Global warming pollution increases 3 percent

Whether you believe in global warming or not. The fact is, carbon dioxide increased by 3% from 2006 to 2007 despite the world wide economic downturn that many thought would result in less energy use during that same time.

The increase, called "scary" by some, was a surprise to scientists. The amount exceeds the most dire outlook for emissions from burning coal and oil and related activities as projected by a Nobel Prize-winning group of international scientists in 2007.

For reasons other than global warming, we have got to reduce carbon emissions that are proven to be directly related to acid rain, world-wide pollution, asthma and other health problems.

Developing countries not asked to reduce greenhouse gases by the 1997 Kyoto treaty (China and India among them) now account for 53 percent of carbon dioxide pollution. As of 2005, that group of nations surpassed industrialized nations in carbon dioxide emissions, a new analysis of older figures shows.

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New solar bag powers laptop

Even in this tight economy, you'll want to charge this bag. Voltaic Systems has incorporated mobile solar panels into a line of high-end bags, which might initially jolt your credit rating, but ultimately offset your electric bill. Voltaic produces funky, but functional items, like the Generator ($599), a laptop bag powerful enough to charge, you guessed it, a laptop or any other handheld electronics for up to 17 watts. Also, Voltaic's bags are made of recycled PET, aka soda bottles, a light and water-resistant alternative to nylon, which requires less energy to produce and ultimately carry.

Japan preps for electric vehicles with speedy charging stations

Tokyo Electric Power, a Japanese utility giant, says it has developed a recharging device that can give a small electric car enough charging during a five-minute stop to travel 40 kilometers – a substantial improvement on existing technology. Ten minutes would allow it to travel 60 kilometers.

The devices are expected to be installed at public places in Japanese cities, such as supermarkets and parking lots, and a number of dealerships selling Mitsubishis and Subarus have also agreed to install the stations.

According to the Financial Times (sub. rqd.), the company has been testing the recharging system with Mitsubishi and Subaru, both of which plan to roll out electric cars in 2009 and 2010, as does Nissan. At the charging speeds that Tokyo Electric Power cites, the device should be much faster than existing charging systems. The Tesla Roadster, for example, takes about 3.5 hours for a full charge using its “High Power Connector,” which lets the car drive for about 227 miles, or 365 km. Assuming that every 10-minute increment of charging adds 60 kilometers, the new system would be able to deliver a full charge in about one hour. Even allowing for error on all ends – maybe the utility’s charger is intended for smaller electric cars, or maybe the rate at which electric vehicles charge is more variable – the device is still more speedy than traditional means.
The national government of Japan, which is pushing a full-scale electric vehicle roll-out, is accepting applications from cities and towns wishing to become “model districts,” where power outlets would become available throughout towns for drivers to use free of charge. A region near Tokyo has committed to installing 150 stations, and proposed programs to offer incentives to EV drivers – such as discounts on parking, insurance, and loans – seem to be gaining traction. There’s also pressure on Japan Post, the newly privatized postal service, to convert all of its mail trucks into EVs.