The Political Reality of U.S. Carbon Geography
A map of per-capita carbon by state shows how emissions are more concentrated in poorer, more conservative regions, suggesting the political difficulties of limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
Earth Policy Institute: Needed — A Copernican Shift
Just as Copernicus transformed our understanding by re-examining the relationship of Sun and Earth, Lester Brown makes the argument that we need a similar transformation in how we think about Earth and the economy, starting with the question:
Is the environment part of the economy or is the economy part of the environment?
Sustainable Aquaculture, in Tune with Nature
In 1982, the family that owns the Spanish food conglomerate Hisaparroz bought wetlands that had been drained for cattle-farming and reflooded them… Today, that neat little feat of engineering allows the tides to sweep in estuary water, which a pumping station distributes throughout the farm’s 45 ponds. Because it comes directly from the ocean, that water teems with microalgae and tiny translucent shrimp, which provide natural food for the fish that Veta la Palma raises.
By hewing as closely as possible to nature, the farm avoids many of the problems that that plague other aquaculture projects. Low density… helps keep the fish free of parasites… And the abundant plant life circling each pond acts as a filter, cleansing the water of nitrogen and phosphates.
More than half of America’s sewage is treated and repurposed as fertilizer, but some of what’s in the waste stream — pharmaceuticals and toxic substances – doesn’t really belong in the food chain or drinking water. Josh Harkinson outlines six ways cities and the sewage industry are getting into the renewable energy business by producing electricity from – ummmm — sludge.
Rooftop Wind Turbines, Coming to A Hardware Store Near You
Curious about the utility of a home wind turbine? EcoGeek previews a new Honeywell design, capable of partially meeting home energy needs and qualifying for federal/state incentives. Readers chime in with a great discussion in the comment section.
Solar Power, Night or Day, Rain or Shine
Also at EcoGeek… A most interesting article on the Starwood 1 solar project in Arizona that will incorporate two advanced technogies: thermal energy storage, and concentrated solar power.
Growth in Green Jobs Outpacing Traditional Jobs
Although the total number of green energy jobs remains much smaller than those in the oil and gas industries, they’re growing at a rate nearly 2.5 times as fast according to a new survey by Pew Charitable Trusts.
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