We all can expect to see a steady increase in reports like this, i.e., attempts to quantify the costs of climate change; this one from the U.S. GAO (Government Accountability Office) points to the $350 billion that was lost over the last decade due to flood damage and crop loss. There are numerous and, I believe, irreconcilable problems with such reports, however: (more…)
What are the limits of free speech, as protected by the First Amendment? This is a touchy subject, especially today, with the White Supremacists demanding (and receiving) speaking platforms at our universities. Where does a civilized society draw the line? (more…)
You are well-aware of the importance of insulating your home. You’d love to see your energy bills go down, maintain a moisture-free barrier — and hey — it wouldn’t hurt to enjoy a bit more quiet.
Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It protects against mold and air leaks. It also blocks noise, which, with a busy family in an open floor plan, can be game-changing. (more…)
Gun control is once again a current topic; it’s a theme that recurs in the U.S. on a regular basis as new mass shooting every few days claims more innocent lives, and leaves a new stream of grief and anger in its wake. (more…)
As far as I can discern, Americans are unique in the world for their capacity to vote against their own interests. This is not some weird speculation; it’s a subject that has been thoroughly explored by people a heck of a lot smarter than I’ll ever be. In fact, here are 33.9 million webpages on the topic. (more…)
When I look at photos of U.S. cities taken in the early 20th Century, I like to guess the year before I look at the caption–and I’m almost always correct within a few years. How? The ratio of cars to horses, which changed dramatically in such very short period of time that it’s a piece of cake to tell the difference between, say, 1910 and 1915.
If you think Trump’s picks to develop and implement environmental policy couldn’t get worse, looks like you were wrong.
If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Kathleen Hartnett White will lead the Council on Environmental Quality, which helps create and implement national policy. (more…)
Going camping or canoeing and want to make sure you can get the 0.005 kWhs required to charge your cell phone? Well, you have a few choices:
a) Pack in this device I just came across, the Waterlily, a two-pound turbine, available from AmazingStuff.com for $119, that can be driven by either wind or water, mounted where the wind is blowing or a stream may be running. Maybe drag it from the back of your canoe (as shown). (more…)
China sits atop the world in most important environmental categories. (more…)
Nuclear energy enthusiasts should be happy to see so much research and development going into this space. There are several different directions nuclear seems to be headed, one of which is smaller, modular reactors that can be deployed to provide power to small regions, virtually eliminating line loss, which is typically 5 – 7%. (more…)
