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The problem of Superman
Yesterday, EcoGeek addressed one of the pressing issues of our times: inconsistent application of Superman's powers. More needs to be said.The 'Geek points out that Superman himself is solar powered (as those who have seen Superman Returns know), but has failed to help humanity figure out how he converts sunlight to power -- which might be a handy trick for us.
This is but one instance of a broader point: With Superman's abilities -- and his Fortress of Solitude, which contains all the knowledge of the 28 known galaxies -- it's simply unconscionable that he wastes so much time.
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Israeli eco-activist and student Roey Angel answers questions
Roey Angel. With what environmental organization are you affiliated? I’m a graduate student at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, a regional center for academic studies and research. It’s a […]
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Opportunity to chew the environmental fat with Shellenberger
Lewis & Clark (the school, not the explorers) is putting on its annual Environmental Affairs Symposium, October 2-4. The theme this year is: "Beyond Environmentalism? Debating New Ideas and Strategies."
Michael Shellenberger, of "Death of Environmentalism" infamy, will be there. I got an email inviting "college faculty, undergraduate students, and environmental professionals from the region" to propose a talk on one of six topics.
Sounds like good fun if you're in the Portland area. More information follows ...
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Concentrated solar
I really need to learn more about concentrated solar:
A study commissioned by the German Government shows in detail how Europe (including the UK and Ireland) can meet all its needs for electricity, cut emissions of CO2 from electricity generation by 70% by the year 2050, and phase out nuclear power at the same time, using concentrating solar power (CSP), according to a release from Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation (TREC).
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Perc o’ Late
EPA will require residential dry cleaners to phase out toxic solvent Dry cleaners in residential buildings must phase out use of the toxic solvent perchloroethylene by 2020, under new U.S. […]
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In Goodell Company
A conversation with Jeff Goodell, author of Big Coal Lots of folks think of coal as an outmoded relic of our past, like steam locomotives and petticoats. But journalist Jeff […]
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Ranger expedition switches target
After more than two months at sea, Oceana's catamaran -- the Ranger -- has documented dozens of illegal Italian driftnetters ... and we've got the footage to prove it:
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Sunday linkfest
Time to clear out the backlog!
CNN has a whole package of stories and interactive info widgets under the banner "Fueling America." Great work -- really valuable.
The U.S. State Department has a series of electronic journals called Economic Perspectives. The latest edition is called Clean Energy Solutions, and if you're looking for the official gov't line on energy, it's a good snapshot. On the upside, see Amory Lovins' piece on how to build hyper-efficient cars. On the less upside, James A. Lake shills for the nuke industry.
Judith Lewis has a sharp piece in the L.A. Weekly on the DIY electric-car crowd.
In The Nation, Mark Hertsgaard discusses the G8's plan to spread nuclear across the globe, driven by newly enthusiastic support from, of all places, the U.K. Here's the punchline: The Brits claim they won't subsidize nukes. They'll just let the industry blossom like a lotus in the desert. Back here on Planet Clue, there's no nuclear industry without subsidies -- never has been, never will be. So they're either lying about wanting nukes or lying about the subsidies. One guess.
