TEDxSalzburg: Create Your Own Change by Dietmar Dahmen

Create your own change. Our world changes at neck breaking speed. Technology, trends, services change. What stays are the needs behind those changes. Dietmar takes us on a journey of those needs, shows us the mega structures behind the chaos and invites the Davids of change not to wait for the Goliaths to move.

Climate Change Politics: Why Right-Wing Doesn't Act

Author William Marsden tells Watch Mojo about his book 'Fools Rule: Inside the Failed Politics of Climate Change,' and discusses how climate change action fundamentally challenges the right-wing ideal of every man for himself.

TEDxCAPU: The Canadian Internet Story by Cybele Negris

Cybele is Co-Founder of Webnames.ca, Canada's original .CA Registrar and one of the country's leading Internet solutions companies

TEDxCAPU: On the road to creativity by "HootSuite" David Olson

Dave Olson, Marketing Director, HootSuite. Dave is the Community Marketing Director for social media dashboard maker HootSuite. Working in the Internet space since 1996, Dave's experience includes ISPs, ecommerce, open source web communities, movie promotion, a green business directory and an alternative accreditation program during the Vancouver Olympics. A graduate of Evergreen College in Inter-disciplinary Studies, he frequently presents at events and to the media discussing technology, art, and culture. After living and traveling worldwide, Dave now enjoys exploring his local North Vancouver mountains and forests.

Amazon Watch Spring 2012 Green-Bag Series

While Brazil prepares to host the Rio +20 Earth Summit this June and present itself as a leading model for sustainable development, the Brazilian government is undertaking measures that will put the Brazilian Amazon in jeopardy.

The Brazilian Congress is pushing through a bill that will recklessly rewrite the country's forest protection laws and this past month President Dilma Rousseff signed legislation that severely weakened the IBAMA, the Brazilian Federal Environmental Protection Agency.

Although Brazil has made great gains in fighting deforestation this past decade, the government is removing important pillars of forest protection, putting Brazil's international commitments on the Amazon and sustainability into question.

This session will discuss the new forest code bill, the recent weakening of IBAMA, and the state of the Brazilian Amazon today as Brazil prepares to host the Rio +20 Earth Summit.

Chevron's Worst Excuse Ever

Now that Chevron has been found guilty once again for intentionally dumping a massive amount of toxic oil waste in the Ecuadorian Amazon, the company has become particularly desperate to explain why it refuses to take responsibility.

As you can see, even Chevron's PR hacks have struggled to come up with valid excuses for why they refuse to do the right thing in Ecuador. Please share it to shine a light on Chevron's refusal to take responsibility for its environmental and human rights catastrophe in Ecuador.

Adorable Teenage Pandas Wrestle and Play at Bifengxia Reserve in China

Suzuki Regina Compact Vehicle Concept

VW eT! Concept Demo

Suzuki Q-Concept Urban Electric Vehicle

Greenhouse Effect & Global Warming

Greenhouse Effect & Global Warming

The World's Largest Offshore Wind Turbine: The Vestas V164 7.0 MW Offshore Wind Turbine

The Gamesa G10X - 4.5 MW Wind Turbine

Wind Powered World Trade Center Bahrain

20% renewable energy by 2020 in the Eurepeon Union

Raising the share of renewable energy from 8.5% to 20% in the overall energy consumption is a necessary contribution to the global fight against climate change and towards better control over our energy dependence. The various uses of renewable energy are examined: electricity through wind and hydraulic energies; electricity or heat through geothermal and solar energies; electricity, heat, and biofuel coming from biomass.

Where Energy Comes From Animation

Where does gas and electricity come from? This short film explains how National Grid takes the energy from its source, delivering it to homes and high-streets around the country.

Daylighting by the US Department of Energy

New Teaser of Infiniti's Electric Sports-car

Suzuki e-Lets Electric Scooter

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Technology Detailled

VW e-Bugster Concept

The Nissan e-NV200 Electric Minivan

A Solar Water Pump in Soon Valley Pakistan

This 4 inch solar water pump installed by the Pak Agro Tech International Islamabad, Pakistan.

The Future of Light: A Natural Artificial Lighting - OLED

Icona Fuselage Electric GT Concept

Icona E3WM Electric 3 Wheel Scooter Test

Mithos ElectroMagnetic Sports-car Concept by Tiago Inacio

Mithos ElectroMagnetic Sports-car Concept by Tiago Inacio

Food for Fuel: An 'answer' for world hunger & high prices

It seems the new American way involves a process that is not just from farm to food, but from farm to fuel. In the name of a cleaner environment ethanol has, over the years, become very political, being blamed for everything from the power of the state of Iowa to world hunger.

It's growth has been largely due to a policy by the U.S. government- a federal subsidy paid to oil companies to incentivize them to use corn ethanol in their gasoline that is then sold to consumers at gas stations across the country. It lasted 33 years and cost more than 20 billion dollars.

Natural vs. Organic: Is there any difference?

Panda Bears Enjoying Delicious Cakes in Panda Center Chengdu, China

Staff of Panda Center in Chengdu, China cook special cakes for all the pandas they have. The nutrients obtained from bamboo is insufficient to meet the panda's nutritional needs.

Cakes contain cornflour, soybean, wheat flour, oats and some selected nutrients. The cakes weigh some 200 grams each. A female panda can eat three per day, while the males eat four to five pieces a day.

Occupy Oakland video: Police use flashbangs & tear-gas against protesters

Police in Oakland, California, have used tear-gas and flash-grenades as a 2,000-strong Occupy Oakland march turned violent, with some protesters claiming that rubber bullets were also fired into the crowd. At least 300 people were arrested.

The demonstrators had attempted to take over vacant buildings to use as their headquarters, they also broke into City Hall and tried to occupy a YMCA. Police spokesman Jeff Thomason told media most of the arrests came around 8 pm local time. Police took many protesters into custody as they marched through the city's downtown area, with some entering a YMCA building.

This Bulb Can Help to Save The Planet Video

Natalie Portman, Kyra Sedgwick and Chloe Sevigny explain how simply changing a light bulb can help reverse the effects of greenhouse gases. With music by Aimee Mann.

Horizontal & Vertical Axis Wind Turbine: An Introduction by the US Department of Energy

Wind and Water Turbine Design: The Horizontal axis logarithic spiral fluid turbine

Because of its aerodynamic profile, the golden spiral turbine is self orienting when tethered or attached to a horizontal pivot point. The shape of the blades and the smaller radius minimize drag while still collecting the kinetic energy efficiently. It is relatively safe for fish. Because of its small radius it can be constructed from cheap recycled plastic, PVC, or similar. It is a design that works for both wind and water. It is very simple comparing to the turbines out there in terms of cost, manufacturing, number of part, and maintenance.

New Wind Turbine Design Can Triple Energy Production!

Extreme Auroras Fueled by Sun Storm: Time lapse Video

A powerful geomagnetic storm sparked extreme auroras in the skies over Abisko National Park in Sweden on January 24. This time-lapse video of the sky show, shot over three hours by Lights Over Lapland photographer Chad Blakley, also shows some of the participants during an aurora borealis photo expedition.

The Great Energy Challenge Video by National Geographic

What is the Great Energy Challenge? See why energy is abundant around us, and how we have to find the best ways to harness it for use.



Source: Great Energy Challenge

President Barack Obama Bans Grand Canyon Uranium Mining for 20 Years

President Barack Obama has banned uranium mining on 1 million acres of land around the Grand Canyon for the next 20 years, a large step toward preserving one of the largest natural wonders of the world. There are still roughly 3,200 mining claims around the canyon, and 11 uranium mines will still be used.

Read more at: The Guardian

Clean Energy Investments Hit Record $260 Billion: United States Leads Before China

Renewable energy investment rose 5 percent to a record $260 billion last year driven by a surge in solar developments and increased spending in the U.S. New spending on solar energy jumped 36 percent to $136.6 billion in 2011, outpacing the $74.9 billion put into wind power. Spending in the U.S. rose by a third to $55.9 billion, surpassing the 1 percent gain in China to $47.4 billion.

Read more at: Bloomberg

HS2 High-Speed Rail Link in The United Kingdom Gets The Green Light

A new high-speed railway linking London with Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds now has the green light to get going. At least, the first part has been approved, meaning London and Birmingham will be the first to be linked. The network, expected to be running by 2026 and completed by 2033, will cut travel-times in half between the largest cities, making it considerably easier to travel from northern England and Scotland down to London.



Read more at: BBC News

350 Days in the Life of a Retreating Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska: Time Lapse Video

The Extreme Ice Survey is the most wide-ranging glacier study ever conducted using ground-based, real-time photography. EIS uses time-lapse photography, conventional photography, and video to document the rapid changes now occurring on the Earth's glacial ice. The EIS team has installed 27 time-lapse cameras at 15 sites in Greenland, Iceland, Alaska, and the Rocky Mountains. EIS supplements this ongoing record with annual repeat photography in Iceland, the Alps, and Bolivia.



Read more at: Extreme Ice Survey

Apple's Reuse and Recycling Programme for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even for old PCs

Apple has launched a Reuse and Recycling Programme that offers the possibility of money back for old iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even for old PCs.

With the Reuse and Recycling Programme, you could turn your old equipment into a brand-new Mac, iPod, iPhone or iPad. Whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC computer, working or not, Apple will take it and determine if it qualifies for reuse and has a monetary value. If it does, the amount will be credited directly into your bank account. If it doesn’t, you can recycle it responsibly through one of Apple's free recycling programmes.

Read more at: Apple

Dubai launches Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park

The Supreme Council of Energy for Dubai has launched the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This is a leading project implemented by the SCE and managed and operated by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The first project of the park will witness the production of power using photovoltaic cell technology, with a production capacity of 10MW by 2013. By 2030, the park will produce 1,000MW on the completion of all its phases.

This is the first utility-scale production capacity park of its kind in the region and a prelude to the introduction of promising projects to use renewable energy in electricity production in Dubai. This project will use solar radiations that are available all year-round to produce electricity using the latest technology available in international markets. This will, in turn, play an important role in supporting sustainable development plans and preserve natural resources while protecting the environment from pollution.

Source: Go Green

NASA Finds 2011 Ninth-Warmest Year on Record: Video

Global temperatures have warmed significantly since 1880, the beginning of what scientists call the "modern record." At this time, the coverage provided by weather stations allowed for essentially global temperature data. As greenhouse gas emissions from energy production, industry and vehicles have increased, temperatures have climbed, most notably since the late 1970s. In this animation of temperature data from 1880-2011, reds indicate temperatures higher than the average during a baseline period of 1951-1980, while blues indicate lower temperatures than the baseline average.

Statement by President Barack Obama on the Keystone XL Pipeline

I received the Secretary of State’s recommendation on the pending application for the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. As the State Department made clear last month, the rushed and arbitrary deadline insisted on by Congressional Republicans prevented a full assessment of the pipeline’s impact, especially the health and safety of the American people, as well as our environment. As a result, the Secretary of State has recommended that the application be denied. And after reviewing the State Department’s report, I agree.

This announcement is not a judgment on the merits of the pipeline, but the arbitrary nature of a deadline that prevented the State Department from gathering the information necessary to approve the project and protect the American people. I’m disappointed that Republicans in Congress forced this decision, but it does not change my Administration’s commitment to American-made energy that creates jobs and reduces our dependence on oil. Under my Administration, domestic oil and natural gas production is up, while imports of foreign oil are down. In the months ahead, we will continue to look for new ways to partner with the oil and gas industry to increase our energy security –including the potential development of an oil pipeline from Cushing, Oklahoma to the Gulf of Mexico – even as we set higher efficiency standards for cars and trucks and invest in alternatives like biofuels and natural gas. And we will do so in a way that benefits American workers and businesses without risking the health and safety of the American people and the environment.


Source: The White House

ecoATM Pays Cash For Your Gadgets

ecoATM is the first and only company to create an automated self-serve kiosk system that uses patented, advanced machine vision, electronic diagnostics, and artificial intelligence to evaluate and buy-back used electronics directly from consumers for cash or store credit.



Read more at: ecoATM

World Future Energy Summit 2013: Powering Sustainable Innovation in Abu Dhabi

The sixth edition of WFES 2012 will be held from 15-17 January 2013 in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), United Arab Emirates. Hosted by Masdar. WFES promotes innovation and investment opportunities surrounding renewable energy and environment. Under the Patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Read more at: Anders Bekeken

World Renewable Energy Forum 2012 in Denver, Colorado: EmPowering the World with Renewable Energy

This conference will be hosted by the ISES Section, the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), together with the World Renewable Energy Network (WREN) and will include the ASES Annual Solar Congress. ISES is a partner of this international event, the theme of which is “EmPowering the World with Renewable Energy”. The WREF will provide a unique opportunity for renewable energy enthusiasts from around the world to share experiences.

The conference will not only look at how renewable energy technologies can address the environmental and energy crisis from an international perspective but also what it will take to integrate renewables into the world’s energy infrastructure on a very large scale. To accomplish this energy transition, we not only need to power our electric grids with renewable energy, but we also need to empower people to play active roles in our energy transition, especially in developing nations. Plenary speakers and special forum presentations will focus on these critical topics.

The conference will be held May 13-17, 2012, at the Colorado Convention Center. This will be the first time that the American Solar Energy Society annual conference and the bi-annual World Renewable Energy Congress have been combined, providing a unique opportunity for renewable energy enthusiasts from around the world to share experiences.

Read more at: World Renewable Energy Forum

World Energy Forum 2012 in Dubai: A Forum for World Leaders

Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai will be the venue for the World Energy Forum 2012 (WEF), which will be organized for the first time outside the headquarters of the United Nations at New York under the theme of "A Forum for World Leaders".

This global event is expected to be attended by over 2,000 delegates including government dignitaries, energy ministers, and executives from energy companies from all over the world to discuss issues relating to energy, environment, climate change and sustainable development. The event will take place from 22 to 24 October 2012 at the Dubai International Convention Center.

Read more at: World Energy Forum

Utah Doctors Join the Occupy Movement

Taking inspiration from the Occupy movement, in late December a group of doctors and environmental groups in Salt Lake City, Utah, announced a lawsuit against the third-largest mining corporation in the world, Rio Tinto, for violating the Clean Air Act in Utah. This is likely the first time ever that physicians have sued industry for harming public health.

Air pollution causes between 1,000 and 2,000 premature deaths every year in Utah.

Source: Truthout

NASA Video: Strongest Solar Storm In Years Captured

An active region on the Sun unleashed two blasts in quick succession (Jan. 19, 2012), which have sent particle clouds headed towards Earth. The images combine the wider field of view from SOHO's C2 coronagraph with the Sun itself as seen in extreme UV light by Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The initial burst above the Sun is from the sar side of the Sun and not headed our way. The next two bursts, one quickly following the other, are from the bright active region seen near the 10 o'clock position. A series of coronal loops rise up above the active region after these events. The impact on the geomagnetic storm Earth may cause some bright auroras. The video covers about 24 hours of activity.

Hiriko: The Very First Folding Car

The world's very first car that folds into itself to save parking space is set to be launched this week. The Hiriko folding electric car is a prototype that has been developed by the partnership of the Basque businesses, the Spanish government, and the MIT Media Lab, a US research firm. The tiny bubble car is reportedly tipped to go into production in Spain next year and car warranty will definitely be needed to cover the latest technology.

The new vehicle, which has been dubbed as a 'capsule-like city car' is to be unveiled in Brussels by Jose Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission and it is reported that it is powered by four in-wheel motors. Each wheel is said to be independently driven and steers by 'robot' in-wheel electric motors to increase manoeuvrability. The conventional steering wheel has been replaced by a 'joystick' which tugs on the driver's fingers when ordered by a navigation system. Source: Go Green Hiriko: The Very First Folding Car is Launched

Happy Australia Day: Our Australia by Mark Turner

Happy Australia Day: Let's Celebrate Australia by James Trotter

Australia's mark on the world can't be summed up in a few words. It is as diverse as our people, our beliefs and our heritage

Happy Australia Day in the City 2012

Australia Day in the City is Adelaide's biggest Australia Day event - featuring free Parade, Concert and Fireworks, and starring Ricki-Lee & Stan Walker!

Happy Australia Day: The 2012 Australia Day Address by Charlie Teo

January 26th is Australia Day, a fun day of celebration of all things Australian. Similar to July 4th of July in America. Australia Day has become the country's biggest annual day of celebration with over 5,000 events planned across New South Wales on 26 January 2012.

Since its inception in 1997 and in a fitting build up to Australia Day, the Australia Day Address has become one of the nation’s most important and successful Australia Day initiatives. The Address taps into the essence of what the 26 January is all about – celebrating and reflecting on our national spirit. The 2012 Australia Day Address will be delivered by Associate Professor Charles Teo AM.



Read more at: Australia Day

2012 State Of The Union Address by President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama delivers the 2012 State of the Union Address to Congress and the nation.

Tapped Trailer

Tapped is a film that examines the role of the bottled water industry and its effects on our health, climate change, pollution, and our reliance on oil.



Verification code PPXHZ98P2JXA

The Windmill Project Vail Colorado by Patrick Marold

The WINDMILL PROJECT was developed out desire to map and watch the wind, harnessing its behaviors. While living in Iceland during the long winter nights, I would install this sculptural tool in the pasture and hills. Iceland’s abundance of wind and dark hours provided the perfect setting to develop this idea. The most recent Windmill installation in Burlington, Vermont lasted 14 weeks last fall; and the 2007 installation in Vail, Colorado employed as many as 2700 windmills, covering over 15,000 square feet.

The WINDMILL PROJECT involves placing a mass of light generating windmills in specific outdoor locations. The wind forces each windmill to produce a relevant amount of light, in a sense digitizing the wind. This work of art converts the energy of wind into a responsive visual choreography, exhibiting the rhythm of a mechanical process that is collaborating with the harmony and chaos of wind. Source: Patrick Marold

Happy Chinese New Year: Year of The Dragon 4709

See also: Happy Chinese New Year

Martin Luther King's Last Speech: "I Have Been To The Mountaintop"

An excerpt from the last speech given by Rev. Dr. Martian Luther King Jr. He was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee the next day on April 4, 1968.

Martin Luther King: "We Shall Overcome"

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made use of "we shall overcome" in the final Sunday March 31, 1968 speech before his assassination. In a 1965 speech King explained the reasons why he believed "we shall overcome" in terms very similar to those used in a 1957 speech to support his belief in "an other-loving God working forever through history for the establishment of His kingdom".

Martin Luther King: I Have A Dream Speech - August 28, 1963

Ethanol fuel to blame for worldwide food shortage?

Between the years of 2005-2010, the price of corn per bushel has more than doubled. Approximately 60 percent of the US corn crop goes to making ethanol fuel and is blamed by some for the worldwide food shortage. The US government requires oil companies to use the controversial fuel in gasoline in which the US burns one sixth of world's corn supply on the road. Frederick Kaufman, contributing editor at Harper's Magazine, joins us to discuss the cash crop.

The Food vs. Fuel Battle Continues

One-sixth of the world's corn supply is burned in American cars. That is enough corn to feed 350 million people for an entire year. Legislation requiring petrol to be mixed with ethanol has helped push food prices sky-high throughout the world hurting American consumers and starving many in poorer countries.

What We Can Do To End World Hunger by EVOLVE! Campaigns

Meat-eating societies are the main cause of world hunger because they feed a disproportionate percentage of the world's crops to 60 billion land animals annually killed by the meat, dairy and egg industries worldwide, and tens of billions of marine animals... instead of the 6.5 billion people on the planet.

One acre of land can yield 30,000 pounds of carrots, 40,000 pounds of potatoes or 50,000 pounds of tomatoes. However, one acre of land can yield only 250 pounds of meat. Why? Because depending on the animal in question, it takes from three to twenty pounds of vegetable protein to create just one pound of animal protein.

Friendly Aquaponics

Tim Mann and Susanne Friend share the results of their work developing efficient and sustainable aquaponic food production systems, growing a worldwide community of organic farmers.

The 7th International Conference on Urban Regeneration and Sustainabilit

From the 7th to the 9th of May 2012 the ‘7th International Conference on Urban Regenerations and Sustainablility’ will be held in Ancona in Italy. At the conference issues like intelligent environments and emerging technologies, development, urban startegies, waste management, relevant case studies among others will be discussed. During the conference participants can present research and interact with experts from around the world and together evolving new ideas and innovative solutions.

Source: Sustainable Cities

Google, and KKR Plan To Invest $189M in US Solar Projects

Google, KKR plan to invest $189M in US solar projects Google Inc. and KKR Co. LP are planning to invest a combined $189 million in U.S. solar facilities. Google intends to invest $94 million in four California solar farms under construction near Sacramento. The search engine giant has agreed to buy a majority stake in the Sacramento solar facilities from Sharp Corp subsidiary Recurrent Energy. The facilities will have 88 MW of generation capacity. KKR plans to invest $95 million in U.S.solar facilities, including the Sacramento facilities and other projects. The company has established a new venture, SunTap, to make investment in solar power projects, including the Sacramento solar farms.

Wikileaks Arctic Oil: Governments Pro-Global Warming

BBC Newsnight reports on fresh Wikileaks cables which show how countries are scrambling over the resources hidden under the melting Arctic ice - which is disappearing at unprecedented rates. Military tensions are escalating as politicans and countries look to carve out their stake.

Solar-powered pumps in Gambia

Gambia has been hard hit by climate change, and one of the effects of global warming has been a drop in the country's groundwater levels. The government is pinning its hopes on environmentally-friendly solar-powered pumps, ditching polluting diesel generators that have been used so far to pump the water to the surface. 100 solar pumps are already in use, helping fill public tanks that provide the population with clean water.

She's Alive... Beautiful... Finite... Hurting... Worth Dying for.

This is a non-commercial attempt to highlight the fact that world leaders, irresponsible corporates and mindless 'consumers' are combining to destroy life on earth. It is dedicated to all who died fighting for the planet and those whose lives are on the line today. The cut was put together by Vivek Chauhan, a young film maker, together with naturalists working with the Sanctuary Asia network.

Go Clean Waterless Car Wash : Spray, Wipe, and Shine

Introducing goclean waterless Car Wash: Saves 500 liters of water, Wash, Wax, Polish, Protect. Just 3 easy steps: Spray, Wipe, Shine

No need for Car washers, hoses, pressure washers, waxes, and quick detailers. Goclean waterless car wash gives a bright long lasting shine and one bottle of Goclean can save up to 5000 litres of water. goclean waterless car wash gives a long lasting, bright shine without leaving annoying water spots and soap residue. Goclean is not only saving water and stopping pollution, but by also being biodegradable and Voc compliant.

What can you built in 360 hours? A 30-story building construction time lapse video

What can you accomplish in 360 hours? The Chinese sustainable building company, Broad Group, has yet attempted another impossible feat, building a 30-story tall hotel prototype in 360 hours, after building a 15-story building in a week earlier in 2011.

You may ask why in a hurry, and is it safe? The statistics in the video can put you in good faith. Prefabricated modular buildings has many advantages over conventional buildings. The building was built over last Christmas time and finished before New Years Eve of 2012.

Video Explanation of Carbon Sciences CO2-to-Fuel technology

International Year of Cooperatives 2012: Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World

“Cooperatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility.” United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

With the theme of “Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World”, the Year seeks to encourage the growth and establishment of cooperatives all over the world. It also encourages individuals, communities and governments to recognize the agency of cooperatives in helping to achieve internationally agreed upon development goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals.

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives, highlighting the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development, particularly their impact on poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration.

So what exactly are cooperatives? What differentiates them from other forms of business? What are the advantages of cooperatives for members and communities in general? Cooperatives are business enterprises owned and controlled by the very members that they serve. Their member-driven nature is one of the most clearly differentiating factors of cooperative enterprises. This fact means that decisions made in cooperatives are balanced by the pursuit of profit, and the needs and interests of members and their communities. Cooperatives take many forms and operate in all sectors of society. Most share a unique set of principles which keep them attuned with their member-driven characterization.

Zayed Future Energy Prize 2012: Total Prize Fund Now $4 Million

The Zayed Future Energy Prize announced three new categories for the 2012 competition and increased the total prize fund to $4 million. The new categories for the Zayed Future Energy Prize are: SMEs & NGOs, Lifetime Achievement for an Individual and Large Corporations.

Submissions will be judged on four main criteria: Impact; Long-Term Vision; Leadership and Innovation, and in each specific category, on the following criteria: SMEs and NGOs will be awarded three prizes: $1.5m to the overall winner; $1m to the first runner-up; and $500,000 to the second runner-up, for making a clear impact in the field, either through disseminating a particular solution, or through furthering knowledge, awareness, policy development or technology. Large Corporations will receive a special recognition award for a clear vision for the long-term future of energy, and a coherent, sustainable strategy for its own role in this future.

The Lifetime Achievement prize of $500,000 will honour an individual for an outstanding record of achievement from academic, political, technological, business or other fields in renewable energy and sustainability. Nominations for the Zayed Future Energy Prize 2012 will be accepted through August 22. Submissions through September 19. Winners will be announced January 17, 2012, in an Award ceremony in Abu Dhabi during the World Future Energy Summit (WFES).

Read more at: Anders Bekeken

World Future Energy Summit 2012: Powering Sustainable Innovation in Abu Dhabi #WFES

World Future Energy Summit is the world’s foremost annual meeting committed to advancing future energy, energy efficiency and clean technologies by engaging political, business, finance, academic and industry leaders to drive innovation, business and investment opportunities in response to the growing need for sustainable energy.

The fifth edition of WFES 2012 will be held from 16-19 January 2012 in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), United Arab Emirates. Hosted by Masdar, WFES promotes innovation and investment opportunities surrounding renewable energy and environment. Under the Patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Read more at: Anders Bekeken

2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for All

Energy is central to nearly every major challenge, and opportunity the world faces today. Be it jobs, security, climate change, food production or increasing incomes , access to sustainable energy for all is essential for strengthening economies, protecting ecosystems and achieving equity. In fact, more than 1.4 billion people worldwide have no access to electricity, and 1 billion more only have intermittent access. Some 2.5 billion people – almost half of humanity – rely on traditional biomass for cooking and heating.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon made sustainable energy one of his five priorities that will guide his second 5-year term. Specifically, he will direct the United Nations to extend energy’s reach in order to combat endemic poverty. Universal access to energy, improved efficiency and enhanced deployment of renewable sources are ambitious goals, and the Secretary-General is leading a Sustainable Energy for All initiative to make them achievable.

This initiative will call for private sector and national commitments and attract global attention to the importance of energy for development and poverty alleviation. The goal is to meet three objectives by 2030: Ensuring universal access to modern energy services. Doubling the rate of improvement in energy efficiency. Doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

In recognition of the importance of energy access for sustainable economic development and supporting achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, the United Nations General Assembly has designated 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.

Also, as part of the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative, the United Nations Foundation has launched a new global Energy Access Practitioner Network. This group will bring together practitioners from the private sector and civil society working on the delivery of energy services and solutions related to electrification in a range of developing country contexts to develop a more integrated approach to energy access planning and execution in support of the Sustainable Energy for All Target to achieve universal energy access by 2030. The Network will focus on both household and community level electrification for productive purposes, incorporating specific market-based applications for health, agriculture, education, small business, communities and household solutions.

Read more at: 2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for All

Climate change by Rajendra Pachauri

Chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Rajendra Pachauri speaks about both the geophysical effects of climate change as well as the human dimension: the social, economic and equity considerations that need to be made to prepare for the changes ahead.

Climate Change Solutions from Africa: Spekboom

Planting Spekboom, a South African succulent that absorbs huge quantities of carbon dioxide, is creating jobs and helping check climate change.

Global Warming: A Scientific and Biblical Expose of Climate Change

Climate Solutions from Africa: The Kaza

Five African countries -- Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe -- agreed in August 2011 to create the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. The area not only allows elephants to roam free across borders, but creates a framework to protect and share their precious water resources. The Kaza, as it's called, is 29 million hectares -- about the size of Italy. And it may provide a model for transboundary resource management that can address the challenges of a changing climate.

Climate Change brews trouble for Bangladesh tea plantations

Tea plantations and estates in Bangladesh provide the leaves for many of the world's famous brands but growers say rising temperatures are affecting the quality of the drink.

Climate Change Solutions from Africa: Forests

Are Africa's forests an answer to climate change? More efficient cookstoves and kilns protect Malawi's forests by reducing demand for firewood.

Climate Change Solutions from Africa

The Gobabeb Training and Research Center in a remote corner of Namibia is providing climate data for scientists worldwide and finding new ways for Namibians to adapt to their changing environment.

ShelterBox USA Short-Form Documentary by Salt & Light Productions

Short-form documentary that shines light on the needs of disaster survivors worldwide and the work of ShelterBox.

Water: Challenges and Solutions

Earth Focus looks at why the availability of fresh water is a growing global challenge and at how some innovative solutions are making a difference. For over two decades the states of Georgia, Florida and Alabama have fought over water in the Chattahoochee River Basin. Filmmakers Rhett Turner and Jonathan Wickham's new film "Chattahoochee: From Water War to Water Vision" explains why.

Bangladesh is one of the world's most densely populated nations on Earth. And the capital Dhaka is one of Asia's fastest growing cities. News and documentary producer Stephen Sapienza reports on an innovative program that has found ways to provide clean water and sewage services to Dhaka's urban slum dwellers.

Over a billion people in the world don't have access to clean water. Dr. Greg Allgood is helping change all that. He is providing millions of people with clean water using water purification packets developed by Proctor and Gamble and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Allgood heads the Children's Safe Drinking Water Program and tells Earth Focus correspondent Miles Benson how this simple solution is saving lives.

Acid mine drainage is one of mining's most serious threats to water. A mine draining acid can devastate rivers and streams, and affect aquatic live for hundreds of years. Filmmaker Mike Shubbuck looks at how acid mine drainage affects waters in Pennsylvania.

Exactly how difficult it is to go home for the Spring Festival?

Something big happened on Jan 8th. It is the start of the largest scaled as well as periodical migration in human history – the Chinese spring transport, which was, is and always will be the dominating theme of Chinese media for the next 40 days.
It is predicted that during the 40-day long transport season, there will be over 3.15 billion passenger flow, breaking another historical record set by 2011 with 2.85 billion(sina). To help you get a better picture of the situation, according to Netease, it is like the whole population of China moves twice.

Source: ChinaHush

Kraft Foods Sets New Sustainability Targets and EPA Gives Smart Growth Award to Five Citie

Kraft has reported on its environmental impacts as a global food company. The study focuses on the company's response to climate change, land and water use, and sets targets for improvement in operations by the end of 2015. Goals include an increase in sustainable sourcing of commodities by 25 percent; a reduction in energy and water use by 15 percent in manufacturing plants; and the elimination of 50,000 metric tons of packaging material.

The EPA has recognized five communities with the 2011 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. The award is for the use of innovative policies and strategies that strengthen economies while providing sustainable housing and transportation choices. Selected from 68 applicants from 27 states, the winners are St. Louis; Albuquerque; El Paso; Howard, South Dakota; and Normal, Illinois.

Gorillas threatened by climate change

Counting the Cost: The cost of climate change

Is carbon trading working, or are companies working the system and costing consumers?

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stresses 'people power' and partnerships at start of second term as UN chief

Ban Ki-moon has begun his second term as Secretary-General of the United Nations by pledging to harness "the strong power of partnerships" to respond to the planet's biggest challenges, such as tackling climate change, combating poverty and empowering women and girls.

In an interview today with the UN News Centre and UN Radio to mark the start of his second term, Mr. Ban, 67, stressed the need for unity, particularly among Member States and their citizens.

Climate Change and Sea Level: An Emerging Hockey Stick

Hybrid Sharks and Climate Change

A new type of shark has been discovered off the coast of Australia. The shark is the world's first "hybrid" shark. Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian break down this discovery and Cenk goes off on an evolution rant. Does global warming have anything to do with this example of evolution?

Cradle to Cradle Silver Certification at AGC Glass Europe

AGC is the first and only European Glass producer to obtain the Cradle to Cradle green certification.

Global Small Wind Summit 2012

The 2012 Global Small Wind Summit will be held from 30 March to 1 April, 2012 in Shenyang, China. In February 2011, we successfully held the first summit in Beijing with broad participation from China, Turkey, Sweden, Italy, the UK, and Canada. Latest small wind research results were shown on the conference.

The United Nations has defined 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. Small wind will play a significant role in providing energy access for all. The small wind sector in the United States, Europe, and China is developing at a fast growth rate. The small wind potential is over 10,0000MW in China. Other countries are also considering the use of small wind to improve energy access. To promote worldwide development of small wind and increase international partnerships, ATKEPP, an international consulting firm with small wind as one of its focused areas, Shenyang Aerospace University, a famous Chinese university in aerospace, and ARE will organize the 2012 Global Small Wind Summit + Expo (GSW2012) themed by Small Wind for All in Shenyang, China on 29 March-1 April 2012.

Read more at: ATKEEP

Green Building China 2012 #GBC

Green Building China (GBC) has developed during the past 20 years alongside the China's construction industry. It has reached a total surface of 200,000 square meters, with 300,000 visits, making it the first event in China for the construction industry. The total event incorporates DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR, the most important trade show for floor covering in Asia, R+T Asia, the most important trade show for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun protection in Asia, as well as the most important trade show for wood plastic composites in Asia among other events.

Green Building China(GBC) was founded in 1993. It is the oldest and a major construction event in China. During the past 20 years, as an organizer, VNU Exhibitions Shanghai Co., Ltd. has always considered itself a member of the construction industry. In 2012, we will lead the green revolution and make this event a future-oriented China Sustainable Building Conference and Green Building Exhibition.

The Expo, March 27-29, 2012, includes three world-class themed activities and over a hundred round-tables, technical seminars, salons, forums among others, which will attract 5000 first-tier real estate developers, 3,000 architects, and over 10,000 projects contractors and government departments involved in public buildings.

Read more at: Green Building China

The Third World Renewable Energy Technology Congress & Expo 2012 #WRETC

Energy And Environment Foundation with the support of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India is organizing the Third World Renewable Energy Technology Congress & Expo-2012 during 25th to 27th April, 2012 at Convention Centre-New Delhi City Centre, Parliament Street, New Delhi, India. The theme of the congress is “Promoting Renewable Energy, Green Technology for Sustainability”.

Speakers, delegates and Exhibitor from Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA apart from national renewable energy companies, key executives have confirmed their participation in the congress.

WRETC-2012 at New Delhi, India attempts to supplement the efforts of the government by providing a platform to showcase opportunities in the Indian market for global players. The 3 days agenda setting Green Congress is a must attend for all those who want to be a part or contribute to the exponential growth of renewable energy sector in India.

Read more at: WRETC

SIM-LEI Electric Vehicle to run 300km

SIM-Drive, a venture company established by Keio University for the development of electric vehicle technology in 2009, exhibited its SIM-LEI vehicle at the 2011 Electric Vehicle Industrial Exhibition.

The basic concept of the design of this vehicle is to achieve a cruising range of over 300km while maintaining a constant 100km/h speed. By operating the vehicle with a high efficiency, 65kW, 700 newton meter motor, battery load is suppressed. A drag coefficient of 0.19 has been achieved by minimizing air resistance. The car is fitted with Bridgestone Ecopia tires that have lower rolling resistance than regular tires.

Creating Exhaust Emission-free EVs From Petrol Powered Vehicles

EV-Aichi convert regular petrol powered cars into electric vehicles. This vehicle has had its engine, radiator and entire exhaust system including the muffler removed, and replaced with a controller, battery and motor, transforming it into an entirely electric vehicle that produces no exhaust emissions.

Solar Decathlon Europe 2012: Ekó House by team Brasil

A group of Brazilian students and faculty, from a great variety of research areas, have gathered to design a house which has the sun as the only source of energy. The Ekó House is the Team Brasil's entry for the Solar Decathlon Europe 2012 and represents a concept for living in a more sustainable country. The name "Ekó" comes from the native Tupi-Guarani languages, and means "living" or "way of living". The house blends local and traditional solutions with high performance technologies.

Solar Decathlon Europe 2012: SUMBIOSI by Aquitaine Bordeaux Campus, France

The Aquitaine Bordeaux Campus Team presents the Sumbiosi house. This house will compete in the Solar Decathlon Europe 2012.

Wind turbine catches fire during storms in Scotland

A wind turbine near Dalry and Ardrossan in North Ayrshire caught fire during Scotland's extreme weather on Dec 8th 2011. Filmed by producer and cameraman James Alcock.

Solar Decathlon Europe 2012: Ekihouse by University of Basque County

Solar Decathlon Europe 2012: PRISPA by team Romania

PRISPA is the Romanian Team participating at Solar Decathlon Europe 2012

Lovechock: We love our earth, but is the foil really 100% home compostable? Tested by Cradle to Cradle Specialist

Lovechock says "We love our earth". But is the Lovechock foil really 100% home compostable? 'Cradle to cradle' specialist Jop Timmers tested it. See here the amazing result.

Solar Decathlon Europe 2012: ECO TEAM

ETSAV Faculty of Architecture at UPC will participate once again in the Solar Decathlon Europe 2012 edition, an international competition of energy self-sufficient housing.

The experience in SDE 2010 edition and its prototype called LOW3, (Low Energy, Low Impact and Low Cost), turns to (e)co, a new concept that defines not only the new prototype design, but also the process behind it, reevaluating the meaning attributed to "eco" nowadays. Eco = Oykos = House

(e) + co altogether involves the existing social context. (e) "green-at" re-interprets the symbol of our time, it represents the equilibrium among systems as well as spiral self-generative. -Co means putting together, to include new research, development and diffusion areas, all based on cooperation. As a result, (e)co is an alternative to the way to relate technology, resources and users in order to achieve a sustainable progress focused on the development of architecture.

Its objective is to obtain a self-sufficient dwelling based on the principles of zero ecological footprint and zero economical footprint. This intention reflects the changing context we are living in. One mechanism to get this objective is to offer more efficiency, more services and more comfort using less materials, less energy and less money. Another characteristic the defines this new (e)co prototype is its value relative to life, a house where the material organization of the building systems is created according to the life cycles of those materials.

Nowadays, dwelling has to be economic, efficient and comfortable without jeopardizing the environment. But (e)co is more than a dwelling, it's a network of projects of social awareness, dissemination of a life model based on cooperation, a model for all scales, for all users, a model which will reestablish the dialog between people and resources (natural / economic), true meaning of ecology.

Solar Decathlon Europe 2012: Team Rhône-Alpes, France

Presentation of the Team Rhône-Alpes' project for the Solar Deacthlon Europe 2012. This team is made up of architecture, engineering and business students working on this project in Grenoble, Lyon, Chambéry and Annecy.

Solar Decathlon Europe 2012: SunBloc United Kingdom

HelioMet presents SunBloc; the UK entry into Solar Decathlon Europe 2012

Solar Decathlon Europe 2012: ReVolt House by TU Delft's The Netherlands

Students of the Technical University of Delft are participating in the Solar Decathlon 2012 competition with their entry named ReVolt House. This design combines floatation and rotation in a solar house.

Solar Decathlon Europe 2012: SLIDE-S Made in Egypt

Earlier this year the American University in Cairo (AUC) became the first team in the Middle East or Africa to earn a spot in the Solar Decathlon Europe competition. AUC's Sustainable Living Interactive Design or SLIDES, will be competing against 19 other teams from universities worldwide. SLIDES is an exciting new project in sustainable design and construction that aims to create a fully-functional 21st century home designed to the highest standards of efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Japan says 30-40 years to scrap Fukushima nuclear power plant

Decommissioning Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant will take three or four decades.

In the next cleanup "road map" removal of spent fuel from the facility will begin within the next two years, the government said, with removal of melted fuel debris from the damaged reactors starting within 10 years. It said all kinds of technologies must still be developed before the plant can be scrapped in 30 to 40 years.

Source: Reuters

Japan's Tsunami Aftermath: Marine Debris

Debris from the tsunami that devastated Japan in March could reach the United States as early as this winter, according to predictions by NOAA scientists. However, they warn there is still a large amount of uncertainty over exactly what is still floating, where it's located, where it will go, and when it will arrive. Responders now have a challenging, if not impossible situation on their hands: How do you deal with debris that could now impact U.S. shores, but is difficult to find?

Next Generation Toyota EV and Hybrid Vehicles: FT-EV III and FCV-R

Smartphone-connectible car display developed by Toyota

Toyota is developing a car display system that seamlessly connects to a smartphone and mirrors its display when it is placed on a stand. The contactless charging is done using Qi, an international standard already widely used for smartphones in Japan. Communication between the smartphone and display is done by Wi-Fi.

Touched by a Troop of Wild Mountain Gorillas Bwindi National Park, Uganda

An amazing chance encounter with a troop of wild mountain gorillas near Bwindi National Park, Uganda

Eco-friendly plane to fly for eco-friendly mission around the world

A Slovenian biologist is preparing a record attempt for the lightest aircraft and the least amount of fuel used to fly around the world. During his flight, Matevz Lenarcic will also be measuring levels of black carbon in places not easily accessible to environmentalists is effort to raise awareness of global air pollution.

Highest Temperature Ever Recorded at South Pole

The South Pole in Antarctica has reached its highest temperature ever recorded, on 25 December 2011. The South Pole Meteorology Office noted that, “The temperature topped out at -12.3C/+9.9F”. The previous record high temperature of -13.6°C/+7.5F was recorded on 27 December 1978.

SourceSpace Science & Engineering Center

Lost world uncovered on ocean floor near Antarctica

After more than a year of analysis and interpretation, British scientists say they have discovered an exciting 'lost world' full of previously undiscovered marine species on the seabed of the Southern Ocean, near Antarctica.

Japanese whalers clash with Sea Shepherd activists

Anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd says Japanese whalers are ''the real eco-terrorists'' after their vessels clash on the high seas.

New Zealand cargo ship Rena splits in two

Stricken cargo ship breaks into two on reef off New Zealand.

Mount Etna erupts

Sicily's Mount Etna erupts for the first time in 2012, spewing lava and volcanic ash into the sky but causing no damage or air traffic interruptions.

Meet Henry: The Cradle to Cradle Office Chair of the Future

DSM's Cradle to Cradle (C2C) activities are directly targeted at the growing interest in recycling and the ultimate goal of closed loop systems. This video shows the environmental friendly office chair "Henry", developed with Akulon k224-G6 Material.

WakaWaka Super Efficient Solar Lamp

1.6 billion people live without electricity. They rely on toxic, expensive and dangerous kerosene. This needs to change! WakaWaka is a super efficient solar lamp. check out why we do this and get in touch if you can help us reach those 1.6 billion people

The Blue Economy

Do you want to live healthy, and have joy in life? Do you want to be an entrepreneur, and figure out how you can make a difference? This is not about the good and the bad, this is about how you can do it better.

2012 - The next Great Depression

Visualisation of the Installation of 500,000 PV Systems in Germany

This shows the installation of over 500,000 PV systems across Germany from January 2009 until September 2011. The area of the circles represents the total installed capacity per location.

AES Energy Generation Demo Video by Kurepronn

Demo video showing a number of examples concerning AES systems. These examples are developed to povide a basic overview of how AES systems work, and how they can be utilised to generate huge energy savings.

AES systems utilise the natural tendency of warm air to rise to generate power, the systems are scalable to diferent

Google made another clean energy investment

Google made a new $94 million investment in a portfolio of four solar photovoltaic (PV) projects being built by Recurrent Energy near Sacramento, California. This brings Google's portfolio of clean energy investments to more than $915 million.

Google already committed to providing funding this year to help more than 10,000 homeowners install solar PV panels on their rooftops. But this investment represents their first investment in the U.S. in larger scale solar PV power plants that generate energy for the grid—instead of on individual rooftops. These projects have a total capacity of 88 MW, equivalent to the electricity consumed by more than 13,000 homes

Source: Google Blog