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Geothermal Energy in Developing Countries and the MDGs

Ingvar Birgir Fridleifsson Málfrídur Ómarsdóttir

October 04, 2013 |

United Nations University |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Iceland, Hellisheidi

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of balancing rapid development and energy needs against sustainability initiatives and conscientious practices, renewables continue to provide a growing, constructive alternative to fossil fuels. Geothermal energy in particular is a resource with vast potential, as unlike wind and solar it is constant (does not have low times for which energy must be stored) and it is accessible in dozens of countries. But it will require global cooperation to fully tap the potential and define a sustainable future in energy.

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Microhydro Drives Change in Rural Nepal

Amy Yee

June 20, 2012 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Nepal, Rangkhani

Microhydro power plants are finding their place amongst some of the smallest villages in Nepal, bringing both electricity and industry opportunities to the regions. Although they aren't capable of generating near the amount of power as a typical hydro plant, they also have far less impact on the environment and encourage community involvement.

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Green Roofs in Big Cities Bring Relief From Above

Tina Rosenberg

May 23, 2012 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

New York City black tar roofs cause a number of environmental problems, including air pollution, heat absorption that raises energy consumption, and storm water runoff in the sewer system. Efforts to turn these old roofs into green spaces cool the buildings, enable the containment of more rainfall, reduce sewer discharge, generate energy, and absorb carbon emissions. New York City has a pilot program offering financial help for green roofs.

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On the Road, and Out of the Red

Lisa Margonelli

August 11, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Keene, New Hampshire

More Than Wheels, a New Hampshire-based non-profit offers an economically stable solution to the high cost of owning a car. The program offers low-cost car loans that go toward the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles.

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Artificial Leaves Might Help Power the World

Anne Eisenberg

May 21, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New Haven, Connecticut

With no system in place for replicating photosynthesis on a commercial level, scientists throughout the U.S. began efforts to create one. What they have come up, in the form of artificial leaves, may be the answer to turning sunlight into useable energy on a scaleable level.

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Ethical Businesses With a Better Bottom Line

Tina Rosenberg

April 14, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Corporations concerned about their social and environmental impact must also consider the costs. Bcorps, a new form of corporation in the U.S., are using a rigorous certification process to gain consumers trust and boost sales.

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Reno Site Offers Comparison Shopping for Home Wind Turbines

Maria Gallucci

March 28, 2011 |

Inside Climate News |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Reno, Nevada

In a campaign to boost community interest in and use of urban wind power, city officials in Reno, Nevada, are helping consumers take the guesswork out of buying home turbines. Through an online consumer guide called the Green Energy Dashboard, potential buyers are able to track power output and durability of different turbines and determine which would be most efficient for their community.

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Protecting Health and the Planet With Clean Cookstoves

Jeff Smith

February 16, 2011 |

National Geographic |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Ghana

Less charcoal, faster cook times, energy efficient and healthier: these are all terms that have been associated with a new cooking stove produced by the small Ghana business Toyola Energy. This stove acts as a dual solution to both health risks and environmental concerns surrounding cooking with traditional methods, and is gaining tractions on a broader scale because of this.

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Illuminating Thoughts on Power

David Bornstein

January 14, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, Tamkuha, Bihar

A follow-up article on Husk Power Systems, which has created a scalable system to turn rice husks into electricity that is reliable, eco-friendly and affordable for families in India. The company bases their business model around local involvement, grassroots systems that cater to the immediate community, and continual accountability. This article fills in some information gaps from the initial piece, "Fixes: A Light in India."

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A Healthier, More Efficient Way to Cook

Amy Yee

September 29, 2010 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, New Delhi

Clean cookstoves reduce emissions, use less fuel and cook faster than open fire hearths, offering people in developing countries an affordable way to create a healthier indoor environment. Although "plenty of work remains in raising awareness about indoor air pollution," one nonprofit has already sold over 150,000 cookstoves in India.

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