Green Options

Meeting energy needs while being efficient and using environmentally responsible technologies is probably the single greatest change that needs to happen to alter the effects of climate change now. In the United States and the European Union, governments are backing smart grid and renewable energy programs. Undoubtedly, the two technologies go hand-in-hand, but where should we put our efforts (and dollars/euros) first?

As we evolve towards a new global climate change policy regime at Copenhagen later this year via the negotiations currently going on in Bonn, a willingness to step in each other’s shoes gets more and more critical and primary.

China, while indicating that it is ready to accept sectoral carbon emission cuts, has unveiled plans to build massive coal reserves in order to avoid counter any shortages in the near future.

Canada has played a waiting game for the past several months, anticipating a joint cap-and-trade system with the USA. Now it appears the two countries will be dealing with greenhouse gases on their own.

OPEC seems concerned about loosing customers as developed nations pledge to invest billions in renewable energy projects.

With no consensus on a global carbon tax, the world leaders must try to negotiate a global carbon labelling law as it would make countries around the world responsible for their share of emissions, hopefully making them take bold measures to control them.

With other countries failing to show any commitment to either contribute to the climate fund or reduce carbon emissions, the European Union has backed out from its plan to release billions for the climate fund.

Italian car company Tazzari has announced plans to launch its Tazzari Zero all-electric vehicle in the North American market next year.

The all-electric 2 door super mini (video) weighs in at a tiny 542 kilograms (around 1,200 lbs), leaving it capable of achieving 100 km/h (62 mph) in a nimble 5 seconds, with a top speed of 80 km/h (50mph) (more pics after the jump).

United States is looking to levy tax on imported goods while China is holding the high demand from developed nations responsible for a major portion of its carbon emissions.

Amid increasing calls for a global carbon tax to check carbon emissions, a new bill proposing a nation-wide carbon tax has been introduced in the US Congress.

Obama administration’s decision to create a climate registry would put pressure on the advanced developing countries to take some serious steps in order to control their carbon emissions.