Lets fight Global Warming

As the world bears the brunt of climate change, here's something that comes as an encouragement for those who are really concerned about the environment. "Lighting a billion lives campaign" initiated by the Indian people is one movement that will go a long way in fighting climate change and creating awareness among the rural masses which constitute of millions of Indians. Recently, California governer Arnold Schwarzeneger has lauded the people of India for initiating this project and urged other nations to follow suit. So... what is the campaign about and what does it intend to achieve? Here's all you want to know about this ambitious project:

Over 1.6 billion people in the world lack access to electricity; roughly 25% are in India alone. For these people, life comes to a standstill after dusk. Inadequate lighting is not only an impediment to progress and development opportunities, but also has a direct impact on the health, environment, and safety of millions of people, as they are forced to light their homes with kerosene lamps, dung cakes, firewood, and crop residue after sunset.

Recognizing the need to change the existing scenario, TERI, with its vision to work for global sustainable development and its commitment towards creating innovative solutions for a better tomorrow, has undertaken an initiative of 'Lighting a Billion Lives' (LaBL) through the use of solar lighting devices.

The Campaign aims to bring light into the lives of one billion rural people by replacing the kerosene and paraffin lanterns with solar lighting devices. This will facilitate education of children; provide better illumination and kerosene-smoke-free indoor environment for women to do household chores; and provide opportunities for livelihoods both at the individual level and at village level. In terms of physical targets, it translates into 200,000,000 solar lanterns in use, assuming that each solar lantern benefits five members of a family.

At the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting in 2007, TERI committed to bringing light into the lives of one million rural people over four years by displacing kerosene and paraffin lanterns with solar lighting devices, and providing opportunities for livelihoods both at the individual and village level.

This since has been expanded to the ‘Lighting a Billion Lives’ Campaign to benefit many more people in India and around the world. The campaign was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, on 7 February 2008 during DSDS (Delhi Sustainable Development Summit).

What are the benefits?

-The Campaign offers local and global environmental benefits. Each solar lantern in its useful life of 10 years displaces the use of about 500-600 litres of kerosene, thereby mitigating about 1.5 tonnes of CO2.

-Each Solar lantern saves:
40-60 liters of kerosene/year
100 Billion Rupees burned each year in kerosene and wick lamps

-There are several social benefits too. The Campaign benefits both the user and the supplier of services. The rural entrepreneurs are trained to manage and run a central solar lantern charging/distribution centre where lanterns are rented. This creates financial opportunities for the entrepreneur. Thus apart from providing reliable and ensured lighting to households at an affordable rate, the Campaign also facilitates entrepreneurial development among rural communities.

To know more about this project and to be a part of it visit their site:
Lighting a Billion Lives

Bangladesh has been the most affected country by extreme weather conditions between 1990 and 2008. And globally, in the last 18 years, extreme weather conditions have killed 600,000 people and cost a loss of $1.7 trillion, according to Germanwatch's Global Climate Risk Index 2010.

India is ranked 7th worst-hit country in the Climate Risk Index. None of the developed countries figure in the ten most affected countries' list. Among the first 20, there are only four developed countries: Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United States.

Poorer developing countries are often hit much harder. These results underscore the vulnerability of poor countries to climatic risks, despite the fact that the absolute monetary damages are much higher in richer countries. Myanmar, Yemen and Vietnam were most severely affected in the year 2008.

The Climate Risk Index ranks nations that have been worst affected by climate change and are most vulnerable to global warming on the basis of a CRI score. The lower the score on the index, the higher the risk to that country.

Here is a list of top 10 countries worst hit by climate risks from 1990 to 2008.

1. Bangladesh

In all, 654 events were registered worldwide in 2008, which caused around 93,700 deaths and economic losses of more than $123 billion. Only around a third had been insured, primarily in developed countries.

The fact that no further peak catastrophe has happened in Bangladesh, like in 1991 when 140,000 people died, is partial proof that it is possible to better prepare for climate risks and prevent larger-scale disasters.

Climate Risk Index (CRI) score: 8.0
Annual death toll due to extreme climate: 8,241
Total losses: $2,198 million (purchasing power parity)
Losses per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 1.81%

Results (annual averages) in specific indicators: Number of deaths, sum of losses in US$ in purchasing power parity (PPP) and losses per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

2. Myanmar

In Myanmar, more than 95 per cent of the damages and fatalities occurred in 2008 because of cyclone Nargis. Cyclone Nargis killed as many as 100,000 people. One million people were rendered homeless. Many towns and villages were been washed away.

Climate Risk Index (CRI) score: 8.25
Annual death toll due to extreme climate: 4,522
Total losses: $707 million
Losses per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 2.55%

3. Honduras

Honduras has been hit by severe tropical storms and hurricanes over the years. Hurricane Mitch, which hit the country in 1998 changed the landscape of Honduras. In 2008, abut 200,000 people were affected by severe flooding caused by heavy rains, and 20,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.

Climate Risk Index (CRI) score: 12.00
Annual death toll due to extreme climate: 340
Total losses: $660 million
Losses per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 3.37%

4. Vietnam

Over the last decade, the frequency and severity of droughts and floods have intensified, increasing their impact on living conditions. Many people have been affected by cyclones and hailstorms.

Climate Risk Index (CRI) score: 18.83
Annual death toll due to extreme climate: 466
Total losses: $1,525 million
Losses per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 1.31%

5. Nicaragua

Nicaragua has been often hit by earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and volcano eruptions.

Climate Risk Index (CRI) score: 21
Annual death toll due to extreme climate: 164
Total losses: $211million
Losses per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 2.03%

6. Haiti

Four storms -- Fay, Gustav, Hanna, and Ike -- devastated this poverty-struck nation. About 800,000 people were affected in 2008. Haiti's poverty, weak infrastructure, vulnerable environment and fiscal problems worsen the impact of a natural disaster.

Climate Risk Index (CRI) score: 22.83
Annual death toll due to extreme climate: 335
Total losses: $95 million
Losses per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 1.08%

7. India

Natural disasters have caused extensive damage to India over the years. Droughts, flash floods, cyclones, avalanches, landslides brought on by torrential rains, and snowstorms pose the greatest threats.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in India.China, India, Bangladesh and the Philippines belong to those countries that are most often hit by extremes which, of course, is partially due to their large size and/or specific exposure to extreme weather events, the study states.
Climate Risk Index (CRI) score: 25.83
Annual death toll due to extreme climate: 3,255
Total losses: $6,132 million
Losses per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 0.38%

8. Dominican Republic

The hurricane season in the Caribbeans frequently coincides with heavy rains, which leads to flash floods and landslides. Earthquakes are a potential threat and tremors are felt occasionally.

Climate Risk Index (CRI) score: 27.58
Annual death toll due to extreme climate: 222
Total losses: $191 million
Losses per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 0.45

9. The Philippines

A disaster-prone country, the Philippines is recurrently hit by natural disasters: typhoons, earthquakes. The Philippines faces on average 20 typhoons each year.

Climate Risk Index (CRI) score: 27.67
Annual death toll due to extreme climate: 799
Total losses: $544 million
Losses per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 0.30%

10. China

China is one of the countries most affected by natural disasters. It had 6 of the world's top 10 deadliest natural disasters, which include floods, droughts, ecological disasters, forest and grassland fires.

China had been hit badly hit by Typhoon Hagupit in 2008. About 70,000 people were killed and 18,000 people were reported missing after a 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Sichuan, China in 2008.
Climate Risk Index (CRI) score: 28.58
Annual death toll due to extreme climate: 2,023
Total losses: $25,961 million
Losses per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 0.78%

As the world awaits a significant breakthrough in talks at the Copenhagen summit,there are many who feel after the serious deadlock between the developing and developed nations on several key issues, the Copenhagen summit would not turn out to be as fruitful as one would have expected. Some critics go as far as to say all the fuss about Copenhagen and fighting climate change has amounted to very little as a unanimous resolution on some key facets of climate change seems to be next to impossible. The recent issue of contention which has led to the developed and developing countries locking horns is that of the Kyoto Protocol. The developed bloc wants the Kyoto Protocol to be scrapped which makes it mandatory for developed nations to confine their emissions to set targets and to pay a penalty to the developing world in case they fail to achieve the set target. While the developing bloc is strongly opposed to scrapping the Kyoto Protocol, the developed nations are now not willing to follow the protocol.

The United States believes it would be detrimental for their interests to pay a penalty in monetary terms to a country like China for not being able to achieve set target of emission cuts as China is now the biggest emitter of carbon and other gases which stimulate global warming. On the other hand, major developing countries like India and China feel the onus should be on the developed countries as they are the main emitters. At the same time, they expect developed nations to provide assistance financially and technologically to developing nations in coming up with clean technology to reduce harmful substances from being released in the atmosphere.

No matter what the issues, it really seems that countries are more concerned about their GDP and national growth and development than this grave danger staring at us on the face. Each nation wants a deal that is favourable to it without looking at the broader picture. The biggest losers in all of this confusion are the small and underdeveloped nations like Maldives, Ethiopia and other such nations. Even a major player like India will face devastating effects of climate change and it is estimated that the number of people that will have to be migrated would be more than that which migrated during partition.

In this acute situation, it's extremely important to come up with a flexible, concrete and a fair solution to tackle this monster of climate change and every nation should be willing to sacrifice other petty interests and bring the larger interest that concerns the world to the fore. There's still some time for the world to react(a couple of days till the summit ends)... here's hoping this much hyped and talked about Copenhagen summit doesn't end up being a 'talk-shap' or an 'expensive picnic'.

More than 600 people have been arrested at a demonstration against climate change in Copenhagen today.

What started as a peaceful demonstration calling for action on climate change, descended into rioting as hundreds of masked youths threw bricks and smashed windows in the Danish capital.

Police in riot gear arrested between 600 and 700 people, who were cuffed and forced to the ground, before being taken away in vans.

The scenes were in stark contrast to the rest of the colourful demonstration, which had progressed peacefully.
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An estimated 30,000 people attended the opening rally, which was part of an international "day of action" to mark the mid-point of the United Nations climate change summit currently being held in Copenhagen.

Police spokesman Rasmus Bernt Skovsgaard said they had taken preventative measures to control activists at the back of the procession.

Full Article: TIMES

The UK met office on Tuesday confirmed that 2000 to 2009 were the warmest of the last 160 years. Also, it's figures released at the UN climate summit in Copenhegen showed that 1998 was the warmest year on record. This official report will end the controversy which arised from a leaked e-mail over tweaked climate change data referred to as climategate-aimed at discrediting the phenomenon and the several thousands scientists that have been on work at it.

You heard that right... Tata Nano, which is the world's cheapest car manufactured by Tata(one of India's leading car manufacturing company), will soon come in a hybrid flavour, company's chairman, Ratan Tata said in an interview to a South-Korean newspaper. However, the chairman did not elaborate on the possible timeline for the launch of the cheap hybrid versions. The company also talks about use of bio-diesel and ethanol across Tata companies. Tata had also talked about a car project the company is working on with a France company, which will run on compressed air. He, however, expressed doubt about the project, saying "it may or may not happen". Till October, the company has delivered 10,518 units. The Nano delivery had started in July this year.

So here we are... as the world bears the brunt of the menace called Global Warming, the world fights back! It's time we fought this grave threat to our very existence with all the seriousness that it deserves and if things work out well in this very important summit comprising of almost all of the world, it would be a huge leap forward towards tackling this problem of Global Warming and Climate change. Here's a brief about this summit which is very much talked about all around the world:

"In 2012 the Kyoto Protocol to prevent climate changes and global warming runs out. To keep the process on the line there is an urgent need for a new climate protocol. At the conference in Copenhagen 2009 the parties of the UNFCCC meet for the last time on government level before the climate agreement need to be renewed.

Therefore the Climate Conference in Copenhagen is essential for the worlds climate and the Danish government and UNFCCC is putting hard effort in making the meeting in Copenhagen a success ending up with a Copenhagen Protocol to prevent global warming and climate changes.

The Climate Conference will take place in the Bella center. The conference centre is placed not far from Copenhagen and near the Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup in Denmark.

Governmental representatives from 170 countries are expected to be in Copenhagen in the days of the conference accompanied by other governmental representatives, NGO's, journalists and others. In total 8000 people are expected to Copenhagen in the days of the climate meeting."

source: ERANTIS

Major players:

1) United States of America(world's 2nd biggest CHG producer) :
U.S. President Barack Obama is the man under a lot of pressure. After his energy bill was stalled in the senate, he's left a tad embarrassed and unsure as to how to convince other nations of his nation's commitment to fight Global Warming will all honesty and seriousness. The United States could offer a cut in carbon emissions by 14-20% by 2020. They expect developing countries like China, India and Brazil to commit to slow growth of emissions.


2) China(world's biggest CHG producer):
China is a major player in this summit and the success of this summit depends a lot on what stand this communist Asian giant takes at Copenhegen. They are likely to commit a 40- 45% decrease in the "carbon intensity of the economy" – which actually equates to a 40% increase in emissions by 2020. They want rich countries to reduce emissions to 40% below 1990 level by 2020 and that the developed nations must assist developing nations by providing funds for cleaner technology.


3) The European Union(world's third biggest CHG producer):
It is likely to commit cut in emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2020, or 30% if other big emitters take tough action. It says the onus is on developing nations to come forward and help prevent a disaster that could rock them the most. It also wants rich nations to make 80-95% cut by 2050.


4) Japan(world's seventh biggest CHG producer):
They are offering a 25% cut on their 1990 emission levels by 2020 – much better than the 8% cut unveiled by the previous government in June. Lime-green, if not quite deep green. Their new PM Yukio Hatoyama is seen as a pro-environmentalist and wants his nation to do all it can to reduce this global threat.


5) India(world's sixth biggest CHG producer): Has committed to cut CO2 emissions per unit of
GDP by 20-25% from 2005 levels by 2020. India opposes any legally binding target for developing nations but want developed nations legally bound and do more than the developing nations as they contribute a lot more to Global Warming as compared to developing nations like itself. India's environment minister has pointed out that the most vulnerable country in the world to climate change is India.


6) Others
They include the African Union, Australia, Ethiopia, Maldives, Mexico and others.

The Copenhegen summit is an opportunity for the world to take some big decisions and more importantly implement those decisions with the aspiration of making this world more environment friendly and to prevent the deadly environmental hazards that would rock the world if not acted upon on time. Here's hoping that the participants would rise to the occasion and without giving too much importance to personal growth and development put the world first as the effects of climate change would not just affect one part of this world, but it would have far reaching effects. The developed countries led by the United States of America and the EU must take the lead in this fight for survival by taking bold decisions and paving the way for developing nations like China and India to follow suit.

Coming to Green cars, the Green Car Journal had released the list of 5 most sought after Green cars in 2009. As more and more concerned individuals shift to environment friendly vehicles, the demand for these cars is on the rise... here's the top 5 as per the Green Car Journal:

GREEN CAR'S TOP 5 FOR 2009(Alphabetical Order)

_________
BMW 335d

BMW'S 335d showcases how well advanced, efficient, and clean diesel power can be incorporated into a performance-based sport sedan. With 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway fuel economy and gobs of torque, there's no sacrifice for performance fans here.
Engine: 3.0-liter inline-six diesel Emissions, EPA: Tier 2, Bin 5Horsepower: 265Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 23/33 (EPA)Base MSRP: Under $43,000



__________________
FORD FUSION HYBRID



Ford's first hybrid sedan uses a more advanced adaptation of the automaker's full hybrid system to allow electric driving up to 47 mph, bringing the roomy five-passenger Fusion best-in-class fuel economy. An innovative SmartGauge with EcoGuide helps drivers achieve maximum mpg.
Engine: 2.5-liter inline-four, gasoline-electric hybrid Emissions, EPA: Tier 2, Bin 5 Horsepower: 155Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 38/35 (est.)Base MSRP: $27,000-$30,000 (est.)



______________________
SATURN VUE 2 MODE HYBRID



The Vue 2 Mode breaks new ground as the first application of GM's two mode hybrid technology in a V-6 front-wheel-drive vehicle. The compact SUV combines welcome functionality and fuel economy with sprightly performance and a very smooth hybrid powertrain.
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, gasoline-electric hybrid Emissions, EPA: Tier 2, Bin 5Horsepower: 255Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 28/31 (est.)Base MSRP: Under $33,000


____________
SMART FORTWO

The smart fortwo represents an all new type of vehicle for American drivers. Now, the tiny two-seater that's been a popular choice in Europe for years has come here, bringing with it a small eco footprint, higher fuel efficiency, and a trendy 'green' ride for new car buyers.
Engine: 1.0-liter inline threeEmissions, EPA: Tier 2 Bin 5 Horsepower: 70 Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 33/41 (EPA)Base MSRP: $13,990


____________
VW JETTA TDI


The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI builds on VW's 30-plus years of diesel experience in the U.S. The latest diesel technology is used to enable this fuel efficient, affordable - and dare we say 'fun' - clean diesel sedan to meet tight emissions certification in all 50 states.
Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four, diesel Emissions, EPA: Tier 2, Bin 5 Horsepower: 140Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 30/41 (EPA)Base MSRP: $21,990


source: greencar.com

Europe will next week start moves to help China and India develop technology to trap and bury carbon dioxide underground in the fight against global warming, according to a draft European Commission document.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), a process of burying harmful gases, is seen by some as a potential silver bullet to curb emissions from coal-fired power plants, which are multiplying rapidly worldwide and threaten to heat the atmosphere to dangerous levels.

The European Union will start a consultation process on how finance and technology should be delivered to China and later India. This could be critical in securing their commitment to a new global deal on climate change at talks in Copenhagen in December.

"China builds, every year, as much coal-fired power plant as the entire UK generating capacity," said a report prepared for consultations with industry and seen by Reuters on Friday.

"Unless a way can be found of making this climate-compatible, we can never meet our climate objectives, regardless of what action we take in Europe," it added.

"We will seek to garner financial support from member states for this initiative, which in the first instance will affect China, then India, South Africa, OPEC and other emerging economies and developing countries," it added.

In 2050, almost 60 percent of CO2 emissions from the power sector are projected to be captured, compared to virtually none today and almost 30 percent in 2030, said the report.

Reuters

Well... one must say... this is a good initiative. China and India are amongst the elite nations that are growing rapidly and in the process emitting mammoth amounts of anti-climate constituents. While they lack efficient technology and means to tackle climate change, such steps to empower them would go a long way in reducing emissions... of course, if they are implemented properly.

World Environment day passed just 3 days back(June 5)...This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, to stimulate awareness about the environment, and enhance political attention and public action.

Here's a look at how we stand today... and how the present state of the environment if allowed to deteriorate would create a grave danger for our present and future generation.


2009: The first migration due to sea-level rise took place this year from the Carteret Islands, off the coast of Papua New Guinea.

2020: Less than 5% of Amazon forests will remain in pristine condition, About 1/5 of central Africa's forests will have gone.

2030: Around 5 lakh humans will have died due to the fallout of climate change.

2035: Many central and eastern Himalayan glaciers will melt completely.

2050: Maldives will become uninhabitable due to sea level rise. Some say it could happen by 2030.
How India responded to this special occasion...

Chandigarh: World famous Taj Hotels in Chandigarh organised a special candle-lit dinner by turning off lights to reaffirm their support for the environment and this special day. As the clock struck eight in the evening, the lights in most parts of the hotel were either switched off or reduced to the minimum. Instead, the hotel was lit up with candles as and where needed. "World Environment Day is an internationally acclaimed event and it has inspired us at Taj Chandigarh to celebrate the spirit and the cause with our patrons," remarked the hotel's general manager Anil Malhotra as guests walked in, pleasantly surprised to see the warm glow.

Delhi: Hundereds of people undertook a march to express their concern and make a statement on this World Environment Day. Dressed in white t-shirts with tress printed on them, their aim was to create awareness about this growing menace of global warming and climate change and to encourage people to grow more trees.

Gwalier: Children participated in a fancy dress competition to mark the World Environment Day in Gwalior on Friday to propagate the message of 'Save the Environment' with unmatched enthusiasm.

The event was organised by the Association of Gwalior Youth Society had organised with a purpose to relay the theme of 'Save the Environment'.

Tripura: In tune with United Nations' theme this year, various organisations and educational institutions in Tripura today held colourful rallies, tableaus, talk shows, debates and quiz contests as part of observance of 'World Environment Day' across the state.

The state government has urged citizens and public authorities to stop vehicular movement in the state and switch off their power gadgets for 15 minutes at 1100 hours to observe the day.

While such initiatives are refreshing, here's hoping that the message to be passed reaches out to many who in turn do their bit in making this planet a greener place.

As time goes by and the major emitters of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming keep on giving a blind eye to this deadly menace, the threat of an ice-free Arctic during summers looms large. There was no major breakthrough during the G20 summit with regards to climate change. Inspite of agreeing on a $1.1 trillion stimulus package, campaigners believe that climate change was the biggest loser at the summit. Once again world leaders have short-changed people and the planet,” said Friends of the Earth’s executive director Andy Atkins. “The economic system and the global environment are on a devastating collision course - but despite pledging to build an inclusive, green and sustainable recovery little has been done to change direction.” While developed nations want India and China to be equal partners in tackling climate change, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has made it clear that it is not possible to be equal partners with nations like the United States which contribute(emissions) many times more than what is contributed by India. There is a deadlock there as well.

As things get worse, a suggestion to tackle global warming in case of an 'emergency' has come out. It's to cool the climate by use of technology. This is called geoengineering. President Obama's science adviser John Holdren has suggested the shooting of pollution particles into the upper atmosphere to reflect the Sun's rays. he claims that this idea has been discussed in the White House and the future course of action will be arrived upon.

Talks, talks and more talks! When will our leaders come up with a stringent and an effect solution? Mistrust, jealousy and greed to grow without considering the effects on our environment has driven us away from important issues that could take it's toll on our future generations. Well... wait.. on us...!!

According to the National Climatic Data Center in Washington, last year was the 8th warmest year on record. Not surprisingly, the 10 warmest years on record are between 1997 to 2008. The average temperature for 2008 was 0.49°C higher than that in the 20th century. This is one of the biggest evidences of the genuine threat of global warming which could have far reaching effects on the globe. While there are some who have been raving about the planet cooling... here is a reality check.

ABU DHABI (Reuters) - Gulf Arab oil exporter Abu Dhabi plans to spend $15 billion in the first phase of an initiative to develop green energy and build the world's largest hydrogen power plant, it said on Monday.

The investment would be part of the Masdar initiative, set up to develop sustainable and clean energy, Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan told the World Future Energy Summit in the emirate. He gave no time frame.

"I would like to underscore the government of Abu Dhabi's commitment to the Masdar initiative by announcing an initial investment of $15 billion," he said. "Next month ground will be broken on Masdar city, the world's first carbon-neutral city."

pic: Masdar headquarters

Full article

In a move which is aimed towards fighting global warming, Britain is set to phase out energy-guzzling flat screen plasma televisions, reports the Independent. Minimum energy performance standards are expected to be set to keep in check the energy consumption by TVs across Europe and inefficient ones will be phased out. This move comes a week after the withdrawal of 100W incandescent bulb and is a welcome move as per climate change experts.

Flat screen plasma TVs consume four times as much energy as any other normal television set run on cathode ray tubes and hence this move would go a long way in saving valuable energy, especially as the use of such wasteful devices has been increasing. Labeling could be introduce which would help in identifying useful and wasteful gadgets. Kudos to Britain for taking this step... there's a lot to be done though.

Sunday Times: Researchers have found that search engines generate carbon dioxide which contribute to the menace of global warming. A typical search engine generates about 7g of carbon dioxide. There are about 200m internet search estimates each day which the researchers say generate a large amount of greenhouse emissions. A recent report by Gartner, the industry analysts, said the global IT industry generated as much greenhouse gas as the world's airlines - about 2% of global CO2 emissions. "Data centres are among the most energy-intensive facilities imaginable" said Evan Mills, a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California. When one types in a Google search for say "energy saving tips", one's request goes to several competing servers and it produces answers from the server which produces the answer fastest. The system minimises delays but raises energy consumption. While some researchers say search engines contribute immensely towards climate change by releasing CO2, giants like Google have constantly been saying it is in the forefront of green computing. As per Wissner-Gross, viewing a simple website page generates about 0.02 g CO2 per second. This rises to 0.2g when viewing a complex website with images.

I came across this really interesting article which provides valuable information on how one can reduce CO2 emissions by following simple driving tips. The secret is to help reduce the amount of work your engine has to do, because the greater the workload, the more fuel is burned – so the higher the CO₂ emissions. By following these smarter driving tips you could cut your CO₂ emissions by around 8 per cent – equivalent to an annual fuel saving of up to one month per year. All you need to get started are the smarter driving tips below that you can put into practice straight away.

source: Directgov

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The world's first billboard running solely on wind and solar power is ready to make its debut in the capital of all billboards -- New York's Times Square.

Wind whistling between the neighborhood's skyscrapers should keep the giant billboard lit constantly, said the manufacturer, Japanese copy and photo giant Ricoh Company Ltd.

The "Eco-Board" weighs 35,000 pounds (15,800 kg) and will be powered by 16 vertical wind turbines and 64 solar panels.

"We wanted to make a statement that we can put up a advertisement and not impact the environment, so that began the journey to Times Square," Ricoh spokesman Ron Potesky said.

A positive step this. Such an initiative will reduce the C02 usage by 18 tons per year. Yes, there have been a few delays but it's certain that such boards will lit up the Times Square in the coming weeks. Here's hoping to see many more of such boards!

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