Energy and Environment News Roundup – 11.18.13

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

COP 19

Tense week ahead for UN climate talks (via AP)

Carbon market negotiations falter in Warsaw (via BusinessGreen)

3 ways to make progress on climate finance at COP 19 (via World Resources Institute)

EMISSIONS

Unabated coal use will break world’s “coal budget” (via World Resources Institute)

Carbon market “toolbox” could create global standards (via Environmental Leader)

The EPA might be able to push a carbon tax on its own (via Washington Post)

RENEWABLES

Brazil wind industry seeking clarity on grid operator interconnection plans (via Recharge)

EPA retreats on ethanol mandate (via The Hill)

US may be hitting its ethanol limit, so EPA wants to relax its biofuels goals (via Washington Post)

As ALEC shifts RPS opposition strategy, state law favors renewables (via Greentech Media)

Report highlights best practices to incorporate renewables onto grid (via Energy Manager Today)

California gets 19% electricity from non-hydro renewables, up from 12% in 2008 (via Facts of the Day)

First large-scale biogas plant in US coming online in California (via Sustainable Business)

LA solar energy investment atlas a model for renewables development (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Michigan Tech tests if solar power works up north (via Miami Herald/AP)

How whiskey makers could soon be providing a superior biofuel (via Climate Progress)

COAL

UN climate chief warns of financial risk to coal’s future (via BusinessGreen)

King coal enjoys an unexpected renaissance in the UK (via Financial Times)

The death of coal (via The Atlantic)

CLIMATE

Insurance shortfall hits poorest and most vulnerable (via Climate Central)

Super typhoon Haiyan: Realities of a warmed world (via Huffington Post)

Climate change rallies staged across Canada (via CBC News)

Thousands rally in Australia for climate action (via Phys.org)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING

Shale revolution spreads with record wells outside US (via Bloomberg)

Water shortages could dry up shale gas craze (via Forbes)

The backdoor bid to ban fracking (via National Journal)

Breaking down the new proposed fracking rules released in Illinois and California (via Climate Progress)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

As utility efficiency programs grow, some industries want out (via Midwest Energy News)

PNNL’s lab homes run energy efficient technologies through the paces (via Breaking Energy)

NUCLEAR

Workers begin removing fuel rods at Fukushima (via National Journal)

GREEN BUILDING

Tool measures building materials’ environmental impact (via Environmental Leader)

TRANSPORTATION

Fast charging key to EV adoption, finds study (via Greentech Media)

6,554 Tesla Model S units sold in California through September 2013 (via San Jose Mercury News)

POLITICS

House GOP revives energy battles with Obama (via The Hill)

Sen. Stabenow criticizes proposed EPA fuel mandate (via The Hill)

OPINION

Are UN global warming talks futile? (via National Journal)

UN’s Ban Ki-moon says Philippines typhoon a “warning” on climate change (via Phys.org)

Global warming pragmatism (via Washington Post)

Is business leading the way in developing off-grid energy? (via The Guardian)

Product Review: Numi Savory Teas

footerNumi, an organic, fair-trade tea company that I love has recently released a new type of tea: Savory Tea. To be sure, savory tea is a little bit different, but in a lovely way. Most teas lean towards sweetness; even if you drink plain black or green tea, they still seem slightly sweet. But Numi has turned this idea on its head with clever blends of decaffeinated green tea, herbs, spices and dehydrated vegetables.

As with all their teas, Numi chooses organic and fairly traded ingredients and blends them into beautifully rich concoctions. With combinations like Broccoli Cilantro and Carrot Curry, these drinks are similar to drinking a cup of homemade vegetable broth. Some of the flavors seem weirder than others, such as Tomato Mint, but they all actually taste quite similar. Numi says of their savory teas, "It's not quite a soup, but more than a tea." Other flavors include Spinach Chive, Beet Cabbage and my favorite Fennel Spice. They also offer a garden sampler so you can try two of each flavor!

Savory teas are warming and soothing, and can be especially delightful on those very chilly days or when you think you might be coming down with a cold. For a richer flavor, you can stir in a teaspoon of miso or a handful of leftover grains. Savory teas like this are gentle on the digestion and feel so good! And because they are decaffeinated, you can drink them all day long to stay warm and hydrated.

Numi is also offering a fun contest featuring their Artisan Tea Blending Kit. You can blend your own herbs and teas into a unique blend the Numi might adopt as their newest flavor. If your blend is chosen you can win a trip to San Francisco and a tea tasting ceremony in their headquarters. (Sounds like a dream trip to me!). Enter on the link above.

What's your favorite tea for the cold weather? 300

This is not a sponsored post, just my honest opinion about a company that I love!