U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary for Science Dr. Steven Koonin States Importance of U.S. Leadership and Examines U.S. Role in Global Energy Sustainability

NEW YORK, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ — Platts — U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary for Science Steven Koonin asked a group of energy industry leaders today to analyze America’s commitment to and progress toward sustainability against a challenging global backdrop, stating the need for engaged conversation about energy resources and how to use them in a more sustainable manner.

At the third annual Platts Global Energy Outlook Forum entitled “The Outlook for Sustainability: Charting a Course Amidst Economic, Geopolitical and Environmental Challenges” Koonin urged energy executives to apply a construct sense of balance in carving out such strategies, as “sustainability is about managing imbalances.” Those imbalances include the gap between oil reserves and demand for oil, as well as those inherent in the current human relationship with the carbon cycle.

Koonin also told attendees: “Energy changes are slow unless there is a deliberate drive for acceleration.”

The forum brought together globally renowned economists, analysts and business leaders to debate the viability of many of the sustainable solutions now under discussion or implementation worldwide. Koonin’s keynote address was followed by roundtable discussions debating the politics and economics of — and industry preparedness for — future electric power and oil supply solutions.

As part of the Forum, leading economists participated today in a lively debate about the true economics of proposed sustainable solutions for future electric power and oil supply. Among the issues discussed: cap and trade schemes, demand response including “smart meter” and “smart grid,” the renaissance of nuclear power, renewable energy such as wind and solar, clean coal technologies, OPEC, the Middle East and Russian oil supply, and biofuels.

Guerry Waters, vice president, industry strategy and marketing utilities global business unit, Oracle, led discussion surrounding the economics of sustainability, stating that achieving sustainability will be no small task or quick fix. Panelists included John Kingston, Platts global director of oil, who talked about how some U.S. companies are “betting their futures on what they believe will be a bonanza from shale natural gas.” Kingston also pointed to analysts who question the ultimate efficacy of that strategy.

Sarah O. Ladislaw, fellow, Energy and National Security Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies, discussed the intersection of security and sustainability, pointing out how “consumer feelings of insecurity increased when the price of oil went up.” Michael Mandel, former chief economist for BusinessWeek, “was optimistic, long-term” despite projections about the industry in the face of a global population crisis and global warming prospects that will exacerbate energy supply. Robert Murray, vice president of economic affairs, McGraw-Hill Construction, pointed to housing starts and transmission line expansion: “The leading indicators for the construction industry trend upward.”

David Wyss, chief economist, Standard & Poor’s, maintained that the U.S. economy has bottomed out after the longest and deepest recession since the 1930s, “but the recovery remains fragile.” Wyss expects the recovery to be slow and uneven, because “there are too many internal and external imbalances to support robust growth.”

James Parish, executive vice president, energy solutions and LEAN transformations, RWD, headed up the other panel on sustainability. Michael F. Mansfield, Sr., chief executive officer at Mansfield Oil Company, discussed the pre-eminent position of sustainable policy at Mansfield. Roberta Bowman, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, Duke Energy Technology, maintained that “sustainability, on an industry basis, will only come about through dedication to efficiency, collaboration and capacity-building.”

Curt L. Hebert, Jr., executive vice president, external affairs, Entergy Corp., approached sustainability from the perspective of “conduct,” as well as creating proper incentives and price signals. Pedro Azagra, chief development officer, Iberdola, tied sustainability policy to the proper servicing of clients and communities.

John Caroselli, executive vice president of National Grid, discussed the innovative way the company tasks sustainability goals to its individual lines of business and how to mobilize customers to get on board.

R.W. Beck was the principal sponsor of the Forum joined by co-sponsors Oracle, RWD and Capgemini.

The names of winners of the Platts Global Energy Awards “Award of Excellence” can be found at: http://img.en25.com/Web/Platts/AOE_GEO_Forum_Final.pdf.

The forum precedes the energy industry’s most prestigious annual awards program, now in its 11th year and hosted by Platts, the world’s leading energy and metals information provider, which this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The awards showcase exemplary accomplishments by businesses and individuals worldwide.

As part of the program, winners will be announced on December 3 for several new or updated categories for 2009, including Green Energy Initiative of the Year, Deal of the Year; Infrastructure Project of the Year; and Energy Producer of the Year. The annual awards finalists and winners exemplify the spirit of innovation and an enduring commitment to employees, customers, shareholders, the environment, and the energy industry as a whole.

About Platts: Platts, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), is a leading global provider of energy and commodities information. With a century of business experience, Platts serves customers across more than 150 countries. An independent provider, Platts serves the oil, natural gas, electricity, emissions, nuclear power, coal, petrochemical, shipping, and metals markets from 17 offices worldwide. Platts’ real-time news, pricing, analytical services and conferences help markets operate with transparency and efficiency. Traders, risk managers, analysts, and industry leaders depend upon Platts to help them make better trading and investment decisions. Additional information is available at http://www.platts.com.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies: Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, Platts, Capital IQ, J.D. Power and Associates, McGraw-Hill Construction and Aviation Week. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2008 were $6.4 billion. Additional information is available at www.mcgraw-hill.com.

SOURCE Platts

International negotiations were launched at the end of 2007 to draw up a United Nations agreement on tackling climate change for the period after 2012, when the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol expires. The EU wants these negotiations to result in a comprehensive, ambitious, fair, science-based and legally binding global treaty.

The new treaty should aim to ensure global warming is kept below 2°C above the pre-industrial temperature. It should cover all elements of the 2007 Bali Action Plan, which set the agenda and scope of the international negotiations.

Given the slow progress made in the negotiations to date, and a lack of consensus about the shape of the eventual agreement, it is now unlikely that the treaty can be finalised at the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen on 7-18 December as originally planned.

The EU’s goal is therefore to make as much progress as possible in Copenhagen towards a full treaty and to reach an ambitious and comprehensive political agreement covering all its key elements.

This agreement would shape the full contours of the final outcome of the negotiating process, provide the guidance needed to elaborate it into a legal text, and specify both a process for doing so and, if possible, the shape of the legal agreement to be reached.

From the EU’s viewpoint, the Copenhagen agreement will need to cover four elements:

1. Pledges on emissions and finance

The two central pledges that developed and developing countries alike will be expected to make in Copenhagen are their contributions in terms of mitigating their greenhouse gas emissions and of providing financial assistance, particularly to the poorest and most vulnerable developing countries.

On mitigation, developed countries should make ambitious, binding and quantified emission limitation or reduction commitments. To keep the 2°C target within reach, these commitments need to amount to a cut in collective emissions from developed countries in the order of 30% below 1990 levels by 2020.

Action is also needed by developing countries. In particular the more economically advanced developing countries should pledge ambitious, quantified mitigation actions. Overall developing country pledges should amount to a substantial deviation – in the order of 15-30% – below the currently predicted growth rate in their collective emissions by 2020.

The EU has committed unconditionally to cut its emissions to at least 20% below 1990 levels by 2020 and is implementing this goal through the climate and energy package ( IP/09/628 ). It has also committed to scale up its emission cut to 30% provided other industrialised countries agree to make comparable reductions and developing countries contribute adequately to the global effort according to their responsibilities and respective capabilities.

Regarding finance , a deal is needed on both ‘fast start’ financing to help developing countries strengthen their capacities to tackle climate change in the short term (2010-2012) and a significant scaling up of public and private financial flows to developing countries from 2013. The EU is ready to contribute its fair share of both.

Total international public finance required by developing countries to combat climate change is estimated by the European Commission in the range of €22-50 billion per year by 2020 under a global agreement that is in line with the EU’s level of ambition. The EU wants contributions to be shared fairly on the basis of a comprehensive global key reflecting contributing countries’ emission levels and ability to pay (GDP). All countries except the least developed should contribute, but developing countries would be net beneficiaries.

It is vital that both mitigation and financial commitments are captured in the Copenhagen agreement in the strongest possible manner. The best way to do this is to include them in a Decision by the Confererence of Parties (COP) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

2. Key architectural components of the future treaty

The key architectural components of the future treaty need to be agreed because they can significantly affect how ambitious the mitigation pledges are in practice. They are also needed to ensure the pledges are implemented.

These key architectural components include the following:

• A procedure for codifying emission mitigation contributions by developed and developing countries and for reviewing and updating them;
• Targets for reducing global emissions from the international aviation and maritime transport sectors, an international arrangement to address emissions of hydrofluorocarbon gases (HFCs) and a work programme for the agriculture sector;
• A framework for action on adaptation to climate change;
• A framework for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) and promoting conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+) in developing countries;
• Accounting rules for emission changes due to land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) in developed countries;
• The role of low carbon growth plans and nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs);
• The role and use of carbon markets, including reform of the Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation mechanism and the establishment of sectoral carbon market mechanisms;
• Institutional arrangements for the management and matching up of international financial resources with developing countries’ financing needs;
• A framework for stepping up international cooperation on technology;
• The length of the treaty’s commitment period; starting levels for measuring emission reductions; common accounting rules for the banking of national emission rights (assigned amount units) from the Kyoto Protocols first commitment period; and a framework of rules on compliance;
• Strengthened rules on m onitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of action on mitigation and adaptation and of related support.

The conference should anchor political agreements on each of these elements in the text of an overarching COP Decision.

3. A ‘fast start’ deal

The implementation of key elements of the Copenhagen agreement should start immediately after the conference, facilitated by the provision of targeted ‘fast start’ financial support to developing countries.

Possible elements of the ‘fast start’ deal are:

• Preparation of low carbon growth plans and NAMAs, including financing to support these activities;
• Readiness for REDD, including financing for capacity building and elaboration of national forest inventories;
• Implementation of the adaptation action framework, including the set-up of any institutions and provision of financing to developing countries for further adaptation plans and their implementation;
• Preparations for implementing sectoral carbon market mechanisms, including capacity building for the monitoring and reporting of emissions from key sectors in advanced developing countries;
• Preparations for the implementation of a strengthened system of monitoring, reporting and review (MRV).

Each of these elements could be elaborated through separate Decisions taken by the COP or by the COP serving as the Meeting of the Parties (CMP) to the Kyoto Protocol.

4. The follow-up process

The international negotiations have been organised on two parallel ‘tracks’ under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol respectively. The Copenhagen agreement needs to decide on which tracks decisions on points 1, 2 and 3 above will be taken and what follow-up process(es) will be created.

The EU has made clear it wants to see a single, new, legally binding treaty as the outcome of the current two-track process. The treaty should contain all the essential elements of the Kyoto Protocol plus further emission commitments by all developed countries, including the US, and emission actions by developing countries. It should be capable of universal ratification.

The EU has several reasons for this preference:

• Universal participation: a single instrument favours universal participation because only one ratification process would be required. By contrast, an agreement involving two or more instruments would run the risk of them not achieving an identical number of ratifications and of not entering into force at the same time.
• Consistency: A single instrument enables consistency because it avoids separate parallel international regimes.
• Institutions: a single instrument would offer better opportunities to streamline the international institutional framework for addressing climate change, avoiding duplication and waste of resources.
• Carbon market: a single instrument would promote greater certainty for the international carbon market, given the risk of a fragmented international climate regime if two or more instruments require ratification.
• Differentiation: a single instrument does not preclude the differentiation of obligations between different countries.

Further information:

Press release: IP/09/1867

Climate Action website www.ec.europa.eu/climateaction

SOURCE: European Union Press Office

Copenhagen conference must produce global, ambitious and comprehensive agreement to avert dangerous climate change.

The European Commission today underlined the crucial importance of reaching a global, ambitious and comprehensive climate agreement at the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen on 7-18 December. The European Union will be working to achieve maximum progress towards finalisation of an ambitious and legally binding global climate treaty to succeed the Kyoto Protocol in 2013.

The conference must settle the key political elements of the treaty and set up a process and mid-2010 deadline for completing the full text. The Copenhagen agreement must also incorporate a ‘fast start’ deal allowing for immediate implementation or preparation of certain actions, including financial assistance to least developed countries. Commission President José Manuel Barroso and Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas will both participate in the conference, as will some 90 other world leaders.

President Barroso said: “In Copenhagen world leaders must take the bold decisions needed to stop climate change from reaching the dangerous and potentially catastrophic levels projected by the scientific community. We must seize this chance to keep global warming below 2°C before it is too late. But Copenhagen is also an historic opportunity to draw the roadmap to a global low-carbon society, and in so doing unleash a wave of innovation that can revitalise our economies through the creation of new, sustainable growth sectors and “green collar” jobs. The European Union has set the pace with our unilateral commitment to cut emissions 20% by 2020 and our climate financing proposals for developing countries. We will be ready to scale up our emission reduction to 30% provided our partners in both the developed and the developing world take on their fair share of the global effort.”

Commissioner Dimas added: “I very much welcome that several major partners including the US and China have recently put concrete emission targets or actions on the table. The scientific evidence tells us that to keep global warming below 2°C, industrialised countries must cut their emissions to 25-40% below 1990 levels by 2020 while developing countries need to hold their emissions growth at some 15-30% below projected levels in 2020. However, the aggregate offers from developed countries still fall well short of the level of ambition needed, so I urge those countries with weak targets to improve them. Moreover a number of provisions in the current negotiating texts would have the effect of reducing developed countries’ targets in practice. These provisions must be tightened up in Copenhagen. Ensuring the environmental integrity of the future treaty is of paramount importance to the EU.”

International negotiations

International negotiations were launched at the end of 2007 to draw up a United Nations agreement on tackling climate change for the period after 2012, when the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol expires. For the European Union, these negotiations must result in a comprehensive, ambitious, fair, science-based and legally binding global treaty.

Given the slow progress made in the negotiations to date, and a lack of consensus about the shape of the eventual agreement, it is now unlikely that the treaty can be finalised in Copenhagen as originally planned.

The EU’s goal at the conference is therefore to make as much progress as possible towards a full treaty and to reach an ambitious and comprehensive political agreement covering all its key elements as well as a ‘fast start’ deal (see MEMO/09/534 ).

Copenhagen programme

For just over the first week of the conference, until 15 December, the negotiations will take place at official level. These will be followed, from 16 December until the end of the conference on 18 December, by a high-level segment. This will initially involve ministers and Commissioner Dimas, but from 17 December world leaders are invited to join them. More than 90 have already accepted, including President Barroso.

Commissioner Dimas will arrive in Copenhagen on 12 December to participate in an informal international ministerial meeting the next day hosted by Connie Hedegaard, the Danish minister who will also chair the UN conference. Ms Hedegaard has been designated Commissioner for climate action in the next European Commission.

EU representation

The Swedish EU Presidency and the European Commission will be jointly responsible for negotiating on behalf of the EU in Copenhagen.

The EU ‘Troika’, comprising Sweden, the Commission and Spain (as the next EU Presidency), will hold daily press briefings at 1400. These will be streamed live and on demand on the website of the UN climate change convention at www.unfccc.int .

Further information:

The Copenhagen climate conference: key EU objectives: MEMO/09/534

Climate Action website : www.ec.europa.eu/climateaction

DG Environment Copenhagen page: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/copenhagen_09.htm

BEIJING, November 23 /PRNewswire/ –

- New Campaign Launched in the Asian Market

The Eurail Group G.I.E. is swiftly expanding by inviting the Chinese market to discover the European continent by train. Every year the number of Asians travelling through Europe with a Eurail Pass continues to grow and the number of Chinese travellers increased by a staggering 25% in 2008. Eurail launches a new marketing campaign starting with two Travel Trade seminars in Beijing and Shanghai on 23rd and 24th November, 2009.

According to Zhu Shanzhong, from the China National Tourism Administration “China remains Asia’s largest source of outbound tourism and exceeds the average world level,” Eurail supports this trend by further endorsing the Eurail Pass sales in China. For this purpose, representatives and journalists from the Chinese Travel Trade industry will participate in the Eurail marketing seminars in Beijing and Shanghai to further educate and inform the Chinese market about the advantages of travelling through Europe by train.

During 2009, Eurail Group celebrated its 50th Anniversary and in the five decades since 1959 (when only one type of pass was available), Eurail has become the market leader in European rail passes. From humble beginnings when little more than 5,000 passes were sold to overseas travellers in their first year, the idea of a pre-paid pass allowing unlimited mileage across the European continent has become a huge success story. In fact, a staggering 430,000 international Eurail Pass holders trekked across Europe in 2008.

Ever growing concerns about climate issues coupled with recent major European rail investments means that travelling the continent by rail is a cleaner, less expensive and more enjoyable choice. With 160,000 miles of track in today’s European railway system covered by Eurail Passes, many major towns and villages are connected and offer excellent international connections.

The jointly promoted student offer with ISIC (the International Student Identity Card Association), makes travelling with a Eurail Pass even more appealing to the youth. Nevertheless, the Eurail Group offers a broad product range to attract all age groups by accommodating most budgets and, the brand name continues to be universally appealing with pass sales transcending across the globe.

Eurail Group will further continue to boost the development and expansion of Eurail Pass sales in the Chinese market during 2010 via the strong distribution network. “China is one of the most important new markets for Eurail and shows huge potential,” Ana Dias e Seixas, Eurail Group’s Marketing Director, says. “We would like to embrace this opportunity to highlight the many advantages of the Eurail products to more Chinese customers. In the coming year, we will concentrate on offering additional customer benefits to make the product range more attractive.”

More information: http://www.eurailgroup.com or http://www.eurailtravel.com

SOURCE Eurail Group G.I.E.

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NEW YORK, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — “There is at least an 80% profit margin difference in farmers growing coca rather than coffee.” “Water is not a commodity.” “The average American produces over 1,500 pounds of garbage per year.” These were just some of the thought-provoking presentations at the Ninth Annual Dare to Dream Conference held on November 17th in New York City. The theme of this year’s conference, hosted by The Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL) and The Dwight School (an IB World School), was “Human Rights: The Next Generation.”

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091123/DC16211)

As part of the conference, thirteen groups of students presented on topics ranging from music censorship to the political ramifications of using Twitter. “The Dare to Dream Conference received over 2,000 hits from students and schools during our first hour of live-streaming the presentations over the Internet,” said Daren Khairule, ICL Executive Director. “That is an excellent sign, indicating that many others are interested in learning about and, hopefully, advocating for human rights.”

Following is a brief description of some of the more popular presentations:

Water Warlords

Humans need water to survive. Should water cost money? This presentation delves into how profit-driven corporations use the world’s water, a natural resource, as a means to gain wealth. With your cooperation and support, we can help put an end to this practice.

Myoo­Zik: Right or Frivolous Activity?

In many cultures, music is associated with negative connotations or even banned, which raises the question: “Is music a human right?” This presentation addresses music’s value in today’s society, as well as the different presence it has outside of the United States.

Trick or Tweet?

Is Twitter a positive social force, or is it causing conflict between countries? While many argue it is a positive development, some governments do not share this opinion.

Milk and Sugar with Your Cocaine?

Have you ever thought how coffee made its way from the farmland to your cup? Today, many farmers have only two options: They can either grow various coffee beans for a small profit or grow coca plants to produce cocaine, which yields a higher profit margin. Which one would you choose?

Mafia Today

Was the Mafia always an evil organization full of corruption and imbalance? How were mobs started, and how popular do they remain today? Does organized crime infringe on human rights?

Please visit www.iclny.org to watch all of the student­led presentations and learn about the human rights challenges facing the next generation. The Institute for Civic Leadership is an international non­profit organization whose mission is to inspire and to educate students to be global leaders and to provide take action opportunities in educational development, public health service, poverty alleviation, peace initiatives, and environmental protection, and, in so doing, produce engaged global citizens.

SOURCE The Institute for Civic Leadership

Progress has changed. The Jet Age, the Petro-Chemical & Computer Age are not the drivers. Now perhaps it is, the Creative Age.

It is, the artists’ turn.

Daniel Pink posited it in Harvard Business Review, in saying that the MFA (Master of Fine Arts) is the new MBA. Well judging by enrolments, we’re not quite there yet. So Pink is ahead of the curve.

When Financial analysis frameworks are taught everywhere – and after (or during) a global financial mess – perhaps the true Innovation source is Arts & Culture. This is likely to be a hindsight observation for many.

Design is one aspect of arts. As a former Graphic designer, I see design everywhere. Everything you buy has been intentionally designed. And Sustainable design is emerging as the big challenge & big opportunity.

And it is Opportunity that will lift us out of Economic Crisis.

Not massive top-down thinking. Not more Wal-Marts. No. Wal-Mart was once Sam Walton, and the next Wal-Mart will be another Sam Walton. Or Jobs & Wozniak. Or Hewlett & Packard.

It’s 2 guys or gals in a garage building the next Apple, HP, maybe. But ever more insidiously, maybe not.

Decentralized Studios.

Maybe it’s a series of decentralized nodes. A small series of studios, all inter-linked collaborating & ideas & connected from Budapest to Bucharest to Curitiba to Paris to Johannesburg to Adelaide to Detroit to Winnipeg.

It is not where you are, it is what you see, what you share & how creative you are.

Keep innovating,

Christopher Hire
Executive Director

NEW ORLEANS, LA–(Marketwire – November 19, 2009) – Levees.org, a New Orleans-based non-profit formed after Hurricane Katrina with a mission of raising awareness about the nation’s levee systems, released today its second in a series of book reviews by its founder Sandy Rosenthal that address the metro New Orleans flooding of August 2005.

Founder and executive director Sandy Rosenthal provides the following commentary on “Perilous Place, Power Storms: Hurricane Protection in Coastal Louisiana” (University of Mississippi Press, 2009).

The opinions expressed below are those of Ms. Rosenthal on behalf of Levees.org.

Craig E. Colton’s new book presents a massive amount of important data on the man made vulnerability of coastal Louisiana. In meticulous detail, the LSU Geography professor explains how engineering mistakes, funding battles, and newly imposed law requirements resulted in an inadequate and incomplete flood protection system when Katrina arrived in August 2005.

But because the book may be referenced often in the years to come, it is important to point out some undocumented passages and unfounded conclusions pertaining to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the flood protection structures they built in metro New Orleans.

For example, on page 51, the author describes how in the 1970s, a federal court “forced the Corps to either abandon” its plan for barrier structures in New Orleans or do “additional environmental analysis.” While it is true that in 1977, the court did prohibit the barriers until further study was done, there is no documentation that the court “forced” the Corps to abandon the barriers. This assertion is also completely refuted in the Katrina Consolidated Litigation Dismissal Order, Jan 2008, pages 6-12.

This distinction is important because when New Orleans flooded in 2005, environmentalists were frequently blamed without factual basis. In fact, in June 1980, the Corps elected against building the barrier structures and did so without reservations.

Similarly, on page 78, the author asserts that the Corps chose to raise the height of the London, Orleans and 17th Street canal floodwalls “despite misgivings.” And, on page 127, the author draws a conclusion that the “overwhelming local preference for building higher canal walls led to their construction.” Again no documentation is presented to support either the assertion or the conclusion, both of which are clearly refuted by Douglas Woolley and Leonard Shabman, Hurricane Protection Decision Chronology, Jun 2007, page 82.

This distinction is also critical because when the London and 17th Street canal floodwalls failed in 2005 resulting in the drowning deaths of over 600 people, the local New Orleans officials were frequently blamed, without factual basis. As put forth by Woolley and Shabman, the Corps looked at the relative costs and merits and found that the higher canal walls were more economical. The Corps chose to build the higher walls — and to not build the gates — and did so without reservations.

We do note that Professor Colten acknowledged in his introduction that the original version of this textbook was done under contract with the US Army Corps of Engineers history office. This gesture of transparency is commendable as accepting funding form the Corps of Engineers has an appearance of non-impartiality.

We also commend the author for neatly lancing a persistent myth about New Orleanians by pointing out that Louisiana had a significantly higher flood insurance subscription rate Pre Katrina than the national average.

Loaded with data, “Perilous Place, Powerful Storms” is a highly technical book that will likely be referenced often, but hopefully with caution regarding the undocumented unfounded conclusions noted.

RSVP now for FREE transportation to 70 art galleries in hip Brooklyn “gallery districts”

Initiative supports Brooklyn’s creative economy; Art experts on hand to discuss “how-to’s” of art buying for everything from holiday gifts to investment collections

NEW YORK, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — On Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 70 participating Brooklyn art galleries will offer visitors outstanding exhibitions and refreshments as well as a unique opportunity to learn more about Brooklyn’s expanding art scene and galleries during the second annual smART Brooklyn Gallery Hop, an initiative of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Brooklyn Tourism.

Exciting galleries participating include The Boiler, BRIC Rotunda Gallery, Chassidic Art Institute, DUMBO Arts Center, Kentler International Drawing Space, MoCADA, Momenta Art, Proteus Gowanus and Skylight Gallery (complete list below).

“Brooklyn is the Creative Capital of New York City, and contributing to that creative canvas are our neighborhood galleries and lively arts scene,” said BP Markowitz. “There’s no better time to get ‘art smart’ — and maybe even find that perfect gift for the art lover on your holiday list!”

Bus loops depart from hubs every hour on the hour from 1 pm-5 pm and run through four different gallery districts, allowing participants to hop on and off the bus within each line’s loop. Additionally, a “Tour of Four” bus tour (not a loop) will link four unique art galleries “off the beaten path”:

• Williamsburg, Bushwick, Greenpoint — BLUE LOOP (Saturday). Hub: Williamsburg Art and Historical Center, 135 Broadway (at Bedford)
• Bedford-Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene — RED LOOP (Saturday). Hub: MoCADA, the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art, 80 Hanson Place (at South Portland)
• Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Red Hook — GOLD LOOP (Sunday). Hub: Brooklyn Borough Hall/Tourism Visitors Center, 209 Joralemon (Between Court and Adams)
• Boerum Hill, Gowanus, Park Slope — GREEN LOOP (Sunday). Hub: Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Ave. (at President)
• Bay Ridge, Crown Heights, Sunset Park — TOUR OF FOUR Galleries (Sunday). Hub: Brooklyn Museum of Art, 200 Eastern Parkway (at Washington)

Buses will be staffed with expert art docents offering smART tip sheets about collecting and buying art.

The smART Brooklyn Gallery Hop is a public/private partnership working to advance local economic development and increase awareness and support of the arts.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. For more information, visit www.visitbrooklyn.org.

For photos of art visit our flickr page at www.flickr.com/photos/smartgalleryhop.

SOURCE Best of Brooklyn Inc.

WORLD EXPO PLANNING SHIFTS INTO HIGH GEAR

PASADENA, Calif., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Secretary of State Hillary Clinton emphasized the importance of participating in the U.S.A. Pavilion in Shanghai during a visit to the construction site. Energized by Secretary Clinton’s visit and show of support, American executives are embarking on an effort to raise awareness around the country of the role that the U.S.A. Pavilion will play in next year’s World Expo and the benefits it will provide to companies seeking to increase their presence in a dynamic and growing market.

The first-ever World Expo held in China will run from May through October 2010, and is expected to attract 70 million visitors – more than any Expo in 150 years of Expo or World Trade Fair history. To date, 192 countries and 45 international organizations have accepted invitations to attend the World Expo, the largest number in Expo history.

At the construction site, Secretary Clinton praised American companies that have already committed to taking part in the Pavilion, saying that they understood “the importance of the Expo, the American role here and what this U.S.A. Pavilion here can do to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the American people and the people of China.”

“I know there are some in the audience who are still contemplating sponsorship or who may be in negotiation with the U.S. Pavilion team,” she said. “Now is the time to join this effort.”

Nick Winslow, president of the U.S.A. Pavilion, said that Secretary Clinton’s visit has energized efforts to attract more U.S. companies to support the Pavilion. “Secretary Clinton is providing the spark plug of enthusiasm for this project. And we are working steadily with American companies to show them how the Pavilion offers a terrific opportunity to strengthen their presence in China and increase exports into a massive and growing market.”

“As Secretary Clinton’s visit underscores, the Pavilion offers a tremendous opportunity for American companies in one of the world’s fastest growing markets. As China prepares to host the largest World Expo in history, the Pavilion will allow U.S. organizations to present America’s story to 60 million Chinese visitors and top Chinese government officials over a period of six months and to demonstrate our commitment to strengthening U.S. – China relations and engagement in Asia,” said Winslow.

The U.S.A. Pavilion is a 501(c)3 entity with offices based in Pasadena.

Winslow said that U.S.A. Pavilion officials are planning meetings around the U.S. with companies interested in sponsoring the $61 million effort.

Corporate sponsors of the U.S.A. Pavilion include: Boeing Co., Chevron Corp., Dell, Deloitte LLP, Dow Chemical, General Electric Co., Honeywell International Inc., Intel Corp., Johnson & Johnson, Marriott, Microsoft, Motorola, the New York Stock Exchange, Panasonic Integrated Systems, Procter & Gamble Co., Pfizer Ltd., PepsiCo Inc., Qualcomm Inc., Wal-Mart, and Yum! Brands.

SOURCE U.S.A. Pavilion

HONG KONG, November 18 /PRNewswire/ — The GSMA, the body that represents the worldwide mobile communications industry, today announced that its Green Power for Mobile (GPM) programme is working with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, to support mobile operators in exploring the use of renewable energy base stations as a means of optimizing capital and operating expenditures. Through this collaboration, mobile operators in developing markets can benefit from technical assistance programmes, market research, and knowledge sharing programmes to help them implement large scale renewable energy powered networks.

The overall goal is to make cost effective renewable energy solutions a widely used power source for off-grid locations by 2012. The initiative offers a direct way to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in off-grid parts of the developing world. IFC plans to identify and pursue green power investments that expand the mobile industry’s use of renewable energy powered networks in developing countries. IFC will act independently as an anchored investor, offering developing country mobile operators a variety of financial instruments to enable the implementation of viable business models that leverage renewable power for long term efficiency gains.

“We have estimated that mobile operators across the developing world will incur a US$14.6 billion diesel bill from powering off-grid base stations by 2012,” said Rob Conway, CEO and Member of the Board, GSMA. “Working together with IFC, we hope to address this by helping mobile operators to expand network coverage into remote regions, deploy renewable energy base stations, reduce their energy costs and minimise impact on the environment.”

“IFC is delighted to collaborate with GSMA to enable the expansion of mobile coverage to remote regions and the under-served in the developing world, thus bridging the digital divide, based on the highest standards for a sustainable environment,” said Mohsen Khalil, Director of the joint World Bank/IFC Global Information and Communication Technologies Department, the unit responsible for the IFC partnership.

Through the relationship, GPM will offer a Feasibility Study service to mobile operators with an interest in increasing their use of green power solutions. The service involves a technical and financial analysis of an operator’s base station network to identify priority candidate sites and optimum renewable energy technology, to forecast capital expenditure and return on investment, and assist with implementation planning. GPM will also be developing training curriculums to provide further technical assistance and educate mobile operators in the process of implementing renewable energy base stations.

GPM has also set up a dynamic and evolving database to monitor the progress that the industry is making towards reaching the GPM target of powering 118,000 new and existing off-grid base stations in developing countries using renewable energy sources by 2012. The industry database of green base station deployments includes details on equipment used, approximate payback period, challenges and successes, and can be viewed at http://www.wirelessintelligence.com/green-power.

An industry report which will be published twice a year will provide a regular update of developments within the sector featuring operator case studies, vendor points of view, interviews, technology analysis and best practice guides – the first issue can be found at http://www.gsmworld.com/documents/gpfm_report_09_annual_review.pdf

About the GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry. Spanning 219 countries, the GSMA unites nearly 800 of the world’s mobile operators, as well as more than 200 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset makers, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies, and media and entertainment organisations. The GSMA is focused on innovating, incubating and creating new opportunities for its membership, all with the end goal of driving the growth of the mobile communications industry.

For more information, please visit Mobile World Live, the new online portal for the mobile communications industry, at http://www.mobileworldlive.com or the GSMA corporate website at http://www.gsmworld.com

About IFC

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by supporting private sector development, mobilising private capital, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC’s new investments totalled US$15 billion in fiscal 2009, helping channel capital into developing countries during the financial crisis. For more information, visit http://www.ifc.org.

SOURCE GSMA