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Bioeconomy: A global trend?

Vijay Shankar Balakrishnan

January 22, 2018 |

Deutsche Welle (DW) |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Finland

Bioeconomy is the practice of using biological processes and organic materials to reduce waste, and it's gaining traction as a means of business. Finland is home to one of the largest bioproduct mills, where "a whole ecosystem of companies" work together on projects such as converting sustainably logged wood into pulp before selling it to Europe and Asia and producing solid biofuels which will eventually create electricity.

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Energy Democracy: People Power for a Cleaner Planet

Denise Fairchild

January 11, 2018 |

Colorlines |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Mississippi

As the United States grapples with the already-occurring effects of climate change, there is a growing call from the energy democracy movement to make sure energy efficiency remains equitable and affordable. Initiatives like Mississippi’s One Voice or the South Bronx’s Mothers on the Move recognize that climate change hits low-income first and most and are working to address the unequal power dynamics through shared, power-powered energy initiatives.

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As environmentalists warn about water scarcity, these two companies are saving water and money

Jason Margolis

January 11, 2018 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

Monitoring usage incentivizes water-intensive companies to develop water-saving techniques. Boston-based nonprofit, CERES, helps companies like Pepsi and Levi’s develop more sustainable practices. For example, Pepsi recaptures more of its runoff and has replaced water with pressurized air in its cleaning process. Levi’s also replaced water with air, using ozone gas to treat its denim. Tracking and reducing water use improves efficiency and saves the companies money.

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Hurricanes blew away Puerto Rico's power grid. Now solar power is rising to fill the void.

Daniella Cheslow

January 04, 2018 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Puerto Rico

Solar power is a great advancement for renewable energy, but traditionally relies on connecting to a grid in order to function correctly. So when hurricanes hit Puerto Rico, even those with solar panels lost access to electricity. A micro-grid offers an alternative solution, however, by relying on battery power.

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New, $1 billion program will bring rooftop solar to California renters

Katy Murphy

December 16, 2017 |

San Jose Mercury News |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Sacramento, California

Renewable energy has largely been associate with wealthier consumers, but that is changing with a new initiative that will install solar panels for apartment buildings with low-income residents. The hope is that the money saved from the solar energy panels will benefit the low income residents, while also being beneficial in fighting climate change.

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A harvest of sunshine

Isaac Anyaogu

December 11, 2017 |

Business Day |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Nigeria

Solar powered assistive technologies boost economic gains and quality of life for rural communities in Nigeria. Rural farmers can rent solar dryers for a faster and more efficient way to dry their harvests, which can earn them greater profits. Solar refrigeration kiosks also allow farmers to sell more by extending the shelf life of foods, while solar home systems provide an affordable way for rural communities to tap into electric grids to power appliances, opening up more possibilities for work, education, and ease of daily life. Many of these products and services are run by women entrepreneurs.

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In Jordan, an empowering solution for UN-run refugee camps

Taylor Luck

December 05, 2017 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Jordan, Za'atari

Solar power projects at 2 UN refugee camps in Jordan are helping to save money and provide job opportunities for residents of the camps. The solar powered camps are also helping the quality of living, allowing residents to move freely in the evenings and complete tasks even when it's dark outside.

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First Nations powering up B.C.

Emilee Gilpin

December 04, 2017 |

National Observer |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Canada

From solar to geothermal to biomass projects, First Nations are finding ways to confront and combat fossil fuel concerns head on. In fact, over 30 Nations have some type of renewable energy source powering their communities, while 15 more have projects underway. Despite a lack of governmental funding assistance, First Nations are acting as a collective model for how communities can provide their own clean power to their own people.

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Take the Power Back

Sylvia Rowley Russell Beard

November 22, 2017 |

Al Jazeera |

Multi-Media |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Germany, Cologne

In the face of climate change as a result of increased CO2 emissions, millions of concerned citizens have grown frustrated at the lack of change from more traditional forms of civil engagement such as petitions, protests, and campaigns against the behemoths of the oil industry. But some have found hope in a growing movement that pushes governments and large corporations to leverage a more effective tool: divestment - or withdrawing financial support from the fossil fuel industry.

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In remote Kenyan villages, solar startups bring light

Fred de Sam Lazaro

November 22, 2017 |

PBS NewsHour |

Broadcast TV Programs |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Kenya, Machakos, Machakos County

In a small town in Kenya called Machakos, several solar power startups are bringing light and electricity to families who previously went without. Using a pay-as-you-go mobile payment system and a single solar panel, customers receive three light bulbs, a phone charging station, and a radio. This new method is much cleaner and more affordable than the previously-used kerosene and allows people to make a livelihood for themselves even after the sun goes down.

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