Last week the media shared information about a variety of new solutions and technologies to help mitigate climate change. What do you think will be most impactful? Please share your ideas and connect with us at @GreentownLabs!

Eagle Tribune: Town Seeks Public Comment on Power Plan

North Andover Town Manager Andrew Maylor is seeking public comment on a plan to combine residential electrical customers into one purchasing pool to save on electric bills.

MIT News: Sponge Creates Steam Using Ambient Sunlight

Engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have invented a sponge-like device that uses bubble wrap to soak up natural sunlight and heats water to boiling temperatures.

New York Times: America’s First Offshore Wind Farm May Power Up a New Industry

The nation’s first, relatively tiny offshore wind farm off the coast of Rhode Island could signify a huge step forward for a young industry.

New York Times: Apple Becomes a Green Energy Supplier, With Itself as Customer

Apple Inc. aims to meet its growing need for electricity from renewable sources by building its own green utility company, with itself as the main customer.

Public News Service: Changing Tides: Sea-level Rise Hurts Wildlife, Recreation

A new report from the National Wildlife Federation outlines the increasing threats posed to wildlife in Maryland by rising sea levels.

Rhode Island Public Radio: New England Farmers Deal With Drought, Climate Change

As extreme drought conditions continue, New England farmers are urged to explore more sustainable farming methods.

Salem News: Communities Get $300K to Fight Climate Change

In an effort to prepare for the impacts of climate change, Massachusetts awards four North Shore communities more than $300,000 in “coastal resilience” grants.

Scientific American: Coal Executive Says His Industry Must Confront Climate Change

Richard Reavey, vice president of public affairs at Cloud Peak Energy Inc. – a major U.S. coal miner – encourages the industry to cease debates on climate change and address greenhouse gas emissions.

Take Part: Cities Take the Electric Bus to Fight Climate Change—and Save Money

Falling battery prices and state mandates to cut pollution and greenhouse gas emissions prompt U.S. transit companies to invest in zero-emission, electric vehicles.

Take Part: Today’s Electric Cars Could Handle Nearly All of Our Driving

Authors of a new Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study find that total U.S. gas consumption would drop by 60 percent if drivers opted for electric vehicles.