Environmental pro

The "Human Car" Explained- HumanCar® Video

2007-08-28T02:08:00.001-07:00

Here is Video of Human Car, a creation of Seattle company HumanCar®, founded by Charles S. Greenwood PE, involved in developing human powered vehicles for over 30 years. The human car, a 4-wheel, 4-passenger vehicle can reach speeds of about 60+ mph.

New Technology for Wind Energy Project in Texas

2007-08-28T02:08:00.000-07:00

Shell WindEnergy and Luminant a subsiadary of TXU is reported to have agreed to jointly build a 3,000 megawatt wind project in Texas, developing Compressed Air Storage Technology for the wind farm.The air is to be pumped underground for use in electricity generation at a later stage improving reliability and economy. This project is expected to will double the current wind power generation in Texas.Source:scenta.co.uk URL:h*tp://www.scenta.co.uk/Engineering/ 1702082/shelling-out-wind.htm

VESPA's Green Video Contest

2007-08-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

Makers of Vespa, the iconic Italian brand scoooter for over 60 years has come out with a "Go Green Vespa Videa Challenge" calling creation of 15-second to 2-minute Videos promoting Vespanomics message from all scooter riders and enthusiasts.The interesting points, in the ICR survey, 2006, are a) switching to just 10% of total mileage to scooters US can see saving of around $42 million on gas per Day ( based on $3/ gallon average) b) reduced consumption by 14 million gallons of fuel per Day and c) reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 324 million pounds per day. The prizes for Top three contestants are vespas.The Information, Faqs and Tools are provided for the entrants for the use in submitting up to 5 videos.The contest closes on October 15,2007.

Clean Energy Project Design going the Open Source Software Development Way

2007-08-23T02:02:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting Clean Energy Project, intiated by Robert J. Rohatensky, using the concept of "The Solar Heat Pump Electrical Generation System (SHPEGS)" and making it a feasible renewable base load power station for moderate climates.The idea is similar to Open Source Software Development mechanism and open to people with expertise to participate in the Project.How about joining the efforts in making the idea work for everyones benefit? Here is a Video about the animation of flows in SHPEGS system from shpegs.org.

"Our Earth as Art"-Images by the Landsat-7 satellite-Google Map

2007-08-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a very interesting Google map Created by Jonathan Perkins. "Welcome to the Earth as Art Gallery! Here you can view our planet through the beautiful images taken by the Landsat-7 satellite - and most recently, the Terra Satellite's Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). h*tp://earthasart.gsfc.nasa.gov/ index.htm"
Now Google Maps have added a feature "embeddable maps", with all the same functionality of the Google Maps such as clickable, draggable, and zoomable.

View Larger Map

China's booming Economy polluting Sea

2007-08-09T07:42:00.001-07:00

Electricity Genertion using Cow Dung

2007-08-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

Smart Car crash: Video

2007-08-08T20:22:00.001-07:00

Official Global Partner of Live Earth, Smart Car is said to be "world’s only mass production vehicle that actually consumes only three liters of fuel per 100 kilometers" with only 88 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer driven. Source:h*tp://www.smartusa.com/smart-media-press-live-earth.aspx . I have come across this video and wanted share.

Free Refrigerators and Rebates to encourage Energy Efficient Equipment

2007-08-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

More than 100 years old and largest municipal utility Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), providing safe water and electricity supplies to around 3.8 million residents and businesses, has interesting "Low Income Refrigerator Exchange Program".The program aims at replacing 50,000 old, inefficient refrigerators which results in saving $12 million each year in fuel costs and reduction of GHG emissions, equivalent of removing 40,000 cars off the road."High-Efficiency Clothes Washer Rebate Program" is another aimed at saving 30 gallons of water per load in addition to reduction of energy consumption for water heating and clothes drying resulting in savings up to $100 per year in water, sewer and energy costs. Source:ladwp.com

Marine debris Analysis 2006

2007-08-08T09:36:00.001-07:00

Cigarettes
Originally uploaded by Capitan Giona

The recent annual report by Ocean Conservancy on marine debris from data from the 2006 International Coastal Cleanup has got interesting facts calling for increased ocean conservation.The Cleanup event in 2006, was 21st annual initiative by Ocean Conservancy, involved 358,617 volunteers in 68 countries resulting in removal of 7,000,000 pounds of debris from the ocean, rivers, lakes and waterways. 61 percent of debris is from recreational and shoreline activities and 29 percent trash is from smoking related activities, both land-based sources of debris.Cigarettes/cigarette filters (1,901,519) ranked 1 in Top 10 Debris Items list and Cigar tips (186,258) ranked 10. This is really calling for awareness building and participation by every one. The 22nd annual International Coastal Cleanup is scheduled for September 15,2007. Source:oceanconservancy.org The ICC Report details are here. h*tp://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/News2?news_iv_ctrl=-1&abbr=press_&page= NewsArticle&id=9765

The 11th Hour Trailer:Video

2007-08-08T05:22:00.003-07:00

I have come across this Video and wanted to share."The 11th Hour is a new documentary from Leonardo DiCaprio about the state of humanity and the world. Join the action at www.11thhouraction.comFilm site: www.11thhourfilm.com"

Ranking of Ozone-Polluted American Cities 2007

2007-08-08T05:22:00.002-07:00

The issue of Ozone also should get priority among other environmental issues.High concentrations (ppm) of ozone, due to high concentrations of pollution and daylight UV rays at the earth's surface, affects lung function and irritate the respiratory system.shortness of breath, chest pain during inhaling deeply, wheezing, and coughing are few of the symptoms. lungusa.org has ranked 25 American Cities on Ozone pollution levels with Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, Calif. topping the list and Cleveland-Akron-Elyria, Ohio with 25 th rank.The list is here at infoplease.com. Here is the European Environment Agency's near real-time ozone map (ozoneweb). The NASA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists report 2007 ozone hole in the polar region of the Southern Hemisphere has broken records for area and depth.Ozone Hole Watch web site of NASA on the latest status of the ozone layer over the South Pole is here.

Air Pollution and Death Rate: a Study

2007-08-08T05:22:00.001-07:00

A recent British study has indicated that the long-term effects of air pollution might result in higher death rate, besides other issues.The study was focused on two types of air pollution: black smoke, which comes from burning coal, and sulfur dioxide. The findings were same irrespective of the localities and neighborhoods and deaths were especially from respiratory diseases.Read the full article at webmd.com. The URL is h*tp://www.webmd.com/news/ 20070731/air-pollution-may-increase-death-rate?action=related_link&src=rss_cbsnewsfull

Mount Madonna Pajaro Watershed Project included in School science curriculum

2007-08-08T05:22:00.000-07:00

It is intersting to note that the awareness programs are being taken up at school level which will definitely be helpful in the future.Top in the list of America's most endangered rivers 2006 by americanrivers gets included in School science curriculum."Mount Madonna School 8th grade science class studies the Pajaro River Watershed and the affects of human population on the area".Source

Most Endangered American Rivers 2007

2007-08-08T05:21:00.001-07:00

Ducky on the lower Salmon
Originally uploaded by AmericanRivers.org

AmericanRivers, national organization working for healthy rivers, since 1973, with more than 65,000 members and supporters nationwide, solicits nominations from environmental groups and organisations for the America’s Most Endangered Rivers report, each year.The list of rivers in 2007 is 1) Santa Fe River (New Mexico) 2) San Mateo Creek (California) 3) Iowa River (Iowa) 4) Upper Delaware River (New York) 5) White Salmon River (Washington) 6) Neches River (Texas) 7) Kinnickinnic River (Wisconsin) 8) Neuse River (North Carolina) 9) Lee Creek (Arkansas, Oklahoma) 10) Chuitna River (Alaska).It is inspiring to note the initiative.The details and report are here at americanrivers.org.

Harnessing Solar Energy using Coated Ballons

2007-07-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a new and interesting way of Electrical Energy production by using helium balloons coated with solar cells which is devised by scientists at the Technion Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa.It is said that two of the systems are already installed.It is looks portable as the systems float in air.Source:jpost.com. Here is the news. h*tp://www.jpost.com/servlet/ Satellite?pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull&cid=1182409629380

Anaerobic Fermentation may help conversion of Glycerin to Ethonal

2007-07-10T03:05:00.001-07:00

The recent findings from Rice University are to offer a possible solution to the overproduced glycerin (One pound of glycerin is produced for every 10 pounds of biodiesel), a major by-product of biodiesel production. A bacterium can be used for the fermention of glycerin and production of ethanol, a biofuel. Microorganisms such as E. coli are capable of digesting glycerin in an oxygen-free environment (anaerobic fermentation). It is the most economical and widely used process for biological conversion.Source:scientistlive.com. the news is here. h*tp://www.scientistlive.com/18063/putting-e-coli-to-work.thtml

Floating Windmills are being planned for North Sea

2007-07-10T03:05:00.000-07:00

Norwegian energy group Norsk Hydro and German engineering firm Siemens have announced recently thier plans to undertake innovative research to build wind turbines that can float on the ocean's surface.In the present scenario windmills are built on the land and in shallow off-shore seabed sites. Windmill installations sometimes get criticisms such as spoiling the landscapes, noise and threat to birdlife.The design might consist three 60 metres long blades attached to about 200 metres long steel tube with a concrete base, with 80 meters extending above the water. It is hoped that prototype would be operating in the North Sea by 2009 and off-shore wind energy field set up by 2013, using 5 megawatt wind turbines.It is interesting to note that the energy could be used by offshore activities and coastal communities. Source:deutsche-welle.de .The news is here.h*tp://www.deutsche-welle.de/dw/article/0,2144,2649035,00.html

How much good "Emission Reduction Schemes" are?

2007-07-09T00:45:00.002-07:00

In the context of "Live Earth concerts", here is a news "Emission-lowering schemes could be bad for the planet" by scotsman.com, discussing the effectiveness of the schemes. The awareness building activities also result in significant increase of emissions. Making the total carbon footprint of the entire events is not the soltution as some of the schemes are poorly regulated.

Value of "Carbon Offset Credits" a point of view

2007-07-09T00:45:00.001-07:00

caravanchannel.tv had a program in which the value of carbon offset credits was discussed.Read the news release TV Shows questions value of "carbon offset credits" here.Here is a video on youtube.

Lifestyle Changes for Zero Carbon Future

2007-07-09T00:45:00.000-07:00

Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), UK, working to offer solutions for climate change, pollution and the waste of precious resources, has recently released a report," zerocarbon britain", as a part of the annual Sustainable Science Symposium.In the context of UK government's target of carbon emissions reduction by 60% by the year 2050, the report by CAT is suggesting a creation of a market for carbon that affects every one and alloting People their own carbon credits "Tradable Energy Quotas (TEQs)" to be carried on smart cards.Free allocation of credits to get reduced year after year as the country moves towards carbon free country.Here is the news from news.scotsman.com. The report "zerocarbonbritain" is here. zerocarbonbritain.com.The details of Sustainable Science Symposium by CAT is here.

ARS "Slurry treatment system" study shows Reduction of Emissions

2007-07-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have developed an innovative hog waste-management system which is named as 'Super Soil System'. The process of "waste handling system converts pig slurry into soil improvers and fertilizers, and removes almost all of the suspended solids, phosphorus and ammonia from the separated effluent". The latest research by ARS at, at a large commercial pig finishing operation it was found that replacement of conventional anaerobic lagoon practices with the "Slurry treatment system" has resulted in GHG emissions reduceion by 97 about percent. The waste treatment system is said to be installed on two pig production sites. The process is helpful in many ways such as improving the soil quality, reduction of GHG emissions and may be the proess gets carbon reduction credits. Source:thepigsite.com.The news is here.h*tp://www.thepigsite.com/swinenews/14839/slurry-treatment-system-gives-green-credits-and-cosub2-sub-trade-opportunities

"Cycle Hero" Video and Competition

2007-07-05T07:04:00.001-07:00

Here is an interesting Cinema advert Video on youtube, aiming to "raise awareness of the impact of transport"by CTC, UK based organisation. Competition "CycleHero" details are here, in which winner will get a custom built bike worth £1500.

Vote Your "Science Idol!"

2007-07-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

The Union of Concerned Scientists, a "science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world" has its second annual "Science Idol: The Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest" for online voting. The list of finalists is here to view and vote.The Voters have a chance to win a 2008 Defending Science calendar featuring the work of our top 12 finalists. The last years winner "2006 Science Idol: James MacLeod" and other finalists work can be seen here.

Convention centre to be constructed using "Green Concrete"

2007-06-30T07:13:00.002-07:00

Here is an interesting news about launching of Carbon Neutral Concrete, which is described as a 'zero CO2 version' of the material, by Ecocem.The product is going to be used by Treasury Holdings in the construction of its €380m Dublin convention centre. Carbon footprint of 9,358 tonnes of CO2 is expected in the construction, out of which 4,608 tonnes will be reduced by the use of new product and balance by purchase of carbon credits under approved schemes. Source:rte.ie. The news is here. h*tp://www.rte.ie/ business/ 2007/ 0628/ecocem.html

"Eclogical Footprint"

2007-06-30T07:13:00.001-07:00

Redefining Progress, aiming developent of solutions to help people, protect the environment, and grow the economy, has provided Personal Ecological Footprint Calcuator. It helps estimating "how much of the Earth's biocapacity is needed to support a person's consumption choices over the course of a year."Global Average Footprint is 21 global hectares and Sustainable Footprint is15 global hectares. Ecological Footprint of nations is here. Ecological Footprint Quiz is here.

Get FREE printed Version of "Personal Carbon Calculator" by HMI, Non-Profit

2007-06-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

Holistic Management International (HMI), a non-profit founded in 1984, working with people worldwide in healing the damaged land and incrasing the productivity of working lands, by restoring bio-diversity and reversing desertification. At present 30 million acres worldwide are being managed holistically by HMI. To build the awareness about the global warming and help people participate in fighting the issue individually printed Version of "Personal Carbon Calculator" is being offered. 9" W x 4" H card is available FREE. Interested to get one, visit the website. The chart help people calculate their personal carbon impacts and help their decisions.

"Monitoring and Visualization tool" for Solar Power installations

2007-06-29T07:52:00.002-07:00

The critical data about the performance of the of solar power needs to be accurate and has to be monitored, managed and controlled. Here is a solution by fatspaniel.com.The company provides a package of software, hardware to monitor system's performance and transmit the data over the Internet via a wireless modem. Read the interesting information.fatspaniel.com

'Innovations in Chemistry' were honored

2007-06-29T07:52:00.001-07:00

Aiming to promote pollution prevention through an EPA initiative "The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards Program" for innovations by chemistry community, the winners for 2007 were announced recently."Developing safer, environmentally friendly chemicals and processes results in reduced waste, safer products, and reduced use of energy and resources. Over the past 12 years, Challenge winners have made nearly a billion pounds of progress including 193 million pounds of hazardous chemicals and solvents eliminated each year – enough to fill almost 900 railroad tank cars or a freight train 11 miles long". 2007 Award Recipients are 1) Greener Synthetic Pathways Award: Professor Kaichang Li, Oregon State University Columbia Forest Products Hercules Incorporated for Development and Commercial Application of Environmentally Friendly Adhesives for Wood Composites. 2) Greener Reaction Conditions Award:Headwaters Technology Innovation for Direct Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide by Selective Nanocatalyst Technology 3) Designing Greener Chemicals Award:Cargill, Incorporated for BiOH™ Polyols 4) Small Business Award: NovaSterilis Inc for Environmentally Benign Medical Sterilization Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide 5) Academic Award:Professor Michael J. Krische University of Texas at Austin for Hydrogen-Mediated Carbon–Carbon Bond. Formation. The initiative is inspiring.Source:epa.gov

Ranking Company's Commitment In fighting Environmental Issues

2007-06-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

Climate Counts, a non-profit organisation is involved in a collaborative effort to unite consumers and companies on the environmental issues. Guided by GreenOrder, a leading sustainability strategy firm, Climate Counts has developed a scoring system based on 22 criteria to rank the environmental issues of the companies. Nike, Cannon, Starbucks, Yahoo, SAB miller, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and General Electric are the highest ranked Companies in their sectors. Climate Counts score of a company is delivered to phone by Working Assets Wireless. "Just text "cc" and then the name of the company you're wondering about to 30644 (88080 in the UK). (Standard text messaging fees apply).The initiative is interesting and help awareness building.

Control and Management of Carbon Issues Program for Palm OS powered devices

2007-06-28T06:33:00.000-07:00

Here is an application named "CO2 Global " by HANDCASE, for Palm OS powered devices to be used as a "Program for control of emissions and management of carbon credits".CO2 Global is available for free download at freeware-palm.com

Save Happy Valley Coalition 'carbon credits'

2007-06-28T06:30:00.001-07:00

Happy Valley Bookmark
Originally uploaded by kakariki

Here is an interesting activity. The Save Happy Valley Coalition started the campaign in 2004, against the mining by State-owned Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd, at Happy Valley on the West Coast, about 25km northeast of Westport.It was reported that company is reducing production of coal for the year by 250,000 tonnes, in part because of the protests by Coalition members.That made the coalition claim CO2 emmision reduction of about 600,000 tonnes in to the atmosphere or the equivalent of taking 170,000 New Zealand cars off the road for a year.Now SHVC is offering Carbon Credits for a Price in a light-hearted fund-raiser activity.Price:Just $10 for 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide and a printed Certificate.Buy in "Carbon credits" against coal mining Auction at trademe.co.nz.

Science Barge: a sustainable urban farm

2007-06-27T07:28:00.001-07:00

The Science Barge - MDPNY20070606
Originally uploaded by mdpNY

Here is an interesting initiative by nysunworks.org.The Science Barge, designed by New York Sun Works, an environmental nonprofit organization, is a sustainable urban farm getting powered by solar, wind, and bio fuels, and irrigated by rainwater and purified river water. It demonstrates growing food in the city with no pollution or carbon emissions. The Science Barge tours New York City’s public waterfront parks promoting sustainability awareness.The Barge uses a "system called recirculating greenhouse hydroponics to grow tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and peppers. Hydroponics doesn’t use soil."

How much You Know about Environmental Issues?

2007-06-27T04:50:00.001-07:00

Here are the interesting initiatives of nationalgeographic.com such as "Grade Your Climate IQ , "Global Warming Quiz", "Are You Water Wise?", "Find the annual temperature for just about anywhere" Map Map: Global Warming Effects and The Greenhouse Effect interactive resource are educative.

Power Wastage caused by Computers left Swiched 'ON' in the night : A study

2007-06-27T04:50:00.000-07:00

1E, a global Windows Management software and services company, in conjunction with the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) has conducted PC Energy Surveys in UK and US. The study, part of thier Energy Awareness Campaign, has shown that around 31 million ( out of 104 millions) Office PCs are left switched ON during the nights and switching them every night will result in savings of more than $1.72 billion dollars and reduction of almost 15 million tons of CO2 emissions. The UK PC Energy Report 2007, US PC Energy Report 2007 and the PC Energy Report summary can be downloaded.(PDF). Online Energy Savings Calculator for arriving at Power consumption, Energy Waste and pollution is interesting. Energy Awareness Game at turnitalloff.com is informative. The initiative is thought provoking.

"Interesting argument about Global Warming" Video

2007-06-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a video i have come across on youtube on Global Warming, which i thought as worth sharing.

How do You rate this River? Top Polluted River

2007-06-26T20:05:00.001-07:00

You have to read the news "Is this the world's most polluted river?" by dailymail.co.uk before thinking to rate.It is sad to see the state of affairs.It is hard to believe that this was gently flowing river with all the natural habitat.The Photo of Citarum, near the Indonesian capital of Jakarta is Courtesy:dailymail.co.uk

WWGS: What would Google say.....About "Global Warming" Video

2007-06-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a "video compilation of the first 200 images that appear in a Google image search for the term of your choice." Here the Search is for "Global Warming" Images."Here you go, the first one of what I am hoping will be a series of WWGS’s. Took the first 200 images that appeared in a Google image search for the search term “global warming.” Uploaded all the images into Adobe Premier and then laid down a sweet track, which in this case is Rob Dougan’s “Clubbed to Death” from the Matrix soundtrack".Read blog What would google say?

Mini Wind Turbines Power to Light LEDs for Architecture Week 2007

2007-06-26T01:05:00.005-07:00

Jason bruges Studios in collaboration with OneDotZero and Light Lab for Architecture Week 2007 with a theme for this year 'How green is our space?' focussing the climate change and sustainability issues and to inspire people thinking creatively about the spaces around them.
'Wind to Light' is an idea that visualizes wind movement across the built form with the use of mini turbines and LEDs. Read the Blog for this project. Wind to Light is on display at the Southbank Center in London

Design Award winning personal wind turbine

2007-06-26T01:05:00.004-07:00

Ben Storan, a student of Royal College of Art (RCA), working in conjunction with Imperial College to design an cost-effective personal wind turbine, for the urban environment won a top prize at BSI Sustainability Design Awards 2007. The unique design uses vertical rotation, allowing turbine to capture more energy from turbulent air flow, as it is in urban environments. and is quieter in operation.It produces 1.2KW at a wind speed of 12 m/s. Source:bsi-global.com. Read the press release "New wind turbine spins success for winning student"

Award winning project "Personal Carbon Calculator"

2007-06-26T01:05:00.003-07:00

Andreas Zachariah, a student at the Royal College of Art (RCA) is one of the winners of BSI’s Sustainability Design Awards 2007, for the “Carbon Hero™” personal carbon calculator. The initiative, in its 13 th year, supports design projects which help promote sustainability awareness and sustainable solutions, and is open to all students studying at the Royal College of Art. Carbon Hero™ calculates the carbon footprint of the user’s transport habits by Watching type of transport by monitoring their relative location, velocity and the pattern of the activity. The date aquired can be downloaded to PC or Mobile using a software to get the carbon emissions and carbon credits required to offset. Source:bsi-global.com.Read the press release " He's a Carbon Zero Hero"here.

The Observer Ethical Awards associating with Ecover announces winners

2007-06-26T01:05:00.002-07:00

The second annual Observer Ethical Awards, in association with Ecover has announced winners recently. The initiative aims at promoting innovative and ethical projects.Winner in Categories voted for by Observer Readers are *Campaigner of the Year:Al Gore, *Best on-line retailer sponsored by The Ecologist: Natural Collection, *Best local retailer sponsored by The Ecologist:Infinity Foods,* Politician of the Year:Caroline Lucas *Best Supermarket Initiative of the Year:Sainsbury's. The winners in Categories voted for by celebrity judging panel are Invention of the Year:Bioregional Mini Mill *The Ecover Award for Young Campaigner of the Year: Stratherrick School *The Do-It-Yourself Award: Jonathan Sear and Paul Speight *Ethical Fashion Product of the Year, sponsored by Jupiter Asset Management:Terra Plana *Conservation Project of the Year: Carshalton Lavender. The initiative and winning entries are inspiring to note.Source:observer.guardian.co.uk

'Carbon Credits' and 'Carbon Trading' boom in India

2007-06-26T01:05:00.001-07:00

The recent report "Rs 15,000 cr Carbon credits await India Inc" in economictimes. indiatimes. com has an interesting information that INR 15,000 crore will be the Carbon credits sale proceeds by 2012 for India, provided the projects approved by the National CDM Authority get approved by the CDM Executive Board. Quoting the data compiled by industry body Ficci, it mentioned that 599 projects were approved by National CDM Authority by mid-April, 2007. The number of projects approved by national authority are biomass (197), energy efficiency (166) and renewable energy (151) . The list of Potential carbon credit volume contribution by type of projects is lead by energy efficiency (11.33 crore), with industrial process (0.97 crore) and biomass (0.61 crore) following. Region/State wise ranking of approved projects are 1) UP: 69 2) AP: 68 and 3) Maharashtra:68. As on 26 June, 20007 713 projects are approved by CDM executive Board with expected 151,970,186 (42.8% 0f Total) annual average CERs and more than 960,000,000 Expected CERs until end of 2012. In the list of expected average annual CERs by host party, China is leading with average annual reductions of 65,036,178 with 90 projects. India has 250 projects (35.06%) approved with average annual reductions of 22,998,713.
Source: 1) economictimes.indiatimes.com 2) unfccc.int

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced 'Solar America Cities'

2007-06-25T05:50:00.004-07:00

U.S. DOE has recently annnounced list of 13 Solar America Cities as part of Solar America Initiative to promote solar technology at the local level. Solar technologies aimed to promote include photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, and solar water/air heating technologies. The cities will be receiving funding (each city eligible for up to $200,000) and technical Assistance. The 'Solar America Cities' are *Ann Arbor,MI *Austin, TX *Berkeley, CA *Boston, MA *Madison, WI *New Orleans, LA *New York City, NY *Pittsburgh, PA *Portland, OR *Salt Lake City, UT *San Diego, CA *San Francisco, CA and Tucson, AZ. The program goals between now and 2015 are inspiring.Source:eere.energy.gov

Public Opinion Survey of American consumers on "Addressing Climate Change"

2007-06-25T05:50:00.003-07:00

Here is a recent initiative of New Scientist teaming up with Stanford University and Resources for the Future to get a picture of Americans thinking about the action plan to fight climate change.Read the news release by rff.org "U.S. Public on Addressing Climate Change:Regulate Industry, and Don't Hit Our Pocketbooks Too Hard", full statistical report on the climate poll study "Americans' Evaluations of Policies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions", "Exclusive global warming poll: The six policy options" by environment. newscientist.com and "Global warming: what the US public thinks" by newscientist.com.The initiative is interesting.

Want to hear sounds from the melting Glacier?

2007-06-25T05:50:00.002-07:00

Here is an interesting "Katie Paterson's Iceland Project" about the Scottish artist Katie Paterson setting up a phone line to Icelandic glacier using special dolphinear.com equipment to capture underwater sounds of melting and cracking ice and send the sounds via a mobile phone. Read the Diary and see the photos. Hear the sounds here.

Car runs using 50% Water -Video

2007-06-25T05:50:00.001-07:00

I have come across this Video 'Man Runs Car on 50% Water' on Youtube and wanred to share."Mark Joyner's independent investigation of Steve Ryan's (Bios Fuel) claim he has based a water based fuel that runs on standard diesel engines. Mark Joyner website: MarkJoyner.name - Steve Ryan and Bios Fuel website:biosfuel.co.nz"

BMW Launches hydrogen-powered car

2007-06-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

BMW has recently Launched Hydrogen-powered car, Hydrogen 7, based on the existing 7-Series. Its internal combustion engine is capable of running on hydrogen or petrol.It is powered by 195kW (260bhp) 12-cylinder engine, the Hydrogen 7 accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited 230km/h top speed. The dual-fuel engine can be switched from hydrogen to conventional petrol power. It can travel 200km in the hydrogen mode with a further 500km and comes fitted with 74-litre petrol tank and another tankto hold 8kg of liquid hydrogen. Technological innovation is wonderful to note. Source:nzherald.co.nz. The news is here. h*tp://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/9/story.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10444230

'carbon offset corporate charge card' by Barclaycard business and Deloitte

2007-06-23T20:34:00.003-07:00

Barclaycard Business has launched a 'Carbon Offset corporate charge card' for business advisory firm Deloitte. The card is to be manufactured in carbon neutral way and using recyclable plastic. Deloitte 11,000 UK staff will be using the card to offset emissions resulting out of goods and services purchased by the organisation using the card. The card will be funding a recognised carbon offsetting programme. The Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs) from the carbon reduction projects will be cancelled to offset the carbon impact of purchases by card.The initiative is a real innovation serving many purposes such as reducing the emisions by the project, calculation of impact and planning for reduction. Source:deloitte.com The news release "Barclaycard business and Deloitte in carbon offset corporate charge card launch" is here. h*tp://www.deloitte.com/dtt/press_release/0,1014,cid%253D156834,00.html

'Emissary Credit Card' Design to Track 'Carbon Footprint'

2007-06-23T20:34:00.002-07:00

UK-based Design Stream has teamed up with identity specialist Sven Vogel to develop the interesting Emissary Credit card concept to track of users ecological behavior.The cards are to show the lifestyle impacts on the environment. Read "The carbon currency card" by finextra.com.Another intereting "Future of the environment is in the smart cards" by news.com.com is good related news article.

world’s leading green energy awards handed out to 2007 Winners

2007-06-23T20:34:00.001-07:00

Winners of the 2007 Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy were recently announced in an awards ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London. The Ashden Awards were created in 2001 by the Ashden Trust. This year's awards are funded by nine Sainsbury trusts, the John Ellerman Foundation, Esmee Fairbairn Charitable Trust and Climate Care. UK winners 2007 are 1) Biomass: a)Nottinghamshire County Council b) Wood Energy 2) Energy Efficiency: a)Cumbria Energy Efficiency Advice Centre 3) Wind Power: a) Ecotricity 4) Sustainable Schools a) Seaton Primary School b) Woodheys Primary School. The International winners 2007 are 1) Hydro-power: a) Peru: Practical Action, b) Philippines: Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation Inc c) Nepal -Centre for Rural Technology 2) Solar energy: Lao PDR: Sunlabob Renewable Energies Ltd b) Ghana: Deng Ltd c) Tanzania: Zara Solar Ltd d) Bangladesh: Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha 3) Biogas :India: BIOTECH b) India: SKG Sangha c) China: Beijing Shenzhou Daxu Bio-energy Technology Company Ltd (Daxu) Source: ashdenawards.org

WWF's global review of 'desalination' and 'environmemtal impact' worldwide

2007-06-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

Desalination Process of converting sea water in to drinking water is a growing trend worldwide.But it is posing a potential threat to the environment and also act adversely on climate change, says WWF in a global review of desalination plants worldwide.The WWF review, "Making water: Desalination – option or distraction for a thirsty world?", is indicating that some of the driest and thirstiest places are switching to desalination such as Australia, the Middle East, Spain, the UK and US, followed by India and China, where water problems are affecting large, populous areas. It has been said that Desalinating the sea has demerits as being expensive, energy-intensive and cause of GHG emissions.Arabian Gulf meets 60 per cent of freshwater needs through desalination, Australian city of Perth may be looking for one-third of its freshwater the same way. Spain is using major portion of its desalinated water to agriculture ( at 22 per cent the highest level in the world) – and holiday resorts in arid areas.Environmental Impacts of desalination include brine build-up, increased greenhouse gas emissions, destruction of coastal areas and slowing down conservation of rivers and wetlands. Many of the areas with most intensive desalination activity were observed to have a history of damaging natural water resources, particularly groundwater."Managing water demand and assessing impacts of any large-scale engineering solution are needed early in order to avert irreversible damage to nature and the cost overruns." Source:panda.org The Article is here. h*tp://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/freshwater/news/index.cfm?uNewsID=106660

Award Winning "Home Design" with out Power or fuel for heating and cooling

2007-06-23T03:35:00.005-07:00

Here is the Video of the house by enertia. The design by enertia is the award winner in 'Modern Marvels Invent Now Challenge' by history channel and invent.The sceince behind the design concept is interesting.

'Decarbonised fuel plant' capacity to power 720,000 homes gets green signal

2007-06-23T03:35:00.004-07:00

The news release by scotland.gov.uk has interesting information about a Project which will combine three seperate technologies hydrogen production, power generation and carbon capture and storage to generate electricity using hydrogen from natural gas.The application to build electricity power plant in Aberdeenshire with capacity to power 720,000 homes, has been approved by Ministers.The project uses hydrogen to generate low carbon electricity, and the residual carbon dioxide is compressed for pumping back 4,000 metres below the seabed to recover oil from the oil field.The news release is here.h*tp://www.scotland.gov.uk/ News/Releases/2007/06/14101244

Organic 'Food Miles' and the Invironmental Impact

2007-06-23T03:35:00.003-07:00

Here is an interesting study, by researchers in the Department of Rural Economy at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. The study of Food miles (which is the distance that food travels from the field to the grocery store) found that the environmental cost of greenhouse gas (CO2) emitted in transporting the organic food is much more (reducing the advantage of organic cultivation) as the organic food is being transported to much longer distances compred to conventional food. The local consumption and the improvement of food transport is suggested. SourceL:medicalnewstoday.com The news is here. h*tp://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ medicalnews.php?newsid=73428

Food giants to go for reduced 'packaging'

2007-06-23T03:35:00.002-07:00

independent.co.uk had an interesting news recently about the Independent's Campaign against biggest food and drink manufacturers , and an outcome of promise to go for reduced packing by 2010.Read the news story "Campaign breakthrough as food giants agree to cut packaging".

'Increased health threat' from Global Warming

2007-06-23T03:35:00.001-07:00

WHO Europe, which contributed to the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report on the health impact and public health response has analysed the health issues in relation to the climate change. According to WHO what we are seeing today is the lower scale what we might see in future and the 35,000 deaths due to the heat wave in Europe during Summer 2003, are the alarming example.Some of the predictions are "increased malnutrition and related risk of infectious and respiratory diseases, increased deaths, diseases and injuries due to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, increased diarrhoeal diseases and other food-and water-related diseases, increased frequency of cardio-respiratory diseases due to higher concentrations of ground level ozone".The impact will be differing from place to place and will result in health and socio-economic effects of climate change. It is worth reading and noting the impact of climate change. Source:euro.who.int.The Information Note is here. h*tp://www.euro.who.int/ globalchange/Assessment/20070404_2

Initiative of World's First 'Zero-Carbon' City at Abu Dhabi, UAE

2007-06-23T03:35:00.000-07:00

wbcsd.org has an interesting news story about the initiative called Masdar Initiative of US$ five billion Green city project, to be completed in 2009, at Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is expected to be almost zero-carbon, zero-waste city. Read the Full News article here.

How much green was the Breakfast during 'The G 8 Summit'?

2007-06-22T03:49:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting information on 'The Big Breakfast' during 'The G8 Summit' by BBC. "World Update got hold of a copy of the menu, and Dr. John Barrett of the Stockholm Environment Institute who's studied the eco-footprint of different foodstuffs helped me rate it for green awareness".The talk by Dr. John Barrett of the Stockholm Environment Institute is here. (Note:requires realplayer). 'The G8 Summit Breakfast Footprint' news is here at sei.se

Surfing and Environmental Intiatives

2007-06-20T22:23:00.001-07:00

To-day, June 21, 2007 is International Surfing Day, initiative of the SURFING Magazine aimed at promotion and celebration surfing at the same time awareness building about the condition of our oceans and beaches.Incidentally surfing magazine is reported to have made arrangments with Carbonfund.org to offset thier carbon footprint, through mangrove reforestation projects in India, as detailed in "Surfing Magazine Carbon Footprint". Another interesting story is here "Buy a Surfboard, Plant a Tree" by 360guide.info featuring 'Loose Fit Surf Shop' whose intiative Surf & Trees Campaign, launched in March 2006, gets a tree planted for every surfboard sold.The initiative resulted in 200 tones of carbon dioxide reduction in the atmosphere as the trees absorb CO2 getting Loose-Fit Surf Shop a Carbon Zero stamp.It is insiring to note that 75 beach clean-ups worldwide are being taken up on International Surfing Day. Actvities of the Surfrider Foundation, non-profit, environmental organization founded in 1984 working to protect oceans, waves, and beaches are also interesting.

Personal 'carbon footprint' Calculator launched in UK

2007-06-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

The government has recently launched an online tool, 'Act On CO2' to help people calculate their carbon footprint, in campaign against global warming. Few of the features are customisation to individual or household requirement, integration of home, electrical appliances and personal travel details and user specific advise based on data of the individual. On an average, the annual contribution of CO2 foot print of indvidual in UK is 4.48 tonnes.The initiative will be of much help in arriving at the individual's environmental impact and also reduce GHG emissions. Source:actonco2.direct.gov.uk The Calculator is here.

"Sustainable Building Challenge 2007-2008"

2007-06-19T03:38:00.000-07:00

As a part of the sixth world sustainable building conference to be held in Melbourne, Australia in September, 2008 International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment (iiSBE) is calling for participation by people with "experience in designing, building or operating high performance buildings."Call for Expressions of Interest closes on 29 June, 2007.The details, expression of interest form and information on how to apply is online may be downloaded.Source:worldgbc.org. sbo08 website:h*tp://www.sb08.org

UK's First Officially Recognised Zero-Carbon Home

2007-06-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

A two-bedroom Lighthouse became the government recognised the first official zero-carbon home, recently in UK. The prototype carbon neutral property was awarded a stamp duty exemption certificate as it was the most environmentally friendly home ever built and also the first to comply the highest standards laid out in the government's code for sustainable homes.The property was built using energy-efficient construction methods. The home is high insulated is designed to allow most of the daylight for lighting energy reduction. Solar heating of water is used along with water efficiency devices to reduce waste.The code for sustainable homes which was introduced in December, as government's initiative of making all new homes carbon neutral by 2016. This prototype building complied with level six of the government code, including water, energy, waste and six other criteria covering a building's overall sustainability performance.The property was built by Kingspan Off-Site.Source:environment.guardian.co.uk.The news is here. h*tp://environment.guardian.co.uk/ethicalliving/story/0,,2100375,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=29 1) h*tp://www.kingspanoffsite.com 2) h*tp://www.offsite2007.com

Renewable Energy contributes more than 7% of Total Power generated in India

2007-06-13T03:06:00.000-07:00

The renewable power installation capacity in India, up to January 2007, was 9,373 mw, which is more than 7% of the total power generating capacity in the country. India has 6,315 mw wind Power, ranking fourth in the global wind power generation. Apart from Wind Power Small hydro power and Bio pwer installation capacities are 1,905 mw and 1,152 mw respectively.It is good to note. Source:financialexpress.com.The news is here. h*tp://www.financialexpress.com/ fe_full_story.php?content_id=166957

"World by Carbon Emissions" Map

2007-06-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

I have come across this map where each country is shown in terms of carbon emissions ( size of a country equals emissions in million metric tons), based on the data of "Worldwatch Institute". Source: h*tp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v98/gbruno/carbon06.jpg

World "Tidal Energy" First installation in Northern Ireland

2007-06-07T19:37:00.003-07:00

For the first time in the world, a turbine is going to be installed for commercial generation of electricity from tidal energy, in Northern Ireland, in August, 2007.The "SeaGen" commercial tidal energy system, is the biggest of its kind, with a 1.2MW capacity can produce electricity sufficient for approximately 1000 homes.It will operate in Strangford Lough, with one of the fastest tidal flows in the world, for up to five years. It is expected to be the prototype for commercial applications of the technology.Source:bbc.co.uk. The news from Marine Current Turbines is here. h*tp://www.marineturbines.com/news.htm. BBC news link is here. h*tp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/ hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6728073.stm

First UK "biodiesel train" starts its journey

2007-06-07T19:37:00.002-07:00

UK's first train, modified Virgin Voyager to run on bio diesel, The London-to-Llandudno passenger train, had its journey launched, recently.The train uses a blended fuel which is 20% bio diesel. Bio diesel, a processed fuel derived from biological sources such as rapeseed, soybean etc., is biodegradable and results in lesser CO2 emissions, compared to conventional diesel. During the six- month trial the train will run from Birmingham to Scotland.Depending on the success, Virgin hopes to convert its entire Voyager fleet to bio diesel fuel. It is good to note that the use of 20% bio diesel is equalling "23,000 cars off the road" and 1oo% biodiesel use equals " removing 100,000 vehicles from the road". Source:news.bbc.co.uk.The news is here. h*tp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ uk_news/6729115.stm

Scientists demonstrate wireless "power transfer"

2007-06-07T19:37:00.001-07:00

Recently a team of Scientists from MIT demonstrated a concept "WiTricity" (as in wireless electricity), in an Experiment, "to light a 60W light bulb from a power source seven feet (more than two meters) away" with out any "physical connection between the source and the appliance."The use of "magnetically coupled resonators", one coil connected to the power source acts as sender fills the space around it with a "non-radiative magnetic field" which mediates the power exchange with the other coil (the receiving unit), made this possible. The concept may allow cell phones, household robots, mp3 players, laptop computers and other portable electronics getting charged with out being plugged in. Even the batteries may not be needed in future.This interesting information is from web.mit.edu and the news release is here. h*tp://web.mit.edu/ newsoffice/2007/wireless-0607.html

Increasing Demand for Biofuels pushing Food import bills to Record high

2007-06-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

According to UN FAO’s recent "Food Outlook" report the Global expenditures on imported foodstuffs is likely to surpass US$400 billion in 2007, almost 5 percent above the record of 2006.The rising prices of coarse grains and vegetable oils, the commodity groups featuring in biofuel production, account for the bulk of the increase.The forecast of Import bills, by the report, for these commodities indicates a rise by about 13 percent from 2006. Developing countries are expected to see 9 percent increase in overall food import expenditures, in 2007. "The more economically vulnerable countries are forecast to be most affected, with total expenditures by low-income food-deficit (LIFDC) and least developed countries (LDCs) expected to rise by 10 percent from last year."The World cereal production, in 2007 , is expected to reach 2 125 million tonnes, about 6 percent more compared to the reduced level in 2006. The total supplies will still be barely adequate to meet increase in demand. The issue requires understanding and addressing for balancing the needs.Source:fao.org. The press release is here. h*tp://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/ 2007/1000592/index.html

Biogas Energy Project Video

2007-06-06T03:25:00.002-07:00

I have come across this interesting information and video on a public-private partnership between UC Davis and Onsite Power Systems Inc "Onsite Power Systems Biogas Energy Project" (Anaerobic Phased Solids Digester)."Dr. Ruihong Zhang University of California DavisDavis, CAThe University of California at Davis’s Dr. Ruihong Zhang may be the Thomas Edison of trash. She worked for years as part of the Davis Biogas Energy Project to develop a system that converts up to eight tons of food waste, yard waste, manure, and rice straw per day into compost, C02, and enough methane to generate power for 80 homes. Dr. Zhang’s “Anaerobic Phased Solids Digester” is an innovation that can help local communities worldwide simultaneously reduce solid waste AND greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. The new system is already working at the Davis Biogas facility, thanks to a public-private partnership between UC Davis and Onsite Power Systems Inc. The potential is huge -- in California alone, five million tons of food scraps are dumped in landfills each year." This is taken from the news release"EPA honors Pacific Southwest environmental heroes."

Wind-to-Hydrogen demonstration Project

2007-06-06T03:25:00.001-07:00

A project to demonstrate use of cleanest alternate source of electricity (Wind Power) to produce the clean fuel (Hydrogen), was launched by The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in partnership with the Xcel Energy at the National Wind Technology Center in Golden, Colorado."The Wind2H2 project links wind turbines to electrolyzers, which pass the wind-generated electricity through water to split the liquid into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can then be stored and used later to generate electricity from an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell. "It is very interesting to know the technological innovations. Source:nrel.gov.The details and other information is here. h*tp://www.nrel.gov/hydrogen/ proj_wind_hydrogen.html.The video and animation are informative.

US "Schools" initiative of going Green

2007-06-06T03:25:00.000-07:00

According to U.S. Green Building Council, managing school certification program, as per nationally recognized standards for environmentally friendly buildings, around 300 schools are awaiting certification from the council.Earlier the schools were certified based on commercial-building guidelines, now USGBC has come out with benchmarks only for schools.At present 27 schools were awarded the green certification.AS per the estimate of The Council of Educational Facility Planners (CEFPI) around $53 billion will be spent on school building construction, this year and green building construction will be about 10 percent of the school construction market by 2010. The initiative serves many purposes such as reduced expenditure, teaching students on environmental issues. Source:usgbc.org The news is here. h*tp://www.usgbc.org/News/ USGBCInTheNewsDetails.aspx?ID=3165

Interactive Internet tool "WISE" to help find clean bathing water in Europe

2007-06-05T03:18:00.001-07:00

Here is European Commission/European Environment Agency interactive internet tool WISE (Water Information System for Europe) to help finding clean bathing water in Europe.The tool "offers a fully integrated picture of water quality along Europe's coastlines and inland waterways by showing both bathing water quality levels and wastewater treatment at each location."Here is the URL. h*tp://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/water/ wise-viewer/wise-viewer-flash?mapid=bathing&apptype=simple

Online Map-based tool "EU environmental technology atlas" launched

2007-06-05T03:18:00.000-07:00

A web-based navigation tool, the environmental technology atlas, was presented recently at EU informal council meeting in Essen, Germany. It was prepared by the European Environment Agency (EEA), to help private companies, organisations and public bodies find sources of new environmental technology. The map presents environmental technology companies, knowledge centres and installations. The Website: h*tp://technologies.ewindows.eu.org/atlas_map

China releases Climate Plan wants Developed Countries to lead

2007-06-04T23:54:00.000-07:00

China has released its first plan, recently, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But called the developed countries to lead fighting global warming.China, with its dependance on coal for almost two-thirds of energy is on the track to become leading GHG emmiter surpassing US, in two years time, accoerding to the International Energy Agency.The fact is being acknowledged at the same time rejecting international pressure for caps on China's greenhouse gas output. Claiming that the idustrialised countries were responsible for about 77% of CO2 emissions from 1950 to 2002, those countries are being called to take the lead in fight against climate change. The idea of asking developing countries to lower emissions will result in their development getting affected and will not help in efforts to achieve industrialization and modernization.The plan released is reported to indicate "sustainable development and poverty eradication" as the country's top priorities and "relatively weak capacity to tackle climate change" of the country owing to huge population and dependence on coal. Energy-saving technology and better farming techniques, along with a forestation program and conservation were mentioned. The reduction of the emission are a must and not leading the fight.Its every bodys fight.Comparisons will never end. Source:usatoday.com. The news is here. h*tp://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-06-04-china-climate-plan_N.htm

Canada's Environmental Events, Competetions and Initiatives

2007-06-02T04:14:00.000-07:00

Environment Canada is working for awareness building and action is organising "Clean Air Day" on June 6,2007. The clean air day was proclaimed in 1999 by Government of Canada and celebrated each year in early June on the Wednesday of Canadian Environment Week.The event promote actions such as sustainable modes of transportation with "Commuter Challenge" initiative with active participation of people during June 3 to 6. Last year, the initiative was participated by over 38,000 which resulted in the reduction of about 887,115.80 kg of eCO2 emissions, equalling 704 passenger vehicles not driven for a year.Partners of Environment Canada are very active and their contribution to the cause is here at cleanairday.com. Canadian Environment Week is being celebrated from June 3 to 9, 2007, with Canadian Environment Awards Gala (June 4), World Environment Day (June 5), and Oceans Day (June 8).This year, 18 Community Awards finalists were chosen out of about 100 submissions from the Canadian public, for 6th Canadian Environment Awards.Montréal's TOHU, la Cité des arts du cirque will be the recipient of Ideas for Life Award2007 (created in 2006).Jean Lemire,Environmentalist, will be the recipient "Citation of Lifetime Achievement 2007."Green Team Challenge 2007" Program for the youth will be honoring 2007-2008 Junior and Senior Winners.This year Oceans Day will be celebrated with theme “Watersheds...your link to Canada's oceans...explore the connection!”. Ten things you can do to help protect your oceans is interesting and inspiring.

GE and BP Form Alliance to Promote Hydrogen Power Technologies

2007-06-01T03:40:00.001-07:00

GE and BP have recently announced their new Hydrogen Energy joint venture alliance at GE’s ecomaginationSM “Green is Universal” Media Day, to jointly develop and deploy technology for at least five power plants, to result in significant reduction of GHG emissions from electricity generation."A hydrogen power project takes a fossil fuel, such as coal or natural gas and converts it into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The hydrogen-rich gas is used as the fuel gas to generate electric power from turbines in a power plant. The carbon dioxide is captured, transported and stored safely and permanently in deep geological formations such as oil and gas fields. By combining hydrogen power generation with carbon capture and storage in one integrated project, 90 percent of the carbon dioxide in the fuel is captured so that it does not enter the atmosphere and a substantial step is made towards tackling the climate change issue." "Initially, the companies expect to work together to apply GE’s proprietary gasification and turbine technology to the development of five hydrogen power plants that would use petroleum coke or bituminous coal as feedstock. As a first step, BP and GE would expect the petroleum coke-fuelled project being planned at Carson in California, where Edison Mission Energy is Hydrogen Energy’s partner, to use GE technology. In addition, GE Energy Financial Services will have the opportunity to invest equity in projects offered by BP.""Each commercial-scale hydrogen power plant is expected to generate about 500 megawatts of electricity — enough to power approximately 325,000 U.S. homes. One of these 500 megawatt power plants, fed by coal with 90 percent carbon capture and geological storage, would be expected to capture around four million tons of carbon dioxide a year — the same amount as would be achieved by removing 615,000 cars from the road in the United States. "The initiative is appropriate for the situation.Source:home.businesswire.com

GE announces debut of Hybrid Road Locomotive

2007-06-01T03:40:00.000-07:00

GE has recently announced the debut of its hybrid road locomotive at its Ecomagination event in Los Angeles.The freight hybrid locomotive has capability of recycling thermal energy as stored power in on-board batteries.This demonstration Hybrid Unit is adopting one of the technologies developed and used inthe rail industry to reduce smog-causing emissions, including Nitrous Oxide emissions, and particulate matter.GE's initiative aims at introduction of new technologies, in the maket, to help customers meet their most pressing environmental challenges."Bearing road number 2010, the 4,400 horsepower Evolution® Hybrid diesel-electric prototype will feature a series of innovative batteries that will capture and store energy dissipated during dynamic braking. The energy stored in the batteries will reduce fuel consumption and emissions by as much as 10 percent compared to most of the freight locomotives in use today. (In addition to reduced emissions, a hybrid will operate more efficiently in higher altitudes and up steep inclines.)" "Several GE customers including BNSF are helping to serve on GE’s advisory board for the development of hybrid technology.This past week, the Evolution® Hybrid demo unit traveled along Union Pacific’s network on its trek to California for its unveiling. Union Pacific also serves on GE’s advisory board."The analysis on the innovative lead-free rechargeable batteries and corresponding control systems on-board the locomotive will be done by the engineering team, before the hybrid locomotive is offered commercially."The energy dissipated in braking a 207-ton locomotive during the course of one year is enough to power 160 households for that year."It is interesting to note technological advances adaption for reduction of environmental impacts.Source:home.businesswire.com

"Planet Green Game" eco-educational resource

2007-05-31T20:22:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting, interactive and eco-educational "Planet Green Game" by Starbucks and Global Green USA .The multimedia resource is Flash-based with factual information and similar to game, where one has to make home, transportation, and town greener. The game aims at awareness building about conservation and climate change. Source:h*tp://planetgreengame.com

"WaterPyramid" solar distillation and rainwater harvesting

2007-05-31T07:47:00.001-07:00

"WaterPyramid" at dawn
Originally uploaded by Dev Marketplace

This project is funded by Development Marketplace, initiative of World bank.This was awarded Honorable Mention in the Development Marketplace Photo Contest.The Project "WaterPyramid"is in Sibanor, the Gambia.This is a stand-alone “water factory” using combination of solar distillation and rainwater harvesting – processes. During the dry season, solar distillation is used process salty, polluted water into clean drinking water. The outside area of the WaterPyramid is used to collect rainwater during the rainy season.The project is inspiring and is well suited to developing countries.Source:web.worldbank.org.The News Release is here.h*tp://go.worldbank.org/IJX6FHKM20 Details: h*tp://go.worldbank.org/NJBQX0KO90 and website: h*tp://www.waterpyramid.nl/ Photo:By Martijn Nitzsche

California Clean Tech Open 2007

2007-05-31T02:05:00.004-07:00

The California Clean Tech Open (CCTO), a competition founded to promote the creation of clean technology companies, has "announced that seven prominent organizations from the forefront of the growing clean economy have joined as category prize sponsors for the 2007 competition. AMD, Google Inc., Lexus, Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric and the ENVIRON Foundation are supporting this year’s prizes in six critical clean technology categories." Six clean tech prize categories are Green Building, Clean Transportation, Smart Power, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Air Water Waste Conservation.The CCTO is sponsored by Acterra: Action for a Sustainable Earth, a nonprofit based in Palo Alto, California.The 2007 Competition Is Accepting Applications with Deadline June 15, 2007.For details visit cacleantech.com.

Eco Friendly shopping bags - video

2007-05-31T02:05:00.003-07:00

Here is an informative, awareness building and Eco Friendly shopping bags promotion video by alternativeconsumer.com.

Solar Flashlight: Buy One for you, Give One to the developing world

2007-05-31T02:05:00.002-07:00

The solar flashlight manufactured by bogolight.com is available for $25.00+ shipping (in US), each. Whenever purchase is made one will be sent to the customer and one more will be sent to the charity of customer's choice, in addition to Donation of US $1.Features as per the company are "*Night Glow Strip - it is easy to find in the dark *Solar Panel - lasts up to 20 years, charges in 8 hours, and provides 4-5 hours of illumination *Hard ABS Plastic Exterior - highly water and shock resistant and shaped to fit comfortably in your hand *Carrying Hook - hook it to your backpack on the go, or hang it up to illuminate a wider area *Battery Compartment - powered by 3 standard NiCad or NiMH AA rechargeable batteries *Super Bright Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) - 6 super bright LEDs provide enough light to read at night" .The BoGo Program is interesting initiative.
"BogoLight Solar Flashlight For Africa" Video

Have Fewer Children, prevent Climate change

2007-05-31T02:05:00.001-07:00

Optimum Population Trust, leading think tank in the UK concerned with the impact of population growth on the environment, has proposed a radical form of “offsetting” carbon dioxide emissions to prevent climate change, recently, having fewer children."Each new UK citizen less means a lifetime carbon dioxide saving of nearly 750 tonnes"."Based on a “social cost” of carbon dioxide of $85 a tonne[1], the report estimates the climate cost of each new Briton over their lifetime at roughly £30,000. The lifetime emission costs of the extra 10 million people projected for the UK by 2074 would therefore be over £300 billion.[2]" "A 35-pence condom, which could avert that £30,000 cost from a single use, thus represents a “spectacular” potential return on investment – around nine million per cent."In the report"A Population-Based Climate Strategy" it has discussed the reason for climate change as human population growth and the issue is not being addressed properly. Source: optimumpopulation.org.The news release is here. h*tp://www.optimumpopulation.org/ opt.release07May07.htm [1]Stern Review, October 2006 [2]Fertility levels in the UK (Office of National Statistics).

Australia's CO2 emissions increasing at a faster rate

2007-05-31T02:05:00.000-07:00

In a paper "Background: Australia's CO2 Emissions in the Global Context" published by CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research and the Global Carbon Project in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, recently, it was explained that the average growth rate of CO2 has reached three per cent increase per year in the 2000s compared to 1.1 percent increase per year in 1990s. worldwide total CO2 emissions in to the atmosphere were eight billion tonnes in 2005, compared to six billion tonnes in 1995. Burning more carbon per dollar of wealth created is important reason for accelerated growth rate of CO2 emissions.Worldwide fossil oil usage has become less efficient, in the past few years.Industrial development of countries and CO2 emission rate are related and Australia and the US are at the levelling-off stage.Developing countries such as China are at the intensive-development stage and decreasing the global efficiency of fossil fuel use.China’s per capita emissions are below the global average. The average individual CO2 emissions per year is about five tonnes, in US and Australia compared only one tonne per year in China. The contribution of Co2 emissions to the worldwide total and accumulated emissions over two centuries, by US and Europe was more than 50%, since the start of the industrial revolution, and China accounting for less than eight per cent. The contribution by 50 least developed countries collectively accounted for less than 0.5 per cent of global cumulative emissions over 200 years.Australia contributes 1.43 % of the global CO2 emissions with 0.32 per cent of the global population. The findings were thought provoking and useful in understanding the issue to act upon.Source:csiro.au. The media release is here. h*tp://www.csiro.au/news/ GlobalCarbonProject-PNAS.html

"Recycle Guys and Litter Prevention" Video

2007-05-30T05:04:00.000-07:00

Here is an intersting Recycle Guys video, on litter prevention. North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance (DPPEA) initiative is inspiring.Recycle Guys in the Supermarket Video and Recycle Guys and oil recycling video are worth watching.

US Energy Dept. Awards $22.7 Million for Solar Energy Research

2007-05-29T20:37:00.004-07:00

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), has rcently announced $22.7 million to basic research projects aimed at improving the capture, conversion and use of solar energy. The research is expected to increase share of solar enegy in nation’s energy supply. 27 projects were selected by DOE’s Office of Science , to focus on fundamental science aimed at supporting enhanced use of solar energy with involvement of Universities and national laboratories in 18 states. Two priority technical areas such as Conversion of Solar Energy to Electricity (14 projects, $9.9 million over three years) and Conversion of Solar Energy to Chemical Fuels (13 projects, $12.8 million over three years) will be addressed.DOE plans to fund additional projects in fiscal year 2008.The technologies, institutions and projects are interesting to note.Source:energy.gov.The news is here.h*tp://www.energy.gov/news/5079.htm

Initiative for Methodology to Measure Climate Change impacts from Products

2007-05-29T20:37:00.003-07:00

Carbon Trust and Defra (Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs) have recently announced their joint initiative with BSI British Standards to co-sponsor the development of a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) for the measurement of the embodied greenhouse gases (GHGs) in products and services.The agreed method for measuring embodied GHG emissions, once developed, can be applied across a wide range of product and service categories and the reduction of the impact can be addressed."BSI British Standards will oversee the development of the PAS using the Carbon Trust pilot methodology as a starting point."The initiative will be helpful in arriving at impact levels so that addressing the issues becomes easier. Source:gnn.gov.uk.The news release is here. h*tp://www.gnn.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=287814&NewsAreaID=2

"Sniffer Rats Take Over Mozambique's Landmines" Video

2007-05-29T20:37:00.002-07:00

"Who knew that pesky rodents would one day help solve global problems? Based in Mozambique, APOPO Training Center breeds and trains rats to detect unexploded landmines in order to help accomodate refugees, distribute emergency aid, and create a mine-free environment."Related Post Rats helping to detect TB in saliva samples and sniff Landmines

Rats helping to detect TB in saliva samples and sniff Landmines

2007-05-29T20:37:00.001-07:00

A project funded by Development Marketplace of the World Bank, run by APOPO,Tanzania (apopo.org), is sucessfully training and using African Rats to help "Tanzania's detection of tuberculosis (TB) more reliable, faster and cost-effective" and detect land mines.Proceesing of samples can be 2,016 in comparison to the maximum of 20 samples, per day by a technician using a microscope.At present 23 HeroRAT teams are deployed in Mozambique to help in humanitarian landmine clearance and are accredited according International Mine Action Standards, just like mine detection dogs.It is interesting to know that "recently, the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region in Africa has endorsed this appropriate technology for replication in 11 countries in the region."Interesting details are at the fund rising website herorat.org and appopo.com.Source: worldbank.org.The information is here. h*tp://go.worldbank.org/C7VPDLKMA0.

Development Marketplace Photography Contest Winners announced

2007-05-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

Development Marketplace(DM), a competitive grant program of the World Bank, fundng creative, small-scale development projects that are result oriented and can be expanded or replicated, has recently announced the winners of its first Photography Contest, for images of DM-funded projects. The top three winning entries (of projects) are *"Training African Rats as a Cheap Diagnostic Tool" *"Ha Tien - Handbags - Habitat" and *"Protecting the Environment: Profiting from Garbage".The ten entries which received an Honorable Mention are *"The WaterPyramid Local Factory"*"Musseling in on Pollution"*"Community Empowerment and Fynbos Conservation"*"Community Carbon Collectors: Briquetting"*"Solar Tuki"*"Scojo India: Low-Cost Reading Glasses for the Poor"*"From Kiln Efficiency to Lead-Free Pottery"*"Fences for Fuel"*"Sunlabob Rental Electricity"*"VillageReach".The projects are very much intersting to know.The list of 2007 Development Marketplace Winners is here.The details of Development Marketplace Photography Contest are here.Source:worldbank.org

Unilever plans to source entire tea supply with sustainability certification

2007-05-29T05:05:00.002-07:00

In the recent announcement, Unilever, the world's largest tea company, has indicated their plans to source its entire tea supply sustainably. They are planning the initiative with the certification of its tea producers in East Africa, to meet Rainforest Alliance standards. Source:rainforest-alliance.org.The news release is here.h*tp://www.rainforest-alliance.org/news.cfm?id=unilever

"World Heritage Photo Contest" Winners announced

2007-05-29T05:05:00.001-07:00

Intersted in Photography? Next time on visit to World Heritage Sites, capture a good view.May be that one will get Prize and visit to heritage sites. Friends of World Heritage, an initiative of the UN Foundation, Expedia, Inc. and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre to promote awareness building on protecting the world’s natural and cultural treasures, announced recently the winners of the first-ever Friends of World Heritage Photo Contest. Three prizes and trips to World Heritage sites in Mexico were awarded. Sam Walker was awarded grand prize (package worth over $10,000) for his photograph of the Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A photograph of Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam by Kristupa Saragih and photograph of the Saint Catherine Area in Egypt by John Deaton were awarded second and third prizes respectively.Source:friendsofworldheritage.org.The news release is here.h*tp://www.friendsofworldheritage.org/newsroom/
press_52107.htm

Equator Prize and Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

2007-05-29T05:05:00.000-07:00

The Equator Initiative, launched in 2002, is a partnership of the United Nations, civil society, business, governments and communities to promote build the capacity building and reduction poverty reduction through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The Equator prizes are awarded biennially, forming part of the Equator Initiative.The initiative had more than 300 nominations from 70 countries, this year.Five winners were selected from 25 finalists. Winners receive $30,000 each.Among the winners was the village of Andavadoaka in Madagascar honoured for its management of octopus fishery to achieve sustainable long-term benefits. Source:content.undp.org. The website is here.h*tp://www.undp.org/equatorinitiative

Car running on "compressed air" to be on indian roads soon

2007-05-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting video and news about a car running on compressed air.

NOAA releases official seasonal Hurricane outlook

2007-05-28T02:24:00.002-07:00

As the start of the Atlantic hurricane season ( June 1 through November 30, with peak activity occurring August through October) is fast approaching, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released, recently its "NOAA: 2007 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook" , predicting above normal activity this year. "NOAA scientists will closely monitor the rapidly evolving climate conditions. NOAA’s updated Atlantic hurricane outlook will be issued in early August, which begins the peak (August-October) of the hurricane season."Image:NOAA

European Wind Day: 15 June 2007

2007-05-28T02:24:00.001-07:00

European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) is organising first ever campaign,through out Europe, "European Wind Day" on 15 June 2007 to promote wind energy.The details are here at windday.eu

European Wind Industry calls for effective legislation

2007-05-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), with members from 40 countries (include over 300 companies), associations and research institutions, had it's European Wind Energy Conference & Exhibition "EWEC 2007", recently which was attended by 5000 participants from 50 countries. EWEA made a call for effective legislation in the conference.The European Council has recently adopted a target of 20% of EU energy consumption to be generated by renewable sources by 2020.As per the estimates of the association in staled wind energy capacity can reach 180GW by 2020, which can meet between 13% to 16% of EU energy demand.The need for several actions was stressed, in order to make wind power contribute to the 20% target achievement.EWEC2007 has honored Eric Lundtang Petersen with Poula la cour prize for his contribution to wind energy. The Initiative of technological innovations and prepardness to meet the requirement (20% target) is inresting to note. Source:ewec2007.info The Press release is here(pdf).

International Photography Contest: Theme "Baltic Sea - Worthy of Protection"

2007-05-27T19:22:00.002-07:00

The Third International Photography Contest, with "Baltic Sea - Worthy of Protection" as theme for this year's contest, is being organised by the Ministry of the Environment of Finland, the Ministry of the Environment of Estonia and the Committee for Nature Use, Environmental Protection and Ecological Safety of St. Petersburg.The initiative is to promote interaction between people and nature and to encourage people of the Baltic Sea region to protect their natural surroundings.Persons from Finland, Estonia or Russia can participate in three categories *Professional*Amateur and *Youth (born in 1989 or later).The closing date for entries is 31 August 2007.More details and rules are available here. Source:ymparisto.fi.

Climate change affects Earth’s natural carbon ‘sinks’

2007-05-27T19:22:00.001-07:00

The recent publication in the journal Science ‘Saturations of the Southern Ocean CO2 sink due to recent climate change’, a four-year study by scientists from the University of East Anglia (UEA), British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Max-Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry has observed that the greenhouse gases and ozone depletion resulted in an increase in winds over the Southern Ocean, leading to release of stored CO2 into the atmosphere and affecting further absorption of the greenhouse gas. This new research is indicating that achieving stabilisation of atmospheric CO2 is difficult compared to what was thought earlier. In addition, acidification in the Southern Ocean is likely to reach dangerous levels earlier than the projected date of 2050. The analysis of the atmospheric CO2 data from 40 stations worldwide identified saturation of the Southern Ocean. was revealed by scrutinising observations of atmospheric CO2 from 40 stations around the world.It was observed that the Southern Ocean sink ceased to increase, since 1981, but the CO2 emissions increased by 40%.Source:antarctica.ac.uk.The news is here. h*tp://www.antarctica.ac.uk/ News_and_Information/Press_Releases/story.php?id=305