ViewsWeek Views from around the world
Toxic algae like the kind that fouled Toledo’s water supply are on the rise due to Big Ag and climate change. But we can learn from them, too.
August, 2014
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1 August
More Efficient, Durable Solar Cells Are Possible
By eliminating excess infrared radiation, the solar cells stay cool and are more efficient at converting solar rays into energy. Researchers have found that by “turning away” the infrared radiation using silica glass, heat goes down without negatively effecting the amount of visible light the solar cell can absorb.
July, 2014
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29 July
Africa’s Cities Crying Out for Re-imagination
Africa is second only to Asia in its number of city dwellers, and its cities are growing at an unprecedented rate. Yet understanding of African cities is lagging behind their development. Locally, it’s a massive challenge to build a knowledge base that will support the building of more equitable African cities, making them livable, accessible, and sustainable for all.
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25 July
Solar Car Sets A New World Record
Sunswift eVe, designed and built by students at the University of New South Wales, seeks to overcome the traditional obstacles that have impeded solar-powered cars, namely, offering both speed and range in the same vehicle.
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20 July
How Far is the US Ready for Climate Change?
Climate change imposes an unfunded mandate on state and local governments and the American people to manage the risks of heat waves, drought and flooding, and foot the bill for the damages. While Obama Administration has announced a number of actions to better prepare for the expected change in climate, more action is needed, in particular, to address the skyrocketing risks in low-income communities.
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15 July
A Clean Energy Revolution in the Caribbean
Burdened by high energy costs and situated on the front lines of a changing climate, Caribbean countries are on the verge of a sustainable energy revolution. Clean energy technologies are making headway throughout the Caribbean—and the U.S. should take note.
June, 2014
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29 June
Regional Distrust Fueling Water Conflicts in South Asia
Lack of a domestic vision for water in South Asia reinforces the zero-sum nature of international water disputes. India’s neighbors hold overwhelmingly negative views of New Delhi. But the election of the first single-party government for 30 years gives India an opportunity both for more coherent policy towards water and to explore opportunities for mutually-beneficial approaches to water with its smaller neighbors.
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24 June
Nepal Struggles to Curb Craze for ‘Himalayan Viagra’
The rush to collect rare caterpillar fungus or ‘Himalayan Viagra’ has led to violent clashes and deaths since Nepal's government legalized the lucrative trade. Rising prices and soaring demand in recent years have driven a gold rush in mountainous regions. Yarsagumba fetches at least US$14,000 to US$16,000 per kilogram at the source and prices increase dramatically for traders further up the supply chain.
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8 June
Are You Ready for a Coal Town Turnaround?
Even in a West Virginia's community whose most famous building is literally made out of coal, leaders are seeking a new way forward. Williamson is one town primed and ready to move past its coal-mining roots, if given the chance.
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3 June
Will EPA’s Climate Protection Rules Hurt US Economy?
Some of America’s most powerful business interest groups are opposing the Obama Administration’s landmark climate protection rules, claiming these will hurt the economy. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy warns that the new rules could cost the economy as much as $50 billion per year.
