Tag Archives: news & issues

Exxon Is Trying to Create… Biofuel?

Move over Al Gore. Exxon is trying to get in on the green action.

Exxon believes?they can create a good biofuel from algae. Yeah, oil-drooling, environmentally-polluting Exxon. They’ve partnered with Synthetic Genomics to crack the code on producing a viable biofuel that is cheap to produce, effective as a fuel and can easily be produced in massive quantities.

According to Oliver Fetzer, CEO out Synthetic Genomics, ?The goal here is to get to a sustainable, renewable biofuel that can be cost-competitive with pumping oil out of the ground, but can scale to levels that go far beyond demonstration levels.?

The reason major companies have put such little?effort into biofuels are the issues of cost and scalability. Until now, it was simply not possible to create enough biofuel to meet energy demands at a production cost comparable to oil. And if you’re an oil company, why divert money into less profitable ventures? It’s not like you are driven by a strong environmental conscience. It must be?because you?know that someday there will be no more oil left to drill. And if/when that sad day comes, Exxon will be ready.

That’s where advances in algae farming comes in. With some genetic tweaking, scientists working with Exxon have been able to create an algae that produces twice as much fat as it normally would, but still grows at the same efficient speed. The fat, as you can imagine, is the fodder for creating fuel. Suddenly?algae-based biofuels just became a whole lot more plausible.

Exxon believes that in 7 years, with some reasonable technological advances, they will be able to produce 10,000 barrels of algae biofuel a day. Of course, the US alone produces 10 million barrels a day, but it?s still a big step for the future of biofuels. The only downside is that we really need more sustainable options now, if not 10 years ago. Exxon certainly seems to have dragged their feet into the clean energy game.

This news brings up an important question: will oil companies be the ones responsible for paving a greener future? Of course, it’s all in the interest in maintaining their gold-lined pockets, but does that matter? Progress is progress, right?

The very fact that Exxon is interested in more sustainable fuel options bears promise that a more sustainable future is coming. But are biofuels the answer? Or do you think other renewables, like solar and wind, are more promising for mass energy production?

What are your thoughts? Share with the community below! ? ? ? ?

Related on Care2:

The Secret to Enjoying a Greener Cup of Coffee
7 Ways to Finally Start Loving Yourself
Eating More Plants Will Improve Your Mind

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

View the original here:  

Exxon Is Trying to Create… Biofuel?

Posted in alo, FF, GE, LAI, LG, ONA, PUR, solar, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Exxon Is Trying to Create… Biofuel?

How Does Ethical Consumerism Lead to Bad Behavior?

We cant be perfect. Either accept this truth, or risk driving yourself bonkers.

That said, many of us do make peace with our imperfections or, at least, say we do. The reality, however, occasionally seems to be that when were not at our best, our brains grow quietly unwilling to acknowledge were taking the low road. Whats more, not only do we refuse to see the so-called worst in ourselves, but we chastise others for their ability to be the good people we cant (or wont) be.

A great example of this can be seen in an upcoming July article for the Journal of Consumer Psychology. The study dovetails with previous research to suggest that, while people want to buy products manufactured by ethical means (think fair trade), it turns out that if were actually given the opportunity of knowing where our merchandise comes from, wed rather remain in the dark.

Whats more, if our friends and loved ones tell us the products theyve chosen to buy are made by demonstratively principled companies, we label those people preachy, unfashionable and unattractive. (This response might be all-too familiar to folks like feminists and vegans who, given the wrong audience, can barely open their mouths without being accused of behaving holier-than-thou.)

Authors of the study arrived at the conclusion that individuals who choose to buy items produced by ethical means were seen as a kind of threat to others sense of self-righteousness. But whats perhaps even more interesting is that, when surveyed, those who denigrated do-gooders revealed they didnt feel much revulsion toward companies that defied ethical standards. Thats because one feeling cannot exist without the other: If fair trade isnt a big deal, then companies that avoid fair trade arent really doing anything wrong.

All this reveals a great deal not only about our very human need to often live in willful ignorance (otherwise we might grow overwhelmed and, in turn, paralyzed by all the worlds very real horrors), but that each of us knows so little about who we really are and what we really care about.

For example, few of us would admit that we dont much care whether the clothes we buy were made by children working in slave labor conditions. And yet the fact that these practices continue, often in the name of United States consumerism, show that more than a few of us truly dont make the issue worth our time.

Its not that were bluffing, necessarily; when we say we care about sweatshops, we usually mean what we say. The issue is that were genuinely unaware that, deep down, these issues arent our priorities. This kind of unconscious lack of familiarity with our own values (or lack thereof) touches on a theory known as the introspection illusion. This is the idea that our desires are rooted in such complex psychological mire, theres no real way for us to understand why we like what we like, and why we dont like the things we find repellent.

There are dozens of experiments that seem to reveal introspection, or an attempt to understand the self, is not the means to identify our innermost truths. On the contrary, its the means for us to come up with justificationsas to why were drawn to Thing A and not Thing B, when, really, we havent a clue. Thats why many people patronize therapists. These caretakers have training and, more importantly, objectivity, and are far more likely to identify, for arguments sake, our sense of shame when we cant pay for more expensive fair trade options.

The truth is its OK to feel small when we cant achieve or dont even think to try what others do with passion and conviction. The problem comes when we start acting out against those people, or actively undermining the causes they support. Again, its about our ability to be imperfect, as well as our need to accept that the best we can do is try.

When we come into contact with individuals of whom we are jealous, we must try our best to know and admit our true feelings. In turn, we can either minimize the accomplishments of others, or strive to be more like them. At least that choice (introspection illusion be darned) is up to us.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Link: 

How Does Ethical Consumerism Lead to Bad Behavior?

Posted in alo, ATTRA, Casio, FF, GE, LAI, LG, ONA, PUR, Radius, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How Does Ethical Consumerism Lead to Bad Behavior?

Are You Ready to Take the 5-Day Zero-Waste Challenge?

How much trash do you produce in just one week? YouTuber LucieFink combed through her past weeks worth of garbageand was shocked to see how much trash she generated.

Lucie Fink sorted through her garbage to see just how much trash she created in a week.

Fink hostsaYouTube channel,Try Living with Lucie, in which she documentsfive days trying something new.

Recently, Fink took on a five-day challenge to produce notrash. To help her get started, she enlisted the help ofLauren Singer, azero-wasteguru and bloggeratTrash is for Tossers. Singerhas managed to produce onlya mason jars worth of trashin the last three years.

In Finks video below, Singer told her thatthere are four must-havesfor adopting a zero-waste lifestyle: a glass jar, reusable silverware, reusablenapkins and a tote bag. Then, Singer guided Fink throughher weekly routine, including ordering coffee, grocery shopping and goingout to eat.

Watch the video,5 Days of Zero Trash, here:

Written by Cole Mellino. Reposted with permission from Ecowatch.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Source – 

Are You Ready to Take the 5-Day Zero-Waste Challenge?

Posted in alo, FF, GE, LAI, LG, ONA, PUR, Radius, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Are You Ready to Take the 5-Day Zero-Waste Challenge?

Study Predicts Massive Tree Die-Off in the Southwestern US

A recent study has warned that the American Southwest may be facing a massive tree die-off as a result of climate change. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, examined the effects of anticipated climate change patterns on the coniferous forests of the Southwest. Unfortunately, researchers found that if global temperatures continue to rise as anticipated by scientists, it could spell disaster for these breathtaking natural landscapes.

Theforecastedtree die-off

Researchers simulated global temperature increases and examined their effects on trees. They simulated both an extreme scenario and a more moderate 2-degree rise in global temperatures, which is the current goal suggested by climate scientists to avoid catastrophic changes to the planetary ecosystem. Unfortunately, their findings showed that even if we do limit temperature increases to 2 degrees Celsius, it will only delay tree die-off by about a decade.

The extent to which we may lose our Southwestern forests will be based both on the current drought that is plaguing the region and the temperature increases were expected to face. The Washington Post explains that the drought will cause plants to close their stomata in order to retain water, depriving themselves of carbon.

Plants cant survive in a state of carbon deprivation, nor can they survive without adequate water. Scientists are anticipating that the problem will be detrimental to the health of the forests. According to the paper, 72 percent of Southwestern forests will die off by 2050, a mortality rate that is expected to hit 100 percent by 2100.

Why are trees important?

Trees are beneficial for both human health and that of the planet. A study published in the journal Environmental Pollution found that the presence of trees was responsible for preventing 670,000 annual cases of acute respiratory symptoms in the U.S. alone, primarily because our countrys trees absorbed 17.4 tonnes of air pollution. Based on that figure, scientists predict that investing in treesparticularly in polluted urban areascould save the country about $7 billion in annual health care costs.

However, our own respiratory health isnt the only reason we need trees. Trees, like all plants, sequester carbon and as most of us know by now, we need as much help as we can get when it comes to keeping atmospheric carbon levels balanced. American Forests notes that a single tree can sequester 48 pounds of carbon each year. Considering that the earth is populated by approximately 3 trillion trees, thats a staggering potential for atmospheric carbon reduction.

What can you do to help?

Unfortunately, the predicted tree die-off is bigger than any one of us. If were to prevent these kinds of die-offs from occurring, we need to focus on keeping global temperature increases under the 2-degree mark. Supporting reductions in carbon emissions, reducing our personal carbon footprints and making trees a priority in our communities is the best way to help. Here are a few ideas:

Support policymakers who put climate change action at the top of their priority lists.
Reduce your carbon footprint by using fewer resources in your own life, whether that means taking public transportation, upgrading your home to be more energy-efficient, or downsizing to minimize your households energy usage.
Conservewater. The Southwests current drought is no joke. Conserve water in your own home and throughout your day.
Get involved in your community. Development committees are responsible for deciding upon things like whether or not a new community will be dense and walkable or far-reaching and sprawly. The former reduces the need for carbon-emitting cars while conservingland for trees and wildlife. Your local community could also support the environment by planting more trees, encouraging sustainable landscaping and incentivizing the use of rainwater collection barrels or green rooftops.

Related
Climate Change is Putting Your Favorite Foods at Risk
How to Eat Vegan Without Feeling Deprived
How Do Animals Communicate?

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Visit site – 

Study Predicts Massive Tree Die-Off in the Southwestern US

Posted in alo, FF, G & F, GE, LAI, LG, ONA, PUR, Radius, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Study Predicts Massive Tree Die-Off in the Southwestern US

What’s the Link Between Terrorism and Climate Change?

Not even three weeks after the deadly terrorist attacks that struck Paris in November, President Obama acknowledged a connection between terrorism and climate change in a statement at COP21. The 12-day summit, at which UN leaders have convened to discuss strategies to combat climate change, is being held in Le Bourget, right in the heart of the city that was so recently struck by terror. In his speech, President Obama called the summit an act of defiance that proves nothing will deter us from building the future we want for our children.

Though Paris serves as a surface-level link between terrorism and climate change, this is hardly the first time weve heard of such a connection. At the November 14 Democratic debate, Senator Bernie Sanders asserted that climate change continued to be the United States greatest threat, claiming that climate change is directly related to the growth of terrorism.”

What do politicians mean when they correlate terrorism with climate change? How does climate influence the growth of terrorism (if at all) and what does science have to say about the supposed link?

Climate change as a threat multiplier

In 2014, the United States Department of Defense published the Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap, outlining defense and security issues in relation to climate change. The department warned that climate change was a threat multiplier, in that it stands to intensify already-acknowledged security threats such as resource scarcity, disease, drought and displacement. Regions that are ill-equipped to handle this onslaught of problems may be susceptible to the spread of extremism, according to the DOD.

These developments could undermine already-fragile governments that are unable to respond effectively or challenge currently‐stable governments, as well as increasing competition and tension between countries vying for limited resources, the paper states. These gaps in governance can create an avenue for extremist ideologies and condition that foster terrorism.

Climate change and migration

Its no secret that climate change is expected to cause massive problems related to migration. People are already beginning to seek refuge, with the worlds first climate refugeesa family from the Polynesian island nation of Tuvaluhaving been granted residency in New Zealand in 2014 due to rising tides.

Worldwide, the number of refugees (from all causes) is skyrocketing. In 2014, a staggering nearly 60 million people sought refuge in other countries due to war, poverty, resource scarcity, natural disasters and other problems, according to the UN Refugee Agency. Most of us are familiar with the current refugee crisis in Europe, but the problem extends to all corners of the globe. Unfortunately, these numbers show little promise of decreasing, with climate change threatening to displace an estimated 187 million people by 2100 if weather trends continue to follow the patterns anticipated by climate scientists.

In an interview with CBSs Face the Nation following the Nov. 14 debates, Senator Sanders expounded on his claim that climate change could exacerbate terrorism through migration issues.

… when you have drought, when people cant grow their crops, theyre going to migrate into cities, he said. And when people migrate into cities, and they dont have jobs, theres going to be a lot more instability, a lot more unemployment. And people will be subject to the types of propaganda that al Qaeda and ISIS are using right now.

Climate change and conflict

According to many leading environmentalists, we need look no further than the current civil war in Syria for evidence of climate changes role in fueling extremist ideologies. In a recent speech, Secretary of State John Kerry said that while Syrias devastating drought is of course not the sole cause of Syrias current conflict, he believes it to be at least partially responsible.

And Kerry isnt the only one. A paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences titled Climate change in the Fertile Crescent and the implications of the recent Syrian drought found that climate set into motion resource scarcity, instability and fighting in the region.

Terrorism and the fight against it are complex issues. Wed be wrong to blame any one factor on the spread of extremism and the horror that has ensued because of it. But understanding a possible link between climate change and terrorism can help us keep the big picture in mind: A planet thats sustainable, fertile and has few extreme weather events and plentiful resources may help keep populations safer and less vulnerable to conflict.

Related
Can Sound Vibrations Reduce Pesticide Use?
These Photo Projects Give New Perspective to the Social Issues of Our Time
Who’s Benefitting from San Bernardino and Paris Most? Weapon Makers

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

See original article here: 

What’s the Link Between Terrorism and Climate Change?

Posted in alo, FF, G & F, GE, LAI, LG, ONA, Oster, PUR, Radius, Safer, Smith's, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on What’s the Link Between Terrorism and Climate Change?

UNESCO Report Shows the Face of Science is Changing

FEATURED NONPROFIT PARTNERS

Copyright © 2015 Care2.com, inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved

logoff
my account
my care2

site feedback

ONSITE FEEDBACK FORM

Problem on this page? Briefly let us know what isn’t working for you and we’ll try to make it right!

Link – 

UNESCO Report Shows the Face of Science is Changing

Posted in alo, FF, GE, LG, ONA, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on UNESCO Report Shows the Face of Science is Changing

How Science is Used For Good Around the World

FEATURED NONPROFIT PARTNERS

Copyright © 2015 Care2.com, inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved

logoff
my account
my care2

site feedback

ONSITE FEEDBACK FORM

Problem on this page? Briefly let us know what isn’t working for you and we’ll try to make it right!

Link: 

How Science is Used For Good Around the World

Posted in alo, FF, GE, LG, ONA, PUR, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How Science is Used For Good Around the World

Organic Burgers at McDonald’s?

FEATURED NONPROFIT PARTNERS

Copyright © 2015 Care2.com, inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved

logoff
my account
my care2

site feedback

ONSITE FEEDBACK FORM

Problem on this page? Briefly let us know what isn’t working for you and we’ll try to make it right!

View post:

Organic Burgers at McDonald’s?

Posted in alo, FF, GE, LG, ONA, organic, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Organic Burgers at McDonald’s?

A New Test Can Finally Tell You What’s in Your Tuna

Read article here: 

A New Test Can Finally Tell You What’s in Your Tuna

Posted in FF, GE, LAI, LG, ONA, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on A New Test Can Finally Tell You What’s in Your Tuna