Saturday, June 27, 2009

Top Green Cars of 2009

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)

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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



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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.)



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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


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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


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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

Saturday, June 20, 2009


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.

Monday, June 8, 2009

THE CLOCK'S TICKIN!



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.

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