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An (Even More) Inconvenient Truth: Why Carbon Credits For Forest Preservation May Be Worse Than Nothing

Lisa Song

May 22, 2019 |

ProPublica |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Brazil, Rio Branco, Acre

This story examines the well-publicized climate-change strategy of carbon credits: the idea that a CO₂-emitting company could offset its emissions by funding anti-logging efforts, effectively "saving" the equivalent amount of carbon. However, as it turns out, despite its popularity, most carbon credit programs do not actually work or, worse, may do more harm than good. This article details the shortcomings of this attempted solution to the effects of global warming.

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Cash for trees: Homegrown carbon offset program bears fruit

Ryan Lenora Brown Christopher Bendana

May 21, 2019 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Uganda, Rubirizi District

Trees for Global Benefits is a carbon offset program that aims to partner with, rather than displace, locals in countries that have space to plant forests. For instance, in the Rubirizi District in Uganda, locals are getting paid to plant trees on their land. This hopes to eliminate the negative ramifications of other carbon offset programs that have displaced native people. Still, companies should be looking for ways to reduce carbon emissions beyond bringing their problems to other countries.

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Termite and ventilation system

Patrick Aryee

May 20, 2019 |

BBC |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Zimbabwe, Harare

Buildings with permeable surfaces increase energy efficiency, mimicking natural structures. In Harare, Zimbabwe, the Eastgate Centre employs methods borrowed from termite mound construction to efficiently regulate the building's temperature. By employing insights that scientists had gained by studying the airflow in termite mounds, the Centre’s architects used materials with a high thermal mass, increased surface area, and maximized ventilation.

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One Indiana congregation's fight for energy equality

Beth Edwards

May 20, 2019 |

Indiana Environmental Reporter |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Indianapolis, Indiana

Despite disputes between an Indianapolis church and a local utility company over net metering, the congregation continues to seek financing and resources for renewable energy-centered affordable housing projects. The church installs solar panels on housing development projects to make long-term housing more affordable, though they've faced push back based on strict housing laws that limit affordability of multi-family projects.

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Santa Fe looks to expand rebates for water-saving efforts

Robert Nott

May 18, 2019 |

The Santa Fe New Mexican |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Santa Fe, New Mexico

In Sante Fe, residents can get a rebate on their water bill for installing environmentally-friendly appliances. The program recently expanded to commercial businesses, and the city is being strategic in incentivizing hotels, restaurants, and other businesses to use the program. Water saved will help local projects such as construction of affordable housing.

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Dairy Alternatives: Converting Cattle Methane Into Renewable Energy

Raisa Scriabine

May 16, 2019 |

KCET-TV |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Pixley, California

After California passed new regulations mandating that the dairy industry needs to mitigate the amount of methane emissions produced from cows, some farms like Airoso Dairy are adopting new technologies to do the job. The farm works with energy companies to use a digester that converts the cow’s manure into biofuel. While the initial investment in the technology can be expensive, this conversion of fuel has also added a new revenue stream for the farm.

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Lessons Learned From California's Pioneering Microgrids

Justin Gerdes

May 13, 2019 |

Green Tech Media |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, California

Years after the California Energy Commission funded and launched demonstration microgrids, they’re seeing results. These microgrids, which are localized energy sources that can work independently from large electric grids, were fairly costly, but have shown demonstrable success in lowering utility bills and delivering low-carbon power. As the Commission moves forward with this effort, they hope to continue to learn by doing and improving their processes.

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India has a big trash problem. TrashBot is trying to help.

Rishika Pardikar

May 09, 2019 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, Bengaluru

Separating mixed waste efficiently with technology can help where waste segregation policies are lacking. In Bangalore, India, a machine called Trashbot sorts mixed waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable components. Properly recycled waste can then be sold, avoiding landfills.

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Generating energy from trash in Sarasota

Andrea Thrower Pia Jasinski Yamile Escobar

May 07, 2019 |

Changing Florida |

Multi-Media |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Sarasota, Florida

Methane emissions from landfills in five Florida counties are being captured and turned into electrical power. Pipes collect the methane gas emitted by the trash and Aria Energy covers that greenhouse gas into electricity for up to 2,500 homes.

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Cooled By Controversy In The U.S., Trash Incinerators Are Firing Up In Europe

Peter O'Dowd Jack Mitchell

May 03, 2019 |

WBUR |

Multi-Media |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Denmark, Copenhagen

A new trash incinerator in Copenhagen, Denmark, is cleaner, more efficient, and more effective than incinerators of the past. Once considered controversial, burning trash is now proving to be an innovative solution to tackling waste. Trash is burned to provide heat for the city instead of ending up in landfills where it produces greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

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