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Here is a new presentation by Al Gore at the annual TED Conference. He makes the case that the climate crisis is worse than our most conservative estimates and then calls for dramatic action not seen since the race to the moon.

A large part of the laziness can be attributed to cheap oil, free water and abundant natural resources. People and their economies change only when the price point forces them to. Oil at 100$ has led many Americans to look at their SUVs in a new light. However, it is going to take much more than fuel efficient SUVs to turn the situation around.

Green technology may be a large part of the solution to America's current economic woes. An interesting article in Harper's outlined the possibility of America pumping tons of cash into green tech to boost the economy to compensate for the recent collapse of the housing bubble. Massive investment in clean technology would allow America to create knowledge intensive jobs and reduce their dependance on foreign oil.

America could launch a new "space race" towards sustainability. It would mobilize a population and place them at the center of the world stage. The original space race started with the shocking launch of the soviet satellite, Sputnik and led to a massive push towards technology and unimaginable dreams, it was a time when anything seemed possible. The offshoots of that effort created much of today's economy - computers, networks, and modern day communication. We shall see if McCain, Obama or Clinton can launch a country towards sustainability as JFK launched the world towards the moon.

 

A great video from Al Gore's foundation has proposed to do just that.

 

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The Tar Sands are the largest industrial project in Canadian history. We are seeing increasing demands by Canadians (read: stakeholders) to slow down the expansion and impose more stringant environmental regulations. Most of these demands are coming from Albertans (read: local stakeholders).

Compounding this rising tide; a new federal report by Environmental Defence labels the tar sands as "The Most Destructive Projecty on Earth" was just released. The report outlines how our nation's rivers and skies are being polluted at an ever increasing rate.

For the long-term future of Alberta and Canada, it is imperitive that we place strong environmental restrictions, not just for greenhouse gases, but also for water contaminants, acid rain and local community impacts. 

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I just came across an interesting website that claims to offer two sides to the global warming debate. That's right, there is still a debate going on. Website found at http://climatedebatedaily.com/

As an engineer, I think it is very important to constantly question and revisit science to ensure it stands the test of time. Global Warming science is among the most complex (and controversial) scientific studies around and it is still relativly new, so a logical, scientific debate is definitly good. 

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Here is a great summary of a recent UN Environment Report which outlines the current state of the world's ecosystems.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/7056601.stm

 

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A new study to analyze the economic value of biodiversity has been commissioned by the EU. More info here. This is an important step, and has largely been inspired by the Success of the Stern Commission, which analyzed the economic impacts of climate change.

While greenhouse gases and climate change have been at the forefront of the sustainability mouvement, it is important to recognize that it is not the only issue. Diversity of plant and animal life on the planet has been in rapid decline since the begining of industrialization (and even before then). We are losing species which may have many tangible benifits such as cures for diseases and many intangible benefits such as the support of local communities, farming and other natural activities upon which we all rely. A recent example is the (largely) inexplicable collapse of bee hives this past year .

Hopefully this important study will inspire citizens and corporations to take action against the loss of biodiversity.

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A great talk was given at the recent TED Conference with regards to the future of geo-engineering. David Keith: A surprising idea for "solving" climate change . The talk raises important questions of not wether or not we should do geoengineering, but rather makes the argument that we should at least study it.

A particularly convincing argument is the rise of China and the likelyhood that they (or another country) may unilaterally do geoengineering. With such a risk, we must eveluate the benifits and risks that geo-engineering poses.

We must also create a international treaty to bind countries to a series of protocols, not unlike the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Such a treaty will help countries work together and reduce the risk of unilateral action.

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 From tha Associated Press:

WASHINGTON (AP) - One of the nation's largest power generators has agreed to end a years-long federal lawsuit by paying $4.6 billion to reduce pollution that has eaten away at Northeast mountain ranges and national landmarks, The Associated Press has learned. Read More

This is a perfect example of a company that is barely at the "Protect" Stage of business evolution. Their inability to move towards proper environmental management has cost them dearly.

The installation of pollution prevention equipment would have cost much less than the current settlement, helped improve their internal management, improved performance and secured a better brand value.

Their main focus was to comply with the law, not be in advance of it. Through this settlment their did not have to admit guilt to breaking the Clean Air Act. 

It's time for business to evolve. 

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The Northwest Passage is ice free since last august. New imagery shows dramatic shrinkage of the Arctic and Greenland ice shelves.

In fact, a large glacier which just broke off is equivalent in volume to the fress water consumption of London - per year.

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