QUICK NEWS, April 22: EARTH DAY PROGRESS REPORT; EARTH – WHAT NASA SEES; FROM THE SUN, FOR THE EARTH

EARTH DAY PROGRESS REPORT Are we doing better today than on the first Earth Day?

Deborahh D. Stine, April 22, 2015 (The Hill)

“…Are we doing better today than on the first Earth Day 45 years ago? …When Earth Day is discussed, speeches and articles often focus on pollution and natural resources without recognizing that producing and using energy is a major source leading to that impact…[The Energy Information Administration (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook 2015 offers] good news: Improvement in energy efficiency, due to adoption of energy-efficient technologies and policies, has led to declines in energy consumption in the residential and transportation sectors…Increases in electricity demand, due to federal tax credits and state renewable energy portfolio standards, are largely able to be met by increases in renewable energy production…There has been a stabilization of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions due to a combination of increases in energy efficiency and decreases in carbon-related emissions from electricity generation due to increases in the use of both renewable energy and natural gas…[But we still face challenges to limit fossil fuels and get to more use of New Energy and Energy Efficiency. Are] we doing better today than on the first Earth Day 45 years ago? Yes. Might it take another 45 years to achieve our Earth Day goals related to energy? The answer to that question is "yes," as well…” click here for more

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EARTH – WHAT NASA SEES Earth Day quiz for space fans: What makes our planet unique? As of Earth Day 2015, NASA has discovered more than 1,800 planets outside of our solar system. Do you know what makes Earth different from so many other planets?

Jeff Ward-Bailey, April 22, (Christian Science Monitor)

“…[I]t is Earth’s complexity that challenges scientists, NASA recently wrote, as] they seek to figure out how the whole planet works as a system…So far, scientists have been able not only to get a better picture of our home planet’s workings, but also to identify more than 1,800 planets outside of our solar system [via data collected with the orbiting Kepler telescope]. About two dozen of these planets are considered ‘Earth-like,’ meaning they could have liquid water and atmospheres similar to Earth’s…Most of the planets NASA has identified so far are hundreds of light-years away – simply too distant to be able to study in depth. But a few are close enough that scientists could collect data about their atmospheres and compositions…NASA’s Earth Day 2015 celebration is called ‘No Place Like Home,’ and while the Earth is uniquely suited to supporting human life, there are almost certainly other planets similar to our own out there…” click here for more

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FROM THE SUN, FOR THE EARTH Earth Day 2015 picks: 5 cool tech gadgets to get you excited about solar power

April 22, 2015 (CoolMomTech)

“…One of the trends we’re really starting to see blow up, at last, is the use of solar power. There are so many smart products out there, and they’re getting even more affordable, accessible and truly useful for everyday people…[I]n honor of Earth Day 2015, check out] these 5 really cool tech products…Solpro Solar Gadget Chargers…BirkSun Solar Charging Backpacks…[T]hey’ve also got solar messenger bags too…Goal Zero Solar Powered Portable Speakers…XD Design Solar Window Charger…[and] Voltaic Solar Power Rechargeable Battery Kit…Because let’s be honest, no one knows about the pains of battery-munching devices like a parent who’s just installed a new baby swing or set up some electronic toys.” click here for more

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