Saturday 29 August 2009

MindSet = Dataset

For anyone reviewing what has happened and projecting the future, data is essential, but numbers are sometimes confusing, and its easy to misread a trend. So its a real joy to see the work at gapminder.org where data is represented as coloured bubbles.

It's easier to check it out yourself, go play with data, it's great fun and a mind shift about how we view the world. Or check it out at the latest TED TALK by Hans Rosling.

Saturday 8 August 2009

ABC of our carbon world

Sometimes you just want an answer. Has anyone looked at the carbon footprint of wine? Why are peatlands important for carbon storage? Where do I find a Green Vehicle Guide? And who are the IEA? Well, for answers to these questions and many more, check out Ken Hickson's new book "The ABC of Carbon" which is a solid work full of easy to use summaries of the carbon world that we inhabit and that need to understand.

What I found most useful is that every topic in this book - and there are many in the 26 chapters - comes with web addresses where more good information can be found. I have my copy, and if you want yours, then see Ken's ABC Carbon site.