“We can’t change the science... We have to change the politics.”

The new head of the environmental group Greenpeace, South African Kumi Naidoo criticized Barack Obama in a BBC interview for losing his urgency on the issue of climate change. Naidoo, the first African to head Greenpeace since its foundation in 1971, believed Obama made the fate of the earth a priority during his election campaign but has since been disappointing in his actions.

As the December Copenhagen climate summit approaches, many want a new treaty that is wider-ranging and more sophisticated than the Kyoto agreement. Ultimately, nations are looking to the Copenhagen treaty to curb the growth in greenhouse gas emissions enough to keep the world within a safe limit of average temperature rise.

“Anything short of a binding treaty in Copenhagen must be read as a failure of leadership on the part of the political class,” said Naidoo, who also expressed dismay that Obama has not yet clearly announced his intention to attend the summit.

For the whole story, visit BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8362202.stm

"Unpower Yourself"

PRI has entered the "Unpower Yourself" challenge! We're doing what we can to use less energy! This site focuses on non-profit organizations, but no matter who you are or where you work, there are some interesting little tidbits to be learned at the site! Check it out!

Save Money...

Lately, I've been trying to switch all the light bulbs in my house to compact fluorescent lightbulbs. It's costly, but we have really made more of an effort to be "green." That said, I just came across a great article on the Huffington Post that really explains the savings you will realize. Enjoy:

The Huffington Post: Same Money Use Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs

World Leaders Bringing Awarenes...

First it was the Maldives, now Nepal's Prime Minister along with his cabinet will be holding a cabinet meeting not underwater but at "base camp" on Everest to bring awareness to Global Warning.

Check the story out here: Nepali Cabinet to Meet on Everest

Ending Climate Change -- As Easy as Changing a Light Bulb...

Our friends at TerraPass have posted a great article where they make the point that personal conservation is great, but it's not nearly as great as political activism in regards to climate change. As the Climate Change Bill enters the Senate for debate it's our duty to let our elected representatives know how we feel. At the end of the day, they are our voices in the Senate.

Follow the link below to read more from TerraPass and to download a letter that you can fill out and send to your Senators!

TerraPass: Ending Climate Change - As Easy as Changing a Light Bulb

New York Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Summit: Challenges and Opportunities Monday, November 30, 2009

Cornell Cooperative Extension, in collaboration with a number of local and statewide partners, will host a Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Summit at the Owego Treadway Inn, in Owego, NY, on Monday, November 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Local government officials, landowner coalition representatives, citizens seeking more information, industry representatives, environmental advocates, and researchers and educators are encouraged to attend.

“The summit’s goals and objectives are to inform and educate; prepare for challenges and opportunities; gather information for ongoing research; and promote networking among multiple stakeholders,” said Rod Howe, assistant director of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

The summit coincides with the end of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s comment period for the supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (sGEIS) on November 30. That document is available at www.dec.ny.gov/energy/58440.html.

Legislative and regulatory controls are being scrutinized as intensive gas drilling of the Marcellus Shale has the potential to transform the fabric of many—especially rural—communities in New York State in ways that are both positive and negative. Intensive natural gas development in other states has been accompanied by substantial changes in population, land use, environment, community, and economy.

The summit will address two key questions: Where do the people and the communities of New York State go from here in addressing the myriad issues associated with gas drilling? What strategies can be implemented to protect the environment and help the regional economy?

“When concerned parties are proactively engaged in education and dialogue, they are better prepared to anticipate, shape, and respond to changes,” said Howe. “And the more likely it is that negative impacts will be minimized and positive aspects realized.”

Cornell faculty and educators will join with other professionals to address such educational workshop topics as the Geology of the Shale; Municipalities and the Marcellus Shale; Environmental, Water and Regulatory Issues; Local Government Preparation; Workforce Development and Small Business Application; Landowner management; Legal Issues; Water and Wells; Community Development; Taxation, Revenues, and Property Valuation; State and National Energy Plans.

The summit is open to the public and will cost $40. Summit information, including a registration link, may be found at gasleasing.cce.cornell.edu.

The summit is hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Key partners include the Association of Towns of New York State, Cornell University Department of Natural Resources, Cornell’s Community and Rural Development Institute, the Paleontological Research Institution and Museum of the Earth, and the Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board.

Organic Dry Cleaners?

Like many people, I have some clothes (mainly suits) that have to be dry cleaned. Lately, I've noticed that a local cleaner has been advertising themselves as organic and wondered what that really means. Is it better for the environment? Is it safer? This morning I came across a great Q&A post from the Mother Nature Network that talks about this very issue. Check it out below:

Are organic dry cleaners really better for the environment?

Advice columnist Chanie Kirschner treks to four businesses to find out what 'organic' really means to dry cleaners.