We must reverse many of the “flows” which go out of our communities causing damage and decay. We can’t consume our way out of the problem either with a set of quick fix products or programs. We must change from our current toxic energy source. Many of the resources needed to make the changes to a renewable culture, can and should be freed up from current inefficiencies. Efficiency must become a priority and profitable for individuals. It’s more expensive to waste than save, but waste is more profitable. In today’s world, he claims, many things seem upside down. today is used to cool oil and coal fired electric power plants. One example is the fact that half of all fresh water used in the U.S. Droege discusses how interconnected our life support systems are and how a total systems design approach must be applied as communities take on the transition from reliance on cheap energy from oil, with its multitude of subsidized, hidden costs. He speaks of the shackles” created by our current Industrial Revolution/fossil fuel based urban and socioeconomic infrastructures and the general environmental degradation, including personal health, caused by our current energy systems. The issues that drive his efforts are climate change- caused in large part by burning fossil fuel-and energy security which is now in question due to Peak Oil. He has directed and developed Solar City, a research development effort conducted under the auspices of the International Energy Agency as well as carrying out academic roles at major universities in the United States and Japan.Ĭredits: He is presently Senior Advisor, Beijing Municipal Institute for City Planning and Design, Steering Committee member, Urban Climate Change Research Network (UCCRN), Conjoint Professor, School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Newcastle, Visiting Professor and Director, Centre for Sustainable Urbanism, School of Landscape Architecture and Planning, Beijing University and Chair, World Council for Renewable Energy (WCRE) Asia Pacific. Summary: Peter Droege is an expert on the role of renewable energy within the fields of urban design, development and urban infrastructure with a wide variety of experience and responsibility. His most recent award winning book is "The Renewable City, A Comprehensive Guide to an Urban Revolution". Necktie Second and Find A Door are both fantastic from top to bottom, so start with one of those.Program Information Peter Droege, international expert in renewable energy and urban design. If you’ve never heard him before, all his stuff is on Spotify. It was my first real concert and I will forever have a place in my heart for Pete.
I first saw him waaaaaaay back in 1994 opening for Tom Petty. Hopefully he’s staying safe and getting healthy now, and comes out of this quarantine stronger than ever.
He put out an EP with Summers in 2016 and a single in 2017, but that’s it for the 2010’s.
His releases have been sporadic over the last decade, with his last full album being the soundtrack for the film A Lot Like Love. His songwriting is spectacular and his understanding of melody is second to none. Something that we’re gonna get through together.”ĭroge has been flying under the radar of most for far too long. It’s just something that we’re gonna get through. And I know for sure I was moved when they hit this line: “We know this ain’t what’s gonna make us, or break us. The song was written way back in 2017, but it’s hard not to think the lyrics are talking about the state of the world right now. That project has been put on hold for now, but all proceeds from this single will be donated to Vashon Youth & Family Services, providing counseling and other services to people living on Vashon, WA where Pete and Elaine reside.
The song comes as part of a larger idea that Pete had to raise money for non-profits.
He partners here with his longtime collaborator Elaine Summers (they can be seen briefly singing together in the 2000 movie Almost Famous). Come to find out, ol’ Pete put out a new song just as the quarantine was taking effect. As it ended, I heard a track I was unfamiliar with, but I knew it was him singing. One of those things that I threw on a few nights ago was an old record by Pete Droge. Otherwise I’m just listening to the same five or six things I always turn to when things feel out of whack. Basically, if I hear something I like, I’ll let you know. Normally I wouldn’t bother posting on a holiday, but let’s be honest my posting schedule has been anything but normal the last few months.