7 billion and 1, and 2, and 3...

Sometime today the human population reaches 7 billion people. For many in the U.S. halloween is the perfect day to reach this milestone, "over population" scares people, and it gives an easy answer to "what is wrong with the world?" and to the cause of environmental problems, including global climate change. "It's those people out there."

But population is a red herring in many ways. The developed world uses most the energy, produces most the food, and emits the most carbon. Yes, aspects of population cause problems but an environmntal and social justice movement that runs with this headline and platform isn't looking deep enough.

Nest, the intelligent thermostat

The news of the day in the technology world was the introduction of Nest, The Learning Thermostat by Tony Fadell, one of the creators of the iPod and his team at Nest Labs. It is the first major consumer tech gadget meets energy efficient home hardware. Can the iPhone of thermastats actually deliver on its claims? Can it spark consumer interest? Only research and use will tell. This does seem however to be the future of home appliances and a new turn in the consumerification of everyday, taken for granted energy appliances.

"What did you get for Christmas?"

"A thermostat."

"Huh?"

Emma Marris: Rambunctious Garden

Just started reading this new book by Emma Marris (her first) called Rambunctious Garden. Her youtube preview gives a good introduction. Nature is everywhere; pristine wilderness is an illusion.

Urbanized

A film by Gary Hustwit the maker of Objectified and Helvetica. I haven't seen it yet but looks interesting and ripe for critique. Check out the site here.