Those looking for a bit of amusement may enjoy this cartoon on climate change — though it’s so true, it’s hard to laugh. I love this guy’s references to the Koch Brothers, restricting the activities of NOAA, and sea level rise.
Here’s an article in Forbes on the “tired battle” that the fossil fuel industry is waging against renewable energy. The author details how this is playing out in various states – even conservative ones like Kansas—where “only” about 80% of the voters favor aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standards, but state legislatures are running up against fierce opposition from the oil, coal, and gas people.
I agree with the position here: the fossil fuel industry will eventually lose the fight, but they’re armed to the teeth with huge amounts of money (and thus political power), and they’re a very, very long way from giving up.
2GreenEnergy intern Louis de Saint Phalle is among the hardest working people I’ve ever run across. The metaphor of the shark comes to mind; he feels he needs to be constantly in motion, driving towards his goal — in this case, a comprehensive paper on the national security implications of a U.S. energy policy (or lack thereof). (more…)
Seventeenth Century mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote, “Human sensitivity to little things and insensitivity to the greatest things: sign of a strange disorder.”
Wow, I love that. And it’s so true. I have such admiration for this fellow that, if we had had another boy, I would have considered petitioning my wife to let me name him Pascal. Pascal Shields — it kind of grows on you.
Be this as it may….exactly what Pascal meant by “the greatest things” is unclear, though he was very wrapped up in things like the unknowability of humankind’s purpose and meaning in the cold, dark and hidden universe. Think of how little mental energy most people spend on things like that—or on the disastrous effects we’re creating on our environment–and how much we care about the minutia in our lives.
I like to watch the PBS show “Ask This Old House” on Saturday mornings. I’m so impressed with the incredible level of professionalism and the cleverness of the solutions these folks come up with.
Whenever it’s possible to mention energy efficiency or solar energy, the plumbing and heating guy, Richard Trethewey (pictured on left), normally dives right in. (more…)
Here’s an article summarizing where the world is with respect to the installation of wind energy. 2013 saw a dramatic decline in the overall implementation of wind, based largely in the U.S., where new installations were down 90% from the previous year.
The real issue, of course, is the whipsawing of federal tax incentives. If U.S. law-makers could have some level of stability and predictability, the big players (and the little guys) contemplating clean energy investments would be far more comfortable making commitments than they are now, where this subject is constantly under attack in Congress, and the fossil fuel industry is spending heavily to make sure renewable energy fails.
Adopting eco-friendly practices is one of the most strategically important decisions a business can make. Apart from saving the environment, becoming greener can reduce business costs and even improve the business’ standing in the eyes of customers and potential customers. As such, it can make a business more profitable, efficient and competitive.
I thought readers might be interested in this note I just sent to an old friend who’s getting on in years and has become concerned that humankind has gotten off the track vis-a-vis sustainability. As a man of reason and compassion, he wants to use a healthy chunk of his life savings to make a difference in the outcome. When he asked for my advice, I gave him a few ideas, which I summarized in the email below. (more…)
If buying a home alone was a daunting task, you need to understand that purchasing home decor items to suit the needs and theme of your home is also going to burn a hole in your pocket. However, just because you can’t spend a good chunk of your savings on home decor does not imply that you will have to settle for something that is less than perfect. In today’s times, DIY trends are fast catching up and homeowners are constantly coming up with witty ideas to recycle old or existing fabrics and other products which can be substituted for the different home decor needs. (more…)
Close your eyes and imagine a world where money and politics, greed and wealth, power and domination aren’t the driving forces for many people. Imagine if we were able to put our differences aside, forget about trying to be the best or to have the most, and just work together to protect this world we live in. What you’re imaging is a greener future… A world where everyone understands the significance of Mother Nature and the many gifts she has to bestow upon us. As a whole, we’ve got to realize how fragile our ecosystem is on this planet, and how countries have been playing a game of chicken that’s been going on for far too long.
