climate change

Your Questions About Renewable Energy Content

Helen asks…

Is the carbon tax really for preventing climate change?

So here’s what currently baffles me; if climate change is being used as an excuse to implant a new taxation on carbon, why oh why did the Bush administration try to deny its existence for so long?

Surely big oil, which has substantial influence in world governance, would be afraid of carbon taxing, and indeed the ensuing encouragement of renewable energy, over which they would have much less control (read; money). Or will they simply make sure to take over the emerging “renewables” sector too?

admin answers:

No it is not for preventing climate change. 1. We cannot prevent climate change. 2. It is to punish industrial nations and to lower the standard of living around the globe.

Here is a good article that discusses the science behind point 1.

Http://www.nationscrier.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63%3Aclimate-change-natural-or-man-made&Itemid=62

John asks…

Do business leaders in renewable energy lack vision?

I the panel session at a conference yesterday I asked the chairman of a new bio-diesel plant how he saw the industry developing over the next 30-40 years to take the market share of renewable transport fuels from insignificant to 95%+ to replace fossil fuels when they run out. The response showed no interest at all in expanding beyond a small regional market. Is this a common attribute, or are there visionary business leaders that are thinking big picture and have plans to replace fossil fuels?

admin answers:

30-40 years is to far ahead.
Peak oil will come within this decade.
When that happens, the energy industry will be turned on it’s head.
It’s not impossible that in 20 years, hydrogen fusion will become available.
That would completely upset the apple cart.
In a good way, mind you.

Any alternative source today needs to focus on making a profit in order to not go under.
Once they’ve reached that, then they can look farther ahead.

Also, i’m just not sure about bio-fuel.
I have seen estimates that would indicate that it would be possible to be a significant part of our energy.
But it just doesn’t seem to me that we’d be able to get that energy content from plants, in a reasonable acreage, and still produce the food that we’ll need.

Jet planes will likely need something like that.
Long haul trucks would as well.
Maybe trains in sparsely populated areas of the country.
But i’m not sure about most other transportation.

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Your Questions About Renewable Energy Content

Donna asks…

How are government and NGOs confronting climate change?

So far, I have that they demand the world move to renewable energy resources, what are two other ways the government and NGOs are confronting climate change? Thanks.

admin answers:

No Government, nor NGO is actually doing anything that would alter the course of the climate. There are some efforts to produce less CO2, http://www.rense.com/general88/cap.htm
but CO2 is not what drives the climate. Http://www.john-daly.com/forcing/moderr.htm
Many of their CO2 reduction efforts are really not to reduce CO2, but to use Global warming as an excuse for other policies ostensibly to reduce CO2 production. Http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiBvlwbwfJDBnLyqssvEh_Tty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100427155928AAb6Dwg&show=7#profile-info-A6qoNVxJaa
Obama is currently pushing a climate bill proposed by Sens. Kerry and Lieberman that restricts CO2 production in only certain sectors of the economy, and subsidizes off shore drilling and nuclear power.
Http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/12/AR2010051202913.html

Donald asks…

Why nuclear energy is our best option?

1. Its renewable, the spent nuclear fuel still has 95% of its energy content

2. Coal-fired plant is 100 times more radioactive than an equivalent nuclear reactor

3. It is very expensive to build but coal power plants spend 3 times of that each year

4. Our technology can prevent another Three mile island incident

if we have the strictest safety regulations and the most cleverly engineered plants Nuclear energy is the best option, any objections?

admin answers:

You just answered your own question. There is actually up to 98% Uranium/ fissile Pu in spent nuclear fuel. With advance reactors, we can eliminate longer lived/heavier fission products.

Well, duh the public doesn’t accept it. Yes, it is expensive, but the US government provides a lot of subsidies to make it competitive to fossil fuels. Recently, the US has streamlined it’s approval process, but not much. They are giving companies big tax breaks if they start building their reactors around 2012 give or take a year. I would need to look that up.

France and other countries… It is hard to evaluate them economically because their goverments own reactors.

Those reports the other guy stated, I would think are minority compared to the reports and recently form organizations to develop the next generation of nuclear reactors. Look up GNEP

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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Systems

Laura asks…

Is America doing a good job at training it’s future geniuses?

Standardized testing seems to be pushing teachers to teach toward the mean, more than every before. Can this system train the next generation’s Einstein’s, who will solve problems like Climate Change, Food Distribution, Sustainable Energy, and Political Issues that are arising.

admin answers:

Sadly no. The next generation’s Einstein will need to think outside the box, and that is not encouraged in our public school systems.

Mandy asks…

How is high speed rail in the UK sustainable?

I’ve heard that high speed rail in the UK is sustainable. Obviously I know it hasn’t been built yet but the government say it will be sustainable? How so? And also what is the argument about it? WHY IS IT CAUSING SUCH A STIR?

admin answers:

Elia – Good or bad? In the new scenario of alternative transport, a specific type begins to stand out: the bullet train. Several countries have already begun to adopt this model and plan to invest heavily to make real mass transit in this type of vehicle. Despite the promised environmental, economic and social, some environmentalists oppose this transport option.For advocates, the bullet train can help reduce global warming and protect environmental resources. Studies undertaken by the Authority Railway High-speed link from California to invest in bullet trains, rather than building new roads or airports can generate several benefits by 2030.These benefits include: lower environmental impacts, low energy (1 / 3 of what it takes to move planes and 1 / 5 required for car travel) and economy of 12.7 million barrels of oil, even with the improving the energy efficiency of transportation today. The study also shows that the construction of high-speed rail can prevent the emission of more than 5 million tons of CO2 by 2030.Today these vehicles can pass the 500 km / h and carry a lot of passengers in a short time. But experts DeFede that this speed can be much higher. This makes them more advantageous than the planes as they do not spend time with loading and unloading and are not subject to climate change. They are also safer and quicker than traveling by car.

Despite the apparent advantages, many people have sniffed for these investments. For some environmentalists, the implementation of this system requires the construction of new railways, since the high-speed trains require rails specific.He adds: “Do not get me wrong. With the decline of the airlines and the condemnation of the automobile transportation system, we desperately need a new rail system. But we already have a system that was envied around the world to be abandoned. And right now we have neither the time nor the resources to build a new parallel network.All the promise of government, so let’s wait –::

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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Without The Hot Air

Chris asks…

Are there ways to save energy without unplugging appliances?

admin answers:

I have a HUUUUGE list available at www agua-luna com it’s like 33 pages long and would just spam this whole answer. But here’s a few cut from the list below. If you’d like the entire list feel free to visit www agua-luna com or email me through the site directly and I’ll send you a copy.

Also Agua-Luna com now offers Carbon Offsetting Credits, since our Team of Volunteers is already accomplishing several carbon eliminating projects, we’re now converting the carbon offsets to you. Visit www agua-luna com for a FREE carbon calculator to calculate your carbon footprint for free and more info on carbon credits.

You could also Volunteer with us, planting a tree or working on a Sustainable Renewable Energy Building Project in Mexico with us. Again see www agua-luna com for more info.

I also do some free consulting, there’s more info on the site about that too. Here’s some more ways to help the environment…

Recycle paper, cardboard, newsprint and magazines.
Recycle aluminum cans.
Recycle all batteries.
Recycle and reuse. Roughly 50% of the average person’s trash can be recycled. Don’t forget that hazardous waste like batteries, your printer’s ink cartridges, and cell phones can be recycled too! Find out how and where to recycle in your area. Always buy recycled paper. Just 1 ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees.
Just because your community doesn’t pick up all recyclables on the curb, it doesn’t mean there are not viable alternatives nearby. Check with dry cleaners, supermarkets, manufacturers, your local public works department and civic organizations to find out where recycled goods can be dropped off, at a location near you.
Did you know that just in 1995 alone, recycled toner cartridges kept over 21,000 tons of trash out of landfills? Believe it or not, now you can recycle your printer’s toner cartridges! Every year, Americans throw out enough printer cartridges to stretch from Los Angeles to New York City and back again. Toner cartridges can be recycled, having just as good a performance as an unrecycled cartridge. To recycle your toner cartridges, find a local business that does printer cartridge recycling, or contact the manufacturer of your current toner cartridge and ask about a cartridge recycling program.
Not only should you recycle, but buy products that are recycled. By purchasing these products, you are helping to conserve natural resources, and to protect the environment.
Wash clothes in cold water.
Hot water is unnecessary for most clothes. When needed, use warm water.
Fill your toilet tank.
Put a plastic bottle or two, filled with water and rocks, in your tank to reduce the amount of water used in each flush.
Clean your filters.
Clean the filters of your air-conditioners once a month to improve energy efficiency. While you’re at it, change your car’s filters as recommended in your manual.
Get a low-flow shower head.
Stop at the hardware store on your way home, and get a low-flow shower head. Takes a few minutes to install, and it’ll save gallons of water a day.
Lower your thermostats.
If you use heating, get by with less heat and wear warmer clothes. If you use air-conditioning, get by with less cooling and wear cooler clothes.
If it’s a nice sunny day, hanging clothes only takes a few minutes, and you’re using solar power instead of electricity to do the job. It also makes your clothes last longer.
Turn down your water heater.
Most people have their water heater’s thermostat turned up too high, wasting energy. Turn it down to 130 degrees, saving energy but still hot enough to kill bacteria.
Use CFC light bulbs.
If your light bulb burns out, replace it with a Compact Flourescent bulb (those spiral-looking ones). They’re more expensive, but if you just replace them one at a time, it doesn’t cost much, and the energy savings is great. And as they last longer, over the long run, you’ll save money.
Wash and dry only full loads of laundry and dishes.
Follow your community’s water use restrictions or guidelines.
Install a low-flow shower head.
If you are not looking to change your car just yet there are a number of ways you can be more environmentally friendly and help you save money by conserving fuel.
Lighten your car to reduce weight by not carrying unnecessary items.
Cut your speed and stick to the speed limits
Drive smoothly avoiding heavy accelerating and braking.
When stationary for a long time, switch off the engine.
Closing windows will make the car more efficient by being more aerodynamic. Remove roof bars when not is use also helps.
Make sure your tyres are properly inflated as under inflated tyres cause more resistance.
Where possible, walk, cycle or even use public transport.
If possible lift share to reduce the number of cars on the road.
Try mass transit.
Millions of people use it, and it saves tons of fuel. If you don’t already, give it a try.
Unload your car.
Remove excess weight from your car (such as stuff that might be in the trunk) to reduce the amount of fuel you use.
Walk instead of drive.
You don’t have to do this all the time, but walking the short trip to a store, or to lunch from work, or some other short trip like that, can reduce the amount of fuel you use over the long term, and you shed some fat at the same time. Or at least burn off that morning donut.
Buy a smaller car.
You won’t be able to do this today, probably, but the next time you’re in the market for an automobile, get a smaller and energy-efficient car rather than a big, lumbering one. It’s one of the best things you can do to reduce your fuel consumption.
Inflate your tires.
Many people don’t realize that their tires are under-inflated. Check the recommended pressure for your tires, and fill them up to that pressure. It only takes a few minutes, but it will save you on fuel consumption (a little) and more importantly, make your tires last longer and reduce the rubber that’s worn off your tires.
Get creative with gift-giving. The gift of time, services, or environmentally positive gifts may be more appreciated than disposable goods that are not to the taste or needs of the recipient.
Look into those lifestyle changes you’ve been putting off
Work from home more. Many organisations, when prodded a little, will accept flexible work arrangements where there is no impact to the work that needs to get done.
Use your oven less.
The oven not only uses a lot of energy, it heats up your kitchen, requiring more cooling. Instead, use toaster ovens, crockpots, microwaves, and electric grills when you can. And when you do use your oven, open it less – you lose 25% of the heat every time you open the oven door.
Mend your stuff.
Try not to throw stuff away and buy new stuff if the old stuff can be fixed. Torn clothing? Takes a few minutes to sew up.
Install a water filter.
If you buy a lot of bottled water, use your tap instead. Some places need a filter to make tap water taste drinkable, but they don’t cost much and they can save money, water, and plastic bottles over time.
Unplug appliances.
If you don’t use an appliance several times a day, it’s better to unplug it, as they often use energy even when turned off
Use rechargeable batteries.
Instead of throwing your batteries away all the time, reuse rechargeable batteries. Costs a little more, but cheaper in the long run.
When you’re looking to buy appliances, be sure to research the most energy-efficient ones. They may cost a little more, but they’ll more than make up for that in the long run with lower energy bills.
Buy a smaller home.
The next time you’re home-shopping, instead of buying the McMansion, look for a smaller home that’s big enough to meet your needs comfortably. Reducing the amount of stuff you own is a good way to need less house. It’s cheaper, and requires less energy to heat and cool. And easier to clean at the same time.
Look for energy efficiency.
Use acryllic paint.
Compost.
It’s not hard to set one up (look it up online), and you can save a lot of waste from the landfill and help your garden at the same time
Water grass early in the morning.
Reduces the amount of water you need to keep your grass looking fabulous.
Plant shade trees near your house.
It’ll take awhile before they can make a difference, but shade trees greatly reduce the need to cool a home.
Coat your roof.
This’ll take up an afternoon, but you only have to do it once every few years. And it’ll save you a lot of money and energy in heating and cooling over the long-term, more than making up for the cost of paint.
Avoid fast food.
Instead, eat at home or at a sit-down restaurant. Fast food restaurants are one of the worst polluters of the environment, both in the massive amounts of beef they must raise, in the wasted packaging, and in the energy they use in so many ways. And they’re tremendously unhealthy.
Buy a manual reel mower or electric mower.
If you’re looking for a new lawn mower, and you have a small yard, consider getting a manual one. They’re much advanced from the reel mowers of our grandparents’ generation, much quieter, cheaper, and they save on fuel and pollution. Electric mowers are also quieter and use much less energy.
Clean up.

Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if you’d like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, I’m willing to walk you step by step threw the process. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at www agua-luna com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others help the environment.

Dan Martin
Alterative Energy / Sustainable Consultant, Living 100% on Alternative & Author of How One Simple Yet Incredibly Powerful Resource Is Transforming The Lives of Regular People From All Over The World… In

Lisa asks…

What can we do to avoid further negative impact of global warming?

admin answers:

One important thing we can do is get more people to realize that global warming and climate change is real. It is hard to believe that there are some that can’t see what global warming is doing to the planet and that we can just go on without doing anything to reduce and eliminate it, but there are: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjtSjGqmYUtFD73QACdiNsXsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100522093338AAjOu9z&show=7#profile-info-WcvGeYaoaa

Part of my answer to the problem can be found in my answers to other questions:

Yes, it is real…
I honestly believe “global warming”, now referred to as climate change, is real. From where you and I live, we can see it in longer growing seasons, snow that melts a lot faster, more rain and ice than snow, etc… We can also see local warming trends, called urban “heat islands”. The next time you go shopping, realize that the parking lot that you stand on, on a hot summer day, is a lot hotter than the forest that used to be there before the land was developed by the stores you shop at… Your car is only one of millions and millions of vehicles, cars, planes, etc… That send emissions into the atmosphere that cause more and more heat to be trapped near the earth’s surface – enough for most people to realize that global warming and climate change are indeed real.

With all this said, scientists and many others know that the earth has been on a warming trend naturally for thousands of years, since the last ice age, and scientists also know that the billions of people on earth and our industrial and commercial activities are adding to and perhaps even accelerating this warming.

So, with all this knowledge, we can at least try and reverse this trend before things go out of control on the only planet we have to live on. One thing that has been done already is the phasing out of CFCs in air conditioners and other gadgets so that we do not destroy the ozone layer, the thin layer of gas in the atmosphere that prevents ultraviolet rays from reaching the planet’s surface. Now, we are in the process of finding ways to run our economies without the use of fossil fuels and using alternative energy, so that we do not destroy this world that we have taken so long to build…

No, “global warming” isn’t a government trick. Governments have a vested interest in continuing on as they have by growing their economies and if they can, finding a way to reduce global warming without reducing economic growth…

And

Read about:
1) Going off the “grid”. There is a movement called sustainable living, where you can make an attempt to live on power that you create (hydro-electric – dam generated power, geothermal, solar, wind, etc…) so that you are not dependent on fossil fuels.

2) Driving a Hybrid vehicle. Although it isn’t the final solution, it is a step in the right direction. People I know that drive Priuses and other hybrids just love the fact the their car is helping to reduce pollution, and, they can’t remember that last time they had to fill up their gas tank !

3) Building an Eco friendly “greenhouse” to live in… There are new ways of building houses that make clever use of recycled materials and allow for much larger energy savings…

4) Read up on the subject at the following websites to find out about more or about anything that you can do :

Stop global warming: http://www.care2.com/causes/global-warmi…

Yahoo!’s green page: http://green.yahoo.com/

Yahoo’s green directories: http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture…

http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture…

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/green-1…
http://www.care2.com/channels/ecoinfo/gl…
http://www.treehugger.com/
http://www.futurefriendly.com/Home.aspx
http://everygreenthing.net/

and,
those are just a few of my thoughts on the subject, you’re more than welcome to read my other answers that I’ve posted to this topic…

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