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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

bull coverI’m starting to think about my next book, and I’ve begun taking inventory of the various components I’ll need, one of which is content for the back cover. To that end, I’d like to ask anyone who has anything complimentary to say about my writing to submit it, either in the comments below, or, if you’d rather, directly to me via email using the “contact” button on the website.

I am equally interested in constructive criticism. Though I’m unlikely (very unlikely :)) not to use it on the book cover, I can most certainly promise that I will take it to heart.

Thanks very much.

by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Climate Change

Climate Change and DengueColleague Alex Cannera sends this article: Mosquito-Borne Illness Fueled by Climate Change Linked to Spike in Birth Defects in Brazil that begins: As the earth warms and grows more humid, virulent infectious diseases spread by insects are on the rise. Last year, more than 3,000 babies in Brazil were born with a congenital condition of the brain, which may be linked to a mosquito-borne illness called Zika.
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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainability

Selective Memory TestThose who like interesting mind games will enjoy this, and learn something from it at the same time.

It’s a reminder to all of us who follow the news here in the US, and then realize when we happen to tune in the BBC: OMG, there are things going on in the world that have nothing to do with America.

by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Climate Change

Why Is the Greenland Ice Sheet Melting Faster Than Expected?

Question: Why Is the Greenland Ice Sheet Melting Faster Than Expected?

Answer: Can be found at Clean Energy Answers.

Relevance: At the current rate, Greenland is losing over 300 billion tons of ice a year. The consequences of the ensuing sea level rise are expected to include anything from increased flooding during storms to the evacuation of coastal cities.

 

by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainability

Celebrating the Brother of Humankind on the World’s Most Recognizable StructureA friend sent this video that speaks to the work that his father, Jacob Scherr, Senior Advisor of International Programs at the Natural Resources Defense Council, did in illuminating the Eiffel Tower. The NRDC ranks among the world’s most venerable organizations, and this is among the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.

If you can think of anything more inspiring, please let me know, though I won’t be holding my breath.

 

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Climate Change

Taking the Obvious Steps To Protect People from the Effects of Climate Change The intrusion of the salt water from the Atlantic Ocean into the aquifers that provide fresh water for the folks living in the southern part of Florida has been big news for quite a few years. The saddest, though the most interesting part of this story is that Rick Scott, the governor of the state, is a staunch climate change denier and accordingly, has steadfastly refused to allow Florida to engage in any activities that might mitigate the effects of global warming. (more…)

by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Wind Energy

Cheap Wind and its Value To HumankindIn the United States, there are now 50,000 wind turbines, generating 70 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, enough to power 19 million homes. The cost of wind-generated electricity is down 66% since 2009. It is now nearly 5% of American electricity, up from 1 percent in 2007. In Iowa, wind power accounts for over 25% of electricity generation. (more…)

by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

Promising New Renewable Energy TechnologiesI volunteer to answer questions regarding clean energy on Quora.com. Here, Tobi Ogunnaike writes: What are the most promising startups or companies pursuing innovative approaches to renewable energy generation?

You happen to be talking to the right guy. For the last 7 years, my work has been focused on reviewing literally thousands of cleantech business plans, to winnow out the few that make the most sense. If you go to 2GreenEnergy.com/investors, you will see a short summary of each of the couple dozen such concepts that I hold in high regard. Hope that helps.

by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Photovoltaics

Solar LanternDean writes: I can’t tell if this solar lantern is real or crazy.

I’m sure it’s real, and it sounds like a good idea. If I still did a lot of camping like I did when I was younger, I’d be sure to get one.

Left: a pic I took of my son in Yosemite

 

 

by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Biofuels

Adventures in BiofuelsA colleague asked for my two cents’ worth on Joule Unlimited, a biofuels company that taps into the strength of cyanobacteria. I spent some time on their website and have the following to report:

There’s nothing theoretically impossible about this, but I’m skeptical that it will ever become practical. Not only do I doubt the credibility of the company and its claims, on the basis of certain things they said in some of their videos that contradict one another or are contrary to basic science, but I’m not a believer in the biofuels industry as a whole. (more…)