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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

Not a Great Day for Those of You with LungsOur political pundits here in the U.S. tell us the Republicans are very likely to take back control of our Senate in today’s elections, granting them complete power over both houses of Congress.  This means that our most important law-making committees surrounding energy and the environment will soon be made up of people like Fred Upton (R-MI), James Inhofe (R-OK), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Mitch McConnell (R-KY),  and John Cornyn (R-TX): stanch climate change deniers, and sworn enemies of environmentalism.

The oil companies are celebrating, but it’s a very dark day here for anyone who cares about the future of this planet.

 

 

 

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

Election Day in the U.S. Poses Tough Questions—Even For Environmentally Conscious VotersIt’s Election Day here in the U.S., and, as is my custom, I’ll be heading to the polls this afternoon with my young daughter, in part to remind her of one of the responsibilities that all U.S. citizens take on when they reach voting age, i.e., participation in our democracy.  It’s a duty each American shares alike, regardless of the feelings of apathy and anger we may harbor associated with the corrupt mess that our government has become. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Fossil Fuels

Sadly, the Subject of Fracking Is Tougher Than Most People Realize

I have to say that I’m on the fence about our Proposition P here, which, if passed, would ban fracking in Santa Barbara County. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, those in favor of the ban don’t have their facts straight; the world will be far better off environmentally if fracking is continued as required to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of coal. But those who oppose the measure are essentially the oil companies, who, whether they want to admit it or not, favor an indefinite exploitation of fossil fuels.

Normally, when I hate both choices, I abstain; I guess that’s what I’ll do here.

 

 

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Nuclear

Nuclear Vs. Solar and Wind--A Lame Argument If There Ever Were OneI took a nice little hike with 2GreenEnergy supporter Cameron Atwood over the weekend, during which we discussed the sad fact that the pro- and anti-nuclear people are generally arguing the wrong points. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Climate Change

Some Weighty Organizations Believe Climate Disruption Is a Big DealI just got an email from an associate who attached a scanned copy of this article (here and here) on the Pentagon’s viewpoint on the national security threat posed by climate disruption; they seem especially concerned about the imminent shortages of potable water.  The comment he included is something I could have written myself: (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Fossil Fuels

How Much Control Does Big Oil Really Have?I had a discussion the other day with a fellow who studies energy closely, during which he told me, “Clean energy will happen when Big Oil decides it’s time.”  I was quite surprised to hear this.  Yes, the bad guys have a stranglehold on the U.S. legislative process; there’s not much doubt about that.  But there are other factors involved that are quite important, e.g., (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

Tons of Key Environmental Issues At Stake on TuesdayHere’s a note, albeit an obvious one, to U.S. voters about the mid-term elections on Tuesday.  Get out there and vote!  As the Sierra Club quite correctly informs us:

Some candidates are already busy making plans that threaten our lands, our wildlife, and our clean energy future. This is what’s at stake on Election Day:
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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainability

Today’s Young People Are Transforming Our World—But How?Exactly how will the young people of today transform the world of tomorrow? That’s a question worth asking, even though it sure is a tough one to answer. It’s easy to get the impression that our young folks are self-absorbed and alienated from political life. On the other hand, they sure appear unlikely to carry on the stupidity, bigotry, and eco-barbarism they inherited from some of their elders. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainability

The Demographics of Trader Joe’s Shoppers: Pretty ConsistentI’m always amused by the demographics of Trader Joe’s shoppers, as illustrated in the stores’ (always crowded) parking lots. One doesn’t find pick-up trucks with gun racks, but one does find Priuses and other smallish high-mileage cars with life-affirming bumper stickers. Below is a picture I took the other day on my way out with my goodies that typifies all this. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Science

Small Wonder Sylvia Earle Received Time Magazine’s “Hero for the Planet” AwardOver the years I’ve been writing these posts, I’ve mentioned Dr. Sylvia Earle many times.  Legendary marine biologist and environmentalist now 79 years old, she still packs a powerful wallop in her talks on the terrible impact humankind is having on our oceans.  Linked above is a video I came across the other day on the subject; that’s one high-impact presentation, IMO.

 

 

 

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