Hipper hybrid on Honda's horizon

Honda came out with the first hybrid car in 1997, but it was eclipsed by the Toyota Prius several years later. The Prius, which has skyrocketed in sales, is considered the flagship hybrid for any eco-minded driver.

When Honda tried to match that by launching a line of Civic hybrid vehicles and other standard models, they failed in the auto market, because the lines of the car were indistinguishable from the shells of the main models–with only a small insignia to denote their environmental status.

The Toyota Prius’ success is due to its futurist looks and has become synonymous with the hybrid car, because of its uniqueness. Prius drivers are often asked about their cars, on and off the road, and respond with pride.

In response, Honda is creating its own distinguished-looking hybrid car which is planned to be released in 2009. They hope to create a look all their own for the hybrid market that will also be a topic of interest and a conversation piece.

Battling eco-terrorism

Last year, 10 defendents went to trial in a U.S. District Court in Eugene, Ore. on charges of eco-terrorism. It took the Federal Bureau of Investigations over nine years to finally catch those members of the terrorist cell called “The Family,” which was responsible for firebombings that caused more than $20 million in damages. Working on behalf of the Earth Liberation Front and the Animal Liberation Front, the terrorist group wreaked havoc on federal ranger stations, lumber mill offices, meat-packing plants, wild horse corrals, and a ski resort. The attacks took place in five Western states: Oregon, Washington, California, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Today, trials against the accused environmental extremists continue to work their way through the legal process. Defendents could face 5 to 20 years on each count of arson.

Unfortunately, these headlines create negative publicity for legal attempts and scientifically valid efforts to save the environment. Thankfully, they’re in the minority and in a year when An Inconvenient Truth weighs heavily on the minds of many Americans, stories and isolated events like these can be seen in their true light.

Schwarzenegger takes on the EPA

Will Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger help pave the way toward better climate change legislation?

This Wednesday, California plans to file a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency in order gain permission to issue its own auto emission regulations. Under provisions of the Clean Air Act, the state asked for a waiver in 2005 which would order automobile manufacturers to reduce vehicles’ carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas pollution by 30 percent between 2009 and 2016.

California’s plea has many powerful critics. President Bush is opposed to compulsory emission limits. In addition, Automakers insist the federal government should exclusively be responsible for regulating emissions standards, in order to prevent a patchwork of state-by-state rules from ensuing.

According to California State Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, the intent of the suit is to gain the attention of the president and Capitol Hill. “The most prominent Republican governor suing the Bush administration sends a powerful message, which I hope will influence Congress [to pass global-warming legislation],” he said.

EPA spokeswoman Jennifer Wood said the agency is still reviewing the waiver request and expects a decision will be made by the end of the year.

Southwest's water is running out

A report issued by the National Research Council warns the Southwest will soon face a severe water shortage due to the regional warming trend and increased human demand. The Colorado River, which supplies parts of California, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico, is already significantly impacted—it no longer reaches the ocean! According to an article in SFGate.com, major water scarcity in the region will set in as soon as 2025.

The depletion of fresh water is of grave concern because it is not a renewable resource and there are no alternatives for it, unlike natural gas and coal. The report says, “increasingly costly, controversial and unavoidable trade-off choices,” will need to be made.

Currently, cities rising demand for water is being met by leasing and selling the water rights of agriculture, which accounts for 80% of the West’s water consumption. However, this is not a viable long-term solution because the farming industry and rural landscape will suffer. Ultimately, answers to the Southwest’s water shortage crisis will lie in conservation measures taken by the federal and state governments and the American people.

Kudos to Al Gore

Since the 2000 presidential election debacle, former Vice President Al Gore has achieved more fame and notoriety from his environmental advocacy work than anything he accomplished during his years in the Clinton administration. It appears 2007 is his year.

In February, Gore won an Oscar award for his documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, which exposed the harsh realities of global warming. He was also given the privilege of testifying before the Senate Environment Committee hearing on global climate change the following month. However, the greatest tribute to Gore’s efforts came on Friday, when it was announced he will share the Nobel Peace Prize with the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

In his statement published in USA Today, Gore said, “The climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity. It is also our greatest opportunity to lift global consciousness to a higher level.” The $1.5 million he receives in proceeds will be donated to the non-profit Alliance for Climate Protection.

Thanks to his contributions and the hard work of so many scientists and politicians, climate change will be a higher priority on the international agenda in the years to come.

Green Consumerism

A recent New York Times article reveals one of the unintended outcomes of the green movement is the increase in commercialism and consumerism. Trendy, earth-friendly merchandise is now available for just about every kind of product on the market...from men’s dress shirts to dog chew toys. In addition to their main product lines, many manufacturers offer “green” alternatives, which are marketed as biodegradable, organic, all natural, eco-friendly, etc. All these products are adding to the accumulation of waste matter and further depleting our natural resources.

According to the Washington Post, “Industry estimates of the total spent on environmentally conscious goods and services in the United States are upward of $209 billion.” Producers are raking in huge profits from so-called “green consumers” and critics are speaking out. Author Paul Hawken says, “Green consumerism is an oxymoronic phrase.” George Black of the Natural Resources Defense Council, believes the majority of these shoppers are “eco-narcissists,” because they are more concerned with fashion than addressing the seriousness of our environmental crises.

World Watch Woes

Of the quizzes available on the World Watch website, I scored best on the one concerning population, health and the economy and worst on the one about energy, climate and pollution, etc. I took a conservation class only just last year and thought I knew more about current issues involving the environment, but boy was I wrong!

It was alarming to discover that in 2002 the U.S spent $943 billion on military expenses while the United Nations only spent $2.82 billion on peace-keeping efforts. This is simply outrageous! Yes, 9/11 necessitated some defense spending in the war against terror, but I think a large portion of this cost could have been offset by more monetary support from the U.N. And what do we really have to show for the $943 billion spent in that year alone?

Also, I was surprised to learn that the U.S. produced the most oil in 1950, and that in 2003 Russia dominated oil production. Why? In the news all we ever hear about is how the U.S is dependent on oil from the Middle East and our present War on Iraq further supports this notion. Furthermore, why if it’s been more than half a century since the U.S. has been a leader in oil production have we not been more aggressive in transitioning to alternative energy sources?

Finally, I was reassured to find out that hydropower and traditional biomass forms of energy were consumed most in 2000 after oil, coal and natural gas. Hopefully this statistic reveals a trend toward safer, cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy use. Only time will tell.