California Goes Green


Book Description

This green roadmap by two California climate leaders, Michael Peevey and Diane Wittenberg shows how the state built a gold standard environment along with a thriving economy. It's a very readable and inspiring contemporary account of how to make things happen.




Celebrating California


Book Description

Meet Mr. Geo, everybody’s favorite geography teacher! He loves to explore new places. Today, he’s visiting California, the Golden State. His first stop is a TV studio for a front-row seat at his favorite television talent show! Then he will feed the sea lions at the San Diego Zoo. He’ll cheer for the Los Angeles Angels, ride a cable car in San Francisco, visit the Redwood Forest and even pan for gold! He’ll also visit fun-filled theme parks, beautiful beaches, and many other exciting places. Join Mr. Geo on his travels all around California. Together, you will discover what makes this a state to celebrate. This entertaining and educational mix of travel, geography, history, and pop culture includes maps and learning activities. Great for beginning readers!




How to Avoid a Climate Disaster


Book Description

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER NATIONAL BESTSELLER In this urgent, singularly authoritative book, Bill Gates sets out a wide-ranging, practical--and accessible--plan for how the world can get to zero greenhouse gas emissions in time to avoid an irreversible climate catastrophe. Bill Gates has spent a decade investigating the causes and effects of climate change. With the help and guidance of experts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, political science and finance, he has focused on exactly what must be done in order to stop the planet's slide toward certain environmental disaster. In this book, he not only gathers together all the information we need to fully grasp how important it is that we work toward net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases but also details exactly what we need to do to achieve this profoundly important goal. He gives us a clear-eyed description of the challenges we face. He describes the areas in which technology is already helping to reduce emissions; where and how the current technology can be made to function more effectively; where breakthrough technologies are needed, and who is working on these essential innovations. Finally, he lays out a concrete plan for achieving the goal of zero emissions--suggesting not only policies that governments should adopt, but what we as individuals can do to keep our government, our employers and ourselves accountable in this crucial enterprise. As Bill Gates makes clear, achieving zero emissions will not be simple or easy to do, but by following the guidelines he sets out here, it is a goal firmly within our reach.




California Burning


Book Description

NATIONAL BESTSELLER 2022 Winner of the Golden Poppy Award for Nonfiction (California Independent Booksellers Alliance) A revelatory, urgent narrative with national implications, exploring the decline of California’s largest utility company that led to countless wildfires — including the one that destroyed the town of Paradise — and the human cost of infrastructure failure Pacific Gas and Electric was a legacy company built by innovators and visionaries, establishing California as a desirable home and economic powerhouse. In California Burning, Wall Street Journal reporter and Pulitzer finalist Katherine Blunt examines how that legacy fell apart—unraveling a long history of deadly failures in which Pacific Gas and Electric endangered millions of Northern Californians, through criminal neglect of its infrastructure. As PG&E prioritized profits and politics, power lines went unchecked—until a rusted hook purchased for 56 cents in 1921 split in two, sparking the deadliest wildfire in California history. Beginning with PG&E’s public reckoning after the Paradise fire, Blunt chronicles the evolution of PG&E’s shareholder base, from innovators who built some of California's first long-distance power lines to aggressive investors keen on reaping dividends. Following key players through pivotal decisions and legal battles, California Burning reveals the forces that shaped the plight of PG&E: deregulation and market-gaming led by Enron Corp., an unyielding push for renewable energy, and a swift increase in wildfire risk throughout the West, while regulators and lawmakers pushed their own agendas. California Burning is a deeply reported, character-driven narrative, the story of a disaster expanding into a much bigger exploration of accountability. It’s an American tragedy that serves as a cautionary tale for utilities across the nation—especially as climate change makes aging infrastructure more vulnerable, with potentially fatal consequences.




Cities Going Green


Book Description

Over the past several decades, numerous planning movements have taken root within the United States. With names like "Urban Renewal," "Garden Cities," "Healthy Cities," "Smart Growth," "Eco-Cities" and "Sustainability," these programs promote ways to create, protect, preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of life in cities, towns and suburbs, especially in regards to the natural environment. This guide to the best practices of these programs introduces the rapidly evolving field before presenting more than 40 case studies of communities that are effectively "going green." An assessment of the future of these towns and cities and resources for citizens and officials seeking additional information conclude the work. By compiling these success stories, this handbook makes an excellent resource for anyone seeking to facilitate the restoration of the natural environment within their community.




Go Green at Home


Book Description

The central idea of this book is that saving energy and water saves the households money and simultaneously help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. It also aims to give readers better understanding of the green concept to enable informed participation in the current discourse pertaining to environment and climate change. The first chapter reviews environmental issues confronting the world in general and the U.S. in particular. Chapter 2 discusses federal energy efficiency programs that relate directly with energy saving and resource conservation efforts in households. Chapter 3 focuses on measures of saving energy at home including use of compact fluorescent lamps, taking advantage of residual heat in electric stoves, energy-efficient ways of using kitchen appliances, informed choice and use of home heating and cooling systems and others. Chapter 4 deals with conserving water inside and outside homes including use of high-efficiency toilets, low -low shower heads, etc. The economics of energy and water use efficiency, covered in Chapter 5, quantifies the savings derived from most of the measures discussed in Chapters 3 and 4. The goal is to show in dollar terms how much households could save by following green practices at home. The challenges of dealing with solid waste from households are examined in Chapter 6. Particular focus is given on "Pay-As-You-Throw" (PAYT) scheme in waste collection systems and fees as well as the three Rs in waste management - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Recognizing the impact of children on energy and water use at home, the author devotes Chapter 7 on educating and engaging children in green practices. Two framework proposals aimed at enhancing sustainability of green movement in the country are presented in Chapter 8 including establishment of green camps and providing tax incentives for going green at home. Proposal for establishing green camps is directed to private business sector or non-profit organizations and the government while the tax incentive proposal is directed solely to the government.




California 2009


Book Description

Includes information on hotels and resorts, restaurants, beaches, walking and driving tours, nighttime entertainment, shopping, and sights of interest




America Goes Green [3 volumes]


Book Description

This three-volume encyclopedia explores the evolution of green ideology and eco-friendly practices in contemporary American culture, ranging from the creation of regional and national guidelines for green living to the publication of an increasing number of environmental blogs written from the layperson's perspective. Evidence of humanity's detrimental impact on the environment is mounting. As Americans, we are confronted daily with news stories, blogs, and social media commentary about the necessity of practicing green behaviors to offset environmental damage. This essential reference is a fascinating review of the issues surrounding green living, including the impact of this lifestyle on Americans' time and money, the information needed to adhere to green principles in the 21st century, and case studies and examples of successful implementation. America Goes Green: An Encyclopedia of Eco-Friendly Culture in the United States examines this gripping topic through 3 volumes organized by A–Z entries across 11 themes; state-by-state essays grouped by region; and references including primary source documents, bibliography, glossary, and green resources. This timely encyclopedia explores the development of an eco-friendly culture in America, and entries present the debates, viewpoints, and challenges of green living.




Fodor's California


Book Description

Written by locals, Fodor's travel guides have been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. California is one of America's most popular vacation destinations--its diversity draws every type of traveler, from foodies to families. Fodor's full-color California guide covers all corners of the state, from the northern coast to Wine Country and from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park. Fodor's California includes: UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE: Travelers can road trip with ease with a chapter dedicated to California's quintessential drives, now with even more destinations covered. From advice on how many days to stay at each destination to must-see stops along the way, this is an essential trip-planning tool. New hotels and restaurants are also included throughout. ILLUSTRATED FEATURES: In-depth features detail popular attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, as well as Cable Cars and Chinatown in San Francisco. A must-have for wine buffs is the Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma feature, which suggests a tasting itinerary, teaches the proper wine tasting technique, and describes how grapes are grown, harvested, and pressed. INDISPENSABLE TRIP-PLANNING TOOLS: Top ¬Attractions and Top Experiences help readers choose activities based on their interests. For outdoorsy types, dedicated national parks chapters include planning tips and highlights. DISCERNING RECOMMENDATIONS: Fodor's California offers savvy advice and recommendations from local writers to help travelers make the most of their visit. Fodor's Choice designates our best picks in every category. COVERS: San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, Yosemite National Park, Big Sur, Napa and Sonoma, Monterey Bay, Lake Tahoe, Mendocino, and more.




California 2008


Book Description

Includes information on hotels and resorts, restaurants, beaches, walking and driving tours, nighttime entertainment, shopping, and sights of interest