CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS FALL 2012 • 4.2
2
director JONATHAN FOLEY executive editor TODD REUBOLD
4
managing editor MARY HOFF creative director SARAH KARNAS webmaster DAN KUNITZ
6
printing MODERN PRESS
Q&A with futurist Jamais Cascio
In Focus
Women face climate change
Noteworthy
36
Snapshot
38
Connections
events coordinator JILLIAN STEIN LIPSET contributors ANDREW BURDIN, SAMUEL CASTAÑO, ANNE FIELD, JEREMY LEON HANCE, JEANNIE HANSON, FRANK JOSSI, JEREMY NELSON, HILLARY ROSNER, LAUREN WERNER-FOLEY, STEPHANIE XENOS, SARAH YOUNGQUIST
Standout
40
FEATURES
8 Seven Wonders of a Hopeful World
Promising projects around the globe take on grand environmental challenges. by HILLARY ROSNER
20 New Spin on Hydropower
Hip-hop meets green
The heat is on for Iceland and Kenya
Viewpoints
Small turbines offer big opportunities for renewable energy. by FRANK JOSSI
26 B Is for Better
Making room for sustainability in the bottom line. by ANNE FIELD
Game over for GDP?
Thanks to the Aspen Environment Forum, presented by the Aspen Institute and National Geographic, for providing the opportunity to gather ideas that enriched “The Future Teller,” “Plastic: Take Two,” “At Home on the Range” and “A Measure of Well-Being” in this issue.
30 Spoiled
One-third of the food we produce never makes it to our mouths. by TODD REUBOLD
32 On the Move
Momentum is published three times per year by the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment. To subscribe, change your address or request an alternative format, email momentum@umn.edu. Sign up for an e-alert when the new issue is available online: environment.umn.edu/connect.
Why migrations matter—and what we can do to protect them. by JEREMY LEON HANCE
IonE is committed to sustainability. This magazine is printed on environmentally friendly paper with an average of 100% recycled fiber and 30% postconsumer waste.
8 The opinions expressed in Momentum are those of the authors and not necessarily of the Institute on the Environment/University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
on the cover
Santa Monica designer and matte painter ANDREW BURDIN has provided creative services to 20th Century Fox, WB, Disney, Lionsgate, Paramount and more. View his portfolio at andrewburdin.com. CITY HEAT
Islands in the sun
Beyond the media blame game Q&A: Growing hope with WANGARI MAATHAI
36
30