Green agenda: electric planes and automobiles

(AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS)

Over the coming weeks environmentally friendly innovations in the field of transport will be highlighted at two major events; the launch of Mitsubishi's i-MiEV M in Japan and the eVenture exhibition at Airventure. While the former is geared towards the consumer market the latter presents a glimpse at the technologies and concepts that could one day make electric flights commercially viable.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV M launches
July 25
Japan

Japanese consumers will be the first to get their hands on the new Mitsubishi M, a cut-price model of one of the world's first electric cars. It boasts a 120-kilometer range, some 40 kilometers under that of the standard model, and is priced at 2.6 million yen (€22,470).
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp

58th EAA AirVenture Show
July 25-31
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA

America's largest annual aviation gathering attracts 700,000 enthusiasts and up to 15,000 aircraft at the Wittman Regional Airport. Also known as The Oshkosh, the event is presented by international organization the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). This year the event will feature the latest developments in environmentally friendly electric flight as part of the eVenture exhibition.
http://www.airventure.org
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15th Sydney Design 2011
July 30-August 14
Powerhouse Museum, Sydney
NSW, Australia
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More than 50 venues across Sydney will highlight Australian design during the 15th edition of the two-week Sydney Design festival. The events all center around the theme of "Is old new again?" From architecture to fashion, the Sydney Design festival program includes exhibitions, seminars, installations, workshops, talks and tours. Similarly, Victoria's State of Design event is held July 20-31 and investigates how design can create sustainable development opportunities and improve living conditions.
http://www.sydneydesign.com.au
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6th BlogHer Conference
August 4-6
San Diego Conference Center
San Diego, California, USA
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This three-day conference for women who blog attracts 3,000 attendees from around the world to the San Diego Marriott and Convention Center, to share information and opportunities, meet with brands and network with the blog community in person. Launched in 2005, BlogHer's directory includes 25,000 influential blogs across numerous categories including 'green' and reaches around 20 million visitors monthly.
http://www.blogher.com/blogher-11

Croissant Neuf Summer Party
August 12-14
Near Usk, Monmouthshire, South Wales, UK
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This live music, traditional dance and crafts festival uses solar-generated energy to power the stages and festival lights and a super energy-efficient LED lighting system which uses less energy than a TV. Additionally the on-site bar uses hand - rather than electricity - powered pumps, the beer glasses are biodegradable and for every car driven to the event the organizers intend to plant three trees. Though the event will be taking place near the town of Usk in Monmouthshire, the exact location will not be revealed until tickets have been purchased.
http://partyneuf.co.uk/