New iCAP Climate Bill Unveiled by Representative Markey

05/30/08 | Posted by: Jason

"I am here today because the chorus for change is deafening. The time for action is now," said Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) on Wednesday at a press conference, during which he unveiled the "Investing in Climate Action Policy Act," a.k.a. the iCAP bill.

Join me this weekend in NYC at the World Science Festival!

05/30/08 | Posted by: Betsy

Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Big Apple? Then join me at the World Science Festival, which is running from May 28th--June 1st at venues all over New York City. The Festival will feature more than 40 unique events that will shine a spotlight on science and explore the many ways in which scientific discovery and innovation are shaping modern life.

Specifically, I'd like to invite you to an event called Powering the Planet, where I will serve as a panelist. At this event, we'll discuss the latest research on alternative sources of energy, as well as the challenges and opportunities that climate change presents.

The Future of Coal is a Little Smoggy

05/30/08 | Posted by: Eli

While the capture and storage of emissions from coal-fired power plants is sometimes touted as a cost-effective way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, an article published in today's New York Times emphasizes the rising costs and growing uncertainty behind the technology. The front-page article highlights cancellations of high profile carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects like FutureGen, and notes that

The states are moving—so where are the feds?

05/29/08 | Posted by: Luis

One of the best features of the American system of government is that it provides for more than one way to skin the proverbial cat. If one level of government isn’t doing its job to solve a problem, others can step in and tackle it, however imperfectly. We’re seeing this pattern once again with climate change. Since the feds show no inclination to take the sort of bold action that so many organizations—like 1Sky, to pick one at random—are calling for, the states are filling the void.

Here’s a compelling illustration of just how far ahead of the feds the states have moved: The Sea Studios Foundation has produced a compelling 14-minute movie called “Ahead of the Curve,” which chronicles what the states are doing to tackle climate change. It’s definitely worth checking out.

No Impact Man needs your help!

05/28/08 | Posted by: Luis

Our friend Colin Beavan, aka No Impact Man, is working on an ambitious lobbying effort to get something done about climate change on Capitol Hill—but to get it done, he needs your help!

Climate Change and the Insurance Industry

05/23/08 | Posted by: Carolynn

The insurance industry is one of the largest in the world, with yearly revenues around $3 trillion. Put another way: If the insurance industry were a country, it would have the third largest economy in the world. This year, Ernst & Young’s report on business risk cited climate change as the greatest threat to the industry with “long-term, far-reaching” and significant negative impacts.