Environment & Resources

On Thursday, November 19, please join CSIS and partners in commemorating World Toilet Day. While many people who have access to a toilet might consider this a humorous concept, the global sanitation crisis necessitates that a spotlight be shined on both the severity of the problem and the promising solutions. Join us on the lawn of the United States Capitol to learn about, and give voice to, the 2.5 billion people who lack access to a toilet and the 1.8 million people who die annually as a result.

When looking at developing countries and the myriad of issues that face them, it often becomes a daunting task coming up with ways to benefit those in need. Many however have lived up to the task and have found the little things that make a big difference. The latest in this is a new combination of older technologies that create an inexpensive and environmentally friendlier way of bringing light where there was once darkness.

A new craze that has engulfed our nation over the last few years has been the development and purchasing of hybrid vehicles. Cars such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight have raised many questions as to why we still have vehicles on the road that average less that 15 miles per gallon while the Prius and Insight are able to reach over 50. Such conversations have stirred such debate and have contributed to the research, funding and development of other vehicle types including purely electric vehicles.

For many of us, water is a resource that we all too often take for granted. It flows freely and abundantly from our faucets and is usually so clean that there is little to worry about when it comes to quality. But for most of the world, clean water is so precious and scarce that people are willing to fight over it. Here at CSIS, we've examined the importance of water through our Global Water Futures Project, looking at everything from its impact on health to political stability. And it looks like the media has started to take notice as well.

Boulder, Colorado, often known for being on the cutting edge when it comes to renewable technology and efficient resource use, is preparing to undergo a test of "smart grid" technology. Xcel Energy, the local utility, is rolling out a test system that will be studied to determine whether or not this technology can actually reduce the consumption of energy-hungry Americans.