Articles of Interest Week of November 21-28, 2010

"Xerox Saves 'Green' by Going 'Green'" By Richard Lee

Xerox offers incentive to their branches to improve their business while also benefiting the world by going green through their Earth Awards Program. This year, five Xerox branches received this award. Notable changes  in operations include:  controlling the amount of ink released on paper (saving $132,000 and keeping 70,400 pounds of material out of landfills); improving the waste water process (reducing wastewater by 60 percent and saving $80,000 per year); and, creating the smallest package possible for the Colorcube solid ink, using 43 percent recycled materials in the shipping package.

"Growing a Forest, and Harvesting Jobs" By Elisabeth Malkin

“We’re the owners of this land and we have tried to conserve this forest for our children, for our descendants” --Alejandro Vargas

Three decades ago, the Zapotec Indians of Southern Mexico fought and won the right to communally manage the forest in the state of Oaxaca. Beforehand, state-owned corporations exploited the forests with little to no government laws protecting the land. Today, the Zapotecs own a lumber business that employs 300 people and has become the “gold standard” of community owned and cultivated forests. The Zapotec continually protect their environment--and also earn a profit--$230,000 in 2009, of which 30 percent went back into forest preservation. Mexico plans to showcase their success in community forestry at the global climate talks in Cancun next week. Paying developing countries to protect  their forests is one of the current solutions under serious discussion.

Articles of Interest Regarding Renewable/ Sustainable Energy

"The Benefits of Solar With the Beauty of Trees" By Todd Woody

A significant problem facing solar energy is that the installation of solar panels on rooftop homes may mean cutting down trees. To solve this conundrum, companies such as CleanPath Ventures in California created "community solar power plants" on the city's outskirts from which they sell "garden plots" to homeowners. Homeowners own a piece of power plant that generates electricity to their homes. In this way, those who do not want to or cannot use rooftop solar power can still use solar power to generate energy in their homes.  Additionally, the forests of California are protected while the advantages of solar energy are made available.

"Solar-Panel Maker to Close a Factory and Delay Expansion" By Todd Woody

Solyndra, a solar-panel maker in California, faces dangerous competition with Chinese solar-panel companies. Even after receiving half a billion dollars in government funding, Solyndra must shut down its original plant. Instead of maintaining two branches, the CEO of Solyndra believes funding only the second plant will benefit its products' price and efficiency. Despite China's more competitive prices, Solyndra's owners stay optimistic. Experts foresee Solyndra's solar panel production for commercial rooftops to double from the previous year in 2011. Both Solyndra and sustainable energy proponents remain confident in clean energy initiatives due to this figure. 


"As Glaciers Melt, Science Seeks Data on Rising Seas" By Justin Gillis

The melting ice sheets and glaciers close to Greenland bring uncertainty to environmentalists and they hold potential consequences in relation to sea-level rise and global warming in the future. As part of a contentious debate amongst scientists and politicians, some of the key issues raised include whether this phenomenon is a naturally occurring event due to climate variability or if the emissions of heat-trapping gasses are to blame. Also, will the earth's land ice melt too fast for society to adjust? Other important concerns mentioned describe the lack of funding for climate and ice study, as well as considering some of the measures coastal settlements should adopt in preparation for an estimated sea-level increase of at least 3 feet by 2100.

“BP Disaster and Future of The Energy Business” Conference

President Roma Stibravy joined the “BP Disaster and Future of The Energy Business” conference organized by Baruch College, City University of New York on November 18, 2010.

The conference looked at the BP oil spill and ramifications for the energy industry, following a discussion address the legal, legislative and policy responses to the disaster.

The primary speaker at the Conference was Steven Mufson, a staff writer at The Washington Post concerned with renewable/ sustainable energy. 

Science and Society: IPCC Reform and the Global Climate Challenge

U.N. NGO Sustainability’s president, Roma Stibravy, attended the meeting “Science and Society: IPCC Reform and the Global Climate Challenge.” The meeting took place on November 16, 2010 at Columbia and was hosted by Columbia’s Climate Center.

Speakers discussed the format for dealing with the climate change through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The most suggested idea was developing a Panel Three dealing with public outreach and communications.

The program was introduced by the Director of the Earth Institute of Columbia University, Jeffrey Sachs.

Speakers included:

• Simon Buckle (Director, Climate Policy, Grantham Institute, Imperial College),
• Peter Haas (Professor of Political Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst),
• Syukuro Manabe (Senior Meteorologist, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Princeton),
• Gavin Schmidt (NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, Columbia University),
• Laurence Tubiana (Director, IDDRI, Sciences Po and Alliance Visiting Professor, Columbia University)

Articles of Interest Regarding Women's Issues

"Here’s a Woman Fighting Terrorism. With Microloans." By Nicholas D. Kristof
"Bullets and drones may kill terrorists, but Roshaneh creates jobs and educational opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people — draining the swamps that breed terrorists."

Summary:
Roshaneh Zafar, an American educated banker, started a Microfinance organization located in Lahore, Pakistan named The Kashf Foundation in order to help fight terrorism by providing education opportunities and jobs for hundreds of thousands of people who would normally find themselves in "the swamps that breed terrorists." The Foundation develops initiatives and successes as an effective strategy undermining extremism. Through the implementation of market-based solutions such as job creation and educational opportunities, the author suggests the United States reevaluate its approach towards defeating extremism by shifting investments from firepower to development. 

"A School Fights for Life in Battered Haiti" by Deborah Sontag

"We can't let C.C.F. fail, just like we can't let Haiti fail" -Marie Alice Craft, Director of C.C.F.

Summary:
Sontag describes the difficulties within the educational system in Haiti that have been amplified due to the earthquake. Sontag focuses on a particular student, Caroline (22 years old), from The College Classique Feminin (C.C.F). C.C.F. is an all girls school, which has been very affected by the earthquake. Currently, students cannot attend school due to their building not meeting code. Haitians seem divided on the importance of rebuilding these schools and how to begin the rebuilding process. Some believe the education system will lay the foundation for rebuilding Haiti, while others find they have "bigger problems" to tackle, particularly medical concerns. The Inter-American Development Bank has provided Haiti with $500 million to aid with the $4.2 billion educational reform plans. 

7th World Chambers Commerce 8-10 June 2011, Mexico City

At the World Chambers Congress in Mexico City in June 2011 NGO Sustainability working with Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) and North Pakistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) will seek to add a sustainability/ renewable energy dimension to its presentation “Women’s Empowerment Principles: Equality Means Business.”

We are anxiously awaiting a response as to whether our proposal to speak at the 7th World Chambers Commerce 8-10 June 2011 Session is accepted. We should have our answer this month.


The World Chambers commerce offers chamber executives a forum where they can network, share experience and development new ideas to tackle remaining challenges in their respective countries. The conference occurs every two years in a different location. This year it will be for the first time in Latin America,  in Mexico City. For more information please visit: http://www.iccwbo.org/Congress/2011/Home/

“Introducing Small Scale Solar in Liberia”

NGO Sustainability’s project, “Introducing Small Scale Solar in Liberia,” seeks to support community participation through training in the use and production of solar cookers, improved cook stoves, solar pumps, WAPIs and solar lanterns. It is also anticipated that upon successful completion, this project would be replicated in other parts of Liberia as an initiative that helps in the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change.

According to the World Health Organization, “1.6 million women and children in developing countries die from fumes from indoor biomass stoves." Close attention must be paid especially to women and children, who are mainly responsible for wood-gathering and cooking. As an alternative, we recommend an ecologically conscious cooking approach that includes both solar cookers and improved cookstoves because they are convenient for rural villages and because they are simple to assemble and cost effective.  Additionally, solar cookers, instead of using fossil fuels, can be used in conjunction with water pasteurization devices. Solar cookers would alleviate the potential health problems associated with people drinking contaminated water, such as cholera and diarrhea.

Liberia population’s dependence on biomass for fuel has accelerated environmental degradation, and has had adverse health, social and economic impacts.Therefore, NGO Sustainability’s project to introduce sustainable energy into Liberia would not only serve the country’s interest, but would also provide a significant example for carbon-neutral energy options in developing countries.

Sustainable CUNY Project

The Sustainable CUNY project will also be presented at the U.N, the goal of which is to demonstrate how major cities can implement energy conservation and can retrofit to renewable energy. The presentation will explore how CUNY can serve as an example not only to NYC, but also on a global scale.

The CUNY population, including alumni, the current student body, and staff comprises over 16% of the total population of New York City. Accordingly, any efforts being made by CUNY towards increased sustainability are likely to have a far-reaching effect on NYC as a whole. Considering that the United Nations is located in NYC and that it is a representative body for the world, its constituency could be made aware of the innovations currently happening here in the field of environmental sustainability.

“Realization of Sustainable Renewable Energy Cities’/Islands” Project

NGO Sustainability is collaborating with the Maldives Minister Mohamed Aslam on the Sustainable of Renewable Energy City/ Islands Projects. The Maldives, Masdar and S.T.A.R. islands all revealed plans to become carbon-neutral islands within our decade. These plans are crucial for the islands in meeting the rising sea levels associated with global warming. Solar panels, wind turbines and electric engines will primarily substitute fossil-fuel based energy on all three islands. In January 2011, NGO Sustainability will be hosting a panel at the U.N. to explain these projects further and to encourage the U.N. to support and develop sustainability energy not only for these three islands, but for all countries.

Our Current Projects

Currently, UN NGO Sustainability, Inc. is working on four major projects/ proposals:

• "Creating Sustainable Renewable Energy/ Cities, Islands"
• "Sustainable CUNY"
• "Introducing Small Scale Solar in Liberia" 
• "7th World Chambers Congress, Women's Empowerment Principles: Equality Means Business, UN Global Compact, UN Women"

Over the next few weeks an entire entry will be devoted to each of these projects/ proposals. These initiatives are very important and exciting both domestically and internationally. Frequent our blog to learn more about our work and to gain an understanding of how to help!

In the meantime, check out our official website: http://www.unngosustainability.org 

Past Hosted Programs

Below is a list of past programs UN NGO Sustainability, Inc. has hosted. We currently are working on four new programs pertaining to environmental sustainability and women's issues, which we will post in our next entry. Please frequent our blog for updates on our projects, UN conferences, and news regarding environmental, economic and social sustainability and women's issues!

2009:

• October, 14: 'Affordable Desalination as the Sustainable Solution' ; H.P. Michelet, Executive Chairman of the Board, ERI. G.G. Pique, President and CEO, Energy Recovery

            Inc. 

• April, 23: 'Beyond Today’s Capitalism: Moving to True Sustainability'; James Gustave Speth, Author. Dean of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
• March, 25: 'Behind the Scenes at the United Nations including Humanitarian Affairs', Dr. Dirk Salomons, Director of the Humanitarian Affairs Program. School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University.March, 5: ‘Sustainable Investing: The Art of the Long-Term Performance’; Cary Krosinsky, Vice President of Trucost and Editor.
• February, 3: ‘Sustainable Tourism…0 Emissions’; David Sklar, CEO of S.T.A.R Island

2008:

• November 4: ’Global Mapping Innovation for Renewable Energy Resources’; Kenneth Westrick, CEO, 3TIER
• October 20: ‘Report on the private tour of ‘The Solaire’; Anthony Pereira, President and CEO of altPOWER, presented by International Solar Energy System (ISES).
• October 6: ‘ISES meeting on Renewable Energy in Urban Settings’; Anthony Pereira, President and CEO of altPOWER
• July 8: ‘Latest Innovations in Small-Scale Wind and Other Renewables’; Scott Sklar, President of The Stella Group, Ltd. Andy Kruse, Executive Vice President for Business Development for Southwest Windpower. Stephen Gitonga, Energy Policy Specialist in United Nations Development Programme’s Sustainable Energy Programme
• May 21: ‘The Capital Master Plan: An Overview of the Historic Renovation Project, United Nations Headquarters’; Michael Adlerstein, Executive Director, Capital Master Plan

2007:

• November 14: ‘ISES: The World Bank’s Investment Framework for Clean Energy and Development’; Oscar Avalle, Special Representative of the World Bank to the United Nations
• October 25: ‘The United Nations: Development and Civil Society; Francis Dubois, United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
• May 3: ‘CSD 15 Side Event: ISES event: Tackling Climate Change: Cooperation between the Developing and Developed World; Scott Sklar, President, The Stella Group LTD. Ike Yukawa, President, Kyocera Solar Inc. Mark Radka, Energy Program Manager, UNEP
• April 24: ‘Sustainable Forrest Management and financing mechanisms; Charles Barber, Environmental Advisor, Office of Environment and Science Policy U.S. Agency for International Development. Ricardo Ulate, Advisor, Ministry of Environment of Costa Rica.
• April 12: ‘Potential of solar energy in the US’; Rhone Resch, President, Solar Energy Industries Association
• January 18: ‘The Economics of Climate Change – the Stern Report’; Alistair Fernie, counselor, Sustainable Development/human Rights UK Mission to the United Nations. Philipp Schmidt-Thome, Scientific Researcher, Geological Survey of Finland

2006:

• December 5: ‘Environmental Governance: Key issues and perspectives. 200 World Summit Outcome Resolution A/60/L.1, Paragraph 169'; Peter Maurer, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations
• October 25: ‘Why Go Solar Energy?’ Richard Perez, Research Professor, University at Albany Atmospheric Sciences Research Centre.
• October 11: ’Furthering access to solar energy systems for the two billion people without electricity

Speaker: Scott Sklar, President, The Stalla Group.

• July 18: ‘Climate Change Development in the United States: Initiatives in the Private Sector’.

Speakers: Joe Siegel, Adjunct Professor, Center for Environmental Legal Studies, Pace Law School, Vice Chair, American Bar Association Committee on Sustainability Ecosystems and Climate Change.

• June 15: ‘The Bonn Climate Talks (May 2006). On the Road from Montreal to Nairobi and Beyond’

Speakers: Chris Spence, Deputy Director IISD Reporting Services Earth Negotiations Bulletin. Alice Bisiaux, Writer/Editor Earth Negotiations Bulletin.

• May 12: ‘Energy and Atmosphere from the Perspective of Children’s Health CSD 14 Side Event in Cooperation with World Information Transfer

Speakers: Dr. Claudia Strauss.

• May 1: ‘Developing countries – Transitioning to a Renewable energy Future CSD 14 Side Event in cooperation with ISES

Speakers: Dr. Yogi Goswami, Immediate past President of ISES, Co-Director, Clean Energy, Research Centre, University of South Florida, Tampa, U.S.A.

• February 23: ‘update on UNEP Dubai meeting – strategic approach to chemical management (SAICM) & persistent organic pollutants (POPS); peakers: Dr. Claudia Strauss, World Information Transfer/World Ecology Report. Werner Obermeyer, Deputy Director, UNEP Office New York. Andrea Fava, Manager, Environmental Affairs, Transport and Taxation, USCIB.
• February 2: ‘Update on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol Negotiations, Montreal, November-December, 2005'; Chris Spence, Author, IISD, Earth Negotiations Bulletin.
• January 19: ‘United Nations Environmental Treaties and Sustainable Development'; Jessica Green, Author.

2005:

• December 15: ‘The global compact and sustainable development’; George Kell, Director, United Nations Global Compact office
• November 17: Panel discussion: From Humanitarian Action to Sustainable Development’; Marks Bowden, Chief, Policy Development and Studies Branch, Department of Humanitarian Affairs. Dirk Salomons¸ Director, Humanitarian Affairs Program-SIPA-Columbia University
• October 5: ‘Post-Conflict reconstruction and stabilization for Sustainable Development’; Anne Patterson, Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations
• July 7: ‘Advancing the UN’s Environment Agenda through Partnerships’; Will Kennedy, Programme officer for Environment, UN Fund for International Partnerships (UNFIP). Duncan Marsh, Senior Program Officer for Clime Change, UN Foundation.
• May 3: ‘Challenges Facing the Global Environmental facility (GEF) 2005-2010; Tehmina Aktar, Techincal Advisor on Biodiversity, Global Environmental Facility, GEF, Energy and Environmental Group, Bureau for Development Policy. Delfin Ganapin Global Manager, Small Grants Program (SGP) GEF
• April 19: ‘The role of Civil Society in implementing the Mauritius Strategy for the SMALL Island Developing States’; Anwaral Karim Chowdhury, Ambassador, High Representative of the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries (OHRLLS). Vanessa Tobin, Chief, Water/environment Sanitation Section, UNICEF. Gordan Bispham, Caribbean Policy Development Center
• April 5: ‘Social Development and Sustainable Development: A Contradiction?’; Johan Schölvinck, Director Division of Social Policy and Development (DESA)
• March 1: ‘Key Economics Issues before he United Nations, Committee for Development Policy (CDP)’; Ian Kinniburgh, Director, Development and Policy Analyses Division (DESA)
• February 8: ‘The International Meeting to the review the implementation of the Program of Action and the Mauritius Declarations to the SMALL Island Developing States (SIDS)'; Anwarul Karim Chowdhury, High Representative of the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries (OHRLLS)

2004:

• November 2: ‘Objectives and Challenges of CSD 13’; John Ashe, Ambassador, Chairman, CSD 13 Commission
• May 4: ‘New approaches to the Challenges of HIV/AIDS and development’; Dr. Joseph Annan, Senior Policy Advisor of the HV/AIDS Group at UNDP, Bureau of Development Policy, New York

2003:

• ‘NEPAD and the Least Developed Countries, Reality or Illusion?’; Anwarul Karin Chowdhury Under-Secretary General, OHRLLS. Ms. Yvette Stevens, Special Coordinator for Africa and the LDCs.