WRI Climate Data Now Available In Google Public Data Explorer
WRI is working with Google to make our data related to climate change more approachable and interactive than ever.
Google’s Public Data Explorer is a new tool that makes large data sets easier to understand and explore. Users can reimagine data sets from a growing list of providers (like the U.S. Census, Eurostat, the World Bank, and, now, WRI’s Climate Analysis Indicators Tool - CAIT) as interactive charts and maps that illustrate data relationships and trends over time. These new data visualizations can be embedded in other websites and easily shared via email or social networks.
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WRI Climate Data Now Available In Google Public Data Explorer
Ten Cities For Raising A Green Family
Looking for a great city where you can raise your family in an environmentally friendly community, without giving up great neighborhoods, schools, cultural activities, history and more? Then it’s time you thought about moving to Boston. One of the nation’s most historic cities, it is also one of the most modern in its attitudes about protecting the environment and getting the entire community involved in the effort. As a matter of fact, Boston was recently ranked fourth in the top ten cities recognized for their use of renewable power.
Renewable power means that the city uses less fossil fuel, coal or other polluting forms of energy generation to run things. If that weren’t proof enough of the green direction being taken by the city of Boston, listen up. Popular Science has ranked Boston number three in their list of the greenest cities in America. This city’s commitment to keep green space clean and viable, even in the midst of the most urban portions of town, are to be commended by all. Then, add to all of these other honors the fact that the city of Boston was also ranked number two out of all US Metropolitan areas as the best cities for raising children.
That makes this town a must-see for parents or parents-to-be looking for a great place to raise a green family. Plenty of the city’s housing offerings are located in areas with access to eco-friendly mass transit. You’ll find homes close to parks and within easy access to great schools. For help choosing great Boston apartments, houses, condos or other living facilities, you can browse the city’s website and click on the link for housing and accommodations. While you’re on the city’s site, you can also check out some of the other reasons why Boston is a great place to raise your “Green Family”.
Mother Earth Deserves Flowers
It’s a worldwide celebration of our planet! Earth Day 2010 promises to be bigger and better organized than ever, with events planned in nearly every country on the globe. Earth Day will be celebrating its fortieth anniversary, so you can bet there will be plenty of big name celebrities getting their hands dirty alongside the rest of us greenies as we all chip in to salute the Earth. Different groups, cultures, and individuals–each seems drawn to their own unique way to observe the celebration. In many places, the planting of trees or other greenery symbolizes giving back to the planet. Since the Earth is considered by many to be our “mother” and we all know that “Mother Nature” is a force to be reckoned with, why not do the same nice thing for her that you’d do for your own “real” mom? And no. I wasn’t suggesting you send her a card. I was thinking more along the line of flowers. But she won’t enjoy cut flowers arranged in some florist’s vase. Go out, instead, and get one of those big containers of wildflower seeds and then start spreading them around wherever you go.
See a bit of soil that has been churned up by construction? What better place to plant a few wildflower seeds? No roadside park, no alley or empty lot in the midst of urban blight would fail to be beautified by a few goldenrods, black-eyed Susans, wild asters and other perennial wildflower favorites. Let them grow, bloom and then go to seed. By doing so, you’ll assure there will be new flowers in the spring, making your gift self-perpetuating. What mother would not want the gift of flowers that come back each year, and can paint even the ugliest places beautiful? Earth Day will be celebrated on April 22nd. Join the party and share the experience with all the other citizens of this great planet!