Georgia Schools' Renewable Energy Leadership

Innovative financing is allowing schools in Georgia to go green. Renewable energy is commonly associated with blue states but Georgia makes the point that this is changing. Since 1996 the state of Georgia has consistently voted red and yet schools in the state are turning to renewable energy to reduce costs. According to a recent report several Georgia universities are taking the lead in clean energy.  A growing number of cities are also following the lead of Atlanta, Augusta, Athens and Clarkston in adopting 100% clean energy goals. 

Event - DISTIBUTECH International 2021

DISTRIBUTECH International 2021 will take place on MARCH 30 -  APRIL 1, 2021 in Orlando Florida. It will occur side by side with POWERGEN International 2021.

This conference will feature 12 hand-selected, timely and relevant topical tracks designed to keep your experience organized and productive.

The Sierra Club's Top 20 Cool Schools

Sierra has been ranking the environmental performance of colleges since 2006. Despite the additional complications posed by the coronavirus pandemic a record 312 institutions participated in Sierra's annual Cool Schools rankings in 2020.  Many schools including the schools on this list have demonstrated that they are both resourcefulness innovative in their efforts to achieve their sustainability objectives.  They are model schools that are leading the way not only for academia but for governments and businesses. 

Biden and Trump's Climate Related Remarks in the Final Presidential Debate

Here is a full transcript of the climate related questions and commentary from the second and final debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. The debate took place on Thursday October 22 at Belmont University in Tennessee and was moderated by Kristen Welker.

Kristen Welker: (12:41) Gentlemen, we’re running out of time so we got to get onto climate change, please. You both have very different visions on climate change. President Trump, you say that environmental regulations have hurt jobs in the energy sector, Vice President Biden, you have said you see addressing climate change as an opportunity to create new jobs. For each of you, how would you both combat climate change and support job growth at the same time? Starting with you, President Trump, you have two minutes uninterrupted.

Obama Lays Out the Case Against Trump at a Rally in Pennsylvania

Former President Barack Obama delivered a scathing speech on the campaign trail on Wednesday, October 21, rebuking President Donald Trump.

Read the full speech here:

Dire Scientific Warnings from the Study of Fossilized Shells

A slew of recent studies corroborate the scientific consensus on climate change. It is both a current day reality and a serious threat to life on Earth. In recent decades we have witnessed a sharp increases in the number of floods, storms, heat waves, droughts, hurricanes and wildfires. This is corroborated by the daily news which shows wildfires in the West and storms in the East. Thus far in 2020 we have seen 25 named storms in the Atlantic, making this only the second time that the the World Meteorological Organization has run out of human for storms in the Atlantic. While individual weather events help to raise awareness, it is the long-term trends that reveal that we are in a climate emergency and on the cusp of the collapse of civilization. 

Online Event - Web Summit: Technology at a Crossroads

This event will take place on December 2-4, 2020. Society has reached a crossroads, and we’re facing some critical decisions. Join world leaders, policymakers, activists and innovators online as they sketch out the future we want to see, and discuss the best way to get there. This is the world's fastest-growing technology event and it will bring together top decision-makers from the tech industry, including founders, CEOs and leading innovators. More than 100,000 attendees, 800 speakers, 2,000 journalists,  2,500 startups, from 150 countries will come together. at this event organised by the people behind RISE and Collision.  Subjects include:

Two Town Halls One Clear Leader

President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden participated in head-to-head town halls on Thursday October 15th. The bellicose disposition that defined Trump's comportment in the first presidential debate carried over into his town hall. By comparison Biden's town hall included a series of sober exchanges on a wide range of topics from covid to climate. Obfuscation was the name of Trump's game in the first presidential debate and he stayed the course.

Prestigious Medical Journal Condemns Trump and Urges Voters to Reject Him

The usually nonpartisan New England Journal of Medicine has come out against Donald Trump's bid for a second term. This is the first time in its 208-year history that the world's leading medical journal has come out against a sitting president. In a blunt statement editors at the journal said the Trump administration is "dangerously incompetent."  They cite the fact that this administration "took a crisis and turned it into a tragedy." Without referring to Democratic challenger Joe Biden by name they are urging people to replace President Trump.

Canadian Thanksgiving and Columbus Day

Columbus Day and Canadian Thanksgiving are celebrated on the second Monday in October. In 2020 they are taking place on Monday October 12th.  In many respects these two holidays are diametrically opposed to each other. While Canadian Thanksgiving is a harvest festival, Columbus Day marks the beginning of our systematic destruction of the new world. It is hard to reconcile the start of our exploitation of the Americas with the expression of gratitude for nature's bounty. 

Online Event - The International Economic Forum of the Americas

This online event will take place on October 26-28, 2020. Plenaries, forums and fireside chats will focus on a wide variety of issues including macro issues like shaping the global recovery to the need for meaning and advice on how to run a purpose driven business.   It will also feature segments on trailblazing women in 2020 and prioritizing health to rebuild the economy. Building on the success of the IEFA Online Conversation Series launched in April 2020, the International Economic Forum of the Americas continues its pursuit of bringing together the world’s leaders, legislators, economists, Fortune 500 CEOs and world-class experts, to an active and impactful platform for dialogue, corporate insight and collaboration. 

Virtual Event - The Future of Sustainable Buildings Conference

The Future of Sustainable Buildings Conference will take place on October 27, 2020 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. (EDT). This free live virtual conference is subtitled "How Timber Will Define the Skylines of Our Future". Climate change will impact how we live and design in the future. To slow the rate of climate change we need to rethink the way we build. Sustainable design has many meanings, but  it starts with the recipe of building and the choice of healthy ingredients. 

Virtual Event - 2020 Zero Waste Conference

The 2020 Zero Waste virtual conference will take place on November 13, 2020.  This is one of the world’s foremost conferences on the circular economy and zero waste it will focus on a future without waste that contribute to resiliency, prosperity, and carbon neutrality.  For 10 years, the Zero Waste Conference has been at the forefront of Canada’s circular economy journey.

Sustainable Finance Online Short Course from the Univeristy of Cambridge

Fact Checking Climate and Environmental Statements in the Vice Presidential Debate

Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris participated in the 2020 vice presidential debate on October 7, moderated by Susan Page of USA Today. The debate took place at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. This is the first and only vice presidential debate of 2020, it was sponsored by the nonpartisan commission on presidential debates. 

The candidates were seated 12 feed apart and separated by a plexiglass barrier because of a coronavirus outbreak in the White House that has seen more than 30 people infected including U.S. president Donald Trump. 

Trump is a Superspreader of Both the Coronavirus and Disinformation

U.S. President Donald Trump is a superspreader of both disinformation and COVID-19.  It is now widely understood that the event nominating Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court was a superspreader event that has infected dozens of people including members of the white house and the Senate. Polls show that with a month to go before the election Trump trails Democratic presidential challenger Joe Biden by 16 points. Biden leads trump in every category except mendacity. Research out of Cornell University indicates that Trump is the leading superspreader of misinformation.

Announcing the Launch of the Short Film "The Seed"

"The Seed" is six-and-a-half-minute film that takes us on an allegorical journey through a fallen world. This simple yet authentic parable reflects the serious reality of the climate crisis and environmental degradation without succumbing to futility or despair. This simple yet authentic parable was produced by NorthSky Films and directed by Sundance Ignite Fellow, Aziz Zoromba, who has produced and directed award-winning films that have screened at TIFF, SXSW, IDFA, Festival du Nouveau Cinema, RIDM, and more. The Seed was narrated by voiceover artists Ruth Capri and Lileina Joy, whose commercial work was recently nominated for an Emmy. The film's editor and co-producer, Ashley Gilmour, was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award and is a fellow of the Doc Accelerator Program at Hot Docs, as well as an upcoming resident at the Canadian Film Centre. The colourist and co-producer, Max Machado, was the recipient of the Jean-François Bourassa Memorial Award and was nominated for a Canadian Society of Cinematographers Award. The writer, Alexander MacKenzie, has likewise worked on award-winning narrative films, documentaries, and music videos. Richard Matthews is the film's executive producer, and he is a sustainability advocate and the chair of the SEC. He collaborated on the film The Search for Greta Thunberg.

Click here to see the film.

Webinar - Canada’s Clean Energy Landscape

This webinar will take place on Wed, October 21, 2020 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT it will look at Canada’s current wind, solar and energy storage portfolio and project pipeline. The Canadian Renewable Energy Association will leverage its newly aggregated data to provide key insights into renewable energy and storage in Canada. The webinar will feature expert opinion on the rapidly accelerating energy transition, and industry leading guest speakers will shine a light on the true state of the industry in Q4 2020.

Climate, Environment and Sustainability in the Presidential Debate

For 11 minutes climate change took center stage in the September 29th presidential debate in Cleveland, Ohio.  This is not only the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden it is the first presidential debate to focus on climate change for any protracted period of time.  

The debate featured Trump's flagrant disregard for civility and showcased his nightlong battle with both Biden and Fox News moderator Chris Wallace. However it was his failure to condemn white supremacists that made headlines.  After Charlottesville no one should be surprised. What was truly surprising was Trump's tepid admission that anthropogenic GHGs are driving global warming.  Here is the transcript from the section of the debate on climate change starting at the 48 minute mark.

How Environmental Action Can Survive Another Conservative Supreme Court Justice

President Trump's decision to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with Amy Coney Barrett threatens our ability to address the climate crisis, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. If she is confirmed Barret is expected to make it difficult to limit greenhouse gas emissions and protect American laws that give people a legal right to clean air, clean water, a stable climate, and healthy ecosystems. Trump's attempt to rush through his Supreme Court pick comes against the backdrop of his efforts to sow fears of election chaos and his failure to manage the COVID-19 pandemic which has led to the deaths of more than 200,000 Americans.

Virtual Event - Cities Designing Smarter Forest Plans and Policies

This online event will take place on Tuesday September 29th (4 PM – 5 PM EDT). This event will be hosted by World Resources Institute and WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities. It will highlight the latest research and practice from Cities4Forests, an initiative led by more than 60 cities around the world, to better conserve, manage, and restore forests and other natural infrastructure.

Spotlight on the Tongass for National Public Lands Day

On National Public Lands Day we turn our focus to Alaska and the Tongass National Forest in Southwest Alaska which is being targeted by the Trump administration. The final environmental impact statement issued on September 25th by the Department of Agriculture and Forest Service clears the way for these forests to be dissected by logging roads and the clear cutting of the Tongess. It also sets a dangerous precedent for other forests across the country.
Ninety-six percent of the public comments urge the government to save the old growth forests in the Tongass and preserve Alaska's Roadless Rule protections.

The Build Back Better Liberal Throne Speech

Canadian Prime Minister Justine Trudeau's ruling Liberal government has announced its intention to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, climate action and green jobs. On Wednesday September 22 Governor General Julie Payette delivered a Throne Speech that marks the second session of the 43rd Parliament. The speech was written by the Prime Minister’s Office and delivered in the Senate chambers. It promises to exceed Canada's 2030 climate goal and legislate Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. They also vowed to work towards a fairer more resilient country.

Summary of 2860 Sustainability Focused Academic Programs

Here is an AASHE summary of 2860 sustainability focused academic programs comprising 672 organizations in 27 countries including 52 U.S. States and Territories and 9 Canadian provinces. The list includes Environmental Studies and Sciences, Engineering, Urban Community and Response Planning, Biological Sciences (includes Ecology), Social Sciences (Economics, Geography, Political Science etc), Public Administration and Policy, Law and Legal Studies, Technology and Trades, Design, Architecture, Education, Humanities (except languages), International and Global Studies, Health Sciences and Medicine, Recreation Leisure and Tourism, Communication Media Studies and Journalism, as well as Fine and Performing Arts.  The list can be searched by Sustainability Topic, Academic Discipline and Office or Department. Bars in graphs can be clicked to view resources that align with a particular category.

Scientific American Endorses a Presidential Candidate for the First Time in its 175 Year History

For the first time in its 175 year history Scientific American announced that it issuing a political endorsement.  They are not only backing Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden they are actively opposing a second term for U.S. President Donald Trump. In 2016 Scientific American warned about Trump's contempt for science and in 2020 they are taking their concerns to the next level by urging voters to vote against him. Founded in 1845 Scientific American is one of the oldest continuously published magazines in the United States. The fact that they feel the need to break with almost two centuries of tradition speaks to the dangers they see in another four years of Trump. As the editors explain in their announcement:

Virtual Event - Sustainable Investment Forum North America 2020

This 4-Part Digital Event Series will take plae on September 24, October 1, 8, and 15. The fifth edition of the Forum, in official partnership with UNEP-FI will launch as a virtual event on September 24 during Climate Week NYC. It is the largest finance forum during Climate Week NYC. 

BA Joint Major in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Political Science

The University of Northern British Columbia is offering a joint bachelor degree in environmental and sustainability studies and political science. The joint major explores environmental issues and the world of politics. This degree provides a sound grounding in environmental and sustainability issues alongside various political processes. The degree also addresses how political processes can be made to include environmental concerns and is excellent preparation for students interested in going into politics or in working within government.

Joe Biden's September 14th "Climate Arsonist" Speech

Here is a transcript of Joe Biden's Climate Change Speech at the Natural History Museum in Wilmington, Delaware on September 14th 2020. 

This speech was delivered against the backdrop of the record setting storms and wildfires.

From Covid to Climate How Trump Has Made Everything Worse

U.S. president Donald Trump has failed to manage both the cornavirus and the climate crisis. He initially dismissed both issues as a hoax, then he downplayed the virus. As we now know, he knew the truth but he hid it from the American public for the sake of political gain. Trump has politicized science and silenced scientists. This is a man who is at war with science and fact based journalism because they threaten his false narratives.

Online Event - Climate Networking Conference

This event will take place on September 26, 2020. The Climate Networking Conference will include virtual panels, discussions and exhibitions dedicated to ensuring that climate stays at the top of the agenda amid a postponed COP26! The conference will bring together a variety of climate change actors from civil society, politics, activism and academia to determine what climate leadership looks like in 2020, As well as effective strategies, messages and objectives.

The Enviromental and Health Impacts of 9/11

Many first responders are suffering from inhaling the toxic fumes in the wake of the World Trade Center terrorist attack. This year these people are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. The pandemic has already claimed more than 193,000 American lives that is more than 60 times the number of people that died in 9/11. Every few days the death toll from this virus in the U.S. equals the number of people who died in the twin towers.

The Deadly Connection Between Climate Change, COVID-19, Wildfires, Hurricanes and Tornadoes

Once again we are witnessing the bi-coastal carnage of hurricanes in the east and wildfires out west. However, this year these record breaking disasters are being compounded by a global pandemic. Extreme weather is one of the most pervasive and persuasive manifestations of climate change. We have seen decades of data that conclusively demonstrate the world is warming.

Building Back Better: Job Creation through Green Recovery Stimulus Investments

Investing in the low carbon economy is a good investment that will supply jobs, cut costs and reduce pollution all while combating climate change. Covid-19 has helped to increase support for a green stimulus. This pandemic has augured an economic crisis and exposed the fault lines in our economy and our social structures. Investing in a more sustainable economy addresses a wide range of issues including the increasingly imminent threat of climate change. We have seen the return of 7.9 million jobs since June but many of the 11.5 million jobs lost since February may be gone for good.

Virtual Event - Bloomberg Green Festival

The Bloomberg Green Festival will take place on September 14th - 18th, 2020. This is a 5-day immersive experience featuring global voices and proprietary insight including the Bloomberg Green Data Dashboard. It will be a true thought leadership experience operating at the crossroads of sustainability, design, culture, food, technology, science, politics and entertainment. Built to foster solutions-oriented conversations, the five-day festival will feature a mix of panels, presentations, fireside chats, and interactive elements. Climate action and sustainability are the core issues of the festival which will focus on four predominant themes: Business & Finance, Policy & Influence, Science, Data & Insights, Arts & Culture.

50 Books on Climate Change and Sustainability

Here are fifty recently published books on the subjects of global warming, climate mitigation and social change. This is a companion piece to the the 25 books in The Green Market Oracle's well informed readers list. These books are divided into the following six categories:

1. Climate impacts
2. Sustainability and business
3. Climate action
4. Justice
5. Agriculture
6. Health

Italy Makes the Study of Climate Change Compulsory in Public Schools

Climate change is now embedded into the curricula of Italian public schools. The children in Italy are back at school for the first time since the coronavirus interrupted their education in March. Due to a law passed last year by the Italian government all students will now study both climate change and sustainable development.  The move makes Italy the first country in the world to make climate and sustainability mandatory subject matter. The new policy applies to children in Italy's public school system from grade one to grade 13, from the ages of six through to 19.

University Installs Innovative Water Battery to Harness Solar Power

Batteries are a critical part of effectively harnessing the power of renewable energy and one university has installed a giant water battery that will cut costs by 100 million over the next quarter century.  The University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia is using a three story high water battery along with 6,000 solar panels they have installed on campus roofs and parking lots. The battery acts like a huge thermal energy storage tank, solar panels cool water and then it is used in campus' air conditioning system. The project will reduce dependence on the grid by 42 percent and prevent 100,000 tons of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere. The university expects to be carbon neutral by 2025.

How to Counter Trump's Mail-in Ballot Voter Suppression

The fact that the United States Postal Service (USPS) is protected by the Constitution has not deterred the Trump administration from  slowing mail delivery to undermine a free and fair general election.  Efforts to slow mail delivery began shortly after Trump appointed Louis DeJoy to run the USPS. DeJoy is one of Trump's major donors and within weeks of being on the job he began removing sorting machines and eliminating overtime. This has slowed down the mail and caused the USPS to warn  at least 40 states that their mail-in ballot deadlines conflict with the service's ability to deliver ballots on time.  The Trump appointed bipartisan board of governors who run USPS have called for a $25 billion cash infusion for USPS. However, efforts in the House to provide these funds have been rejected by the president. 

Online Event - VERGE Energy Conference

VERGE Energy Conference (VERGE 20) will take place on October 26-30, 2020.  This online event can be attended from anywhere, The central theme at VERGE 20 will focus on how energy systems can be decarbonized, decentralized, digitized and democratized. It will specifically explore systemic solutions to the climate crisis focusing on clean energy, electrified, transportation, the circular economy, carbon removal and sustainable food systems. VERGE 20 will be attended by more than 15,000 leaders, it will feature 300+ speakers. 400+ sessions.  Participants at this conference come from the private and public sectors, utilities, solution providers, investors, and startups.

Open Letter Warns Us to Stop Wasting Time and Act Now

An open letter to world leaders warns that we must act now or face the collapse of civilization.

The clock is ticking and what we do in the coming months will determine our future or lack thereof.  On  July 16, 2020 Greta Thunberg, Luisa Neubauer, Anuna De Wever and Adélaïde Charlier published the open letter. Since then, more than 125,000 people have signed this letter which speaks to our moral responsibility to act.

An excerpt from the letter reads as follows: