Carbon emissions and carbon footprints have been in the news a lot over the past few years. But while politicians and celebrities have taken up the cause of reducing these, it hasn’t really affected the individual, the ordinary man and woman on the street, yet. But the issue could soon be personalized in a very real way thanks to individual carbon rationing.

In what could be seen as a nod to science fiction, Japanese scientists are making detailed plans to gather solar energy in space where it is abundant and then beam that energy down to earth.

Almost 20 years ago now, Gordon Murray conceived of and designed the McLaren F1 supercar. Only 106 were ever produced and it is one of the fastest production cars in the world, reaching a speed of 391 km/h (243 mph) in 1998. What has Gordon Murray done since production of the McLaren F1 ended in 1998? Why, he’s gone all green of course, and is preparing to unleash his T.27 electric car on the world over the next few years.

Is Planet Earth gradually warming up? If so, is this as a direct result of the activities of humanity? Those are two very simple yet hugely important questions being asked around the globe right now. And in America it seems that the number of people answering “Yes” to either one has reduced significantly over the last three years.

While Google PowerMeter may not be a common household name, with the announcement of the first device partner, it could be on its way there.

While recycling computers and their peripherals has turned into a difficulty and sometimes pricey problem, at least one company in the United States looks like they have the answer for smaller electronic items.

For many years creative minds have dreamed about a world where vehicles can drive autonomously without human interaction. It seems like those dreams are closer to coming true as one car manufacturer has been playing around with this idea. Nissan recently demonstrated a mini robotic car that can move in groups avoiding obstacles autonomously.

The issue of climate change is a complicated and controversial one. Some don’t believe it’s humanity’s fault, while some who do don’t really feel the need to do anything about it. But there are scientists, engineers, and scholars out there all the time trying to figure out ways we can help the planet cope. The latest ideas include artificial trees, algae-lined buildings, and white roofs, all designed to help slow down global warming.

Central banks worldwide are claiming that the financial crisis is over and it’s time to move back into a positive frame of mind, but Karl W. Miller, a senior energy executive and institutional investor says otherwise.  According to Mr. Miller, we haven’t hit the bottom yet, especially in the energy sector.

When you hear the phrase – “phase change”, coffee cups don’t really pop to mind.  Star trek fire arms and transporters are more the images conjured up.  Scientists at Fraunhoffer Institute decided to use “phase change” materials (PCMs) to create the perfect coffee cup.

In 2002, legislation was passed to force GM and other automakers to pay for the removal and proper disposal of mercury light switches that GM had continued using long after environmentally safer methods were developed.  In 2006, the End of Life Vehicle Solutions (ELVS) program was given the responsibility by the EPA to coordinate the automaker’s efforts to collect and dispose of removed mercury switches.  GM is now backing out of ELVS and refusing to pay.

Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles(PHEVs) require charging either at home or at future charging stations.  Most electric companies have variable rates depending on the time of day and when electricity is most in demand.  Nissan and Ford have found ways for their EVs and PHEVs to limit charging times to the lowest rates.

The Fisker Karma is a luxury plug-in hybrid that is due to be officially released in 2010.  Currently, there are prototypes that have circulated at auto shows and most recently at the Mazda Racetrack Laguna Seca.  The car is sleek, sporty, incredibly fast and powerful.

Well, as green as an RV can go that is.  Evergreen recreational vehicles (RVs) are made out of composite materials that allow the final RV to be lighter than other RVs and use less gas, and for Evergreen less gas is just the start of what the company calls its eco-friendly RV.

Nissan’s electric vehicle (EV) for the masses is expected to hit Japan and North America next year.  LEAF, as this car is called, has been anticipated since 2006 and Nissan has been working with cities, states and the U.S. government to make sure that its debut goes smoothly.

The Southern Ute Reservation has invested both land and money into algae biofuels startup Solix.  The tribe is looking for business investments that will profit future generations rather than simply looking for a quick return on their investment.  Solix is a company that fits the Southern Ute’s business plan and native sensibilities.

U Car Share is a U-Haul spin off.  U Car Share, unlike U-Haul, requires a membership. But once you are a member, you can use any U Car Share vehicle and pay low hourly rates.  On Aug. 18 Salt Lake City, Utah, will be the newest U Car Share location.