Author: Dolores Jamison

Gerry Braun, an authority on energy markets, electricity systems, and clean energy supply technologies, says that CCE’s (Community Choice Energy) have achieved the success that was hoped for when they were first created in California about 20 years ago. CCE’s, he says, are now poised for their next stage of evolution—to help facilitate and strengthen integrative local energy ecosystems. Braun has a wealth of experience as a clean energy advocate and adviser to a variety of energy companies and municipalities. With degrees in mechanical and nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan and MIT, he directed the first major solar Read More …

While it is commonly known that synthetic fertilizers and pesticides lead to toxic pollution and biodiversity collapse, an often overlooked aspect of their environmental impact is the fossil fuel origins of these agrochemicals.  According to Steven Feit, an attorney with the Center for Environmental Law (CIEL), a recent report published by CIEL documents how the fossil fuel industry has been seeking to capitalize on the climate crisis by taking advantage of generous federal subsidies for carbon capture and storage by laundering their emissions through the chemicals and agriculture sector. “ As the world has moved away from oil and gas Read More …

Scientist Owen Gaffney, who has worked for several decades on global sustainability and systems science, discussed recent research on planetary boundaries, and the distressing fact that humans have transgressed no less than six of the nine established boundaries. According to Gaffney, who also co-authored the new book “Earth for All,” and served as an associate producer of the Netflix documentary, “Breaking Boundaries: The Science of our Planet,” this research was recently published in the journal, Science. Previous research led by scientist Johan Rockstrom established key boundaries related to water use, pollution, ozone levels, climate change, biodiversity and other important variables Read More …

Since its founding some seven years ago, BlocPower has completed about 1200 energy efficiency and electrification projects for municipalities, utilities, and property owners. The clean tech company founded by Donnel Baird in 2014 was recently named the fourth most innovative company by Fast Company for its decarbonization platform to green existing commercial and residential buildings in the U.S. According to BlocPower COO Jon Moeller, BlocPower’s unique platform often focuses on low and middle income areas, providing an important financial as well as environmental and health benefits to property owners and residents. With BlocPower’s electrification efforts, Moeller says they are “Trying Read More …

Do you think more tree cutting in our forests is needed to reduce wildfires in the West? If so, you are mistaken. You might want hear more about the real dynamics behind our recent wildfires as explained by forestry scientist Chad Hanson in his recent book, Smokescreen: Debunking Wildfire Myths (May 2021). Hansen, who presented the findings in his book recently to a North County Climate Change Alliance (NCCCA) audience via Zoom, said that contrary to what many think, some of the worst wildfires of the last few years—including the devastating Camp and Caldor fires—have occurred in heavily logged areas. Read More …