Costa Rica is already a green national leader, but now they’re looking to become the first carbon-neutral country in South America. The past generation of Costa Ricans protected 26% of their land mass as national park and recreation ground, their eco-tourism industry is worth $2 billion per year, and the country has the highest rate of trees planted per capita on the planet, which has actually doubled Costa Rican forest canopy since the 1980s.  And Costa Rica is home to the only carbon-neutral airline, NatureAir, on the planet.  It’s a small airline, but it’s gotten the big ones thinking.

Why Costa Rica? And Why Now?

Costa Rica is simply alive with a youthful vigor. Carbon neutrality is the agenda of the voting population – at least the younger demographic – by and large.  Costa Rican President Oscar Arias has supported the goal since June of 2007, when he made a public commitment and garnered much support for the national green movement.  Here’s what could be a catch, however. Time.com reports that Arias may have “been neither serious nor coherent on the issue of the environment.”  There’s also an environmental minister who resigned due to a mining scandal, as well as potential plans for 125 acres of clear-cutting to accommodate what would be the largest gold mine in Central America, Las Cruches.  Time also reported that Arias has recently lifted a ban on open-pit mining. …continue reading Costa Rica Pledges Carbon Neutrality by 2021

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The US Government subsidizes all forms of energy production, from a $10 billion cap on nuclear disasters to tax credits and cash grants.  Where does renewable energy fall into that sizable outlay of money?  According to Renewable Energy World, only so-so.

Types of Federal Subsidies Available

• Tax Credits: Solar investment and production credits fall into this category (i.e. put solar on your roof and we’ll reimburse up to %20 with tax credits).  Ethanol and Biofuel also fall into this category.  This is the largest method of subsidy, comprising 45% of all government energy assistance between 1950 and 2003, and a peak of 65% in 2006.
• Cash Grants, Loan Guarantees and Others: These accounted for about 20% of federal support between 1950 and 2003, and 29% in 2006.  The ARRA Renewable Energy Cash Grants fall into this category.  Essentially, this type of subsidy is a handout or a loan with very agreeable terms to ensure the success of the recipient. …continue reading How Much Federal Subsidy Goes to Renewable Energy?

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When I think of wind turbines, I envision the west Texas plains with acres of languidly turning propellers as far as the eye can see.  Texas is tops for wind power in the US, by the way.  But there are more ways to skin the wind than I ever imagined.  Check out these sometimes stylish, sometimes a bit wacky ideas for renewable wind energy.

For the Urban Environment

1) Rotating Skyscrapers

Yup, you read that right.  Every floor of this Dubai building is capable of rotating autonomously with the wind current and providing inhabitants a new view – whichever way the wind blows.  Looks incredibly cool. Check out the pictures here. …continue reading 8 Revolutionary Wind Energy Concepts

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