Environment

By Juan Cole | — Some observers have alleged that lower oil prices will slow down the green energy revolution. This allegation is unlikely to be true even in the short term, and it is laughable in the medium to long term. 1. Solar and wind power are for electricity generation. For the most part, […]

Climate Change

The Koch Tax: Why are Floridians being denied Free, Clean Energy from the Sun?

contributors

WPBT2 | — “According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Florida ranks third for solar potential nationally, but ranked 18th when it comes to development of this clean energy option. Executive Director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy discusses the untapped clean energy potential in Florida and how climate change plays a role. Guest: […]

Climate Change

Small Rustbelt Ohio Town becomes Wind Powerhouse; Goosebumps

contributors

Ohio Environmental Council | — “Learn how wind energy is transforming a small community in rural north western Ohio. 2:07 will give you goosebumps.” Ohio Environmental Council: “Harnessing the Wind”

Climate Change

In Record, Scientists double Solar Panel Efficiency to 40%

contributors

Via UNSW Newsroom | — UNSW’s solar researchers have converted over 40% of the sunlight hitting a solar system into electricity, the highest efficiency ever reported. The world-beating efficiency was achieved in outdoor tests in Sydney, before being independently confirmed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at their outdoor test facility in the United […]

al Qaeda in the Arabian Penisula

Climate Change and Yemen’s Agony

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (The Nation) — From “Why Is Yemen So Violent? Because It Is So Poor and Thirsty” . Answer: “Yemen’s troubles are only beginning, and one worries that much of the population will end up displaced, as has already happened to Syria. That vast further social disruption would not exactly tamp down […]

Climate Change

Real Independence: In 2014, Scotland used more Renewable Energy than Nuclear, Coal or Gas

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole Edie.net reports that in November, wind energy alone produced more than enough electricity for every home in Scotland. Over all in 2013, Scotland produced 46.6% equivalent of its gross electricity from renewables. Scotland, with a population of 4 million, is well on its way to getting 100% of its electricity from renewables […]

Climate Change

Climate Change: The last Time California had a Drought this bad Charlemagne Ruled Europe

contributors

By Nadia Prupis | (Commondreams.org) Scientists warn that prolonged, historic droughts may recur in the future The California drought is the worst its been in 1,200 years—and it’s not getting better, a study has discovered. The last three years of drought in California were the worst that the state has experienced in 1,200 years, a […]

Climate Change

Climate change threatens Peru’s glaciers as 195 Countries Meet in Lima

contributors

DW | — “Delegates from 195 countries are meeting in Lima, Peru for the UN’s 20th climate change conference. The mountains of Peru offer a sobering reminder of how urgent the negotiations are.” DW: “Climate change threatens Peru’s glaciers | Journal”

Environment

Massive Oil spill from major pipeline threatens Israel nature reserve

contributors

AFP | — “A major pipeline leak has caused oil to gush into the Arava desert in southern Israel, threatening a protected nature reserve, officials said Thursday.” AFP: “Oil spill from major pipeline threatens Israel nature reserve”