Technology
Rare earth metals and green technologies
A growing number of important green technologies depend on rare earth metals and other scarce elements. Everything from the batteries in electric cars to solar panels to advanced wind turbines rely on exotic metals that come from only a few places around the world. Some valuable technologies are not being exploited to their fullest extent due to the scarcity of raw materials. [Read more…] about Rare earth metals and green technologies
Geothermal energy on the rise
Geothermal energy is experiencing a period of global expansion, with more new power plants ready to go on line over the next three to four years than in any previous decade. U.S. companies are doing much of that work. [Read more…] about Geothermal energy on the rise
There will be a landfill in your future
Modern society generates an enormous amount of trash, and the volume of trash increases as people become more affluent. The average person in the U.S. throws away their body weight in trash each month. Urban residents throw out more stuff than rural residents of the same income. [Read more…] about There will be a landfill in your future
The solar market is booming
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Renewable energy is growing by leaps and bounds in the US and the growth in solar energy is particularly explosive. In 2013, the US installed more solar capacity than world-leader Germany for the first time in more than a decade. [Read more…] about The solar market is booming
Heating with food waste
A new program in New York City is making use of food waste to produce bio-gas for residential and commercial heating. More than 100 restaurants are participating in the program, which is a voluntary effort to reduce the amount of food waste headed to landfills. [Read more…] about Heating with food waste
LED light bulbs
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Incandescent light bulbs are becoming rarer all the time. In some places around the world, they have been phased out completely. They are being replaced by newer lighting technologies, which use far less energy. [Read more…] about LED light bulbs
Early warning for climate disasters
Climate scientists talk about “tipping points” for the calamitous consequences of global climate change. These are triggers for abrupt changes in the climate that could bring about a variety of disasters. [Read more…] about Early warning for climate disasters
Drones provide a window into the deep ocean
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With the advance of science and technology, few corners of the Earth remain unexplored. But much of what goes on beneath the surface of our oceans remains a mystery. [Read more…] about Drones provide a window into the deep ocean
Exotic greenhouse gases
Most of the public believes that our climate is changing, and that we are at least partially responsible. Our activities release huge quantities of greenhouse gases, which trap heat radiation trying to leave Earth’s atmosphere. Our emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are causing the planet to warm. [Read more…] about Exotic greenhouse gases
When your sofa makes you sick
The New Year has brought a new law in California that could lessen the use of flame retardants in furniture. [Read more…] about When your sofa makes you sick
Localities declaring energy independence
In the last election, voters in Boulder, Colorado passed a measure giving the city permission to break ties with the local corporate utility and create a municipal electric utility that would aggressively pursue the fight against climate change. The progressive community was not satisfied with the green initiatives of Xcel Energy, the existing utility. [Read more…] about Localities declaring energy independence
The environmental impacts of hair salons
Hair salons have a certain fragrance. You always know when you’re in one. No surprise, since nearly 5000 chemicals are listed as products for hair care, including 3300 synthetic compounds. Beyond the shampoo and conditioner, there are hair dyes, oils, propellants, and various sprays to keep hair in place. [Read more…] about The environmental impacts of hair salons
Cogeneration
When Superstorm Sandy shut down the lights over much of New York City in 2012, a number of facilities retained full heat and power. These places weathered the storm because they had cogeneration systems, better known as CHP or Combined Heat and Power Systems. [Read more…] about Cogeneration
Riding the winds
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The impact of windmills and wind turbines on birds is controversial, to say the least. It’s not surprising that the American Wind Energy Association claims that there is no significant mortality of birds associated with windmills. It’s alarming that Save the Eagle International reports that 116 Golden Eagles were killed each year at the wind-turbine farms in Altamont Pass, California. But each of these groups has a clear agenda. Who are we to believe? [Read more…] about Riding the winds
Regulating fracking
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Hydraulic fracturing – better known as fracking – has driven a boom in natural gas production in the United States over the past decade. Fracking is also at the center of a raging controversy over its potential effects on public health and the environment. Despite these concerns, the federal government has left the issue of fracking regulation to individual states. [Read more…] about Regulating fracking
Tax: It’s a dirty word
Most economists agree that the best way to reduce the use of fossil fuels and lower the emission of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere would be to put a tax on carbon emissions. That would open a competitive market for alternative sources of energy, raise sorely needed government revenues, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. A carbon tax would even preserve the freedom to buy a big, low-mileage car, if you want one. [Read more…] about Tax: It’s a dirty word
Schools and the environment
A group of public school systems across the country has formed an alliance to make schools more environmentally responsible and to help change nutrition and sustainability policies. Known as the Urban School Food Alliance, the group includes the public schools in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Orlando. [Read more…] about Schools and the environment
Let's reflect on our success stories
Sometimes people find me depressing to be around. I endlessly point out the impacts of rising human population and resource use, extinction of Earth’s biodiversity, air and water pollution, and climate change. When I really get going, I point out that these human impacts on our planet may threaten the continued persistence of our own species. [Read more…] about Let's reflect on our success stories
Increasingly sustainable buildings
