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How ‘Sustainable' Web Design Can Help Fight Climate Change

Clive Thompson

June 23, 2020 |

Wired |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Netherlands

As part of a growing movement in sustainable software design, Danny Van Kooten, a Dutch programmer, refactored the code on his website plug-in to reduce the amount of energy expended when someone interacts with it. About 2 million websites use his plug-in and by trimming the code, he estimates that he reduced the world’s monthly carbon dioxide output by 59,000 kilograms. While larger companies like video-streaming services put out more emissions, individual website owners can take steps to reduce their own CO2 footprint.

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Solar Power Fills Gaps in Underserviced Rural Argentina

Daniel Gutman

June 10, 2020 |

Inter Press Service News Agency |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Argentina, Entre Rios

Solar energy has provided an affordable and efficient source of energy to rural farmers in Argentina, who live too far off the electrical grid and have traditionally relied on powerful diesel-fueled water pumps. Solar panels have reduced carbon emissions, eliminated the need for expensive diesel fuel, as well as the hassle of transporting it to the countryside - often over rough roads. The initial investment in solar panels is recouped in a short amount of time and has resulted in a drastic reduction in water consumption.

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A New Weapon Against Climate Change May Float

Stanley Reed

June 04, 2020 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Portugal, Viana do Castelo

Floating wind turbines off the coast of Portugal is one of the latest experiments to convert wind energy into electric power. These machines can generate electricity for a city of up to 60,000 people. While it will take more financing and time to scale the project, investors are impressed with the results and see it as a viable financial return to combat climate change.

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#MakeCyclingSafer: In Nairobi and cities around the world

Duncan Lukoye

June 03, 2020 |

DIRAJ |

Multi-Media |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Kenya, Nairobi

In Nairobi, as in other major cities around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted travelers away from mass transit to bicycling for social distancing purposes. This presents policy and safety challenges, as many more cyclists use streets designed only for automobiles. But, with benefits extending beyond virus protection to physical fitness and lowering carbon emissions, planners are pushing for cycling lanes and other design changes in hopes that the cycling craze will continue even after the pandemic danger eases.

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The long road to a zero-carbon country

Jocelyn Timperley

June 01, 2020 |

BBC |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Costa Rica, San José

The capital city of San José in Costa Rica is taking steps to become greener and less dependent on cars. By focusing on public transportation initiatives like city bikes and bike lanes, a green esplanade, and an electric passenger train, the city is hoping to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and help the country reach net zero-carbon by 2050. While the cost of these projects can be pricey, many residents are strong advocates for making the city more sustainable.

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The ancient technology getting a second wind

Nick Holland

May 26, 2020 |

BBC |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Costa Rica

Old ships, powered by the wind, are being refurbished to sail small amounts of cargo around the world. While there are only a few hundred still in use, newer ships and sails are being designed and built with new technology to make the vessels more fuel efficient and produce zero emissions. While many of them are in the prototype phase, some of these ships are able to go into smaller ports and harbors that larger vessels can’t reach.

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Terrapin Powers Brewery With the Sun, Thanks to Georgia Bill

Stephen Barr Yash Bhika Janani Rammohan Victoria Swyers

May 04, 2020 |

Grady Newsource |

Multi-Media |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Athens, Georgia

Terrapin Beer Co. is powering their brewery with solar power, approximately 30 percent of the business’ total energy. The brewery partnered with Cherry Street Energy, a third-party solar ownership company, which allows them to rent the solar panels for little upfront cost. However, this arrangement doesn’t allow the brewery to store solar power for future use. These efforts allow the business to rely more on renewable energy to reduce their carbon footprint.

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In Czech Republic, cryptocurrency mining boosts agriculture

Inbar Preiss

April 05, 2020 |

Inkline |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Czech Republic

Using cryptocurrency mining, technological innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking, Parallel Garden, a Czech-based initiative, is tackling unsustainable agricultural practices. The project seeks to increase local food production and reduce waste, while sharing best practices with other communities through open-sourcing.

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Energy efficient homes mean less air pollution. But are they affordable?

Heather May

March 09, 2020 |

The Salt Lake Tribune |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Kearns, Utah

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and air pollution, Habitat for Humanity Salt Lake Valley is building airtight homes that will also reduce energy costs and be affordable for people experiencing economic hardship. The home are largely being built by volunteers, so the process has been slow and there have been mistakes in building the homes. However, the homes are estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 4.9 tons a year.

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Can new bus lines chart a course to better travel options in the West?

Carl Segerstrom

January 09, 2020 |

High Country News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Spokane, Washington

Private bus companies are beginning to offer an alternative method of transportation in the American West. As younger travelers seek to reduce their carbon footprint, companies like Flixbus are stepping in where rail connections are still lacking. Especially when compared to flying or owning a car, buses offer a carbon-efficient form of travel over long distances. Companies like Flixbus also offer convenience, meeting travelers on university campuses.

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