Sino–American Energy Cooperation

As the world's first and second largest energy consumers, the United States and the People's Republic of China face serious common challenges that include increasing dependence on foreign sources, high energy costs, and increased environmental impacts. The energy security of both can be enhanced through cooperation. The US is a leader in many fields of energy research and technology, and the PRC has achievements of its own in such fields as high-energy physics, coal sequestration, and next-generation nuclear reactors. Promising steps have already been taken. Extensive bilateral energy dialogues exist at both policy and working levels. An energy policy dialogue between America's Department of Energy and its Chinese counterpart was inaugurated in 2004. The two sides are working together on ‘smart buildings’. There are proposals for joint hydrogen development. Potential for further progress exists in these and other areas including air pollution and control, water treatment, solid waste treatment and disposal, renewable energy, pollution control, and energy efficiency equipment. Nonetheless, sovereignty issues remain, and both sides continue their desire for energy independence.     

Women Behind the Scenes in the Performing Arts

Within Ireland, interest in strategically supporting young people's participation in the arts has increased. Additionally, awareness of the Internet's potential for promoting engagement with the arts has grown. Addressing national directives and local needs assessments, South Dublin County Council's Arts Office initiated NOISE South Dublin (http://www.noisesouthdublin.com), an interactive Web site based on Australia Council's NOISE project (http://www.noise.net), to promote the creative development of young people in the county. This article presents the practical challenges and potential of youth arts Web-based programs for harnessing the creative engagement of youth. It concludes that the Internet is only useful if it expands online engagement offline.