Is Earth past the tipping point?
Scientific American / Mark Fischetti / 19 March 2010
Biodiversity loss. Land use. Freshwater use. Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles. Stratospheric ozone. Ocean acidification. Climate change. Chemical Pollution. Aerosol loading in the atmosphere.
A team of 30 scientists across the globe have determined that the nine environmental processes named above must remain within specific limits, otherwise the "safe operating space" within which humankind can exist on Earth will be threatened. Amid some controversy, the group has set numeric limits for seven of the nine so far (chemical pollution and aerosol loading are still being pinned down). And the researchers have determined that the world has already crossed the boundary in three cases: biodiversity loss, the nitrogen cycle and climate change.
No Energy to Waste
Ecology Ottawa / Newsletter / 18 March 2010
This spring, Ecology Ottawa is launching a new program: the No Energy to Waste! pilot project for community service agencies. Thanks to funding we have received from the Ottawa Sustainability Fund, we are working with three to five local community service agencies, such as shelters and supportive employment centres, to dramatically reduce energy consumption in their buildings. We'll be helping organizations that provide essential services to our community to cut their energy costs while also reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The energy used to heat, cool, and power Ottawa's buildings account for nearly two-thirds of our city's greenhouse gas emissions, so it's crucial that we start constructing better buildings and improving the ones we have.
Comment: Happily paying more
Ottawa Citizen / Editorial / 17 March 2010
At first glance, asking people to pay more for energy doesn't sound like a way to win friends. At the gas station, tell the driver at the next pump you wish gasoline were more expensive and see what he or she says.
How do we maintain adequate phosphorus and potassium levels for crops?
The Oil Drum - Campfire / Gail the Actuary / 17 March 2010
How do we maintain phosphorous and potassium fertility, as rock-based supplements become in shorter supply, and fossil fuels for mining and transportation become less available? A PennState University website says:
"Most forage crops remove between 15 and 20 pounds of phosphate per ton of hay equivalent and between 45 and 60 pounds of potash per ton of hay equivalent."
One way of maintaining fertility is not to remove plant residues in the first place, unless absolutely necessary. This study talks the importance of leaving wheat crop residues in order to maintain phosphorous levels. Burning biomass residues for heat or electricity or converting biomass to biofuels seems like a step in the wrong direction.
Public meeting on E-K solar farm
Recorder and Times / Deanna Clark / 16 March 2010
The notice of proposal to engage in a renewable energy project by Effisolar Energy Corporation noted it is hosting a public meeting at Spring Valley Hall on Tuesday, March 23. The information session is from 12 noon to 3 p.m.
Elizabethtown-Kitley council discussed the issue at its last regular meeting.
Prettejohn, who also lives on Old Red Road, said her neighbours have voiced concerns about the time slot of the meeting being "restrictive" to those who work during the day.
Loblaws aims to be green grocer
Toronto Star / Tyler Hamilton / 11 March 2010
Your local Loblaws store could soon be generating clean electricity for the grid. The grocery giant said Wednesday it will install solar photovoltaic panels on four of its stores in Ontario as part of a plan that could see another 132 locations across the province equipped with rooftop solar systems.
