Inspirational and good news.
There are many ways to use solar power, and News.com is looking at all these ways. They have a video online that is narrated by none other than John Cleese about people using solar power. The video is a clip of a larger production, how people use solar power.
Be warned that there is an annoying ad before the video starts.
I LOVE CLOUDS!
They are quite amazing and very often overlooked because we just see them day by day. And I looked into clouds and found there is something called the Cloud Appreciation Society and they have a great website full of amazing images of clouds, cloud art, cloud poetry and memorabilia!
I don’t think we need another reason to do all we can to curb climate change, but Sir Nicholas Stern a British economist has found one more. Climate change is obviously going to hinder economic progress, yet large corporations argue that there is nothing to worry about – well Stern is predicting massive economic repercussions if we don’t act on curbing climate change. The BBC reports that Stern argues “global warming could shrink the global economy by 20%.”
So, what is this story doing on a good news website? Well, there is good news in all of this. The Stern report can hopefully influence those who decide policies to act in favour of the environment and sway those who still doubt climate change is going to hurt us. British PM Tony Blair is already arguing for action.
We also have time to react to climate change according to Stern. He said “That’s why I’m optimistic – having done this review – that we have the time and knowledge to act. But only if we act internationally, strongly and urgently.”
Diesel fuel in the USA will have to contain a lot less sulfur thanks to a new law that just went into effect. This cleaner diesel is being compared to the removal of lead from gasoline in terms of its potential impact on air quality.
“The agency estimates that by 2030, when most old engines will have been replaced, 20,000 premature deaths, tens of thousands of illnesses, and more than 7,000 hospital visits will be prevented every year.
Officials said cleaner diesel fuel will immediately cut soot emissions from any diesel vehicle by 10 percent. But when combined with new engines hitting the road in January, it will enable emission reductions of up to 95 percent. ”
Canada’s Environment Minister Rona Ambrose introduced a proposed clean air act during a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday. The Tory Government has targeted industry sectors who will now have mandatory requirements that will be enforced to cut greenhouse emissions in half by 2050. These industries include gas and oil as well as the auto industry.
By 2011 further measures will be taken for more long term goals to cut smog emmisions, the act will take a baby steps approach toward a larger goal of reductions up to 65 per cent by 2050. Although it is a small step it is nice to see some action being taken. Ambrose said any polluter who goes over the regulated targets will be fined, with the money going to an environmental damage fund.