I mentioned (ExxonMobil CEO) Rex Tillerson in an unflattering way in a recent post, based on his refusal to put an environmental scientist on his board of directors. Of course, he is not the only executive in the fossil fuel industry who proposes to ignore the vast ecological damage he’s doing and suck the last molecule of hydrocarbon out of the ground and burn it. But I can’t help wondering: (more…)
I’ll bet that the vast majority of the people reading this sign several petitions each month in solidarity with ideas that we deem worthwhile. Here’s one I just signed for a cause we don’t hear enough about: putting an end to trophy hunting of large animals.
Bringing an end to poaching isn’t easy, due to the financial incentive associated with things like elephant tusks, rhinoceros horns, shark fins, etc. Sometimes real creativity is required to hamper these cruel and disgusting activities. By following the link above, you’re joining me and hundreds of thousands of others in asking Delta Airlines (the only U.S. airline with direct service to South Africa) to refuse to carry these items, making the world a bit more humane and compassionate. (more…)
When it comes to living a greener life… it all starts at home. Literally every room in your home can be modified so that it is more energy efficient. This not only produces less Co2 emissions and is much better for the environment, but it also is cost-effective, saving you money on your energy bills each year. When it comes to making these modifications they don’t have to cost you a fortune, many of the modifications you can make will cost a very small amount and will pay for themselves in energy savings, quite quickly.
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In response to my piece What Will Become of Most Renewable Energy Concepts? a reader notes: Ocean energy conversion is fascinating and is doable.
Yes, ocean energy conversion, in each of its many forms (ocean current, tidal, wave, ocean thermal, etc.) is cool, but it’s currently expensive. The point I was trying to make here was essentially: Who will win the race for a technology based on renewable resources that is the lowest cost, most scalable way to convert a given resource of energy into something useful? For better or worse, it’s going to be hard for anything to catch up to the maturity (and thus levelized cost of the energy) represented by solar PV and wind.
Frequent contributor Cameron Atwood writes: (The ever-growing affordability of renewable energy) is one reason why Obama’s “all of the above” (energy policy) is a failure in my estimation. If it were “all of the above ground” it would make more sense. The only government help fossil energy needs is out the door.
I certainly agree with the basic intent here, but because replacing fossil fuels takes careful deliberation, I would but this slightly differently, starting with this: The most egregious aspect to our energy policy is that we actually don’t have one.
What’s the problem with telling the world: (more…)
A colleague writes: Kent Moors might be an interesting person to interview at some point–especially in light of global energy developments, both renewable and fossil-based.
Sounds like an astute guy indeed. And he’s onto a very important theme in energy, i.e., Saudi Arabia’s implementation of renewables, enabling them to sell more oil to the rest of the world. It’s rather like the heroin addict/dealer who is strong enough to kick the habit himself, but remains in the super-lucrative business, selling to those who can’t get clean.
A reader responds to my piece “What Will Become of Most Renewable Energy Concepts?” as follows:
I sell energy every day and I would say watch more closely those you scoff at, as once the tax incentives go away so will solar become a side show…unfortunately. It will require a new energy that defies current thinking and the need for tax incentives. It will not be solar and wind as they are too dependent, I see how businesses make their decisions around these products.
I hear you, but from where I sit I don’t believe you’re correct. (more…)
With an increased awareness of the importance of green living, sustainable building has reached new heights – 301 metres to be precise! We’re talking about the recent sustainability changes to Paris’ famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower.
In 2014, the first floor of the tower was redeveloped, improving accessibility with a reception and conference rooms, visitor centre, restaurants, museum, pavilions, shops and even a glass floor. As part of this, solar panels, rainwater catchment, LED lighting and other sustainable technology was being incorporated into the Parisian tourist attraction. (more…)
Going green takes imagination and ingenuity, but it doesn’t always require a lot of extra money. Contrary to popular belief, many green technologies are affordable to consumers with budgets of any size. If protecting natural resources for future generations is important to you, try some of these simple tips to reduce your carbon footprint.
Diaper in Cloth
Parents who use cloth diapers can save money and the environment at the same time. Americans throw away over 16 billion diapers each year, but cloth diapers have come a long way. (more…)
In terms of decency, it hasn’t been a good day for the oil companies. First it was the ExxonMobil CEO’s mocking renewable energy, and now it’s more news on Chevron’s refusal to clean up its mess in Ecuador.
For those not following the story: Chevron deliberately dumped 18 million gallons of toxic waste into the Ecuadorian Amazon, resulting in the large-scale disease and death of the indigenous people. They’ve been ordered to pay $9.8 billion in damages, a judgement that was upheld at an appellate court, but they’re not handing over a dime. Please see the incredible video linked above.
