Infographic - Review of US Solar in 2013

EcoWatch's Five Realities of Climate Change in 2013

EcoWatch is a leading environmental platform that publishes stories on econews, green living and sustainable business. Here is their list of the top five stories for 2013.

Top Five Positive Climate Stories for 2013 from Grist

John Upton is a science fan and green news boffin who writes and comments about ecology for the 15 year old Seattle based online environmental non-profit Grist.  Here are Upton's choices for 2013's top five positive climate stories (something of a rarity at Grist). They run the gamut from Obama and climate activists, to energy and EVs.

1. Obama shows he cares about the climate

President Barack Obama unveiled an actual, coherent climate plan in June, full of steps he can take without cooperation from Congress. The centerpiece is regulations cracking down on coal-burning power plants in the U.S. The plan also entails ending U.S. support for most coal plants abroad. And it calls for boosting renewables and energy efficiency, cutting fossil fuel subsidies, preparing for climate change that’s already inevitable, and lots of other good stuff. To the surprise of almost everyone, Obama also said he wouldn’t approve the Keystone XL pipeline if it were determined that it would “significantly exacerbate the problem of carbon pollution.” Of course, there’s lots of debate over that question.

Top Climate Reality Stories of 2013

Last year we saw a number of very depressing climate stories from silent but deadly things we can't see like the 400 parts per million of carbon in the atmosphere to those which are painfully visible like Typhoon Hiayan. Here are climate Reality's top ten stories of 2013.

EDF's Top Stories of 2013 are Not Without Controversy

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is a scientist founded organization that works to preserve the natural systems on which all life depends. They focus on the most critical environmental problems including, climate and energy, oceans, ecosystems, and health. They use a uniquely effective approach, drawing on science, economics, partnerships and bipartisan outreach. They solve problems by bringing together insights from many disciplines and diverse groups of people. EDF works with industry and believes in a data driven approach to promote market incentives for change behavior. They describe themselves as utterly nonpartisan and oriented toward practical policy solutions. Their work is grounded in the belief that we can protect our health and the environment while improving our economic well-being.

The following article was published at the end of 2013 under the title, EDF Voices: People on the Planet A year of environmental controversy – and that’s a good thing.

The David Suzuki Foundation Reflects on 2013 and Raises the Bar for 2014

David Suzuki and the foundation that he created have been one of Canada's leading champions of the environment. Here is their review of 2013 and their hopes for 2014.

Environmental Defense Canada 2013 Achievements

Environmental Defense is one of Canada's leading green advocacy groups. They work with government, industry and individuals to create a greener economy and a more sustainable future for all Canadians for generations to come. With the help of their supporters they have spearheaded a number of noble causes in 2013 including issues related to energy, toxics, water, and grooming future leaders. Here is a summary of some of their achievements last year.

WWF's Top Global Success Stories of 2013

WWF works to achieve positive change for species, communities and diverse habitats. In 2013 they had many international successes. Their diverse success stories run the gamut from salmon farming to gillnets. They have been very active in advancing environmental issues in developing countries and they continue their work in support of a wide range of species including elephants, saola—one, snow leopards, Nepalese tigers and previously unknown species of flora and fauna. Here is their summary of international achievements in 2013.

Climate Villains of 2013: The Top 10 Promoters of Environmental Lies

Environmental degradation and climate change are the most serious threats we face, yet there are a number of individuals who continue to use their positions of power to promote arguments which are both inaccurate and destructive. These anti-science Luddites are enemies of environmentalism and arguably some of the worst misanthropes on the planet. Here is a top ten list of the worst perpetrators of climate misinformation in 2013.

1. Tony Abbot

The new Prime Minister of Australia will be remembered by history as a climate denier of the first order. His legacy will be the dismantling of Australia's green dream. Record breaking temperatures and record breaking forest fires in Australia did not deter Abbot and his government from continuing their diabolical mission to undo the nation's world leading effort to reduce emissions. As the final environmental insult of 2013, Abbot did not attend UN sponsored climate talks at the end of the year.

2. Steven Harper

This Canadian Prime Minister will go down in history as the most environmentally destructive leader the nation has ever seen. He has not only systematically dismantled Canada's environmental protections, he has sidelined science, stymied public input and done all within his power to increase Canada's role as a dirty energy superpower. This includes Alberta's tar sands, the world's dirtiest source of oil, which not only contributes to global warming, it poisons the air and water. Thanks to Harper Canada will not meet its emissions targets and the nation, once known for its bucolic splendor is not a Pariah at the UN and in many places around the world.

Sustainable Numerical Factoids

Lindsay Abrams is an assistant editor at Salon, she focuses on all things sustainable. Here are some sustainable numerical factoids she published as part of her year end review.

7: Where 2013 ranks among the warmest years in history, according to the World Meteorological Association. Tied with 2003, the ranking is based on the year’s first nine months, during which average temperatures were 0.86°F above the 1960-1991 global average.

395.5: The average concentration levels of CO2, in parts per million (ppm), observed in the atmosphere through November.

Greenpeace: Top Stories of 2013

From protecting whales and forests to their Detox Fashion Campaign, Greenpeace and their supporters did a lot of good for the planet and its inhabitants last year. Here is a summary of their top stories for 2013.