The EPA has long promoted cellulosic ethanol as the future of biofuels, but technical challenges have kept production far below targets. A recent rule change allows RNG, renewable natural gas, to qualify as cellulosic biofuel even though RNG is not cellulosic, but this helps EPA appear to be meeting their goals. RNG growth has been… Keep reading →
With the global climate talks in Lima, Peru halfway done, climate observers are watching with baited breath to see how far countries get to hammering out a draft agreement that can be formalized next year in Paris. However, there are lots of steps being taken to address greenhouse gas emissions at the personal, local and… Keep reading →
According to some, the power of greed shapes and drives our capital markets, and it is this greed that has led to the industrialization of the global society and ultimately to the buildup of excessive levels of Green House Gases (GHGs). Can the same capital markets save us from catastrophic climate change? Our answer to… Keep reading →
There is, by now, a general consensus that transitioning to a low-carbon economy is critical for mitigating the effects of climate change. Supporting carbon-cutting efforts entails a move away from fossil fuel-fired power generation and concurrently a shift towards low-carbon electricity sources. How much of a country’s energy should come from renewable sources is debatable… Keep reading →
In case you missed it, the United Nations held its Climate Summit at the New York headquarters yesterday where world leaders discussed carbon emissions reduction commitments, building momentum leading up to major international climate meetings in Peru later this year and France next year. “Experts say that in the coming months, the clearest indication of… Keep reading →
Yesterday’s People’s Climate March in New York City drew an estimated 310,000 – 400,000 people, putting it up there with some of the country’s largest historical mass protests. It’s great that so many people are passionate about doing something to address climate change, but it sometimes seems like people are quick to jump behind a… Keep reading →
Sometimes a great idea is embraced because it is well-designed to achieve one particular purpose. At other times, its success is attributed to its ability to achieve a variety of different goals simultaneously. BuildSmart NY is in the latter category, as its different components merge prudent fiscal policy, sustainability and environmental protection. At the… Keep reading →
In anticipation of the UN Climate Summit, the majority of media coverage around the event has been delivered from the perspective of industrialized and relatively wealthy countries. In an attempt to offer a new perspective, let’s take a look at international climate negotiations through the lens of a country that doesn’t always expect the lights… Keep reading →
Citing pressure from stakeholders and legal proceedings, the EPA said Thursday it’s moving forward with an endangerment finding regarding aircraft emissions that account for an estimated 11% of US greenhouse gas emissions. Proving pollutants from aircraft engines are a danger to the public is the first step in crafting enforceable limits to regulate those emissions.… Keep reading →
A new study finds much of the world’s potentially recoverable shale resources are located in regions with limited water resources needed for advanced well completion technology like hydraulic fracturing. “Water risk is one of the most important, but underappreciated challenges when it comes to shale gas development. With 386 million people living on land above… Keep reading →
