business
It's Not Easy Going Solar
Speaking from experience, a homeowner weighs the red tape and the reasons for a PV installation's paper work. Plug in
New Amsterdam Or Venice?
Anticipating the impacts of sea level rise and storms on NYC and the south shore of Long Island, what is being done to plan for the future? Dive in
Doing What Is Necessary
The EU might impose mandatory energy efficiency standards if the voluntary program doesn't produce results. Get serious
EU: 30x20? Fuggedaboutit
EU leadership dismisses prospects for cutting GHG emissions 30% by 2020, but has hopes for 25%.
Meeting Goals While Making Do
Programs to improve energy efficiency in federal facilities are likely to meet their 28x20 goals despite budget freezes. Learn more
China & Its Coal
Scientific American reports on China's current economic reliance on coal and its next five-year plan. Dig in
To The Moon Alice
While most Republicans oppose action on climate change and demand steep EPA budget cuts, some also call for NASA spending to send more humans into outer space. Honest!
So Much To Do, So Little Time
New York City's Department of Environmental Protection sets its sights on 100 goals and initiatives for 2014 while another agency will cut government's carbon footprint 30x17
February 10, 2011
A Green Economy Needs $$$$
Growing a green economy and green-collar jobs requires ready, willing and able financing. Spend some time
SF Buildings Made To Measure
San Francisco now requires commercial buildings to benchmark and audit their energy performance. Way to go
UK: Follow The Carbon Profits
Auctions of carbon permits in the UK have raised a billion pounds, but proceeds won't go to green projects. Sold!
S.S. Superfund
Preliminary clean up work at Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal Superfund site finds a sunken ship. All aboard
Chile: Go With The Flow
A drought in Chile that raises hydroelectric power costs, stimulates interest in newer renewable power sources. Learn more
Big Tech Breakthroughs Take Big Bucks
Is federal funding essential for major energy tech research and does it attract private development investment? Consider this
Protect Us From Illness
Polling finds when the Republican bill to revoke EPA's powers to control GHG emissions is explained in terms of added health risks, people in Republican districts oppose it, but big industry groups call environmental and energy regulations burdensome.
About That Pyramid
In case you're wondering whether the high-concept pyramidal condo proposed for Manhattan's far west side will be eco-friendly, it's going for a LEED Gold rating. Learn more
Economists & Climate Change
The Economist has faith in the ability of economic systems to withstand the impacts of climate change, but has doubts about the resilience of political systems when confronted with such impacts. Your thoughts?
In Warm Water
Researchers report a stretch of the North Atlantic off the coast of Greenland is warmer than any time in 2,000 years. Melt in
February 09, 2011
Republicans Attack EPA Budget
House Republicans propose to gouge $1.6-2.0 billion from the EPA's budget. Stay tuned & Dig in
Cure For The Split Incentive
Can landlords and tenants find shared incentives to improve a building's energy efficiency? Consider this
Wikileaks On Saudi Oil
According to Wikileaked documents, the US worries that Saudi Arabia lacks the oil reserves to keep global prices down. 'Peak' in
Japan Targets New Nuclear Markets
Japan develops strategies to expand export of its nuclear power technologies to developing nations. Look into it
Waste Not, Want Not
New York City wants to use methane, a by-product of sewage treatment, to power its waste water plants and even heat homes. Waste assets!
Bush Ignored EPA
A newly released document reveals that President Bush ignored the findings of the EPA on climate science and its authority to regulate GHG emissions. Wonder why?
State Energy Code Upheld
A federal court in Washington State finds its energy efficiency code is not pre-empted by federal law. Fine print
February 08, 2011
Housekeeping Tips
For everyone who uses a clothes drier, here's how to save energy and keep the air cleaner. Yes you!
France: More Solar, Less Subsidy
France announces it will beat its 2020 solar power goals while cutting its subsidies. Win-win
Time To Climateproof
UK engineers call for action now to climateproof the nation's critical infrastructure systems. TIck, tick...
Do Nothing
Three Republican members of Congress file papers with the Supreme Court arguing the judicial branch has no business deciding on climate, a strictly political matter, while challenging EPA's power to regulate CO2 emissions. Really
EPA Won't Roll Over
In the face of concerted Republican attacks, the EPA defends itself on the basis of the public health and economic benefits its policies provide. Stay tuned
Setting Clean Energy Standards
The Center For American Progress builds a case in support of President Obama's Clean Energy Standard and making it happen by 2035. Begin the race!
NYC Smart Gadget Hits The Airwaves
A smart-outlet device (developed in a New York City green tech business incubator) that makes it easy to control an air conditioner's energy appetite is featured on the Martha Stewart show. Think eco
New Mexico Freezes Cap & Trade
Despite a court ruling, New Mexico's Governor Martinez refuses to lift her freeze on the state's CO2 cap and trade program. What now?
Let There Be Snow
Climate science explains why to expect more massive winter storms. Dig in
February 07, 2011
The New Normal? Not Yet!
Given the promise of energy efficiency, why are there so few takers? Acute observations
Solving An Arcic Climate Riddle
Scientists explain why the ancient Arctic Ocean was so warm when other weather conditions resembled today's. Dive In
Koch Power
The brothers Koch gain influence in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Learn more
Outside The Sphere Of Consensus
Why do reporters report the way they do on climate change? Look into it
Australia: We Will Price Carbon
Australian Prime Minister Gillard vows to put a price on carbon and values climate action as an economic boon. Dollars and sense
Come Together
Will inter-agency cooperation improve the prospects for off-shore wind power? Plug in
Nuclear Stuck In Neutral
Plans stumble for building a new generation of US nuclear power plants. Here's why
Nuclear-Powered Turkey
Japan seeks a deal with Turkey to build the country's first nuclear power generator on the Black Sea. Stay tuned
The Price Of Uncertainty
While some states put prices on carbon emissions, federal inaction creates a climate of uncertainty that chills investments in cleaner development. Here's one way forward
It's Historical!
The federal government will renovate a ninety-two year old Colorado court house and make it the nation's first net zero-energy historic building. Trend-setting
Patent Battle In Court
Mitsubishi and GE head to federal appeals court in a clash over patents for wind turbine technologies. Ideas count
UK: Leading By Example
The British Department of Energy and Climate Change beats its own carbon cutting goals. Cheers!
February 04, 2011
Bob Vila Does the Bronx
"The most trusted name in home improvements" tours a green, affordable apartment project in the Bronx. Hop on.
The Must-Have Gadget
Just imagine, borrow a hand-held meter from a local library and find out how much electric each home appliance costs to run. Plug & play
The Amazon Desert?
If drought trends continue, the Amazon River basin could face the end of its eco-system. Trek in
Rethink & Refuel
Strengthening and upgrading the EU's energy infrastructures is critical to breaking its fossil fuel habit. Network here
Nations's First Carbon Permit
A Louisiana steel plant is the nation's first facility to receive an EPA-required CO2 emissions permit. Start here
EU: Carbon Market Weakness
The EU carbon trading market reopens after a recent theft of credits, but traders stay away. A trust bust?
Look Under The EV Hood
A critic of the proposal to provide federal subsidies for the purchase of EVs makes his case. Follow the numbers
NY's Nuclear Options
An upstate Congressman calls for a panel to consider construction of a new nuclear power plant in New York. Learn more
The Portable Electric Bike
Weighing just 22 pounds, take your electric bike to work and recharge it at your desk. Pedal in
Energy Stars
DOE plans a superstar rating for top energy performers in its much-criticized Energy Star program. Way to go?
February 03, 2011
Where's Winter?
While much of the US is having a record-setting icy winter, Arctic areas are setting a different record. Head north
Smart Or Sick?
Grist covers the controversy over whether smart electric meters are bad for your health. Look into it
Fool Some Of The People
Three Republicans circulate a draft bill to kill EPA's power to regulate GHGs. Some of the time
Presidential Energy Initiative
President Obama announces a Better Building Initiative to boost weatherization of commercial buildings with the Small Business Administration encouraging lenders to make money available for energy efficiency improvements.
Another Opening, Another Show
Stars shine at the opening of Home, an image-filled documentary about climate change. See here
Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction
A high performance building industry insider sheds light on an unexpected obstacle to green construction. A true story
February 02, 2011
Follow The Wind
GE plans to open a $152 million wind turbine plant in the UK, already home to 40% of he world's installed wind power. Turn here
EU: The Dreaded Funding Gap
The EU may lag in the global race to develop a smart electricity infrastructure due to a $138 billion funding gap. Mind the g**
Court Ruling Risky For CA Carbon Biz
The kick-off of California's carbon cap & trade program could be blocked by a tentative court ruling that the state failed to consider alternative ways to act on climate change. Who's suing?
Are You Buying That?
Find out who is on EPA's annual list of the largest purchases of green power in the US. Plug in
UK: Green Bank At Risk
Plans to create a green infrastructure bank in the UK encounter objections from the Treasury. Banks a lot! and More
Cuomo's Eco Budget Rx
Green groups think Governor Cuomo took a scalpel not an ax to the state's environmental budget. Stay tuned
Snow Gets In Their Eyes
House Republicans moving to nullify the EPA's power to regulate GHGs. Watch out
February 01, 2011
UK: GHG Emissions Down
Economic woes in the UK are credited with cutting annual GHG emissions 8.7% in 2009, but household levels stay constant. Now what?
What's Smart About Smart Cities?
The rise of all-new smart cities offers chances to learn what's intelligent. Plan it
Control Your Power
A French computer services company teams up with Intel to make it easy for consumers to manage their home and appliance energy use and the competition is heating up. On-line service
Energy Policy By Way Of The Chamber Of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce calls for expanded fossil fuel drilling and less regulation. Same old SOP
Warming Antarctica - Do The Science
One scientist who studies warming in the Antarctic posts comments on the research of another scientist. That's what scientists do. Hard at work
Beware Plan B
Now that a concerted international agreement to cut GHG emissions is off the table, is geo-engineering a feasible alternative? Look into it
Homo Economicus - Not
When it comes to climate issues, does behavioral economics need to include the impact of values and ethics? Think about it