When America leads in technology, things get done on this planet; we’ve proven that over the last century or so, in everything from the electric light bulb to the mass produced automobile to the moon landing to the Internet. What would happen if we could find a way to lead the world in clean energy? That’s a subject explored in this pithy little 30-second video from NextGenClimate.org. Nice job, IMO.
Las Vegas isn’t my favorite spot in the world, but it’s one that’s hard to avoid for people who attend large conferences. In less than two weeks, I’ll be there for the National Clean Energy Summit 8.0: Powering Progress,” which really does sound like a wonderful opportunity to hook up with: Clean energy advocates, business leaders, public officials and bipartisan decision makers (who) will assemble to explore solutions for the advancement of the clean energy economy through innovation, investment and strengthened collaboration. And President Barack Obama will deliver the keynote; it will be a gas to be in the same room with a man in that position who, overall, has done a fine job vis-à-vis environmental stewardship.
It’s a one-day event (for reasons I don’t understand). In any case, I’ll be home late that night, which is fine with me, as every time I go there, I’m always looking forward to Leaving Las Vegas.
With most energy saving pushes, people will often be fighting the same enemies – habits and enormity. Habits form over many years, and can be very difficult to recognise, let alone change. And the enormity of the challenge ahead can seem overwhelming, to the point of seeming impossible.
So today, we’re going to be breaking down one of the biggest energy crisis, our need for electrical lighting, in hopes of combating these two problems. Know from the outset that this won’t be an easy process, but it isn’t difficult either – it just requires some commitment. (more…)
Going green certainly isn’t a new concept, and unique ways to do so are popping up all the time. However, there are some that are a little easier for companies and consumers to enact together than others.
For example, Daily Camera recently posted an article about a couple outside of Boulder, Colo., who are currently at odds with town officials about ordinances they believe are discouraging sustainability practices. The sustainability practice in question: residential chicken coops. (more…)
Ice hockey immortal Wayne Gretzky said, “I don’t skate to the puck; I skate to where the puck is going to be.”
Let’s see if we can’t apply that outside the confines of the rink. Where’s electric transportation going to be soon? In an extremely dominant position, if one reckons the probable effect of announcements like this one: Korean electronics giant LG Chem plans to cut battery prices of EVs by one half next year.
Those who have read my last book (Bullish on Renewable Energy) will recognize this concept from Chapter Eleven: “Electric Transportation Will Become Ubiquitous.” This announcement by LG Chem, which effect will be to lower costs to the end user as well as improve the range, will further accelerate the EV adoption curve that we’ve discussed so many times here.
As converting to “green” is becoming increasingly popular, a plethora of energy-efficient opportunities have arisen that are allowing individuals to better the environment. On top of creating a better environment, going green is providing on outlet for individuals to save enormous amounts of money within their day-to-day expenses. Below I wanted to bring up a few ways that going green can help save money while assisting the world in bettering the environment. (more…)
Ever wonder why biodiversity is so important to human civilization? One reason is that the vast majority of the cures we’re developing for our wide range of diseases comes from various species of life forms, and thus mass extinction of even seemingly insignificant species is removing the possibility of developing important medicines. (more…)
A reader who goes by “Louis” notes: We won’t be 100% free of fossil fuels anytime soon, but like when you start recycling, then composting instead of putting everything in the trash, it is a great start! When I see Germany already at 30% and electricity prices FALLING because of that, I know that we can do it too.
You are correct that we are not close to being 100% free of fossil fuels anytime soon; fortunately, we really don’t have to be. (more…)
A friend of mine just called to get my reaction about an editorial in the Sunday paper here in Santa Barbara, written by one Joe Armendariz (pictured left) of the local taxpayers association. I didn’t see the article, but from what I can gather from his past efforts, Mr. Armendariz is against any effort that would curb oil extraction and/or mandate movement in the direction of clean energy, on the basis that “renewable energy is outrageously expensive” and acts as a “job-killer.”
I could tell from the tone of my friend’s voice that he thought I would be enraged. Nope. Sorry, but if every unflattering mention of renewable energy angered me, I wouldn’t last too long.
Three points: (more…)
From a colleague:
In his interview with Vox, Bernie Sanders says, “Are the scientists right or are they wrong? If they are right they’re telling us that the planet Earth will be 5 to 10 degrees warmer by the end of this century Fahrenheit. That will cause cataclysmic changes in terms of drought, weather disturbances, rising sea levels, acidification of the ocean, and international conflict. If they are right — I believe they are right — we have got to move in a very, very bold way. We have to do it yesterday.” (more…)
