News Roundup
‘Reuters – DuPont Co now expects $1 billion in photovoltaic market sales this year, up from a previous forecast to hit that mark in 2011, saying interest for solar materials continues to spike.’
via DuPont sees $1 bln solar market sales in 2010 | Reuters.
‘Reuters – Broad U.S. climate change legislation is likely dead for at least the next two years in the new Congress, especially if Republicans take control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2011, a leading Democrat said on Wednesday.’
‘CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Using carbon nanotubes (hollow tubes of carbon atoms), MIT chemical engineers have found a way to concentrate solar energy 100 times more than a regular photovoltaic cell. Such nanotubes could form antennas that capture and focus light energy, potentially allowing much smaller and more powerful solar arrays.’
‘SAN FRANCISCO — California’s ambitious climate change agenda could evaporate in a vote in November that pits renewable energy advocates and allies against oil companies and manufacturers.’
via Green column – A Threat to California’s Climate Change Progress – NYTimes.com.
‘As proposed American offshore wind-farm projects creep forward — slowed by state legislative debates, due diligence and environmental impact assessments — China has leapt past the United States, installing its first offshore wind farm.’
via Chinese Offshore Development Blows Past U.S. – NYTimes.com.
‘A possible new energy source—electricity stored in water in the atmosphere—has been discovered, according to a team of scientists from the University of Campinas in Brazil.’
via Hygroelectricity: Possible New Energy Source | Science | Epoch Times.
U.S. energy use flow chart:
‘WASHINGTON, September 15 (Reuters) – So far, 2010 is tied for the warmest year on record, and Arctic sea ice reached its third-lowest level, prompting thousands of walruses to haul themselves out of ice-starved waters, United States scientists said on Wednesday.’
‘Reuters – World leaders will next week consider a target for halting extinctions of animals and plants by 2020 that many experts rate impossibly ambitious given mounting threats such as climate change and loss of habitats.’
via World examines impossible goal to halt extinctions | Reuters.
‘Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday announced the start of a new website intended to help Californians find jobs in green industries.’