The good news 
U.S. revokes approval of potent car coolant
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revoked approval of a type of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) in new automobile air-conditioning systems. Three environmental organizations had filed a petition to remove the use of this HFC in U.S.-made autos and replace it with less climate-damaging alternatives. The petition was part of a worldwide campaign to eliminate HFCs, which are powerful greenhouse gases that have long atmospheric lifetimes. The phase-out schedule for this HFC will be announced by the EPA.

• From Environment News Service

Developing countries' plans to go green
Mongolia wants to provide its nomadic herders with portable wind turbines. The Central African Republic is planning reforestation efforts that will cover one-quarter of its landscape. Ethiopia detailed 75 different projects to reduce global warming and promote renewable energy. These are some of the dozens of projects proposed by the United Nations' Green Climate Fund, which is a commitment by wealthy economies to fund $100 billion towards climate change efforts by poorer nations.

• From Canadian Press

Beauty in the Scottish Highlands
The remote Scottish Highlands is famous for stunning lakes, glens and mountains. But it has also been harnessing its abundant water for more than 60 years to provide renewable energy. This photo essay shows how replacing fossil fuel-based power with clean energy can help preserve the planet's beautiful spaces.

• From National Geographic

Some other news
Food scarcity a factor in civic unrest
One of the factors that led to recent civil uprisings in the Middle East was skyrocketing food prices, according to this perspective. The extreme weather that affected food prices in Tunisia and Egypt shows how future climate change and its effect on agriculture will have ripple effects on geopolitics.

• From Huffington Post

Windy trip across the Australian Outback
It's called the Wind Explorer. On its first trip, this prototype lightweight vehicle with an electric motor and sails traveled 5,000 kilometers (approx. 3,100 miles) across the Australian Outback on just $15 worth of electricity.

• From Reuters

Fun stuff
Energy education for kids
Meet Roofus, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) friendly animated dog who teaches kids about saving energy in their homes. Visit Roofus and friends for word games, energy tips and making a pizza box solar "oven."

• From The Department of Energy

Celebrate Earth Day
Earth Day 2011 will be on Friday, April 22. Find a fun event near you, plant a native tree, take the bus to work -- see what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. 

PennFuture Events
2011 PennFuture Global Warming Conferences
Clean energy for a cool Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh's potential to lead and create a stronger clean energy economy can play a big part in combatting global warming pollution and creating more green jobs. Join us at this conference to learn how you can switch to green energy and also learn how policies in the region, state and nation can make a huge impact.

• Pittsburgh
• Sunday, April 3, 1:00 - 5:30 p.m.
• More information and registration

How global warming will wreck recreation -- as well as our jobs, economy and the environment
Our current use and misuse of energy – and the kind of energy we use – is causing changes that neither nature nor the economy can withstand. We expect to lose our cold water fisheries, much of our plant life and agriculture. Winter sports havens like ski resorts will teeter between snow feast and famine. We will lose much-loved vacation and recreation sites, jobs -- and the economy Pennsylvania's nature sustains. Understanding the problem is the first step toward fixing it. This workshop will feature experts who will separate fact from fiction and offer personal and political steps you can take to prevent climate change from raging unchecked.

• Pocono region
• Sunday, May 1, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• More information and registration

Other events 
Climate lecture
Principles, Impacts, and Choices: lecture by Frederick Moolten, M.D., Senior Climate Fellow with PennFuture

• Washington and Jefferson College
• Wednesday, March 30
• Information: http://blogs.washjeff.edu/inthepress/2011/03/21/local-climate-change-expert-to-lecture-at-wj/

Run for the earth
Celebrate Earth Day, do a 5K run and find out how to get free race registration by switching to wind power.

• Philadelphia
• Saturday, April 16
• Register: www.5krunforcleanair.org

Free films in NE PA
"Who Killed the Electric Car?"

• Covington Township (near Scranton), Lackawanna College Environmental Institute
• Wednesday, March 30, 6:30 p.m.
• Preregister: 570-842-1506

"carbo₂n nation"

• Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes University, Stark Learning Center 166
• Tuesday, April 12, 8:30 p.m.
• Information: 570-408-4615 or marleen.troy@wilkes.edu