some new links - localization, algae, etc.

So, I recently finished reading a book called Waking The Global Heart, which I recommend as a hopeful analysis of where humanity is at and possibly going, based on our (primarily western, since that is what is affecting the globe the most) cultural past. In it, the author mentioned a localization project which the city of Willits, California has started. So, I went and checked it out a little bit @ http://www.willitseconomiclocalization.org/ and was quite impressed. I also found some good links there to other areas in the world which are working to localize their economies- an alphabetized listing of groups linked below:

http://www.relocalize.net/groups

Check them out!

More info for algae lovers- primarily looking at the biofuels side:

A Look Back at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Aquatic Species
Program—Biodiesel from Algae (archive)

Carbon Sequestration w/ algae - Australian study  (archive)

Green Star Completes Algae Phase I Demo Facility (archive)

Has the Algae Cavalry Arrived? (archive)

http://www.google.com/search?q=algae+%22high+lipid%22&hl=en&start=0&sa=N

 and finally, a bit of financial incentive for looking at the potential of algae:

The Virgin Earth Challenge ($25 Million USD prize)

“The Virgin Earth Challenge is a prize of $25m for whoever can demonstrate to the judges’ satisfaction a commercially viable design which results in the removal of anthropogenic, atmospheric greenhouse gases so as to contribute materially to the stability of Earth’s climate.”