1. INNOVATION IN ACTIONHELPING PEOPLE AND PLANETPUSHING THE ENVELOPELIGHTING THE PATH Go sto 19onGE e as , PA0R 12p 1 in 20To ene Gr

2. USA About This Issue AP Images I am only a child, yet I know we are all in this together and should act as one single world toward one single goal. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Severn Cullis-Suzuki, 12, 1992 Rio Earth Summit VOLUME 16 / NUMBER 7 Published April 2012Coordinator, Dawn L. McCall;Executive Editor, Nicholas S. Namba;Director of Written Content, MichaelJay Friedman; Editorial Director, Mary Courtesy photo/Ashokas Youth VentureT. Chunko; Managing Editor, Ashley R.Donahey; Production Chief, MichelleFarrell; Production Manager, JaninePerry; Designer, Dori WalkerThe Bureau of International InformationPrograms of the U.S. Department of Statepublishes eJournal USA. Each issue examinesa major topic facing the United States andthe international community, and informsinternational readers about U.S. society,values, thought, and institutions. Spell it out: Kids use their hands to spell change for Youth Venture, a groupEach eJournal is published in English, that helps young people create organizations.followed by electronic versions in French,Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. In 1992, representatives from 172 nations including 108 heads of stateSelected editions also appear in Arabic, and more than 24,000 representatives from nongovernmental organiza-Chinese and Persian. Each journal is tions gathered in Rio de Janeiro for the first United Nations Conference oncatalogued by volume and number. Environment and Development, or Rio Earth Summit. Of all the speechesThe opinions expressed in eJournal USA delivered over the course of the 11-day conference, one voice rose above thedo not necessarily reflect the views orrest: that of 12-year-old Severn Suzuki of Canada.policies of the U.S. government. The Now known as the girl who silenced the world for five minutes, Suzuki ad-U.S. Department of State assumes dressed delegates from around the world in an impassioned speech entreatingno responsibility for the content andcontinued accessibility of Internet world leaders to protect the Earth and its people. Suzuki urged everyone tosites to which the journals link; such follow the creed of sustainable development: to live and grow in a way thatresponsibility resides solely with the preserves the environment and ensures that future generations will be able topublishers of those sites. Journal articles, enjoy both the Earths natural resources and a high standard of living.photographs, and illustrations may be Since Suzukis speech, youth activism in the field of sustainable developmentreproduced and translated outside theUnited States unless they carry explicit has continued to grow. More than half the worlds population is currentlycopyright restrictions, in which caseyounger than 25, with even higher percentages of youth living in developingpermission must be sought from the countries. Millions of young people are making it clear that they do not wantcopyright holders noted in the journal.to inherit or pass on a world threatened by climate change, poverty and illness. Instead, they are using their creativity, energy and persistence to set the world Editor, eJournal USAon a more sustainable path.IIP/CD/WC This issue of eJournal USA explores how young people are leading the way to a U.S. Department of State2200 C Street, NWcleaner, greener, more sustainable future.From launching their own environ- Washington, DC 20522-0501 mental organizations to developing alternative energy resources, todays youthUSAhave what it takes to make the world a better place. E-mail: eJournalUSA@state.goveJournal USA 3. Growing Up GreenU.S. Department of State / april 2012 / Volume 16 / Number 72 Youth Today Lead Today Astrid Nicole NgYouth are leading the way to a sustainable future by creating innovative solutions to global problems. 513 Building Windmills by Candlelight INNOVATION IN ACTIONStudent William Kamkwamba turned discarded metal and plastic into energy-producing wind- mills in Malawi.14 Noise Goes Electric 5 Sustainable Societies Start Four students at American University at Sharjah with Youthare converting noise into clean, renewable energy.As the world grows older, young people are work-ing to ensure a brighter, greener future for gen-erations to come.15LIGHTING THE PATH8HELPING PEOPLE AND PLANET15Lighting Up Rural Innovationin India 8 From Waste to Warmth Two young entrepreneurs use tractors to help ru-A team of teenagers is turning wasted cooking oil ral students study after dark.into an alternative energy source for needy fami-lies in Rhode Island. 16 eam Belgium: Solar CanTBe Affordable10Sharing a Ride Reduces Traffic For university students in Belgium, an ener-and Pollutiongy-neutral home can be as affordable as anyYoung entrepreneurs in Mexico encourage com- other house.muters to share rides to save the environment.18 Cooking Inside the Box11Indonesias Sahabat Alam, Jon Bhmers Kyoto Box makes a major differ-Protecting the Earthence for those struggling to use clean energyFifteen-year-old environmental activist Ade-for cooking.line Tiffanie Suwana proves one person canmake a difference.1912Take away PUSHING THE ENVELOPE19 Top 10 Reasons to Go Green in 2012Road to Rio+2012 reenShields Clears the Air,G Boosts EducationThis is the year for young people worldwide tocampaign and act on local and global sustainableSixteen-year-old Jonny Cohen is making schooldevelopment issues.buses more energy- and cost-efficient. Front cover photos: Kendra Helmer and Ben Edwards/USAID (left);AP Images/Andre Penner (top right); Courtesy of GreenShields (center); Tom Rielly (bottom right) Back cover photo: AP ImageseJournal USA 1 4. Youth Today Lead Today Attention! Mariana Peneva of European Green Youth demon- strates with an Earth Protecting Area sign at the Branden-By Astrid Nicole NgO burg Gate in Berlin, Germany.ne of the most common phrases that I have seen the influence we have on our world firsthandwe, as young people, hear growingthrough my work for the My Community, Our Earthup is Todays youth are tomorrows(MyCOE) initiative. This program was created in prepa-leaders. This saying is meant to in-ration for the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable De-spire us and motivate us to be our velopment in Johannesburg, South Africa. Over the pastbest. It reminds us that the choices decade, more than 500 youth-led, community-based,we make today will eventually impact us, our commu-sustainable development projects have been launched innity and the world.fields such as climate change, green economy, food se-Fortunately, we do not have to wait to see the impactcurity and hazards and vulnerability. Our MyCOE teamyouth can have on our world. In fact, I think we shouldprovides youth around the world with information andchange this slogan to Youth today lead today, and to- tools from the field of geography, and guides them inmorrow, and well, every day.creating sustainable solutions for their communities.eJournal USA 2AP Images/Sven Kaestner 5. Sing it loud! A youth chorus greets participants during the opening ceremonies of the 2002 World Sum- mit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa.500 This program has changed youths lives in many ways. Young people networking sites and videoconferenc- ing software. I help these students idealistic. We under-Green have received scholarships, beenshare their personal stories about stand that projects appointed environmental leaders sustainable development what optimism islaunched by kids in their communities, and guidedthey can do, have done, and are cur- important in the last 10 their governments to take new en- rently doing. I guide them as they when the vironmental preservation measures.work together to confront sustain- problems able development issues, and helpwe face are How can young people make a dif- them understand what it means to so grim. We years ference? By connecting with each be a global citizen. Although we have the en- other. By overcoming our differ- are all from different countries and ergy to fight for issues that are im- ences. By uniting to create innova- speak different languages, we areportant to us. tive solutions to problems we face facing these global issues together. as global citizens of this planet. To-We are working as a team. TheThis being said, young people also day, communication technologies world is changing in different wayshave challenges to overcome. Some such as mobile phones, mappingin different places. If we understandof us dont realize the impact that we applications and social-network-how the world is changing in other can have, so we dont get involved. ing software make global relation-parts of the world, we can learn toWe dont voice our opinions. We ships possible. We can connectsolve our own issues at home.think that we are too young to make across borders with the click of a real difference. We are not expe- Youth participation in events like a mouse. Online mapping toolsrienced enough to make the con- Rio+20 is crucial because we offer help us visualize our global prob- nection between what we believe is fresh eyes, active minds and open lems more clearly and guide us in our world versus the world. We hearts. We are not so set in our developing solutions.must bridge these worlds and recog- ways that we shut others out. We Currently, I am working on a My- nize them as one and the same. We are willing to be inspired by what COE virtual exchange program fund- must use the tools available to us to others have to say. We are firm ed by the U.S. Department of State. Itabout our beliefs, yet we allow forour advantage. connects high school students in Bo-new ideas and opinions to mold us. If I could say one thing to people livia, Ghana, Nicaragua, the Philip-We bring fresh, new ideas that older my age, I would say: we must be pines and the United States via socialgenerations may think of as beingpresent at Rio+20. We must be eJournal USA 3AP Images/Saurabh Das 6. engaged. We must be aware. We must commit ourselves to tackling these issues head-on. Why? Be- cause we are the leaders of today!Kendra Helmer and Ben Edwards/ USAID As we grow up, we will learn life lessons that will help us be even better leaders tomorrow. But time isnt on our side. Lets work to- gether as leaders today, so that we can develop solutions that will help us tomorrow. Lets make sure we continue working for sustainable development every day. nStarting fresh: A young girl plants a pine seedling inHaitis Parc National La Visite. In the last decade, youngpeople have launched more than 500 green projects.AP Images/The Hawk Eye/John Lovretta Astrid Nicole Ng, 23, is a research as- sistant for the Association of Ameri- can Geographers (AAG), which serves as the Secretariat of the My Community, Our Earth (MyCOE)Pick it up! Young people like 10-year-old Kelsea Gaul are acting partnership program (www.mycoe.to create a cleaner environment. org). Originally from California, Ng currently resides in Panama, where she facilitates online networking and exchanges for several youth-related AAG projects. In her free time, sheCourtesy of IIS D/Earth Negotiations Bulletin enjoys dancing, reading and spending time with her friends and family. Visit the MyCOE website for more info!Youth speak out! Kate Offerdahl calls for sustainable chemical http://goo.gl/P2DLCalternatives as a youth representative at the 19th U.N. Commis-sion on Sustainable Development in 2011. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. government.Return toTable of Contents eJournal USA 4 7. Sustainable Societies Start withReady to ride: Vietnamese studentsbike in the 2009 International Day ofClimate Action parade. Many youngpeople support sustainable devel-opment by advocating for change.AP Images/Chitose SuzukieJournal USA 5 8. One young woman in Indone-HELPING PEOPLE, sia, Adeline Tiffanie Suwana, PROTECTING EARTH 15, offers a good example. At Young people are also proving that it age 10, she started her own is possible to help others and preserve environmental organiza- the planet at the same time. A group tion called Sahabat Alam, orof American teenagers launched afriends of nature in Indone- program that provides warmth to sian. Five years later, Suwanasfamilies in need, and also recyclesn 2011, the worlds population organization has nearly 2,000 discarded cooking oil in the process.AP Images /Enid News & Eagle/Billy Heftonexceeded 7 billion. That figure members from across Indonesia. She (See p. 8.) In Mexico, a team of youngis expected to rise to 9 billion by has been internationally recognizedentrepreneurs launched a ride-sharingthe middle of the 21st century. Asand honored for her outstandingcompany because they were inspiredmore children survive to adult- advocacy efforts. Her work includesby their desire to do something goodhood and people live longer, theeverything from running an award-for their country. (See p. 10.) Earths resources are strained. We are winning website to producing her Youth also understand that sustain- challenged to learn new ways to live soown song and television program. able development is not a luxury, it is that future generations have the same(See p. 11.) In addition to their edu- a necessity. It does not need to come benefits as we do. cation and advocacy work, members with a luxury price tag. An energy en- Sustainable development may be the of Sahabat Alam put their words into trepreneur in Kenya developed a solarkey to meeting the needs of the pres- action by cleaning up beaches and cooker that enables people in rural ar-ent, without making it more difficult planting coral reefs and mangroves. eas to cook without having to searchfor future generations to meet theirTRAINING FOR A for firewood or produce carbon-ladenown needs. Everyone should be ableGREENER FUTURE smoke for only $5. (See p. 18.)to live life to the fullest to growOne way young people are discover- Belgian university students demon-healthy, wealthy and wise withouting ways to find sustainable solutions strated that sustainability is not onlydamaging the environment or tak-is through education. To succeed asaffordable, but attractive too. Theiring away anyones ability to live well,entrepreneurs and innovators in a sus- award-winning solar energy house iswhether now or in the future.tainable society, todays youth must called the E-Cube. The house shows STRENGTH IN TAKING develop knowledge and skills in areashow energy efficiency can meet elec- ACTION such as science, technology, engineer- trifying design to provide sleek, high- More than half of all people alive ing and mathematics. With thesetech solutions for zero-carbon living. today are under the age of 25. In de-tools, ideas that were once unthink- (See p. 16.) veloping countries, the percentage ofable become possible. BUILDING A BETTER young people can be as high as 85 per- Take for example the team of fourTOMORROW, TODAY cent. But their strength comes fromAmerican University students in Shar- It is critical for youth to become in- more than numbers. jah in the United Arab Emirates who volved in sustainable development, Millions of young people are makingfigured out how to turn noise into en- so that the dream of a greener future it clear that they dont want to inherit ergy. The team decided to explore an with opportunities and resources or pass on a world threatened by cli-alternative energy source that very few for all can become a reality. The mate change, poverty and illness. In-people had considered. Their results environmental, economic and so- stead, they are using their creativity,are astounding. (See p. 14.) cial challenges we face today require energy and persistence to create a bet-Extraordinary innovation doesnt neednot only international cooperation, ter balance between economic growthto be extraordinarily complicated. One but also individual initiative and and environmental stewardship. determined student in rural India cre- young people have the ability to One of the many ways young peopleated a device that can produce light bring about both. Todays youth will are ensuring a sustainable future is tofrom a tractor engine. (See p. 15.) Abe tomorrows leaders. As many have become advocates for change. teenager from Malawi built a windmillalready shown, it is never too soon tofrom spare junkyard parts. (See p. 13.)start leading. n Ashley Rainey Donahey eJournal USA 6 9. Did You Know?outhhave beenpar-ticipating in internationalclimate negotiations sinceWatch Adora Svitak,12, explain why child-the first Rio Earth Sum-ish thinking can be amit in 1992. In 2009, the good thing!http://goo.gl/u0cbOUnited Nations officiallyrecognized youth as stakeholdersat international climate change con-ventions. That year, 1,500 youngpeople participated in the 15thConference of the Parties (COP15) in Copenhagen, Denmark. Thenumber of youth advocates atconventions has been increasingever since. This year marks the 20thanniversary of the Rio Earth Summit.The U.N. Conference on Sustain-able Development in Rio de Janeiro(commonly called Rio+20) has cre-ated the Conference of Youth forRio+20 (aka YOUTH BLAST) wheremore than 2,000 young people areexpected to attend.Facing page: Dont hold me back! KelseyCrowley holds a Monarch butterfly as part of amigration-tracking program in Kansas. Youngpeople work to balance development and theenvironment.This page: Growing up green together: YoungBrazilians learn about native Amazon treesas part of a national curriculum that teachesschoolchildren sustainable ideas and habits.AP Images/Andre PennerReturn toTable of Contents eJournal USA 7 10. eJournal USA 8 11. From Waste to WarmthBy Jane Morsemericans love their fried food. Every year notably winning a 2009 Presidents Environmental Youth in the United States, billions of gallons ofAward. Since 1971, this award has recognized young cooking oil are used to fry favorite dishes.Americans for protecting the nations air, water and land. The result is billions of gallons of dif- One of TGIFs founders, 13-year-old Cassandra Lin,ficult-to-discard grease is left behind. has been recognized by the United Nations Environ-Many restaurants pay private compa-ment Programme (UNEP) for her environmental ac-nies to dispose of their discarded oil, but a pioneering tivism. She will be among 1,400 youth delegates at thegroup of teenagers in Rhode Island has come up with a2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable De-way to use that grease in a positive way.velopment in Rio de Janeiro. Lin is particularly proudIn 2008, five middle-school students from Westerly,that her project helps both people and the environ-Rhode Island, launched Project TGIF (Turning Greasement. I want to make an impact, Lin told UNEP. Itinto Fuel). They found a way to convert discarded cook-doesnt matter how big or small you are, anyone caning oil into fuel, which they then donate to heat needymake a difference! nfamilies homes. The students worked with Westerlys Jane Morse is a staff writer with the U.S. State Depart-town council to provide collection containers. Now ments Bureau of International Infor-local restaurants and residents are able to donate their mation Programs.cooking oil for recycling.One of TGIFs partners is called Grease Co. It picks upFacing page: Waste not, want not: (Left to right) Mark Walker,the cooking oil from the collection containers and de- Miles Temel, Vanessa Bertsch,livers it to biodiesel refineries. There, it is recycled intoMarissa Chiaradio, Taylor Fiore-fuel. The fuel is then distributed to charitable agenciesChettiar and Cassandra Lin helpand families needing heating assistance. convert used cooking oil into energy. Right: NowTo date, Project TGIF has produced more than 30,000accepting offers! (Leftgallons (113,562 liters) of biodiesel a year worth ap- to right) Cassandra Lin, Vanessa Bertsch,proximately $60,000 and offset the release of nearly TaylorFiore-Chettiar,600,000 pounds (272,155 kilograms) of carbon dioxide John Perino and Milesinto the atmosphere. The students have donated moreTemel set up recyclingthan 14,000 gallons (53,000 liters) of recycled oil to lo- drums at a local festi-cal charities and helped 144 families with emergency val for food vendors to recycle used oil.heating assistance.The Turning Grease into Fuelproject has won recog-nition on both state andnational levels mostPhotos courteWatch the TGIFteam explain howtheir project works!http://goo.gl/82XtGsy of WesterlyInnovation NetworkReturn to eJournal USA 9Table of Contents 12. Sharinga Ride Reduces Traffic andPollutionBy Jane MorsePalacios and team members, AnibalAbarca, Alberto Padilla, Federico Alatriste and Ignacio Cordero, first met to discusstheir ideas for a ride-sharing project in August 2010. By January 2011, theyLwere serving their first clients. ess traffic, lowerThe ride-sharing service has provenCourtesy of Aventones/Margarida Luz emissions, better cities thats theto be very popular in cities such as mantra of AventonesMexico City. Drivers there spend an (Rides). Aventones average of two hours a day in their is an online ride-shar- cars. Aventones has already beguning company based in Mexico. offering their services in Chile and hopes to expand to busy citiesAventones was founded by five young Mexi-across Latin America.can entrepreneurs to encourage carpoolingin their city. The organization provides anAventones founders have won sev-online service that links commuters whoeral awards for their innovative andneed transportation with individuals who environmentally friendly business.can provide it. Members register by cre-Their awards include a 2011 e-busi-ating a profile in the companys network, ness award from the Talent and In-where they offer or request shared trans- novation Competition of the Ameri-portation. Online software matches com-cas and a 2011 Go Green! Worldpatible commuters and suggests where Summit Youth Award. nthey should meet. Jane Morse is a staff writer with the U.S. State Departments Bureau of In-Aventones founders all between the ternational Information Programs. ages of 25 and 30 wanted to launch a business that would raise environ- Top: Can we get a ride? Young en- mental awareness. They also wanted totrepreneurs, Cristina Palacios and improve the quality of life in Mexico.Ignacio Cordero, encourage Mexicancommuters to shareI always had the desire to do some-rides and save the envi- thing to improve my country, saidronment with their com- Cristina Palacios, one the companyspany Aventones. founders. That is why Aventones was born. Visit the Aventones web-site for more information!http://goo.gl/BWuRVeJournal USA 10 Return toTable of Contents 13. IndonesiasSahabat Alam,Protectingthe EarthBy Lauren Monsen deline Tiffanie Suwana of Sahabat Alam planted coral reefsheld in 2011 in understands the im-to replace the damaged reefs sur-Indonesia. Atportance of environ-rounding the island. The group the conference, mental protectionhas also helped with fish breeding,Suwana said: in her nativeturtle protection and tree planting.As children, wecountry. The 15- can plant trees [and] clean riversSahabat Alam is based in Jakarta. Itsyear-old from Indonesia witnessedand beaches, but we cannot stopnow an internationally recognizedterrible flooding in her countrys industries from polluting our riv-nonprofit group that has won nu-capital city, Jakarta, caused in parters; we cannot force them to adoptmerous awards for its conservationby erosion and climate change. a green economy. We want policiesprojects. and laws that will make industriesIn 2008, when she was not quite 11, Suwana has done many things to en- sustainable.she decided to do something about courage people to protect the Earth.it. During a school holiday, Suwana Suwana won the grand prize of theShe presented her ideas to schoolsorganized a gathering of almost 150 Malaysia-China Chamber of Com-and government agencies. She pro-school-aged friends to plant man- merce (MCCC) Golden Green Awardduced a television program aboutgroves. These trees prevent damagein 2011. Her efforts through Sahabatconservation and also recorded afrom hurricanes and tsunamis. Alam earned her the award and a cashsong (in English and Indonesian).prize of $6,000. She told MCCC of-Since that first event, she has re- As a spokeswoman for Sahabatficials: With our small hands, we cancruited more students to tackle en- Alam and a role model for youth,make a difference. I hope to reach outvironmental issues. She has invited Suwana is living proof that one per-to youths worldwide so we can con-young people throughout Indone- son can make a difference.tribute our ideas on how to conservesia to form a community called Sa-the environment. nhabat Alam (Friends of Nature). The United Nations EnvironmentProgrammes International Chil- Lauren Monsen is a staff writer withIn the Pulau Pramuka area of Indo-dren and Youth Conference was the U.S. State Departments Bureau ofnesia, Suwana and other members International Information Programs.Top: Follow me! Adeline Suwana proudlywaves the Indonesian flag at the 2010 Chil-dren and Youth International Lets TakeCare of the Planet Conference in Brazil.Left: Were rich! Sahabat Alam partnerswith local schools to plant coral reefsPhotos courtesy of Sahabat Alamin Indonesia, the second richest coun-try on Earth for biodiversity, after Brazil. Watch Suwanas video Our Small Hands Against Cli- mate Change! http://goo.gl/P4tkYeJournal USA 11 Return toTable of Contents 14. GreenShields Clearsthe Air, Boosts educationBy Mary-Katherine ReamEvery weekday in the United States, nearlyCohensteam480,000 buses transport more than 26 mil-used the funds toCourtesylion children to and from school. Sharingbuild a wind tun-transportation helps protect the environment nel for testing of Gby limiting carbon dioxide emissions. How- prototypes. In reenShieldever, some old school buses can create a lot 2010, the teamof pollution. Is there a way to make them more green?refined the con-That is the question Jonny Cohen asked himself one cept and won as/Natalieafternoon as he was walking home from school. Notic- $25,000 Pepsiing the clunky body of a school bus, Cohen, then 11, Refresh Grant.Seredawondered if he could create a more streamlined bus.Impressed byCohen came up with the idea of attaching shields toGreenShields success, Johnthe fronts of buses to redirect airflow. To test his idea, Benish, a bus company owner in Illinois, donated ahe launched GreenShields, a project to install plastic school bus to the team, and recruited a group of North-panels on buses to make them more aerodynamic andwestern University engineering students to help themenergy efficient.refine the project.The focus of GreenShields is to save gas for schools so During a recent test run in Joliet, Illinois, the shield they have more money for education and to help decrease generated a 28 percent reduction in fuel consumption. pollution by using gas more efficiently, said Cohen. According to some estimates, that reduction could save U.S. schools more than $600 million a year.With the help of his older sister Azza and his friends, Co-hen won a $1,000 Youth Venture grant from Ashoka This year, Cohen will represent Illinois in the 2012 Pru-a global organization that supports social entrepreneurs. dential Spirit of Community Awards. This national pro- gram recognizes outstanding actsTop: Cutting edge: Jonny Cohens Green Shields project attracted volunteers from of youth volunteerism.schools such as MIT and Northwestern, including Manny Casro, Steve Jacobson andJuan Perez. Below: Get to work! GreenShields inventor Jonny Cohen attaches a clearMy goal is to give this technol-screen to the front of a school bus. By improving aerodynamics, the shields make ogy to every school district in thebuses more fuel- and cost-efficient. United States, says Cohen, but I Courtesy of GreenShields also hope to inspire kids that any idea they have can become some- thing if they try. nMary-Katherine Ream is an internwith the U.S. State DepartmentsBureau of International Informa-tion Programs.Visit the GreenShields web-site for more information!http://goo.gl/ApNnDReturn to eJournal USA 12Table of Contents 15. Buildingind ills Photos: Tom Riellyby CandlelightBy Louise Fennert age 15, William But Kamkwamba isnt satisfied to harness wind and suns power moreKamkwamba scoured help only his family. He aims to effectively, he says. Currently, only a junkyard in hisimprove the lives of everyone in 2 percent of rural Malawians haveremote village of Malawi. Since building his wind- electricity. n Wimbe, Malawi. mills, Kamkwamba has worked on Louise Fenner is a staff writer withK a m k w a m b as preventing malaria in his commu- the U.S. State Departments Bureau of family had nonity, providing clean water using aInternational Information Programs.running water orsolar-powered pump and building a electricity. Family members spentdrip irrigation system. two hours a day hauling water, Kamkwamba returned to school and used paraffin candles for light. and graduated from the AfricanWatch to learn more He had dropped out of secondaryLeadership Academy in Johannes- about Williams inspi- school because his family could notburg, South Africa. After that, herational story!http://goo.gl/ROigg afford the fees. He continued hisco-authored a book, The Boy Who education by spending his days in aHarnessed the Wind. He has spoken Top: Just getting started: Wil- library. This is where he found theabout his experiences at events allliam Kamkwamba has built books that would literally changeover the world, such as the Worldthree energy-producing wind- his life, including one with a pic-Economic Forum, TEDGlobalmills for his family compound ture of windmills on the cover.and many others. He inspired a in Malawi. He hopes to pro-nongovernmental orga-vide reliable, clean energy toI didnt read English well, so Ihis entire country. Right: See- mainly taught myself these thingsnization called Mov- ing is believing: William Kam- by studying the pictures and dia-ing Windmills, which kwamba recycled discarded grams, Kamkwamba said in hissupports rural economic metal and plastic to cre- blog. Kamkwamba began a blog indevelopment and educa-ate a windmill intion projects in Malawi. Malawi. 2007, five years after he built his first windmill from discarded piec-The organization helped es of metal and plastic. He used a rebuild Kamkwambas pri- rusted tractor fan for a rotor, a bro- mary school in Wimbe, which ken bicycle, plastic pipes and wood. now uses wind and solar power. He even made his own hammers, Kamkwamba is now a sopho- screwdrivers and washers. more in engineering at Dart- The first windmill Kamkwambamouth College in Hanover, built, which was 5 meters (15 feet) New Hampshire. He is 24, and tall, produced enough electricity wants to start a company that can to power several light bulbs and aprovide reliable electricity to Ma- radio. He since has built two morelawi, especially through renewable windmills for his family compound.energy sources. He also installed a well so that his I will try family can irrigate its garden andto use grow produce year round.my engi- neering skills toReturn toTable of Contents eJournal USA 13 16. NoiseGoesElectric By Jane MorseScore one for the environment! Piezoelectric technology converts vibrations into energy, so noise from cheering fans becomes asource of clean, renewable energy.FAP Images/The Canadian Press/Chris Young or most of us, noise produces nothing but stadium could be used to energize more than the headaches. But four students at the Ameri-players on the field. can University of Sharjah in the United ArabPiezoelectric devices can even capture noise too quiet to Emirates have found a way to capture thebe heard by the human ear, such as sounds produced in energy in noise and turn it into electricity. an aquarium. People are already developing solar power, Ajmal believes his teams work might also be used to im- wind and geothermal energy and biofuels. We thought,prove the quality of life for the worlds poor.Why not do something unique in an area nobody is work- ing on? student Arsalan Mohammad told Ed Arabia.The four American University students have been rec- ognized for their innovative work by the Institution ofAutomobiles, machines, people and animals all create Engineering and Technology (IET). IET is a globallysound and vibrations, which can be captured by materi- acclaimed professional society for the engineering andals that generate voltage. Mohammad and fellow studentstechnology community.Mohammad Ajmal, Danial Ahmad and MohammadAteeq developed a new device with these materials. The The students said they were motivated by the globaldevice converts mechanical energy, acoustic noise anddrive to develop alternative forms of renewable and sus-ultrasonic waves into clean, renewable energy. tainable energy. If we as youth dont take the steps right now to contribute to the development of alternative en-These devices are called piezoelectric technology, and ergy, we would be limiting ourselves, Mohammad toldthey have many potential uses. For example, if they areEd Arabia. Now is the time for youth to step up and putinstalled in shoes, they could charge an electronic device forth their innovative ideas. nsuch as a mobile phone. If they are put in road bumps,they could capture energy and power surrounding street Jane Morse is a staff writer with the U.S. State Depart-lights. The roar of the crowd in a packed football ments Bureau of International Information Programs.Return toeJournal USA 14 Table of Contents 17. Rural Innovation in IndiaSBy Kathryn McConnell tudying at night was With the help of his invention,they plugged in the wires. Through making Shailesh Upad-Upadhyay was able to enroll in demonstrations, Upadhyay and hyay sick. university and study engineering.Shanker showed that at only 12 In the rural village inWhen he mentioned his design tovolts, the gadget is very safe. Gurera, India, where classmate Ujala Shanker, who alsoStudents in Gurera started using Upadhyay grew up,grew up in Gurera, the two co- Tractor-Factors circuit. They wereelectricity was hard to come by.founded Tractor-Factor, a ventureable to study longer, and the num-With only a few hours of electricityto light homes in rural villages and ber of students passing their examsavailable during the day, Upadhyayhelp students study longer.nearly doubled. Some 240,000 fewerhad to study at night by the light of Like me, many rural students strug- liters of carbon dioxide were releaseda kerosene lamp. gle to progress in spite of their intel-into the atmosphere each month.But Upadhyay had asthma and theligence and enthusiasm, Upadhyay Understanding the needs and afford-kerosenes toxic fumes affected histold Ashoka, a global organization ability and fine-tuning the solutionbreathing each night that he studied.that supports social entrepreneurs are the key, Upadhyay told Ashoka.He was forced to drop out of school. such as Upadhyay. Being a good observer helps in iden-Upadhyay was determined not toBut their venture had many chal-tifying the difficulties and simplestgive up his studies, so he came uplenges. Upadhyay and Shanker firstideas that could be of great impact.with a bright idea: use tractor bat-had to convince villagers to use the Upadhyay and Shanker since haveteries to power lamps. He designedcircuit. Many villagers were wor-incorporated their idea into a largera circuit board that channels ener- ried that taking power from a bat- project called Stitches, which aimsgy from tractor batteries into com- tery would lessen its life. However, to improve the socio-economicpact fluorescent lamps, which are they were surprised to learn that thewelfare of farmers. So far, theymore energy-efficient than regularcircuit could actually extend batteryhave helped more than 200 peoplelight bulbs.life when used regularly. Villagersacross rural India. Their work hasfeared they would get a shock when also helped Shanker obtain a fel- lowship to study for a mastersCourtesy of Stitches degree at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. Shanker will be the first person from Gurera to study in the United States. n Kathryn McConnell is a staff writer with the U.S. State Departments Bureau of International Information Programs. Watch Shailesh and Ujala explain their project! http://goo.gl/KzImAReturn to eJournal USA 15Table of Contents 18. Team Belgium: Solar Can Be Affordable By Karin Rives S tudents at Belgiums Ghent University de- high-tech solutions for modern, zero-carbon living. At-Photos: Stefano Paltera/U.S. Dept. of Energy cided to do some homework before they tractive, recalled 24-year-old Ghent University student designed their solar house for competitionMichael Arens, but were they built for a mass market? in 2011. In September 2009, they traveledThe thing that got us all thinking was, OK, this is the to Washington to see for themselves whatmost energy-efficient house, but who can afford it? So the Solar Decathlon was all about. As one whats the use then? Arens said. Our goal became to student put it, they went to learn someprove that its possible to make a house that is energy tips and tricks. efficient and accessible for all kinds of people as long The 2011 Solar Decathlon was sponsored by the U.S.as theyre willing to live a little differently. Department of Energy. It brought together universityThe students had intense brainstorming sessions where teams from around the world in a competition to de- they developed four alternative designs. They finally sign, build and operate the most cost-effective, energy-settled on the E-Cube, which is a factory-built, do-it- efficient, and attractive solar-powered house.yourself kit of a house that meets basic living needs. The houses, displayed at Washingtons National Mall,It does not require expensive materials or finishes. The were beautifully designed. They were equipped with sleek, Ghent University students estimate that their house, eJournal USA 16 19. appliances included, will cost a homebuyer about$268,000 roughly one-half of what winning Solar Our goal became to proveDecathlon houses have been priced in the past.that its possible to makeArens and the three other students on the projectmerged features from each of their four alternative de- a house that is energy signs into one. The process was chal- lenging at times. The core team is efficient and accessible formade up of seven students, and isall kinds of people as long called Team Belgium. The team haslearned the hard way that Belgian as theyre willing to live abuilding codes dont always accom- little differently. modate unconventional home de-sign. Theyre also finding that red tape goal was to prove that its possible to live in a sustainable,can slow down students eager to get aenergy-efficient house that is affordable even if you project done. have to live a little differently. Im really glad that thisIn the end, they were thrilled with the outcome. is the house we ended up with. And in the end, its theThe two-story E-Cube (short for Energy Cube) is shaped basic, simple design that makes it beautiful. nexactly as it sounds. It measures 8 meters by 8 metersKarin Rives is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C.and provides a total living area of exactly 93 square me-ters the maximum floor space allowed in the SolarDecathlon. Its a basic, functional two-bedroom housewith an open, high ceiling in the central living area thatmakes the space look bigger than it is. Watch this video toThe cube shape makes the house compact, reducing the learn more about thesurface area exposed to the elements. These efficiencies,2011 Solar Decathlon! http://goo.gl/6pxHKtogether with the lack of extras such as wall paint anddecorations, help keep it affordable. By mixing warm Facing page: Shine on: Light from Team Belgiums solar house il-material (wood) with cold material (steel), membersluminates the night sky in Washington, DC. Belgiums 2011 Solarof Team Belgium say they have given the house a unique Decathlon entry proves that energy efficiency can be beautiful.and appealing look.Inset: Lounging in the solar house: Visitors relax and chat with the E-Cubes designers. Below: It takes a village: University teams fromWe didnt want to make something that looked really all over the world converge to construct energy-efficient home Return to beautiful or like a traditional house, Arens said. Ourmodels for the U.S. Department of Energys 2011 Solar Decathlon. Table of Contents eJournal USA 17 20. By Mark Trainerestation is thought to be a major contributor to climatechange. In addition, the fumes from primitive homeovens are a major cause of respiratory disease in thedeveloping world. The Kyoto Box, on the other hand,produces no carbon emissions.Bhmer is a Norwegian who lives and runs his com-pany in Kenya. He had been researching solar-cookingsolutions for a decade, but the first Kyoto cooker cametogether much more quickly. This took me about aweekend, and it worked on the first try, Bhmer toldCNN. Its mind-boggling how simple it is.The Kyoto Box won $75,000 in the 2009 FT ClimateChange Challenge award, which is run by Forum forthe Future and the Financial Times newspaper.The simplicity of the Kyoto Boxs design (which hasbeen refined and is now made from recycled plastic)makes it possible to produce each box for just $5. Were saving lives and saving trees, Bhmer told Lon-dons The Telegraph newspaper. I doubt if there is anyother technology that can make so much impact for solittle money. nMark Trainer is a staff writer with the U.S. State Depart- The Kyoto Box, which can boil water and bake food without burning wood, benefits people like these Masai women from Kenya while alsoments Bureau of International Information Programs. reducing deforestation.Whats in the box? The latest version of the Kyoto Box is Jmade from polypropylene and acryl glass. Bhmers origi- Photos: Courtesy of Kyoto Energy Ltd.on Bhmers Kyoto Box started out as a sci- nal solar cooker was created with plexi-glass, cardboard, foil and black paint.ence project with his two young daughters,but it soon turned out to be a major benefit to3 billion people who struggle to cook their foodwith clean, renewable energy. The original Kyoto Box was made with plexiglass andWatch a video about two cardboard boxes. One box was covered with foil the benefits of solar and the other was painted black inside. It is capable of cookers! boiling water and baking food without the need for fire- http://goo.gl/XwhXw wood. This solar cooker uses the sun, which is a clean and accessible energy source. The Kyoto Box is a major advance in safe, healthy cooking for those who lack ac- cess to clean water or firewood. The use of wood fires for cooking has led to extensive deforestation in many parts of the world and defor-Return toTable of Contents eJournal USA 18 21. 10Top 10 Reasons to Go Green in 2012 By Road to Rio+20 This is the year for young people around the world to campaign and act on local and global sustainable development issues. Here are 10 very important reasons you should get involved: 1 Its your future! How old will you be in 2050? The choices and actions we take today will shape the world to come not just for us, but for future generations as well. Do you have what it takes to leave a better world for your childrens children? 2 Rio+20 Brazil will host an important event even before the World Cup and the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro: the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). Get involved in sustainable development initiatives now, in the lead-up to this summit. Help inspire world leaders to chart a path to a cleaner, greener future! 3 Gain experience, make a difference Improve your job prospects while improving the world! Work in the field of sustainable development to get valuable hands-on experience, as well as positive karma. Got sustainable development experience on your resume? Awesome! 4 Join a growing sector The world is now working toward a low-carbon future, so more and more green jobs are appearing every day. In Germany alone, the number of jobs in the renewable energy sector is expected to increase by more than 35 percent by 2030 from 2010 levels. Prepare yourself for tomorrows job market today! 5 Any skill can benefit the cause What are you good at? Your skills are bound to be useful in sustainable development. From conservation, engineering and policy to education, media and research, all kinds of talents and skills are needed. Make a positive difference by putting your natural talents to work!AP Images/Samir Thapa eJournal USA 19 22. Top 10 Reasonsto Go Green in 20126 Tackle causes, not symptomsPoverty, environmental damage and economic inequality are symptoms ofcomplex, inter-related problems that sustainabledevelopment aims to address. Help combat the root causes of these multifaceted problems by getting involved!You are needed now more than everMa7thi eu We hear stories every day of individuals, communitiesSo and nations negatively affected by unsustainable livingete patterns. There is no better time to act than now!You wont be alone8Sustainable development may be a relatively new field, but it is very popular. People of all backgrounds work and volunteer to keep the sector running and growing. Get involved now and meet like-minded young people, AP Images/Ken Osburn who play a huge part in the process! Freedom to be creative9It takes positive thinking and lots of imagination to raise awareness and take action on sustainable development issues. Do you aspire to be an inventor, entrepreneur, Top: Lets go! More than 100 young people gathered at the University onartist or activist? Promote sustainable development and Youth and Development in Mollina, stimulate your imagination! Spain, to participate in the global 2011 Moving Planet Day campaign. Fun and adventure Above: Get ready! A growing num- ber of students, including Clem-10Who said saving the world couldnt be fun? Participate son University engineering student Jackie Blizzard, are preparing forin massive stunts, join an online campaign or create art careers in sustainable development. all for a good cause. Get involved with sustainabledevelopment, and youll work with some of the mostdynamic and creative people on the planet. Youll besurprised by what can happen! Road to Rio+20 is a coalition of more than 60 partner organizations from around the world. It aims to motivate, inspire, engage and support young people to take action on issues of sustainable development, and influence the outcomes of the 2012 U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development (also known as Rio+20). Peace Child International is the coalitions coordinating partner. Visit Road to Rio+20s website forThe opinions expressed in this article do not more information about how younecessarily reflect the views or policies of the can get involved! U.S. government. http://goo.gl/GhkVLReturn toTable of ContentseJournal USA 20 23. Have Something to Say?Join the Conversation!Visit us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/ejournalUSA! 24. on! n g s oAo m i urnal UScJo in e Sports Strengthen Communities Check out the upcoming issue of eJournal USA devoted entirely to sports! Many young athletes dream of becoming superstars in their sport, but making big bucks in the big leagues is not what sports are all about. In the United States, sports play a major role in community life and teach valuable lessons such as discipline, teamwork and tolerance that help players succeed on and off the field.