Sustainable Housing and Green Building News - ENN

U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Cap & Trade Issue

dotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdot — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:43:00 EST

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce may actually have a better idea than a cap-and-trade bill for cutting emissions. And, contrary to popular opinion, they do recognize climate change and the need for clean tech development.

Geoengineering Being Discussed in Washington

dotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdot — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:47:00 EST

Dr. Ken Caldeira, of the Carnegie Institution of Washington provided a balanced look at the potential benefits and also the costs and possible harm that geoengineering techniques could offer in our quest to find a “Magic Bullet” to counter global warming. Can global warming be mitigated by a technological fix such as injecting light-blocking particles into the atmosphere or chemically “scrubbing” excess greenhouse gases from the atmosphere? Department of Global Ecology scientist Ken Caldeira addressed this question in his testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology in a hearing titled “Geoengineering: Assessing the Implications of Large-Scale Climate Intervention” on November 5, 2009.

Margaret Thatcher, Lyndon Johnson were Right!

dotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdot — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:26:00 EST

President Lyndon Johnson and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher made stark warnings about global warming decades ago, but convincing evidence for action only amassed in recent years, experts say. A 190-nation U.N. conference in Copenhagen in December is due to agree a new U.N. pact to curb greenhouse gas emissions to slow a rise in temperatures to prevent floods, droughts, wildfires or rising sea levels.

ENN is pleased to be a media partner with Robert Bateman’s Innovative Contest that Challenges Youth to Connect with Nature

dotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdot — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:53:00 EST

In an unprecedented collaboration, over thirty major organizations have joined forces to invite young Americans to discover nature by entering the Robert Bateman "Get to Know" Contest. These partners include the US Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Federation, the Children & Nature Network, the Wyland Foundation, and many others. The Get to Know Contest invites any American age 18 or younger to go outdoors, to "get to know" their wild neighbors, and then to share their experience by creating art, writing, or photography.

Green University: Saudi Arabia’s KAUST With Eco-Friendly Environment

dotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdot — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:45:00 EST

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may still be considered as one of the most conservative from a religious standpoint. But with the opening of the new King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, otherwise known as KAUST, a new era in academic learning, combined with new innovations in ecological architecture and design, has begun in which both men and women students will benefit jointly.

Side effect of plastic: Aggressive Kids

dotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdot — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:39:00 EST

Plastics containing Bisphenol-A linked to child misbehavior Yes we know, everything causes cancer, nothing is safe for our kids, a lot of paranoia, right? Sometimes these concerns are for real. A chemical of significant importance to parents and scientists these days is Bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is a common chemical used in plastics for increased flexibility and molding. It can be found in your child’s plastic sippy cup, binkies, and even canned food. The lining found inside some canned foods is very similar to high density plastics, thus likely to contain significant levels of BPA. Numerous studies have proven that BPA can negatively impact your health. Experts have advised people to shop for BPA-free products. In general, avoiding plastics whenever possible is a good idea.

Water Use in the US Less in 2005 Than in 1975

dotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdot — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:35:00 EST

Just when you think all human activities are making the environment worse, news comes that our efforts to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impacts (0ur environmental footprint) are doing some good. According to a new U.S. Geological Survey report, the U S is using less water now than during the peak years of 1975 and 1980, despite a 30 percent population increase during the same time period.