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Entries from November 2017

Light at Night: a sign of …

November 28th, 2017 · Comments Off on Light at Night: a sign of …

Across energy presentations, versions the following might just be the most common image. Variations of this image and discussion have been around for decades.  This post, while reflecting long-time thinking, was sparked from presentations (such as slide 2) at the excellent Green Growth Knowledge Platform annual conference with much top-notch economic analysis of climate, sustainability, and clean energy/water […]

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Tags: Energy

A clear-eyed look at Gov. McAuliffe’s climate record …

November 28th, 2017 · Comments Off on A clear-eyed look at Gov. McAuliffe’s climate record …

Recently, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has been making some news when it comes to climate change. When climate-science denier Donald Trump declared his intention to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, Gov. McAuliffe stepped up to declare that Virginia would act to address climate change at the state level. Following an executive order […]

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Tags: climate change · climate hawk · virginia

Energy Bookshelf: the potato famine has a myriad of lessons for our 21st century (climate) challenges

November 27th, 2017 · Comments Off on Energy Bookshelf: the potato famine has a myriad of lessons for our 21st century (climate) challenges

We sometimes talk about the end of nature or treats to nature. But nature, though it includes trembling subtleties, can be a son of a bitch. [p 238] Humanity’s history is inextricably that of mankind’s relationship to the natural world and exploitation of nature for nourishment. And, with the explosion of human population over the […]

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Tags: Energy · energy bookshelf

UK and US both going back to 19th century? UK to past pollution levels, US to past polluting technologies

November 26th, 2017 · Comments Off on UK and US both going back to 19th century? UK to past pollution levels, US to past polluting technologies

A rather stunning thing passed by earlier this year: the United Kingdom’s 2016 emissions were back to 19th century levels. The key reason: a massive (52 percent) decline in coal use. the most dramatic change in 2016 came from coal emissions, which fell by 50% compared to a year earlier to around 37 million tonnes […]

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Tags: coal · Energy

Electric ship: powered by and carrying coal (scratching head)

November 25th, 2017 · Comments Off on Electric ship: powered by and carrying coal (scratching head)

Shipping is highly polluting — burning pretty much the dirtiest liquid fuels with limited (to no) pollution controls, shipping pollution is extreme.  A variety of measures are occurring, worldwide, to tackle this — from global agreements on shipping to nations creating regulations as to pollution in their coastal waters and ports, to the introduction of […]

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Tags: China · electric vehicles · electricity · Electrification · Energy · Maritime

How are Trump & Coal the same? both pollute the commons, people hate them, and vast majorities want them gone

November 22nd, 2017 · 4 Comments

For the first time in history, green energy is now cheaper than black energy. The world now has a unique opportunity to create a world that runs entirely on green energy. With this reality in mind, Orsted (the Danish clean-energy firm formerly known as DONG (Danish Oil & Natural Gas)), chartered  the largest global survey […]

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Tags: ActOnClimate · China · climate change · Energy · Public Opinion

Tesla is not alone: Green4u large vehicle options coming soon

November 17th, 2017 · Comments Off on Tesla is not alone: Green4u large vehicle options coming soon

Tesla is THE mark when it comes to electric vehicles. The brand name, sort of like Apple, which people immediately recognize and — with quality products — all too many salivate over.  The announcement yesterday of a long-haul truck option (discussed all over, such as here, here, here …) truly moves the situation from dominated by soft benefits (who […]

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Tags: electric vehicles

Sun shines bright on (some) Minnesota schools

November 14th, 2017 · Comments Off on Sun shines bright on (some) Minnesota schools

Several Minnesota schools are celebrating significant rooftop solar installations. Leveraging public-private partnerships (enabling use of Federal tax credits) and Xcel Energy’s state-mandated community solar garden program, these schools are covering their roofs with power generation with no upfront investment costs and lower electrical bills & pollution loads from day one.   These Farmington Area School […]

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Tags: schools · solar

EPA Refugee + Climate solution emerges in Germany

November 10th, 2017 · Comments Off on EPA Refugee + Climate solution emerges in Germany

As Americans engaged in a debate (Pedophilia: Good or Bad?), Things i didn’t anticipate having to re-litigate in 2017:?? Nazis, bad?? Slave owners, bad?? Pedophiles, bad — Caitlin Kelly (@caitlin__kelly) November 10, 2017 the below EPA presentation in Germany amid the climate talks proposed a radical solution to major crises: refugees and climate change. The […]

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Tags: Energy