Search Results

“Various efforts are underway to find a cheap, efficient and scalable way to recycle the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide back into the hydrocarbons that fuel civilization.”

Technological innovation is the most important thing that developing countries should focus on, says Peter Thiel, the venture capitalist and PayPal founder. In his most recent Big Think interview, Thiel […]

“So-called geothermal power has been around for more than a century. What will it take to heat up this energy source?” Scientific American on the promising power source.

Well, yesterday I needed a day off – Thanksgiving Break had just begun here and my brain was not ready for any productivity, so now I have a little catching […]

On the 9th of December, Astronomers Madhusudhan, Harrington and colleagues recently discovered a massive gas giant planet, orbiting a star which they have coined the first carbon-rich world ever observed. […]

Ocean pollution has been a topic of increasing concern lately and its devastating aftermath for marine life has been grimly documented. To raise awareness about the issue, Electrolux has introduced […]

So I’ve been battling a cold the last few days, and have been losing. You know- foggy, can’t think straight, haven’t had the energy to blog. So imagine, if you […]

“Recent research points to a smarter way to tackle climate change.” Bjørn Lomborg says governments should increase energy R&D efforts and invest in climate engineering.

There’s probably no one better qualified than Carol Browner to coordinate the administration’s efforts on energy and the environment. The looming question is whether or not Obama’s new uber-czar positions […]

Following on the heels of Expelled and Obsession, a film warning of radical Islam, there’s more signs that the Right has discovered documentary film as a strategic communication tool to […]

In a front page story at the NY Times today, Bill Vlasic describes efforts by Nissan and the Federal government to cultivate the first generation buyers of the Nissan Leaf, […]

“The obstacles to energy access are not technical. What is missing is a global commitment to move energy access up the political and development agendas.”

So, as usual, the annual AGU meeting has been incredibly busy. When I first started attending the meeting, I was able to go to lots of talks and posters and […]

“Pain makes us loyal, and the surest way to improve the performance of a product is to raise its price.” The Frontal Cortex on our irrational devotion to the things that vex us most.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are a fantastic energy-efficient alternative to standard incandescent ones, but let’s face it – they’re rather unfortunate-looking. Until now. From British human-centric gadget company Hulger and designer […]

Britain’s two most celebrated scientists have teamed up to discuss all of life’s big issues: the unity of life, ethics, energy, Handel—and the joy of riding a snowmobile.

Well Thanksgiving didn’t last long. The video of a Yemeni security official, Bassam Sulayman Tarbush, that I mentioned yesterday has now – as a few commentators have pointed out – […]

The CFR Asia studies director lists the top thought leaders driving the country forward.

Who better to comment on President Obama’s recent decision to declare an end to the United States’ prolonged conflict in Iraq than General Wesley Clark? In his Big Think interview, […]

It’s a big holiday weekend here in the U.S., so there’s a good chance that before or after reading this, you’ll be driving around lost. If you are a man, […]

Obama Girl, the viral video vixen, is creating buzz again, this time as part of a coordinated public engagement campaign on energy and climate change. Check out the rap video […]

Appearing on NPR’s Fresh Air to discuss his new book “Hot, Flat, and Crowded,” Friedman was asked by host Terry Gross whether or not the term “green energy” might be […]

Last week I noted that McCain is scoring political body blows with a compelling message on energy and that the Obama campaign has not responded to the massive shifts in […]

‘Tis the season to be reading!In a sweeping panoramic new book titled The World in 2050: Four Forces Shaping Civilization’s Northern Future, UCLA professor Laurence C. Smith delivers a well-written and […]

Let’s be honest: when we think about the futuristic scenarios, we don’t think of Tom Hanks. Most frequently associated with his brilliant portrayal of Forrest Gump, Hanks exudes the kind […]

“China is pouring another $7 billion into Brazil’s oil industry, reigniting fears of a global ‘land grab’ of natural resources.” The Independent on a rising China’s geopolitical strategies.

Most hot ideas and discoveries fade with time. But some scientific papers are genuine breakthroughs, whose importance only increases as the decades pass. This one, published in Science last week, […]

Technology goliath IBM just released its top five predictions for the next five years.  We agree with all of their sensible forecasts — with some additional thoughts. 1. Yes, You Too Can Be […]

“Many vital crops capture the sun’s energy in a surprisingly inefficient way. A borrowed trick or two could make them far more productive.” The New Scientist on improving photosynthesis.