Rare Earth: Necessary for Alternative Power, But Mined Destructively

Two recent reports (below) highlight the necessity of rare earth for alternative energy production. Unfortunately the mining of these elements, mainly in China, come at a heavy environmental and human cost.

"Some of the greenest technologies of the age, from electric cars to efficient light bulbs to very large wind turbines, are made possible by an unusual group of elements called rare earths. The world’s dependence on these substances is rising fast. Just one problem: These elements come almost entirely from China, from some of the most environmentally damaging mines in the country, in an industry dominated by criminal gangs." From the New York Times, Dec. 25, 2009 (complete article)

"It doesn't look very green. Rare earth processing in China is a messy, dangerous, polluting business. It uses toxic chemicals, acids, sulfates, ammonia. The workers have little or no protection. But, without rare earth, Copenhagen means nothing. You buy a Prius hybrid car and think you're saving the planet. But each motor contains a kilo of neodymium and each battery more than 10 kilos of lanthanum, rare earth elements from China." From Lindsey Hilsum of Independent Television News shown on the PBS Newshour Dec. 14, 2009 (video and transcript of this report)

UW-Oshkosh plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025

UW-Oshkosh (UWO) has developed a plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2025. UWO is one of about 110 colleges to produce a Climate Action Plan as part of the American Colleges and Universities Climate Commitment, but only 5 percent of those have aimed for carbon neutrality by 2025.

UWO was one of four UW System campuses selected by Governor Jim Doyle in 2006 to work toward replacing all fossil fuels for heating and electricity, the University was able to utilize a state-funded Energy Independence Study in developing its plan.

Read more at: http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20091207/OSH1003/912070562

courtesy of the Oshkosh Northwestern

Fair Trade Market at UW-La Crosse

Today is the second day of the Fair Trade Market at UW-L in the Port O' Call room in Cartwright Center. It will be open until 5:30 p.m. with a wide variety of Fair Trade merchandise for sale. You can read more about it in this La Crosse Tribune online article.