Climate Culture

Political parties may be divided on the issue of climate, but Americans agree on solutions

On the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the Environmental Protection Agency has authority to regulate greenhouse gases as a pollutant (some called it a strong rebuke of the Bush administration's policies), George W. Bush saw fit to ramp up his language on the issue of global warming (hint: the new key word is "serious"):

The decision (of) the Supreme Court we take very seriously. It's the new law of the land. I've taken this issue very seriously. I have said that it is a serious problem. I recognize that man is contributing to greenhouse gases.

But, despite this outpouring of concern, the Prez kept to old-school thinking, arguing that "anything that happens cannot hurt economic growth." (Clearly, nobody gave him any of the the reports on the enormous costs that we will likely bear as a result of climate changes, or for that matter, the compelling memos that have been circulating about the economic opportunities the climate challenge presents to those with a touch of "American ingenuity.")

The American public, on the other hand, appears more ready than Bush to embrace new thinking when it comes to solutions. Republicans and Democrats alike broadly embrace actions to curb emissions.

Based on a March telephone survey of 1,009 American adults, ages 18 and older, Gallup reports that an overwhelming majority supports stronger government restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions. And, majorities, regardless of political persuasion, say we should spend more tax money to develop alternative sources of fuel and energy.

Rich Westerners bypass gov’t to save rainforests

I have mixed feelings about these "conservation cowboys" — rich Westerners who tromp down South in pursuit of grandiose eco-preservation schemes. They possess immense amounts of discretionary capital and can often sidestep cumbersome, slow-moving government machinery. But there’s a tinge of colonialism about it. If they tread too heavily, I fear they’ll end up sparking […]

Somehow, I don’t feel that bad for you

The latest impact of climate change: eco-anxiety. Symptoms: Generalized discomfort and stress related to the future of the world and possibly your personal role in said future. Ways to fight it: Blame “the media.” Blame the IPCC. Spend lots of money on an “eco-therapist.” Carry around minerals. Buy greener stuff to make yourself feel better. […]

Was It Something We Said?

Global warming and other woes cause rise of eco-anxiety The world already has ecotourism, eco-movies, and eco-purses — in fact, more eco-trends than you can shake an eco-stick at. So it was only a matter of time before another trapping of modern life took the prefix: eco-anxiety. Seems people are flocking to, yes, eco-therapists to […]

SF baseball stadium goes solar

Baseball season has started, and the Seattle Mariners are 2 and 1, which means the weather is still fair for this fan. If I lean a bit from my desk, I can see the M’s Safeco Field out of Grist’s downtown-office window. I cannot wait until some large building is named after Tampax. Or Ex-Lax. […]

Meghan Meyers, founder of green-wedding mag Portovert, answers questions

Meghan Meyers. What work do you do? What’s your job title? I’m the founder and CEO of Portovert Magazine. How does it relate to the environment? Portovert is the first and only eco-savvy wedding magazine. We share inspirational tips and ideas on ways to have a stylish and sustainable event. You’ll find a mix of […]

In Second Life

How did Grist miss this one last week, as reported by National Geographic News?

Tokyo, Amsterdam, and the entire Mediterranean island of Ibiza were inundated with floodwaters today due to rising sea levels brought on by global warming.

Oh:

Gore to open Tribeca film fest

This just in: The Goracle will open the Tribeca Film Festival on April 25, playing host for the global-warming-themed SOS Short Films Program. The program features seven short films and music performances by groups set to appear at the Live Earth concerts on 7/7/07.

The latest attempt to make learning about the environment fun is … not fun

Starbucks and Global Green USA have teamed up to put together a new online game called Planet Green. The objective: Travel around a small town called Evergreen (Get it? Ever ... green ... ha!) looking for ways to save on CO2 emissions.

The game reminds me of something that might be produced to teach small children about the dangers of sexual predators or crossing the street in heavy traffic. Well-intentioned, yes. A whole lotta fun? Heck to the no.

UC system greens electronics program

Yolanda just posted a bit on UC Berkeley’s pending approval/disapproval of a Green Initiative Fund. And in more green UC news, last week all of the UC system got a little greener by passing an “Environmental Sustainability Policy” that includes provisions on energy, global warming, waste, and eco-friendly electronics purchasing. As part of that pledge, […]