An interesting new report reveals that global energy use could be reduced by 10% through a global switch to energy efficient light bulbs and lighting systems. Lighting is a major source of electricity consumption accounting for 19% of the world's use of electricity. There is a growing movement to Ban the Bulb - the phasing out and replacement of still widely used traditional incandescent light bulbs which are 100 years old and grotesquely energy inefficient. Newer compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) (search) cost more initially, but are 2/3 more efficient and in the long term save money, energy and the environment. As government's mandate a widespread change and subsidize these new light bulbs, economies of scale will further drive down the upfront costs for new CFLs. Where is national and global leadership to implement such a perfectly achievable way to fight climate change, conserve electricity and end energy wars?

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As Washington was hammered by the sort of extreme weather expected to increase due to climate change, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that will determine whether under current law the Bush administration must regulate carbon dioxide (more | more2 | more3). The Bush administration has been sued by twelve states for failing to properly implement the Clean Air Act in regard to automobile emissions. The case is the most important environmental issue in years to be heard by the high court. Essentially what is at stake is "the survival of the Earth as we know it." While certainly climate science (search) and the Bush obstructiveness cry out for an affirmative decision, it will be good news either way to know whether the E.P.A. must regulate carbon dioxide (search). If they must, they can start immediately, if not, the legislature has no excuse for not swiftly getting such a law in place. The interests of humanity and all species are so threatened that frankly "legislating from the bench" that carbon regulation is a national imperative would be welcome.

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The days of petroleum profligacy are over and the world is going to have to deal with the end of unfettered fossil fuel use. Mother Jones looks intensively at peak oil (search) issues in an interview with Michael T. Klare, author of a new book entitled "Blood and Oil: The Dangers and Consequences of America's Growing Dependency on Imported Petroleum". Of course there is nothing new in noting the role of oil and American dependence, but the interview captures well the depth and urgency of the crisis. How shall we house, feed and clothe ourselves in the not too distant future? We are hitting the energy limits to growth (search), and a dearth of progressive climate/energy policy means we are hitting it hard. We had best get going on developing some combination of energy conservation and renewable energy to keep the lights on.

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As acceptance of the hard climate change reality increases, global industry and business are coming to terms with their products' and activities' culpability for greenhouse gas emissions. Over past days in the UK several leading industrial leaders urged their government to implement tougher curbs on carbon dioxide emissions [more]. And the insurer Lloyd's of London has warned that the insurance industry may be swept away if urgent actions are not taken to cut emissions. Top Internet companies Microsoft and Google are working to improve their energy efficiency. While such efforts by industry are a start, there needs to be major changes in values and how business is done. The Western lifestyle of over-consumption is inherently unsustainable. Progress on climate change and a whole host of other environmental issues requires cutting frivolous consumption [search] and stressing quality, durability and ecological sustainability for necessary consumption.

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