Although the year 2030 is only some 20 years away, many drivers in developed countries may be driving electric powered cars by then. This prediction was brought out by a study by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology at the University of California at Berkley in which electric cars with “switchable batteries” like that of Shai […]
In a move that is sure to be a stepping stone to the flying car, Ford is currently testing a new type of laser ignition system to replace the conventional spark plug (invented way back in the 19th century). The new laser ignition system is reportedly more reliable – especially in cold weather – and […]
It’s much less expensive than regular refined gasoline, and they won’t let your car into a below ground shopping mall parking lot if you have this installation, but at least 15,000 cars and trucks in Israel have already been converted to run on liquefied propane gas, otherwise known as LPG. From an environmental standpoint, using […]
Around two weeks ago, the Israeli Ministerial Committee for Legislation decided not to support a bill that would encourage bike riding as transportation. The bill would have mandated the inclusion of bike trails in urban plans, allow bikes to be taken on intercity public transportation (like trains and buses), and pave the way for specially […]
With the aviation industry reeling from increasing fuel costs, dipping profits and those pesky upcoming environmental regulations, airlines are scrambling to become more efficient, cut costs and increase fuel efficiency. Japan Airlines did their part to shed excess weight on their flights by shortening their blankets by a centimeter, and Northwest Airlines did it by […]
We’ve posted here before about a Walk About Love, a hike for Israel and a bike ride to benefit Israel’s environment. This October, get a more regional view through Peace Cycle, a bike trip from Amman to Jerusalem. While the rough terrain and stunning views will certainly be rewarding, Peace Cycle’s main purpose is activism […]
The Israel finance ministry is planning new regulations on car purchasing, with special discount incentives for purchasing hybrid cars, according to Reuters. The new changes are being planned to help alleviate the increasing air pollution caused by cars, as well as to save energy costs. One of the new regulations will be increased taxes and […]
When it comes to transportation around Tel Aviv, there are a number of alternatives to driving a car. For longer commutes, riding public transportation with Dan or Egged buses helps reduce the amount of pollution. For shorter commutes, there is the option of going by foot or the ever-popular bicycle. While the bicycle provides a […]
(Zero S electric road bike goes from 0 to 50 km/hr in just 2 seconds, and can maintain speed for 2 hours on single charge). It looks like an ordinary street or dirt bike when you used it or load it onto your pickup truck to transport it to a track (go to this website […]
Not only are Middle Eastern airlines such as Qatar Airlines and airports getting involved in “greening up their act.” Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, one of the largest in the Middle East region, is now becoming involved in improving its environmental profile. Following the construction of the new Terminal 3 complex, Israel’s Environmental Ministry approved a […]
Shai Agassi’s Better Place electric car company seemed to be on the right track with their conception of a totally electric family sized car. The Israeli company, with offices located in the Kiryat Atidim high tech park, outside of Tel Aviv, developed a prototype for an electric car, using a Renault Megane with an electric […]
Knowing how much carbon dioxide your company is producing is the first step to reducing it. Good news from this sphere in Lebanon: the Rasamny-Younis Motor Company (RYMCO), an exclusive dealer of Nissan Motors, GM vehicles (GMC), Renault trucks, Nissan Diesel (UD), FAW trucks, and Kawasaki in Lebanon, has taken pioneering steps in its quest […]
Millions of Muslims go on the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina every year. A new high speed train planned by Saudi Arabia is bound to make the journey smoother, cooler, and much more environmentally-friendly. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long been thought of as a country where white gowned sheikhs drive luxury […]
(View of parking lot below Azrielli Center in Tel Aviv) They giveth and then taketh away: The recently Annual Report issued by the Bank of Israel, has devoted an entire chapter to the excessive use of leased company vehicles by employees, which are clogging up the country’s motorways and contributing greatly to the amounts of […]
Etihad Airways from the United Arab Emirates has signed an agreement with Masdar (the same group developing the world’s first carbon neutral city), to reduce the carbon footprint of the airline. The company follows in the footsteps (or wings?) of two other Middle East airline projects we know about — one in Israel to green […]
If all goes to plan, passengers will not get to see the beautiful Yitla Stream, or what is left of it, on the train from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. As Green Prophet’s James has written, the scenery is pretty much the best reason to take the train. Construction plans at present include a 144-metre bridge […]
Green Prophet first met Gal Luft, an Israeli-American lobbyist and alternative energy educator in Washington for the Set America Free Coalition, when Karin covered a profile of Luft on ISRAEL21c. Today, Luft talks about the launch of India’s Tata Nano, the cheapest car in the world and one that could change the entire industry, he […]
(Karin’s new bike, from a bike store in Jaffa.) After moving from the hilly terrain of Jerusalem, back to Jaffa, I decided it was time to get serious about biking around the city. Not for pleasure. Bah humbug. But for getting from point A to point B. To help me make quick runs to the […]
Prof. Haim Abramovich, from the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at the Technion Israel Institute of Technology. We’d written about the energy harvesting company Innowattech earlier on Green Prophet, and not long ago, I got to interview the company about their latest news. Here’s a feature story I wrote for ISRAEL21c on the Israeli company that’s planning […]
Sitting in his favorite cafe, outside his home, Jaime Lerner opens his little black notebook. He sits and scribbles ideas while waiting for his next meeting with one of the many mayors, diplomats, governors and senators who make the pilgrimage to meet him from all over the world. His notebook, much like Leonardo da Vinci’s […]
The Ministry of Environmental Protection in Israel lists two important green events for the end of March. Get your pedals on the bike spinning: First up is “Environment 2020” A conference dealing with “Challenges, Innovations and Corporate Social Responsibility” in Israel. This leading environmental conference, says the Ministry, will take place on March 30, 2009 […]
Iran Khodro, a Peugeot partner for producing its line of 405 and 206D sedans, announced the production of what it claims is the world’s most powerful natural gas engine at 150 hp. The engine runs on compressed natural gas (CNG), and is supposed to comply with the EURO 4 emission standards. It will first be installed in the Samand […]
Attention being given by TV and other advertising media regarding a new line of luxury sport vehicles being introduced into Israel makes one wonder if people are really aware of the economic and environmental crises that both Israel and the world are presently in. Luxury cars are nothing new to Israel; and cars like BMW, […]
Masdar’s PRT pod cars. The playground of the rich, Abu Dhabi, is not just a place for playing kick-the-golden-can. Instead of simply finding ways to spend oil-money on futuristic gadgets and grandiose monuments, there is a lot of interest providing proving grounds for sustainable solutions and new urban paradigms. Personal Rapid Transit: Our very own […]
California-based electric car company Tesla Motors is reportedly (according to the National) in talks which could lead to their vehicles being sold in the United Arab Emirates. Ventures in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Qatar are looking at everything from bringing the vehicles in as rental cars to starting championship electric car racing. News of the […]