Artist Eric Krizortz has emblazoned five of Stockholm's most famous (and in some ways, most reviled) skyscrapers, called the Haymarketscrapers (Hötorgetskrapor), with massive mood lighting. On a scale from deep purple (depressed) to bright red (happy), lighting on the five tallest buildings in the city center is meant to reflect how city citizens are feeling that day - voting is at emotionalcities.com. Since the turn of the year, the prevailing mood has been just slightly brighter than mid-scale, hovering at a pale, chartreuse green.

Perhaps the greenish mood is due in part to Stockholmers' high environmental awareness, and the looking back on the old year that inevitably happens at the start of the new year. Last year, climate awareness hit an all-time high, but at the same time consumption of (CO2 intensive) meat, cars and international flights also grew. Instead of chiding people for their seemingly inevitable habit of trying to get the most 'goods' for the cheapest price, daily paper Dagens Nyheter thinks 'climate smart' consumption via green taxes can solve the problem.

Good economic growth leads to resources for climate research and green investment, while stagnant growth would make people less engaged in climate issues, the paper reasons. New consumption in Sweden is said to be cleaner (the vast growth of the eco-car market is an example) than older patterns. Since politicians cannot seem to efficiently plan for climate-friendly transport, energy, and agricultural systems, DN editorializes, green taxes and an international emissions trading market are the best market-based systems to divide the burden of a climate and consumption friendly society semi-equally among businesses, states and citizens. Via ::DN (Swedish)
P.S. Other cities the world round - with Seoul, [correction] South Korea up first - are planning mood lighting!

Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:

• 6 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Tools
• Think Eco-Logical Pushes IT Sustainability Home with Businesses
• Ramsar Wetland Convention Meeting in Korea: Peat, Bogs And Poetry
• Cool Eco-Campaign: Climate Change Melts Man in Buenos Aires

Recycle Your Cards: It's Easy

RGBG - Pedalling from Seattle to San Francisco for Affordable Green Housing