Google's Solar Example

In October 2006, Google announced via its official blog that it planned to build the largest solar-power installation on any corporate campus in America—perhaps even the world.

Climate Change 101

Let’s start with the basics. Yes, it exists. And no, it’s not getting any better… yet.

Will China Ever Rethink Climate Change?

Regardless of where greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are produced, their impact will be felt, to varying degrees, the world over. According to the UN-commissioned 2007 Stern Report, “the impacts of climate change are not evenly distributed—the poorest countries and people will suffer earliest and most.” The report also notes that the effects of climate change will pose severe obstacles to poverty reduction.  Who has the most to lose, and who foots the bill for reducing emissions, are subject to contentious debate. China, for its part, may benefit from walking a greener line between economic development and the environment.   

The Solar Electric Light Fund: Powering Development and Enterprise

While solar power has proven to be profitable and easily adopted in developed nations, it is also one of the renewable energies most suitable for the developing world. Countries such as India, Brazil, and Nigeria, where sunlight is plentiful and the costs of climate change are likely to be high, are well suited to adopting measures such as solar-powered water pumps and street lamps. However, projects involving photovoltaic panels, the most popular form of solar technology, don’t come cheap. This is where the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) steps in.

Big Business and Renewable Energy

A growing number of companies are recognizing that the market for clean energy has a bright future: strong returns on renewable-energy stocks, increased awareness of climate change, and the high price of oil suggest that those who get involved in alternative energy will be well positioned to reap early profits. Nevertheless, without clear regulatory standards and greater industry transparency, the possibility of more robust growth in this industry will likely be curbed.

The Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX)

How does America’s voluntary emissions-trading exchange work?

In 2003, a handful of companies joined with state and local government agencies to create the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), the world’s first voluntary emissions trading market.

Trading in Emissions: Lessons from Europe

By all credible measures, atmospheric carbon-dioxide levels are rising, the earth is warming, and climate change is receiving an incredible amount of press and attention these days. But beyond the concerts and celebrity-endorsed awareness campaigns, what is actually being done to curb greenhouse gas emissions?

Emissions Trading

Could we just cap and trade until global warming is averted? Attaining such a goal is about as likely as a Green-Party victory in the 2008 presidential elections. But emissions-trading schemes do represent a promising approach to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Shades of Green, Part I: New England v. America

How valid is New England’s reputation as a politically progressive leader when it comes to addressing climate change? And how does the region stand up against the action being taken nation-wide? According to some measures, pretty well; according to others, not well at all.