Monday, March 10, 2008
Human Rights: A Chronicle for Those Without a Voice
In the course of reading history our consciousness is generally pierced with an awareness of indignities committed by Japanese occupational forces during the Second World War. But as with most historical episodes vast segments remain untold, unknown.
Gain a glimpse into one of these untold stories.
Ceux qui ne se souviennent pas du passé, sont condamnés à le revivre.
Friday, March 07, 2008
It Begins with a Signature
We so easily forget. But every day in our world there are countless many who suffer the most despicable affronts to the value of human life.
Organizations like Amnesty International and others inspire. Through their well-intentioned efforts we can change the lives of others, and in so doing, enrich and embetter our own. It can all start with a signature. Where it goes from there... well, that is up to you. See how it begins in this short animated film and multiple award-winner.
Will you go for
your pen?
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Four Steps to Green… For Real
Recently I spoke with a young man who is employed in sustainable operations at a ski resort in my home US state of Montana. After he described the various practices by which they seek to minimize the environmental impact of the resort’s operation, I asked if he might like to share some of his successes in this very space. His answer was polite but firm; he preferred discretion. “And,” he added, “I
hate the word
green.” Surprised, I asked for a qualification of his statement. When words failed him, I offered a little help: “Because the term has become
‘yuppie-fied’?” He was emphatic. “
Exactly.”
Monday, March 03, 2008
You’re Not the Only One Watching Alternative Channel!
Evidently he's an Alternative Channel enthusiast! A few weeks ago I
investigated the environmental proposals of the top US presidential candidates. Pressure is mounting on Hillary to gracefully exit the stage in the wake of a poor showing in key states tomorrow but Hill
says no way. So it remains a three-horse race. Brendan Koerner of
Slate has
weighed in with his own take on the field. Have a look.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Sustainable Development: The Role of Coal
The debate over the future of America’s energy policy is heating up, and it is liable to reach temperatures of near-combustion amidst the politics of this explosive election season. One industry that has long been a pillar of the American energy establishment is coal, and the case of coal is particularly compelling for two reasons. The first is that massive reserves in western US states such as Montana and Wyoming allow a viable pathway to improved energy independence from unstable and often unsavory oil-producing states. Montana’s reserves alone stand at a staggering 120 billion recoverable tons; at 2006 levels of consumption, this would be enough to meet in totality the coal needs of mighty China for nearly half a century. The negative, of course, is that coal-fired power plants are among the most heinous emitters of greenhouse gases.
Afghanistan and the Pursuit
The pursuit of energy efficiency in the world's foremost "troublespots".
