Tag Archives: sustainable energy

The Climate Change Movement Is Not Wishful Thinking Anymore

Mother Jones

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This story first appeared on the TomDispatch website.

Less than two weeks have passed and yet it isn’t too early to say it: the People’s Climate March changed the social map—many maps, in fact, since hundreds of smaller marches took place in 162 countries. That march in New York City, spectacular as it may have been with its 400,000 participants, joyous as it was, moving as it was (slow-moving, actually, since it filled more than a mile’s worth of wide avenues and countless side streets), was no simple spectacle for a day. It represented the upwelling of something that matters so much more: a genuine global climate movement.

When I first heard the term “climate movement” a year ago, as a latecomer to this developing tale, I suspected the term was extravagant, a product of wishful thinking. I had, after all, seen a few movements in my time (and participated in several). I knew something of what they felt like and looked like—and this, I felt, wasn’t it.

I knew, of course, that there were climate-related organizations, demonstrations, projects, books, magazines, tweets, and for an amateur, I was reasonably well read on “the issues,” but I didn’t see, hear, or otherwise sense that intangible, polymorphous, transformative presence that adds up to a true, potentially society-changing movement.

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The Climate Change Movement Is Not Wishful Thinking Anymore

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Stanford will dump its coal company investments

Suck it, Harvard

Stanford will dump its coal company investments

Hammerin Man

Stanford University’s endowment fund is a fat one — nearly $19 billion rich. And, moving forward, none of those riches will be sunk into the ghastly practice of coal mining.

The university – which is situated on the edge of Silicon Valley, a hotbed for clean technology companies like Tesla – announced on Tuesday that its board of trustees had approved a divestment resolution. According to the university’s statement, the fund will sell off stocks and abstain from buying any more in “publicly traded companies whose principal business is the mining of coal for use in energy generation.”

“Stanford has a responsibility as a global citizen to promote sustainability for our planet, and we work intensively to do so through our research, our educational programs and our campus operations,” Stanford President John Hennessy said in the statement. “Moving away from coal in the investment context is a small, but constructive, step while work continues, at Stanford and elsewhere, to develop broadly viable sustainable energy solutions for the future.”

The Washington Post reports that Stanford is “the twelfth and most prestigious university” to divest from fossil fuel companies:

Stanford’s move comes after protests last week by climate activists at other leading universities. Seven students at Washington University in St. Louis were arrested demanding Peabody Energy chief executive Gregory H. Boyce resign from the university’s board of trustees, and a student was arrested at Harvard University for trying along with half a dozen other students to blockade the office of Harvard president Drew Faust. More than 100 faculty members have signed a letter to Faust urging the university to divest. …

Stanford has also been pressed from within; its board of trustees includes Tom Steyer, a wealthy former hedge fund head who has devoted himself to promoting policies that might slow climate change. …

The divestment movement has convinced Seattle, San Francisco, Portland and other cities to shed fossil fuel firms. Other colleges that have divested include Hampshire College, Pitzer College, and College of the Atlantic.

But most colleges have not gone along.

As the Post reporter notes, the move to dump coal holdings might not just make ethical sense — it could be a prudent financial move, with many coal stocks flailing this year as the federal government starts to get at least a little bit serious about curbing climate change.


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Stanford to divest from coal companies, Stanford University
Stanford becomes the most prominent university yet to divest from coal, The Washington Post

John Upton is a science fan and green news boffin who tweets, posts articles to Facebook, and blogs about ecology. He welcomes reader questions, tips, and incoherent rants: johnupton@gmail.com.

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Stanford will dump its coal company investments

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Proposed Bill Seeks to Boost Clean Energy Curriculum in Public Schools

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A proposed Senate bill seeks to expand “green” energy curriculum to public middle and high schools across the country.

Proposed by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), the bill would provide grant funding to colleges with green energy curriculum to expand their programs to middle and high schools, reports local Wisconsin paper Manitowoc Herald Times. The goal, the paper reported, is to get students interested in green jobs earlier in their educational careers.

Speaking in favor of the legislation, the paper asserted: “That is a good idea, regardless of where one stands on the controversial issue of expanding green energy in the future. It is not a given that wind, solar and other forms of alternative energy are the panacea advocates claim.

“Baldwin’s legislation, however,” the reporter goes on, “will help broaden educational opportunities for middle school and high school students, which is what those schools are supposed to do.”

Dubbed the Grants for Renewable Energy Education for the Nation (GREEN) Act, the bill asks for $100 million in federal funding for grants, which would be administered by the U.S. Department of Education. The bill is a companion to the House GREEN Act, sponsored by Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.).

Introduced to the Senate floor in late January, the bill has already been endorsed by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE).

ACTE Deputy Executive Director Steve DeWitt said the bill, “offers students exposure to the range of sustainable energy career options available today, while providing the education and training necessary to ensure that our nation’s workforce is prepared for the green jobs of the future.”

The fate of the bill is still to be decided, but Baldwin rightfully notes that jobs created in the clean energy field pay better than the average American job, with compensation rates 13 percent higher than the national average, meaning its passage may mean good things for the next generation.

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Proposed Bill Seeks to Boost Clean Energy Curriculum in Public Schools

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Know What You Should Know On Solar Technology By Using These Tips

There are many environmental benefits solar technology has about the environment. The ever-reliable sun is an incredible source of energy. You must understand if this could be a smart investment or otherwise not. The following information will assist you to on your journey to using solar power.

If you’re leasing your solar energy device, make sure that your agreement permits transfer of lease rights.

The solar panel systems you acquire will determine how dense they are. Panels which are more dense perform better, but they can generate more power. Compare the density of several panels before you decide which to acquire.

You should also consider a back-up plan in the even your solar power panels malfunction. You can get yourself a generator or stay on the energy grid.

It can save you a ton of money with solar panel systems should you don’t mind an investment. Solar power panels require an essential financial investment and it might be years before your tools are paid off. You have to be sure your financial predicament is stable prior to deciding to purchase solar power only when you’re settling down.

You have to take into consideration regardless of whether solar power is a great selection for you. Many reasons exist you are planning on switching to solar power. Solar power can be a great option for many who live in remote locations that are not attached to utility grids. Also, it is an incredible option if you’re capable of paying upfront to lessen your energy’s environmental impact.

Pathway lighting is an easy and great way to harness solar energy. These small lights absorb the sun’s energy through the day then illuminate throughout the darkness at night time. They are easy to install and they give your outdoor area at the same time.

You ought to hire a professional to examine your solar power panels checked twice annually for peak performance. Within this check, the technician can check connections, the angle of the panels are correct along with the power inverter is functioning properly.

You might want to buy the least level of solar panels a few at the same time to avoid an enormous initial investment. Employ someone to come to your house to carry out an energy audit. This permits you will be making necessary changes when it comes to your energy waste issues. This means you reduce the volume of panels installed.

You may wish to install your panels possible since they are costly. Engage a service to perform an energy audit. This will reveal find out how you’re wasting energy if you make a couple of changes. Which means you reduce the quantity of panels with your plan.

Older models are usually cheaper nonetheless they is not going to work as well.

Check any regulations where you live prior to installing your solar power system. You don’t desire to use a solar technology system later after you discover.

[I:https://greenenergy4.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/JonathanDavidson39.jpg]You must know that solar energy panels do lots greater than simply illuminate your space. They are able to tepid to warm water and provide heat. Solar systems can easily make a significant impact inside your overall energy bill. You don’t want to be overpaying the energy company paying you!

When you have a couple of children at your residence, you certainly recognize how expensive your electric bill is. With the electronics and other people roaming your home, it may be challenging to conserve energy. This is reasons why a conversion to solar powered energy and lower that monthly bill.

Take the following tips into account if you plan to put in a solar powered energy solution for your personal business or home. Solar power is becoming more common, however it still is outside of the mainstream. These guidelines should aid you in getting over some the confusion that surrounds solar powered energy, anyway. A supply of alternative energy is undoubtedly an amazing thing!

For more related information, make sure you check the poster excellent free article on cost of solar panels for home use, and diy solar panels.

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Switchgrass is One Solution for a Sustainable Energy Future

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Switchgrass is One Solution for a Sustainable Energy Future

Posted 22 August 2013 in

National

Earlier this week NBC’s Gary Striker reported on the wonder of switchgrass; a feedstock used to make advanced biofuel.

This high yielding perennial plant is ideal for energy crops, and places like the University of Tennessee have already begun growing and refining the feedstock into ethanol. It is fast-growing, potentially reaching more than ten feet in height at the end of growing season. And in the shadow of increasingly extreme weather, the hearty crop is drought resistant, continuing to produce high yields of biomass in comparison to other crops.

In addition to its agricultural benefits for the American farmer, switchgrass also has several positive environmental impacts as well.

The undisturbed switchgrass fields create a natural habitat for nesting birds and other wildlife through the summer
Switchgrass is a perennial meaning that fields are not subject to plowing and fertilizing every year, decreasing runoff pollution and increasing the health of nearby waterways
The use of switchgrass as renewable fuel has been shown to lower greenhouse gas emission in comparison to gasoline

The bottom line? Switchgrass is an energy crop with potential to boost America’s farms as well as move us forward toward a clean and sustainable energy future.

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Switchgrass is One Solution for a Sustainable Energy Future

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Solar Energy Is A Popular Alternative. Realize How!

Solar energy has become increasingly popular recently. As the effects of pollution take their toll on the environment, people are beginning to search for ways they can help repair it by using renewable energy. Keep reading to learn more about solar power ideas you can use at home and maybe even work.

Your solar power system will function correctly if you maintain proper care of it. Don’t fear hiring a pro to clean and check the panels, however this can also be done on your own.

There are many different innovations being made with solar energy systems. Whether you want a large or small system, chances are there is an affordable option for you now.

If you would rather transition to solar power slowly, you can use small-scale versions. There are several ways you can go about it. The first is to find window-mounted panels that you can recharge small electronics like phones and tablets and remote controls. The other way is to buy camping tools like lanterns and cooking equipment when you camp. Every tiny thing you do will make your utility bill.

Photovoltaic panels work most efficiently in areas with at least 5 hours of uninterrupted each day. Solar water heating can lower the cost of keeping a pool heated.

If your panels are immobile, you will have to find the best angle for all seasons.

You should consider investing in solar panels if you don’t mind the investment. Solar panels require an initial investment and may tale a while before they pay off. You should invest in solar energy.

You should feel comfortable with the person you are considering buying the solar energy sales. You should have adequate time gathering information if you are to make the best decision for your needs. Buying on the spot from a high pressure is not good concerning the price and wasting your decision.

Get your solar system inspected twice yearly to make sure it’s working right. During this inspection, the technician can check connections, ensure that your solar panels are at the proper angle and ensure that your power inverter is on and working properly.

Have you considered how solar energy can help you? Solar power is by quite easily the best energy sources, both from an environmental standpoint and a power standpoint. Your energy needs can be met by solar. Solar energy is not only good for the environment, but for your wallet too.

If you want to know more about solar energy information, make sure you check www.HomeMade-SolarPanels.net excellent free post on solar panels for home use, and how to choose a qualified solar panel installers.

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Excellent Green Energy Solutions For Somebody Looking For More Details

Lots of people want to live green but have no idea where to begin. There are numerous methods renewable and renewable energy sources can protect the planet using green energy. This post includes several tips on using green energy into your life.[I:https://greenenergy4.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/JohnGrit4.jpg]

Shading your windows from sunshine whelps in order to save energy. This can be achieved by putting blinds or curtains. You can expect to spend less as well as through the entire summer.

There are many grants that will help you invest in green energy. Contact local government for more information of programs in your town. You could possibly be entitled to a totally free installing of solar power at minimal to no cost.

Solar panel systems are a fairly easy to set up. There are various things to consider before setting them up. The greatest factor before heading ahead with solar energy panels is the quantity of sunlight your property gets during the period of each day.

Can you occur to own a farm? In case you have a farm or be aware of owner of your farm, try renting a number of the land to your power company that are experts in wind energy solutions.

Wash clothes in cold water whenever feasible. Almost 90% in the energy used by a washer comes from heating this type of water. If your detergent is of excellent quality, cold water is beneficial.

Look into the different energy sources which may be available in your community. Compare the price of operating your property using several of these utilities, and take current or pending energy legislation under consideration. You might be able to spend less by switching to just one or any other may provide a reduction in energy use and cost.

Solar energy can provide cheap hot water at an inexpensive. Think about solar technology. It can be easy to use either a direct and indirect circulation systems. Indirect is most beneficial option should you have cold winters and be concerned about pipes during the winter.

Utilize a tankless plus more green rather than tank style heater. Tankless heaters still use electricity or gas to offer warm water, however they are more efficient in heating solely the water necessary instead of a huge tank water constantly. Tankless heaters provides the complete house or certain faucets.

Among the best ways that you could go green is by dressing warmly. A light sweater offers 2 degrees of more warmth, and a lighter sweater adds 2 degrees. You don’t should be cold at home, so wear a sweater!

Focus on federal and local rebates offered for producing alternative-energy updates to your home. Local utility companies could even offer rebates for upgrades. You may also get federal and state tax deductions through the government for your house more cost effective. These credits and rebates could reduce the net value of installing green technology within your house.

It is more significant than ever before to concentrate on green energy, especially as oil prices carry on and rise. Together with the proper knowledge, green energy may be easily incorporated into your life. Take this article’s ways to begin your green life right away!

Before you buy any renewable energy solutions online, make sure you check John Grit’ excellent free article on using renewable energy to combat high electricity costs, and the best offers of home made energy with guides and videos.

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