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Topic Page: Activism
Once you’ve reduced your own energy use you might want to take your message to policy makers and help convince them to make a change. PF Members offer their solutions on how to turn great ideas into policy. Have an idea in Activism? Tell us
Related Categories : | Green Gov | Green Living | Policy | Music | BP Oil Spill |
News
Climate coverage down again in 2011
Media coverage of climate change continued to tumble in 2011, declining roughly 20 percent from 2010\’s levels.
UN Climate Conference Proves Succesful
Long days and many stakeholders didn’t hold a UN climate conference from getting work done.
Consider Climate Change this Holiday Season
More consumers are taking a change in climate into account this holiday season.
Construction of Keystone Pipeline Delayed
The Obama administration is taking no political chances and leaving the Keystone Pipeline debate until after the election.
Keystone Pipeline Proves to Be a Political Catch-22
President Obama must decide between the environment or creating more jobs. The decision could possibly seal his fate in 2012.
Combining adaptation and mitigation in Latin American forests
Forest in coffee production zones in Peru and water supplies in Honduras are benefiting from increased focus on adaptation strategies.
Science schooner guards Lake Superior
Lake Guardian, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) largest Great Lakes’ research and monitoring vessel, is leading an education workshop, while researching environmental conditions on Lake Superior.
Fracking crude at Pa. summer camps
A nebulous law forces Pennsylvania summer camps to permit drilling companies, such as Hess, to frack near camp property.
U.S.-based renewable energy production surpasses nuclear energy production
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that renewable energy has passed a milestone.
Brazil flushes Canada’s pipes
What if Brazil were to construct a logging pipeline straight from the Amazon rainforest? The New Republic’s Bill McKibben posits that the Keystone pipeline project, which would extract oil from Alberta, Canada, tar sands, should evoke just as much outrage from environmental groups.
Italy’s Nuclear Tumble
Following the turmoil at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, yesterday a public referendum in Italy halted construction of future nuclear power plant sites. Italian Cup soccer fans: “From Milan to Palermo, Stop Nuclear Power.”
National Building Museum Presents: Intelligent Cities
Explore connections between tech and cities; from education and energy to gov’t, health care, and transportation at the Intelligent Cities Forum June 6.
Webisodes
Bill McKibben Talks 10/10/10
Author and Climate Expert Bill McKibben tells us about his 10/10/10 day of action, which he called “the most widespread of civic engagement on any issue at any time in the planet’s history.”
Another Teen Movie…with a Shower Scene
The National Environmental Education Foundation’s online initiative, Planet Connect, is using video contests to engage students in environmental issues (sound familiar?) This special webisode takes a break from our tech-talk to show you their winning videos and an innovation that’ll make your morning routine more efficient. (Sound effect from soundbible.com)
Ding!: Bright Ideas for Energy Efficiency
Planet Forward is kicking off our conversation on energy efficiency. View what others are doing to change how we use or generate energy and then submit your own innovation.
Going Under
Produced by students from Middlebury College, this creative piece shows us what could happen if we don’t find an energy solution.
Obama: “The Time to Embrace a Clean Energy Future is Now”
President Obama addressed the nation last night about the Gulf Oil spill, the government’s cleanup efforts and the path to move forward. But it was about more than just the oil, it was a call to arms. Obama took the opportunity to challenge the nation to move our clean energy transition forward. As he noted, …Read More…
Roping the Wind
At our April 20 event, Planet Forward host, Frank Sesno, screened a video for the audience and our panel, and then we asked our panel what they thought of the ideas brought forward in the video. See the video and then watch their response…which may surprise you. Panelists (in the order they speak): -Dr. Dan …Read More…
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s Live Interview (3 of 4)
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson responds to a video submitted by Planet Forward members and talks about the need to listen when engaging in the environmental debate.
Robert Stone Tells The History of Earth Day on PBS
Planet Forward host Frank Sesno talks with the producer/director of PBS’s Earth Days (premiering on April 19, 2010) about the history of day and what really has changed in the last 40 years since the very first Earth Day. Watch Part 1 of our interview with Robert Stone here>>
Robert Stone, Director of “Earth Days”, Takes Member Questions
Planet Forward host, Frank Sesno, poses questions to Robert Stone, the director of the American Experience film “Earth Days.” Find out what surprising scientific evidence was announced on the very first earth day. “Earth Days” premieres on Facebook, April 11, and on PBS April 19. Watch Part 2 of our interview with Robert Stone here>>
Our Interview with “Food, Inc.” director Robert Kenner
Planet Forward host, Frank Sesno, interviews the producer/director of the PBS documentary, “Food, Inc.”, Robert Kenner. Food, Inc. premieres on PBS, April 21.
Robert Kenner (Director of “Food, Inc.”) Takes Member Questions
Planet Forward host, Frank Sesno, poses questions from the Planet Forward community to Robert Kenner, producer/director of the film Food, Inc. Food, Inc. premieres as a part of the P.O.V. independent film series April 21 on local PBS stations around the country.
Gold, Silver, Bronze, & Green
Planet Forward host, Frank Sesno, talks via Skype with Jack Hidary, venture capitalist and founder of the Freedom Prize. Hidary discusses Vancouver’s efforts to host a ‘green’ Olympics and talks about what other cities could do to similarly reduce their carbon footprint.
Articles From the Blog Related to Activism
The Unsettling Attacks on Green Cities and Counties
Glenn Beck and other Tea Party Groups have been shutting down town halls and disrupting local plans for energy efficiency programs around the country. Why? Find out.
Taking Recycling To the Extreme
Taking your own recyclable cloth bag to the mall isn’t going to help you go green the whole way. Sure, it will save the cost, use and disposal of one plastic bag. Once you’ve gone past the easy ways to recycle, what other plans can you make to dispose of those hard to get rid …Read More…
Trial: Activist Faces 10 Years in Jail
By David Sassoon from the Great Energy Blog, a blog produced in partnership with National Geographic. Next Monday, February 28, Tim DeChristopher will walk into a Utah courtroom to face federal felony charges for disrupting an oil and gas auction in December 2008. The judge has granted a motion from the prosecution to prohibit DeChristopher …Read More…
“Green” clothing can change the world!
While many assume that the fashion world has minimal involvement in social or political issues, a new wave of eco-friendly clothing says otherwise. Fashion designers, both high-end and affordable, are employing natural and fair-trade materials that make going green both trendy and accessible. The clothing is made up of fair-trade materials like soy, organic cotton, …Read More…
Christian Earthkeeping
There’s a new program at George Fox University, just outside of Portland, Oregon – Christian Earthkeeping. The University describes its program by saying, “Christian Earthkeeping is the Church’s response to the ecological crisis and to God’s command to ‘keep’ the Earth (Genesis 2:15).” For too long climate change and sustainable living have been the domain …Read More…
Towards a Renewable Business Model
I admire the entrepreneurial spirit of renewable businesses. In some ways they exemplify the best of the capitalist tradition. What are renewable entrepreneurs if not the wildest of wildcat companies, pushing the envelope ever further into new and exciting technology. Not every idea can hope for success, but well-developed companies like FirstSolar persevere. Then there …Read More…
Top 5 Uses of Environmental Art
Bill McKibben’s 350.org hopes to stage “the largest piece of public art in the planet’s history.” From Australia to Egypt, Spain, and Canada, groups will be creating images that are visible from space. The question is: with an issue like climate change, is art enough? “We’ve got to try,” says McKibben. “Art, like religion, is …Read More…
Where Does the Power Stand?
The 2010 elections brought with them an onslaught of “wooohoo’s” and “Ahhhhrrghh’s” from the millions of spectators that were eagerly watching, waiting and holding their breath. To many people’s surprise the Tea party’s sweeping introduction came as a shock, but to others, what was more daunting was what this new generation would mean for the …Read More…
Ten Outrageously Easy Ways to Be Green
I will openly admit that I am not a treehugger. I’m not a vegetarian, I don’t watch those PETA videos about animal cruelty, and I certainly would not consider myself the most energy efficient student on the block. Don’t hate me just yet. I like to think of myself as the leading example for all …Read More…
Believe it or not, climate doesn’t vote
Next week’s elections might affect climate and energy conservation less than you might think. Although politico says that it will be difficult for GOP candidates to succeed unless they are climate change deniers, evidence suggests that stance may not be so important in terms of protecting the environment if you approach it for the right reasons. …Read More…
Highland Deserts
Enel, First Wind, Razer are elevating the bar with anticipateD Geothermal, Wind, Solar and Algae in South Central Utah. The Three Counties of Beaver, Iron and Millard are considered the Alternative Energy Cooridor of Utah. Enel is Deep Drilling to 10,000′ to tap ancient rivers that float just a mile above magma. First Wind is …Read More…
FEED IN TRANSPORTATION
You can stop the OIL addiction that causes the USA to import 60% of the OIL we burn each day. This cost us over 1 Billion dollar each day and creates pollution at the same time which is killing us. This affects our economy, environment and security. An ICE Internal Combustion Engine is less than …Read More…
Science Corner articles filed under Activism
Biochar Produces Better Crops and Cleaner Air
A multinational research team is developing biochars–fine-grained, highly porous charcoal that helps soils retain nutrients and water. These additives can improve crop yields, help inoculate plants with beneficial microorganisms and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Better crop yields can increase farm income and improve human nutrition. The combination of biochar production and clean-burning cook stoves may …Read More…
Controlling Light Pollution
New measurements of the NSF-funded Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Ariz., show that sky brightness has remained remarkably constant over the past 20 years, despite the area’s rapid population growth. The study demonstrates that with a conscientious effort, human-caused light pollution can remain constant, despite large population growth in cities. Shielded outdoor lights, required …Read More…
Sparking the Algae Harvest
A team of engineers and scientists at North Carolina State University has developed a new method for harvesting marine algae. By applying an electric charge they change the chemistry of the algae cell boundary and cause cells to clump together. These algae clumps are easier to collect. One of the challenges facing algal oil production …Read More…
Conversion of Sugars to Make Fuels, Plastics and Pharmaceuticals
Researchers have developed a way to make an efficient catalyst that transforms biomass-derived sugars into a compound used in fuels, plastics and pharmaceuticals. The solid acid catalyst is noncorrosive and easily recovered for re-use, making it easier and potentially cheaper than other catalysts such as mineral acids. Renewable sources of fuels and chemicals are in …Read More…
Engineering Bacteria to Make Biofuels
Researchers have re-engineered an anaerobic bacterium known as clostridia to prevent spore formation, a change that improves the bacteria’s productivity in making biofuels. The University of Delaware engineers demonstrated the feasibility of using clostridia (specifically, C. acetobutylicum) as an economically viable, industrial-scale producer of biorenewable fuels and chemicals. Their work could help lower the cost …Read More…
Identifying Severe Weather Outbreaks Earlier
A team of scientists from three universities has developed a weather-prediction system that will allow forecasters to predict tornadoes and other severe storms at least three days before the storms start. Tornadoes and other severe weather outbreaks annually cause loss of life and massive property damage to many portions of the U.S. These research findings …Read More…
Understanding the Nanoparticle in Renewable Energy
Using a powerful electron microscope, a research group at Arizona State University has observed dynamic behavior in small catalytic nanoparticles during energy-related chemical reactions. Nanomaterials can act as catalysts for many important chemical reactions related to sustainable energy. However, many of the best catalysts are composed of expensive precious metals such as platinum or gold. …Read More…
Winter Shrinking by Seven Days Each Decade
Climate trends in the northeastern U.S. show that in the past 40 years, winter has lost seven days every decade and the growing season has expanded by nearly four days each decade. Researchers are figuring out how these changes will impact farmers, foresters, outdoor recreation and wildlife to help them adapt their practices to the altered climate.
Toward a Low Energy Computer: Efficient Caches
In an NSF-sponsored project, computer scientists at the University of Utah have developed techniques to reduce the energy consumption of computers associated with large, temporary storage areas, called caches. The innovation could significantly lower energy consumption and improve performance within multi-core processors, directly impacting future computing devices including laptops, desktops and server processors. The group …Read More…
Oil-spill Cleanup Material: Coal Fly Ash
A team of undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Central Florida is transforming fly ash–a waste product from coal-fired power plants–into an environmentally friendly adsorbent for oil-spill cleanup. Researchers hope this material will be an economical alternative to current methods of soaking up oil at clean-up sites. At the same time, it could …Read More…
