Earth Talk

Britain Sets Green Electricity StandardsOne of the biggest challenges to the green world is figuring out exactly what green means. There have been dozens of terms thrown out and used in mix-and-match way over the last few decades that have left the general public, and me (who writes about this stuff everyday) a little confused about what we mean when we say “green.” Or sustainable, eco-conscious, eco-friendly, low impact, earth-friendly, organic, environmental, ecologically sound, carbon-neutral, or very Kermit the frog…ggish. You get my point. Read more

What Will Obama Do Instead of Cap and Trade?President Obama was in New Hampshire this week and he admitted that cap and trade may need to go in order to get a climate change bill through Congress, more accurately, through the senate.

"We may be able to separate these things out. It's conceivable that that's where the Senate ends up. But the concept of incentivising clean energy so that it's the cheaper, more effective kind of energy, is one that's been proven to work, and it's a market-based approach,” Obama said. Read more

Who's Afraid of Climate Change?Companies feel threatened by climate fight? That's what the U.N. Chief says. And that was a headline that drew me in at Reuters. Read more

A rayon field? Not quite, says the FTC.And now for the next installment of Greenwashing in America. The Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters to a few retailer in the U.S. this week- you know, places like Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon and Kmart- and almost 100 others warning them all that they cannot label rayon clothing as bamboo.

So what gives? Why does the FTC need to send these letters. And why on earth are rayon shirts being labeled as bamboo? The Greenwashing bells are sounding off. Read more

Obama and the Oil Industry: High Noon... (ooweeoowee-ooooo, wah wah wah...)It’s all about the budget today- what kind of green nuggets are sitting in Obama’s budget? At first glance, not much. Afterall, his objectives as stated in the State of the Union are to focus on nuclear, offshore drilling and “clean” coal technologies. With all those not-green goals, who’s got time to push for actually clean and green energy?

Well, I do see a glimmer of hope. In Obama’s increasingly signature political way, he gave the oil industry one on the offshore drilling and he’s hoping to take one away by removing their government subsidies.

Wait- the oil industry gets government subsidies?!? Read more

India's 20-25% cut does not include agricultureToday is the deadline for countries to submit their greenhouse gas emissions cut goals as part of the Copenhagen Accord, and most everyone is weighing in. The U.S. has submitted our goal of a 4% cut by 2020 based on 1990 levels, or a 17% cut based on 2005 levels. The Maldives have submitted emissions cuts of 100%. And now India, a major player in the developing nation group, has submitted their goal as part of the deal. According to Reuters, India says that they will “endeavor” to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 20-25% by 2020 based on 2005 levels. All of this is in an effort to limit world temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 F) by then. Read more

City of WasteThe Nevada Supreme Court has struck down a Las Vegas plan to "siphon water from the state's rural north," leaving Las Vegas thirsty for now.  Of course, the extreme downturn which has hit Las Vegas harder than many other areas of the country, means that the city has bought some time with its water supply.  But it can't change the fact that Las Vegas must be our country's most resource intensive (and wasteful) city.
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Will there be a deal?A lot of people are excited about Mexico City. Why? Because the next world summit on climate change will happen there next year. Imaginary conversation that more or less happened with most of my friends since Copenhagen:

Eco-guy: Man, that sucks about Copenhagen.

Green girl: I know. Why can’t they just agree? Get on with it?

Eco-guy: I know, that would be way better.

Green girl: What was their problem, anyway.

Eco-guy: Well, I think the rich countries didn’t want to cut emissions and let the poor countries not cut emissions. Or something. You know?

Green girl: That and nobody would be the leader. It’s like everyone is waiting for everyone else to go first.

Eco-guy: Well, by next year in Mexico City they’ll figure it out.

Green girl: They better. I wonder if I can get tickets down there for that one? Read more

Let’s see a show of hands—how many of you participated in last year’s Earth Hour, an hour of time during which people all over the world turned off their lights and electric overall and sat in quiet comfort with their families, contemplating the environmental woes we face as a society and sitting in solidarity with other Earth Hour Celebrants?

That many? Wow, I’m impressed!

In all seriousness, though, Earth Hour is a pretty nifty event sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund that you might want to take part in. The goal of Earth Hour, besides what’s listed above, is to raise attention regarding climate change around the world to global leaders, governments, corporate heads, and the international community as a whole. Read more

The Jay Trainer BandUsing social media and art to promote environmental awareness and inspire action? That’s what the Jay Trainer Band is up to. Their 2010 Green Resolution Raffle is happening on YouTube right now, a project Jay has created by blending his passions for music, the environment and inspiring people to act. Read more