Complete video at: fora.tv Amory Lovins argues that reducing carbon emissions would be doable and profitable if the focus was on energy efficiency. He says the US is already cutting its energy intensity without even trying. “Everybody I can think of the last forty years or so who has done energy efficiency has made money at it.” —– It is now generally agreed that human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases are very likely to cause global warming. This will have serious consequences in the next fifty to one hundred years. What should be done? Some economists argue that taking steps now to mitigate this problem is likely to drive up energy costs and result in reduced economic growth. They suggest that in the interests of economic equality - and particularly to foster economic growth in developing countries - it is better to let growth happen as quickly as possible and rely on future increased technological capacities to solve the problem. Others argue that we need immediate and decisive action on this issue. - Whole Earth Films Amory Lovins is the Cofounder and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Institute. Lovins is a consultant experimental physicist educated at Harvard and Oxford. He has received an Oxford MA (by virtue of being a don), nine honorary doctorates, a macarthur Fellowship, the Heinz, Lindbergh, Right Livelihood (”Alternative Nobel”), World Technology, and TIME Hero for the Planet awards, the Happold Medal, and the Nissan, Shingo, Mitchell, and Onassis Prizes. His …
Earthlust: orgs.sccs.swarthmore.edu 350.org: www.350.org Earthlust in Swarthmore news: www.swarthmore.edu As part of the environmentally themed 350 Week, Earthlust produced a video encouraging viewers to take simple steps to reduce their carbon footprint. While 350 Week events focused on a wide range of environmental issues, the number 350 itself refers to 350 parts per million of CO2, what some leading scientists believe is the safe upper limit for atmospheric levels. The week concluded with the International Day of Climate Action, organized by 350.org. Video by Kat Clark ‘12
The NHS has the largest carbon footprint in the UK, estimated at 18million tonnes per annum , this despite an increase in efficiency has increased since 1990, There are now a number of directives in place to help the NHS achieve targets of 26% reduction by 2020 and 80% by 2050. N3, managed on behalf of the NHS by BT, is a key enabler and can help the NHS achieve these targets in a number of ways, including accessibility to national applications, increasing the efficiency of healthcare professionals whilst improving the welfare of patients. This video shows how N3 is already assisting the NHS reduce carbon emissions by helping to move information rather than people around.
The United States is under a lot of pressure to lower its carbon emissions during the Copenhagen summit this week. But the oil-rich Uniated Arab Emirates has an even worse environmental impact, relative to its population. With little public transport, few recycling options, and almost all food and general goods flown into the region, the Gulf nation is under pressure to improve its environmental sustainability. Dan Nolan reports from Dubai.
The chemtrail conspiracy theory holds that some contrails are actually toxic chemicals or biological agents deliberately sprayed at high altitude for a purpose undisclosed to the general public. Versions of the conspiracy theory circulating on the internet and on some radio talk shows theorize that this activity is directed by government officials, and they have received thousands of complaints from people who have demanded an explanation. The existence of chemtrails has been repeatedly denied by Government agencies and scientists. Anyone living near a major metropolitan airport has gazed up at the sky and seen them: patchworks of crisscrossing contrails left by passing jetliners. Most of us don’t give a second thought to this common sight of a scratched-up sky. If we do, it’s likely to reflect on the explosion in air traffic and its growing contribution to air pollution. Do hanging contrails represent something much more sinister than increased carbon emissions? Since the late 1990s, a flourishing conspiracy theory subculture has been ringing the alarm that many of these contrails aren’t normal vapor-and-exhaust contrails at all. Rather, they are chemtrails, mysterious and menacing chemical evidence of secret government programs to modify the weather and depopulate the planet.
Barack Obama, the US president, has reached a non-binding agreement with four other nations on limiting future carbon emissions. The accord has been angrily criticised by developing nations, who say that it is not enough to prevent environmental catastrophe due to global warming. The US president will also have a tough time selling the climate agreement back home. With the country’s economy sluggish and unemployment in double digits, energy companies say it isn’t the time for new regulations. As Sebastian Walker reports from Texas, those firms say tougher rules would cut into their bottom line and keep them from creating new jobs.
Global Work Party event called for Oct 10, 2010. Bill mckibben spoke in Freeport Maine March 6, 2010. He reviewed the Oct 24,2009 international day of climate action where more than 5200 events took place in 181 countries when people came together behind the idea of limiting carbon in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million. mckibben encourages people to act locally, nationally, and internationally. the 10/10/10 event is asking people around the world to have a day of work to reduce carbon emissions. 350 promotes decentralization, encourages people to be creative and to contribute in their own way at what they are best at.
I’m like “It’s a world WIDE web!” and then I go on to talk solely about Australia and New Zealand. Still, it’s applicable to YOU because (to the best of my knowledge) most countries have not set their new emissions targets yet, so Australia and New Zealand are probably going to set the trend. “DON’T TAKE MY PAVLOVA BRO!”: www.youtube.com Music is “Take out the Trash” by Brad Sucks, used under Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike: www.bradsucks.net Links to the news stories: Wong defiant as Senate rejects carbon trade laws: www.abc.net.au NZ announces emissions targets: www.abc.net.au Quake Brings New Zealand Closer to Australia: www.livescience.com Alright so that’s all from me. I’ll see you next week!
Sure, we all know that riding a bike instead of driving a car helps to reduce your carbon footprint. But for commuters in Washington, DC and across the country, new Bikestation facilities are making reducing your carbon footprint easy, fun, and convenient. Check out the benefits of Bikestation DC through member Jesse Holcomb’s daily commute.
