A reader offers this comment on my belief that ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) can represent a cost-effective way to deliver clean energy to the equatorial regions of the world. He writes: (OTEC) will require an investor with deep pockets as the initial investment is quite large.
Interestingly enough, that’s not true. (more…)
In response to my piece on the lack-luster adoption curve for electric vehicles, a commenter who’s been with us for over five years writes: Not all of us, perhaps, but if someone could build something that was electric instead of gas, with a top speed of 50mph and a range of 50 miles (for example), I could drive it to work, charge it with solar panels during the day, and drive home. A tiny basic vehicle – enough lights and brakes to make it safe, big enough to hold two uncomfortably – just “transportation.”
There are (at least “were”) dozens of attempts at LSEVs (low-speed electric vehicles) and MSEVs. They failed (more…)
A colleague writes: It looks like Eestor is finally coming out. They activated their website after all these years. They got some validation by outside testing. Let me know what you think.
I hate to sound cynical, but (more…)
A colleague from Northern California read my recent post on electric vehicles in which I wrote: The fact that, at this point, EVs are almost always charged by burning more coal, rendering their environmental benefit dubious at best.
He comments: How can you say that, Craig? (more…)
The electric vehicle industry is slogging along with lack-luster consumer demand. At issue are a) the inconvenience of having to plan one’s trips more carefully and limiting their length, given the slow growth of fast-charging stations, b) the fact that, at this point, EVs are almost always charged by burning more coal, rendering their environmental benefit dubious at best, c) the improvement in the eco-friendliness of some petroleum-driven cars, and d) the short-term drop in the prices of gasoline and diesel.
On top of that, check out the problem a reader reports below. Fortunately, it’s one that very few EV owners will experience, but that doesn’t make this guy’s story any less painful: (more…)
An investor wrote me yesterday about his interest in pursuing a joint venture with a company in ocean wave energy. Like so many others hoping to experience the upside potential of renewable energy and looking to escape the “great recession” a few years ago, he had come out of commercial real estate and begun applying his financial acumen to the budding clean energy industry. (more…)
In order to make the point I wish to communicate in this post, I need to begin with a short tale from my college days. I’ve made liberal use of photography (via the links below) to help get the story across.
Within the first minutes of my arrival at Trinity College in September of 1973, I became a friend of Robert C. Buffum, Jr., whose father was the fourth-generation owner/manager of the Weekapaug Inn. As implied by the term “fourth-generation,” the inn was historic; it had opened its doors in 1899, and occupied a significant chunk of ground on the southern shore of Rhode Island. (more…)
Green, or eco-friendly, jobs are becoming more popular. In fact more and more college graduates are opting to avoid the corporate workplace and instead are more interested in contributing to the betterment of the world. Here’s a surprising fact – the number of green jobs has increased by 250 percent over the past few years. Many green jobs are not only in high demand, but they also pay well. Below are some of the high-paying, eco-friendly jobs available:
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers are professionals who use their knowledge of natural sciences and engineering to help solve environmental problems. Their job duties include things such as testing air quality in urban areas and ensuring drinking water is safe. However the job requirements of an environmental engineer can extend to developing providing system and component design and even serving as a technical advisor in policy making and legal deliberations. This industry will continue to experience tremendous growth as the population of the Earth continues to grow. The average salary for an environmental engineer is around $85,000.
Physicists
There are many job opportunities for physicists, and many of them focus their work on solving and preventing environmental issues. Physicists can focus on a variety of issues, such as waste water conservation and oil spills. While you don’t have to be the next Einstein to work in physics you must be proficient in mathematics. However, above all else, you must possess insatiable curiosity and drive. The average salary for a physicist is $106,000.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental law is one of the fastest growing professions for lawyers. Environmental lawyers focus their practice on environmental issues that require legal action, such as sustainability and ecology. Many people earn an online environmental management bachelor degree before going to law school. Many environmental layers decide to go into private practice or even perform consulting work or representing clients in a court of law. The average salary for an environmental lawyer is $115,000 per year.
Conservation Scientists
Conservation scientists are professionals who help manage, protect and improve the country’s natural resources. They may focus on a specific area, such as soil and water conservation. Generally conservation scientists have a wide range of responsibilities, including drawing up plans to regenerate forested lands. The average salary for a conservation scientist is $60,000 per year.
Environmental Architect
Environmental architects are professionals who design and plan private and public places for commercial, recreational and living purposes. Environmental architects may design new buildings or make alterations and extensions to an existing one. To become an environmental architect you must complete a professional architectural degree from a program approved by the National Architectural Board (NAAB ) as well as three years training. You will be well-compensated for your study and training as the average salary for an environmental architect is $72,000 per year.
Energy Auditors
Also known as energy raters, the demand for energy auditors is increasing because people are looking for ways to save money on their energy bill. Energy auditors perform assessments and determine whether the home is losing energy. Ultimately, energy auditors can help save their clients hundreds of dollars on their energy expenses Energy auditors can work on the residential level or the commercial level. The average salary for an energy auditor is $60,000 per year.
Green Business Consultant
A green business consultant is a professional advises businesses on things they can do to conserve energy. Because going green is a trend that is likely here to stay, the number of jobs available for green business consultants will increase. The average salary for a green business consultant is $80,000 year.
Eco-friendly jobs allow people to protect the environment while earning a great income. Green business consultant, energy auditor, environmental engineer, physicists, environmental lawyer, conservation scientists and environmental architect are just a few of the many eco-friendly careers that are growing in popularity.
The internet has brought the world closer. The upside of internet usage is its reliability and its speed when used as a form of communication by individuals and businesses. One of the downside of internet use is its negative impact on the environment. The data centers and power servers used by companies’ web hosts consume a lot of electric energy in attempt to ensure their online business is kept running 24/7. (more…)
Here’s a comment that a friend sent me in response to my post in which I lamented how little Americans know and care about environmental issues. As you’ll see, my buddy doesn’t disagree, but he frames his thinking in a way that I thought readers would find interesting.
In 1947…. (more…)
