The China Paradox

Can China make it to a clean energy economy in the long-term by rapid economic development based on coal in the short-term?

Not looking good according to a new EIA report:

But rapid industrial growth throughout China has outpaced the government's efforts to replace carbon intensive infrastructure with energy efficiency technology.

And

China achieved a 19.1% reduction in the energy intensity of its economy. But at the same time, overall emissions were up 33.6%, with emissions from building operation and transportation growing 41%.

Until the last drop

Great. Major shale oil deposit found in Argentina by Spanish firm Repsol. 

Title: Huge Oil Discovery Boosts Argentina's Potential (italics added). Potential for...

Short-term: possible economic development. Long-term: ?

Huge spike in carbon emissions in 2010

One measure of economic recovery: carbon dioxide emissions.

The pollution measurements could indicate economic recovery from the global recession of 2007-2008, according to Boden.

Link via Juan Cole at Informed Comment.

"To protect their bottom line"

Levi Strauss is working on reducing water use in the manufacturing and consumption of jeans. Good to see that they are working on both production and consumption aspects of water use. But, come on, do people need "new" jeans that are already falling apart?

I agree with this interviewee:

“As long as you don’t get dirt on them, don’t do a lot of strenuous activity in them and — sorry if this is a bit vulgar — be sure to always wear underwear, you can really go a very long time between washing."

It's true, washing jeans is the best way to ruin them, espcecially black levis. Don't wash the black ones; they won't be black for long.