The Dalai Lama: A Powerful Force for Good
It’s the birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama, who, IMO, is rivalled only by Pope Francis as the most effective person on this planet at influencing our civilization for the better. (more…)
From Shell Oil: Green Finance Database
A long-time subscriber the clean transportation sector writes: Craig: Maybe you can draw some ideas from this concept for a green finance database initiative, aimed at helping environmental start-ups.
Thanks. I played around with this a bit, and entered some sample data. Maybe as more people use this and more investors come on board it will be useful; currently, it’s not really that helpful. It’s a cool idea, though, and I hope it goes on to play a major role in the financing of cleantech enterprises.
Of course, I’m always skeptical when oil companies promote competitive solutions in the energy space, though I try not to be too cynical.
Happy 4th of July, America!
It’s Independence Day here in the U.S., and here’s a quick reminder of an important concept: Real patriots are those who uphold America’s core values.
OK, so what are these values, exactly? Well, at a minimum they include: (more…)
Robo-Consumerism Is Incompatible with Sustainability
Commenter “Rob K” offers a good insight into the ever-escalating struggle between consumerism and environmental stewardship:
Car manufacturers “stage” development of cars so that the “next” models would look “cooler ” and technologically more advanced. It is not beneficial for a car company to give the public what we should really be driving. This is not about big oil or the automotive industry. This is about consumer ignorance and how the “sheep” can be led to water.” We, the American public, are the reason that (environmentally beneficial) technologies escape us.
In my book, manufacturers and consumers alike have a responsibility to lead us in the right direction in terms of the health of both our bodies and our environment. (more…)
From Guest Blogger Alex Yackery: More Homeowners Than Ever Are Going Solar in New York City–Velocity of Solar Applications Hits All Time High in ConEdison Region
A quick drive through the outer boroughs of New York City will make it apparent that solar has become a popular choice for homeowners that have ConEdison as their utility company. A closer look at the data published by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will confirm the fact that more homeowners than ever are choosing to make the switch to solar. ConEdison territory is a goldilocks zone for solar due to the high cost of power and the incentives available to customers who choose to go solar. (more…)
From Guest Blogger Lana Hawkins: Eco-Friendly Lighting Solutions for Your Home
One of the main principles of sustainability is accepting certain ecologically friendly practices in order to preserve our natural resources. Energy consumption is one of the main criteria in the sustainability movement, and that is why introducing these eco-friendly lighting solutions into your household could help you save both money and energy in the process. (more…)
The Eco-Transformation of Papua New Guinea
I thought folks may be interested to read about a very unusual and wide-ranging project that is proposed to transform Papua New Guinea into a virtual beehive of eco-friendly commerce.
I’ve known Luimack Johnson for several years now, and he writes: Good day Mr. Craig Shields, how are you? Per your offer, please review my plans for eco-development here on Papua New Guinea. (more…)
Bucking the Tide in Small Wind
Although I’m bearish on small wind generally, I have to say that I’m impressed with the work that my friend Dan Bates, CEO of WindStream Technologies, has done in this space; I hope you’ll check out the video linked below. Based on a conversation he and I had on the phone yesterday, he writes: (more…)
The Compassion We Have for Strangers and Its Relevance To Climate Change Mitigation
Here’s a video that’s doing very well on Facebook—and for a good reason: it’s a reminder of how selfless and generous people can be with perfect strangers in the time of a crisis (in this case, 9/11). I hope you’ll check it out; it’s inspirational.
It’s also thought-provoking. If people are so good in helping out in crises, why are they so indifferent in other times? Why are we so uninterested in helping to avoid the disaster in the first place? What is the “crisis threshold” that must be passed before people start to transform themselves into Good Samaritans? (more…)
Spreading the News About the Melting Arctic Ocean…in a Way You Probably Didn’t See Coming
This incredible video, less than a minute long, is one of the most beautiful and inspiring pieces I’ve ever seen. Enjoy. (more…)
