Sustainability Outlook Headlines

Carbon Dioxide Levels in the Atmosphere is on the Rise

Dr Michael Buchwitz and Oliver Schneising from the Institute of Environmental Physics at the University of Bremen in Germany processed the SCIAMACHY data from 2003-09, using a retrieval algorithm developed at the University of Bremen. O2 occurs naturally as well as being created through human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal and gas). According to the scientists, the increase is mainly a result of fossil fuel burning.

Australia keen on scientific research with India

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INTERVIEW - India, China seen partly out of carbon mkt post 2012

India and China, among the world's worst polluters, may lose some of their share in the international carbon market after 2012 while the United States could become the major buyer of emission offsets by then, a top official with a carbon advisory told Reuters on Tuesday.

Healthy Watersheds Can Sustain Water Supplies, Aquatic Ecosystems In A Changing Climate

The U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Northwest (PNW) Research Station has published a report about the role of forests in the stewardship of water in a changing climate. Titled Water, Climate Change, and Forests: Watershed Stewardship for a Changing Climate, the publication describes healthy, resilient watersheds as a primary strategy for sustaining ecosystems and the clean, abundant water they provide.

Tata Power to acquire wind assets from Niskalp Energy

Tata Power Company Limited, a power utility company, is planning to acquire 20.95 megawatt (MW) operating wind assets from Niskalp Energy, Ltd., engaged in the wind power generation. Both the companies are based in India.

Germany setting up $500 million climate fund

Germany has set up a $500 million climate fund to micro-finance projects such as new supermarket freezers or biomass heating in developing countries to help cut greenhouse gases, Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen said Tuesday.Roettgen said the purpose of the fund, inspired by December's Copenhagen climate conference, is to drum up funds from public and private investors while hedging their financial risk.Starting this fall, it will provide loans for individual energy efficiency or renewables projects through local banks in countries including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Morocco,... Read more..

Reject All Energy Subsidies, Not Just the Ones for Fossil Fuels

For a country that is still heavily dependent on coal power, news of a more efficient (read: lower-carbon-emitting) coal plant should be greeted with roaring applause from the environmental community. Unfortunately, under the Obama Administration, the U.S. Export-Import bank can’t see past the black and white idea that coal and other fossil fuels are the enemies of the environment, and only renewables can save it. This mentality creates double standards, as when White House denied a $250 million Ex-Imp Bank loan to a coal power plant in India equipped with exceptional carbon-cutting... Read more..

UK panel proposes a Green Investment Bank to raise capital for low-carbon transition

A report commissioned by Britain's Treasury chief calls for setting up a Green Investment Bank to raise capital to promote a transition to a low-carbon economy.

Solar Energy Costs to Achieve Grid Parity by 2013, According to Pike Research

The solar energy market has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two years, driven by a new abundance of polysilicon, the effects of the worldwide financial crisis, and the plunging price of solar modules. As a result of these factors, the solar industry has shifted from supply-constrained to demand-driven, and a few strong companies have been able to improve their revenues and market share based on a low cost per watt combined with high module efficiency.

Low Carbon a Shared Challenge for Asia and Europe

It's no secret: international efforts to curb global warming continue to divide Asia and Europe.

European and Asian governments did not see eye to eye at the climate change summit held in Copenhagen last December, and as preparations intensify for another international meeting on global warming -- this time in Cancun, Mexico -- at the end of the year, prospects for a credible and enforceable agreement remain elusive.
 

Social entrepreneurs gearing to change India

Social entrepreneurship is expected to be the next big thing to influence India as the country juggles to achieve a balance between a growing GDP growth, ensuring inclusive growth and attempting to address issues ranging from education, energy efficiency to climate change.

Worldwide Desalination Plant Investment to Double by 2016, Forecasts Pike Research

Water scarcity, population and economic growth, pollution, and urbanization are all placing increased pressure on freshwater resources around the world. The gap between the supply of freshwater and demand for water for industrial, agricultural, and domestic use is growing at a rapid pace. At the same time, the cost of desalination has come down steadily, and it is becoming a more affordable means of meeting the world’s growing freshwater needs.

According to a new report from Pike Research, all of these factors will contribute to strong growth in the desalination technology market... Read more..