PlanetThoughts

From the page: "Don't forget to take part in Saturday's (Oct 24th, 2009) observances of International Day of Climate Action. This international day is intended to raise awareness in the public and to pressure political leaders to take stronger action. You can find an action near you online, including my action in Long Island near New York City."

From the page: "I have done a bit of testing with "old" SU on one computer, and with the "new" SU accepted on a second computer (and I don't think there is a way to go back -- except perhaps by deleting a cookie). I did learn that choosing new SU on one computer does not affect the other computer.

Also note I am only going to spend about 1/2 hour on this testing, so I may not get every behavior fully figured out. But here is what I observed.

If I have a Friend in old SU who I have not Subscribed, then I lose my connection to them in the new SU. However, if I Subscribe [note: only 25 new Subscribes per day], then not only..."

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Green Economy

From the page: "Why should I not be part of the new green economy? If we are going to change world culture and world greenhouse gas emissions, business change will be an essential component. So, I took my existing email marketing (e-newsletter / e-vite) software, which has served companies well since 2005, and I designed a number of carefully thought out methods to have it help the environment as well as help non-profits and companies that believe in the green economy and in cultural improvement such as co-opetition.
...
What I want to share here, in addition to the thought process of moving into the green economy, is the process of choosing a slogan (tag line). I have gone through about 40 of them in the past month, and have asked the opinions of 5 or 6 friends and colleagues whom I know rather well and whose opinions I value highly. Although each person tended to make different recommendations, there was some overlap and concensus on the style and content of the slogan. It has been an interesting process of discovering what speaks to my original inspiration as well as what resonates in the hearts and minds of others."

By Harvey Wasserman in FreePress.org

Granted the Nobel Peace Prize was a "Sur-prize" (NY Daily News headline), and probably early in terms of measurable accomplishments. But there are other ways of viewing the Nobel Peace Prize...

From the page: "Say you're a committee member desperate for peace and a solution to climate chaos.

Maybe you're a gambler. You remember giving the Prize to Desmond Tutu for fighting apartheid before it was abolished.

You say: "This new kid talks a great game. He's made a green and peaceful nod or two. But the generals and fossil/nukers are at his throat.

"Let's box him in. Let's hang this Nobel around his neck....and over his head. Let's DARE him to do right.""

Read the full article and see the Obama acceptance speech

International Day of Climate Action: Near You on October 24th

From the page: "The New York Times Green Inc. Blog just shared a report by 8 leading economists that concludes that getting back to 350 parts per million won't hurt the economy.

If you are near New York / Long Island, check 350.org/gardencity [350.org/gardencity] , otherwise try 350.org [350.org]

'Some economists have become known for advocating only slow and modest responses to climate change, lest the costs of mitigation become too large. This report demonstrates that such conclusions are incorrect. A number of economic analyses, informed by recent scientific findings and using reasonable assumptions, suggest that more ambitious targets and quicker action make good economic sense.' "

By Ann, of "Heroin and Cornflakes" blog

From the page: "...It would appear Borlaug's work, which expanded agriculture at just the moment when such an increase in production was most needed, was of value.

Indeed, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 in recognition of his contributions to world peace through increasing food supply. Many experts credit the 'Green Revolution' with averting global famine during the second half of the 20th century and saving maybe 1 billion lives.

However, the story has recently taken a twist."

I ran a survey (at planetthoughts.org [planetthoughts.org] ) of how various readers feel about the actions of their respective federal governments with regard to caring for the environment. The possible answers ranged from "far too little" to "far too much".

Most answers were from the United States and Canada, however we also had Mexico, a number of countries in Europe, Asia, and Australia chiming in. Vote result will be posted over the weekend.

Most environmental activists feel that political will is lagging far behind the scientific recommendations. That is a dangerous situation. Despite recent oil finds (which are not quite as dramatic as they first sound -- they barely keep up with world usage rates and have yet to actually produce oil) we are caught in a vice where energy and water and food may be in shortage, and where new fuel may not be available to provide transport, fertilizer, and so on. And burning all that oil -- more greenhouse gases and global warming.

It is time for dramatic action to reach a "Solartopia" (Harvey Wasserman's term) of renewable energy and peaceful co-existence.

From the page: "A sad and revealing article. Why do people of privilege need to be so ignorant? And though I blame the people who attack or discriminate against the Roma and other minorities, I also feel responsibility lies with the cultures we live in that do not bother to teach love, brotherhood and sisterhood, and compassion for the weak. These principlces should be taught in schools and in public announcements on television and radio and print. One does not need religion to teach this -- it is basic human decency and our best nature."