July 2, 2021
Solar Energy: Making it Last
By Jude Jussim
The capacity for solar power generation in the US has grown tremendously, from 314 megawatts (MW) in 1990 to 47.8 million MW in 2020–over 3% of US electricity. Contributing to this growth has been a dramatic decline in the cost of solar panels, with further reductions likely.
May 28, 2021
Monthly Forum: Primary Day (June 22, 2021)—Voting Matters!
By Evan Mason and Raul Larios
If there’s one thing that we learned from the November 2020 elections, it is that voting really does matter. And in NYC, voting in the primaries matters even more given the fact that Democrats outnumber Republicans 8:1. This means that the Democrats who win in the upcoming June 22nd primary will probably become our political leaders for the next several years.
(more…)May 4, 2021
Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’
By Raul Larios
A climate crisis is looming to be sure, but don’t let the sun catch you cryin’, as the title of the Ray Charles song says. That’s because New York City can do its part, in a very big way, to help prevent it.
May 3, 2021
Monthly Forum: The Future of NYC’s Streetscape
With the mayoral elections coming up and a multi-billion dollar federal infrastructure funding on the horizon, 2021 is a pivotal year in NYC. There is a lot of potential for real change on the Streets of New York. There has been significant progression in making our streets more equitable and sustainable over the last year, but still many roadblocks remain.
(more…)May 2, 2021
Green Careers May: Sustainable Transportation
It’s no secret that transportation is one of the largest hurdles when it comes to climate change. With over 25% of US emissions coming from transportation there are opportunities for private companies and public agencies alike. Come hear about sustainable careers in public transit, bike sharing, and electric vehicles!
(more…)April 29, 2021
How Has NYC Transportation Changed Post COVID?
By Tamanna Mohapatra
“The Hudson River Park Trust will be getting $5 million in state funding to build a two-block bicycle and pedestrian path along the West Side Highway.” “The Empire State Trail; a 750-mile network of space for bicyclists, hikers, runners, and others is now complete.” These recent headlines are seemingly good news, but we wanted to take a deeper look at the state of sustainable transportation in our city and ask the question: how has transportation changed post COVID?
April 4, 2021
Green Tours – Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center (JBENC)
We are excited to offer a virtual tour of the Net Zero Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center (JBENC). The JBENC, located at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, NY is the first interactive education center within the New York State Parks system. This unique environmental education center specifically addresses the role of human energy consumption in shaping the natural landscape.
April 3, 2021
Monthly Forum: How Has COVID-19 Impacted Energy Use?
When COVID-19 hit, the virus not only infected bodies, but also homes. Our kitchens, bedrooms, even bathrooms became office spaces as people had to suddenly cram both work and leisure into the same place. This change drastically altered the distribution of energy usage across the city (and the world) as office buildings emptied and people were confined to their homes.
(more…)March 31, 2021
Getting Back Out: A City Dweller’s COVID Reflection on Nature in Place
By Pamela Berns
In the lushness and vastness of the Western wilderness, the city dweller’s daily fight for blades of grass, open skies, and majestic mountains feels more like a calling than a battle. The city, with its tall buildings slicing the sky into slivers, darkening the streets long before sunset, can overwhelm with cynicism. Energy efficiency, walkable streets, LEED Platinum skyscrapers. The goal is clear, to save our planet. But out there in hopeful hills and valleys, where billions of stars blanket the night sky, you can actually see what it is you are saving.
(more…)The Real Facts of Food Waste
By Tamanna Mohapatra
The Irish philosopher Edmund Burke once said; “Facts are to the mind what food is to the body”. Essential. Let us, therefore, begin with some essential facts. Beware, these facts may kill your appetite.
Worldwide, up to 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted globally each year, almost 1/3rd of the 3 billion produced. This is edible food that goes uneaten, primarily driven by actions and decisions made by retailers, food service providers, and consumers.
The figure for the USA is 80 billion pounds/year which translates to roughly 36 million tons/year, making it the food waste leader in North America. An individual citizen’s share of that is about 400 pounds/year, a little over a pound a day.
(more…)