Welcome to Switzer Network News, a regular series of news reports produced by Jerry Kay of Media Interchange and Switzer Fellows. These reports profile the environmental accomplishments and innovations of Switzer Fellows as leaders in their respective fields.  We encourage you to subscribe to our reports which are available via iTunes, Google, and Yahoo, as well as email.

Switzer Network News: Energy & Climate Change Posts

Converting Waste to Fuel for Families in Africa
Sunday, April 1 2012

For 2011 Switzer Fellow Jeannette Laramee, it all started with designing a school in Zambia, Africa. That led to building systems that make biogas, which can save up to 10,000 pounds of firewood a year for a family in Africa.

Getting Real About Climate Change and Agriculture
Thursday, March 1 2012

On this Switzer Network News report, we learn about the intersection between global climate change and agriculture, why current "soutions" are inadequate and where we need to go next globally.

How Will California Get to 33% Renewables by 2020?
Thursday, January 12 2012

Where has California's renewable energy policy been, and where it is going?  What role have California's utilities played in promoting the development of clean electricity? What must utilities and state policy makers do to ensure California continues to lead on clean energy policies?  Switzer Fellow Laura Wisland works on these issues every day in her role as Senior Energy Analyst for the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Building Energy Efficiency into Multi-Family Dwellings
Thursday, September 23 2010

About one-third of the homes in California are multi-family units and saving energy in these units has significant potential. Beckie Menten, Switzer Fellow and Research Fellow with the California Public Utilities Commission, offers a perspective on this issue.

Creating Sustainable Communities
Friday, July 2 2010

In 1997, Oakland, California, began to face the challenge of sustainability on a community level. Today, Oakland enjoys cleaner air, improved recycling, more bike lanes – and a consistent ranking in the Top Ten U.S. Green Cities. Garrett Fitzgerald, Oakland’s Sustainability Coordinator and a Switzer Fellow, shares key steps. 

Climate Change and Biodiversity
Thursday, January 28 2010

A panel discussion sponsored by the Switzer Foundation with Switzer fellows Katrina Schneider (SYRCL), Dr. Amy Leurs (Google.org), Dr. Healy Hamilton (California Academy of Sciences), Steven Rothert (American Rivers) and facilitated by Dr. Elizabeth Soderstrom (American Rivers).