Star Trek

http://www.yesmagazine.org/planet/bill-mckibben-this-is-starting-to-get-exciting

This is starting to get exciting.

Five or six of us are hunched around a table in a small Washington office, shouting into phones and pecking away at keyboards as we count down toward the Saturday beginning of what looks like it will be the largest civil disobedience protest in the history of the American environmental movement.

We’ve got 2,000 people signed up to come to Washington and get arrested outside the White House between August 20 and September 3, all in an effort to persuade President Obama not to grant a permit for a new pipeline from the tar sands of Canada.

As momentum builds, we’re hearing from the famous and powerful: the wonderful Bernie Sanders just offered up a blogpost pointing out how many more jobs we’d create if we concentrated on clean energy; and the dynamic actor Mark Ruffalo chipped in a heartfelt video imploring people to head to Washington for the protest.

But it’s just as exciting to see the stream of inspiring commitments coming in from four Montana grandmothers (one of whom just happens to be Margot Kidder, otherwise known as Lois Lane), or a New York City college student who felt the hope of Obama’s 2008 victory, and also a little of the frustration many of us have shared since, pointing out the many times the president has “backed down from what could have been transformative confrontations with the defenders of the status quo.”  Which is exactly why so many of us will be wearing our Obama ’08 buttons when we get arrested: we want desperately to conjure up the surge of joy that came with that campaign.

By Saturday morning, if all goes according to plan, I’ll be in jail, along with the first wave of a hundred or so protesters.

For me, though, the big thrill of the day was seeing a blog post from my junior high school biology teacher, Fran Ludwig. She’s emerged in recent years as a great Massachusetts leader of the climate movement, and she managed to capture perfectly the message we’re trying to spread.

The People v. the Pipeline:
Time to Join In
How you can get involved in the one of the most important climate struggles happening in North America.

She says, "I'm going to Washington and risking arrest because, in spite of the efforts of concerned individuals and communities to live in a more sustainable way, government policy is the only way to achieve the large-scale change we need to avert the worst outcome of rampant climate change. The approval of the Keystone XL is exclusively up to President Obama. I hope to add my presence to thousands of others in Washington (and hundreds of thousands in the U.S. and across the planet) to say: Enough! We need to take a stand against fossil fuel now!!"

By Saturday morning, if all goes according to plan, I’ll be in jail, along with the first wave of a hundred or so protesters. But by no means the last—we’ll keep this protest alive till Labor Day Weekend, and then hand it off to the Canadians, who plan mass civil disobedience of their own in September.

And did I tell you we just heard from friends in Turkey? They’re planning to deliver their protest to the Canadian consulate this weekend—and they’ve spurred many others around the world in the same direction.

As I said, it’s starting to get interesting. If you want in on the fun, go to tarsandsaction.org

Bill McKibben wrote this article for YES! Magazine, a national, nonprofit media organization that fuses powerful ideas and practical actions. Bill is a YES! Magazine contributing editor, founder of 350.org, and Schumann Distinguished Scholar at Middlebury College. His most recent book is Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet.

Interested?

Tim DeChristopher: "This Is What Hope Looks Like"
During his sentencing, activist Tim DeChristopher had the opportunity to speak, at length, to the court. This is what he said. Our Most Urgent Climate Crises (And How We Can Fix Them)
Bill McKibben: In the mighty struggles beginning between climate activists and the fossil fuel industry, geography is on our side. Worth Dying For
A video tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives to protect the environment.

Photo from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/20/tar-sands-action-protests_n_932191.html#s334399&title=Tar_Sands_Pipeline

Ooh!  Margot Kidder!  A woman who spends time cowering naked in LA underbrush.  You've got to respect her opinion.    Any time a climate fanatic doesn't mention population reduction as the ONLY thing that can fix what they perceive to be the problem, I know its a joke.  If you believe in man-made global warming, nothing makes any long term difference, except population reduction.  If you don't believe in man-made global warming, nothing makes any difference.  So I believe in doing nothing unless it involves population control.  I don't believe in wasting my time rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic and thinking "Oh, look how good and caring I am."    

1) I support population reduction through voluntary birth control.

2) If the size of the carbon foot print is substantially reduced for each individual, we can support a larger population on smaller total level of carbon emmisions.

As long as you have a growing population, the carbon footprint has to get smaller and smaller.  Not possible.  Reducing a persons carbon footprint might buy some small amount of time, but is a losing game.  You say you support voluntary birth control.  Do you also favor voluntary "carbon footprint" control?  Do you want to legislate it?  Why make laws restricting carbon footprints, which in the long run is a loosing game, but not make laws limiting reproduction, which is the ONLY long term solution to the perceived problem of global warming?  And hunger, deforestation, and a myriad of other problems.   Every child brought into this world increases their parents carbon footprint by more than just about anything else they can do.  I find it interesting that people like Gore, have 4 children (3 conceived after becoming an environmentalist global warming advocate).  I guess the elite leaders are a special breed and get to do what they want. 

It is possible for the carbon footprint to get smaller and smaller. It may not be easy, but it is possible. I do agree that a reduced rate of population growth eases all sorts of enmvironmental stresses that would other wise be caused by human beings.

You are welcome to advocate mandatory population control if you wish, I just find that too difiicult a political argument to make, at least in the United States. Far easier to argue for feasible technological solutions.

I do think that you are giving freedom loving individuals a taste of the future if we do not take preventative measures now. The pressures on government to take highly oppressive measures to address the problem will increase over time. Better to take some relaitvley mild preventative measures now. Of course thanks to Bush Jr. and the carbon lobby, we have already wasted precious time, so the solution grows more and more difficult.  

Exactly the answer is more government regulations and more laws to kill even more industry and send them over seas. Our president has been giving money to green energy in fact millions of dollars have been spent as far as I am aware almost all of those newly formed green energy companies are out of business. The last thing our economy needs is more of the same but worded differently regulations especially in light of the “scientific data”  that has been proven false.  

Umm why are they planning to get arrested if they are just protesting?

The funny thing is when ever a Tea party rally or protest is going on they are extremely civil and even clean up after themselves yet are called a MOB or an angry mob Or even anti American mob

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2011/07/growing-clean-energy-through-business-model-innovation

Boston, Mass. -- Boston-based Zipcar (ZIP) raised $174 million from its Initial Public Offering in April 2011. It already operates in 14 big cities and 230 college campuses around the United States, Canada and the UK, and is planning to use this new capital for market expansion. Zipcar is not a high tech business, and its success is not due to sophisticated technological innovation; rather, it's an example of business model innovation.

Zipcar reinvented the traditional car rental business by simplifying and reducing the costs for short-term rentals and rebranding the service as green car sharing. They developed a distributed model of rental locations, an annual membership system, an all inclusive by-the-hour pricing structure, and online booking. Together these greatly reduce the cost and time needed to rent a car, while maximizing convenience. Indeed, most of the people I know who use Zipcar's service are not ardent environmentalists, but enjoy the hassle-free approach and the easy parking.

While public policy and the media tend to focus on technological innovation as the key to addressing climate change and boosting clean energy, business model innovation (BMI) offers a path to rapid deployment of existing technologies. The concept was popularized and given its current acronym by Mark Johnson, Clayton Christensen, and Henning Kagermann in their Dec. 2008 Harvard Business Review article “Reinventing Your Business Model.” They point out that, “low-cost U.S. airlines grew from a blip on the radar screen to 55% of the market value of all carriers. Eleven of the 27 companies born in the last quarter century that grew their way into the Fortune 500 in the past 10 years did so through business model innovation.”

The potential for BMI in the development of the cleantech sector is only just beginning to be appreciated. Rob Day, a partner with Black Coral Capital in Boston, recently wrote about a new wave of startups that run lean and require less capital to scale up. This means that they are less likely to founder in the infamous Valley of Death: “Some of this next wave of startups will be hardware, but many will be software and/or services… Business model innovation will often be stressed over technological innovation. They will sometimes marry energy-related market opportunities with Web2.0 and social media business models and platforms.”

A closer look reveals that BMI holds particular promise for unlocking the potential of clean energy and promoting economic competitiveness, investment and employment in high-cost regions. In addition to helping keep start-ups lean and capital efficient, BMI can develop systemic solutions that overcome some of the many market failures and institutional barriers to energy efficiency and clean energy. McKinsey’s famous Marginal Abatement Curve heralds the good news that about one-third of needed emissions reductions appear to have positive ROI with current technologies. The bad news is that about one-third of needed emissions reductions appear to have positive ROI – yet the necessary investments are not happening, due to these many hurdles. As with Zipcar, BMI provides ways to monetize the ancillary benefits of cutting emissions, and create business models that focus on features that people are willing to pay for.

BMI-based cleantech businesses are also more likely to keep jobs in high wage regions such as the US Northeast and California. Clean energy manufacturing jobs have been moving astonishingly quickly to China, even while there is still rapid technological evolution. Evergreen Solar (ESLR) and A123 Systems (AONE), both based here in Massachusetts, are perfect examples. Business model innovation often focuses on software and services, developing strong relationships with customers and building on existing capabilities in the region, so jobs are more likely to stay local. These factors also help to create barriers to entry, which protects the business model. Zipcar’s network of parking spots, for example, negotiated over several years with hundreds of companies and local authorities, would not be easy to replicate.

Better Place is a powerful example of how BMI can overcome systemic barriers to technology deployment. The company is developing a national replaceable battery infrastructure for pure electric vehicles in Israel, Denmark and elsewhere that transforms the business model for car ownership and fuel supply. Consumers buy a car without the expensive batteries, then contract with Better Place for battery replacement as a service, which is done in just a few minutes at a network of service stations. This model overcomes the physical limitations of batteries, in terms of range and charging time, and dramatically reduces the cost of new cars for consumers. As with Zipcar, governments are willing to subsidize the operation because it contributes toward reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions – again, monetizing ancillary benefits.

Energy efficiency and smart grid provide many opportunities for BMI. EnerNOC’s (ENOC) core business model, for example, is demand response and energy management, using sophisticated software and remote monitoring and control. Enernoc links the utilities, who are willing to pay for energy efficiency and for peak-period demand reduction, to a network of customers. Energy service companies like Ameresco (AMRC) are increasingly offering turnkey projects and performance contracts that reduce risks, capital requirements, and uncertainty for customers. Similarly, companies like Nexamp, Tioga Energy and Borrego offer renewable power purchase agreements based on DBOOM services – a complete package where the company designs, builds, owns, operates and manages the renewable energy installation, while the customer only pays for power.

Not surprisingly, then, these BMI-based companies are among the fastest growing businesses in the cleantech sector. Kevin Doyle, a Principal of Green Economy and Co-Chair of the New England Clean Energy Council’s Workforce Development Group, has pointed to the large number employment opportunities at a range of cleantech companies, a number of which are in energy services and software. As a result, they are not just looking for engineers, but also for a range of business and professional skills and expertise – which highlights the purpose of our new clean energy programs at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

http://www.minyanville.com/investing/articles/clean-energy-renewable-energy-stocks-energy/3/23/2011/id/33506

One of the biggest and most profitable power players in the alt energy sector is Tempe, Arizona’s First Solar (FSLR). Trading at nearly $140 before the quake struck, First Solar’s stock has since surged more than 8%, having once spiked by 12%. Transcending the technology of pricier and less efficient conventional solar panels, First Solar converts sunlight into energy with photovoltaic (PV) modules. Ninety percent of the company’s business had been attributed to overseas sales from solar project developers and system integrators in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Perhaps this most recent success suggests the sun-kissed company’s future will brighten in its home country.

Shares in China’s Trina Solar (TSL), another residential and commercial solar panel producer, have jumped a whopping 13.62% since the March 11 disaster. A vast majority of the company’s sales are also derived from European countries with its largest customer being Belgium’s green project developer Invictus NV. Currently trading at around $27, analyst consensus is that Trina Solar stock is a buy.

In the days following the quake in neighboring Japan, the sun has also shone on Jiangsu-based Suntech Power (STP). One of the world’s largest solar cell producers and the leader in China, the company’s products are built for both off-grid and on-grid electricity generation in residential, commercial, industrial and public utility applications. With gains currently exceeding 10%, analysts are advising investors to hold at its nearly $9 per share price.

It’s always sunny in San Jose these days, the headquarters of SunPower (SPWRA), the former Cypress Semiconductor subsidiary. In 2009, the technologically advanced solar cell and panel producer (using electricity per panel as a gauge) experienced 6.2% sales growth with over $33 in net income. Currently trading at around $16 per share, Sun Power’s 52-week high reached $20.17 in the week following the earthquake. “Technical indicators for the stock are bullish,” according to Market Intelligence Center.

Currently listed by analysts as a strong buy with recorded revenue of 34.8 billion euros in 2010, is the Paris-based self-described “world leader in environmental services,” Veolia Environment ADR (VE). Its energy unit, which operates global co-generation facilities and heating and cooling systems and services in urban and emerging markets, has seen increased revenue to the tune of 8%. Based on a 6% growth rate and a 10% expansion of operating margins, shares are worth $38 apiece on a discounted basis. Veolia’s transport arm is also a leading bus, light rail and rail provider and serves roughly 30 countries.

Although not a traditional alternative energy company, General Electric (GE) is now helping pave the way to a cleaner tomorrow. Compensating for a dodgier energy past, which supplied nuclear reactors to the Fukushima Daiichi plant, GE is offering a more diverse portfolio of power generation products. The company has eschewed its dirty coal technology for a coal-to-power system called the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle. It's also a world leader in wind turbine production and boasts its Ecomagination venture, which promotes clean technology. Trading at nearly $20 per share and approaching its 52-week high of 21.65, stock is currently listed as a buy.
 
One of the top holdings in the green energy ETF Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy (GEX) is Durham, North Carolina’s Cree Inc. (CREE). A maker of energy-efficient LED bulbs and fixtures, Cree also provides semiconductor solutions for wireless and power applications. Last year’s shares peaked at 83.38 when sales grew 52.9% and net income exceeded $152 million. Currently, stock is trading at just under $50 and analysts’ consensus is that Cree is a buy.

The little train car company that could, Trinity Industries (TRN) is leading the rail traffic revolution -- manufacturing auto carriers, box cars, gondola cars, hopper cars, intermodal cars and tank cars. Last week, the Dallas-based company entered into a partnership with GATX (GMT) to build 12,500 new railcars over a five-year period.

Its energy subsidiary, Trinity Structural Towers, is one of North America’s largest producers of structural wind turbine towers in the sector. Earlier this month, Trinity Industries declared a quarterly dividend of 8 cents per share on its $1.00 par value common stock. Currently trading at around $33 per share, analyst consensus is that Trinity Industries is a buy.

When considering diversifying into energy exchange-traded funds, rather than individual stocks, PowerShares WilderHill (PBW) has been at the top of the investment heap -- at least for short term holders. Based on the WilderHill Clean Energy Index, this green ETF focuses on small cap firms with a growth investment strategy and is being favored for value and liquidity. The fund has felt aftershocks to the effect of 1% at over $10.00 against a 52-week range of $4.00 to $11.42.

Another renewable energy ETF currently being touted as a “green stock pick for a post-Fukushima World” is Guggenheim Solar (TAN), which tracks the MAC Global Solar Energy Index (SUNIDX). Including holdings like First Solar and Trina Solar, the fund has roughly $168 million in assets. Following the earthquake, it posted gains upwards of 11% while the S&P 500 fell 3%.

Only time will tell if this uptick in renewables is merely a hypersensitivity to current events or if it will usher in lasting change to our energy landscape. Either way, it may be worth your while to start cleaning up your stock portfolio.

 The zip car company was formed in 2000 and did not receive obamas federal start up fund. 

 First Solar was formed in 1999 with production in 2002 and did not receive obamas federal start up fund.

Trina Solar, Suntech Power, these two companies are not in America and receive no federal start up funds or credits.

Sunpower (spwar) – is receiving over a billion dollars in government backed securities to stay afloat.

Veolia environment adr  is not an American company and does not receive federal funds from America.

 General Electric – I think we all know where Obama and these guys stand!

Trinity Industries – a big corporation that manufactures railway and highway products including box cars, metal containers ect. Ect. They also own Trinity Structural Towers, Inc producing wind turbine structures. As far as I can tell they receive no federal funding.

PowerShares WilderHill – another company that was formed in 2005 and did not receive federal start up money.  

Guggenheim Solar – this company is also not in America and receives no federal funds.

Copy:

“The department lent $528 million to Fisker Automotive, whose electric car is being financed by a venture capital firm run by billionaire Obama supporter John Doerr -- a firm that touts former Vice President Al Gore as a board member. And, a $535 million federal loan guarantee was used to help a California solar cell company whose major investors include George Kaiser, an Oklahoma billionaire who raised between $50,000 and $100,000 for Obama during the 2008 election.

Steve Westly, a major investor in the car company who had raised more than $500,000 for the president's campaign received $486 million dollars. Reported ABC news”

The point here is that our president is spending huge amounts of money for companies that are going bankrupt within the first year. Still on the campaign trail and still promising green energy start up funds for the same failed companies and many of the same people.  

Look, if the debate becomes one of how best to encourage green industry, no one would be happier than myself with such an outcome. The point I was trying to make is that green energy compaines are succeeding. The jury is still out on whether the U.S. government can be an effective supporter of venture capital type firms. Some private investment has been leveraged by such public investment.

More to the point, government can do much by becoming a customer of green technology. Retofit government buildings with solar panels and energy efficient improvements. Invest in auto fleets of hybrid and electric vehicles. Where negative environmental impacts are minimal, lease government land for alternative energy production facilities at affordable rates to industry. The sky is the limit. 

It was a lack of regulation (by the USA's government) and rampant greed that caused the GFC and created the economic mess the USA and many other countries are now in. More regulation rather than less will be better IMO.

The last thing we need is for the current administration to come up with more regulations. And the rampant greed is had by business and politicians working together.

These people are entitled to protest against the proposed trans - american oil pipeline   

I do not have a problem with Americans protesting although as part of their protest they want to deliberately commit crimes against the state and deliberately be arrested.  Then tax payers have to pick up the tab.