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These Solar Farms Have A Secret Hiding Under Them: Mushrooms

Adele Peters

September 22, 2017 |

FastCompany |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Japan, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture

As populations urbanize and the disparity between city and country grows, farmers in Japan are facing increasing economic challenges and a shortage of new farmers to work the land. But a new scheme may help farms to be more profitable by creatively doubling the productivity of their land. New projects allow farmers to grow produce or graze livestock beneath large swaths of solar panels, generating income from both energy sold to the grid as well as more traditional agricultural means.

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Can coal remain the bedrock of Wyoming's economy?

Joshua Zaffos

September 18, 2017 |

High Country News |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Wyoming

In Wyoming, the economic development is closely linked to the coal industry. Forty percent of the coal is being mined in this state. However, the industry is declining and many people are losing their jobs. To adjust to this change, the state is trying to diversify and focus on clean coal and renewable energy, such as wind, as new manufacturers and technologies are attracted to the state.

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Finding Our Power

Kirsi Jansa

September 14, 2017 |

Sustainability Pioneers |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is one of the 2500 cities and groups that are part of the "We Are Still In" network, supporting the Paris climate agreement. The city built what officials call "the greenest public building" in America, the Frick Environmental Center. By devoting funding to green construction and using an integrated design approach, the city and its leaders are showing the commitment needed to tackle climate change and create a more sustainable future.

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In Africa's Oldest Park, Seeking Solutions to a Destructive Charcoal Trade

Amy Yee

September 14, 2017 |

Yale Environment 360 |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Central African Republic

The deforestation of Virunga National Park has lead to erosion, landslides and loss of wildlife habitat. The trees are often used for charcoal which is seen as an essential commodity in the region. To save the forest, and the wildlife that require it to thrive, both local and international groups are testing out alternative methods to get the people the charcoal they need while saving what is left of Africa's oldest park.

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Clean Energy's Role in Recession Recovery

Henry Litman

September 12, 2017 |

Clean Energy Finance Forum |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

There are state differences in green investment and this can affect the economy of each, especially post-recession. Green investing can create more jobs and have an indirect impact by encouraging more business due to cheaper electric bills from greater use of renewable energy.

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The Power Plants That May Save a Park, and Aid a Country

Amy Yee

August 30, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Virunga National Park is facing a crisis of deforestation amid the backdrop of the war-torn country. In this same region, power plants stand as a semblance of hope, offering the prospect of both jobs and electricity. It hasn't been an easy journey, and many obstacles are on the horizon, but much has already been learned from trial and error.

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Solar roof tiles offer tech boost for Kenya's rural classrooms

Justus Wanzala

August 25, 2017 |

Thomson Reuters Foundation |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Kenya, Murang’a

In Kenyan schools, the use of “building-integrated photovoltaics” (BIPV) acts as an innovative way to get solar energy to schools. Variations of these solar tiles have spread internationally, aided by companies like Tesla. However, the impact in these Kenyan schools means students can do school work after dark and benefit from consistent computer accessibility, and schools can better plan and budget for energy use during the school year.

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Alaska's Small Villages Turn Toward Renewables—And Don't Look Back

Stephen Miller

August 25, 2017 |

Yes! Magazine |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Buckland, Alaska

Alaska is a state of remote and rural townships, where everything costs more to access - from food to fuel - and plunging global oil prices have pushed the state economy to the brink of financial crisis. But communities such as Buckland are taking steps to move away from dependence on fossil fuels through the building of renewable energy micro-grids. Wind, geothermal, hydro, and solar power not only help keep the lights on, but are contributing to the stabilization of local economies.

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Could underwater garages solve Boston's parking shortage?

Matt Rocheleau

August 22, 2017 |

The Boston Globe |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

Boston needs more parking spaces, especially in a neighborhood surrounded by water. It is looking to build an underwater parking garage, like the ones being built in Amsterdam, in order to free up street level space and add more parking to decrease car pollution from driving around searching for a parking spot.

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Why Salt Is This Power Plant's Most Valuable Asset

Molly A. Seltzer

August 04, 2017 |

Smithsonian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, McIntosh, Alabama

One of the greatest challenges to integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid has been the issue of storage - where and how to keep power generated during off-hours (such as overnight) when demand is low. While batteries are on the rise as one solution, an Alabama power plant has discovered a natural way of storing energy until it is needed: pumping air into salt caverns.

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