Embassy of the United States

-- President George W. Bush, March 5, 2008 --

The Information Resource Center (IRC) of U.S. Embassy in Thailand is pleased to offer a select list of current online reports, documents and websites on Clean and Renewable Energy from top think-tanks and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Full texts are available at your fingertips by clicking the links provided or by copying the URL address into your Internet browser.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in these articles and websites are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect U.S. government policies. Non-U.S. government articles may be copyrighted and subjected to the terms of use as specified by the copyright owner. 

We welcome your questions, comments and suggestions. Please contact the IRC with feedback via email at irc@state.gov or by phone at 02-205-4640.

“Growing Up Green: U.S. Colleges Witness an Environmental Groundswell”
Elisa Wood. Renewable Energy World Magazine, March/April 2008, 6 pages.

A surge of interest in renewable energy and sustainability in general is prompting educational establishments to respond, not just by improving campus environmental performance, but also by offering the courses and training that match a growing marketplace. The author explores how college and university campuses are uniquely placed to affect America's energy future.
Full text currently available at: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/
rea/news/reworld/story?id=52087

“The Power of Efficiency: Opportunities to Save Money, Reduce Pollution and Expand the Economy in the Midwest”
Travis Madsen, et al. Environment Iowa Research & Policy Center, March 2008, 52 pages.

America’s oil production peaked decades ago, but is now in decline. At the same time, domestic natural gas production is nearing its peak now. By reducing demand for electricity and natural gas, energy efficiency measures can prevent the need to build new power plants and ease pressure on limited fuel supplies, bringing a variety of benefits for the economy and for the environment of the U.S. Midwest. The report presents a review of some of the many available opportunities to improve energy efficiency in Midwest and, indeed, America as a whole. A variety of readily available technologies and practices that can dramatically reduce energy use is offered.
Full text currently available at: http://www.environmentiowa.org/uploads/
05/uX/05uX0UpGVJ-CidDzdx9-ng/The-Power-of-Efficiency
---Iowa----Web.pdf [PDF format; 872 KB]

“America's Energy Future: Carbon, Competition, and Kilowatts”
John Rowe. The Brookings Institution, February 12, 2008, 40 pages.

The critical energy challenges facing the United States is discussed. The author shares his views and recommendations on the pressing and inter-related challenges that must be addressed to meet the United States’ growing energy needs in an environmentally responsible manner, including: global climate change and emerging federal legislative energy initiatives; the case for competitive wholesale markets in the electric industry and the risks of returning to traditional state regulation; the need for more low-carbon nuclear power and the roadblocks to its expanded use. General observations on managing energy politics at the national, state and community levels are also provided.
Full text currently available at: http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/
events/2008/0212_energy/20080212_energy.pdf
[PDF format; 89 KB]

“Managing the Transition to a Secure, Low-Carbon Energy Future”
Sarah Ladislaw, et al. CSIS Issue Brief, February 4, 2008, 12 pages.

The article examines the complex and evolving links between energy security and climate change. Three challenges are identified: the evolving and interconnected nature of energy security and climate change definitions and goals; the variables that contribute to an uncertain future; and the trade-offs and unintended consequences involved in addressing both issues. Several guiding principles are offered for devising energy and climate policies that are both effective and politically viable.
Full text currently available at: http://www.csis.org/media/csis/
pubs/080204_managing_the_transition.pdf [PDF format; 3.82 MB]

“Renewables 2007: Global Status Report”
Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century, 2008, 54 pages.

In 2007, more than US$100 billion was invested in new renewable energy capacity, manufacturing plants, and research and development — a true global milestone. Yet the change has been so rapid in recent years that perceptions lag behind the reality of renewable energy. This report captures that reality and provides an overview of the status of renewable energy worldwide by covering trends in markets, investments, industries, policies, and rural (off-grid) renewable energy. 
Full text currently available at: http://www.ren21.net/pdf/RE2007_Global_Status_Report.pdf [PDF format; 479 KB]

“Clean Energy for America: Why the 44th President Must Put America on the Clean Energy Path”
Bernadette Del Chiaro and Rob Sargent. Environment America, December 2007, 30 pages.

America has the technological know-how and the resources to move away from dependence on dirty and dangerous energy supplies. With the right goals and policies, the next president of the United States can provide America with the much needed leadership to achieve a clean energy future. The authors explain why the next president must act immediately to address America’s growing energy crisis and lays out a reasonable yet ambitious course for meeting America’s future energy.
Full text currently available at: http://www.environmentiowa.org/uploads/9l/
IT/9lITc1jP9tUXWczv7DbGGQ/Clean_Energy_for_America.pdf [PDF format; 577 KB]

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES:
Environment American
Environment America is a federation of state-based, citizen-funded environmental advocacy organizations. With grassroots support and a spirit of cooperation, as well as an orientation toward real results and action across the country on the part of its team of professional researchers, issue experts and advocates at work in 23 state capitols and even more in Washington D.C., Environment America is providing a powerful new force for progress on the environment in our country.
URL: http://www.environmentamerica.org

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI)
EESI is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable societies. EESI believes meeting this goal requires transitions to social and economic patterns that sustain people, the environment and the natural resources upon which present and future generations depend.
URL: http://www.eesi.org

Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21)
REN21 is a global policy network that provides a forum for international leadership on renewable energy. Its goal is to bolster policy development for the rapid expansion of renewable energies in developing and industrialized economies.
URL: http://www.ren21.net/

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)
UCS is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices.
URL: http://www.ucsusa.org/

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
URL: http://www.unep.org/