Netanyahu Deeply Concerned about Solar Energy

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "The strategic problem of the State of Israel is first and foremost the concentration of oil in the wrong hands and the unjust distribution of wealth in the world. If we develop energy alternatives to oil we will be able to change the global energy balance. I am ready to recruit government and private funds to encourage research and development in the search for alternatives to oil. The most available source we have in plenty - sunlight, solar energy.""

Read the story on the website of the Israeli Ministry of the Environment

Uncomfortable but Insightful video about the occasional hysteria of (elitist) environmentalism

I typically abhor the commentary of this gentleman and his rabid disavowal of liberal thought on the basis of his republican jingoism but what is great about an open mind is that I sometimes agree with him. here is a great video featuring the former president and founder of GreenPeace scoffing at alarmist environmentalism.

Universal micro-USB cell phone charger, a solution to 51,000 tons of third party chargers produced each year.

This is fantastic to see. With some 51,000 tons of redundant cell phone chargers produced each year, there is now a common sense (retroactive capitalist) market solution to all that mindless production.

The GSMA also estimates that they will reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 13.6m tonnes.

"This is a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of mobile charging," said Malcolm Johnson, director of ITU's Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau.

"Universal chargers are a common-sense solution that I look forward to seeing in other areas."

The charger has a micro-USB port at the connecting end, using similar technology to digital cameras.

It is not compulsory for manufacturers to adopt the new chargers but the ITU says that some have already signed up to it.

BBC NEWS | Technology | Universal phone charger approved

Revolutionary water filtration system designed to save lives | Exchange | Ode Magazine

MERIP Article Announcing Egypt's Watershed for Environmental Mobilization

Middle East Report Online: Damietta Mobilizes for Its Environment by Sharif Elmusa and Jeannie Sowers: "Damietta protests may well mark a watershed for environmental mobilization in Egypt. The coalition that emerged to oppose the EAgrium plant crossed class and occupational lines, and included representatives of voluntary associations, members of Parliament, businessmen, university professors, landowners, and members of unions and professional syndicates."

NPR Soapbox Update on Solar Energy and Environmentalism in Egypt

An excellent profile of the community efforts in the Zabaleen Copt Community by NPR production assistant, Kimberly Adams.

Community-based Solar Energy Initiatives in Coptic Cairo

Amidst fears of Swine Flu, the Egyptian government and Muslim-majority public have been quick to condemn pig rearing practices of the Copts particularly in the poorer neighborhoods of Cairo. Here is a NPR story about Solar Cities, an initiative of T.H. Culhane and Sybille Culhane, and their project in the Zabaleen Zurayib Project Area of Old Cairo.

Lester Brown on tour to promote the fourth edition (Plan 4.0) of his infamous utopian text graces U of C

The World Beyond the Headlines: Lester Brown on Plan B 4.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization | The University of Chicago Events Calendar

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"It can be very frustrating being on the people side of development."

So says Waren Feek, the Executive Director of the Communication Initiative, a progressive network of journalists and development specialists interested in people over profit.
Little Green People | The Communication Initiative Network:

الحذف المعرق--في عراق

gun poster.jpg (JPEG Image, 1240x1754 pixels)

I just thought this was a particularly interesting and evocative poster presenting the Iraqis with information that killing birds is bad. I should also state that I work for Nature Iraq as a researcher and translator. Great operation, effective and intelligent organization.

The $22 Billion Dollar Eco-Friendly Utopia for Conscious Wealthy

Masdar City Exploring Geothermal Power
Icelandic Firm is receiving 1.6 million to drill exploratory wells for the city-sized environmentally friendly mall in the Middle East. Click here for the project's latest fund raising.

Palestine Village in South Hebron Hills Gets Electricity but Stays off the Grid

Check out the organization responsible, Community, Energy and Technology in the Middle East--Sustainable Development for the Communities of the South Hebron Hills