How coal got a dirty name.
| Oil and Gas Producer Norway is switching to wind power Norway is known for producing oil from its many oil rigs in the sea, and for being a source of natural gas, but environmental concerns are changing things, and up to 150 wind power stations awaiting approval or already authorized. From a report by Nina Larson for AFP:“As Norway prepares for a future after [.] |
| Ashden Awards International Finalists Every year since 2001 the Ashden Awards showcase inspiring sustainable energy solutions in the developing world (and the UK). The awards spread the word about sustainable appropriate technologies being used by inventive people all around the planet. The Ashden winners are passionate about bringing change to their communities and the planet.Some of the Ashden [.] |
| How coal got a dirty name. When developers raised the idea of building a new coal-fired power plant in Will County five years ago, the Midwest was leading a resurgence of interest in the dirty-but-plentiful fossil fuel. |
| Press Release: House Amends Nano Law to Strengthen Focus on Health, Environmental Risks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sharyn Stein, 202-572-3396, sstein@edf.org
Richard Denison, 202-387-3500, rdenison@edf.org
(Washington, D.C. – June 6, 2008) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives today for passing the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008 (H.R. 5940) by a vote of 407-6. EDF says the measure will help address critical environmental, health and safety (EHS) concerns that could arise from use of nanotechnology. “The bill calls for much-needed changes both in the planning and decision-making processes of the NNI as they relate to EHS questions,” said Dr. Richard A. Denison, a senior scientist for Environmental Defense Fund. “It should also improve the extent and transparency of EHS-related information to be made publicly available. Overall, this bill should help substantially to achieve a better balance between the federal government’s dual roles in developing and advancing nanotechnology and in identifying and reducing its potential risks.”
EDF identified the following provisions as being particularly noteworthy:
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| Modest African footprint still approaching limits Individual Africans might consume less on average than residents of any other continent, but rising population is bringing Africa close to its ecological limits, the first ever detailed assessment of Africa’s ecological footprint has found.Africa-Ecological Footprint and human well-being, prepared for WWF by the Global Footprint Network and released at the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment today finds the average African had an Ecological Footprint (an estimate of the area of land or sea used annually in providing for personal consumption) of 1.1 global hectares in 2003, well below the global average of 2.2 hectares per person. |
| Greenprint Denver Council Releases Report The Greenprint Denver Council has released its draft Climate Action Plan, which includes their recommendations to Mayor Hickenlooper for a citywide greenhouse gas reduction strategy. For our inaugural post on the new Greenprint blog, we’re asking for your feedback. Please take a moment to review the document and the associated citywide greenhouse gas inventory, and [.] |
| Crowded house. A firm based in Rotterdam solves the problem of too many people on too small a planet by tunneling down, packing tight and making pigs fly. |
| Press Release: Statement in Response to White House Opposition to the Climate Security Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: From Steve Cochran, Environmental Defense Fund Climate Campaign Director: The White House today put itself on a road to the wrong side of history by opposing a bipartisan bill that will fight climate change, reduce our oil dependence, and restore America’s competitiveness.
They might as well have said, ‘Let’s do more of what we’ve been doing for the economy and the environment. We think its working really well.’
We urge the Senate to choose a better path.
The question for Senators now is whether they stand with those defending the status quo of failed environmental and economic policies, or whether they plan to answer the call of Americans who want real action on climate change and a real solution to rising gas prices.
In opposing the Climate Security Act being debated in the Senate this week, the White House today complained that the cost of gasoline could go up 53 cents over the next 22 years if we finally deal with climate change. They apparently missed the fact that under our current oil-addicted energy policy, gas went up $1.10 in just five months last year – and continues to climb.
The only answer to high gas prices is to break our over-dependence on oil, which is exactly what the Climate Security Act will do. Analysis based on data from MIT shows that the Climate Security Act would reduce oil imports by at least half a trillion dollars through 2030.
The White House also claims that economic output would be reduced by 7% if we took action to reduce emissions – a number at the very extreme end of all analysis that’s been done. All credible academic studies show we can grow our economy and address climate change at the same time – most saying the impact will be 1% or less over twenty years. That’s a far lower cost to our economy than the impact of unchecked climate change. This is a modest investment we need to make for a problem the President himself has recognized as important.
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Environmental Defense Action Fund
Founded in May 2002, Environmental Defense Action Fund is at the forefront of educating legislators about developing new solutions that protect the natural world. Through grassroots and direct lobbying, EDAF amplifies Environmental Defense Fund’s ability to champion laws that are based on science, economic incentives, and, above all, the protection of our environment.
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| Floating Solar Island Concept Remember the Solar Lily Pads? Well, Swiss inventor Thomas Hinderling has taken that idea to the next level with his solar islands concept (check out the video). The 5km wide, 20m height island concept would be mobile and would adjust according to the sun’s movement across the sky. Each island would generate hundreds of [.] |
| Press Release: Statement by EDF National Climate Campaign Director Steve Cochran on Comprehensive Climate Legislation Unveiled Today by Congressman Ed Markey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tony Kreindler, EDF, 202-572-3378 or 202-210-5791 (cell) “We applaud Congressman Markey for his bold leadership on global warming. Today’s proposal marks an important step forward in the House of Representatives’ efforts to address the looming climate crisis.
“Congressman Markey’s Investing in Climate Action and Protection Act appears to be the most comprehensive climate bill drafted in the House, and Congress should carefully consider the legislation as it crafts an effective response to climate change.
“We’re particularly pleased that his bill would combine strong environmental protections with sound measures to protect American jobs and family budgets.
“We look forward to working with Congressman Markey, members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and the House leadership to bring a strong bill to the House floor as soon as possible.”
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About Environmental Defense Fund
A leading national nonprofit organization, Environmental Defense Fund represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. For more information, visit www.edf.org
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