Masdar goes downtown

The Masdar carbon neutral city project in Abu Dhabi has chosen an astounding design for its downtown. The winner is Australia's innovative LAVA Architecture. Features include an outdoor plaza sheltered from the sun with umbrella-like structures that close at night, adaptive building facades, and roof gardens. LAVA animation



Article and more great illustrations at Architecture & Design

Puget Sound tribes work to cleanup derelict fishing gear

Derelict fishing gear refers to lost and abandoned nets and traps that create hazards for marine-dependent life. The effort involves local conservation groups and Native American tribes, and is now getting federal stimulus funds. William Yardley's article is in today's New York Times.

It's a ginornous tragedy

While you wouldn't think the health insurance reform debate ventures into green territory, a current experience of mine does exactly that.

• My health insurance company took away my choice of pharmacy. I usually go to a locally owned chain, but for one particular drug I need, my insurance made me choose between two national mail order pharmacies. This is being done for excellence in service and for your convenience, the letter read.

Renewable Energy Agency Says No Nukes

Good news for those following the formation of IRENA, the new International Renewable Energy Agency. Apparently responding to concerns that pro-nuclear ties of IRENA-host United Arab Emirates would taint the agency, IRENA chief Helene Pelosse has said her agency will not support nuclear projects due to waste and risks:

"IRENA will not support nuclear energy programmes because it's a long complicated process, it produces waste and is relatively risky," Helene Pelosse, director general of IRENA, told Reuters in a telephone interview from the French Alps.

Seattle disposal bag fee - Aug. 18 Referendum

Seattle's 20-cent per bag fee on paper and plastic must get past an August 18 ballot measure. The run-up to the vote pits environmentalists versus an out of town, chemical industry-funded campaign.

Correction Although the referendum was submitted by fee opponents, a Yes vote will let the fee stand.

To avoid the fee, shoppers need only bring their own bags when they shop.