See how the World Searched with Google's 2011 Zeitgeist
Monday, December 26, 2011
United Nations Year in Review 2011
United Nations, New York, December 2011 - Earth's 7 billionth resident was born into a world of contradiction and change. There could be enough for all, yet a billion people remain hungry. Around the world protestors fought for freedom and better opportunities. From conflict in Libya to nuclear disaster in Japan and famine at the Horn of Africa - the UN provided relief and solutions. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared sustainable development and lifting people out of poverty the main goals of his second term in office.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Legoland Florida Christmas Bricktacular
Legoland Florida is the newest theme park in Central Florida and this is the first year it will be celebrating its Christmas Bricktacular with all its fans. This year a massive 30 foot tall LEGO tree made out of over 270,000 Lego and Duplo blocks is on display for all to see along with hundreds of decorations throughout the park.
Hanukkah at the White House: Celebrate Hanukkah December 20-28 2011
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The Chanukah lights can either be candle flames or oil-fueled. Since the miracle of Chanukah happened with olive oil – the little cruse of oil that lasted for eight days – an oil menorah is preferable to a candle one, and olive oil is the ideal fuel. Cotton wicks are preferred because of the smooth flame they produce. Source: Chabad
Hanukkah also romanized as Chanukah, Chanukkah, or Chanuka, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.
The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The typical Menorah consists of eight branches with an additional raised branch. The extra light is called a shamash and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. The purpose of the shamash is to have a light available for use, as using the Hanukkah lights themselves is forbidden. Read more at: Wikipedia
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Use MBDC's Holiday Gift Guide to shop for Cradle to Cradle Certified products
Read more at: MBDC's Holiday Gift Guide
Be Green Cradle to Cradle Packaging's Social Mission
Highlights of recent Be Green company milestones. Governor Nikki Haley talks about what Be Green brings to South Carolina with the first plant fiber packaging manufacturing facility in the US.
Be Green Packaging in Santa Barbara, California, manufactures and distributes Cradle-to-Cradle certified, tree-free, compostable packaging for the food and consumer packaging industries. The company's products are made from annually renewable plant fibers that are safe for people and healthy for the planet.
Be Green Packaging in Santa Barbara, California, manufactures and distributes Cradle-to-Cradle certified, tree-free, compostable packaging for the food and consumer packaging industries. The company's products are made from annually renewable plant fibers that are safe for people and healthy for the planet.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Desso Group Kick Off Cradle to Cradle
Desso is a leading player in the design and development of carpet tiles and broadloom for both business and consumer markets and artificial grass pitches. Thanks to its high quality and creative custom-made carpets, it is also a well-known player in the hotel, marine and aviation sectors. Desso Sports Systems is a leader in the field of artificial grass pitches for football (in top stadiums like Arsenal and Wembley), hockey and tennis.
Desso operates in 110 countries. Its innovation strategy focuses on Creativity, Functionality and Cradle to Cradle. Superior design is achieved in partnership with the Circles of Architects worldwide.
In signing a partnership agreement with the Hamburg-based Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency (EPEA), Desso has become the first carpet manufacturer in EMEA to adopt the Cradle to Cradle design. It marks Desso's radical decision to move beyond 'mere' sustainability in producing its carpets and artificial grass. In the Cradle to Cradle principles, products are made from pure components that are easy to disassemble, in order to create new products (=up-cycling) in both the biological and technical cycles.
Desso operates in 110 countries. Its innovation strategy focuses on Creativity, Functionality and Cradle to Cradle. Superior design is achieved in partnership with the Circles of Architects worldwide.
In signing a partnership agreement with the Hamburg-based Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency (EPEA), Desso has become the first carpet manufacturer in EMEA to adopt the Cradle to Cradle design. It marks Desso's radical decision to move beyond 'mere' sustainability in producing its carpets and artificial grass. In the Cradle to Cradle principles, products are made from pure components that are easy to disassemble, in order to create new products (=up-cycling) in both the biological and technical cycles.
Egypt Cairo's Recycling: The Zabaleen Community
The concept of "cradle to cradle" has become a mainstream conservation approach in the recent years. The ideas is that regeneration, sustainability and coexistence with nature, should govern human lives. So today, in the final part of our special report from Egypt, we go to a very unique slum, in the capital Cairo, where the population of 16,000, relies on recycling the city's waste to make a living. Locals, also known as Zabaleen, or "garbage collectors" recycles 85 percent of the trash, a rate higher than other developing countries. In our last visit to Egypt, we went a tour around the Zabaleen community, and also made a stop at the Al-Azhar Park, the equivalent of Cairo's Central Park, which used to be a stinking landfill.
The Panasonic Eco Exhibition in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai in India
Panasonic kicked off its Eco Exhibition this yesterday on December 9 in Delhi to showcase its wide range of eco products and idea and will move around India's four major cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai over the course of two months.
In Delhi and Mumbai, Panasonic will also introduce for the first time to India, its first ever standalone power system, the Life Innovation Container to show its innovative and comprehensive energy solution to create, store and manage energy all packaged within a twenty foot container.
See also: Panasonic 100th Anniversary in 2018: No.1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry
In Delhi and Mumbai, Panasonic will also introduce for the first time to India, its first ever standalone power system, the Life Innovation Container to show its innovative and comprehensive energy solution to create, store and manage energy all packaged within a twenty foot container.
See also: Panasonic 100th Anniversary in 2018: No.1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry
Ford Fusion App Walkthrough
Get behind the wheel of a virtual 2013 Ford Fusion starting December 13, 2011. Download the Ford Fusion mobile app and find a Ford logo to unlock a virtual world where you can drive three beautifully re-imagined versions of the car, hear from the car's designers and engineers and unlock new features along the way. Unlock 19 unique driving courses, exclusive video content, and ultimately, the 2013 Ford Fusion on the same day it's revealed to the world at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
THRIVE Trailer: What On Earth Will It Take?
THRIVE lifts the veil on what's REALLY going on in our world by following the money upstream -- uncovering the global consolidation of power in nearly every aspect of our lives. Weaving together breakthroughs in science, consciousness and activism, THRIVE offers real solutions, empowering us with unprecedented and bold strategies for reclaiming our lives and our future.
Now that the full-length film, THRIVE: What On Earth Will It Take? is out, the speculation about the trailer becomes just that - speculation. We invite viewers here to experience the full version for yourselves at www.thrivemovement.com. We also encourage you to recognize the substance-less ranting of those who have not seen the film or who might be paid by the powers that be to troll the channels of veil-lifting sites like this to inhibit informed discussion and positive reflections.
Now that the full-length film, THRIVE: What On Earth Will It Take? is out, the speculation about the trailer becomes just that - speculation. We invite viewers here to experience the full version for yourselves at www.thrivemovement.com. We also encourage you to recognize the substance-less ranting of those who have not seen the film or who might be paid by the powers that be to troll the channels of veil-lifting sites like this to inhibit informed discussion and positive reflections.
President Barack Obama Speaks at The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
President Barack Obama speaks before the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse.
Christmas in Washington: President Barack Obama Singing With Justin Bieber and Others
President Obama speaks during the "Christmas in Washington" celebration at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. December 11, 2010
Monday, December 12, 2011
What exactly are Meatless Mondays?
Find out why they're sweeping the nation, who's taking part, why they're doing it, and how you can join them.
Yamaha Moegi Concept - Unique Bicycle Styling With A 125cc Engine
This is the Y125 Moegi. As the name suggests, this concept model has a 125 cc engine.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Volvo Hybrid Buses in London
In this video you learn about the hybrid technology of the Volvo 7700 Hybrid, a technology which has been developed even further in the follow-up model Volvo 7900 Hybrid. The Volvo Bus hybrid technology is the leading environmental solution for buses in urban areas. Without compromising on performance, and still delivering emissions reduction by up to 50 percent and fuel savings of up to 35 percent (up to 37 percent in the 7900 model), it is a truly competitive alternative for urban transport.
Kengo Kuma Designs New Starbucks Store in the Southern Japanese city of Fukuoka
The design is made up of a traditional timber framed structure with the facade of the building protruding out at different angles, similar to a tree’s branches. “A fusion of the traditional and contemporary and made up of natural materials” is how Kuma describes the approach to the design that looks like it will lend itself to the natural surroundings of the stores location in Dazaifu Shrine.
Source: Fashionsnap
New Holland Island St. Petersburg by MVRDV Architects
The Iris Foundation has the ambition to fundamentally contribute to the contemporary cultural life of St. Petersburg, the wider region, Russia and the international cultural world. It has taken the admirable initiative to expand its success of the Garage Centre for Contemporary Culture in Moscow and convert St. Petersburg's New Holland Island into a cultural district. MVRDV developed a strategy to gradually redevelop the historic structure and add a new volume dedicated to Modern Art.
Inside the new structure a series of activators are collected, being released in summer activating the district. New Holland Island as curatable space, the informal and contemporary inside the monumental city, a cultural Trojan Horse. The historic buildings are treated with upmost respect as imposed by the UNESCO environment and economically upgraded in a gentrification strategy comparable to organic urban renewal on a larger scale.
Only what evolves stays vivid and contemporary
Inside the new structure a series of activators are collected, being released in summer activating the district. New Holland Island as curatable space, the informal and contemporary inside the monumental city, a cultural Trojan Horse. The historic buildings are treated with upmost respect as imposed by the UNESCO environment and economically upgraded in a gentrification strategy comparable to organic urban renewal on a larger scale.
Only what evolves stays vivid and contemporary
A world with seven billion people
This is how we prepare for a sustainable future: by helping build cities worth living in.
The First Ladder Climbing Android
This ladder-climbing android, developed by Muscle Corporation, first shown at the World Expo in Shanghai last year, uses components developed by a group of small and midsize businesses in Osaka.
Worlds First Elastic Electric/Data/USB Cables: Roboden
Roboden, developed by Asahi Kasei Fibers, is the worlds first elastic electrical cable. Wiring on robots usually needs to be slack to allow for the robots movement, such as parts twisting or moving back and forth, but by using these elastic electrical cables, the wiring can perfectly match the robots movement without being too tight or loose.
Mitsubishi EMIRAI: Near-future Car Interface Technology
Mitsubishi Electric have developed a car interface which they believe will be realized within a decade from now. The EMIRAI concept features a newly developed curved, rear-projection display as the dashboard, a tactile interface with buttons that pop up when needed, and a safety system that uses biometrics.
Daihatsu EV Concepts: PICO, FC ShoCASE, and D-X at Tokyo Motor Show 2011
This car is a two-seater EV commuter, so it fills the gap between mopeds and compact cars. It's 1 m wide and 2.4 m long, and two adults can ride in it, one behind the other. The aim of having such a small width is to get down narrow roads and maneuver easily.
Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept
This is the Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept. This model embodies Subaru's brand message, "Confidence in Motion.
Mazda Takeri Concept Sedan With Next Generation Clean Diesel Technology
The Takeri's design concept is based on Kodo, Mazda's new-generation design theme. The idea in Kodo is to capture the moment when a living creature moves. For example, when a very agile animal like a cheetah sets off after prey, think of how its front and back legs kick the ground hard. The idea with Kodo is, the dynamic design represents that kind of form in the body and fender.
Toyota Fun-Vii Futuristic EV Concept Car
This futuristic EV concept is Toyota's vision of the future of driving. With generation Z, who have grown up with the internet, as the target audience, the whole body and interior is a smartphone-connected display.
The Toyota Fun-Vii's software for driving, control, and multimedia is updated continually online. By connecting to nearby cars and to satellites, blind spots at intersections can be perceived in advance, you can communicate with other friends cars, and the car is able to drive itself to destinations.
See also: Car of the Future: Toyota Fun Vii
The Toyota Fun-Vii's software for driving, control, and multimedia is updated continually online. By connecting to nearby cars and to satellites, blind spots at intersections can be perceived in advance, you can communicate with other friends cars, and the car is able to drive itself to destinations.
See also: Car of the Future: Toyota Fun Vii
KOBOT City EV Concept Vehicle Transforms With The Push Of A Button
The Kobot is a new EV concept for navigating around cities and towns, developed by Kowa Tmsuk. There are three models in this prototype range, the single person vehicles ν (nyu) and β(beta), which with the push of a button from a smartphone can transform so that they can be parked securely in a compact space, and the π(pi) which can hold two people.
Apple Building Plan for Amazing Cupertino Campus with over 5MW Solar Roof
Productivity Future Vision
Find out how technology could transform the way we get things done at school, at work, and in the home over the next 5 to 10 years.
United Arab Emirates Elected to Chair IRENA Council
The United Arab Emirates has been elected as Chair of the Council of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) by its 21 members. Following the second meeting of the two day Council in Abu Dhabi on Monday, the members also reviewed the work of the Agency in preparation for the upcoming 2nd Meeting of the Assembly on January 14, 15, 2012.
Source: Go Green
Source: Go Green
Bridgestone Air-Free Concept Tyres
Bridgestone has developed the Air-Free Concept, a tire technology that uses a thermoplastic resin as it's support structure instead of air.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
H2oil animated sequences
Ever wonder where America gets most of its oil? If you thought it was Saudi Arabia or Iraq you are wrong. America’s biggest oil supplier has quickly become Canada’s oil sands. Located under Alberta’s pristine boreal forests, the process of oil sands extraction uses up to 4 barrels of fresh water to produce only one barrel of crude oil.
It goes without saying that water — its depletion, exploitation, privatization and contamination — has become the most important issue to face humanity in this century. At the same time, the war for oil is well underway across the globe. A struggle is increasingly being fought between water and oil, not only over them.
Alberta’s oil sands are at the centre of this tension. As the province rushes towards a large-scale extraction, the social, ecological and human impacts are hitting a crisis point. In only a few short years the continent will be a crisscross of pipelines, reaching from the arctic all the way to the southern US, leaving toxic water basins the size of Lake Ontario, and surface-mines as large as Florida.
H2Oil follows a voyage of discovery, heartbreak and politicization in the stories of those attempting to defend water in Alberta against tar sands expansion. Unlikely alliances are built and lives are changed as they come up against the largest industrial project in human history.
Ultimately we ask what is more important, oil or water? And what will be our response?
With hope and courage H2Oil tells the story of one of the most significant, and destructive projects of our time.
It goes without saying that water — its depletion, exploitation, privatization and contamination — has become the most important issue to face humanity in this century. At the same time, the war for oil is well underway across the globe. A struggle is increasingly being fought between water and oil, not only over them.
Alberta’s oil sands are at the centre of this tension. As the province rushes towards a large-scale extraction, the social, ecological and human impacts are hitting a crisis point. In only a few short years the continent will be a crisscross of pipelines, reaching from the arctic all the way to the southern US, leaving toxic water basins the size of Lake Ontario, and surface-mines as large as Florida.
H2Oil follows a voyage of discovery, heartbreak and politicization in the stories of those attempting to defend water in Alberta against tar sands expansion. Unlikely alliances are built and lives are changed as they come up against the largest industrial project in human history.
Ultimately we ask what is more important, oil or water? And what will be our response?
With hope and courage H2Oil tells the story of one of the most significant, and destructive projects of our time.
Tar Sands Oil Extraction: The Dirty Truth
Environmental devastation of the land, water, and air - the largest industrial energy project in the world is extracting crude oil from bitumen found beneath the pristine boreal forest of Alberta, Canada. Effecting a land mass equivalent in size to Florida or England, Both industry and government are putting money before the health and security of its people and the environment.
Tar sands take 3 barrels of water to process every barrel of oil extracted. Ninety percent of this water becomes so toxic that it must be stored in tailing ponds. Unfortunately these ponds regularly leach pollution into the third largest watershed in the world.
Water depletion, exploitation, privatization and contamination has become one of the most important issues facing humanity this century.
Tar sands take 3 barrels of water to process every barrel of oil extracted. Ninety percent of this water becomes so toxic that it must be stored in tailing ponds. Unfortunately these ponds regularly leach pollution into the third largest watershed in the world.
Water depletion, exploitation, privatization and contamination has become one of the most important issues facing humanity this century.
The Future of Free Energy is here now! The end of oil, coal and nuclear ...
Justin Hall-Tipping CEO of "Nanoholdings" Explains how nanotechnology is set to change the future of energy and replace fossil and nuclear fuels:
ROCKmagneten: Danish Rock Museum in Roskilde by MVRDV + COBE
The MVRDV and COBE scheme for the transformation of a former concrete factory into a multifunctional creative hub was chosen winner of an international design competition. The masterplan proposes an informal transformation of the 45.000m2 site into a dense neighborhood, incl. 8.000m2 existing factory halls, organized around a plaza for events. Three new volumes will be added on top of the halls: The 11.000m2 ROCKmagneten consists of The Danish Rock Museum, The Roskilde Festival Folkschool incl. student housing, and the headquarters of the famous Roskilde Rock Festival. They share program in a public creative communal house. The museum with a total of 3.000m2 will be completed as the first phase in 2014.
The Ocean Brick System: Environmental and cost effective foundation solution for offshore wind turbine
The Ocean Brick Systems present the Ocean Brick System (OBS) - a modular, flexible, fast and cost effective system for the erection and founding of artificial islands, large marine and inland infrastructure projects. OBS is based on advanced studies in Structural Morphology and consists of sophisticated hollow concrete precast modules, with built-in solid section of a tetra-hedron truss. The modules are piled up like cubes, and are interconnected to create a buoyant, stiff, light and strong superstructure.
Surviving Progress Trailer by ONFB - NFB
Surviving Progress is a stunning new feature documentary that connects the financial collapse, growing inequity, and the Wall Street oligarchy, with future technology, sustainability, and the fate of civilization. Inspired by Ronald Wright's bestseller A Short History of Progress, filmmakers Mathieu Roy and Harold Crooks dig deep into human nature and patterns of history to challenge and redefine the very idea of progress.
Productivity Future Vision 2011
Watch how future technology will help people make better use of their time, focus their attention, and strengthen relationships while getting things done at work, home, and on the go.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Logrono Eco City on the hills of Montecorvo and la Fonsalada by MVRDV
The Eco-City designed by MVRDV in collaboration with GRAS foresees the construction of 3,000 social homes and complementary program. The new neighbourhood achieves a CO2 neutral footprint by producing renewable energy on site. The total investment is 388 million Euro.
The 56 ha site, just north of Logroño on the two small hills of Montecorvo and la Fonsalada, offers views over the city and vast south facing slopes. The masterplan is designed in a compact way occupying only 10 % of the site: the linear compact urban development meanders through the landscape, providing every apartment with views towards the city. In addition sports facilities, retail, restaurants, infrastructure and public and private gardens are part of the plan.
The remaining landscape becomes an eco-park: a mix of park and energy production. As the slopes are south facing solar energy is easily generated. A tapestry of PV-cells clad the mountain, covering the hills in golden reflection. On top of the two hills, windmills generate part of the energy needed for the 3.000 social houses and at the same time they work as landmarks for the development. 100% of the energy demand is generated on site by a combination of solar and wind energy. A greywater circuit and on site natural water purification are parts of the plan that combines dense urban living with real ecological improvements. All these measurements will allow the new development to reach a CO2 neutral footprint and the highest Spanish energy efficiency rating.
The 56 ha site, just north of Logroño on the two small hills of Montecorvo and la Fonsalada, offers views over the city and vast south facing slopes. The masterplan is designed in a compact way occupying only 10 % of the site: the linear compact urban development meanders through the landscape, providing every apartment with views towards the city. In addition sports facilities, retail, restaurants, infrastructure and public and private gardens are part of the plan.
The remaining landscape becomes an eco-park: a mix of park and energy production. As the slopes are south facing solar energy is easily generated. A tapestry of PV-cells clad the mountain, covering the hills in golden reflection. On top of the two hills, windmills generate part of the energy needed for the 3.000 social houses and at the same time they work as landmarks for the development. 100% of the energy demand is generated on site by a combination of solar and wind energy. A greywater circuit and on site natural water purification are parts of the plan that combines dense urban living with real ecological improvements. All these measurements will allow the new development to reach a CO2 neutral footprint and the highest Spanish energy efficiency rating.
Health Future Vision
Explore how technology improves healthcare by providing seamless connections across providers and equipping patients with the control they need for a more personalized care experience.
Helicopter Pilot Blows Whistle On Tuna Industry
A helicopter pilot speaks out about his experiences onboard a number of purse seine tuna fishing vessels operating in the Pacific. His gruesome footage shows how the use of Fish Aggregation Devices is resulting in the bycatch of all sorts of marine life and contributes to the depletion of tuna stocks. Greenpeace is campaigning for more sustainable and less destructive tuna fisheries in the Pacific Ocean.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
TEDxAmsterdam 2011 Human Brain
Rutger Hauer, The Dutch National Ballet and Amsterdam's creative community make brains from people, an Idea Worth Doing. This is the dress rehearsal of the first human brain in a series of three.
More about TEDxAmsterdam 2011 and TEDxAmsterdamTV
More about TEDxAmsterdam 2011 and TEDxAmsterdamTV
Thailand begins clean up after record floods
Almost four months after Thailand's worst floods in half a century, people in the suburbs of the capital are still waist deep in water as clean up operations get under way.
Residents say they are paying the price for the government's efforts to keep the inner part of the city dry.
In some areas the government has offered households $150 for repairs, but this aid has not been extended to everyone yet.
Residents say they are paying the price for the government's efforts to keep the inner part of the city dry.
In some areas the government has offered households $150 for repairs, but this aid has not been extended to everyone yet.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Les Halles: The Rose Window by MVRDV
The refurbishment and re-engagement of Forum Les Halles through a series of precise interventions leading eventually to a new 'Grand Projet' in the centre of Paris. The Forum plan includes opening of the main metro station in Paris to daylight, as well as radical improvements to the surrounding facilities such as cultural amenities, a pool, the shopping streets, the metro stops, the underground roads, the parking lots at the Forum by centering them around an underground valley covered by a gigantic ‘rose window
Ordos Museum in Ordos, Inner Mongolia by MAD Architects
This movie tours a remote museum in Inner Mongolia, recently completed by Beijing architects MAD. The polished metal-clad museum is located in Ordos, where 100 private villas by different architects were masterplanned by artist Ai Weiwei back in 2008 -- see all our stories about the project here.
China Comic & Animation Museum (CCAM) in Hangzhou, China by MVRDV
Hangzhou urban planning bureau has announced MVRDV winner of the international design competition for the China Comic and Animation Museum (CCAM) in Hangzhou, China. MVRDV won with a design referring to the speech balloon: a series of eight speech balloon shaped volumes create an internally complex museum experience of in total 32.000m2. Part of the project is also a series of parks on islands, a public plaza and a 13.000m2 expo centre. Construction start is envisioned for 2012, the total budget is 92 million Euro.
Comics and animations have long been considered a form of entertainment for the younger generations but develop more and more into a sophisticated art form. The initiative for a museum especially for this relatively recent art form creates a platform which will unite the worlds of art and entertainment. By using one of the cartoon's prime characteristics -- the speech balloon -- the building will instantly be recognized as place for cartoons, comics and animations. The neutral speech balloon becomes 3d.
The 32.000m2 are divided into eight volumes which are interconnected allowing for a circular visit of the entire program. Services such as the lobby, education, three theatres/cinemas with in total 1111 seats and a comic book library occupy each their own balloon. If two balloons touch in the interior a large opening allows access and views in-between the volumes. The balloon shape allows for supple exhibitions, the permanent collection is presented in a chronological spiral whereas the temporary exhibition hall offers total flexibility. Amsterdam based exhibition architects Kossman.deJong tested the spaces and designed exhibition configurations which appeal to different age groups and allow large crowds to visit the exhibition. One of the balloons is devoted to interactive experience in which visitors can actively experiment with all sorts of animation techniques like blue screen, stop motion, drawing, creating emotions etc. The core attraction of this space is a gigantic 3D zoetrope. The routing of the museum permits short or long visits, visits to the cinema, the temporary exhibition or the roof terrace restaurant. The façade of the museum is covered in a cartoon relief referring to a Chinese vase. The monochrome white concrete façade allows the speech balloons to function: texts can be projected onto the façade. The relief was designed in collaboration with Amsterdam based graphic designers JongeMeesters.
Most of the 13.7 ha site is occupied by a new park on a series of islands in White Horse Lake. Reed beds are used to improve the water quality. Boat rides offer an added attraction. A separate expo building of 25.000m2 will house large fairs and the annual China International Comic and Animation Festival (CICAF). In-between expo and CCAM a public plaza will be the centre of this festival which is the county's largest cartoon and animation event and has been held annually in Hangzhou since 2005.
Hangzhou is a metropolis with 6.4 million inhabitants 180 km southwest of Shanghai. The Museum will become a new focal point on the less populated southern side of Qiantang river. The CCAM will consolidate the city's leading position as China's capital of the animation industry. The first phase of the Comic and Animation Centre is close to completion, the series of hill-shaped buildings containing offices, a hotel and a conference centre. The new museum will be the icon of this larger development.
The museum will contain a multitude of interventions such as ground storage, natural ventilation and adiabatic cooling, all focused towards an excellent energy efficiency rating. The structural concept by Arup enhances the sustainable profile of the building: the aerodynamic design results in even wind pressure and lower need for air-conditioning. The box in box construction of the bubbles permits different conditions inside the building and improves the energy efficiency.
MVRDV won the competition of EMBT, Atelier Bow Wow, Tongji Institute of Architectural Design and Tsinghua Architectural Design. The MVRDV team consists further of Kossman.deJong exhibition architects, local architect Zhubo Architectural & Engineering Design, Arup engineers and JongeMeesters graphic design.
Comics and animations have long been considered a form of entertainment for the younger generations but develop more and more into a sophisticated art form. The initiative for a museum especially for this relatively recent art form creates a platform which will unite the worlds of art and entertainment. By using one of the cartoon's prime characteristics -- the speech balloon -- the building will instantly be recognized as place for cartoons, comics and animations. The neutral speech balloon becomes 3d.
The 32.000m2 are divided into eight volumes which are interconnected allowing for a circular visit of the entire program. Services such as the lobby, education, three theatres/cinemas with in total 1111 seats and a comic book library occupy each their own balloon. If two balloons touch in the interior a large opening allows access and views in-between the volumes. The balloon shape allows for supple exhibitions, the permanent collection is presented in a chronological spiral whereas the temporary exhibition hall offers total flexibility. Amsterdam based exhibition architects Kossman.deJong tested the spaces and designed exhibition configurations which appeal to different age groups and allow large crowds to visit the exhibition. One of the balloons is devoted to interactive experience in which visitors can actively experiment with all sorts of animation techniques like blue screen, stop motion, drawing, creating emotions etc. The core attraction of this space is a gigantic 3D zoetrope. The routing of the museum permits short or long visits, visits to the cinema, the temporary exhibition or the roof terrace restaurant. The façade of the museum is covered in a cartoon relief referring to a Chinese vase. The monochrome white concrete façade allows the speech balloons to function: texts can be projected onto the façade. The relief was designed in collaboration with Amsterdam based graphic designers JongeMeesters.
Most of the 13.7 ha site is occupied by a new park on a series of islands in White Horse Lake. Reed beds are used to improve the water quality. Boat rides offer an added attraction. A separate expo building of 25.000m2 will house large fairs and the annual China International Comic and Animation Festival (CICAF). In-between expo and CCAM a public plaza will be the centre of this festival which is the county's largest cartoon and animation event and has been held annually in Hangzhou since 2005.
Hangzhou is a metropolis with 6.4 million inhabitants 180 km southwest of Shanghai. The Museum will become a new focal point on the less populated southern side of Qiantang river. The CCAM will consolidate the city's leading position as China's capital of the animation industry. The first phase of the Comic and Animation Centre is close to completion, the series of hill-shaped buildings containing offices, a hotel and a conference centre. The new museum will be the icon of this larger development.
The museum will contain a multitude of interventions such as ground storage, natural ventilation and adiabatic cooling, all focused towards an excellent energy efficiency rating. The structural concept by Arup enhances the sustainable profile of the building: the aerodynamic design results in even wind pressure and lower need for air-conditioning. The box in box construction of the bubbles permits different conditions inside the building and improves the energy efficiency.
MVRDV won the competition of EMBT, Atelier Bow Wow, Tongji Institute of Architectural Design and Tsinghua Architectural Design. The MVRDV team consists further of Kossman.deJong exhibition architects, local architect Zhubo Architectural & Engineering Design, Arup engineers and JongeMeesters graphic design.
Queen Rania on The Employment Challenge at the World Economic Forum
Her Majesty delivers opening remarks during the plenary session: Addressing The Employment Challenge at the World Economic Forum, held at the Dead Sea, Jordan in October, 2011
Coen van Oostrom OVG on stage with Bill Clinton at CGI 2011
Coen van Oostrom, CEO and founder of OVG, received Wednesday, September 21 a special recognition from President Clinton for being a true incubator for sustainable real estate in the market.
In 2007 OVG committed to invest $1 billion in the development of sustainable buildings to reduce their energy use up to 60 percent. In 2010 OVG completed this commitment a promising two years ahead of schedule. Today Mr. Van Oostrom will announce his second billion-dollar Commitment to Action at the 2011 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting.
The new commitment is called the Global Climate Change Real Estate Fund. OVG Real Estate, the European leader in sustainable real estate development, aims to work closely together with the so called C40 cities network, another Clinton initiative. The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) is a network of large and engaged cities from around the world committed to implementing meaningful and sustainable climate-related actions locally that will help address climate change globally.
Operationally, OVG Real Estate will invest $1 billion in the next five years in this global fund and a knowledge network and online platform to catalyze sustainable development in the built environment through environmentally sound new building construction and retrofits of existing buildings. The fund will be a model for large-scale financing of climate positive real estate development.
By 2020, 55% of global construction spending will be in developing countries, according to 2010 global construction perspectives. The next decade will see a continuing shift towards Asia and other emerging markets where rising populations, rapid urbanization and strong economic growth are the drivers for construction according to Global Construction Perspectives and Oxford Economics. That is the reason why OVG Real Estate wants to share her advanced expertise on sustainable development with fast developing cities. The upcoming years, OVG will focuses on cities like Paris, London, Berlin, New York to start with.
In 2007 OVG committed to invest $1 billion in the development of sustainable buildings to reduce their energy use up to 60 percent. In 2010 OVG completed this commitment a promising two years ahead of schedule. Today Mr. Van Oostrom will announce his second billion-dollar Commitment to Action at the 2011 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting.
The new commitment is called the Global Climate Change Real Estate Fund. OVG Real Estate, the European leader in sustainable real estate development, aims to work closely together with the so called C40 cities network, another Clinton initiative. The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) is a network of large and engaged cities from around the world committed to implementing meaningful and sustainable climate-related actions locally that will help address climate change globally.
Operationally, OVG Real Estate will invest $1 billion in the next five years in this global fund and a knowledge network and online platform to catalyze sustainable development in the built environment through environmentally sound new building construction and retrofits of existing buildings. The fund will be a model for large-scale financing of climate positive real estate development.
By 2020, 55% of global construction spending will be in developing countries, according to 2010 global construction perspectives. The next decade will see a continuing shift towards Asia and other emerging markets where rising populations, rapid urbanization and strong economic growth are the drivers for construction according to Global Construction Perspectives and Oxford Economics. That is the reason why OVG Real Estate wants to share her advanced expertise on sustainable development with fast developing cities. The upcoming years, OVG will focuses on cities like Paris, London, Berlin, New York to start with.
Can 'Occupy Wall Street' Survive? #OccupyWallStreet
Protesters return to NY park without tents. Some analysts say the Occupy movement will need to change their strategy to continue. AP's Bonny Ghosh reports.
The Euro Plus Pact by Herman van Rompuy at The Lisbon Council
European Council President Herman van Rompuy on Thursday addressed the current economic and financial challenges facing the euro countries and the rest of the European Union during a keynote speech at the 2011 Euro Summit organized by The Lisbon Council in Brussels
Is China's $6 trillion economy on a bubble?
The world's second-largest economy could be slowing after decades of record growth.
Yep, the world is on a bubble and the biggest bubble in the world we can find in the United States of America
Yep, the world is on a bubble and the biggest bubble in the world we can find in the United States of America
How to replace a 60 Watt Light Bulb with Philips 12.5 Watt AmbientLED A19 LED Light Bulb
The Philips AmbientLED A19 12.5 Watt is the world's first Energy Star qualified LED replacement for a 60W incandescent bulb Philips AmbientLED 12.5W has met or exceeded the quality and energy efficiency requirements for a 60W LED equivalent set forth by ENERGY STAR, proving that it is a highly-efficient, cost-effective lighting option for consumers. The bulb lasts 25 times longer and uses 80% less energy than the 60W incandescent it was designed to replace.
Fuel Efficient Vehicles Dominate 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show
The LA Auto Show has built a reputation for being a "green" show, exhibiting fuel efficient debuts in new cars and trucks. But as the AP's John Mone reports, automakers are trying to marry better miles per gallon with performance.
TEDxSanJoaquin 2011: Breathing New Air into Tradition on the dan Tranh by Van-Anh Vanessa Vo
Van-Anh Vanessa Vo dedicates her life to creating music on the dan Tranh (16-string zither) and fusing her traditional Vietnamese foundation with a freshness of new structures and compositions. Since settled in California, she has been a collaborator and solo artist with such musicians and groups as Kronos Quartet, Nguyen Le, Paul McCandless, Ali Ryerson, Charles Loos, SOMEI Taiko Ensemble, Wobbly World, as well as lending her talents to fundraising events for several non-profit organizations. Continually cultivates the beauty and versatility of the dan Tranh to feature her beloved instrument in an international music genre, Van-Anh has been co-composer and arranger for the Oscar nomimated and Sundance Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary, Daughter from Danang (2002), the Emmy Award-winning film and soundtrack for Bolinao 52 (2008), and the multiple award-winning film A Village Called Versailles (2009). Recently, Van-Anh released her newest CD "She's Not She" with award-winning composer Do Bao.
Van-Anh began studying dan tranh from the age of four, and graduated with distinction from and taught at the Vietnam Academy of Music. In 1995, Van-Anh won championship in the Vietnam National Dan Tranh Competition along with the first prize for best solo performance of modern folk music. She has since performed in more than fourteen countries and recorded in many broadcast programs inside and outside of Vietnam. Her first CD "Twelve Months, Four Seasons" was released in 2002.
In addition to dan tranh, Van-Anh also performs as soloist on the monochord (bau), the 36-string hammered dulcimer (dan tam thap luc), the bamboo xylophone (dan t'rung), the k'longput, traditional drums (trong), and Chinese guzheng. She lives and teaches dan tranh and other Vietnamese traditional instruments in Fremont, California.
Van-Anh began studying dan tranh from the age of four, and graduated with distinction from and taught at the Vietnam Academy of Music. In 1995, Van-Anh won championship in the Vietnam National Dan Tranh Competition along with the first prize for best solo performance of modern folk music. She has since performed in more than fourteen countries and recorded in many broadcast programs inside and outside of Vietnam. Her first CD "Twelve Months, Four Seasons" was released in 2002.
In addition to dan tranh, Van-Anh also performs as soloist on the monochord (bau), the 36-string hammered dulcimer (dan tam thap luc), the bamboo xylophone (dan t'rung), the k'longput, traditional drums (trong), and Chinese guzheng. She lives and teaches dan tranh and other Vietnamese traditional instruments in Fremont, California.
US millionaires ask Congress to 'Raise our taxes'
Nearly 140 millionaires asked a divided US Congress on Wednesday to increase their taxes for the sake of the nation.
"Please do the right thing," the entrepreneurs and business leaders wrote President Barack Obama and congressional leaders, noting that they benefited from a sound economy and now want others to do so. "Raise our taxes."
The letter was signed by 138 members of "Patriotic Millionaires for Fiscal Strength." The group was created a year ago during a failed bid to persuade Congress to end tax cuts for millionaires enacted under Republican former President George W. Bush.
The group is now making the same request of a 12-member congressional "super committee," which is struggling to reach a bipartisan deal to cut the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion over the next decade in order to help put the nation on sound financial footing.
"Please do the right thing," the entrepreneurs and business leaders wrote President Barack Obama and congressional leaders, noting that they benefited from a sound economy and now want others to do so. "Raise our taxes."
The letter was signed by 138 members of "Patriotic Millionaires for Fiscal Strength." The group was created a year ago during a failed bid to persuade Congress to end tax cuts for millionaires enacted under Republican former President George W. Bush.
The group is now making the same request of a 12-member congressional "super committee," which is struggling to reach a bipartisan deal to cut the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion over the next decade in order to help put the nation on sound financial footing.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Occupy Protesters Start March to DC #OccupyWallStreet
Approximately two dozen Occupy Wall Street protesters started a two-week walk from New York to Washington on Wednesday. The activists left Manhattan's Zuccotti Park, marched past the World Trade Center site and boarded a ferry to New Jersey
EPA Apps for the Environment Challenge 2011 Popular Choice Winner: Green Search
These cities denote the places for example where the users would like to travel for a short holiday/vacation/deputation/permanent stay. Names of cities whose data are currently available and travel options are listed in the application. Users can pick any option from the list and view the graphical data. Users can reset the graph by using the homepage icon. Government of United States of America has been recording these environmental variables (data) by placing sensors at different part of certain cities.
These are available for general public and CGSearch used the historic data to build models that would help to generate/predict data for the future. http://ec2-174-129-212-31.compute-1.amazonaws.com/cgsearch/cgsearch.html
EPA Apps for the Environment Challenge 2011 Best Student Winner: Environmental Justice Participatory Mapping
Environmental Justice is a relatively new field for environmental advocacy. One the many attributes that is illustrative of environmental injustice is proximity to pollution. Developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the gathering of spatial data have furthered the implications of environmental justice. The GIS technical expertise is not always available to grassroots organizations and thus the spatial nexus is sometimes missing in the struggle for justice. This project was designed to assist the Navajo grassroots organization The Forgotten People in both policy development and participatory mapping. http://www.wwu.edu/huxley/spatial/fppm/
EPA Apps for the Environment Challenge 2011 Winner: EarthFriend
Now available for download from Apple's App Store for free! Hope you enjoy! http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/earthfriend/id455165523?mt=8
EPA Apps for the Environment Challenge 2011 Winner: Hootroot
Data for footprint calculations comes from the EPA's US Greenhouse Gas Inventory and eGRID database, as well as from DOT, EIA, and others. As a web app, it requires no installation -- simply head to http://hootroot.com and start using the tool. Give a hoot, green your route.
India’s Solar Market to Reach 9 GW by 2016
India could see over 9 GW of solar installed between 2011 and 2016, according to the report The India Solar Market: Strategy, Players, and Opportunities from GTM Research and BRIDGE TO INDIA.
At year-end 2010, India had 54 MW of installed grid-connected solar. However, recent feed-in tariff allocations from the NSM and the state of Gujarat’s Solar Policy promise to increase that installed capacity six-fold to approximately 365 MW by the end of 2011 and, furthermore, to over 1.1 GW by 2012.
At year-end 2010, India had 54 MW of installed grid-connected solar. However, recent feed-in tariff allocations from the NSM and the state of Gujarat’s Solar Policy promise to increase that installed capacity six-fold to approximately 365 MW by the end of 2011 and, furthermore, to over 1.1 GW by 2012.
EPA Apps for the Environment Challenge 2011 Winner: Light Bulb Finder
The Light Bulb Finder app is intuitive and easy to use. Based on simple inputs about home fixtures and incandescent bulb styles, the app instantly recommends energy-efficient bulbs with the right fit, appearance and quality. For each recommendation, the app displays a bulb image, specifications, energy and dollar savings, and CO2 emissions reductions. Users can purchase energy-saving bulbs through the app or at local retailers.
The app addresses a growing need in the U.S. as new efficiency standards for light bulbs start phasing in from January 2012. The new standards will save the U.S. more than $12.5 billion annually when fully implemented in 2020 and eliminate the need for 33 large power plants, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The Light Bulb Finder app uses zip code level data from EPA’s eGRID database to automatically calculate the CO2 emissions reduction for each incandescent bulb a user chooses to replace.
Light Bulb Finder is available as a free download on iPhone, iPad touch, iPod and Android smartphones. Visit the app store on your mobile device and search for “Light Bulb Finder.” Learn more at www.lightbulbfinder.net
China: 1 TW of Wind Energy by 2050
China could have 1 TW of wind power by 2050 with wind supplying 17% of electricity production, compared to today's 1%, according to the National Development and Reform Commission’s Energy Research Institute (NDRC ERI) with support from the International Energy Agency (IEA). ERI’s roadmap sees capacity of 200 GW of wind power by 2020 and 400 GW by 2030.
The most recent resource assessments suggest a potential of more than 2.3 TW, equivalent to two and a half times China’s total current installed generation capacity from all energy sources. China became the world’s largest wind market in 2010, surpassing the United States with nearly 19 GW installed in that year,
The most recent resource assessments suggest a potential of more than 2.3 TW, equivalent to two and a half times China’s total current installed generation capacity from all energy sources. China became the world’s largest wind market in 2010, surpassing the United States with nearly 19 GW installed in that year,
PV Installations in China to Reach US Level in 2011
According to the recently released Solarbuzz China Deal Tracker report, the non-residential PV project pipeline in China grew to 16 GW at the end of October. Solarbuzz has identified 1,104 non-residential projects in China that are installed, being installed, or in development. Projects in the pipeline are located in 29 Chinese provinces. Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia are the leading provinces in megawatt terms, followed by Sichuan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shaanxi, Tibet and Anhui. These 10 provinces represent 86% of the total pipeline.
According to the report, 195 projects, with a total capacity of over 1.8 GW, will be installed within 2011. That installed capacity in China will closely match the installed capacity in the US this year. Stimulated by the Qinghai 930 program as well as unified national feed-in tariff (FIT) policy, 54% of the capacity in megawatt terms will be located in the northwest region.
Source: Solar Thermal Magazine
According to the report, 195 projects, with a total capacity of over 1.8 GW, will be installed within 2011. That installed capacity in China will closely match the installed capacity in the US this year. Stimulated by the Qinghai 930 program as well as unified national feed-in tariff (FIT) policy, 54% of the capacity in megawatt terms will be located in the northwest region.
Source: Solar Thermal Magazine
Sharks in Trouble
This year has seen major shark conservation actions taken around the world, but more action is needed by many more countries. This video, a companion to a report by the Pew Environment Group, illustrates how these animals are threatened by commercial fisheries throughout the world's oceans. It points out that, according to global reports, shark populations have declined by as much as 70 to 80 percent. Scientists estimate that 30 percent of all shark species are threatened or near-threatened with extinction.
A Million Solar Rooftops Not Just California Dreaming
California’s Million Solar Roofs Initiative has certainly given the state an economic boost - its solar market has been growing by around 40% a year. Even if it should only continue growing at 25% a year, the 3 gigawatt goal will still be reached by the end of 2016.
Source: Renewable Energy News
Sharp Unveils Record Breaking Solar Cell: Efficiency of 36.9%
Source: Renewable Energy News
New 5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Eastern Turkey
A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck near the Turkish city of Van on Wednesday. This is the second major quake to hit the region in less than a month's time. The collapse of two hotels and nearly two dozen other buildings have furthered questions asking why a comprehensive assessment of the region's structural safety had not been made in the weeks following the October 23 quake and more than 1400 aftershocks.
Super Storm Batters Alaska's Coast
One of the most powerful storms to hit western Alaska in nearly 40 years battered coastal communities Wednesday with snow and hurricane-force winds, forcing some residents to seek higher ground as it knocked out power and ripped up roofs.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Financing a Green Energy Future in North America
This video is a recording of a panel on "Financing a Green Energy Future in North America," which took place at the 2011 UNEP FI Global Roundtable on Sustainable Finance in Washington D.C.
Green energy is rapidly becoming a focus for both investment and cutting-edge technological innovation. It is assumed that assuring a competitive edge in green energy can contribute to delivering sustained economic growth and job creation. The US and Canada directed significant resources into boosting green energy as part of their stimulus packages in 2009, yet in the current conditions green energy is still not cost-effective. The question remains as to whether and how can financial institutions incentivise and accelerate the deployment of green energy in North America?
Speakers in the video are John C. S. Anderson, Senior Managing Director and Head of Corporate Finance Origination at John Hancock; Robert Nicholson, Managing Director of Power and Utilities Finance of the Royal Bank of Canada; Mike Carr, Senior Counsel to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate; and Ethan Zindler, Head of Policy Analysis of Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
Green energy is rapidly becoming a focus for both investment and cutting-edge technological innovation. It is assumed that assuring a competitive edge in green energy can contribute to delivering sustained economic growth and job creation. The US and Canada directed significant resources into boosting green energy as part of their stimulus packages in 2009, yet in the current conditions green energy is still not cost-effective. The question remains as to whether and how can financial institutions incentivise and accelerate the deployment of green energy in North America?
Speakers in the video are John C. S. Anderson, Senior Managing Director and Head of Corporate Finance Origination at John Hancock; Robert Nicholson, Managing Director of Power and Utilities Finance of the Royal Bank of Canada; Mike Carr, Senior Counsel to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate; and Ethan Zindler, Head of Policy Analysis of Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
Football legends play for Libya
Some of football's most famous names were back in action in the UAE to raise cash and awareness for children affected by the recent conflict in Libya. Fabio Cannavaro, Hernan Crespo and Pavel Nedved were just some of the players to lend their support.
Occupy DC targets Economy and Militarism #OccupyWallStreet
David Swanson: Occupy Freedom Plaza DC plans its own "super committee" meetings on the economy
UNEP FI 2011 Global Roundtable: Earth Summit 2012: Financing the Rio vision session
This video is a recording of a panel on "Earth Summit 2012: Financing the Rio vision," which took place at the 2011 UNEP FI Global Roundtable on Sustainable Finance in Washington D.C.
"Rio+20" or the Earth Summit 2012 comes 20 years from the first Earth Summit of 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. The sustainable development agenda has moved significantly during this time but environmentally we are arguably in a worse situation than in 1992. This session debates on what forward thinking financial institutions should seek out of Rio+20 as far environmental, social, and governance issues are concerned.
Speakers in the video are Paul Abberley, CEO of Aviva Investors London; Wolfgang Engshuber, Chair of the UN PRI; Roberto Dumas Damas, Head of Environmental and Social Risk of Banco Itau BBA; Mark Tercek, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. The moderator was David Runnalls, Outgoing President and Distinguished Fellow of IISD.
"Rio+20" or the Earth Summit 2012 comes 20 years from the first Earth Summit of 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. The sustainable development agenda has moved significantly during this time but environmentally we are arguably in a worse situation than in 1992. This session debates on what forward thinking financial institutions should seek out of Rio+20 as far environmental, social, and governance issues are concerned.
Speakers in the video are Paul Abberley, CEO of Aviva Investors London; Wolfgang Engshuber, Chair of the UN PRI; Roberto Dumas Damas, Head of Environmental and Social Risk of Banco Itau BBA; Mark Tercek, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. The moderator was David Runnalls, Outgoing President and Distinguished Fellow of IISD.
UNEP FI 2011 Global Roundtable: Climate Ambition: Geo-politics, competitiveness and growth
This video is a recording of a panel on "Climate Ambition: Geo-politics, competitiveness and growth," which took place at the 2011 UNEP FI Global Roundtable on Sustainable Finance in Washington D.C.
"Policy action on climate change" versus "jobs and competitiveness" -- Is the issue as simple as this? What are the views of financial institutions, and why should developed countries -- precisely on the grounds of jobs and economic competitiveness -- take note of the ambition in some of the emerging economies of the world.
Speakers in the video are Jennifer Blanke, Director of the Global Centre for Competitiveness, World Economic Forum; McKie Campbell, Republican Staff Director of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Ana Unruh Cohen, Deputy Staff Director of the Democratic Staff Natural Resource Committee; and Mindy Lubber, President of Ceres. The moderator is Eric Roston, Sustainability Editor of Bloomberg Businessweek.
"Policy action on climate change" versus "jobs and competitiveness" -- Is the issue as simple as this? What are the views of financial institutions, and why should developed countries -- precisely on the grounds of jobs and economic competitiveness -- take note of the ambition in some of the emerging economies of the world.
Speakers in the video are Jennifer Blanke, Director of the Global Centre for Competitiveness, World Economic Forum; McKie Campbell, Republican Staff Director of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Ana Unruh Cohen, Deputy Staff Director of the Democratic Staff Natural Resource Committee; and Mindy Lubber, President of Ceres. The moderator is Eric Roston, Sustainability Editor of Bloomberg Businessweek.
Concept One: Croatian Electric Sports Car
A young Croatian inventor and winner of the Vidi e-novation Award, Mate Rimac and the Rimac automobile company have created an electric sports car which had its premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The car speeds up in 2.8 seconds from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour. Top speed is limited to 305 kilometers per hour and in a moderate drive, the maximum range is 600 kilometers.
The Global Clean Energy Race
The clean energy race is on. The investment and finance data presented in the Pew Clean Energy Program's new report, Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? show that countries are jockeying for a leadership position in this growing and increasingly competitive sector. Countries with clear, consistent and constructive clean energy policies are powering investment forward.
How the Occupy Protests Can Save the Economy: An Odd Todd Cartoon #OccupyWallStreet
Odd Todd has a scheme to turn the Occupy Wall Street protests into a force that could save the American economy. But be sure to read the fine print.
Thought Control: Move Objects With Your Mind! (Virtually)
The BodyWave, a new iPod-size device that straps onto your arm, allows the mind to control objects on a computer screen
The American Broiler Belt: The Rise of Industrial-Scale Chicken Production
The broiler industry has changed drastically over the last 50 years and now produces more than 8 billion birds -- an increase of more than 1400% -- despite the loss of 98% of broiler operations over the last 50 years. The typical broiler chicken comes from a facility that produces more than 605,000 birds a year. The majority of these massive operations -- millions of chickens and the billions of pounds of waste they produce -- are concentrated in a handful of states that comprise the American Broiler Belt.
Don't Put America's Arctic Ocean at Risk
America's Arctic Ocean is central to the diet and culture of indigenous communities who have practiced a subsistence way of life for thousands of years. But with pressure mounting to expand offshore oil development, the nation's northernmost ocean—and the communities that depend on it—are at risk.
Million-Dollar Reef Sharks
A new study by the Australian Institute of Marine Science concludes that sharks are worth far more alive and swimming. In Palau, the Pacific Island nation that declared its waters a sanctuary free of shark fishing, sharks provide a lynchpin for the tourism industry.
Asteroid Anxiety? Astronomers Say Not to Worry
Asteroid 2005YU55 approaches and is the subject of research, not the script of Hollywood. Space rock the size of an aircraft carrier stays between Earth and the Moon's orbit.
Newt Gingrich: 'I Don't Know Whether Global Warming Is Occurring'
Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich says his ad with Nancy Pelosi on global warming for Al Gore's Alliance for Climate Protection was the "dumbest single thing I've done in years," then says, "I actually don't know whether global warming is occurring."
The Principles for Sustainable Insurance - UNEP FI 2011 Global Roundtable
This video is a recording of a panel on "Changing Risk, Risking Change: The Principles for Sustainable Insurance (UNEP FI PSI)," which took place at the 2011 UNEP FI Global Roundtable on Sustainable Finance in Washington D.C.
ESG issues span a wide range of business risks, and are interrelated with the conventional insurance industry terms of 'emerging risks' and 'reputation risks'. Amid a changing risk landscape and the increasing diversity and interconnectedness of risks, an insurance industry systematically managing ESG issues in its insurance and investment activities can contribute more significantly to reducing long-term and systemic risks, and to achieving a resource efficient, low carbon, inclusive and sustainable global economy. Discover why and how the UNEP FI PSI Initiative can make this happen.
Speakers in the video are Charles Anderson, CEO of Sovereign, Kathy Bardswick; President & CEO of The Co-operators Group; Anthony Kuczinski, President & CEO of Munich Re America; Rowan Douglas, CEO, Global Analytics of Willis Re and Chairman of Willis Research Network; Roger Sevigny, former President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and New Hampshire Commissioner. The moderator is Astrid Zwick, Head, Corporate Responsibility of Munich Re.
ESG issues span a wide range of business risks, and are interrelated with the conventional insurance industry terms of 'emerging risks' and 'reputation risks'. Amid a changing risk landscape and the increasing diversity and interconnectedness of risks, an insurance industry systematically managing ESG issues in its insurance and investment activities can contribute more significantly to reducing long-term and systemic risks, and to achieving a resource efficient, low carbon, inclusive and sustainable global economy. Discover why and how the UNEP FI PSI Initiative can make this happen.
Speakers in the video are Charles Anderson, CEO of Sovereign, Kathy Bardswick; President & CEO of The Co-operators Group; Anthony Kuczinski, President & CEO of Munich Re America; Rowan Douglas, CEO, Global Analytics of Willis Re and Chairman of Willis Research Network; Roger Sevigny, former President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and New Hampshire Commissioner. The moderator is Astrid Zwick, Head, Corporate Responsibility of Munich Re.
Powerful Storm Heads Toward Coastal Alaska
Western Alaska residents braced for an unusual Bering Sea storm headed toward the coast, packing hurricane-force winds and churning giant waves.
Zero Motorcycles 2012 Model Line at EICMA 2011
Zero Motorcycles introduced its model line for 2012 which will be available in Europe from February. Up to 114 miles of range. 308,000 mile battery life. No powertrain maintenance on the Zero S, Zero DS and Zero XU. Easy to own... exhilarating to ride.
Feathered Labour for Philippines Rice Farmers
Rice farmers in the Philippines have found an ally as they try to protect their crops from pests and the effects of global warming. Farmers use ducks to help keep the water in their paddies fresh, and to get rid of weeds and other pests that could damage their crops.
Duck manure also works as a good organic fertiliser, which helps to decrease the amount of money farmers spend on harmful pesticides. Integrated rice-duck farming was first introduced to the country in the early 1990s. However, it has not been easy to convince more farmers to let go of their dependence on chemicals.
Duck manure also works as a good organic fertiliser, which helps to decrease the amount of money farmers spend on harmful pesticides. Integrated rice-duck farming was first introduced to the country in the early 1990s. However, it has not been easy to convince more farmers to let go of their dependence on chemicals.
David Crosby and Graham Nash Perform for "Occupy" #OccupyWallStreet
Activist musicians David Crosby and Graham Nash delivered a touch of Woodstock to Occupy Wall Street protesters at Zuccotti Park on Tuesday. They led a chant of "No More War!" during a 20-minute acoustic performance.
My Number One Commitment by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
His Holiness the Dalai Lama talks about his number one commitment to promote basic human values in this clip from the interfaith dialogue "Building Bridges - Religious Leaders in Conversation with the Dalai Lama"
The 2011 Milan International Motorcycle Show (EICMA) Will Be Electric
Source: Autoblog Green
Brammo Enertia Plus For Hong Kong Police
Source: Brammo Enertia Plus to replace government gassers in Hong Kong
Nissan designers discuss PIVO 3 EV concept
Francois Bancon, deputy divisional GM for product strategy, and Taro Ueda, design director of product design, discuss the innovative electric vehicle concept ahead of its appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Honda gears up to electrify winter with hybrid snowblower
Equipped with the Honda iGX390 four-stroke overhead valve (OHV) horizontal shaft engine, the HS1336i snowblower operation results in lower fuel consumption, lower emissions, lower noise and reduced vibration as compared to a conventional snowblower. In addition, the iGX390 incorporates an improved inner muffler construction and has the best ignition timing for its class. Because the iGX390 is equipped with an auto choke (a choke that automatically controls the flow of air to the carburetor), starting operation is simplified, regardless of the atmospheric or engine temperature.
Source: Autoblog Green
Nyamuragira volcano in Congo continues to spectacularly spew lava and ash
Africa's most active volcano Nyamuragira erupts, spewing ash and lava threatening nearby residents.
Floods hinder life in Thai capital
Floodwaters enter Bangkok's centre making it difficult for residents to access food and prompting concerns of flood-borne illness.
"Paying it forward" for clean water
The creator of The Million Dollar Homepage and co-founder of the social network Bebo have come up with a novel fundraising campaign that taps the network effect of social media to support charity: water.
Australia imposes carbon taxes
Australia's parliament pushes through landmark carbon tax legislation to curb emissions and boost next round of climate talks in December.
Floods continue in Thailand
Residents in the Thai capital grapple with food shortages and transportation problems after the worst floods in 50 years.
The Seahorse Sculpture by Hazel Bryce: The Most Complex Papier-mache Sculpture in the World
Hazel Bryce spent six years pushing the boundaries of Papier-mâché to create the most complex large scale Papier-mâché sculpture in the world. The Seahorse poses questions to all of us. As one of the many endangered species on our planet Seahorses are tragic victims of human waste and financial gain. In covering junk with the Financial Times newspaper Hazel Bryce has not only created a breath taking sculpture but has recycled a global environmental symbol to raise awareness and challenge the causes and effects of waste and greed.
The shreds of newspaper that form the Seahorse's surface provide clues and strange snippets of society and news that led up to the millennium. With the passing of time subtle sepia tones are now emerging through this deliberate and muddled mish-mâché print mix. Hazel Bryce refers to The Seahorse as a slow and inevitable clock but to what time or event is this clock ticking to?
The Seahorse is bursting with conceptual values but it does not rely on them. It stands alone as a modern Masterpiece without the need for verbal props or a connection to status. Perhaps this is why it has provoked such a strong reaction from those who control the UK state art establishment?
The Sea Horse can be admired and wondered at simply for its execution and aesthetic beauty. It smashes down the boundaries that separate craft and fine art; it stretches out to reach to and beyond many styles. Its complex anatomy has a realistic, organic yet spacey concern for symmetry with ambiguous body functions and an uncertain gender. The wide grin lends an almost animated expression to this modern yet classic-fantastic surreal sculpture that really has to be seen to be believed.
The shreds of newspaper that form the Seahorse's surface provide clues and strange snippets of society and news that led up to the millennium. With the passing of time subtle sepia tones are now emerging through this deliberate and muddled mish-mâché print mix. Hazel Bryce refers to The Seahorse as a slow and inevitable clock but to what time or event is this clock ticking to?
The Seahorse is bursting with conceptual values but it does not rely on them. It stands alone as a modern Masterpiece without the need for verbal props or a connection to status. Perhaps this is why it has provoked such a strong reaction from those who control the UK state art establishment?
The Sea Horse can be admired and wondered at simply for its execution and aesthetic beauty. It smashes down the boundaries that separate craft and fine art; it stretches out to reach to and beyond many styles. Its complex anatomy has a realistic, organic yet spacey concern for symmetry with ambiguous body functions and an uncertain gender. The wide grin lends an almost animated expression to this modern yet classic-fantastic surreal sculpture that really has to be seen to be believed.
Deep Trouble for the Deep Sea
The deep sea is home to an estimated 10 million species, most of which have yet to be scientifically-documented. While this marine biodiversity rivals the world's richest tropical rainforests, these fragile deep-sea habitats, which have taken centuries to grow, are being destroyed by trawlers dragging enormous weighted nets that, in a single pass, scrape the ocean floor habitat clean.
Climate change election debate, Auckland, New zealand
New Zealand's per capita emissions are the 11th highest globally and we have a moral responsibility to do our fair share to look out for our neighbours, especially those in the Pacific.
It's only weeks to go until the General Elections and there is a real risk that issues like climate change will simply not get the attention they deserve. To remedy this, Oxfam is hosted two open public debates on New Zealand's response to climate change and a debate on foreign affairs. With representatives from National, Labour, Greens and the Maori Parties, this was a fantastic opportunity to actively engage with the policy makers. This is a clip from the climate change debate held in Auckland on November 2, at the University of Auckland's School of Business.
It's only weeks to go until the General Elections and there is a real risk that issues like climate change will simply not get the attention they deserve. To remedy this, Oxfam is hosted two open public debates on New Zealand's response to climate change and a debate on foreign affairs. With representatives from National, Labour, Greens and the Maori Parties, this was a fantastic opportunity to actively engage with the policy makers. This is a clip from the climate change debate held in Auckland on November 2, at the University of Auckland's School of Business.
"Water Vapor, the Hydrological Cycle, and Climate Change"
Something in the Air: Climate Change, Science and Policy - Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. "Water Vapor, the Hydrological Cycle, and Climate Change" by Isaac M. Held, Senior Research Scientist, head of Weather and Atmospheric Dynamics Group, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory/NOAA (Princeton, NJ); Lecturer with rank of Professor in the Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Program, Princeton University
Presentation on Cradle to Cradle at Tarkett sponsored seminar on sustainability
Presentation by Peter Okmark of Tarkett on LEED and the new Cradle 2 Cradle certification scheme. Given at Tarkett sponsored seminar: Sustainability and the Environment in the real world. Held at RIBA, London.
Nissan Global Headquarter's Zero Emission Vision
Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama harnesses engineering innovation to reduce its impact on the environment. It recently installed a new solar power and storage battery system for electric vehicles, allowing you to charge up your car at the building whatever the weather. But how is this possible? Nissan Technology Magazine TV's Erika Yokoyama reports on how Nissan is cutting down its own carbon footprint and taking our world one step further towards zero emission mobility.
Nissan Technology Magazine (NTM), through reports and interviews with experts both within Nissan and around the world, will take a look at these advances, and attempt to paint a picture of what the "Future of Mobility" might look like.
Nissan Technology Magazine (NTM), through reports and interviews with experts both within Nissan and around the world, will take a look at these advances, and attempt to paint a picture of what the "Future of Mobility" might look like.
James Dyson Awards 2011 Runner-Up: KwickScreen Product Development
KwickScreen is a portable, retractable, rooom divider which provides isoaltion or privacy solutions in hospitals when required. They have a very small footprint for easy storage and use and are simple to transport and clean. KwickScreens enable hospitals, which are often stretched for resources, to make the best use of space offering the the flexibility to change a room’s layout. The product greatly helps in the fight against health care acquired infections as well as with mixed sex accommodation and general privacy and dignity problems. KwickScreens can be printed, which adds colour and interest to wards and can be used to display important messages to staff and visitors. KwickScreen has applications beyond healthcare, in schools, universities, offices and exhibitions where openplan areas need to be divided up in a fast and flexible manner.
James Dyson Awards 2011 Runner-Up: BlindSpot
Blindspot is a smart white cane that helps visually handicapped people to take on an active role in socializing and venture into places that they do not dared to explore previously. It informs them of a friend or family member nearby and helps to actively meet them. The location of their friends can be abstracted from popular geographical-based social apps such as Foursquare and communicated through the Bluetooth earpiece connected to the cane. Having known that a friend is nearby, they can choose to call them with the earpiece or be guided towards their friends. Their friend's location can be guided by a tactile GPS navigator on the cane handle. It is a horizontally rolling ball that points to the exact direction to walk. Additionally, an in-built ultrasonic sensor helps detect hanging objects and gives forewarning of ground obstacles to the user. This allows visually handicapped people to confidently travel out of their comfort zone and be aware of people they know being around them.
James Dyson Awards 2011 Winner: Edward Linnacre's AirDrop Irrigation
The Airdrop irrigation concept is a response to poor agricultural conditions in periods of severe drought. Extensive research into droughts revealed an increase in soil evaporation and trans-evaporation (plant and soil) due to the increasing temperatures. Airdrop Irrigation works to provide a solution to this problem. Moisture is harvested out of the air to irrigate crops by an efficient system that produces large amounts of condensation. A turbine intake drives air underground through a network of piping that rapidly cools the air to the temperature of the soil where it reaches 100% humidity and produces water. The water is then stored in an underground tank and pumped through to the roots of crops via sub surface drip irrigation hosing. The Airdrop system also includes an LCD screen that displays tank water levels, pressure strength, solar battery life and system health.
Canada's Boreal Forest Gaining Ground
The International Boreal Conservation Campaign, an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts, supports conservation of old-growth forests and wilderness. The campaign works closely with Canadian and international environmental organizations, corporations and aboriginal First Nations to find common ground around the Canadian Boreal Forest Conservation Framework, a visionary plan to protect and sustain this globally important ecosystem over time.
Gruesome Photos Show The Massive Scale Of The Shark Finning Trade
New images from a fishing port in Taiwan underline the threat to sharks around the world. Fishermen kill up to 73 million sharks annually in order to satisfy the demand for shark fin soup. While the scale of the trade in Taiwan is massive, globally it is just the fourth largest fisher of sharks, after Indonesia, India and Spain.
Africa's Most Active Volcano Nyamuragira Erupts
Africa's most active volcano has sent a spectacular display of lava and bright orange smoke and ash into the night sky in Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Wintertime Droughts Increase Due To Climate Change
Over the last 20 years, 10 of the driest winters have taken place in the Mediterranean region that stretches from Gibraltar to the Middle East. As the region accumulates most of its precipitation during the wintertime, an increased dryness during this season is particularly worrying. According to scientist, this emerging trend may have a significant impact on water resources and food security in the future.
Source: Green Prophet
TEDxOkanaganCollege 2011: Engineered Wood Products - The Sustainable Solution by Bill Downing
Bill Downing has seen first hand how manufacturing sustainable products has an international demand. This presentation looks at the current and future role of engineered wood products as a sustainable alternative in traditional concrete and steel applications.
Bill Downing is the President of Structurlam Products in Penticton, BC. Structurlam is a manufacturer of glue-laminated columns and beams, and a premier fabricator of heavy timber commercial structures. Prior to joining Structurlam, Mr. Downing was the CEO of BC Wood Specialties Group, an industry association of value-added wood product manufacturers in British Columbia.
He has also held various senior positions with PCI Geomatics Ltd., one of the world's largest suppliers of geomatics software, including VP Sales and Marketing, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of a Netherlands-based subsidiary. Bill grew up Kootenay region of British Columbia and began his career there as a forester for Wynndel Box and Lumber Co. in Creston. Mr. Downing has a degree in forestry from the University of British Columbia, an MBA from the University of Washington and is a Registered Professional Forester.
Bill Downing is the President of Structurlam Products in Penticton, BC. Structurlam is a manufacturer of glue-laminated columns and beams, and a premier fabricator of heavy timber commercial structures. Prior to joining Structurlam, Mr. Downing was the CEO of BC Wood Specialties Group, an industry association of value-added wood product manufacturers in British Columbia.
He has also held various senior positions with PCI Geomatics Ltd., one of the world's largest suppliers of geomatics software, including VP Sales and Marketing, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of a Netherlands-based subsidiary. Bill grew up Kootenay region of British Columbia and began his career there as a forester for Wynndel Box and Lumber Co. in Creston. Mr. Downing has a degree in forestry from the University of British Columbia, an MBA from the University of Washington and is a Registered Professional Forester.
Nissan accelerating rollout of EV quick charge network in Europe
By recharging batteries in a fraction of the time usually needed this radical step will help drive more customers towards electric vehicles such as the Nissan LEAF. The advanced lithium ion batteries in Nissan LEAF can be recharged from 0 to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes using a quick charger.
Source: Electric Vehicle News
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