Sundance Channel

Green tech finds: from solar power to the Super Bowl

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:51:54 +0000

Super Bowl Sunday is coming up, and while I don't pay enough attention to say whether it'll be a good game, it will definitely be a green(er) game. That, plus cooler roofs for more efficient solar power, and a very quick look at over a century of global warming: your green tech finds for the week. Buy renewable energy for your Volt: While the arguments about the energy sources for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are generally really overblown and oversimplified, many EV drivers do want the cleanest power they can get for their vehicles. So, GM is developing a system for its OnStar platform that would notify Volt drivers when there's renewable energy available on the grid so they could plug in at the right time. (via Earth 911) What does global warming look like? If you're thinking big picture in response to that question, the folks at NASA have released a video that shows 131 years of global temperature fluctuations in 26 seconds. (via Climate Central and @NRDC)

Dirty hippies and ice: green docs at this year’s Sundance Film Festival

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:52:11 +0000

If filmmakers are poets, than documentarians stand out for their use of synecdoche: the most powerful docs almost always rely on stories that point to issues bigger than themselves. AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH isn't just about climate change, but also about human shepherding of resources. GASLAND isn't just about fracking, but corporate power, and its effects on the lives of individuals. Two documentaries premiering at this year's Sundance Film Festival not only follow in this poetic tradition, but even revel in it.

Occupy Durban: Addressing global warming for the 99%

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:11:05 +0000

Back when I was a full-time academic, I swear we held meetings simply for the purpose of scheduling more meetings. That seems to be what's happening with international climate change negotiations: each round of talks since Bali in 2007 seems to degenerate into a punting of major issues to the next round. This week, delegates have gathered in Durban, South Africa to discuss a global response to climate change, and some representatives of smaller countries most affected by global warming think it's time for new tactics. In short, they're talking about an "occupation" of the meetings.

A global warming documentary even a greedy bastard could love

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:19:24 +0000

Tried arguing climate change science with someone who doesn't buy it? Yeah, it's tough... and getting tougher. Even as the science itself becomes more clear, fewer people are concerned about global warming and its effects. It's enough to make a good greenie bang his/her head against the wall, or just move to a cave. Or... we could just stop arguing about it.

A new financial model for growing coffee in a warming world

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:00:43 +0000

The global Fair Trade movement has done a stellar job of highlighting the economic plight of coffee farmers in the developing world, many who barely eke out a living growing one of the world's most heavily traded commodities. And while Fair Trade has always had an environmental element to it, that may become more pronounced as these farmers become some of the first victims of global climate change.

Minnesota students address climate change, environmental justice in hip hop video

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:54:25 +0000

How do you get a group of urban high school students interested and involved in issues like climate change and environmental justice? Connecting it to the music they love is a good bet... and we've already seen how hip hop's worked as a tool for engaging target audiences on topics ranging from local, healthy food to the damage created by plastic shopping bags.

Fate of the World: climate science meets PC gaming

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:30:16 +0000

Frustrated by the pace of climate policy in the US and around the world? Think you could do a better job of creating change that maintains economic and political stability while addressing the threat of global warming? Red Redemption, the British game maker who created the BBC's popular Climate Challenge, is giving you a chance to prove your ability to save the planet with its new offering Fate of the World.

Want to fight global warming? Start eating insects

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:16:22 +0000

Animal agriculture has been on the climate change radar since (at least) 2006, when a report by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization claimed that "the livestock sector generates more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalent – 18 percent – than transport. It is also a major source of land and water degradation." The common response to this news: eat lower on the food chain. You probably understand "lower on the food chain" as "plants," but Belgian entomologist Arnold van Huis has a different take on this phrase: he thinks more people should eat insects.

How to promote your new hybrid car: host a global warming debate

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:53:27 +0000

If you've ever been to one of the big auto shows, you know that big announcements by the car companies often have many of the makings of a rock concert. For its promotion of the new CT 200h compact hybrid at the New York Auto Show, Lexus took a totally different approach: it hosted a debate on climate change.

New Jersey global warming skeptic loves his solar panels

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:03:26 +0000

Lifelong Jersey City resident Adam Szpala describes himself as a climate change skeptic. And cap-and-trade programs? He "thinks [they're] crazy when the economy is suffering as it has been," according to The Jersey City Independent. But this contractor and rental property owner loves him some solar panels... and plunked down $45,000 four years ago to install them on his own house as well as the building next door he rents out. His incentive: cost savings on energy. Because he lives in New Jersey, which has had some of the most generous rebate programs in the country (they've dried up some lately), he'll likely recoup his initial investment in just a few more years. He saves about $200 a month on electricity, and also receives Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) payments to the tune of around $7000 a year.

London Activates 10 Low Carbon Zones

Sundance Channel — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:43:28 +0000

Low Carbon Zones across London sprang to life this week to help residents, schools and businesses go green, save money and create job opportunities at the same time. The Mayor of London awarded each of the 10 zones a share of three million pounds to fund the program that aims to cut city's carbon dioxide emissions 20.12 percent by 2012.

American Pika Denied Endangered Species Protection

Sundance Channel — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:49:51 +0000

The American pika does not meet the criteria for protection under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Friday after completing a review of the species' status and evaluating current and future threats to the small, mountain-dwelling mammal.

Oil From Port Arthur Tanker-Barge Collision Stretches Nine Miles

Sundance Channel — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:56:42 +0000

Cleanup crews and 27 skimmer boats are working to contain and remove oil from a massive spill that happened when a crude oil tanker and a barge collided Saturday in the Port Arthur Ship Channel.

Sundance environmental films: climate change

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:54:32 +0000

From Copenhagen to cable news channels, most of the arguments surrounding global warming, and, more specifically, government responses to it, involve economic growth. These arguments often fail to miss the broader human costs that people around the globe are already experiencing as a result of a warming climate. Michael Nash's CLIMATE REFUGEES brings these stories to the forefront: the rising seas that may engulf the island nation of Tuvalu, droughts and extreme storms in Africa and Asia, and rapid desertification in China.

Obama’s One-Year Environmental Grades Range From ‘B+’ to ‘C-’

Sundance Channel — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:41:10 +0000

One year after he was inaugurated with promises of "hope" and "change," President Barack Obama has earned only a grade of "C" for his handling of endangered species, climate, energy, public lands, and oceans from one conservation group but an overall grade of "B+" on climate and energy from another.

Investors Representing $13 Trillion Call for Climate Action Now

Sundance Channel — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:00:10 +0000

The world's largest investors today issued a statement calling on the United States and other governments to "act now to catalyze development of a low-carbon economy and to attract the vast amount of private capital necessary for such a transformation."

Shopping last minute? Check out companies’ climate scores before buying

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:19:05 +0000

With Christmas just a few days away, you may be rushing out to buy those last-minute gifts for friends and loved ones. If you're concerned about the climate impact of the companies from which you buy, Climate Counts' third annual ratings of corporations' efforts to fight global warming will take one stresser out of the equation.

Time Runs Out But Climate Talks Continue, Draft Deal Tabled

Sundance Channel — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:38:35 +0000

Just before 01.00 on Saturday morning, a number of heads of state and government agreed on a draft climate agreement at the UN conference in Copenhagen. The draft includes agreement on the target of limiting global warming to two degrees Celsius and on money for climate financing.

A Copenhagen Climate Accord, Not Nothing, But Not Enough

Sundance Channel — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:52:23 +0000

After a marathon all night session at the UN climate summit in Copenhagen, talks aimed at reaching a deal to limit greenhouse gases warming the planet ended with what UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon called an "essential beginning" that contains progress on all key fronts.

Climate Quilt panels on display in Copenhagen

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:00:26 +0000

As world leaders gather in Copenhagen this week to negotiate continued international action on climate change, they'll have one good example of the kinds of pledges they'll need to make: the Climate Quilt. A project of Habitat Heroes and The Green Schools Alliance, the Climate Quilt Campaign asks school kids from around the world to make "pledge patches" (from recycled materials, of course) that display individual promises "to preserve the future of the planet." While the finished quilt won't be available until Earth Day, 2010, panels from kids in New Jersey and Australia have made their way to COP15.

Youth Actions Command Attention at Climate Summit

Sundance Channel — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:36:15 +0000

Chanting "Our future, our future," wearing bright orange t-shirts reading, "How Old Will You Be In 2050?" over 1,000 young people from countries around the world captured the attention of the world leaders, media, nongovernmental organizations, and delegates Thursday at the United Nations climate conference here in Copenhagen.

Huge Alaska Oil Spill Blamed on Ice Plugs

Sundance Channel — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:07:01 +0000

Ice plugged an inactive pipeline, causing it to burst, officials said Tuesday in an attempt to explain how 46,000 gallons of crude oil spewed onto the tundra near a BP Exploration processing center at Prudhoe Bay on Alaska's North Slope

The Case of the Stolen Climate Emails

Sundance Channel — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:38:32 +0000

On Tuesday, November 17, the webmail server at the University of East Anglia was hacked and a file including over 1,000 emails sent from or sent to members of the Climatic Research Unit at the university was stolen. The emails were posted on several public websites, although the breaking into of computers and releasing private information is illegal, and posting private correspondence without permission is unethical.

India Pledges to Reduce Carbon Intensity

Sundance Channel — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:25:55 +0000

India will never accept legally binding emission cuts at Copenhagen, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told Parliament Thursday, but he did say the government plans to reduce India's level of "emission intensity" by 20 to 25 percent compared with 2005 levels.

Purdue University Will Test Alternative Fuels for Aircraft

Sundance Channel — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:15:59 +0000

Purdue University will operate a new federally funded facility to test aircraft engines and develop alternative fuels for aircraft in an effort to reduce U.S. reliance on imported oil.

Cap and trade: more of the same?

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:54:15 +0000

The Story of Cap & Trade from Story of Stuff Project on Vimeo. With the Copenhagen Climate Conference just around the corner, world leaders, environmentalists, and economists are all debating the best mechanisms by which we can combat global climate change while continuing to grow the world economy. Most of these discussions (though not all) center on the concept of "cap and trade." If you're a little fuzzy on the idea, or know it but have a tough time explaining it to others, you're not alone: it's fairly complex on its face, and presents policy makers with a range of choices for harnessing market forces to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

United States and India Embark on a Green Partnership

Sundance Channel — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:28:26 +0000

President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today reaffirmed the global strategic partnership between the United States and India and launched a new and greener phase in their relationship.

Tennessee Reinforces Dams Against Extreme Weather

Sundance Channel — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:13:44 +0000

The Tennessee Valley Authority, TVA, is raising the elevation of four of its dams to help reduce the risk of flooding in the event of precipitation more extreme than any ever recorded in eastern Tennessee.

Green tech finds (10/15/09)

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:42:26 +0000

Today is Blog Action Day, and this year's topic is climate change. As such, today's finds will all relate to technology aimed at addressing this threat... enjoy!

A no-brainer: Engineers have found one simple approach to addressing the release of methane into the atmosphere: seal natural gas well leaks.
Sketching up energy management: Buildings are one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The open-source tool Open Studio can now be plugged into Google's SketchUp (a 3D modeling tool) to account for energy usage in the building design process. (via CNET Green Tech)

Global Aviation Industry Vows to Halve CO2 Emissions By 2050

Sundance Channel — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:55:35 +0000

To help limit climate change, the international air transport industry has made a commitment to cut its carbon emissions in half by 2050, compared to 2005 levels.

Time for a global warming wake-up call?

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:00:15 +0000

OK, quick quiz...

What's the status of the ACES bill in Congress?
What's happening in Copenhagen, Denmark on December 7-18?

If your answer to both questions was "I don't know" (and "What the hell is ACES?"), you're probably not alone. Here in the US, climate change and clean energy legislation has taken a back seat to the health care debate. Even as we approach the Copenhagen Summit, where the follow-up to the Kyoto Treaty should be rolled out, much of the world seems to have hit the snooze button on the climate crisis. Global alliance TckTckTck thinks it's time for a wake-up call...

Fight climate change: eat more meat

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:30:26 +0000

Huh? Isn't meat production one of the major causes of global warming? Well, yes... but according to Lisa Hamilton, author of Deeply Rooted: Unconventional Farmers in the Age of Agribusiness, eating meat raised under the right conditions can actually help mitigate climate change.

Global warming and art: what a difference five years makes…

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:04:05 +0000

Five years ago, activist, writer and professor Bill McKibben published an essay at Grist calling for artists to step up and address one of the most pressing issues facing humanity: climate change (The Day After Tomorrow and State of Fear just weren't doing it for him). We don't know if artists responded directly to McKibben's call; we do know that we've seen much more creative work on global warming since then. Visual artists, musicians, and filmmakers have all engaged the subject, creating some compelling, thoughtful work. Last week, Grist commemorated McKibben's essay by launching a series on artistic creation that addresses climate change.

Waxman-Markey takes first step towards a cleaner, more efficient energy economy

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:59:07 +0000

Friday's passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) signaled a definite shift in US policy towards energy use and climate change. Though the bill had its detractors -- most notably Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and even progressive Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) -- ACES, or Waxman-Markey, set new standards for clean energy adoption, energy efficiency, and, most notably, greenhouse gas emissions.

Yellowstone hotel gift shop educates shoppers on global warming, product footprints

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:10:16 +0000

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel gift shop Think of a hotel or tourist destination gift shop as a place full of cheap crap likely made by underpaid workers in the developing world? In most cases, you're spot on. At Yellowstone National Park's Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, though, concessionaire Xanterra Parks & Resorts is aiming for a very different kind of gift shop experience: one that educates shoppers on the effects of global warming, and the lifecycle of the gifts they purchase.

European Union leaders thank activists for pressure on global warming

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:12:07 +0000

"It was only thanks to your massive pressure over the past six months that we could so dramatically shift our climate-change policies.... To those who were arrested, we thank you." Ever heard such a statement from a politician? Me either. Yet, last week, EU leaders thanked European citizens who'd participated in months of non-violent direct action on the causes of global warming, and noted this activism had resulted in the political will to address climate change in a meaningful manner.

Earth Week Entertainment: “Swimming with the Polar Bears”

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:32:36 +0000

Lots of activities all over the US this week in celebration of Earth Day, but if you’re in New York, and looking for something to do after the recycling demonstrations and green product pitches, you may want to check out Swimming with the Polar Bears. In this one-man show, veteran stage actor Mel England (Israel [...]

Balancing renewable energy projects & public lands stewardship

Robert Redford — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:29:39 +0000

America is on the verge of a renewable energy gold rush. Hundreds of applications for wind and solar projects have been filed on public lands. I think this is long overdue. We need sustainable energy to help us reduce global warming pollution, and we need it fast. But if we don’t handle this boom carefully, [...]

Who Cares How Subtle Nature Is? Where Is The Money?

Sundance Channel — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:00:00 +0000

After taking a tour of many videos about global warming on YouTube, one can feel very alone in believing something must be done to save the environment on earth. Most everyone tends to focus on the average temperature of the climate. While temperature can cause problems that directly affect human beings, it’s just the final [...]

FTC Announces New Energyguide Label

Sundance Channel — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 18:00:00 +0000

In trying to reverse the gradually escalating course of events that has sponsored the era of global warming, there are many tools, each with various drawbacks and benefits. Relying on billions of consumers’ choices is a very uncertain proposition, but with a little faith in the goodness of the human spirit, and the right tools, [...]