A vision for a modern, 21st century sustainable world - Renewable energy. Sustainability. Global climate action.
Green City Times™, LLC
Gain insight into climate solutions such as:
- renewable energy
- energy storage
- energy efficiency
- sustainable mass transportation
- green urban planning
- green building
- electric (& hybrid) vehicles
- recycling
- smart grids, microgrids
- carbon capture & sequestration (CCS)
- regenerative agriculture, as well as various other methods of sustainable ag.
- reforestation
Current cutting-edge clean energy technologies are examined, including the latest GCT featured articles. Explore our articles on energy storage, next-gen batteries, nuclear energy, and solutions to fossil fuels.
Sources of renewable energy are described in detail; solar PV & solar thermal, wind & offshore wind farms, biomass & biofuels, hydroelectricity, and geothermal energy. Also see our views on carbon pricing, feed-in tariffs, net metering & RPS. GCT offers a comprehensive public policy plan for climate action to achieve global net zero GHG emissions.
Chief among technological climate & energy solutions is a global increase of renewable emissions-free energy sources. The two least expensive energy sources in the world today are also renewable, and GHG emissions-free (from the actual energy generation stage) - solar and wind.
Additionally, find featured GCT deep dives, such as - Renewable Energy Jobs are UP, and RE costs are down (an article on the fastest job growth sector globally - clean energy), and The RISE of SOLAR. While you will find articles on relatively simple technologies such as LED lighting, you can also discover articles on cutting-edge technological breakthroughs in solar and wind, next-gen batteries, nuclear energy, and LEED buildings.
Along with featuring the world's GREENEST CITIES, GCT also features the latest global trends in sustainability. Gain insight into the latest global progress on climate goals made at the Paris Climate Accord. See Green City Times' 10+ point plan for successful climate change mitigation to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).
Global temperature rise this century should be held to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and ideally to 1.5°C. The entire world needs to aim for a 50% reduction of GHGs this decade, and again the following decade, in order to put the world on the path to net zero GHGs (carbon neutrality) by 2050. CO2 already in the atmosphere also needs to be sequestered (using the techniques described below, after mitigation strategies).
It is critical to realize that solutions already in the global market include the most significant, cost-efficient, technological climate mitigation technologies. These solutions are readily available today at a large enough scale to be effective solutions to global warming immediately upon mass deployment. Readily available solutions include solar, wind (and other renewables), energy storage, and energy efficiency technologies, as well as electric vehicles.
Renewable energy, energy storage, energy efficiency, EVs, and other readily available sustainable technologies, must be implemented on a large enough scale globally to be effective from a global climate standpoint - see GCT's 10+ Point Plan for Climate Mitigation.
Reducing global GHGs entails the global clean energy transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to an economy based on renewable energy. However, a successful energy transition also involves other proactive clean energy measures. Key among these measures are increased electrification and energy efficiency technologies for multiple sectors of the urban economy. The global energy transition requires cities to electrify everything - transportation, buildings; every urban economic sector.
Successful global climate action WILL be achieved - when electrification and decarbonization of ALL urban economic sectors are pursued as expeditiously as possible worldwide.
Green City Times details global low carbon energy transition pathways, as well as zero emissions energy strategies (such as mass global deployment of solar, wind, and energy storage technologies). Worldwide, many different low-carbon pathways are needed, in addition to strategies to sequester carbon already in the planet's atmosphere, in order to achieve carbon neutrality (with the target of net zero emissions globally by 2050).
Clean energy technological solutions CAN bring the world to carbon neutrality (net zero) by 2050; before a global phase-out of carbon-intensive and environmentally polluting energy sources really takes hold in the latter half of this century. Greater investment in clean energy technologies is needed globally, both for currently implemented technological solutions, as well as for clean energy solutions in various stages of R&D.
In its World Energy Outlook (2020), the International Energy Agency identifies pathways for clean energy technological solutions needed to reach global carbon neutrality (i.e. net zero GHG emissions) by 2050. It also details interim goals that will ensure the world is on the path to carbon neutrality.
Here's a brief description of just 3 of those interim goals. By 2030, low carbon sources need to generate 75% of the world's energy, up from 40%. Global electric vehicle sales need to increase from <3% of new vehicle sales (now`6%) to 50% by 2030. By 2030, in the developed, industrial world, 1/2 of all buildings need retrofitting to create energy efficient buildings that rely on clean energy and electricity for core functions (in the developing world, that number drops to 1/3 of all buildings need to be retrofitted with energy efficiency upgrades by 2030).
Reaching these goals, among other challenging near-term global sustainability goals, is necessary to ensure that the planet remains well below 2°C global temperature rise above pre-industrial levels (and ideally to no more than 1.5°C), a major goal of the Paris Climate Accord.
There must be global prioritization of generating energy with low emission energy technologies. On the path to net zero carbon emissions, energy sources need to be clean energy in the near-term (not necessarily just 100% renewable energy) - i.e. nuclear energy, natural gas combined cycle with CCS, and other low carbon sources of gas energy such as biogas, syngas from gasification, waste-to-energy, and anaerobic digestion.
There must also be a global expansion of research and development of clean energy technologies as the world aims to achieve net zero. This means expanded global public-private investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
In addition, it is necessary to increase global investment by governments and the private sector worldwide in energy storage and in electrifying transportation. Another area where electrification is needed is buildings, in order to create energy efficient buildings (both increased investment in meeting energy efficiency standards for new construction, and investment in retrofitting and weatherizing existing residential & commercial buildings with the latest energy efficiency technologies).
Also needed investment in other areas of innovation in emerging sustainable energy technologies that are still in R&D. Examples here include hydrogen (both for transportation and energy storage), carbon capture, advanced nuclear, and nascent advanced battery technologies not yet in the global market.
Many of these technologies are commercially viable and represent emerging options for the expansion of current sustainable urban development. A few examples of emerging advanced clean energy technologies include next-generation batteries, cellulosic biofuels, and other next-gen biofuels, such as algae.
Other readily available, cost-efficient, effective, technological solutions for a low carbon energy transition include demand response, district heating, combined heat & power, gasification & waste-to-energy, and anaerobic digestion.
We also provide insight into the future of a current zero carbon emissions energy source - advanced nuclear - (optimistically) improved in the coming decades by Gen IV and small modular reactor technologies. (Gen IV nuclear is still in R&D, and hopefully will be developed effectively, yet remains expensive at this point).
There must be a global investment in every available, expedient, and viable, GHG mitigation measure; as well as increased investment in carbon removal measures. CCS for energy generation with carbon-intensive fuels, as well as direct carbon capture (DAC), are promising technologies for removing carbon from emission-intensive energy generation before the carbon reaches the atmosphere (DAC would also remove carbon already in the atmosphere). However, there are several readily available measures that represent the planet's best bets for sequestering carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere.
These readily available solutions include:
- restoring, conserving, and protecting ecosystems and biodiversity
- developing and maintaining urban forestry & green urban spaces
- conservation of wildlife habitats and wilderness; including planting, growing and conserving trees
- reforestation (and stop deforestation)
- regenerative agriculture
- agroforestry, carbon farming, and other forms of sustainable agriculture
These sustainable measures represent immediate solutions of expanding natural carbon sinks needed to ensure a healthy planet. The most efficient "technological" climate solution in terms of sequestering atmospheric CO2, is the simple ancient "technology" of planting trees.
Forests (including urban forestry) need to be created on a large enough scale (trillions of trees globally), so that existing carbon is sequestered from the atmosphere to create a net zero future. Together with all of the above sustainable pathways, a focus on planting trees will create a healthy future planet.
GCT Featured Articles
Oslo, Norway – Eco-Capital
Oslo: Net Zero Future | Oslo has fleets of clean mass public transit - trams, electric buses and ferries - powered...
Read PostClimate Solution – Sustainable Agriculture
Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture | Sustainable ag. turns farms into thriving biodiverse lands that produce...
Read PostSustainable City – CHICAGO
Chicago might not be widely known as a green city, however, the city has a Sustainable Action Agenda, a vast network...
Read PostVauban and the Plus-Energy Sun Ship
Vauban is an exemplary sustainable town and a zero-emission district. Most energy for buildings is from rooftop solar...
Read PostRegenerative Agriculture
Regenerative ag. creates carbon sinks; turning farms into healthy ecosystems that sequester carbon with vibrant plant...
Read PostAustin, Texas – A Sustainable City
Eco-friendly Capital | Austin is emerging as a leader in renewable energy, community solar, and LEED building efficiency...
Read Post12 Ways You Can Help the Environment
Lower your carbon footprint, save energy, and help the environment. Here are 12+ actions for sustainable individuals...
Read Post10 Ways to Reduce Food Waste
by Jane Marsh | Significant amounts of food waste originate from cities. Urbanites can use food waste reduction methods...
Read PostModern Sustainable Waste Management Technologies
5 Ways for SMART Cities to Implement Sustainable Waste Management | by Jane Marsh | Cities are implementing zero-waste...
Read Post5 Categories of Change in Climate
Climate change is adversely affecting all parts of the earth. There have been dramatic increases in greenhouse gas emissions...
Read Post10 Ways Smart Cities Improve Worker Safety
10 IoT Technologies for Sustainable Smart Cities | by Jane Marsh | As the conversation around greenhouse gas...
Read PostProfiles in Sustainable Cities – San Diego, California
Sustainable cities, like San Diego, have eco-city designs that prioritize consideration of social, economic, and environmental...
Read PostOffshore Wind Farms in the United States | Block Island Leads the Way
First of many US offshore wind farms | The United States' 1st operational offshore wind farm is the Block Island...
Read PostClean Energy Jobs are UP, and RE cost is down
Clean Energy JOBS | The future of employment in the energy sector is in clean energy, energy efficiency, and renewable...
Read PostKamuthi Solar Project, Bhadla Solar Park; and the largest solar PV farms in India, China, and other countries
Featuring over 2.5 million individual solar PV modules, and on 2,500 acres, in the town of Kamuthi in the Ramanathapuram...
Read PostUsing Technology to Provide Clean Water to Cities
How Technology Can Help Cities Avoid Another Flint Water Crisis | Article by Jane Marsh | The green movement is influencing...
Read PostHow Safe & Clean is Nuclear ☢️ Energy?
When looking at climate solutions for clean energy generation, it is prudent to look at all clean energy sources. Nuclear...
Read PostMicrogrids spread across Africa
Developing Microgrids | As African nations push for rural electrification, many look to microgrids as a sustainable...
Read PostFuture Generations of Batteries
Next generation li-ion batteries | Next-gen lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries can charge quickly, are rechargeable,...
Read PostClean Hydrogen Power
Hydrogen (H2) and the Clean Energy Transition | Hydrogen created with clean energy is one of the most promising...
Read PostNuclear – necessary energy
Both nuclear and renewable energy are needed in the global energy mix to help fight climate change. In order to cut...
Read PostCOP21 – good news for the planet
NDCs and Net Zero Pledges | At COP21, commonly referred to as the Paris Climate Accord, nations sent representatives...
Read PostPlan for the Expansion of Smart Meter Infrastructure
Modern SMART Meters | Many buildings in America today still rely on inefficient energy infrastructure, such as older...
Read PostRecycling – how we are doing as a global community; waste-to-energy
Effective waste management strategies for cities include citywide recycling programs, circular economy strategies, as...
Read PostPermanent ban on new coal mines and other sustainability priorities
Strategies for mitigating climate change | What are the best strategies for mitigating global warming? How is the...
Read Post10 Sustainable Technologies Improving Air Quality in Cities
GREEN Tech for Healthy Air | Article by Jane Marsh | Cities are the heart of every global region. They are headquarters...
Read PostShortfall in International GHG Reduction Pledges
Is the World Going to Meet its Climate Targets? There is a substantial shortfall between GHG emission reduction pledges...
Read PostThe Global Fight Against Climate Change; NDCs and Net Zero Targets Worldwide
Nationally Determined Contributions | As part of the ongoing global battle against climate change, almost 200 countries...
Read PostBreakthroughs in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Thermal Technology
Solar - the most abundant renewable energy on the planet | Recently there have been dramatic breakthroughs in solar...
Read PostRenewable Energy – Breakthroughs in Wind Energy
Onshore Wind Farms - Cheap and Clean Energy | Onshore wind farms now provide the least expensive form of energy, renewable...
Read PostEconomy vs. the Environment
Economic growth does not have to come at the expense of the environment. Sustainable technologies (such as renewable...
Read PostDesalination – Clean Water for a Thirsty World
The two desalination plants featured below; one in Carlsbad (San Diego county, California - featured photo), and one...
Read Post10 Countries Promoting the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Why Is There A Need For EVs Globally? In its World Energy Outlook, the International Energy Agency identifies pathways...
Read PostSmart City Energy Infrastructure
Updating Infrastructure for Developing Renewable Energy in Cities | People-centered smart cities are cropping up worldwide....
Read PostEVs and the Future of Urban Transit
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure | What will be done to develop electric vehicle infrastructure? With cars that...
Read PostThe Role of E-mobility Trends in Decarbonizing Transport
Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector with E-mobility | It's no secret that transportation is a major source of...
Read PostPutting a Price on Carbon
Carbon Markets | Carbon cap and trade systems are regulatory policies in which countries, provinces, states, and even...
Read PostReforestation
Deforestation and solutions; including reforestation | Deforestation of our planet, for centuries, has led to issues...
Read PostThe UNFCCC
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Conference of the Parties | World leaders, dignitaries,...
Read PostCarbon tax – a levy on pollution whose time has come
Defining effective carbon taxes | A carbon tax is a levy in countries and regions on: fossil fuel power plants, oil...
Read PostImproving energy efficiency
Energy Efficiency Foundations for Green Building: Energy Star, LED and CFL Lights, LEED technologies When it comes to...
Read PostDecoupling and Divestment to Reach Sustainability
Economic Growth Without Environmental Impact Decoupling in eco-environmental terms can be defined as economic growth...
Read PostISEGS – A Shining Example of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
Ivanpah Solar Electrical Generating System (ISEGS) Ivanpah Solar Electrical Generating System (ISEGS) is a 392 MW solar concentrated...
Read PostCar-sharing and Ride-hailing
Sustainable Commuting | Many ride-sharing fleets are converting to electric cars. Car-sharing (a.k.a. ride-sharing)...
Read PostCalifornia – Current Progress of a Climate Champion
Learning From California's Struggle to Balance Decarbonization With Energy Resilience | Since California passed the...
Read PostA Close Look at San Diego’s HERO Program
San Diego, Green Buildings, HERO Program | The importance of green energy for use in homes and businesses is becoming...
Read Post