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The Independent Media Institute
January, 2024
"Carbon Farming: A Sustainable Agriculture Technique That Keeps Soil Healthy and Combats Climate Change" explores how carbon farming, a low-cost and low-tech solution, can significantly mitigate climate change while revitalizing rural economies. This method involves using land, seed, compost, and sometimes animals to enhance soil health, sequester carbon, and produce healthier crops. The article highlights the story of a North Dakota farmer, Gabe Brown, who successfully implemented carbon farming, transforming his farm into a model of regenerative agriculture that is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
Highbrow Magazine
December, 2023
"Welcome to the World's Greenest Building" in Highbrow Magazine introduces the Bullitt Center in Seattle, acclaimed as the pinnacle of sustainable architecture. This six-story commercial office edifice defies the city's cloudy disposition by achieving complete energy self-sufficiency through solar power and managing its water needs via rainwater harvesting. Constructed with non-toxic materials and designed to endure for 250 years, it leverages geothermal heating and natural daylight, minimizing the need for artificial lighting. The Bullitt Center exemplifies how innovative design and energy efficiency can coalesce into an affordable, modern structure, serving as a beacon for urban clean energy transformation and sustainable development.
The Progressive
October, 2023
The Progressive.org article "A Just Clean-Energy Transition for All" features an excerpt from John J. Berger's book, focusing on Vien Truong's efforts in the environmental justice and climate-protection movements. Truong, a prominent figure in these movements, has been instrumental in passing significant legislation in California, directing billions of dollars to low-income and disadvantaged communities for carbon emission reduction programs and improving residents' lives and health. Growing up in a poor neighborhood and witnessing firsthand the impacts of environmental pollution and economic inequality, Truong has dedicated her career to creating an equitable and inclusive green economy. Through her leadership, she has been a driving force behind the drafting and passage of landmark California statutes, such as Senate Bill 535 and Senate Bill 1275, which aim to reduce carbon emissions and address the disproportionate climate impacts faced by low-income communities. Truong's work exemplifies the intersection of social justice and climate action, highlighting the necessity of addressing climate change and economic inequality simultaneously for a sustainable future.
Truthdig
September, 2023
"How Farmer Brown Went Green" on Truthdig is an excerpt from John J. Berger's book, Solving the Climate Crisis: Frontline Reports from the Race to Save the Earth. It tells the story of Gabe Brown, a North Dakota farmer who turned to carbon farming to save his farm and livelihood. Facing financial ruin after consecutive years of crop destruction due to hail and drought, Brown innovated his farming practices to improve soil health without expensive chemicals or genetically modified seeds. His approach, focused on regenerative agriculture, not only revitalized his farm but also became a model for sustainable farming globally. Brown's success story illustrates the potential of carbon farming to address climate change, enhance soil health, and support rural economies.
Sustain Europe
December, 2020
The article "Fear, Shock, & Awe—The Raucous, Enduring Appeal of Donald J. Trump, and How Dems Could Retake America", discusses how Donald Trump’s presidency reshaped American politics, exploiting fear, division, and disinformation to galvanize a loyal base. This article unpacks the socio-economic and cultural forces that fuel Trumpism, examines the psychological grip on his followers, and outlines how Democrats can bridge the divide with policies focused on economic security, social equity, and media reform to rebuild trust in democratic institutions.
Detroit Free Press
Januaray 29, 2020
The climate crisis is accelerating, with catastrophic fires and rising global temperatures signaling a dire need for action. Yet, President Trump’s administration obstructs meaningful climate policies. This article outlines bold legislative mandates, including zero-emission power plants, renewable energy buildings, EV incentives, and carbon removal strategies, urging the next president and Congress to enact transformative reforms for a sustainable, fossil-free future.
Sustain Europe
Winter, 2019
The article "Could Our Farms Become the World’s Great Untapped Carbon Sink?", explores the Marin Carbon Project in Northern California, which promotes carbon farming as a key strategy against climate change. By implementing practices like composting, cover cropping, and managed grazing, carbon farming aims to restore soil health and sequester atmospheric carbon. Highlighting the experience of cattle rancher Loren Poncia, the article illustrates the dual benefits of carbon farming for both the environment and agricultural productivity.
Sustain Europe
Autumn-Winter, 2019
Given the lack of climate leadership from America's Climate Denier-in-Chief, Sustain Europe continues its focus on the United States with some more
sustainability news from across the pond. Our U.S. Correspondent, Dr. John J. Berger, takes a look at renewable energy and carbon farming in the Land
of Dreams, California. As the world's fifth largest economy, California plans to become totally carbon-neutral by 2045 and carbon-negative thereafter.
The state is also committed to getting 100 percent of its electricity from clean, renewable sources by then. California is one of the first regions in the
world to get behind the measures we need to adopt in order to stay under 1.5° C
Sustain Europe
Autumn-Winter, 2019
This interview with S. David Freeman, renowned energy expert and former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority, reflects on his transformative role in shaping U.S. energy policy, advocating for aggressive federal mandates to phase out fossil fuels within two decades. Drawing from his leadership experience in halting nuclear power expansions and championing clean air regulations, Freeman emphasizes that conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy must drive America’s future—rejecting carbon taxes as insufficient for the scale of action required.
Renewable Energy World
October 28, 2019
California Governor Gavin Newsom, speaking at VERGE 19, reaffirmed the state’s leadership in climate action, emphasizing goals for 100% clean power by 2045 and a 40% emissions cut by 2030. He stressed integrating climate policies with housing and transportation, advocating urban density near transit. Highlighting record economic growth driven by environmental policies, he urged green investments from state pension funds. Newsom criticized Trump’s emissions rollbacks and pledged continued legal battles, positioning California as a model for sustainable, inclusive progress.
Scientific American
March, 2019
The article "Can Soil Microbes Slow Climate Change?" by John J. Berger in Scientific American discusses David Johnson's research on carbon farming. Johnson, from New Mexico State University, suggests that increasing the soil's fungal-to-bacterial ratio can significantly boost carbon storage, enhance soil water retention, and improve crop yields. His experiments showed a potential annual increase of 11 metric tons of soil carbon per hectare, suggesting a scalable solution for global carbon sequestration. However, the results have sparked debate among scientists, with calls for further validation. Johnson's work underscores the critical role of soil health and microbiomes in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.
Sustain Europe
Summer, 2019
In "Mark Jacobson: How One American Atmospheric and Climate Scientist Created Clean Energy Roadmaps for 50 U.S. States--and 139 Nations," John J. Berger profiles Mark Z. Jacobson's significant contributions to renewable energy solutions. Jacobson, recognized for his pioneering climate and energy models, demonstrates that transitioning to 100% clean, renewable energy is both technically and economically feasible without relying on nuclear power or biofuels. His work, forming the basis for clean energy policies in several states and countries, showcases the potential for significant environmental and health benefits through such transitions.
Western Dispatch
January, 2018
The article "Could Our Farms Become the World’s Great Untapped Carbon Sink?" discusses the Marin Carbon Project in Northern California, which promotes carbon farming as a key strategy against climate change. By implementing practices like composting, cover cropping, and managed grazing, carbon farming aims to restore soil health and sequester atmospheric carbon. Highlighting the experience of cattle rancher Loren Poncia, the article illustrates the dual benefits of carbon farming for both the environment and agricultural productivity. Research from the project indicates that these methods can significantly increase soil carbon storage, influencing state policies towards healthier, carbon-rich soils. This approach represents a growing movement towards regenerative agriculture as a vital solution to climate change, with increasing adoption among farmers and ranchers.
Sierra
October, 2018
The Sierra Club's article "We Can't Save the Climate Without Also Saving the Trees" underscores the indispensable role of forests in mitigating climate change. It emphasizes the dual benefits of forest conservation for both carbon sequestration and biodiversity, informed by insights from experts like William Moomaw and the International Panel on Climate Change. The piece advocates for comprehensive strategies that combine forest preservation with renewable energy transitions, highlighting global challenges and the ecological importance of forests.