The 2008 West Coast Green conference came at a fascinating but troubling time in American history. While building professionals and environmental experts came together in San Jose last week to brainstorm ways of improving building efficiency or incorporating alternative energy, many citizens had their eyes on the news and their wallets, debating how to solve our economic crisis amidst a credit crunch, declining home values, and high energy and food prices. With that backdrop, calls at the trade show from Al Gore, environmental activist David Suzuki, and others for a reinvented economy with a focus on the environment seemed like the right idea at the right time. Why shouldn't our leaders be just as concerned about the environment as the economy? At a time when the economic crisis threatens to overwhelm Americans struggling to keep their jobs and homes, the environmental crisis threatens to drown the countries that can least afford it. Gore compared carbon emissions to the human rights crisis: "An increase in carbon emissions anywhere is a threat everywhere." As Americans debate whether to drill for more oil, for example, rising tides from global warming threaten to inundate vast swaths of Bangladesh. Entire Story |
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Coverage From West Coast Green Former vice president calls on green building leaders to continue their commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.
Environmentalist and TV host David Suzuki questions whether we have the foresight to change our ways before the Earth runs out of fossil fuels.
Eleven innovative finds, including an air-to-water converter, wireless lighting controls, dual-flush toilet converter, shower heat exchanger, and much more! More Conference Coverage | Advertisement |
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GREEN BUILDING AND DESIGNDemonstration home puts pre-fab construction at center stage on exhibit floor.
An extensive addition makes a minimal impact while promoting a comprehensive approach to green design and building.
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