Discussion
Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Technologies
Ruth asks…
How solar energy can be generated at competitive cost?
How solar energy can be produced at competitive cost for the welfare of people at large?Presently what is the status of its use in india?
admin answers:
Professor Andrew Blakers from The Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems at the Australian National University will today report to the Greenhouse 2000 Conference in Melbourne that photovoltaic (PV) solar energy conversion can be cost-competitive with any low-emission electricity generation technology by 2030.
His paper describes how extrapolation of the huge economic and technical gains made by photovoltaics over the last 15 years gives confidence that a dramatic shift in electricity generation technology over the next quarter-century is possible.
Worldwide photovoltaic sales are growing at 40 to 50% per year. Government research & market support for photovoltaics of around $400 billion spread over the next 25 years can deliver the technology required to eliminate electricity production as a contributor to climate change. This is a large sum of money – similar to the cost of the Iraq war – but it is dwarfed by the $23 trillion expected investment in oil exploration out to 2030 or the $24 trillion investment in PV systems required to generate half of the world’s electricity by 2040.
Professor Blakers will also describe Sliver solar cell technology, which was invented at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland, by Dr Klaus Weber and Professor Blakers in 2000 while attending a conference. Origin Energy, one of the sponsors of the Greenhouse 2000 Conference, is commercialising Sliver technology in Adelaide.
Work at ANU shows that Sliver solar cell technology can achieve electricity costs below retail electricity costs within five years, with the right investment. Explosive growth in sales in the commercial and residential sector will then follow.
Professor Blakers said that Sliver solar cell technology “can go all the way.”
“It’s not difficult to envisage Sliver based technology delivering electricity at a cost that matches wind energy, zero-emission coal and other clean energy technologies. No leap of faith is required; just careful engineering and adaptation of existing techniques from other industries,” he said.
Dr Weber added that it is essential to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel based electricity generation in order to limit climate change. The cost of doing this with advanced solar technology will be far lower than the pessimistic forecasts advanced by some analysts.
“The key to a clean energy future is the setting of clear and challenging targets and the provision of reliable, long-term support to the solar industry. The industry will respond and deliver the required technology,” Dr Weber said. Recent solar and fuel cell articles
Organic solar cells will help spur viability of alternative energy October 10, 2005
Imagine being able to “paint” your roof with enough alternative energy to heat and cool your home. What if soldiers in the field could carry an energy source in a roll of plastic wrap in their backpacks?
Harvesting tornadoes as power plants; renewable wind vortex energy October 9, 2005
Engineers are working to use artificial tornadoes as a renewable energy source according to an article in last week’s issue of The Economist. Storms release a tremendous amount of energy. Hurricane Katrina, a category 4 hurricane, released enough energy to supply the world’s power needs for a year, while the typical tornado produces as much power as a large power station.
Danish researchers develop hydrogen tablet; stores hydrogen in inexpensive and safe material September 21, 2005
Scientists at the Technical University of Denmark have invented a technology which may be an important step towards the hydrogen economy: a hydrogen tablet that effectively stores hydrogen in an inexpensive and safe material. With the new hydrogen tablet, it becomes much simpler to use the environmentally-friendly energy of hydrogen. Hydrogen is a non-polluting fuel, but since it is a light gas it occupies too much volume, and it is flammable. Consequently, effective and safe storage of hydrogen has challenged researchers world-wide for almost three decades. At the Technical University of Denmark, DTU, an interdisciplinary team has developed a hydrogen tablet which enables storage and transport of hydrogen in solid form.
High oil prices make Asia pursue green energy September 9, 2005
For energy-hungry Asian governments, the answer could literally be blowing in the wind. Across the region, renewable energy such as solar, wind and geothermal power is gaining ever greater credence as a way to curb the region’s appetite for oil and cut runaway import bills. With oil prices near $70, and expected by many analysts to stay over $50 through the end of 2006, governments believe alternative energy will help keep their economies growing.
Cockroaches and rats used as batteries? August 24, 2005
An article in today’s Manilla Times highlights some local research into using common household pests as energy sources. A group of scientists from Feati University recently devised a biological fue
Ken asks…
How do you feel about Nuclear power plants as a source of energy?
I have yet to make up my mind on Nuclear Energy, I would just like to see how you feel about it. I know some facts, but I would like to gain more knowlege. Also what are your ideas on Cold Fission?
Also if you could give you age that would be helpful, by all means you do not have to. -Thank you for your time.
admin answers:
The greatest technological challenge of the 21st century is to meet energy demand in an environmentally sustainable way. Nuclear energy is a carbon free energy; however, current fission technology leaves a deadly legacy – radioactive waste that is toxic for tens of thousands of years. To put the energy demands of humans in perspective with nuclear energy, please see the lecture by Nate Lewis (California Institute of Technology). In 2006, humans are consuming energy at a rate of about 14TW (14 trillion watts). Using current technology, in order to generate 10TW of energy, we would have to build a new reactor every single day for the next 50 years. This would be a monumental effort in stupidity and futility. Furthermore, this would not meet growing energy demand, which is predicted to be ~28TW in the year 2050. The clearest alternatives are wind energy and solar energy. Practically, wind energy used globally can potentially provide ~2TW energy, meaning that solar energy is going to be our primary energy source. The energy that strikes the Earth in 1 hour as sunlight is enough to provide humanity’s energy needs for 1 year (~14TW). However, this energy is diffuse, and we still need to develop low cost, efficient methods to convert solar energy to fuels and electricity. Research is progressing rapidly in this topic. The world needs to committ massive resources to this right now.
The second part of your question relates to cold fusion. Interestingly, fusion is the source of sunlight, so using solar energy, is in a way, using fusion energy (we don’t have to worry about the problems of containment and generating fusion pressures and temperatures). There are a few research projects around the world that are working on finding useful methods for controlling fusion reactions for energy. Perhaps the most well known involves a giant room with thousands of high energy lasers that are focused at a pelletized source of fusionable material. In this scheme, the energy input from the lasers initiates fusion. This technology is promising, but is far from being economical. Research efforts should continue.
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Your Questions About Renewable Energy For Kids
Laura asks…
What is a good industry to invest in or start a business in?
My goal is to be a multi-billionaire by the time I die. I want to have that much money so I can provide for my kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, etc, and so they have millions or billions of dollars, can get a good education, and so on.
I am thinking going into the oil business or shipping business and possibly starting new businesses in those sectors is not such a bad idea.
admin answers:
Do clean renewable energy start a research company that only researches and/or funds those kinds of projects. Screw the oil assholes they are the problem anyways they have screwed up our world already see the weather changes
James asks…
How familiar are you with using solar electricity to power a residential house?
I was wondering how much the average person knows about using the suns energy to power the average residential home…
Do you know of any countries that already use the sun to power homes?
please tell me where you are from as well please…
thankyou!
admin answers:
Hey 0077, to answer your primary question, I am quite familiar with solar power. We’ve been powering our home from the wind and sun for 11 years now, and for the last 5 or 6 years, we’ve been going into the local schools and doing seminars on the subject. In some cases, the schools have loaded a bus with kids and brought them out to our home to see it first hand. As for your second question, the average homeowner knows about as much about solar power as they do about the furnace in their basement. Unfortunately, this is where the technology has fallen down. Lots of people want to build a new home, and talk to the builder about solar power. Frequently they are told, “Solar doesn’t work,” or, “Solar is prohibitively expensive.” Generally this is all they need to hear, and the panels are taken off the house plan.
Solar is not for everyone, or everyplace. Just because a home has solar panels does not mean they don’t have an electric bill, and that says nothing to the fact that a stand alone solar home that does not have access to utility power has to live with a finite amount of electricity. What do they do on a cloudy week? Most stand alone homes, like ours was, use both wind and solar. The reason for this is that the two compliment each other quite well. In the summer, we have long sunny days, but little wind. In the fall and winter, we have short cloudy days, and high winds. When you have a shortage of one, there is generally a surplus of the other. Trying to decide between the two technologies is like trying to decide between a 3 passenger pickup truck and an 8 passenger van as your sole family car. Each has its advantages, but it probably makes sense for a two car family to have one of each.
There is also the fact that lots of people like to grow their own tomatoes, even if it is cheaper to buy them at the market. They have to learn all about watering, bugs, soil ph and weeding. People who live in a solar powered home have a similar curse, they can tell you just how much sun shined last November, and how much power the stereo uses down to the last watthour. Any self respecting homeowner wouldn’t bother with the solar power, or the tomatoes, they would simply buy vegetables at the store, and electricity from the power company, and then sit home and complain about the price and quality of each. That used to be me, now I’m the other guy.
So no, the average homeowner does not know much about solar power, or furnaces. Most homes have furnaces, not many have solar panels. I wish they had both. In the 11 years we have had both, I can tell you that once solar power is installed, it is generally care free. We are on our third wind turbine here, and even though the last one is working better than the first two, it has had its moments. It has shut down 3 times, and had to be repaired twice. In all that time, my first solar panel has continued to make electricity, and I’ve never turned a screw on it or added a drop of oil. Yet, everyone I talk to about renewable energy wants to learn more about wind turbines it seems. They are neat, they move, they seem to have their own personality. They just require tall towers and routine maintenance. So does a car, and almost everyone has one of those too.
Many countries use solar power, almost all of them in fact, you just never hear about it, or see the panels in service. In the US alone there are over 100,000 homes and businesses using some level of solar power right now to operate at least some of their loads. That number is getting bigger as you read this by the way. I’ll list some sources you can check out below if you want to learn more. Take care 0077, Rudydoo
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Fund
Mark asks…
What is predicted to happen to the gas prices in california? will it ever drop?
What is predicted to happen to the gas prices in california? will it ever drop?
right now its like 5 bucks a gallon. is the price predicted to rise? when will the price start dropping again? which president do you think will help us stabilize our economy again and have decent prices for gas in california? it is outrageous.
maybe something bout US owning Antarctica? will that help the gas prices become more stable?
admin answers:
Sorry but high gas prices are here to stay until such a time exists that demand significantly decreases due to other options. The US produces about 3% of the oil on the market and we use about 25% of what is consumed worldwide. Today, China and India have a growing demand for cars and gas. Gas prices are about $9 a gallon in Europe so we really don’t have much room to complain. Both McCain and Obama will have their work cut out for them. Drilling off-shore will have no effect on gas prices for a long, long time other than some sort of immediate feel good sensation that our leaders are doing something. It will take 10 years before off-shore drilling will yield a drop. The best solution is for you and I to reduce our individual consumption and then support policies through your voting habits that fund alternative energy, conservation and sustainable living. The way I do that is to consolidate my car trips and my husband and I ride our bicycles to work. We thought about mileage when we purchased our vehicle 2 years ago, knowing that gas prices would go up (how could you not know???? I’ve known since I the oil embargo of 1973 and I was only 11!!!!) We live in the mountain southwest where it snows heavily in winter so we need an SUV and got a Honda Element, which is very fuel efficient. We voted to increase our sales tax locally to expand city bus service. The initiative passed and we hope to take the bus to work by next summer. The bottom line is that American lifestyles are going to have to change. Some people might tell you that such changes will set us down the road to a socialist way of life similar to Europe. Well I have traveled in Europe extensively and I don’t see them complaining about riding bicycles on municipally maintained bike paths and lanes or using public transit, which is fantastic. My travels suggest to me that middle class Europeans manage pretty well, despite having to pay $9 a gallon and use buses and trains to get to work and school. This is not outrageous, this is the real world.
William asks…
What are the benefits and limitations of the current method if nuclear waste disposal?
It is a long question.
If possible, please add details. If possible, because beggars can’t be choosers. I’d be thankful if you just wrote a sentence as long as it answers my question. Hell, I’d be thankful if you wrote a word.
This might be redundant, but thank you in advance for the people who answer.
admin answers:
A very important question due to the fact that the current method of dealing with high level radioactive waste is to safely contain it or isolate it from the human environment.
In fact to date, there is still no long term solution on how to safely dispose of radioactive nuclear waste.
What the governments don’t want us to know is:
1) Nuclear power is not as clean as they portray it to be.
2) Governments spend ten of millions of our tax dollars annually to promote nuclear energy as “clean”.
3) Tritium a by-product from nuclear power plants is routinely released into the air and water as a gas,; no filtering is economically feasible.
(Tritium is a carcinogen, causes radiogenic cancers, birth defects and genetic mutations)
4) Nuclear power is not sustainable technology.
5) Greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation due to uranium mining, milling and enrichment, transportation to power plants and storage facilities and storage maintenance is poisoning life on earth.
6) In the United States alone, geological data confirms that there are over 4,000 open pit and underground uranium mines, generating approximately 3 billion metric tons of toxic waste.
7) There is no safe storage or disposal solutions for the radioactive nuclear waste we produce on a daily basis.
8) Nuclear waste from spent fuel rods will remain radioactive for hundreds of thousands if not millions of years!
9) Nuclear power facilities worldwide are at risk of being attacked and or sabotaged as they make the perfect deadly weapon.
10) The term “Isolation” from the environment is relative due to the fact that radiation from the spent fuel will eventually be released into the biosphere over time.
The extreme longevity of nuclear waste is the one reason why we should not be producing it at all.
Until we discover a way to dispose of it safely or illiminate the waste completely a moratorium on the building of any more nuclear power facilities should be enforced.
Much research and funding has gone into the finding a viable solution to the nuclear waste problem.
Some of the proposals which have been very controversial and opposed have been;
Disposal of the radioactive waste deep below the earths surface in mined repositories deemed geologically sound.
This is the actual legal designated form of disposal to date, though it has not been demonstrated to be technically safe or infallable.
There have been other proposals in the past such as, shooting it up into space and burying it up underneath the polar ice caps.
One of the most troubling and insane ideas has been to bury it underneath the bedrock on the oceans floor. It would be almost impossible to monitor and it would take only one mistake to release and poison the earths oceans for millions of years.
Nuclear waste has been kept out of the publics mind and out of sight for the most part. This is done intentionally to avoid any opposition or public “watchdog” reviews.
It is the future of the planet that we are choosing to ignore when we let government and corporations take control of such an important issue. The nuclear power industry has only one objective, to make money! To promote their industry.
The more nuclear power plants built, the more radioactive waste the earth is going to be contaminated with.
Our future generations will be burdened with monitoring the millions of storage facilities littering the face of the earth.
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Your Questions About Renewable Energy
Betty asks…
why is it important to have renewable energy?
Which types of renewable energy are being utilized in the US and which are in the “design” phase?
admin answers:
One type of renewable energy for cars is the hydrogen fuel cell. Hydrogen is all around us making it easy to get, plus as an added bonus it doesn’t emit any CO2 emissions. The only thing that comes out of the exhaust is water. Honda has released a hydrogen fuel cell car for lease. It’s called the Honda FCX Clarity. There are four problems that need to be overcome with this source of energy. One is to make hydrogen fuel pumps easily available. Two is to make the car travel more than two hundred miles before refueling. Third is to make the Hydrogen more safe to transport. Hydrogen is more combustional than gasoline. And forth is to make the hydrogen cost a less.
Chris asks…
I am looking for renewable energy companies that trade on the stock market?
Does any one know any renewable Energy companies that trade on the stock market. I am having a hard time finding them.
Do you have any idea how I can find any more names?
admin answers:
Yahoo Finance or MSN Money are good and free tools you can use. Just search for ‘renewable energy’ or ‘green’ companies. Good example of one start up that is getting lots of attention is Beacon Corp (BCON).
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Solutions
Ruth asks…
If we do not come up with a policy to replace petoleum energy soon, what will happen?
The amount of oil that can be produced is peaking, and will soon be in decline, while energy demand will continue to rise. How do we need to manage things to prevent disaster?
admin answers:
For one perspective, read Eating Fossil Fuels: Oil, Food And the Coming Crisis in Agriculture by Dale Allen Pfeiffer. Unfortunately, I think this book is an example of “preaching to the choir.” I’m fairly out there in my thoughts on oil, the environment, and farming, but he had me shaking my head at times with his statements that, although cited, were never quoted. I also think that, for a nation steeped in individualism and entrenched in its ideas, pushing socialism as a way of recovery is simply not going to work. People immediately put up their mental blocks and dismiss any related ideas. But it’s a quick read and gives a bit of background to the oil and food connection.
Anyway, on to my own ideas of what will happen. Our nation is extremely dependent on a cheap and plentiful food supply, and the ability to have any type of food at any time of the year. We’ve forgotten about seasons. We’ve forgotten the taste of a fresh strawberry in June and squash in November. Why? Because we have them all the time. Already people are having hissy fits about the cost of food rising. It’s rising because we truck it in from all over–not only all over the country, but all over the world. Do I really need a banana from Chile? No. But we’ve come to expect it.
At the same time, we’re pouring oil over our crops. People are lifting up ethanol as the next big thing to replace petroleum. Ethanol from corn…corn that we douse with petroleum. How does that help? Ethanol is not a worthy replacement. As we cut back on petroleum, it seems to me we’ll have to stop using as much chemically-produced pesticide on our crops. In this society of industrial agriculture, that will mean lost crops. It will mean less corn to feed the cows. It will mean a rise in prices and a decrease in the shipping of food all over the world.
What can we do to prevent a collapse of our industrial agricultural model? Well, ok, I’m all for a collapse, but not for starving people. We need to change our system and mindset before we reach this point. First, we need a return to eating locally produced food. The fewer miles your food has traveled, the less petro is consumed. When we return to eating locally produced food, we will probably be supporting more small farms, most of whom use more sustainable methods–more crop rotation, less chemicals. We need to start planting community gardens so that people in the cities will have access to fresh produce. Urban communities are often poorer and often have less access to fresh vegetables and fruit. So when the cost of food goes up due to the price of oil, poor people suffer more and have less healthy additions. When we plant community gardens where people can participate and have their own plot to care for, people have more options for their diet–and we’re using those ugly vacant lots in our cities. I live in New Orleans and trust me, there are both plenty of poor people and plenty of vacant lots. It’s a grand solution.
Obviously there are so many more things that need to be done about our usage of petroleum. I’ll leave those answers to others. If we stop putting our food on planes and drenching our crops in chemicals, we’ll find a huge decrease in our petroleum usage.
John asks…
What difficulties do we face in deriving solutions to climate change?
I am trying to get started writing a paper but I need a little directional inspiration. I believe our main issue is the large disconnection many people feel from nature. And then of course the cost associated with putting policies in place to protect the environment and finding new effective sources of renewable energy.
admin answers:
The UN and IPCC have the solution for AGW/ACC – we only need to give them absolute totalitarian rule over the US and all other countries, and the problem is solved (in their own words). The IPCC is who are persenting AGW/ACC as being an issue.
If you want to know to know the intent behind AGW/ACC, read the entire answer, and read what they are saying in their own words quoted, so there can be no misunderstandings of their actual intent.
These are a few statements that are legally binding for the countries that surrender their rights to the UN COP. Segments of the expose are shown below, and an expanded expose is at:
http://www.climatechangedispatch.com/images/PDFs/UNFCCC-AWGLCA-objective.pdf
(though not a full list of their demands and aspirations)
(the COP is Conference of Parties, an established organization by the UN for a one world government, and “Convention” is the countries that surrender to the COP through the treaty.)
Page 39, #32
“Funds will be under the control of the COP as the supreme authority of the Convention.”
The COP will have unconditional, unrestricted power over the economy and society. Why is this stated if it is all about science, and nothing to do with a one world government and absolute global rule???
Page 18, #36
“..adoption and carrying out of public policies, as the prevailing instrument, to which the market rules and related dynamics should be subordinate, in order to assure the full, effective and sustained implementation of the Convention.”
Market rules and dynamics subordinate???? This IS what has caused the current global economic meltdown – Market rules and dynamics subordinate.
Page 7, #3
“a major obstacle to efforts to promote [sustainable] economic and social development [and to [reduce] poverty] [eradication] [promote poverty aliviation,] [which are the first and overriding priorities of all developing countries].”
If it about AGW, why is poverty eradication the primary and overriding priority????
Page 18, #38 (a)
” The government will be ruled by the COP”
Does the US want a foreign dictator to have absolute rule over society and the economy???
Page 29, (q)
“Any lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason to postpone or scale down action on adaptation];”
It is suppose to be about irrefutable science. Why would this be stated if there is any lack of certainty? – because it is all about a lack of science certainty for the claim of Global Warming.
Page 78, #4
“economic and social development and poverty eradication are the first and overriding priorities”
Poverty eradication again?? Stated many times. Isn’t this issue about saving the planet??
Page 87, #77
“A separate pool of funding to finance national coordinating bodies through a direct line item in the secretariat’s budget shall be established. Such support shall not be subject to measurement, reporting and verification.”
Poverty eradication is named numerous times. The COP will have absolute and unconditional authority, and billions of US dollars will be extorted to fund their pet projects and no one will know where the billions will go – i.e. Page 87, #77, second sentence – “Such support shall not be subject to measurement, reporting and verification.”
Check out this publication of exposing only a few segments and statements shown in full so there can be no misunderstanding of their intended objectives in the statements and what the sections translate to mean.
Http://www.climatechangedispatch.com/images/PDFs/UNFCCC-AWGLCA-objective.pdf
The full 181 page document is at:
http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2009/awglca7/eng/inf02.pdf
http://wattsupwiththat.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/un-fccc-copenhagen-2009.pdf
Is it really about AGW/ACC, or is AGW/ACC an invented issue as a means to an end as they have wanted for the last hundred years????? Giving absolute rule to dictators will be the result of signing the Copenhagen Treaty, or whatever name they give it at the time is the whole reason AGW/ACC exists. Actually, the whole reason AGW/ACC exists at all, is to get countries to sign the Copenhagen Treaty (like what the AGW/ACC promoters want), to give the UN COP absolute control over the US economy and society (in their own words below). They have drafted a 181 page document outlining that they will have absolute authority unquestioned and unaccountable to no one but themselves (in their own words).
Whether you like the answer or not, this is the whole reason AGW/ACC exists.
You should read how they will have ownership and absolute unchallenged control over land and all natural resources (oil, coal, gas, trees, minerals, farm lands, lakes, rivers, streams, and everything else). Yes, the UN would own and control your property and tell you what you can and can not do.
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Your Questions About Renewable Energy Companies
Linda asks…
To get into Renewable energy, what is the best degree for me to study?
Is it better to study ‘Green energy technology’ at Leicester uni, or study an engineering degree, probably electrical eng?
Or if there are any other courses you suggest….? and why?
Or is there any point wanting to go into the renewable energy sector? will we ever actually turn to green energies? or will big oil/gas/nuclear companies rule what we do, and not allow us to move forward in a green way?
admin answers:
If you REALLY want to help out the renewable energy sector, become a top-notch electrical engineer. Then, revolutionize our capacitor technology.
That is one of main things keeping renewables as a second-tier resource. With wind farms and solar stations especially, our present capacitor capabilities will forbid them from ever becoming anything more than an aid. They will NEVER be able to replace all the coal/oil/gas/nuclear… Unless you go out and design us some rockstar capacitors. Inefficient energy storage is the killer.
And those companies don’t “rule what we do.” C’mon now. Look at what renewables are actually capable of with our present technology. They are not a fantastic cure-alls.
Besides, power companies are diversifying their sources more and more everyday. GE and AREVA are huge energy players, and both are integrating renewables into the designs. Our energy sources will have to play nice with each other until our technology progresses further. It’s not all or nothing.
Susan asks…
Geothermal energy is often the great hope of renewable energy as it can be continuously and reliably produced?
Geothermal energy is often the great hope of renewable energy as it can be continuously and reliably produced 24/7. While it it has the best potential, it is very limited geographically. The best geothermal resources are in Alaska and California, and the best potential resources are west of the Rockies. How do we overcome the geographic limitations of geothermal energy?
admin answers:
The simple answer to your question is: ‘dig deeper in the ground.’ There are several companies out there at present that are willing to install geothermal energy suppies into the home. I live in England and I have had pumps installed in my gym. I save hundreds of pounds each year in electricity bills. Unfortunately I can only source my knowledge onto the e-book that I purchased but if you have any more questions about this please email me and I will answer the question to the best of my ability. Hope this helps.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Definition
Daniel asks…
Does nasa understand stars enough to attempt to create them in labs?
I’m guessing not, but the idea behind my question was if we could produce stars we could manipulate them for energy and possibly redirect their energy to move spacecraft at speeds close to if not as fast as the speed of light. What do you guys think?
admin answers:
Humans are making progress in creating sustainable fusion reactions (fusion is what fuels stars), but such a reaction could only be called a “star” in a figurative sense. It wouldn’t fit our definition of “star”.
Fusion has not yet become economical for electrical energy production and the ultimate goal of astronautical fusion based propulsion should be the creation of a ship which electrically charges ions using fusion (engine that uses charged particles for propulsion is known as either a plasma engine or ion drive), but it isn’t beyond our means to create a spacecraft with the raw power of fusion. The idea was thought up decades ago and is called Project Orion.
The idea behind Project Orion is to propel a spacecraft forward by detonating hydrogen bombs behind it. A large plate would be used to both protect the ship from the blast and catch the energy of the bomb, thus pushing the ship forward. Orion could feasibly propel itself so quickly that it could actually make it to Proxima Centauri (the closest star to Sol) in one human lifetime! The ship would have to be very large and thus it wouldn’t be practical to build it today, but it may be possible to blast the ship into orbit using its own propulsion system. The catch is that the ship propelling itself into orbit entails detonating many many nuclear warheads in Earth’s atmosphere, which is bad. Science preserve us if the ship and it’s stock of nuclear bombs crashes while lifting off. 🙁
P.S. – It is impossible to move a massive object faster than light. 😛
Charles asks…
What are the implications of green chemistry?
Hello, I got an assignment to do on green chemistry and there’s this part asking about the implications of green chemistry. Can you please help me out?
admin answers:
Here is Cal Berkeley’s (GO BEARS!!) definition
I am a Cal grad
http://bcgc.berkeley.edu/newchem
Green chemistry is the design, production and use of chemical products that:
Utilize sustainable raw materials completely and efficiently
Minimizes waste and energy consumption in product production
Creates useful and long-lasting products
Produces products that are environmentally benign through recycling or natural degradation
Sustainability is achieved by stressing chemical efficiency throughout the life cycle of chemical products, from inception to disposal.
Driving Research
From designing nanostructured solar cells to the production of new cancer fighting drugs, all chemical design, production and use can benefit from the application of the basic principles of sustainability and green chemistry. Chemists and chemical engineers realize the importance of sustainable design principles and are the key player who can effectively use green chemistry principles to address the challenges presented by resource shortages, chemical waste and toxicity, and climate change.
Training Leaders
Our goal is to bring about a generational transformation in society’s production and use of chemicals and chemical products, We have a unique opportunity to teach societies’ future leaders to think about critical new technologies and to advance the principles of green chemistry and sustainability because more than half of all Berkeley undergraduates take at least one laboratory chemistry course. If other universities and colleges follow Berkeley’s lead, in another generation the principles and practices of green chemistry will be second nature to chemical industry practitioners, chemists and chemical engineers, regulators and policy makers, and to educators.
Transforming Curriculum
To meet the demands of 21st Century education, we are redesigning and rebuilding our undergraduate chemistry and chemical engineering teaching labs. This effort is fully integrated with changes in our curriculum to communicate the fundamentals of laboratory science- including the principles and practice of green chemistry- while including topical applications that demonstrate the central role of molecular thinking in virtually every scientific discipline. As a result of these efforts, the College of Chemistry will remain a national role for safe, sustainable, efficient, and inspiring laboratory education for decades to come.
Innovating Responsibly
With a growing world population, and with standards of living rising in many formerly poor countries, the demand for chemical products will continue to skyrocket. Using today’s technologies, it is becoming difficult to meet this demand while protecting human health and the world’s environment. The way forward is to advance new research methods and capabilities that build sustainability into chemical design processes from their inception, and to create new chemical technologies that minimize environmental and public health problems while producing the products that society demands.
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Your Questions About Renewable Energy Jobs
Michael asks…
Which Republican Candidate Supports Renewable Energy the Most?
Howdy,
I’m a fan of renewable energy and protecting the environment by use of solar, wind, and hydro power. Which republican candidate that is still in the running supports this idea the most?
Thanks!
admin answers:
None of the GOP candidates support renewable energy as a priority. They all agree we need to locate and drill new gas and oil reserves, even if it means destroying protected areas and poisoning our groundwater and air. Renewable energy is a secondary concern that needs to be researched in the event we run out of nuclear power, gas and oil.
Only our sitting President realizes that sacrifices will have to be made for the good of all and that included mainlining Renewable Energy programs and research.
Youngsters, meaning those who answered this question.
1. There are many types of renewable energy. Solar Power is only one type. Yes China can produce things cheaper than we can and their workers are available 24/7, but renewable energy is easier to produce where it is used. The GOP, including the current Candidates are in bed with the Oil and Gas Companies. Who do think is support their Pacs?
To the other answerers:
1. There are many types of renewable energy. Solar Power is only one type. Yes China can produce things cheaper than we can and there workers are available 24/, but renewable energy is easier and cheaper to produce and supply where it is used.
2. Building the sources and selling renewable energy will create more permanent jobs. The GOP is in bed with the Oil & Gas Companies companies.
3. No matter who is elected as President, you will be free to used any type of energy that is available in your area or that you can supply or build yourself. We live in a democracy.
2. Building the sources and selling renewable energy will create more permanent jobs. The GOP is in bed with the Oil & Gas Companies companies.3
3. No matter who is elected as President, you will be free to use any type of energy that is available in your area or that you can supply or build yourself. We live in a democracy.
Lisa asks…
What can I do with a degree in renewable energy?
Illinois State University has a bachelor’s degree option of Renewable Energy. What can I do with this degree if I pursue it?
admin answers:
It depends on exactly what the degree teaches you, but green energy is in higher and higher demand, and the field is on the verge of exploding. I’d say it’s an excellent degree to get as far as job opportunities after graduation.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Development
Donna asks…
What can be essential support for sustainable development?
i got this question for my project work and i don’t seem to have any idea about this topic,so plz help me out with this(it would be more helpful if you can list out some of the imp support base for sustainble development in 1,2,3 order).thanks in advance
admin answers:
It’s a pretty broad question, not sure what the original asker is looking for…………
But in general for ‘sustainable development’ you need…….
Land or real estate to expand into.
Water source and access to all utilities.
Access to infrastructure (roads, bridges, tunnels).
Reliable and updateable energy source.
Economic growth and a population with jobs and money to continue to grow.
Lizzie asks…
What other energy efficient/sustainable courses can I take other than LEED?
I want to become an Energy Efficient/Sustainable Consultant. I check the USGBC website daily for courses in NYC for after the summer to no avail. I am interested in taking any other course that pertains to energy efficiency and sustainability. So far, I have checked NYSERDA’s website and the AEA’s website; however, they have no courses available for after the summer.
Can someone please let me know where energy efficient/sustainable courses are taught in NYC?
admin answers:
I don’t any in NYC, but I just earned an AAS. Degree in Sustainable Development @ College of Menominee Nation in Wisconsin. As far as i know CMN is one the only schools in the midwest of offer a dedicated program about sustainability.
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Your Questions About Renewable Energy Certificates
Lisa asks…
Am able to create Renewable energy certificates?
I recently bought a house that has a solar system installed. It’s one that feeds power into the grid.
Am I able to create REC’s? I stumbled accross some info online today, and so far it seems a confusing mess to me, It did seem to indicate that renewable energy from solar systems allows you to create REC’s which can then be sold.
admin answers:
Yes it’s possible, check this
www.recs.org
Donna asks…
what is Renewable Energy Certificate Programs?
what is Renewable Energy Certificate Programs?
admin answers:
They are programs designed to give you the training needed to pass entry level certification in renewable energy fields.
NAPCEP is on of the best known independent testing bodies, and many companies are available to provide training.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy For All
Lisa asks…
What are some good jobs for recent non-science, liberal arts grads?
I’m very interested in sustainable energy, alternative energy, wind, solar, etc. I want to work somewhere exciting. I’d really like to own my own company but coming up with money to start is tough.
admin answers:
I just had to chime in after reading chuckles’ ridiculous, uninspired answer. Does she think that everyone running the company is a scientist? Of course not. They need salespeople, marketing people, SEO experts, and so on, just as most companies of all sorts have.
Let’s talk about salespeople. Most successful companies look at *everyone* as a salesperson. Forget the retail store salesperson stereotype. In the green industry, salespeople are *consultants* who solve problems for their customers.
You’ve picked the right industry. Obama will be focusing a large amount of gov’t resources in this sector.
I hope this helps you.
PaymentKey.com
Linda asks…
Where can I buy a nice men’s hoodie that benefits an environmental cause?
I’ve been checking the sites of the Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Fund, etc., and I can’t seem to turn up any nice-looking men’s hoodies. My boyfriend’s an environmentalist, so I’d like to get him something that would also benefit a cause he believes in, like helping nature or wildlife or sustainable energy, that sort of thing. Any ideas? There must be somewhere I’m not thinking of.
admin answers:
Why don’t you get him a donation to the Nature Conservancy or the National Wildlife Fund? You can skip the jacket all together and give the max to the environment.
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Your Questions About Renewable Energy Definition
Ruth asks…
What is energy efficiency? How might we measure it, particularly as it relates to GDP?
What happened to US energy efficiency between 1984 and 2005?
admin answers:
“Energy efficiency definition includes all possible methods, techniques, and principles that could lead to more efficient energy use and help decrease global energy demand”, here’s more info
http://www.renewables-info.com/energy_definitions/energy_efficiency_definition.html
Paul asks…
What’s the difference between Conventional, Conventional Alternatives, and Non-conventional energy alternative?
I’m doing some research and have trouble distinguishing the difference between these three types of energy sources.
So far, I have Conventional energy widely used/practical energy sources like oil, gas and coal. My assumption is that they’re the primary ‘standard’ energy sources the world currently uses for their electricity and power since the industrial revolution.
I’m having trouble with the next two energy sources..
Conventional Alternatives, I put that at energy sources that produce less environmental waste and could be used to replace conventional energy sources. An example would be biofuels being used to replace oil/gas for cars. I guess Nuclear power could go under this energy source as it could be used to replace coal in North America but places like France have 90% of their cities powered by Nuclear – would this mean it’s a conventional energy source for France and a conventional alternative to North America? I don’t know..
As for Non-conventional energy.. I put this at energy sources that produce the least amount of environmental waste but are completely unpractical to implement. My example would be hydrogen powered cars because there is no current infrastructure to support Hydrogen fuel gas stations if consumers were to buy them.
I’m just purely guessing here – please share if you disagree or agree with my definition. Also If anybody knows what category other energy sources like wind, solar, and thermal energy belong to, I’ll be super grateful.
admin answers:
Hey Fud, you have a bit of a mess there with definitions. Let me try to explain some of it. The term, “Conventional Energy,” is basically what you have written already. In most cases, it refers to fossil fuel based energies. You have to be careful with this, I’ll explain. Alternative Energy is any energy source that is used to replace a conventional energy source in order to offset the negative side effects of the conventional source. A simple example of this is switching from coal heat in an older home to natural gas. It is less polluting, more efficient, and costs less. Another example, however, was when coal became an alternative energy source for wood in industrial applications in the last century. So in a way, coal could fit into the category of alternative energy, depending on the context.
Your next one, “Conventional Alternative,” is not something I’ve ever heard thrown around in our circles here. It sounds like the news men who refer to airline pilots as, “Fully Qualified.” Most of the airlines I know do not have any partially qualified ones hanging around, but still that phrase shows up on the news a lot. My guess is that coal alternative I just mentioned might be one of those, a conventional fuel used in an alternative way, but I would just be guessing too. I think Non conventional would be the same as Alternative. Conventional Alternative sounds like Jumbo Shrimp to me.
The phrase you haven’t mentioned is the one that is most common in our circles here, “Renewable Energy.” This refers to any energy source that does not deplete with use, it, “renews itself,” over time, hence the name. Solar, wind, hydro and geothermal are the ones I am familiar with.
If you’re wondering where I’m getting all this, it’s because about 10 years ago we decided to convert our home over to wind and solar power. So our home would fit in the alternative category as well as the renewable category. People that grow their own tomatoes rather than buying them at the market know a great deal about soil ph, watering, sunlight and fertilizer, they have to. People that grow their own electrons instead of buying them from the power company have a similar curse, they want to know where each one comes from and where it’s used. So in the end, you learn a bunch of stuff that you can’t really use anyplace else.
I suspect if you’ve been reading these things in popular periodicals like Popular Science, Home and Garden, or the newspaper, you’re just getting caught up in their vernacular on the subject. If you want to go to the source, I will include some places below you can look for more information. Hope this helps. Good luck, and take care.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Companies
Donna asks…
how to look ahead to a sustainable future?
What is going on with a sustainable future? What are the problems associated with this and what can be done to solve it? What are real world examples?
admin answers:
Basically a sustainable future would be one in which the majority of resources and energy sources we utilize are renewable, coupled with disposing wisely of waste (and reducing the amount of waste made in the first place), managing land responsibly and eliminating air, water and soil pollution. Renewable forms of energy include bio-fuel, solar, wind, hydro, and some would argue things like methane harvesting, hydrogen, and nuclear. This would include phasing out and ultimately getting rid of fossil fuels, which all pollute when “burned” to make energy (admittedly some far less than others) and are finite (i.e. Not renewable; once they are gone, they are gone). The mining/drilling to harvest them has a significant environmental impact as well. Renewable resources would include plant based plastic products & fabrics, fast-growing tree varieties that don’t deplete the soil, utilizing materials that can easily and cheaply be recycled again and again, etc. Better waste management also goes back to recycling and reusing (for instance millions of items are thrown out every year that could be donated to thrift stores, homeless shelters, etc) but also reducing the amount of unnecessary waste by producing products that are more durable, with less packaging that can be recycled when they are no longer able to be repaired.
Problems with achieving more sustainability include the following:
1.Resistance to phasing out fossil fuels – many of the economic and political powers of our time are involved with the fossil fuel industries in some way and are afraid of losing their fortunes. They fight to keep regulations weak and ultimately to work against renewable energy sources being researched, refined and widely implemented. The average American also does not want to pay more for alternative fuel or for a vehicle that will use it, even if the long term savings make up for (increased mpg, longevity, etc). Thus there is not a push on the government or large corporations to research alternative energy or improve mass transit (as it is in Europe).
2.Poor land management – for instance reducing meat consumption would reduce the needed amount of farm animals, reducing the demand on the grain supply. The grain we feed animals for meat would feed thousands of times more people than it does animals. We also need to think about WHAT we plant for renewable resources – for instance using all corn for ethanol and bio-fuels has jacked up the price of corn for countries that use it for food and has severely decreased bio-diversity (having a wide variety of crops), which is very bad for the soil. It has other economic factors as well. We also have to consider the way we farm – are we polluting the soil and rivers with runoff?
3.Laziness and apathy – People don’t want to do anything that takes extra time, money or effort; they don’t want to recycle, read labels, lobby companies and politicians for greener products and policies, pay a little more for organic or for an electric vehicle, etc. People believe the convenient lies some people weave about global warming being a face and pollution not being a “big deal” (or the often heard idea “I’ll be dead when it’s really bad so it doesn’t matter” or “one person can’t make a difference”) because then they don’t feel bad about themselves or their choices.
4.Lack of government initiative to “green” the country, even on a local level – many municipalities, and the state and federal governments as a whole, don’t put the effort into promoting green policies, renewable energy and conservation necessary to fuel real change. In the same way many Americans did not want racial equality but the government passed the Civil Right Act to force it, the government needs to step in and legislate green concerns. The conservative body always decries the government being involved in people’s lives, but frankly many people are selfish and uninformed and won’t “do the right thing” unless forced. We can’t sit back and do nothing about a huge problem just people don’t want to be told what to do like spoiled teenagers. Because the government doesn’t push harder regulations, or offer better incentives, the corporate sector is not willing to invest in utilizing or developing green technology, keeping it expensive and not easily accessible.
James asks…
How could world energy consumption be more evenly distributed?
I know that my family uses alot of extra energy and I think its safe to assume other American families also consume more energy than neccessary. But how exactly will me turning off the lights when I leave give third world countries energy. Also alot of developing countries lack clean water because purifying water requires energy some parts of the world just don’t have, should more developed countries step in, if so how?
admin answers:
>How could world energy consumption be more evenly distributed?
Make the poor areas more prosperous! Stop thinking of energy consumption as a driver, it is a consequence.
>But how exactly will me turning off the lights when I leave give third world countries energy
It would have almost zero effect. But what about if everyone used 10% less power and sent the money that would have gone to the power company to some organization working on providing clean drinking water to third world countries?
>should more developed countries step in, if so how?
They have! Particularly the US has spent a lot of money over a long period of time. With very little to show for it.
The problem is it is extremely difficult to “give” prosperity to someone in the long run. This is true of both individuals and countries. This seems to be human nature.
The key seems to be changing the culture/mindset of the recipients to make improvements sustainable. But doing so is not only difficult, it’s politically incorrect.
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Your Questions About Renewable Energy World
Sandra asks…
How much money was made from renewable energy 2011?
I’m trying to see how much money was made from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
admin answers:
Thats a good question. Perhaps not as much was made as was spent developing those sources. Renewable energy has been a prevailing issue due to our energy dependence and the high cost of oil. While the high cost of oil makes huge amounts of money for oil companies and OPEC, we will undoubtedly one day have to resort to the use of alternative and renewable energy to power our vehicles along with other modes of transportation as well as heat our homes and generate electricity for households and businesses. My speculation is that we will continue to use light sweet crude until the wells in the middle east run dry and then develop corn ethanol and become the primary exporter of fuel in the world bwahahahaha
Sandy asks…
Which renewable energy source has the greatest net energy yield?
Which renewable energy source has the greatest net energy yield?
A. Solar Energy
B. Hydroelectric
C. Wind
D. Biomass
E. Hydrogen Fuel
F. Geothermal
And please explain why you picked the answer , for example :
F , Geothermal , this is beacuse …….
Thanks , i need the answer+explaination by tonight .
admin answers:
Geothermal As A Green Energy Source
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Geothermal energy is energy obtained by tapping heat from the earth itself. This comes from magma and the radioactive decay of uranium, thorium, and potassium.
The downside to geothermal energy is the fact that it is expensive to build. On the other hand, because the earth’s crust continuously decays replenishing the heat, it is still a renewable source of energy.
There are three types of geothermal plants around. These are namely dry steam, flash, and binary.
Dry steam plants take steam out of fractures in the ground and use it to directly drive a turbine that spins a generator.
Flash plants take on water at temperatures over 200 °C, out of the ground, and allows it to boil as it rises to the surface then separates the steam phase in steam/water separators which runs the steam through a turbine to generate electricity.
Last, you have binary plants. Here, hot water flows through heat exchangers and that boiling organic fluid is what spins the turbine.
Once power is generated, the condensed steam and remaining geothermal fluid from all three types of plants are injected back into the hot rock to pick up more heat.
Geothermal plants are used operational in different parts of the globe. These are usually located in geologically unstable parts of the planet. You can see some in Chile, Iceland, New Zealand, United States, the Philippines and Italy. At home, two most prominent areas for this are in the Yellowstone basin and in northern California.
If you were to compare the amount of energy collected from geothermal to solar, you still get more from the sun. Despite that, people should still use it since solar energy cannot be harnessed when the clouds block the sun’s rays from reaching the solar panels.
Geothermal energy is a green energy source just like wind, hydropower and biofuel because it is a renewable. By maximizing its potential, we don’t have to worry about the price of oil in the world market when it hit more than $110 a barrel and is now under $40 in the world market.
But that is not the only thing we should be concerned about. We should also do our best to protect the environment given that coal fired and nuclear power plants produce harmful gases and radioactive waste that may cause to people and the surrounding areas.
———————————————————————————————————————————————–
Why Is Hydropower A Green Energy Source?
Why is hydropower a green energy source? It is because we are able to harness electrical power by converting water into electricity.
The use of hydroelectric power or even hydroelectricity dates back to Ancient Greece and China when they installed waterwheels in rapidly flowing rivers to turn millstones and other equipment. Years later, this was used in the New World which is now known as North America to power saws and other equipment.
But the hydroelectric plants of today still use the same basic principles as the historical waterwheel with some variations. The difference is that we use the force of the power to push the turbine which in turn powers a generator thus generating electricity.
To make sure that there is a steady flow of power being produced, a dam has to be built to retain the water. If there is a need for more power, the gates of the dam are opened so water can be released. During non-peak, the gates are closed. To ensure there is water at all times, some dams have a recovery and pumping systems to the water released can be used again.
There are issues with the use of hydroelectricity. Some claim that it poses a problem for fish and aquatic plants on both sides of the dam. Because the flow of water has been altered, the nutrient rich silt which helps crops grow could be affected which is exactly what happened when the Aswan Dam was completed in Egypt.
Lastly, you have ocean thermal energy. Here, you get power based on the different temperatures in the water. For this to work, you need at least 38 degrees Fahrenheit difference between the warmer surface water and the colder deep ocean water. Still in the trial stage, it is used Japan and Hawaii.
Hydropower is a green energy source. It is safe to use and what is even better is that it is renewable.
———————————————————————————————————————————————–
My answer is : Hydro and Geothermal
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Fund
Sandra asks…
What is the difference between democrats and republicans?
What is the difference between democrats and republicans? I really don’t understand the difference and why some people hate republicans and why some people hate democrats.
admin answers:
These are only broad generalizations and any one Democrat or Republican may differ from their party on a particular issue.
Social:
Abortion – Democrats believe a woman should be allowed to terminate a pregnancy, Republicans support the life of the fetus
Homosexuality – Democrats wish to extend rights to homosexuals (right to adopt, legalize civil unions or same-sex marriage, right to serve openly in the military), Republicans believe granting rights to homosexuals will destroy the traditional (man + woman) family structure and harm children
Guns – Republicans oppose most gun control laws. Most Democrats support some measure of gun control, though this varies widely from politician to politician. Many are in complete agreement with Republicans, many would be satisfied with only stricter enforcement of current laws and closing the gun-show loophole, and many want further restricted access.
Environment – Democrats are in favor of policies that would limit the omission of carbon dioxide and develop sustainable energy. This is an area where many Republicans disagree with each other. Some deny there is climate change, some accept climate change but do not this human activity is responsible, and some accept that human activity has led to climate change. Of those in the last group, some support government action to reduce human impact on the environment, others do not.
Economic:
Taxes: Democrats favor of a more progressive tax system (one in which a person pays a larger percentage the more they make) and want to raise taxes on those making $250,000 per year or more. Republicans favor keeping taxes at the levels passed under President Bush or cutting them. This is one area where the rhetoric of both parties does not match well with the numbers, as the actual difference in percentages is quite small (about 4% for the top bracket) when compared with historical income tax data.
Public spending: Both parties support continuing Medicare. Most Democrats support some expansion of government health coverage. Republicans oppose further government involvement in the health sector. Democrats support more funding for food stamps, unemployment, Medicaid etc. Than do the Republicans. Democrats support continuing government-run Social Security. Republicans have a mixed record and under President Bush pushed the idea of Social Security privatization. Democrats are in favor of spending on infrastructure. Some Republicans favor these programs and some do not.
Labor: Democrats support the Employee Free Choice Act while Republicans believe it would lead to coercion on the part of unions and harm businesses. Democrats favor raising the minimum wage while many Republicans feel this would also harm businesses.
Corporate regulations: Democrats generally favor increased regulations in the private sector. Republicans generally oppose restriction on the free market.
Government spending in general: Both parties, particularly the Republicans, vocally support curtailing government spending. However, neither party does much on this front. In modern times, Presidents Reagan and George W. Bush have been the highest spenders in percentage of GDP. Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Clinton have been some of the more fiscally conservative. President Obama’s first year in office was marked by high spending. Democrats say this spending was necessary, using the New Deal as a historical model. Republicans say that increasing the debt will further harm the economy. Both parties usually blame the other when it comes to spending.
Foreign policy and homeland security:
Iraq: Many Democrats supported the invasion, many did not. Democrats have favored deescalation since before the 2004 elections. Agreements to begin the withdrawal of troops were begun under President Bush.
Afghanistan: Some Democrats support increased troop involvement in Afghanistan – which President Obama ran under – some favor withdrawal. Republican in general support escalation.
International relations: Democrats favor increased diplomacy with both allies and enemies. Republicans feel the tone of the Obama administration has been too apologetic and hurts American security.
Gitmo: Democrats are in favor of closing Gitmo and sending the prisoners to other facilities, some within the United States. They are opposed to techniques such as waterboarding. Many Republicans are opposed to closing Gitmo, although President Bush and John McCain as a candidate both supported closing it. Many Republicans believe enhanced interrogation techniques helped security, though there are notable exceptions such as John McCain.
Privacy vs. Security: Democrats are vocally opposed to any infringements on civil rights, such as NSA warrantless surveillance and provisions under the Patriot Act. Republicans feel such actions are necessary to protect citizens.
George asks…
What is your position on the use of taxpayer dollars to fund green energy companies?
admin answers:
If it was a form of energy that is sustainable, and actually works, and the company actually makes a profit, then I have no problem with it. I just have a problem with politicians giving the money away as political favors.
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Your Questions About Renewable Energy For Kids
Richard asks…
What percentage of our energy production is Renewable?
UK energy that is. And what are we going to be using to reach government plans of 20% by 2020?
admin answers:
It was 5% in 2007 so yes about 6%. Someone in the gov. Ought to have a word with the planners, they are stuck in the 19th century. Whilre they were at it they could find out why we are still paying 17 1/2 % vat (luxury level!) for solar panels, wind turbines, insulation even. Outrageous.
The big idea is offshore wind, but shell just pulled funding for the big one planned off east coast (dogger bank) and the gov. Dont seem keen to put anything up for it.
Microgeneration would be a big part of reaching the target, but that would makke us less dependant on the big comanies and the national grid….. Oh maybe the vat thing (and lack of grants) makes sense….
They want to kid us nuclear is renewable ha! If you greenwash and add in that 20 odd per cent plus the 4% we import from france, we dont seem to be doing too badly……
And as for carbon capture… Dont get me started
Daniel asks…
How are some ways kids can go Green?
This world is an awesome place and we all need to go greener what are some ways kids can help?
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
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy
Donald asks…
How much does a sustainable energy home cost to build?
I am contemplating buying/building a house, for the first time, with no deadline. I haven’t selected a site yet (I know that changes things) but I want to know what I can expect. How does the intial cost of a sustainable energy home typically compare with a less green option?
admin answers:
This of course depends on a lot of different factors. But… For the most part it really doesn’t cost as much as many people think. Since you are building a home instead of trying to remodel a home it makes things much less expensive. Many people think that to be “sustainable” everything needs to be run entirely off of solar and will cost a fortune. This is very wrong.
First you need to figure out where most of the energy in your home is going to be used.
1. Heating/cooling
2. Water heating
3. Major appliances
4. Lighting & smaller appliances
So if you can reduce the energy needed by the largest energy users you can almost elminate your energy bill.
Solutions…
Like the first person answered, GEOTHERMAL heating/cooling system. This is something that anyone building a new home that has enough yard to bury some pipes should get. My sister just built a house with one of these systems and it only cost them $3000 more than a traditional system and they will have twice the heating/cooling power. And the system will have paid for itself after 3 years.
The department of energy’s page about Geothermal heat pumps
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12640
2nd… Heating your water. This is another huge energy use in the home. This can also be done using some Geothermal systems or you can go solar. Using solar Thermal collectors is a great way to heat your water. This method has been used for a long time and is also used in industrial situations for hotels and outdoor swimming pools. A new system for residential can cost around $5000.
Http://www.solarroofs.com/purchase/index.html#C
Check out this company just for kicks, they build some of the biggest solar heating systems in the world for resorts and Olympic pools.
Http://www.heliocol.com/commercial/commercial1.html
Spending more on better isulation, windows, and doors is another way to save on energy. People don’t realize how much of a difference that can make. You save maybe $20-50 on a cheaper window but in the long run you would be saving a LOT more by getting the better one.
You can add energy generating devices to your home for a lot less than you might think. And by using the solutions above the remaining energy needs should be significantly reduced. A grid-tied windmill that can supply 1000+ KWH a month is only about $5000.
Places like this offer packages for all types.
Http://www.wholesalesolar.com/complete-systems.html
Most of the places I listed here offer assistance or install by professionals but you can also do a lot of it yourself without having to go to school to know how.
Susan asks…
How much does a sustainable energy home cost to build?
I am contemplating buying/building a house, for the first time, with no deadline. I haven’t selected a site yet (I know that changes things) but I want to know what I can expect. How does the intial cost of a sustainable energy home typically compare with a less green option?
admin answers:
This of course depends on a lot of different factors. But… For the most part it really doesn’t cost as much as many people think. Since you are building a home instead of trying to remodel a home it makes things much less expensive. Many people think that to be “sustainable” everything needs to be run entirely off of solar and will cost a fortune. This is very wrong.
First you need to figure out where most of the energy in your home is going to be used.
1. Heating/cooling
2. Water heating
3. Major appliances
4. Lighting & smaller appliances
So if you can reduce the energy needed by the largest energy users you can almost elminate your energy bill.
Visit this site, this maybe helpful for you
http://buildyourownhomeenergy.blogspot.com/
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Your Questions About Renewable Energy Jobs
Lisa asks…
Can you get a job in renewable energy engineering with a civil engineering degree?
Or more generally, are there any engineering degrees which wouldnt qualify me to work in renewable energy engineering?
admin answers:
It depends on which subdivion of civil engineering you are in, structural, construction, environmental, transportation, or hydrology. I think environmental are more related to renewable energy engineering than the others in terms of the stuff people are doing in that discipline. Also, as far as I know there are many graduate programs regarding energy offered within civil engineering department in many universities.
George asks…
what career should I choose to work on builiding science and renewable energy?
Hi I would like to work on building science like install panel solars,wind and you know building science also I want to star a business sell products of renewable energy like solar panels,wind,hydro,etc.
So which career can fit in those jobs? thanks
admin answers:
Good for you! If you like to actually work on and reinvent the renewable technological devices yourself, you should get into electrical engineering in order to understand how everything works in an electrical system and further invent ways to improve it. You always can start a business later one after you have some good working experience with the renewable energy products.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Solutions
Jenny asks…
What would be an energy chain for wind energy?
I basically know the energy chain, but I want to see what other people have to say. When I say energy chain I mean like mechanical-thermal-electrical- etc.
admin answers:
Energy efficiency and renewable energy are said to be the twin pillars of sustainable energy. Some ways in which sustainable energy has been defined are:
“Effectively, the provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. …Sustainable Energy has two key components: renewable energy and energy efficiency.” – Renewable Energy and Efficiency Partnership (British)
“Dynamic harmony between equitable availability of energy-intensive goods and services to all people and the preservation of the earth for future generations.” And, “the solution will lie in finding sustainable energy sources and more efficient means of converting and utilizing energy.”
“Any energy generation, efficiency & conservation source where: Resources are available to enable massive scaling to become a significant portion of energy generation, long term, preferably 100 years..” – Invest, a green technology non-profit organization.
“Energy which is replenishable within a human lifetime and causes no long-term damage to the environment.”
Daniel asks…
What is the solution to global warming if the causes are natural?
If global warming is from natural causes as opposed to human activity, what would be some solutions? Is it any different?
admin answers:
… This may help:
Solutions to Global Warming
Reducing your family’s heat-trapping emissions does not mean forgoing modern conveniences; it means making smart choices and using energy-efficient products, which may require an additional investment up front, but often pay you back in energy savings within a couple of years.
1.The car you drive: the most important personal climate decision.
When you buy your next car, look for the one with the best fuel economy in its class. Each gallon of gas you use is responsible for 25 pounds of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. Better gas mileage not only reduces global warming, but will also save you thousands of dollars at the pump over the life of the vehicle. Compare the fuel economy of the cars you’re considering and look for new technologies like hybrid engines.
2.Choose clean power. More than half the electricity in the United States comes from polluting coal-fired power plants. And power plants are the single largest source of heat-trapping gas. None of us can live without electricity, but in some states, you can switch to electricity companies that provide 50 to 100 percent renewable energy
3.Look for Energy Star. When it comes time to replace appliances, look for the Energy Star label on new appliances (refrigerators, freezers, furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters use the most energy). These items may cost a bit more initially, but the energy savings will pay back the extra investment within a couple of years. Household energy savings really can make a difference: If each household in the United States replaced its existing appliances with the most efficient models available, we would save $15 billion in energy costs and eliminate 175 million tons of heat-trapping gases.
4.Unplug a freezer.
One of the quickest ways to reduce your global warming impact is to unplug the extra refrigerator or freezer you rarely use (except when you need it for holidays and parties). This can reduce the typical family’s carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 10 percent.
5.Get a home energy audit.
Take advantage of the free home energy audits offered by many utilities. Simple measures, such as installing a programmable thermostat to replace your old dial unit or sealing and insulating heating and cooling ducts, can each reduce a typical family’s carbon dioxide emissions by about 5 percent.
6.Light bulbs matter.
If every household in the United States replaced one regular light bulb with an energy-saving model, we could reduce global warming pollution by more than 90 billion pounds over the life of the bulbs; the same as taking 6.3 million cars off the road. So, replace your incandescent bulbs with more efficient compact fluorescents, which now come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll be doing your share to cut back on heat-trapping pollution and you’ll save money on your electric bills and light bulbs.
7.Think before you drive.
If you own more than one vehicle, use the less fuel-efficient one only when you can fill it with passengers. Driving a full minivan may be kinder to the environment than two midsize cars. Whenever possible, join a carpool or take mass transit.
8.Buy good wood.
When buying wood products, check for labels that indicate the source of the timber. Supporting forests that are managed in a sustainable fashion makes sense for biodiversity, and it may make sense for the climate too. Forests that are well managed are more likely to store carbon effectively because more trees are left standing and carbon-storing soils are less disturbed.
9.Plant a tree.
You can also make a difference in your own backyard. Get a group in your neighborhood together and contact your local arborist or urban forester about planting trees on private property and public land. In addition to storing carbon, trees planted in and around urban areas and residences can provide much-needed shade in the summer, reducing energy bills and fossil fuel use.
Naturally Occurring Warming
Volcanic Eruptions
Large volcanic eruptions can throw so much dust into the sky that the dust acts as a shield to solar radiation and causes a cooling trend in the atmosphere. You probably can’t remember such an eruption as they are rare and infrequent occurances.
Sunspots
Changes in the Earth’s solar radiation levels can have some impact on the Earth’s climate. Increased solar activity can cause short-term warming cycles on the Earth.
The Wobbly Earth
As the Earth spins, it does not achieve perfect rotation. It actually wobbles slightly, thus alternately exposing the northern and southern latitudes to more and less solar radiation. This wobble in the Earth’s rotation has been causing changes in the temperature of the atmosphere for many millions of years.
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Your Questions About Renewable Energy Certificates
Joseph asks…
What kinds of jobs can this renewable energy certificate get me?
The courses that are required are chemistry fundamentals, basic electricity, applied alternative and renewable energy, and technical math 2. It’s a 14 credit program.
admin answers:
Go to http://www.monster.com
Maria asks…
What kind of jobs can this renewable energy certificate get me?
The courses that are required are chemistry fundamentals, basic electricity, applied alternative and renewable energy, and technical math 2. It’s a 14 credit program.
Thanks for the spam. I reported you.
admin answers:
Perhaps as an aide to ——
Agricultural scientists.
Some types of
scientists work to improve agriculture.
Crop scientists study the genetic breeding
and management of field crops. Soil sci-
entists use soil physics, soil chemistry,
and soil microbiology to enhance soil fer-
tility and the growth of plants. Agrono-
mists develop practical applications for
discoveries in plant and soil science to
produce high quality food.
Other scientists
. There are many other
branches of science. Geologists study the
history and composition of our planet, in-
cluding volcanoes and earthquakes.
Oceanographers study the oceans and
their movements. Meteorologists study
the atmosphere, and some make weather
predictions. Astronomers study the uni-
verse, trying to gain knowledge about the
stars, planets, and galaxies.
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