Green Science and Technology

The United Nations stated in a recent report that almost one third of the world’s population, roughly 2 billion people, are in danger of becoming victims of desertification. Desertification is the process in which the movement of sands displaces people and forces them to uproot. This is currently creeping across North Africa.

World Water Week was held in Stockholm from Aug. 16-22, where more than 2,000 attendees convened to collaborate on major issues related to water pollution and shortages around the world.

Each year, World Water Week acknowledges the accomplishments and dedication of select individuals and players.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated $6.2 million, including $4.6 million of Recovery Act funds, for researching and developing next generation energy-efficient lighting.

Navistar International Corp., a U.S. manufacturer of commercial trucks, has just been granted $39 million from the Department of Energy and has plans to team up with Modec Ltd., a British maker of electric vehicles, to make zero-emission, all-electric delivery vehicles for 2010.

During intermediate climate talks in Bonn, Germany, last week the head of the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat Yvo de Boer said the price of dealing with climate change is enormous — $300 billion, he said.

When the Chevrolet Volt hits showrooms late next year, it could blow away the competition. The hybrid engine runs on electricity and gas and can get up to 230 miles to the gallon during city driving. That figure has yet to be tested by federal regulators, but anywhere close to that number would be a record for an American car.

Global carbon dioxide emissions increased two percent in 2008, from 30.9 billion metric tons to 31.5 billion metric tons, according to The International Economic Platform for Renewable Energies (Internationales Wirtschaftsforum Regenerative Energien (IWR)).

London Technology Fund announced Aug. 7 that, along with other investors, has invested approximately $1.7 million in Novacem, a United Kingdom start-up company currently developing a cement that absorbs more carbon dioxide over its life-cycle than it emits.

President Obama has pledged $2.4 billion toward making more electric vehicles a reality. The funds granted under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be funneled into the manufacture of battery and electric vehicle parts for projects selected in more than 20 states.

The Great Barrier Reef has been placed on a list of finalists to be among seven wonders of nature similar to the seven ancient wonders of the world, revived by The New7Wonders Foundation. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system as well as the largest single structure created by living creatures.