Environmental Consequences: Asbestos and Human Health
Spain Sets Wind Power Generation Record By generating 40% of the energy required by wind Spain set a world record last week. When high winds blew through north-west Spain on Thursday, a massive 11,180 MW was generated. Of course the wind energy farms were helped by one of the strongest spells of fierce winds experienced by the region recently. Spain [.]Posted in: Industry, Wind Farms, Wind Power |
| Environmental Consequences: Asbestos and Human Health When microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled, they lodge themselves in the lining of lungs. This lays the groundwork for the deadly asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. Perhaps it should come as no coincidence then that rates of pleural cancer (mesothelioma) in oil refinery workers are among the highest of any occupation.  |
| Press Release: Conference to Explore Innovative Water Supply Opportunities WHAT: “Water 2.0: New Ideas for a Secure Water Future,” a conference exploring three innovative concepts that could help secure Texas’ future water supply:
WHY: When it comes to our future water supply, business as usual is not an option. Creativity and ingenuity will be needed to assure a water supply that meets human needs and sustains a healthy, natural environment. WHO: Presenters include: Richard Harris, Manager of Water Conservation for the California-based East Bay Municipal Utility District; Mary E. Kelly, Senior Counsel of Environmental Defense Fund’s (EDF) Center for Rivers and Deltas; and Amy Hardberger, EDF Attorney. Panelists and moderators include experts from The Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy, Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin; Green Builders, Inc.; San Antonio Water System; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Austin Water Utility; National Wildlife Federation; Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club and Environmental Defense Fund.WHERE: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 801 LaCrosse Ave., AustinWHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2009HOW: $35 fee includes lunch and materials. [Fees waived for media.] Send RSVP to aisaac-cura@edf.org. Visit conference website for agenda and more information: http://www.texaswatermatters.org/2009/index.htm.MORE: A presentation on Green Roofs will also be given by GRoWERS (Green Roofs: Working Expertise, Regional Solutions)MEDIA CONTACT: Laura Williamson at (512) 691-3447-w or (512) 828-1690-c or lwilliamson@edf.org |
Nanocups Could Improve Solar Cell Efficiency Now scientists are working on metallic nanoparticles to manipulate light in more effective ways than conventional optical materials to tap extra energy from the sunlight. Rice University researchers are paying attention to cup-shaped gold nanostructures that can bend light in a more manipulative manner. Here the cup behaves like three-dimensional nano-antennas. The gold nanocups [.]Posted in: Inventions, PhotoVoltaics, Solar Power |
| New LPG alternative in ‘green charcoal’. With the growing need for renewable and cleaner energy to combat climate change, a pest control manufacturer has produced a product that could be a worthy alternative to liquefied petroleum gas — green charcoal. |
| Press Release: Environmental Defense Fund Applauds City of Los Angeles for Approving First Municipal Program That Links Green Jobs and Green Building
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Lori Sinsley, (415) 308-6970, lsinsley@edf.org
(Los Angeles, April 8, 2009) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) applauds the City of Los Angeles for its leadership in establishing the nation’s first public-sector green building retrofit program that will create green jobs and reduce carbon emissions.
The ordinance calls for the green retrofitting of all city-owned buildings over 7,500 square feet or built before 1978, using guidelines from the U.S. Green Business Council and others. It sets a goal of starting 100 retrofits annually and priority will be given to projects with high community-impact level. Its green careers program features training and placement for local, low-income and underemployed workers. The ordinance creates two management positions, an interdepartmental taskforce and an advisory council of experts and stakeholders to oversee, guide and report on progress.
“The ‘Green Building Retrofit Ordinance‘ shows how environment and energy policies can stimulate California’s economy. It will put people to work in green jobs, generate revenue for local businesses, save L.A. taxpayers up to $6 million in energy costs and cut global warming pollution,” said Derek Walker, director of EDF’s California Climate Initiative. “Los Angeles is setting an example that cities nationwide can follow.”
“There are tremendous opportunities for employment in the green economy and this ordinance shows how community, labor and environmental groups can work together to link environmental policies with valuable green job training, placement and apprenticeship programs,” said Tim O’Connor, attorney and climate change analyst at EDF.
Environmental Defense Fund has published numerous regional and national green jobs studies and resources, including a California Green Jobs Guidebook done in partnership with the Ella BakerCenter for Human Rights and endorsed by the Apollo Alliance. EDF is planning to release an online map of green companies across California that are currently powering the statewide green economy - covering sectors from architecture to wind energy.
One of the fastest growing sectors of the new economy is green buildings. Buildings use approximately 40 percent of energy in California, and the least costly way to reduce emissions is by improving energy efficiency. Environmental Defense Fund is advocating for statewide green building standards and compliance measures to help California meet emissions reductions targets established by The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32). EDF is currently sponsoring AB 828 (Lieu), which would set up a collaborative interagency process for developing standards and help California maximize green building benefits.
|
| Separating fact from fiction on the environment It is quite remarkable how few early warnings about risks to human health or the environment over the years turned out to be unfounded. Whether the dangers came from X-rays, DDT, tobacco smoking, asbestos, lead in petrol or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), early warners were proved right, often after decades of denial by vested interests. |
| Posting From San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala San Marcos La LagunaToday I will be posting from San Marcos, Guatetmala. There will be a tour of alternative construction projects in the area and I will be posting some photos and possibly an interview from this beautiful site.The tour is from 2:00 to 4:00 local time so you may want to check back [.] |
| Holistic advice on climate change. It’s a tall order from Congress to the National Academies: Analyze issues related to global warming and suggest to lawmakers what the U.S. should do about it. |
New Wind Turbines for 11 Minnesota Cities This summer, Anoka, Buffalo, North St. Paul and 8 other Minnesota cities are gearing up for the production of wind energy. They will use recycled turbines for this purpose. In Buffalo, the work will start from June. After the completion of this project Buffalo will have the honor of the first city with [.]Posted in: Industry, Wind Power, Wind Turbines |
Nanotech Batteries - A New Energy Future People want to use clean and green energy and live easy on earths resources. Many are changing to hybrid cars and using solar panels side by side with conventional sources of energy. But they hold a grudge. How to store large amount of energy in batteries? Hybrid cars fit batteries for power storage. But [.]Posted in: Batteries, Hybrid Cars, Inventions |