With the Trump administration cutting energy innovation and climate change initiatives, and saying that the states can pick up the slack, it’s a good time to re-air our enlightening episode with a woman on the front lines of a state leading the way: Catherine Williams of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MCEC). From solar energy… Continue reading States Innovating Energy – Catherine Williams, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
With the Trump administration having pulled out of the historic Paris Climate Accord, we thought it a good time to re-air our fascinating episode with the woman on the front lines of implementing that accord: Rachel Kyte, CEO of the United Nation’s Sustainable Energy for All Programme.
Kyte articulates the impetus for the Paris Climate Accord in the first place – and how it can be implemented. It’s a fine dance of diplomacy, technology, science, negotiation, creative business and financial modeling, and entrenched positions – with human survival in the balance.
With our communities on the front lines of climate change risk – homes, businesses, schools and local economies – we are relieved that there are courageous, innovative leaders who are taking action and creating added value (with low budgets). They are using natural solutions and conservation methods that we can all learn. Meet Katharine Burgess, Director of Urban Resilience at the Urban Land Institute, as she shares her insights from working with communities on Green Connections Radio in this conversation with host Joan Michelson. You may want to forward this podcast to your mayor, Congressperson or City Manager – and take notes for your own community!
The U.S. infrastructure is literally crumbling beneath our feet and wheels. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave it a D+ in 2017. Cars are falling into sink holes from roads that literally sink, or falling into the water when a bridge collapses. Water pipes are breaking and leaking toxins into our drinking water. Subways… Continue reading 21st Century Infrastructure – Kelly Carnes, TechVision21
With so much innovation in the energy sector, the rapid expansion of renewable energy, development of a “smart grid” and the Internet of Things technologies, the utilities have to evolve too. And, without dropping any service to anyone, ever.
So, what’s a utility to do to survive – and to thrive? Enter Mary Powell, CEO of Green Mountain Power in Vermont, who was chosen as one of Fast Company’s most innovative people. She’s turning the business model of a utility on its head, and retains the support of her board because she’s succeeding in every way – customer service ratings in the 90%s and generating sold financial results. How? Listen up.
Every new presidential administration brings a transition to new priorities – this time, it’s a radical shift into uncertainty. Clean energy and climate-related spending is being cut across the board in the new president’s budget. But Congress has yet to finalize it and advocates for clean energy and climate issues are flexing their muscles. What… Continue reading Opportunities in Government Chaos – Kelly Carnes, TechVision21
Imagine an historic, award-winning theatre on the wharf, surrounded by water, in the central business district of one of the most popular and acclaimed cities in the world….Now, think about trying to reduce its environmental impact and all the stakeholders involved. That’s what Paul O’Byrne did, working with Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett and her husband Andrew… Continue reading Sustainable Theatres! – Paul O’Byrne, Sydney Theatre Company
“Energy storage enables us to have energy and power when and where we need it.” The linchpin in the new energy revolution is storage – to “enable us to have energy and power when and where we need it,” as Dr. McGrath put it. It’s a time of rapid innovation in energy and storage, though,… Continue reading Energy Storage – Dr. Kimberly McGrath, Maxwell Technologies
Fundamental to the success of combating global climate change and reducing dependence on oil is changing each person’s behavior. This includes moving a critical mass of people from traditional gas-powered vehicles to eco-friendly electric vehicles. This means we need to create high demand for electric cars. We will always need electricity for our refrigerators, computers,… Continue reading Taking Electric Cars Mainstream
Will the mass market drive electric cars? Joan Bryna Michelson looks at the evidence To break our dependence on gas-powered vehicles as soon as possible, electric vehicles are the leading alternative. “Electrification is a part of every automaker’s long term strategy, which is a good indication that it’s not a question of if, but rather… Continue reading Electric Vehicles: If they build it, will we come?
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