Energy & Climate Change

Carbon Fiddles While the Planet Burns

2013-05-21T13:30:18-07:00

A milestone on the road to catastrophic climate change was reached last Thursday, May 9th, when the Mauna Loa research center in Hawaii recorded atmospheric CO2 levels above 400 parts per million (ppm) for the first time.

DOE Announces ‘Breakthrough’ in Carbon Capture

2013-05-18T09:54:01-07:00

The Department of Energy (DOE) last week was excited to announce the commencement of industrial-scale carbon capture and utilization demonstration projects at two hydrogen production facilities in Port Arthur, Texas.

Why Oil Prices Matter for Renewable Energy

2013-05-18T07:22:01-07:00

The long-term prospects of solar, wind and other clean sources of energy are tied to the cost of fossil fuels. The artificially low price of oil makes it harder for renewable sources of energy to compete.

A Large and Growing Chorus is Calling for an End to Fossil Fuel Subsidies

2013-05-18T06:52:01-07:00

As we move past the threshold of 400 parts per million of atmospheric CO2, fossil fuel subsidies appear even more unconscionable. These subsidies could be used to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Global Wind Energy at a Glance (China, EU, US)

2013-05-15T13:10:02-07:00

Wind energy is one of the most significant renewable energy sources for electricity generation worldwide. Led by the EU, North America and China wind is one of the fastest growing clean energy sectors.

Canada to Fight EU Proposal Labeling Tar Sands as Dirty

2013-05-12T02:14:02-07:00

The EU has proposed labeling Canada's tar sands as "dirty" which would result in an import tax on Canadian bitumen. If the proposal is successful, EU refiners who use Canadian tar sands crude would face extra costs as they are required to cut carbon content in fuels by 6 percent or pay a penalty.

Canada is Banking on Carbon Capture to Offset Tar Sands

2013-05-12T02:14:02-07:00

Canada is hoping the carbon capture and storage (CCS) can help to mollify its increasingly isolated position vis-a-vis the the nation’s failure to limit emissions. The tar sands are a significant contributor to Canada’s rising greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon Pricing and Emissions Trading a Global Review

2013-05-09T10:39:01-07:00

Carbon trading is increasing around the world as levels of atmospheric carbon are about to move past the 400 parts per million threshold. The European Union has been operating the world’s biggest emissions market since 2005.

Report on Global Emissions Reduction

2013-05-09T09:07:02-07:00

A new report concludes that global momentum to tackle climate change is growing with every major economy setting in place policies to drive down emissions and increase renewable energy investment and renewable energy.

U.S. Energy Independence is a Delusion

2013-05-03T05:58:02-07:00

Increasing America’s domestic energy production is something most of us can agree on, but it seems there is a fork in the road as to how to get there. Some argue we should rely on the United States’ vast deposits of shale, coal and other natural resources, while others believe renewable energy from wind and solar is a better alternative.

New Discoveries of Lithium Deposits

2013-05-01T09:57:01-07:00

There is an increasing demand for Lithium that is putting upward pressure on the cost of this rare earth mineral, but the discovery of new deposits will help address this growing demand.

Global Warming and Sea Level Rises on the US East Coast

2013-05-01T09:25:32-07:00

Global warming is the primary factor contributing to rising sea levels and with new data showing that greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, we can expect concomitant rises in sea levels in America and around the world.

Video: Do the Math – The Movie

2013-04-28T10:22:19-07:00

In just 42 minutes, Do The Math: The Movie, tells the story of the growing climate movement, from the new fossil fuel divestment campaign to the fight against the Keystone XL pipeline.

Canadian Minister Attacks Leading Climate Scientist

2013-04-26T05:58:32-07:00

Canada's natural resources minister Joe Oliver is stepping up personal attacks against climate scientists. He may be feeling insecure about the fate of the pipeline in the wake of the release of a recent EPA report that clearly outlines many concerns with the Keystone XL project.

More Evidence of Historic Arctic Warming: Lake Sediment and Ice Cores

2013-04-20T07:18:32-07:00

The Arctic is getting warmer and the implications for the entire Earth are dramatic. In addition to impacts on local wildlife and local peoples, Arctic warming is altering the climate around the world.

Why the Fate of the Arctic Should be of Concern to Us All

2013-04-20T05:47:03-07:00

What at the first glance looks like a cold and barren north is really a treasure of life and beauty, home to people and amazing wildlife. The Arctic and subarctic regions are home to approximately 30 different peoples with unique cultures and traditions.

Shams 1 a Major Breakthrough for Renewable Energy in the Middle East

2013-04-18T13:21:33-07:00

The recent inauguration of Shams 1, the largest concentrating solar power (CSP) facility in the world, underlines the commitment by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to renewable energy and the fight against climate change.

James Hansen’s 2012 Research Linking Global Warming and Extreme Weather

2013-04-16T02:38:17-07:00

The retiring NASA physicist and climatologist James Hansen has made some unequivocal statements about climate change. According to Hansen there is strong evidence to indicate that extreme weather is related to anthropogenic climate change.

Relationship Between Warming Over Land and in the Sea

2013-04-16T02:07:48-07:00

As we continue to pour billions of tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution into our atmosphere each year the evidence continues to show that this is warming our climate both on land and at sea.

Hansen is Retiring from NASA not the Fight Against Global Warming

2013-04-13T03:26:01-07:00

James Hansen is retiring from NASA to get more directly involved in efforts to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. During his 46 year scientific career at the space agency, Dr. Hansen has issued some of the clearest and starkest warnings about the dangers of climate change.

Transforming Transatlantic Power Systems

2013-04-11T11:48:21-07:00

The U.S. and Germany are obligated, as two of the largest economies and historic emitters of greenhouse gas emissions in the world, to lead the global transition to cleaner power systems. Their success or failure in transforming energy systems has immense global signaling effects.

Cheap Energy and the Future of Renewables

2013-04-02T09:28:33-07:00

Cheap natural gas has created an energy vacuum, one that has sucked the renewable energy dream down its virtual tubes.

Deal to Export U.S. Shale Gas Fuels Fracking Debate

2013-03-30T04:31:04-07:00

American shale gas will heat 1.8 million homes in the United Kingdom by 2018. The development marks the first time the Department of Energy (DOE) has permitted the export of shale gas to a country not under a free trade agreement.

US Government Support for Renewable Energy Projects

2013-03-29T11:12:35-07:00

The US federal government has shown that it can collaborate effectively to support the growth of renewable energy across the country. The Department of the Interior has worked with industry, state, tribal, and local partners to approve 34 renewable energy projects.

US Wind Energy Doubles and Eclipses Natural Gas in 2012

2013-03-29T11:12:35-07:00

In 2012 the US added 13.1 gigawatts (GW) of wind power, which for the first time is better than natural gas. In total, 40.5 percent of new US electricity generation capacity came from wind power installations as compared to 33.1 percent for natural gas.