This Week in Green – Dec. 6, 2010
Talk About a Power from Above
With electric cars struggling to gain a foothold in the public’s imagination, it sometimes seems like only divine intervention will help. Thanks to Pope Benedict XVI, that help may be right around the corner.
Continuing his support for the environment, the Pope would trade in his gas-guzzling Popemobile for a solar-powered electric car, a Vatican official said.
“If one proposed an electric Popemobile that was efficient, safe and a reasonable size, what interest would he have in preferring a petrol Popemobile?” said Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, who runs the Vatican City state. “It would also be a demonstration, a sign of his ecological attention.”
Laojol’s remarks came after a promotion for the Vatican’s book, “The Energy of the Sun in the Vatican.”
Often dubbed the “green pope,” Benedict XVI wants the Vatican to lead by example when it comes to green energy. In 2008, the Vatican installed photovoltaic cells on the roof of its auditorium and in 2009, installed solar cooling unit for its main cafeteria.
One degree of separation?
The Pope may soon be joining this list of famous hybrid-car owners:
• Kevin Bacon
• Jack Black
• Billy Crystal
• Ted Danson
• Cameron Diaz
• Leonardo DiCaprio
• David Duchovny
• Will Ferrell
• Harrison Ford
• Salma Hayek
• Tom Hanks
• Woody Harrelson
• Billy Joel
• Ewan McGregor
• Jack Nicholson
• David Hyde Pierce
• Brad Pitt
1. Tesla
2. Nissan
3. Toyota
4. General Motors
5. Ford
6. Mitsubishi
7. Fisker
8. Think
9. Chrysler
10. BYD