Even though there are still a few skeptics out there, we were excited to learn that the current draft of the American Power Act acknowledges the potential role biochar can play in capturing CO2 during the biomass combustion process. Whether or not this language will end up in the final draft of the APA that will land on Bo’s desk for approval remains to be seen. By the way, the last we heard the legislation would be submitted for debate in the fall. Below is the excerpt provided by Victoria Kamsler, Chair of the Biochar Offset Group out of Toronto, Continue reading
May 2010
The seeds of change in Africa’s economic climate
Some entrepreneurs and financiers believe that Africa can benefit from the economic opportunities of climate change. They hold a radically different vision of the climate trends, seeing the chance for jobs and development, instead of just doom and gloom.
The Darfur Stoves Project: A Market Solution to Poverty
Today, three billion people—nearly half the world’s population—burn coal, wood, dung, or compost to heat their homes and cook their food. In addition to the deforestation associated with open fire cooking, especially in regions of conflict, the need for fuel often leaves searchers vulnerable, exposing them to risk of attack.
Yo, IPCC & CC movement! (cough, cough) Here’s an easy win: Black Carbon (wheeze, wheeze)
The IPCC and the climate change movement are missing the boat on a crucial fix.
Why black carbon abatement is not one of the central topics of discussion by the climate change movement is a mystery to me given the findings in this report.
Hey, sub-Saharan Africa, feeling energy poor? Take a mobile phone and call me in the morning.
Suddenly everyone’s looking at the story of mobile phones in Africa as the silver bullet to just about anything.
Is someone selling you counterfeit malaria pills? Let a mobile phone check on that for you. (1)
Too poor to have a bank account? Try mobile banking.(2)
Are you a herder in Kenya or Tanzania and have a sick goat? Track it on a mobile phone. (3)
Someone trying to pull a real estate scam on you in Lagos? Let Google’s Android handle that for you.(4)
Now, the World Bank is wondering if the mobile phone story may be the ticket out of energy poverty for rural sub-Saharan Africa.