Tag Archives: Energy and the environment

Clinton on Civil Society / World Food Prices / Color in Freedom

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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton calls for enhanced engagement between civil society groups and the United States. Food prices are up by 29% worldwide. President Obama’s Global Health Initiative will turn its focus to solutions for the poorest, most rural areas around the world. A top diplomat discusses President Obama’s Western Hemisphere policy. Some effortless fixes can reduce greenhouse gases. Finally, meet African-American artist Joseph Holston.

Clinton on Civil Society
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Speaking at the inaugural Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton calls for more interaction between civil society groups and U.S. officials. At right, Clinton meets with Azeri civil society leaders in 2010 and emphasizes the importance of engaging with groups outside government that work to improve their countries.

Food Prices up 29% Worldwide
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The World Bank says global food prices have risen 29 percent from a year ago, driven by a combination of weather shocks and food export bans, which are forcing millions more people into extreme poverty. “This is (a) serious cause for concern,” says World Bank President Robert Zoellick.

Health Care for the World’s Most Needy
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President Obama’s Global Health Initiative will turn its focus to community-based approaches and health care solutions for the poorest, most rural areas around the world, says Dr. Rajiv Shah, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). “That is our battleground, and I’m proud to say that is where USAID will try to lead the fight,” he says.

U.S. Western Hemisphere Policy “Informed,” “Optimistic”
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President Obama’s Western Hemisphere policy is “informed, engaged, dynamic, collaborative and optimistic,” says Arturo Valenzuela, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.

Energy Conservation Targets
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Energy efficiency programs target relatively inexpensive and effortless fixes that can have a big effect on greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, many U.S. states are pushing ahead with energy-saving targets for power companies. Together, these states will help the United States reduce emissions in a significant way.

The final movement of Color in FreedomColor in Freedom: Journey Along the Underground Railroad
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Artist Joseph Holston creates art based on African-American subjects, saying he feels that African Americans should have “a voice through art.” His series Color in Freedom: Journey Along the Underground Railroad, which is currently touring the U.S., goes beyond the conventional understanding of the Underground Railroad as a historical episode and instead conveys a broader narrative about the African American experience. At right, the final movement of Color in Freedom shows the fruition of the struggle for freedom.

Reinvention Pays Off for Michigan Brothers

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Karin Rives writes on climate change and energy topics for America.gov.

A Luma Resources plant in Michigan

Robert and Gary Allen, two brothers whose Michigan roofing company fell on hard times when the economic recession hit in 2008, have reason to smile today.

In 2010, they secured a $500,000 federal loan through an economic stimulus act to retool their struggling roofing plant. Their new solar shingle business, Luma Resources, took off as the market for alternative energy grew. Five new employees have come on board so far, and the company expects to eventually have a staff of at least 20.

“In Robert’s words, ‘We reinvented ourselves,’” President Obama said, recognizing the brothers in his January 25 State of the Union Address. “That’s what Americans have done for over 200 years: We reinvented ourselves. And to spur on more success stories like the Allen Brothers, we’ve begun to reinvent our energy policy.” The Allen brothers listened to the president sitting in a coveted spot next to First Lady Michelle Obama.

On Wednesday morning, the day after the speech, phones were ringing steadily at Luma Resources.
“We’re getting a lot of inquiries about our products,” said Gayle Talmadge, the company’s business manager.

Recapping the U.S. Election / Clinton’s Day in Asia / A Month to Honor American Indians

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The Republicans make big gains in U.S. midterm elections and President Obama offers his assessment. Secretary Clinton’s Asian travels take her to Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. Catch up with Brad Pitt and his effort to bring green housing to New Orleans. Learn about ArtsLink, a program that brings artists from around the world to the United States. Tajikistan is getting an energy boost. A 1,000-year-old Iranian poem is the inspiration for some awesome illustrations. And, it’s American Indian Heritage Month in America.

Election Gains for Republicans
Republicans gain at least 60 seats in the House of Representatives in U.S. elections November 2, more than enough to wrest control of the chamber from the Democrats. This means a divided government for at least the next two years, as Democratic President Obama shares power with Republicans in the House. Democrats retain control of the Senate, but with a reduced majority.

Obama: The Economy Hurt Democrats
The American electorate demonstrated its frustration with the state of the economy when it stripped Democrats of their majority in the House of Representatives and trimmed their majority in the Senate, President Obama says.

Clinton Praises Malaysia’s Religious Tolerance
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is praising Malaysia’s commitment to religious tolerance during her visit to the Muslim-majority country. “Extremism is not a path to building sustainable prosperity, peace, stability or democracy – it only promotes conflicts and hardens hearts,” she says. 

Human Rights in Papua New Guinea
During a visit to Papua New Guinea, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton encouraged the country to address its human rights conditions and to strengthen anti-corruption efforts. Clinton also offered to help the government set up a sovereign wealth fund to manage resource revenue from oil and natural gas fields, in order to translate “natural resources into widespread prosperity.”

Green Homes Make it Right
Make It Right, a foundation created by actor and film producer Brad Pitt, builds energy-efficient, green homes to replace housing destroyed in New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina. In three years, the foundation has completed 50 homes in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward. Another 30 are under construction.

ArtsLink Fellows Come to America
Visual artists, photographers, filmmakers and arts managers from 14 countries are currently enjoying five-week residencies in the United States under awards offered by U.S.-based international arts organization, CEC ArtsLink.

Green Energy for Tajikistan
The U.S. embassy in Dushanbe, Tajik government agencies and international partners, are working together to bring alternative energy solutions to Central Asia. The projects include the use of solar, water and wind power to provide energy to remote locations.

Shahnameh on Display
The Smithsonian Institution is celebrating the Shahnameh’s 1,000 years with an exhibition of some of the best illustrations ever created for Iran’s greatest epic poem. The Shahnameh’s stories cover the reigns of 50 kings, real and imagined, from the creation of the world up to the Arab conquest of Iran in the 7th century.

American Indian Heritage Month
November is National American Indian Heritage Month, which celebrates the heritage and contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives — the first Americans — to the history and culture of the United States. Right, members of the Alabama-Coushatta Indian tribe from Livingston, Texas, wait to perform at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in April 2010.

Fighting Cholera in Haiti / Fresh Water Funds for Jordan / A Boost For African Farmers

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The U.S. is moving to speed aid to help Haiti fight a deadly cholera outbreak. Jordan is getting fresh water aid. In Africa, they’re turning to an age-old construction technique.  The U.S. enforces new fuel rules for trucks and buses. With just weeks remaining before its election, Sudan has its work cut out for it. And, finally, a photo gallery on a program to share agricultural techniques with African farmers.

U.S. Cholera Aid for Haiti
In response to the outbreak of cholera in Haiti, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a disaster declaration to speed U.S. funding and medical assistance to the country in recent days. Cholera has killed 259 people and infected more than 3,000 others in Haiti. At right, women cover their mouths and noses as they wait for their children to be treated for cholera symptoms.


A Grant for Jordan’s Water
The Obama administration is investing $275 million through the Millennium Challenge Corporation to help provide nearly two million Jordanians with reliable access to clean water and to address water scarcity.

Building Earthen Structures
Two American professors are sharing knowledge with Saudis on how to build, maintain and restore earthen structures, using natural resources such as soil, through a U.S. Embassy speakers program. Earthen construction may be more practical than modern construction techniques because of its durability and because it has a milder environmental impact.

Big Rigs Face New Fuel Rules
For the first time in U.S. history, the government is imposing fuel efficiency standards for trucks and buses, starting with vehicles that hit the market in 2013. The U.S. Department of Transportation says the new rules will save 500 million barrels of oil for vehicles of the model years 2014 through 2018, and 250 tons of greenhouse gas emissions during the life-time of the trucks.

In Sudan, the Vote Approaches
Authorities in Sudan face a tight deadline to complete preparations for a crucial set of votes in January that will decide on independence for Southern Sudan and Abyei, says General Scott Gration, the U.S. special envoy for Sudan. He called on the parties to come to a new round of talks in Ethiopia in late October “with an attitude of compromise.”

An African Delegation Learns about U.S. Agriculture
Recently, the U.S. welcomed African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) ministers and delegates to the Ninth AGOA Forum, in Kansas City Missouri, where the visitors got the chance to observe American agricultural practices first-hand. Find out more about their trip in this photo gallery. At left, delegates participate in a lively discussion with American farmer Tom Waters on chicken farming and feed strategy.

U.S. Pakistan Talks / A Cholera Outbreak in Haiti / The U.S. Vote

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The United States and Pakistan continue strategic talks. Health officials fear an outbreak of Cholera in Haiti could spread, read what the United States is doing to help. The rule of law in Latin America is on the agenda at a conference in California. The U.S. government is turning to American farms for fuel. Somalia needs more international help. And, we’ve got a pair of reports about the coming elections in the United States.

U.S.-Pakistan Dialogue
The latest round of the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue demonstrates a commitment to strengthening the relationship between the two countries based on values, mutual respect, trust and interests, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says. “We came together in this Strategic Dialogue to discuss how to help the Pakistani people in the areas that Pakistani people themselves had identified as their more important concerns,” Clinton and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said. Aat right, Clinton and Qureshi at an earlier meeting.

Fighting Cholera in Haiti
The U.S. government is working rapidly to respond to a cholera outbreak in northwestern Haiti that officials fear could lead to a country-wide epidemic.

Democracy in Latin America
In California, at a conference of Latin American leaders, the focus was not on past triumphs, but on the issues and challenges that many countries face today in strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

U.S. Calls for More Somalia Aid
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson says more countries need to contribute troops and assets to the African Union Mission in Somalia. He says allowing Somalis to simply fight amongst themselves “is in no one’s interest.”

From Fields to Fuel Tanks
The U.S. government plans to ramp up production and consumption of biofuels to help lessen the country’s dependence on foreign oil, and to create new jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

U.S. Prepping for Midterms
On November 2, Americans will cast their ballots in midterm elections that will determine who will represent them in the 112th Congress, scheduled to convene in January 2011. In electing a new Congress every two years, American voters decide who will speak for them in crafting legislation, determining government spending and overseeing the activities of the executive branch.

U.S. Voters as Decision Makers
When Americans vote in the midterm elections, they will select their future leaders and decide a wide range of ballot issues, including how their taxes are spent or what rights their state constitutions guarantee.

A Boost for Northern Ireland / Fighting IP Crime / Hong Kong Cleanup

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In Northern Ireland, investments by U.S. corporations are paying off. A top U.S. lawman calls for action on intellectual property crime. The United States wants to know if China is unfairly boosting its green technologies industries. And cleanup volunteers reach the beach in Hong Kong.

Investing in Northern Ireland
New investments in Northern Ireland by U.S. corporations bring new jobs and opportunities, particularly for young people, says Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Clinton, right with Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness, says, “fostering economic growth in Northern Ireland will do more than provide much-needed paychecks. A stronger economy in Northern Ireland will help secure a lasting peace.”


Protecting Intellectual Property
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder calls for greater international law enforcement cooperation to combat intellectual property piracy that robs industry of billions of dollars annually and endangers the safety of consumers worldwide.

U.S. Probing China’s Green Tech
The United States is investigating China’s practices affecting trade and investment in green technologies, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk says. The investigation was initiated in response to a petition filed by the United Steelworkers union that alleges China unfairly supports its domestic producers of green technologies.

Good News For Costa Rican Trees
Costa Rica’s trees again will benefit from an innovative U.S. program to promote conservation of the world’s tropical forests. The governments of the United States and Costa Rica, the Central Bank of Costa Rica and the U.S.-based nonprofit Nature Conservancy have concluded agreements that will provide more than $27 million over the next 15 years for conservation of tropical forest.

A Makeover for Hong Kong Beaches
Volunteer teams in Hong Kong have joined the 25th International Coastal Cleanup sponsored by the U.S.-based nongovernmental organization Ocean Conservancy. “We want to put Hong Kong on the world map in terms of the conservation effort,” says Nissa Marion, project director for EcoVision’s Hong Kong International Coastal Cleanup Challenge. At right, volunteers collect trash from a Hong Kong beach.

U.S.-Pakistan Talks || The Power of Small Reactors || Six Women Environmentalists Honored

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The U.S. and Pakistan are about to renew their strategic dialogue; read what’s on the agenda. The U.S. and EU need to re-engage on global challenges. On nuclear power, small reactors offer solutions. For teaching math, Russian schools in the U.S. find success. And finally, women environmentalists are honored for their local leadership.

Renewed U.S.-Pakistan Dialogue
The upcoming U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue will cover a wide variety of topics ranging from health and energy to defense cooperation, but focus heavily on Pakistan’s flooding disaster, according to a State Department official. The U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and the Pakistani delegation, led by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, previously met in Islamabad in July.

U.S., EU Seek Engagement Agenda
In advance of the United States attending three major summits with European allies, Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon says that when the U.S. joins forces with Europe on the challenges of the global agenda, both become “vastly stronger” in legitimacy, resources and ideas.

Thinking Small on Nuclear Power
Small, modular nuclear reactors, some the size of shipping containers, offer solutions to a wide range of power challenges worldwide. They can work as independent units in remote and off-grid locations; can replace coal-burning power plants; and can work in desert areas, as they do not require water for cooling. Plus, they are economical.

In U.S., Russian Math Schools
Some immigrant parents think that math, as taught in the United States, is too easy. Therefore, in 1997, a group of Boston-area Russian immigrants opened the Russian School of Mathematics, which places an emphasis on encouraging individual problem solving.

Honoring Women Environmentalists
Six women from around the world were honored by the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues and the U.S. State Department for taking initiative and in some cases assuming personal risks to repair environmental damage in their respective communities while inspiring others through their leadership. Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Maria Otero described the women, at left, as “true giants” for the positive impact they have had on their communities.

A Recovery Prescription || Afghan Refugees || Iranian Art

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Federal Reserve Chairman Benjamin Bernanke has a prescription for economic recovery. The Obama administration is offering new help for Afghan refugees. The U.S. Treasury Department delays a report on Chinese currency.  U.S. and Mexican authorities are taking new steps against methane, carbon’s evil cousin. Pirates present a threat to maritime enterprises worldwide. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon calls for cooperation on food security. And meet an American film maker with an eye for Iranian art.

Ingredients for Recovery
Sustained expansion of the U.S. economy must ultimately be driven by exports and growth in consumer spending and investments, says Federal Reserve Chairman Benjamin Bernanke. “Overall economic growth has been proceeding at a pace that is less vigorous than we would like,” says Bernanke, right.

Helping Afghan Refugees 
The Obama administration has pledged an additional $1 million dollars to help rehabilitate areas of Pakistan that have been affected by Afghan refugees. The funds will go to improve social services and infrastructure for both Afghan refugee and local Pakistani communities.

China Currency Report Delayed
The United States Treasury delayed publishing a report on China’s currency policies until after the Group of 20 advanced economies meets in Seoul November 11. The U.S. has been concerned that China may have been manipulating its currency, the renminbi or yuan, against the U.S. dollar to gain an unfair trade advantage.

The Other Greenhouse Gas
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has teamed with Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and 36 other countries to renew the push to rein in emissions of methane, a colorless hydrocarbon gas with a heat-trapping capacity 20 times that of carbon dioxide.

Piracy, a Global Threat
Maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia is a global challenge and the international community must step forward to help, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson says.

A Call to Ensure Food Security
At the 36th annual Committee on World Food Security, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon echoed a call by U.S. leaders for a comprehensive and cooperative approach to ensure food security for the 925 million hungry people in the world.

Exploring Iranian Women’s Art
American Filmmaker Robert Adanto says he is fascinated by the Iranian art featured in his new documentary Pearls on the Ocean Floor, but even more by the women who have created that art and their view of the Iranian society in which they live — or which they have left behind. Adanto, right, says, “For me, just the act of creating — of painting, of sculpting, of dancing — that’s humanity at its best. It’s our elevated self,” and that the female Iranian artists he features in his film are creating at great odds.

 

Obama pays visit to Wisconsin smart-energy manufacturer

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President Barack Obama with ZBB President and CEO Eric Apfelback, and ZBB employee Lonnie Mages

President Barack Obama with ZBB President and CEO Eric Apfelback, and ZBB employee Lonnie Mages

Monday President Obama made remarks at the ZBB Energy Corporation manufacturing facility, a producer of battery technology and “smart” energy control and management systems in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. The company is currently using Recovery Act State Energy Program loans to expand to three times its current manufacturing ability, and keep workers as well as hiring many new ones. The President noted the importance of creating jobs in manufacturing in companies like ZBB.

“We expect our commitment to clean energy to lead to more than 800,000 jobs by 2012,” President Obama stated. “And that’s not just creating work in the short term, that’s going to help lay the foundation for lasting economic growth. I just want everybody to understand –just a few years ago, American businesses could only make 2 percent of the world’s advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles — 2 percent. In just a few years, we’ll have up to 40 percent of the world’s capacity.”

President Obama used the occasion to highlight two of his major policy issues: creating jobs, and supporting the use of renewable and green energy alternatives. The Recovery Act State Energy Program seeks to promote both of these outcomes by providing economic incentives for companies producing these technologies.

“This is part of steps we’ve taken in clean energy,” the President said. “Steps that have led to jobs manufacturing wind turbines and solar panels, building hybrid and electric vehicles, modernizing our electric grid so that we have more sources of renewable energy but we can also use it more effectively.”

I think that the U.S. producing cleaner energy sources wouldn’t only be great for Americans, but for people around the world. What do you think? Should the U.S. help lead the way with green energy? Be sure to check out the White House’s blog about it, or the Council on Environmental Quality’s blog.

Piloting a path for Gulf recovery

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The president and Sasha steer the boat on a tour of St. Andrews Bay in Panama City, Florida.

President Obama and Sasha steer the boat on a tour of St. Andrews Bay in Panama City, Florida.

The Obamas’ private family vacation to Panama City, Florida over the weekend exemplified the president’s public message: “To the people here in the Gulf, we are going to be standing by your side. And to Americans all across the country, come on down and visit.”

President Obama, first lady Michelle and daughter Sasha spent the trip touring the area and meeting the locals.

While oil from the recent spill may no longer be flowing into the Gulf, Obama remains committed to recovery efforts in the region, he said at a roundtable discussion with business owners, officials, Florida Governor Charlie Crist and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus Saturday.

“I made a commitment in my visits here that I was going to stand with you not just until the well was closed, not just until the oil was cleaned up, but until you had fully recovered from the damage that’s been done,” he said.

He also encouraged Americans to travel to the Gulf Coast. (I’m already planning a visit to the Galveston beaches when I return home to Houston, Texas in a few weeks and can’t wait for a swim in the surf and a shrimp Po’Boy sandwich.)

Check out my favorite pics from the Obamas’ trip below!

It wouldn’t be an Obama outing without a stop for ice cream. The first family gets an ice cream snack before leaving for Panama City.

It wouldn’t be an Obama outing without a stop for ice cream. The first family gets an ice cream snack before leaving for Panama City.

Obama and Michelle greet members of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Obama and Michelle greet members of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Obama and Sasha go for a swim at Alligator Point.

Obama and Sasha go for a swim at Alligator Point.

The Obamas play miniature golf in Panama City. Who do you think won?

The Obamas play miniature golf in Panama City. Who do you think won?