An Electronic Journal of
the U.S. Department of State
June 2005

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CONTENTS

About This Issue
The Editors

The Environment: Shared Goals and a Common Mission
Paula J. Dobriansky, Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs

The United States has made real progress in protecting the environment domestically and internationally

Thirty Years of Clean Air Progress
Jeffrey R. Holmstead, Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, Environmental Protection Agency

The United States has made significant strides in improving air quality and is now preparing to take further actions to remove more pollutants from the air.

Box: Real Air in Real Time
U.S. government agencies provide Internet views to real-time air quality conditions at many sites around the country.

Environmental Progress—A Portfolio

Photos illustrate results of U.S. efforts to improve the air and water quality in major cities and national parks

The U.S. Climate Change Vision
John H. Marburger III, White House Science Advisor

The United States is turning to technology and international partnerships to address climate change in order to preserve living standards and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Understanding Climate and Global Change
Richard H. Moss, Director, U.S. Climate Change Science Program

The U.S. Climate Change Science Program is the nation's foremost national research program focusing on changes in climate and related environmental systems.

Methane to Markets
Paul Gunning, Chief, Non-CO₂ Programs Branch, Climate Change Division, Environmental Protection Agency
Dina Kruger, Director, Climate Change Division, Environmental Protection Agency

Methane emissions contribute to global warming, but the Methane to Markets program seeks to recover methane and use it as an energy source instead, enhancing economic growth, promoting energy security, and improving the environment.

Sidebar: Seal of Energy Efficiency
Energy Star persuades consumers to make smart energy choices.

Wind Power Today
Robert Thresher, Director, National Wind Technology Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. government has worked for 25 years to research wind technologies in order to reduce the cost of production and increase U.S. reliance on renewable, nonpolluting technologies.

Chemistry Goes Green
Cheryl Pellerin, Science Writer, Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State

New processes in the laboratory can prevent the creation of industrial pollutants and yield more environmentally friendly products.

Thinking Green—Environmental Efficiency, Technology, and Creativity

Photos of green building techniques, increased fuel efficiency methods, and innovative recycling techniques illustrate the cutting edge in environmental protection.

Exporting America's "Best Idea": Sharing Our National Park System with the World
John F. Turner, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

With a century-long record of land conservation, the United States is now working to build international commitment to preserving land and forests.

Tending the Rivers
An interview with David Allan, Professor of conservation biology and ecosystem management, University of Michigan; and Brian Richter, Director, Freshwater Initiative, The Nature Conservancy

Knowledge of how to sustain water systems for the needs of humans and nature has evolved significantly over the past few decades.

Sidebar: The Thousand Ton Clean Up
Living Lands and Waters is a nongovernmental organization mobilizing thousands of volunteers each year to remove trash and debris from some of the nation's largest river systems.

Advancing Democracy and Prosperity Through Sustainable Development
Jonathan A. Margolis, Special Representative for Sustainable Development, U.S. Department of State

The United States supports communities in other nations in the adoption of water management strategies that meet diverse demands of health, food, energy, and the environment

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
An interview with recycling experts Laurie Batchelder Adams and Jaime Lozano

Thirty percent of American solid waste is recycled, up from 6 percent a few decades ago, and local officials play key roles in leading this movement.

Sidebar: Recycling Works
Novelis Inc. recycles aluminum in 12 nations and is recognized for its environmental commitment.

Green Messages

Media campaigns have been an important tool in raising environmental awareness.

Bibliography

Internet Resources