Two Events Focused on African Energy (Spring/Summer 2012)

Review of African Utility Week in Johannesburg: African Utility Week (AUW) took place in Johannesburg, South Africa. AUW is the only African exhibition that covers the entire spectrum of the power, water and waste management utilities industry in all its many forms. It's designed for African utilities, large industrial end users in Africa and solution providers from across the globe. For more information or to see reviews of the conference click here.  

Africa Energy Forum 2012 in Berlin: On June 26th to June 28th, The Africa Energy Forum (AEF) will be taking place in Berlin. AEF was launched in 1999, it is Africa's premier annual power investment and business forum, where governments and state utilities address the international energy community on opportunities available in Africa's power sectors. Now in its 14th year, the Africa Energy Forum is the established meeting place for the African power sector. All the players in the industry are in the same place at the same time. As the International Finance Corporation noted in 2011 "AEF is the biggest and most interesting conference on African energy in the world.” AEF unites government and power utilities of Africa with the energy industry to focus on delivering power infrastructure projects in Africa. With massive demand for power in Africa, and international investors keen to fund power projects, this is the established event that African governments and private sector attend year on year. As a result AEF has become the place to do business and meet new and prospective clients. Click here to download the latest AEF 2012 brochure. For more information or to register click here.

Five Water Related Events (June and July 2012)

Managing Scarce Water Resources in London: On the 21st of June a conference on managing water resources will be held at the CIWEM in London. This event will explore the pressures on water resources over the next 40 years, and will examine the issues faced and the actions required by those who plan, manage, regulate and legislate. For more information or to register click here.

Ocean Energy 2012 in Brussels On June 26th and 27th Ocean Energy 2012 will be held in Brussels, Belgium. This conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to network with the leading policy makers, industrial players, supply chain partners, technology developers, utilities and investors. For more information or to register click here.

Surface Water Management 2012 in London: On June 28 and 29 a conference will be held on surface water management. It will take place at the CIWEM in London. This conference will set out a vision but also be rooted in demonstrating the practical delivery of projects from a wide variety of perspectives. For more information or to register click here.  

Building the Water Agenda: On the 9th and 10th of July a conference will be held on water policy will take place in London. The key issues to be addressed include the challenges facing water issues at policy level nationally and internationally. For more information or to register click here.  

Water Pollution 2012 - International Conference on Modeling, Monitoring and Management: On July 10 through 12 a conference called Water Pollution 2012 will be taking place at the Wessex Institute of Technology in New Forest, UK. This is the 11th International Conference on modeling, monitoring and management of water pollution. For more information or to register click here.

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GEO 5 Report on Water, Marine Pollution and Fish Stocks

The fifth edition of the Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-5) was published on June 6, 2012. This United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report indicates there are major issues related to water, marine pollution and fish stocks

Water

Of the 30 environmental goals examined in relation to water, only one goal – that of increasing access to clean drinking water – shows significant progress. But less progress has been made in rural areas, especially in Africa and the Pacific. Despite some improvements, water quality remains the largest cause of human health problems worldwide. At the same time, climate change and further population growth are likely to result in even greater water shortages in many regions.

Overfishing and Sustainable Seafood

June 8th is World Oceans Day, the UN-designated day for the global community to celebrate and take action for our shared ocean. Whether you’re on a coastal city or far  inland, the water around you ends up in the ocean downstream. The ocean is the great connector—no matter what country you’re from, we’re all citizens of the ocean. The world is eating more seafood than ever, and we’re pushing the ocean and its fish to the limit. According to the United Nations, approximately two-thirds of ocean species are overfished, and some types of commercial fishing catch up to seven times more unwanted fish than targeted species.

World Oceans Day in America

On World Oceans Day, people around the globe come together to celebrate our ocean and take action to protect it. The ocean not only makes our world livable, it provides us with food, water, commerce, recreation, and medicine. The ocean has suffered some serious blows lately: 90% of the big fish in the sea are gone, the gyres are filled with more plastic than previously estimated, the Deepwater Horizon disaster dumped 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, and coastal dead zones from agricultural runoff are worse than ever.The ocean has definitely seen rough times lately, and World Oceans Day is a good opportunity to rally and start turning things around.

World Oceans Day 2012 Events

Every year, more people take action to celebrate and protect our planet’s ocean, which connects us all. Thanks to people like you approximately 400 events were held in 70 countries to celebrate World Oceans Day in 2011. This year will be even better with more great events taking place around the world and more people acting to protect our oceans.  Be a part of this global celebration by participating in one of many events to raise awareness and the ocean.

World Oceans Day 2012

World Oceans Day is our planet’s biggest celebration of the ocean and it is held every year on June 8th. This year, the theme is "Youth: the Next Wave for Change." Take part in World Oceans Day events and activities and help protect our oceans throughout the year. It’s up to each one of us to help ensure that our ocean is protected and conserved for future generations.

Less Coal and More Natural Gas is Decreasing US Emissions

We are seeing less emissions from power plants in the US because more energy is being generated by natural gas plants and less energy is being produced by coal fired plants.  Coal fired plants decreased to their lowest level in almost four decades, but the decline is largely attributable to an increase in natural gas. Cheap natural gas was at its lowest price point in 10 years this winter. This shift to cleaner-burning fuels like natural gas has helped public power systems to reduce their overall emissions.

Calendar of Environmental Events

Here are more than 50 environmental events that take place throughout the course of the year. Many of these events are meant to raise awareness while others encourage tangible actions in support of the environment. These events run the gamut from the World Kitchen Garden Day (August 26th) to the crucially important U.N. sponsored COP process (end of November and the beginning of December) meant to forge an internationally binding treaty that is necessary to save our planet from runaway climate change. 

E-Waste: A New Business Opportunity

As reviewed in a recent TriplePundit article, recycling e-waste is an increasingly a lucrative business opportunity. According to the Consumer Electronics Association in 2012 global spending on consumer electronics will surpass $1 trillion for the first time. The problem is that consumers upgrade their “old” electronics every six to twelve months as opposed to every few years as in the past. This translates to 2.5 million tons of toxic electronic waste (e-waste) that ends up in landfills, and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency only 25 percent of this gets recycled. There is no question that e-waste is harmful to our environment. It contains toxic chemicals including lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, which threaten and contaminate the water we drink and the air we breathe.

US Secretary of State at the Green Partnership for Growth Launch

Here is the address of US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to the Danish Parliament in Copenhagen, Denmark on May 31, at the 2012 meeting of the Green Partnership for Growth
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We have tried to make green growth a center of our diplomacy here because we think we have a lot to learn from Denmark. It is certainly not a surprise that Denmark leads the world when it comes to clean energy and energy efficiency. Because, as the prime minister said, for the past few decades, Denmark has grown economically. As you have also made it clear, that can be done without significantly increasing your electricity use. Your national plan to be completely independent of fossil fuels by 2050 is a global first. And in true Danish fashion, the plan is comprehensive and rigorous. (Laughter.)

Support for Reducing Power Plant Carbon Pollution

Carbon pollution is the main contributor to global climate disruption and is linked to life-threatening air pollution like smog – making it a serious hazard to Americans’ health and future. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed limiting emissions from power plants. Doctors, nurses, scientists, and leading public health groups like the American Lung Association have testified that carbon emission causes smog pollution that triggers asthma attacks, damages and reduces the function of the lungs, and can cause heart attacks and even premature deaths. According to professional testimony, children and seniors are particularly susceptible to the health consequences of air pollution and climate disruption. Below are statements by Dan Lashof and David Doniger in the Natural Resource Defense Council’s (NRDC) Climate and Clean Air Program, and Kim Knowlton in NRDC’s Global Warming and Health Project:

Bill McGibben: The Planet Wreckers

It’s been a tough few weeks for the forces of climate-change denial. First came the giant billboard with Unabomber Ted Kacynzki’s face plastered across it: “I Still Believe in Global Warming. Do You?” Sponsored by the Heartland Institute, the nerve-center of climate-change denial, it was supposed to draw attention to the fact that “the most prominent advocates of global warming aren’t scientists. They are murderers, tyrants, and madmen.” Instead it drew attention to the fact that these guys had over-reached, and with predictable consequences.

Corporate Green Ranking: Top Spots and Most Improved

As reviewed in a June 4, 2012 Environmental Leader article, Computer chip maker Intel and home appliance manufacturer Whirlpool have been named as the major US firms with the strongest environmental governance, policies, and infrastructure in a report by sustainability consultants Soyka & Company. Intel maintained their top spot for 2012 in the Benchmarking Analysis of Disclosed U.S. Corporate Environmental Practices. Intel improved their score by five points, or 6.1 percent. Whirlpool moved up from tied for 28th place in last year’s study by virtue of a 25 point, or 41 percent, gain in its score.

Website Blackout In Support of Canada's Environment

On June 4, 2012, diverse groups from around the world blacked out their websites to protest Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative government’s war on the environment. Through a combination of sweeping budget cuts and legislation that prevents debate the ruling Conservatives are engaged in genocide against Canada's environment. On June 4, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and 350.org featured "Black Out Speak Out" actions on their websites. These groups have joined others from across Canada, the First Nations and the EU with a simple message, “we will not be silenced.

The Safe Upper Limit of Atmospheric Carbon is 350 PPM

As reviewed at 350.org, the science is clear, global warming is happening faster than ever and humans are responsible. Global warming is caused by releasing greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. The most common greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide. Global warming destabilizes the delicate balance that makes life on this planet possible. Just a few degrees in temperature can completely change the world as we know it, and threaten the lives of millions of people around the world. The planet is in peril because we've poured too much carbon into the atmosphere, and we already seen troubling signs including extreme weather and melting ice caps.

Arctic Monitoring Stations Report CO2 Levels of 400 PPM

The Arctic region continues to serve as the global climate “canary in a coal” mine. Now, as with average temperature rise, the region is leading into a new troubling milestone as monitoring stations near a remote outpost near Barrow, Alaska are among several such stations to report that average concentrations of CO2 have reached an average of 400 parts per million (PPM) this spring.

GreenCo Summit 2012 - "How to Green your Company?" (Event)

The GreenCo Summit 2012 is scheduled on 14 & 15 June 2012 at Hotel Intercontinental The Lalit, Mumbai. With the rapidly expanding population and increased demand for consumption of natural resources, there is a need to address our ecological footprint with a sense of sustainability. With global committees & forums established to address this need, governments across the world have targets for reductions, as well as policies and action plans. Industry has a vital role in the economy, will have to address the issues of environmental sustainability on a Cradle-to-Grave approach, looking beyond the areas of Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation and Waste Management.

Smart Business Conference UK (Event)

The Smart Business Conference will take place at the Amex Stadium, Brighton, UK on June 15th. This one day conference will provide sustainable growth opportunities for private and public sector leaders. The aim of the day is to showcase opportunities to create business value in a resource constrained environment, and highlight how integration of technology into Cities enables sustainability, well-being and economic development. It will also Provide the context for sustainable growth opportunities and present case studies (Smart City and Smart Business initiatives). Delegates will be equipped with the ideas, information and contacts to deliver solutions in their own organisations.

Renewable Energy World Conference and Exposition Europe (Event)

On June 12 to 14, 2012 the Renewable Energy World Conference and Exposition Europe will take place in Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany. Renewable Energy World Europe, co-located with POWER-GEN Europe, offers the largest and most comprehensive conference and exhibition for the European electricity and power technology sector. The combination of conferences and exhibitions across the entire spectrum of power generation is unique and is serving the vital move towards integrating the traditional fossil fuel and fast-growing renewable generation sectors. For more information click here.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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2nd International Workshop on Renewable Energy in Azores (Event)

The 2nd International Workshop on Renewable Energy in Azores will take place between June 11 and 15. The event will be hosted by the University of Azores in cooperation with CRUSUS, University of Pardubice, Leuphana University and the Higher Institute of Statistics and Information Management (University Nova of Lisbon).

Level 1 Sustainability Course: Foundations in Strategy

The Natural Step Canada’s Level 1 Sustainability Course: Foundations in Strategy will be taking place in Toronto Canada on June 12, 2012. This Course is subtitled "A Transformative Approach to Innovation, Strategy, and Results." This course is an opportunity to apply the core concepts of sustainability. In this compelling 1-day workshop you will work through a hands-on case study using The Natural Step Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development, giving you the knowledge and tools to better understand “strategy” and take a systemic approach to planning and managing sustainability initiatives. After this workshop, you will be better equipped to take a sustainability leadership role in your organization to capture value, enable innovation, and drive strategy.

Sowing the Seeds for Profitable Sustainability (Course)

On June 12–14, the Wharton Executive Education program in San Francisco will hold an intensive course that can help you discover ways to lead your company to use sustainability for competitive advantage. You will find answers to issues like waste management. It's more than an environmental taboo; it's a total disregard of valuable resources. And that affects everyone's bottom line. Brand reputations, market share and valuation depend on meeting objectives. How do you achieve optimal energy, environmental, and fiscal practices?  For answers to these and many other questions join Wharton's Faculty and begin sowing the seeds for profitable sustainability.

10. Question and Answers Part Two (Video): Sustainable Business Practices Part 10/10

This short video addresses additional questions from audience members about sustainable business practices. This video is part ten of a ten part series on sustainability. It is a step-by-step guide to sustainability planning and serves as a business guide to sustainability. The speakers include Alan AtKisson and Marsha Willard who tackle the issues faced by organizations attempting to implement sustainable practices, and explore the practical experiences of consulting firms AXIS Performance Advisors and The AtKisson Group in an international context.

9. Question and Answers Part One (Video): Sustainable Business Practices Part 9/10

This short video addresses how to work with peoples understanding of the science of climate change. This video is part nine of a ten part series on sustainability. It is a step-by-step guide to sustainability planning and serves as a business guide to sustainability. The speakers include Alan AtKisson and Marsha Willard who tackle the issues faced by organizations attempting to implement sustainable practices, and explore the practical experiences of consulting firms AXIS Performance Advisors and The AtKisson Group in an international context.

8. Sustainability Innovation (Video): Sustainable Business Practices Part 8/10

The challenges inherent in the process of innovating for sustainability include the politics in an organization. This video is part eight of a ten part series on sustainability. It is a step-by-step guide to sustainability planning and serves as a business guide to sustainability. The speakers include Alan AtKisson and Marsha Willard who tackle the issues faced by organizations attempting to implement sustainable practices, and explore the practical experiences of consulting firms AXIS Performance Advisors and The AtKisson Group in an international context.

7. Sustainability Support System (Video): Sustainable Business Practices Part 7/10

This short video addresses the issue of resistance in more depth. It deals with the actual techniques used in actual business cases. This video is part seven of a ten part series on sustainability. It is a step-by-step guide to sustainability planning and serves as a business guide to sustainability. The speakers include Alan AtKisson and Marsha Willard who tackle the issues faced by organizations attempting to implement sustainable practices, and explore the practical experiences of consulting firms AXIS Performance Advisors and The AtKisson Group in an international context.

6. Sustainability Support System (Video): Sustainable Business Practices Part 6/10

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5. Sustainability Implementation Stages (Video): Sustainable Business Practices Part 5/10

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4. Sustainability Tools (Video): Sustainable Business Practices Part 4/10

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1. Sustainability Planning (Video): Business Practice Part 1/10

This short video addresses the concepts and strategies of sustainability planning for a coherent approach. Sustainability planning is important because it helps and organization to develop a strategy that focuses their resources efficiently. Sustainability planning is also a means of coordinating an approach that involves tracking that forms the basis of reporting. Finally sustainability planning reduces the chances of missing important elements. This video is part one of a ten part series on sustainability. It is a step-by-step guide to sustainability planning and serves as a business guide to sustainability. The speakers include Alan AtKisson and Marsha Willard who tackle the issues faced by organizations attempting to implement sustainable practices, and explore the practical experiences of consulting firms AXIS Performance Advisors and The AtKisson Group in an international context.

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Former Environment Canada Employee on Harper's Conservative Government

Here is an open letter written in May by a former employee of Environment Canada. She describes herself as "a Canadian that cares about science and the environment." In this letter she gives an insiders perspective on what it is like to work for a government that is systematically dismantling Canada's environmental protections. 
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Dear Everyone,

My name is Naomi. I am Canadian. I worked for Environment Canada, our federal environmental department, for several years before our current Conservative leadership (under Stephen Harper) began decimating environmentalism in Canada. I, along with thousands and thousands of federal science employees lost any hope of future work. Their attitude towards the environment is ‘screw research that contradicts the economic growth, particularly of the oil sands’.