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Veronica Mars campaigns for the Earth

A vote for Kristen Bell is a vote for the environment … or so says her Gap ad:

Two new reports detail the enormous toll coal dependence is taking on China

The Chinese government released an official "white paper" today, saying that: global warming is going to wreak havoc on China, reducing grain yields and making it difficult to feed 1.3 billion people; coal is China’s primary contribution to global warming; coal is also China’s cheapest and most abundant fuel; the "coal-dominated energy mix cannot be […]

Feds seek injunction stopping L.A., Long Beach clean-truck effort at ports

The Federal Maritime Commission voted this week to seek an injunction in federal court to halt portions of California’s program to clean up older, dirty trucks at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach — the nation’s busiest. In a statement explaining its position, the commission said that portions of the cleaner-truck program, “are […]

High metals content found in some European wines

A study of the metals content of a range of wines from 15 countries found worrisome levels of copper, manganese, and other metals in both red and white wines from France to Hungary. High levels of certain metals in one’s diet have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, and regular consumption of […]

When it rains, tailing ponds above Lima to contaminate drinking water

Peru’s government warned this week that when the rainy season arrives, tailing ponds housing tons of mining waste will likely be destabilized and pour contaminated waste into a nearby river that’s a main source of drinking water for the country’s capital.

Where the presidential candidates stand on endangered-species issues

Last week, we looked at Barack Obama’s and John McCain’s positions on public-lands issues. This week, we delve into their stances on another often-overlooked environmental topic: endangered species. The Endangered Species Act hasn’t been discussed much by the candidates this election season, but it has been in the news in recent months. In August, it […]

Obama highlights efficiency in his network show

Everyone will have their own reaction Obama’s show on network TV tonight. I’ll just comment on one bit. As prelude, remember that a) efficiency is the fastest, cheapest, most economy stimulating and economy strengthening way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, b) every wonk in the world is obsessed with efficiency, c) reporters don’t understand it […]

Al Gore calls on young people to get out the vote on climate

In a live webcast tonight, former vice president Al Gore and Energy Action Coalition head Jessy Tolkan implored young voters to get out the vote and push for action on both the climate crisis and energy independence. Gore emphasized the need for young people to stay involved after the election to ensure that politicians live […]

Obama pitches energy independence in his prime-time TV spot

In a half-hour political infomercial aired on multiple TV networks Wednesday night, Democrat Barack Obama focused on several of the most pressing issues facing Americans today — including energy independence. The ad featured several regular folks discussing the problems they face, as well as political leaders from around the country talking about the candidate. “We’ve […]

Win money to weatherize your home in The Home Depot’s video contest

You can save energy. We can help. Photo: OsCataleptic. If weatherizing makes you complete, consider entering The Home Depot’s “Save Money. Save Energy. Win Big.” contest by submitting a short video about ways you save energy at home. Grand prize is a hefty $5,000 gift card to The Home Depot. At $6.88 for a 4-pack, […]