Combined sources based on the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) report: Bundles of energy: The case for renewable biomass energy New technologies can convert trees to liquid and gaseous fuel 30 per cent of global energy to come from this source by 2050 Developing nations have an untapped resource that would enable them to fight poverty, create jobs, gain energy independence and adapt to climate changes. A report published by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) urges developing nations to take advantage of their dependence on biomass fuels — such as wood and charcoal — and Continue reading
March 2011
East Africa, droughts, and the impact on biomass availability
Via Climate Change News, a online publication of EESI (Environmental & Energy Study Institute) New Research Predicts Less Precipitation for East Africa as Global Temperatures Rise On March 4, a study published in Climate Dynamics predicted that droughts common in eastern Africa are likely to continue if global temperatures rise further. Researchers studied temperature, windspeed, and precipitation data over a 20-30 year period to determine what drove climate variations in the tropical Indian and Pacific Ocean regions. They found that the Indian Ocean has warmed exceptionally fast, increasing rainfall over the ocean and the westward movement of air over Eastern Continue reading
Providing reliable, clean energy to 3 billion people will not break the bank or the environment.
“Delivering efficient, clean energy to those who lack electricity is not as daunting as it sounds.” — Prof. Daniel M. Kammen, The World Bank Whether it was the topic at hand, or the possibility of catching a bite to eat, it was standing-room-only at a lunch-time panel last Monday at the UNDP offices in New York. On the agenda was how UN agencies and other development institutions plan to facilitate access to energy by 2030 for the 3 billion people worldwide who still lack electricity and clean cooking solutions. To kickstart this ambitious effort, the UN has declared 2012 the Continue reading
Got a charcoal story to tell?
Do you live in a country where people rely on charcoal or woodfuel for cooking and heating? Are you seeing the impact of unsustainable charcoal production and woodfuel consumption? Maybe you see it in the degradation of the local environment? Or perhaps you see it in the growing price of woodfuel or even charcoal itself. Whatever the case, The Charcoal Project wants to know how the consumption of charcoal worldwide is having on impact on individuals, communities, natural habitats, and society at large. Thanks in advance for your help! — The Editors Continue reading
Top 10 things I learned at the PCIA forum in Lima
At the invitation of the government of Peru, the PCIA hosted its fifth biennial international forum outside the capital during the last week of February.
The Charcoal Project was especially thrilled to be able to speak with program managers, carbon finance experts, manufacturers, and policy-makers.
We learned many things after speaking and listening to so many people. What follows is a tiny sampling.