Frequent commenter Frank Eggers notes on my post on the Dakota Access Pipeline: The material will be shipped whether or not the pipeline is built. If it is not shipped by pipeline, it will be shipped by rail and rail transportation is more dangerous than pipeline transportation. (more…)
Here’s a question that I just fielded on Quora.com (which is a very cool website, btw). When will fossil fuels be depleted?
Never. Yes, there is a finite amount of coal, oil, and natural gas beneath the Earth’s surface, and so it’s easy to divide our annual consumption into that number and produce the number of years we have left. (more…)
When I tutor young people in history, I normally wind up drawing a time-line to help put things in perspective. In fact, my first rule for teaching (or learning) anything is: If it can be drawn, draw it. (more…)
Going green is something everyone should consider, especially now when there are environmentally friendly substitutions for almost every part of our lives, like biodegradable grocery bags, power-saving light bulbs, cars that use biofuel and even green furniture. (more…)
Some believe that the original modern green building started in the ‘70s, as a result of the increasing oil prices, while others claim that the movement dates all the way back to the industrial revolution. In the last 30 years, the concept of eco houses has been widely recognized and used in architectural projects, as a way of reducing a negative impact on the environment, lowering energy bills and leading a more sustainable lifestyle altogether. If you’re not sure where to start with your remodel, perhaps these few tips can help you get started. (more…)
A reader offers: This concept in geothermal is interesting. And why isn’t Hawaii doing this? It’s not like they don’t have lava at their disposal.
The issue is sometimes cost-effectiveness vis-a-vis competitive forms of energy. Costa Rica has lots of geothermal resources, but they have huge hydro resources as well, the latter of which is easier and cheaper to have happen. (more…)
Here’s a new idea in the quest to reduce or remove the variability of wind energy: an integrated water reservoir, making use of the huge watertight tower. This creates a (small) pumped hydro energy storage solution without the elevation change. Obviously, we need to replace the evaporating water, but this does appear potentially cost-effective nonetheless. Good thinking, IMO.
A reader comments: I have been chasing down the origin of a news story presently making the rounds. While I am not fond of hydrogen vehicles it is reasonable to keep an eye on the developments. The articles seem to come through the common source of physics.org and the University of Oxford. (more…)
A reader comments: I’m waiting for one of you professional leftists to now deny the DNC’s role in voting fraud and inciting violence at Trump rallies…
I wouldn’t hold my breath. Progressives have only a little bit more regard for the Democratic Party than we do for the Republicans. We most certainly do not condone all, or even most, of the Dems’ actions. In particular, even given a Hillary Clinton presidency, we will still have: (more…)
Studying online can often feel like you are constantly connected through one device or another. Since online study is mainly self-led, you’re going to be spending the most part of many days sat at your computer at home. For online students who are trying to use less energy in order to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on utility bills, the idea of using up less energy when you have so much studying to do every day can seem impossible. (more…)
