The IEA announced that global CO2 emissions were 32.3 billion tonnes in 2014, the same as 2013.  Still, global GNP grew 3%.  Apparently this is due largely to increased gas substitution in the USA, higher efficiencies in China, China's reduction in coal consumption, and Germany's increase in renewables and energy efficiency.  

This is significant because CO2 emissions has always risen with economic growth worldwide.  The only times CO2 emissions have dropped have been during times of economic recession.  Of course, Germany has shown for years that economic growth and GHG emissions are decoupled, but it is quite significant to show this in a global context.  

This article from the Tampa Bay Times relates how an unusual coalition of groups is coming together to argue for a level playing field for solar energy.  

This makes the point that renewable energy is not a right-left issue.  It provides good business opportunities and good jobs.  The article described the coalition as follows:

"Floridians for Solar Choice, includes tea party and Christian Coalition conservatives as well as Libertarians; liberal environmentalists such as the Southern Alliance, the Sierra Club and Greenpeace; Physicians for Social Responsibility; and the Florida Retail Federation."

One of the goals of the Energy Trans Lab is to integrate research and teaching in a undergraduate and graduate education for the purpose of promoting student success.  A key interest is in the value of mentoring networks to inspire gender equality in Energy Studies. Toward this end, we are investigating the impact of a mentoring network between WWU women in Energy Studies and local professional women in energy professions.  The first meeting of the Network was a strong success and followups are being scheduled for the rest of this academic year.  The project is led by Lindsay Parapet, a senior who has completed the minor in Energy Policy.  A Facebook page is the space where coordination is happening.

We are fortunate to have three senior GIS students working on their major projects in the Energy Trans lab.  Each is interested in mapping information about energy systems here in Washington State.  Look for their work in June 2015.