America.gov-Environment: Energy and Climate

Botanic Energy Resources Make Hot Research Topics

Lea Terhune — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:20:17 GMT

The U.S. National Arboretum’s exhibit Power Plants features flora from around the world used or being considered for renewable energy sources. “We have 21 plants on display here that are currently being used to produce ethanol and biodiesel or have the potential to do so,” Arboretum Director Thomas S. Elias says.

Convergence of Food and Fuel Is “Historic Opportunity”

Lea Terhune — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:27:28 GMT

The food and fuel crises present historic opportunities for farmers and innovators globally, according to agriculture official Thomas C. Dorr. He sees the current situation as a transitional phase in which “[t]he challenge is to provide both food and fuel for a growing world on a sustainable basis.”

World Environment Day Urges “Kick the Carbon Habit”

Lea Terhune — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:34:56 GMT

On World Environment Day 2008, the U.N. Environment Programme is urging nations to “Kick the carbon habit” by reducing use of fossil fuels and emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, blamed for rising global temperatures. In a related observance, the State Department is launching an initiative to combat wildlife trafficking.

Governments, Industry Working to Stem CO2 Emissions from Coal

Lea Terhune — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:35:18 GMT

Coal is among the fastest-growing component of global energy, but coal-burning power plants worldwide contribute to atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂₎. Solutions to this conflict are complex, expensive and evolving, as groups around the world work to reduce CO₂ from this important energy source.

Social Entrepreneurs Target Climate Change

Lea Terhune — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:20:49 GMT

A Skoll Foundation award winner, the American Council on Renewable Energy uses entrepreneurship to counter climate change. Its president, Michael Eckhart, talks with America.gov about how his organization is driving innovation and financing toward wind, solar, biomass and geothermal energy resources instead of fossil fuels.

Technology-based Policy on Climate Change Urged by Bush

Lea Terhune — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:14:47 GMT

President Bush, speaking in advance of the Major Economies Meeting in Paris, calls for a technology-based policy to slow greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. “Today, I am announcing a new national goal: to stop the growth of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2025,” he says.

Solar and Wind Resources Can Fuel the Future

Lea Terhune — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:40:17 GMT

“I think that clean energy is one of the greatest opportunities of our time,” David Sandalow of the Brookings Institution tells international participants in a March “Ask America” webchat. In a discussion about renewable energy, he encourages students to pursue careers that help “bring clean energy to billions of people around the world.”

Governments, Local Groups Pledge To Cut Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Lea Terhune — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:24:50 GMT

At the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference, more than 100 nations and local entities pledge specific actions to cut greenhouse gas emissions by adopting renewable energy. Use of renewables is key to addressing the challenges of energy security and climate change, Under Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky tells attendees.

Renewable Resources Are Rising Stars

Lea Terhune — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:52:42 GMT

At the three-day Washington International Conference on Renewable Energy, participants from public, corporate and private sectors are stressing the importance of quickly harnessing the earth’s sustainable natural resources for energy. President Bush echoes that theme in his address to conference delegates.

Use of Hydrogen Grows To Fuel Vehicles, Produce Electricity

Lea Terhune — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:27:42 GMT

As a fuel source and an energy carrier, hydrogen -- the most abundant element in the universe -- is beginning to move from science fiction and basic research to the world’s warehouses, airports, cell phone towers and highways. America.gov looks at how the most versatile of the renewable energy resources is moving closer to commercialization.

Massachusetts Town Reaps Rewards from the Wind

Lea Terhune — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:32:00 GMT

Wind power is nothing new for Hull, Massachusetts, which operates two state-of-the-art wind turbines that have become a model for local community engagement in the use of clean, renewable energy. America.gov finds out more about the history of this town’s innovative energy program and what the future may hold for it.

Florida Firm Focuses on Clean Energy To Replace Fossil Fuels

Lea Terhune — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:32:48 GMT

Growing global interest in the environment is leading to increased use of clean, renewable energy sources in place of fossil fuels like coal and oil, which generate greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States, a leading provider of wind and solar power is FPL Energy, a Florida-based company operating in 25 states across the nation.