global ideas, author at planet forward - 克罗地亚vs加拿大让球

soccer stadiums help fight climate change in brazil

thu, 27 dec 2012 08:53:56 +0000

brazil is a solar energy pioneer in latin america. the country’s biggest photovoltaic facility is a unique one: it generates 600 mwh, but unlike other solar plants, it’s located on top of the estádio de pituaçu, a football stadium in salvador de bahia. the facility produces more electricity than the stadium actually consumes, and it is a model for the rest of the country — especially with brazil preparing to host the next world cup in 2014. there are plans to install solar roofs on further stadiums.

]]>

volcanic power in el salvador

thu, 20 dec 2012 09:52:10 +0000

el salvador is well-known for its majestic, powerful volcanoes. the hot, steaming lava that bubbles just under the earth’s surface serves the country well. water is pumped 1,200 meters into the hot earth to power steam water turbines in geothermal power plants. through this process, el salvador generates about a fourth of its electricity — no co2 emissions involved. now, the german agency for international cooperation (giz) is helping the country develop its geothermal potential even further. engineers are demonstrating how geothermal energy can be used on a micro level, like in small businesses.

]]>

pedal power to recharge light in rwanda

thu, 13 dec 2012 08:52:49 +0000

rural rwandan households usually rely on dangerous and unhealthy kerosene lamps for illumination. now one project has come up with an innovative, clean and affordable solution — battery-powered led lights with a pedal generator. all that’s needed is about 20 minutes of pedaling on a bicycle-like contraption to charge the lights. the project doesn’t just allow rwandans to go night fishing or study for school but also offers an economic opportunity and a business model for rural areas.

]]>

homes made of waste in guatemala

wed, 05 dec 2012 10:00:32 +0000

old tires, glass bottles and plastics might be considered useless in some parts of the world, but in others, they’re valuable building materials. an ngo in guatemala inspires volunteers to build sustainable, green homes, and even pay for them! the small town of san juan is now home to energy self-sufficient schools and homes based on a revolutionary recycling concept.

]]>

can propane supply eco-friendly cooling?

thu, 29 nov 2012 09:00:36 +0000

air conditioners represent a troubling paradox: they cool indoor spaces, but they heat up the climate. most air conditioning systems operate via coolants, which often emit greenhouse gases — but not always. indian manufacturing company godrej is investing in eco-friendly propane for air conditioners instead of harmful fluorocarbons, or fc’s.

propane presents a greener alternative and helps protect the ozone layer. that’s especially important in india where some four million air conditioners are sold every year. still, propane is flammable, and critics say godrej’s devices are dangerous for consumer use. the company is trying to reassure customers of their product safety by sending “eco vans” throughout the country to distribute information.

]]>

how much would sea levels rise if all polar ice melted?

tue, 20 nov 2012 08:00:35 +0000

calcutta, shanghai, london – low-lying cities will get into trouble if sea levels continue to rise. ice masses at the poles melting due to global warming are a major reason. but not all ice on the planet is the same. global ideas climate expert anders levermann explains which of the ice masses are relevant and how much sea levels would rise if all ice at or near the poles melted.

]]>

what is your personal co2 balance?

thu, 08 nov 2012 09:00:39 +0000

global ideas seeks to break down pressing, complex issues about climate change. we’ve begun a series of information films to help answer climate questions in an easy and succint way. in this episode, we answer the question “how much carbon do you emit?” everything that we eat, do and consume has its own co2 value that helps determine the size of our carbon footprint. who uses a lot of energy and who doesn’t? we look forward to your discussion.

]]>

gardening goes guerilla in berlin

tue, 06 nov 2012 09:37:32 +0000

once a wasteland in the shadow of the berlin wall, a plot of land in the middle of berlin has been revitalized and converted into an urban mobile farm called “prinzessinnengarten.” check it out in our audio slide show.

]]>

clean water for turkey

thu, 01 nov 2012 09:30:11 +0000

turkey invests massively in its infrastructure, especially in water treatment where there is still a pent-up demand. wastewater from households and industry often flowed untreated into rivers – including recently in the eastern turkish city of diyarbakir. a grant helped to set up a water treatment plant – for the benefit of people and environment.

]]>