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editorial_affiliates
Our Editorial and News Affiliates
Worldwatch Institute
The Worldwatch Institute offers a unique blend of interdisciplinary research, global focus, and accessible writing that has made it a leading source of information on the interactions among key environmental, social, and economic trends. Our work revolves around the transition to an environmentally sustainable and socially just society—and how to achieve it.
Website: http://www.worldwatch.org/
Contact:
Worldwatch Institute
1776 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036-1904
U.S.A.
Phone: 1.202.452.1999
Fax: 1.202.296.7365
worldwatch [AT] worldwatch [DOT] org
"Black Carbon" Chokes Chilean Towns
June 17, 2009 10:26 AM - Jane Zhou, Worldwatch Institute
Temuco, with a population of 300,000, has the fourth most polluted air in the country, according to local media. The burning of firewood for heating, cooking, and other uses is the main source of soot particulates, known as "black carbon," that enter the air at levels 150 percent higher than the national standard and more than four times the World Health Organization's recommended limit.
Climate Debate Overlooks Small Businesses
June 16, 2009 09:41 AM - Ben Block , Worldwatch Institute
As the United States debates how it should tackle climate change, "Big Business" has generally received the most political attention. Small companies are mostly disengaged from the climate debate, businesses advocates say, yet environmentally conscious, small enterprises could become influential supporters of climate legislation.
OPINION: Two Developments Climate Negotiators Should Heed
June 11, 2009 09:44 AM - Gary Gardner, Worldwatch Institute
Two news items from opposite ends of the carbon cycle are potentially hopeful signs for our planet's climate - and in principle could have a positive bearing on the international climate change negotiations in Copenhagen, Denmark, this December.
Aviation Industry Outlines Ambitious Climate Goals
June 10, 2009 11:21 AM - Ben Block, Worldwatch Institute
The global aviation industry pledged on Monday to halt the overall growth in aviation-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
Energy Leaders Launch Efficiency Partnership
June 3, 2009 11:27 AM - Ben Block, Worldwatch Institute
Energy ministers from the world's largest economies have formally launched the first high-level body focused exclusively on advancing energy efficiency worldwide. While several international forums exchange energy advice, the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation seeks to elevate that information to a level that affects policymaking.
Global Bird Species in Serious Decline
June 2, 2009 06:44 AM - Ben Block, Worldwatch Institute
Researchers have known about the speckled brown Sidamo lark for only 40 years. Always a rare sight, the elusive bird may soon vanish from the prairie grasses of Ethiopia forever. Its habitat already restricted to less than 100 square kilometers, the lark is rapidly losing territory as local residents, the Borana ethnic group, convert grassland into heavily grazed pasture. Unless the Borana are allowed to resume their nomadic ways, within the next few years the Sidamo lark will likely become the first known bird species to vanish from mainland Africa, researchers say.
OPINION: Winds of Change in the U.S. Auto Industry
May 28, 2009 10:53 AM - Michael Renner, Worldwatch Institute
What a difference a crisis can make. When U.S. President Obama announced on May 19 that his administration was aiming to raise fuel economy standards four years earlier than was envisioned in legislation, he was joined by the chief executives of 10 auto companies. These are the very people who pushed gas-guzzling vehicles and for years blocked attempts to boost fuel efficiency.
OPINION: Renewables Surge Despite Economic Crisis
May 19, 2009 09:47 AM - Christopher Flavin, Worldwatch Institute
The 2008 figures are in from the new REN 21 Renewables Global Status Report: Renewable power capacity (excluding large hydropower) increased a hefty 16 percent last year, which is remarkable given that world oil use actually declined. Growth in some renewable sectors was even more impressive. Biodiesel production increased 34 percent, and solar power took the prize with a 73 percent jump.
Chemical Treaty Covers Additional Toxins
May 13, 2009 09:47 AM - Ben Block, Worldwatch Institute
An international treaty designed to eradicate the world's most harmful chemicals was expanded this past week to include nine additional pollutants.
OPINION: Climate Forecast Bright for Major Economies Meeting
April 28, 2009 10:10 AM - Christopher Flavin, Worldwatch Institute
As representatives of the 16 countries that contribute most heavily to climate change meet at the U.S. State Department this week, there are signs that many of these nations are more ready to consider major changes in direction than they were just a few months ago.