World

A Bridge over Troubled (and Scarce) Water

By |

“Bridging Divides for Water” is the motto of the Fifth World Water Forum, currently taking place in Istanbul, and the biggest divide of all seems to be between those who see water as business and those for whom it is a human right. This conflict was highlighted by protesters who clashed with Turkish police, activists demanding an end to water privatization, and advocacy groups that staged their own sidebar conferences. These include the Istanbul Water Tribunal and the Alternative Water Forum, Al Jazeera reports. According to the United Nations, more than half of the planet’s six billion people don’t have adequate access to water, with climate change and population growth cited as two leading reasons why demand is outstripping water supplies. Then there is the issue of war and water.

Environment

Geo-Engineering: High Hopes, Climate Questions

By |

Some British scientists say “geo-engineering” is needed to counter the effects of global warming and maintain world temperatures at acceptable levels, according to a report in The Sunday Times. One proposed measure calls for massive planting of fast-growing trees, such as willows, to absorb more carbon dioxide. Another proposal would seed clouds with ocean water to form salt crystals, which would reflect more sunlight back toward the sun and away from the Earth. However, some critics say not enough is known about climate to manipulate it safely. Others argue that artificial solutions focus attention away from the real problem — the need to develop more environmentally friendly economies.

Economy

Wind Energy: Becalmed by Recession

By |

At a time when green energy is being touted as a potential booster for a slow global economy, a wind energy company in North Dakota has laid off nearly a quarter of its staff. The Telegraph reports that DMI Industries, one of the largest producers of wind-turbine towers, is suffering from a huge drop in demand just one year after seeing impressive growth. The company expanded its factories last year, when the U.S. wind industry doubled its activity, but was forced to lay off workers when banks and other lenders were hit by the slowdown. DMI’s president told the newspaper: “So many positive things have been said about renewable energy, but when the banks have problems, it has an impact on us too.” Some analysts say the investment slowed has undermined renewable energy’s potential to combat climate change.

Economy

Diplomas for Green-Collar Jobs

By |

College graduates are returning to school, to study up in the potentially lucrative environment and renewable energy sectors. The United States plans to invest billions in “green collar” jobs, encouraging some people to leave their professions for a fresh start in what they hope is a more promising field, reports The Toronto Star. “Historically, sustainability has gone down in priority during tough economic times, but it’s different this time,” Doug Webber of the Canada Green Building Council told the newspaper. A report published last year by the United Nations, estimated that 20 million jobs could be created with the investment in renewable energy by 2030. In response, colleges and universities adding new “green” degree programs.
–Brittany Owens/Newsdesk.org
Source:
“Colleges responding to need for ‘green collar’ workers”
Toronto Star, February 9, 2009