Friday Blog Roundup
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Climate Biz reports on the Waxman-Markey bill being debated on the floor of the House today. The cornerstone of the bill would be to put a cap and a price on emitting carbon. If passed, the bill would be a giant step toward low-carbon electric power, but unfortunately it would not solve the grave problem of U.S. oil dependence.
The Wall Street Journal’s Environmental Capital blog reports that in February, First Solar tooted its horn about breaking the $1-per-watt barrier for making solar modules in the last months of 2008. This week, the company said costs had fallen again to 93 cents per watt, down 5% in three months and down 28% in a year. The Walton family of Wal-Mart fame owns about 39% of First Solar stock – and the retailer’s legendary penchant for driving down costs is rubbing off on the renewable-energy company.
The New York Times’ Green Inc blog questions whether making trade more free could lead to a rise in carbon dioxide emissions as a result of greater economic activity. But more trade could also help to staunch climate change by increasing the availability of climate-friendly technologies and products. Those are the conclusions in report issued on Friday by the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Environment Program.
Treehugger reports that on the passing of Michael Jackson last night, an important contribution of his to the environmental movement may have been overlooked. “Earth Song,” his big, bold environmental call-to-arms, is indisputably the most popular green-themed tune ever. It remains Jackson’s best-selling single in the U.K., and beat out the Beatles’ first single in 25 years for the top spot on the British charts. But if you live in the U.S., you probably haven’t heard it, until now…
Tim Woodall at FD Element