Best content in LCENVS | Diigo

Using incentives to beat bottled water - 1 views

www.globalpost.com/...bottled-water-tap-water

shared by Micah Leinbach on 16 Nov 10 - No Cached

Micah Leinbach on 16 Nov 10

Italy is trying to stop people from buying bottled water by outcompeting companies. An interesting idea, though U.S. attitudes to that sort of thing would likely make it hard to apply here. Still, one has to wonder.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">Italy is trying to stop people from buying bottled water by outcompeting companies. An interesting idea, though U.S. attitudes to that sort of thing would likely make it hard to apply here. Still, one has to wonder.</div>

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Climate: Interior West forests on verge of becoming net carbon emitter -- 11/11/2010 --... - 0 views

www.eenews.net/...1

energy agriculture pollution forests

shared by Peter Vidito on 16 Nov 10 - No Cached

Peter Vidito on 16 Nov 10

"Forests in the Interior West could soon flip from carbon sink to carbon source, forest experts say. The region's forests once absorbed and stored more carbon from the atmosphere than they released. But huge conflagrations -- like the 138,000-acre Hayman Fire in Colorado in 2002 and the Yellowstone fires of 1988, which scorched 1.2 million acres -- combined with a series of severe bark beetle infestations and disease outbreaks, have left large swaths of dead, decomposing trees in almost every major Western forest. Those dead trees are releasing massive amounts of carbon dioxide, turning the region into a net emitter of carbon rather than a CO2 sponge."

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">"Forests in the Interior West could soon flip from carbon sink to carbon source, forest experts say. The region's forests once absorbed and stored more carbon from the atmosphere than they released. But huge conflagrations -- like the 138,000-acre Hayman Fire in Colorado in 2002 and the Yellowstone fires of 1988, which scorched 1.2 million acres -- combined with a series of severe bark beetle infestations and disease outbreaks, have left large swaths of dead, decomposing trees in almost every major Western forest. Those dead trees are releasing massive amounts of carbon dioxide, turning the region into a net emitter of carbon rather than a CO2 sponge." </div>

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As Glaciers Melt, Science Seeks Data on Rising Seas - NYTimes.com - 0 views

www.nytimes.com/...14ice.html

melt glaciers pollution global-warming

shared by Evan Stanbro on 15 Nov 10 - No Cached

Evan Stanbro on 15 Nov 10

This NY TImes article features the ongoing discussion of global warming. More specifically, this article discusses sea-level rise, with a predicted potential level of 3-6 feet by year 2100, a rise that would potentially ruin millions of homes.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">This NY TImes article features the ongoing discussion of global warming. More specifically, this article discusses sea-level rise, with a predicted potential level of 3-6 feet by year 2100, a rise that would potentially ruin millions of homes.</div>

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On the Human - 1 views

onthehuman.org

sciences humanities human

shared by Jim Proctor on 14 Nov 10 - Cached

Jim Proctor on 14 Nov 10

This site features major scientists and humanists discussing points of creative overlap, with plenty of interesting ideas and models we could learn from as we attempt to do the same in environmental studies.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">This site features major scientists and humanists discussing points of creative overlap, with plenty of interesting ideas and models we could learn from as we attempt to do the same in environmental studies.</div>

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COOL IT Official Movie Website, NOW PLAYING | Videos - 1 views

coolit-themovie.com/videos

energy technology politics economy

shared by Peter Vidito on 14 Nov 10 - No Cached

Peter Vidito on 14 Nov 10

The trailer for the new documentary from everyone's favorite environmental bete-noire, Bjorn Lomborg. What do you think?

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">The trailer for the new documentary from everyone's favorite environmental bete-noire, Bjorn Lomborg. What do you think?</div>

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Addicted to population growth? - 1 views

www.slate.com/2274721

population health news

shared by Micah Leinbach on 14 Nov 10 - No Cached

Micah Leinbach on 14 Nov 10

Social science tells us we're addicted to having children (I imagine evolutionary thought would concur). For the many, many people who go to population as the reason we have so many of our problems, this is probably a pretty dark article to read.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">Social science tells us we're addicted to having children (I imagine evolutionary thought would concur). For the many, many people who go to population as the reason we have so many of our problems, this is probably a pretty dark article to read.</div>

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Nothing Grows Forever - 0 views

www.utne.com/...er-Endless-Growth-Economy.aspx

economics limits to growth no-grow economy politics

shared by Julia Huggins on 11 Nov 10 - No Cached

Julia Huggins on 11 Nov 10

Economics and Politics. "In essence, endless growth puts us on the horns of a seemingly intractable dilemma. Without it, we spiral into poverty. With it, we deplete the planet. Either way, we lose. Unless, of course, there's a third way. Could we have a healthy economy that doesn't grow? Could we stave off ecological collapse by reining in the world economy? Could we do it without starving?" An old idea revisited with a slightly lengthy (but easily read) background on limits to growth and it's place in economic history, plus a new perspective on how a limit to growth might actually work, and what that might look like. I find the concept of ' "uneconomic" growth-growth that actually drives living standards downward' (to improve happiness, nonetheless), and the argument behind it, intriguing. This is on page 4. After page 5 it starts to look like an idealistic no-grow-utopia. But then this is addressed in the conclusion, as well as some theories about the psychological changes that would have to happen. Then they bring it on back home to politics, and last but not least a reminder of our biological-ecological pending doom. Oh, all the environmental interdisciplinary-ness! "When it comes to determining the shape of our economy, the planet may possess the most powerful invisible hand of all."

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">Economics and Politics. "In essence, endless growth puts us on the horns of a seemingly intractable dilemma. Without it, we spiral into poverty. With it, we deplete the planet. Either way, we lose. Unless, of course, there's a third way. Could we have a healthy economy that doesn't grow? Could we stave off ecological collapse by reining in the world economy? Could we do it without starving?" An old idea revisited with a slightly lengthy (but easily read) background on limits to growth and it's place in economic history, plus a new perspective on how a limit to growth might actually work, and what that might look like. I find the concept of ' "uneconomic" growth-growth that actually drives living standards downward' (to improve happiness, nonetheless), and the argument behind it, intriguing. This is on page 4. After page 5 it starts to look like an idealistic no-grow-utopia. But then this is addressed in the conclusion, as well as some theories about the psychological changes that would have to happen. Then they bring it on back home to politics, and last but not least a reminder of our biological-ecological pending doom. Oh, all the environmental interdisciplinary-ness! "When it comes to determining the shape of our economy, the planet may possess the most powerful invisible hand of all."</div>

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...1 more comment...
Micah Leinbach on 12 Nov 10

http://www.newsweek.com/2010/03/18/the-no-growth-fantasy.html A counter. The ghost of Malthus will forever haunt no-growth economists, as the ultimate "we tried that already". And the train of thought is reasonable. Malthusian fears about population are one example. There is also a long list of oil/energy scares where people claimed prices were going up and supplies were going down, but adjusting for inflation proved the error of the former and time proved the error of the latter. When history, politics, and economic theory all oppose the no-growth idea, its no surprise that its viewed with a lot of healthy skepticism. That said, I'm a big fan of Herman Daly and the idea that the economy needs to be reformed. Because GDP is an awful way to measure prosperity. But to have an alternative is equally difficult - what should the standard of success be for the great human experiment? Happiness is normally the benchmark. And to academics that sounds all right, because happiness is generally seen as people spending time amongst their families, art, and high culture. But is that naturally what makes people happy? Consumerism was in a large part rooted in a desire for happiness also. Growth was meant to make people happy by making their lives better - and it has. Higher standards of living all over do have economic roots, though that is not neccessarily inherent to them. There is a lot more to say on this, but its a long enough comment as it is, so I'll leave that for another time. I do feel its one of the more serious debates of our (all?) time though, and I'm really glad you brought it up.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner"><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/2010/03/18/the-no-growth-fantasy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.newsweek.com/2010/03/18/the-no-growth-fantasy.html</a> A counter. The ghost of Malthus will forever haunt no-growth economists, as the ultimate "we tried that already". And the train of thought is reasonable. Malthusian fears about population are one example. There is also a long list of oil/energy scares where people claimed prices were going up and supplies were going down, but adjusting for inflation proved the error of the former and time proved the error of the latter. When history, politics, and economic theory all oppose the no-growth idea, its no surprise that its viewed with a lot of healthy skepticism. That said, I'm a big fan of Herman Daly and the idea that the economy needs to be reformed. Because GDP is an awful way to measure prosperity. But to have an alternative is equally difficult - what should the standard of success be for the great human experiment? Happiness is normally the benchmark. And to academics that sounds all right, because happiness is generally seen as people spending time amongst their families, art, and high culture. But is that naturally what makes people happy? Consumerism was in a large part rooted in a desire for happiness also. Growth was meant to make people happy by making their lives better - and it has. Higher standards of living all over do have economic roots, though that is not neccessarily inherent to them. There is a lot more to say on this, but its a long enough comment as it is, so I'll leave that for another time. I do feel its one of the more serious debates of our (all?) time though, and I'm really glad you brought it up.</div>

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Julia Huggins on 12 Nov 10

Obviously, I don't know or care too much about economics. I dont know how my conversations keep ending up here. But. "Growth was meant to make people happy by making their lives better - and it has." Really? Who, to you, qualifies as "people"? And how do you define better? Soaring rates of depression, chemical dependency, and obesity? Or maybe it's these lives that are better (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL0U_xmRem4)?

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">Obviously, I don't know or care too much about economics. I dont know how my conversations keep ending up here. But. "Growth was meant to make people happy by making their lives better - and it has." Really? Who, to you, qualifies as "people"? And how do you define better? Soaring rates of depression, chemical dependency, and obesity? Or maybe it's these lives that are better (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL0U_xmRem4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL0U_xmRem4</a>)?</div>

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Micah Leinbach on 13 Nov 10

Perhaps because it relates so much to the various issues we have declared to be running rampant in the world today? It is very much connected to any environmental issue. Among a range of other issues. Anyways, I wrote a pretty lengthy response to your questions. I'll post the primary response to your questions here. A lot of it is based on the differences between economics, politics, industrialism, capitalism, and consumerism. In the tradition of Diigo debates, I have crafted a google site. https://sites.google.com/site/economicresponse/home The main page directly answers the question. The other page sets up some distinctions I see, personally, beteen various economic systems. I do not cite academic sources there, and I'm sure it would not take long to find economists who disagree with me, for what it is worth. Unfortunately, I do not have the time to flesh it out with other's ideas, and I apologize for that.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">Perhaps because it relates so much to the various issues we have declared to be running rampant in the world today? It is very much connected to any environmental issue. Among a range of other issues. Anyways, I wrote a pretty lengthy response to your questions. I'll post the primary response to your questions here. A lot of it is based on the differences between economics, politics, industrialism, capitalism, and consumerism. In the tradition of Diigo debates, I have crafted a google site. <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/economicresponse/home" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://sites.google.com/site/economicresponse/home</a> The main page directly answers the question. The other page sets up some distinctions I see, personally, beteen various economic systems. I do not cite academic sources there, and I'm sure it would not take long to find economists who disagree with me, for what it is worth. Unfortunately, I do not have the time to flesh it out with other's ideas, and I apologize for that.</div>

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The "Which is Greener" game - Cities or Off-The-Grid - 1 views

www.treehugger.com/...yd-alter-nick-rosen-debate.php

energy sustainability

shared by Micah Leinbach on 11 Nov 10 - No Cached

Micah Leinbach on 11 Nov 10

One of environmentalism's favorite past times: ragging on other environmentalist movements for not being as green as the other guy (forgive my cynicism). For what its worth, that may help direct action in the right direction. Or it may stall action due to debate. I find its often a fine line to tread, and calls heavily into realms of psychology and the other social sciences (also a favorite victim of another line of thought in environmentalism) regarding people's various reactions to environmental initiatives or ecologically sound decisions. A lot of folks that I know who are into environmental things have started off trying to bring about ecological change, gotten frustrated, and joined the off-the-gridders. They're very happy people now - but are they doing as much environmental good? It is a worthy question. A lot of great environmental minds have been lost to the off-the-grid, live-in-the-woods mentality. And a lot of great environmental minds have come out of it. Wish they had a little more in terms of research they're citing, since they both make a lot of claims about consumption but don't cite any sources beyond their own experience. That said, its a good intra-movement debate, one I've had with others on this campus, and continue to have with myself.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">One of environmentalism's favorite past times: ragging on other environmentalist movements for not being as green as the other guy (forgive my cynicism). For what its worth, that may help direct action in the right direction. Or it may stall action due to debate. I find its often a fine line to tread, and calls heavily into realms of psychology and the other social sciences (also a favorite victim of another line of thought in environmentalism) regarding people's various reactions to environmental initiatives or ecologically sound decisions. A lot of folks that I know who are into environmental things have started off trying to bring about ecological change, gotten frustrated, and joined the off-the-gridders. They're very happy people now - but are they doing as much environmental good? It is a worthy question. A lot of great environmental minds have been lost to the off-the-grid, live-in-the-woods mentality. And a lot of great environmental minds have come out of it. Wish they had a little more in terms of research they're citing, since they both make a lot of claims about consumption but don't cite any sources beyond their own experience. That said, its a good intra-movement debate, one I've had with others on this campus, and continue to have with myself.</div>

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How can we spread awareness of energy consumption? - 1 views

www.openplanetideas.com/...daily-footprints

technology energy

shared by Lucy Roberts on 10 Nov 10 - No Cached

Lucy Roberts on 10 Nov 10

This article suggests that once people are aware of the amount of energy they actually consume, they are more likely to reduce their usage by up to 30%. It goes on to suggest an energy tracker as an app on a smart phone or something of the like. It's a cool idea trying to use technology to promote awareness. I'm not sure if this is promoting Sony technology or if this is a genuine proposal. hmm

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">This article suggests that once people are aware of the amount of energy they actually consume, they are more likely to reduce their usage by up to 30%. It goes on to suggest an energy tracker as an app on a smart phone or something of the like. It's a cool idea trying to use technology to promote awareness. I'm not sure if this is promoting Sony technology or if this is a genuine proposal. hmm</div>

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...1 more comment...
Micah Leinbach on 10 Nov 10

I think that this guy is on the right track, but are we overthinking? I personally would hate to have something tracking everywhere I go in the way he describes, because I'm uncomfortable with the amount of information about me that can be recorded and found as it is. People are starting to get antsy over the lack of privacy on facebook - this is a whole new level. Would a feasible step towards this idea be simply taking the energy meter on every house, and putting it in a place like the kitchen? Perhaps change the units from kilowatt hours or whatever it is to dollars and cents? Cool post - and a cool website, thanks Lucy. Richard Betegga from facilities mentioned during a meeting we had that he was interested in getting dorm energy use up on screens at the main entrances of every dorm for just this purpose. I'd be really curious to see if that could have an impact.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">I think that this guy is on the right track, but are we overthinking? I personally would hate to have something tracking everywhere I go in the way he describes, because I'm uncomfortable with the amount of information about me that can be recorded and found as it is. People are starting to get antsy over the lack of privacy on facebook - this is a whole new level. Would a feasible step towards this idea be simply taking the energy meter on every house, and putting it in a place like the kitchen? Perhaps change the units from kilowatt hours or whatever it is to dollars and cents? Cool post - and a cool website, thanks Lucy. Richard Betegga from facilities mentioned during a meeting we had that he was interested in getting dorm energy use up on screens at the main entrances of every dorm for just this purpose. I'd be really curious to see if that could have an impact.</div>

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Julia Huggins on 11 Nov 10

yeah! i like that idea.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">yeah! i like that idea.</div>

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Lucy Roberts on 11 Nov 10

Screens would be really amazing! I feel like it would have an impact on energy use.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">Screens would be really amazing! I feel like it would have an impact on energy use.</div>

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Light Pollution Blankets Even the Brightest Stars - 0 views

news.discovery.com/...-natiuonal-park-astronomy.html

light pollution light pollution

shared by Julia Huggins on 11 Nov 10 - No Cached

Julia Huggins on 11 Nov 10

Light pollution? As in real pollution? Interestingly, this article was sent in a weekly email from the Environmental Protection Agency, which means they actually take this as a legitimate environmental concern.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">Light pollution? As in real pollution? Interestingly, this article was sent in a weekly email from the Environmental Protection Agency, which means they actually take this as a legitimate environmental concern.</div>

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A realist look at alternative energy - 1 views

www.csmonitor.com/...sustainability-shape-a-new-era

energy technology policy economics

shared by Micah Leinbach on 09 Nov 10 - No Cached

Micah Leinbach on 09 Nov 10

I would consider this a must-read for those into the alternative energy side of things. While the energies it highlights aren't all new and exciting, the numbers game it plays is pretty key. This is no optimistic one-technology-solves-it-all piece, and it issues a key reminded that no alternative energy we have reaches the input/output energy found in oil. By my reading, key to getting into the next energy phase we should expect is energy reduction, and energy efficiency. Our efficiency numbers, both from a physics and an economics perspective, are awful. The guys behind the Rocky Mountain Institute wrote a book called Natural Capitalism, which offers some great insights into energy efficiency as it stands and as it could be, if anyone is interested in that side of things. One of my favorite aspects of increasing energy efficiency is how its good for economies and good for the environment - still, there is the worry that if it makes things too cheap, people will use too much (the book cites fuel efficiency standards that were so good the cost of driving dropped significanly, and so many more people drove than more energy ended up being used). There are tools to avoid that though. I digress, but still, an excellent view of where alternative energy stands as of now.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">I would consider this a must-read for those into the alternative energy side of things. While the energies it highlights aren't all new and exciting, the numbers game it plays is pretty key. This is no optimistic one-technology-solves-it-all piece, and it issues a key reminded that no alternative energy we have reaches the input/output energy found in oil. By my reading, key to getting into the next energy phase we should expect is energy reduction, and energy efficiency. Our efficiency numbers, both from a physics and an economics perspective, are awful. The guys behind the Rocky Mountain Institute wrote a book called Natural Capitalism, which offers some great insights into energy efficiency as it stands and as it could be, if anyone is interested in that side of things. One of my favorite aspects of increasing energy efficiency is how its good for economies and good for the environment - still, there is the worry that if it makes things too cheap, people will use too much (the book cites fuel efficiency standards that were so good the cost of driving dropped significanly, and so many more people drove than more energy ended up being used). There are tools to avoid that though. I digress, but still, an excellent view of where alternative energy stands as of now.</div>

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Micah Leinbach on 09 Nov 10

One such technology that leads to energy efficiency: http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/Energy/2009/1231/No-more-power-lines

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">One such technology that leads to energy efficiency: <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/Energy/2009/1231/No-more-power-lines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/Energy/2009/1231/No-more-power-lines</a></div>

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Julia Huggins on 11 Nov 10

oh man oh man oh man. huge, invisible, underground networks that transmit electricity? sounds familiar... "I have long proposed that mycelia are the earth's "natural Internet." I've gotten some flak for this, but recently scientists in Great Britain have published papers about the "architecture" of a mycelium - how it's organized. They focused on the nodes of crossing, which are the branchings that allow the mycelium, when there is a breakage or an infection, to choose an alternate route and regrow. There's no one specific point on the network that can shut the whole operation down. These nodes of crossing, those scientists found, conform to the same mathematical optimization curves that computer scientists have developed to optimize the Internet. Or, rather, I should say that the Internet conforms to the same optimization curves as the mycelium, since the mycelium came first." -- Paul Stamets more: http://peakenergy.blogspot.com/2008/07/natures-internet-vast-intelligent.html

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">oh man oh man oh man. huge, invisible, underground networks that transmit electricity? sounds familiar... "I have long proposed that mycelia are the earth's "natural Internet." I've gotten some flak for this, but recently scientists in Great Britain have published papers about the "architecture" of a mycelium - how it's organized. They focused on the nodes of crossing, which are the branchings that allow the mycelium, when there is a breakage or an infection, to choose an alternate route and regrow. There's no one specific point on the network that can shut the whole operation down. These nodes of crossing, those scientists found, conform to the same mathematical optimization curves that computer scientists have developed to optimize the Internet. Or, rather, I should say that the Internet conforms to the same optimization curves as the mycelium, since the mycelium came first." -- Paul Stamets more: <a href="http://peakenergy.blogspot.com/2008/07/natures-internet-vast-intelligent.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://peakenergy.blogspot.com/2008/07/natures-internet-vast-intelligent.html</a></div>

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Vertical Farms: way of the future, or a true factory farm? - 0 views

www.jsonline.com/...106621613.html

technology food agriculture

shared by Micah Leinbach on 10 Nov 10 - No Cached

Micah Leinbach on 10 Nov 10

Will Allen has become one of the patron saints of the modern alternative food movement, appearing in the White House, championing Michelle Obama's new programs, becoming the father of modern Urban Agriculture, and being named one of People's 100 most influential people (among other awards and achievements). He is really worth checking out. While I have been very excited to see ideas for vertical farms popping up everywhere from Milwaukee to Toronto to Chicago and beyond, my enthusiasm is beginning to lag. While vertical farms offer great potential for feeding people locally, consistently, cheaply (maybe), and in an environmentally friendly way, are these sometimes soil-less, urban high rises really just a factory farm for vegetables? If so, does it matter? I'm still in favor of them, so far, but I can't help but wonder if the food movement of tomorrow will be "ground-grown" or "grown in soil". I'd really appreciate thoughts and a discussion, if anyone is interested. While I see many positives in the economic/ecological realm of things, I'm less sold on the philosophy of the idea. Are "natural systems" methods still natural if they're in something we would not necessarily consider "nature" off-hand?

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">Will Allen has become one of the patron saints of the modern alternative food movement, appearing in the White House, championing Michelle Obama's new programs, becoming the father of modern Urban Agriculture, and being named one of People's 100 most influential people (among other awards and achievements). He is really worth checking out. While I have been very excited to see ideas for vertical farms popping up everywhere from Milwaukee to Toronto to Chicago and beyond, my enthusiasm is beginning to lag. While vertical farms offer great potential for feeding people locally, consistently, cheaply (maybe), and in an environmentally friendly way, are these sometimes soil-less, urban high rises really just a factory farm for vegetables? If so, does it matter? I'm still in favor of them, so far, but I can't help but wonder if the food movement of tomorrow will be "ground-grown" or "grown in soil". I'd really appreciate thoughts and a discussion, if anyone is interested. While I see many positives in the economic/ecological realm of things, I'm less sold on the philosophy of the idea. Are "natural systems" methods still natural if they're in something we would not necessarily consider "nature" off-hand?</div>

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Tax use, not gas? - 0 views

www.csmonitor.com/...the-mile-and-not-by-the-gallon

economics policy

shared by Micah Leinbach on 08 Nov 10 - No Cached

Micah Leinbach on 08 Nov 10

An alternative to taxing fuel, the user fee would be to driving as a pay-per-item system would be to eating in the Bon. Not as fun as an all-you-can eat buffet, but perhaps more efficient. Is there still value in a gas tax?

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">An alternative to taxing fuel, the user fee would be to driving as a pay-per-item system would be to eating in the Bon. Not as fun as an all-you-can eat buffet, but perhaps more efficient. Is there still value in a gas tax?</div>

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Electric Postal Vehicles - 1 views

www.csmonitor.com/...rt-Postal-Service-goes-greener

government technology energy

shared by Micah Leinbach on 08 Nov 10 - No Cached

Micah Leinbach on 08 Nov 10

More of a fun story than a striking one, but also a good example of how changing the little things can do a lot - especially when its a lot of little things.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">More of a fun story than a striking one, but also a good example of how changing the little things can do a lot - especially when its a lot of little things.</div>

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Nepal's gene bank gets going - 0 views

www.scidev.net/...al-s-gene-bank-gets-going.html

genes nepal biodiversity gene bank

shared by Julia Huggins on 06 Nov 10 - No Cached

Julia Huggins on 06 Nov 10

A different way of looking at biodiversity conservation. Could this possibly deter other efforts though?

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">A different way of looking at biodiversity conservation. Could this possibly deter other efforts though?</div>

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Coorporate Entities and Ecological Disaster - 0 views

www.globalpost.com/...ndonesia-volcano-philip-morris

news economics business ecological disaster

shared by Micah Leinbach on 05 Nov 10 - No Cached

Micah Leinbach on 05 Nov 10

There has been plenty of debate about the role of businesses and coorporations in environmental causes, and how pure their motives may be. Here is a new twist on an older debate: coorporations as rescue agencies. In Indonesia, cigarette companies are sponsoring entire rescue camps, complete with their colors and logos emblazoned on rescue vehicles. They advertise throughout, but they are helping. Perhaps they realize that if many people in a country where 2/3 of adult mean are addicted to smoking (from the article) they'll lose a huge market. Are we putting a market value on people's lives?

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">There has been plenty of debate about the role of businesses and coorporations in environmental causes, and how pure their motives may be. Here is a new twist on an older debate: coorporations as rescue agencies. In Indonesia, cigarette companies are sponsoring entire rescue camps, complete with their colors and logos emblazoned on rescue vehicles. They advertise throughout, but they are helping. Perhaps they realize that if many people in a country where 2/3 of adult mean are addicted to smoking (from the article) they'll lose a huge market. Are we putting a market value on people's lives?</div>

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India's Microfinance Crisis is a Battle to Monopolize the Poor - Vineet Rai - The Conve... - 1 views

blogs.hbr.org/...as_microfinance_crisis_is.html

agriculture poverty india economy politics policy

shared by Peter Vidito on 05 Nov 10 - No Cached

Peter Vidito on 05 Nov 10

"Last month the Andhra Pradesh state passed the AP Microfinance Ordinance, "suspending operations of MFIs in the state and for all intents and purposes allowing borrowers to stop repaying their loans. The announcement of the Ordinance stressed the need to protect the poor - but the move might well, in the long term, leave them far worse off."

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">"Last month the Andhra Pradesh state passed the AP Microfinance Ordinance, "suspending operations of MFIs in the state and for all intents and purposes allowing borrowers to stop repaying their loans. The announcement of the Ordinance stressed the need to protect the poor - but the move might well, in the long term, leave them far worse off."</div>

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Rainforests not lost yet - 0 views

www.ted.com/...its_restores_a_rainforest.html

food agriculture deforestation habitat loss

shared by Micah Leinbach on 04 Nov 10 - No Cached

Micah Leinbach on 04 Nov 10

A counter to my article on the Amazon, this is a really cool video on Agroforestry as a means of preserving rainforest. Interestingly, Mr. Smits has been meeting with people defending rainforests in other parts of the world, I would imagine to help spread his methods in a way appropriate to the local context. This is one example of very old agricultural ideas being used as very new solutions to modern problems, empasizing the importance of locality and context in environmentalism, and showing how economics and the environment are not neccessarily pitted against eachother.

<div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">A counter to my article on the Amazon, this is a really cool video on Agroforestry as a means of preserving rainforest. Interestingly, Mr. Smits has been meeting with people defending rainforests in other parts of the world, I would imagine to help spread his methods in a way appropriate to the local context. This is one example of very old agricultural ideas being used as very new solutions to modern problems, empasizing the importance of locality and context in environmentalism, and showing how economics and the environment are not neccessarily pitted against eachother.</div>

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