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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

Divesting from Fossil FuelsLast month, Stanford University declared that it would cease using any of its $18.7 billion endowment to invest in coal mining companies, and apparently, a number of other large educational institutions are making similar divestments in the fossil fuels industry.

I doff my hat to the bold and brave administrators of these top universities, while noting that steps like these are more than symbolic.  To whatever degree, they drive up the cost of capital for companies operating in this arena, thus accelerating the process by which renewable energy is perceived for what it really is: the deal of the century.
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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

The United States Tops the Charts in a Certain Industry, But It’s Not Clean EnergyHere’s a picture I took yesterday of a decommissioned fighter helicopter at a display of old vehicles of various types.  This particular unit was deployed in Vietnam from 1965 through 1968.

One of the veterans responsible for answering questions from the crowd explained that, since the close of World War II, the United States has been involved in over 50 armed conflicts around the world.  Though he didn’t seem to be offering a judgment about that, I have to think most of the audience shared the same feelings I had: wow, we certainly are a warlike nation.    (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Science

Is There Enough Solar Power for the Entire World?It’s been a while since I wrote a post reminding us all exactly how little area is required, in relative terms, to provide enough solar power for the entire world.  Numbers are cool, but graphics are better.  Linked above is a map that shows the swath that we’d need to take out of Northern Africa in order to get the job done.

We all need to keep the truth in mind as we contemplate the appropriate energy policy for Earth in the 21st Century, i.e., our planet receives 6000 times more energy from the sun every day than all seven billion of us can consume here.  We have it within our grasp to transform ourselves into a civilization that pulls itself back from the brink of extinction by migrating to clean energy.  Let’s do it.

 

 

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Corruption in GovernmentIt’s the birthday of social philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a leading figure in the Enlightenment, whose writings contain the basic ideas behind the U.S. Constitution, the French Revolution, and so many other important elements of the way Western civilization has developed over the past 250 years.  To summarize one of his central concepts, Rousseau believed that man is basically good, but becomes corrupted by living in the presence of civil society, which itself is the product of unfortunate historical events.

Remarkably, this is what  (Harvard Law School professor) Lawrence Lessig said in the podcast I cited earlier in the week on campaign finance reform, i.e., (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainability

Environmental and Financial Consciousness: Five Recycling Projects that Turn a ProfitYou know that you should recycle, the trick is getting yourself to make the effort to sort your trash and visit the recycling center. Here are five projects that offer monetary compensation for responsibly disposing of materials you’d be getting rid of anyway.

1. Scrap Tires

Whether you need to replace the tires on the family vehicle or have a couple sets of old tires taking up space in the garage, turning those tires in to a recycler are a great way to supplement your income. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainability

Seven Sustainable Energy Practices for Your BusinessThese days, companies can no longer afford to ignore sustainable practices. The public expects it, and the savings a company can achieve by going green are just too great.

Here are seven ways to incorporate sustainable energy practices into your business. Some are easily implemented. Others require a substantial investment. All can help you realize significant energy savings, increased employee engagement and productivity, and a reputation for being a company that cares. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainability

Reducing Carbon Footprint--Six Ways We Can All Be More Environmentally-Conscious

As more research is done on the damaging effects of industry and development on the earth, more people are working to reduce their carbon footprints. By taking steps to reduce damage on the environment, people can be part of the solution, and help make the earth a safer, more beautiful place for generations to come.

Recycle

One of the easiest ways you can reduce your carbon footprint is by separating your trash and recycling as much as possible. Many areas offer regular recycling pick-up as part of trash service, or have nearby recycling centers to take recyclable materials. Recycling reduces waste and water pollution, saves energy and is even good for the economy. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

Political Corruption vs. a Sane Energy Policy – Why We Have HopeDid you know that 96% of Americans believe that money has too much influence on law-making, but that 91% of Americans believe nothing can be done about this?

Ah, the politics of resignation. Apparently most people believe and act as though all is lost.  But strangely, neither you nor I do. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

I have to say that I’m impressed with the work being done to pass a constitutional amendment that would effectively overturn Citizens United, and restore some semblance of meaning to our democracy here in the U.S.  Most people would shake their heads and conclude that such a change in the law couldn’t happen—especially not in this poisonous political environment. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

Global Investment Overview

I started out researching renewable energy and general sustainability topics thanks to Craig’s books, especially his first one which I immediately felt gave me an idea of what to do with my career. After meeting and speaking with him, we both agreed on the “following the money” aspect of all this energy stuff, which it turns out was another one of his books!

Speaking of money, the more I talk with people in the industry, the more I get the sense that financing and investment for renewable energy is the most important issue when it comes to accelerating their development (more…)

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