Representing a global cross-section of all major schools of Islam, these imams, ayatollahs, grand muftis, sheikhs and scholars call for active Muslim-Christian dialogue. The initiative builds on their community’s own 2005 Amman Message of internal tolerance. And, perhaps, a 2007 poll of Muslims in six key countries in which a grassroots majority agree that it’s possible for the two groups to find common ground. All of it provides a significant counterweight to the voices of radical Islam now on the global stage.

The Muslim leaders are looking for a meeting of major religious leaders based on common ground. In response, top Christian leaders across denominational lines have welcomed the overture.

“The conversation has begun, and emails are flying this way and that,” says Rev. Dr. Shanta Premawardhana, head of interfaith relations for the National Council of Churches.

Says Dr. John Esposito, director of the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University in Washington: “They’re saying, ‘Let’s look at our scriptures, and the fact that our two traditions share in a common love of God and neighbor, and then let’s build from that.’ It’s brilliant.”

It’s the largest science and technology prize ever offered. And Branson is counting on his contemporaries to follow in the footsteps of many of the world’s greatest inventors. “Historically, technology prizes have invaluable in encouraging advancements and innovation,” he says. But in this case “[the winners] will not only make history, but preserve history for many, many generations to come.”

Critics caution that even if an individual or group wins the prize, every person on the planet must continue to cut carbon emissions every way currently possible. We can’t afford to count on a single magic future solution, which may or may not arrive.

However they’re structured, community bicycle services help solve congestion, pollution and parking problems plus promote sustainability in one stroke. They save the rider gas and maintenance costs, provide exercise, reduce stress, and build community. And they teach job skills to staff involved in recycling bikes and managing day-to-day operations.

Incubus, for example, is switching to organic food for the band, organic T-shirts for fans, and recycled paper and soy ink for posters and flyers. They encourage venues to recycle waste. And plan to fuel tour buses with clean-burning biodiesel.

Resurrected vintage instruments are being played by trendsetters. And new-instrument manufacturers like Gibson and First Act are incorporating Rainforest Alliance-certified and Forest Stewardship Council-certified hardwoods. Dave Maize Acoustic Guitars even uses reclaimed wood for its guitars.

Some major labels too are working to reduce waste, purchase carbon offsets, and use more eco-sound packaging for their share of the 1.8 billion CDs sold worldwide each year.

Concert fans can help by carpooling, riding a bike or taking public transportation to events. They can add a vital voice urging venues to use reusable utensils and operate recycling programs.

The Pyramids of Giza remain the honorary 8th wonder, the sole survivor of the original Mediterranean architectural marvels named by Greek scholars in the second century B.C.E.

The 21st century’s competition founder, Bernard Weber of Switzerland, “felt it is time for something new to bring the world together” says Tia Viering, communications head at the New7Wonders Foundation. Results symbolize a common pride in our global heritage culture. They show what moves people. Viering notes that developing countries proved among the most avid participants.

Individual states have set their own standards, requiring that renewable power sources comprise a certain percentage of their energy use. Targets range from 4 to 30 percent, with target dates ranging from 2010 to 2025. Currently nine additional states are considering adopting a standard, while one may increase its substantial existing standard.

All this movement should help push Washington into stepping up to legislate a federal standard of 20 percent renewable energy by 2020. That would nearly quadruple current cumulative state requirements for production of renewable energy.

To date, economic incentives have prompted 20 percent of U.S. utilities to launch green energy programs. According to a researcher for CyberTech, that’s 600 utilities giving 40 million customers in 34 states the ability to purchase renewable energy. The goal now is to create demand.