13 Major Clean Energy Breakthroughs of 2013
If you feel like you keep hearing about something new happening with clean energy this year -it’s not just you. There have been many innovative developments this year and this post summarizes how sun, waves, and wind were used in new and improved ways in 2013. By Kiley Kroh and Jeff Spross on Climate Progress.
‘World’s First’ Science-Based Company Rankings Released
A brand new context-based sustainability (CBS) methodology and ranking system puts companies’ climate change plans into perspective. By comparing performance against science-based goals that seek to limit climate change to 2° Celsius (3.6° Fahrenheit) we now have a benchmark to see if companies plans are adequate or not. When applied to 100 companies, the rankings show that most reduction plans are not up to par. Data considered in calculations includes companies’ contribution to GDP and self- reported carbon emissions data. Download full study from Climate Counts; Article by Mary Mazzoni on Triple Pundit.
A new technology empowers indigenous people to end deforestation
Recent EDF organized workshop to inform Amazonian tribes about the international incentive program, REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) took place in Peru. Scientists, NGOs, and indigenous groups from Peru and Colombia joined together to create an innovative map displaying the carbon density of the forests and where protected areas are and indigenous groups live in relation. This map is considered a valuable tool for indigenous groups to understand climate benefits of protecting forests and also use in discussions with governments and other parties that threaten these areas. By Dylan Murray on EDF Voices blog.
Six stocking stuffers that will ultimately reduce food waste
For any of you who are looking for last minute Christmas gifts, especially for your eco-minded friends, check out this site for some ideas to reduce food waste. More than just ideas of what you can get friends for the holidays, this article has some different mechanisms and products that I think we could use more to lessen our environmental footprint. It’s important to keep in mind that we should try and reduce our impact and waste during the holidays, even with simple checks like making sure the refrigerator is cool enough to keep food from wasting. From NRDC’s switchboard, written by Dana Gunder.
The Sustainability Co-Op 