I’m sorry I was unable to be a part of this historic event. “People in the streets as far as the eye can see,” reported the NY Times, a reporter for which took this shot a few hours ago. Wow, that’s good news; it certainly is gratifying to see that the march is proceeding so successfully.
As the great abolitionist and author Frederick Douglass told us, “Power concedes nothing without a demand.” (more…)
A young reader asked me for more clarification on what coursework he should pursue, given that he intends to make his career in renewable energy. I respond:
It really depends on your strengths and interests. Check out how broad “environmental science” is. If you’re a math/science guy, that’s a great thing in which to major if you want to pursue renewable energy. If you have a fantastic resume, you could aim for the Bren School at UCSB (near me); it’s probably the top school in the world in this discipline. (more…)
The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa produced the loudest sound ever known. It could be heard 3000 miles away and it reverberated around the globe 7 times before diminishing. Pictured here is the relatively tiny eruption of the same volcano in 2008.
As long as we’re on the subject of impressive numbers, here are a few that describe the People’s Climate March on Sunday in New York City. I wish I could be there, but since I can’t, I’ll join the solidarity march in Santa Barbara. (more…)
A young reader named Brendan writes:
Hi, I am a student currently in the 12th grade. With your knowledge and expertise in the field of renewable energy, I would really appreciate it if you could guide me in making an important decision. I would like to take up a course related to renewable energy (solar) for my higher studies, but I was told not to specialize too early, as there are several things to learn before that, in order to build a strong foundation.
As a professional in the field of renewable energy, what would you recommend?
I’d be very grateful to you for helping me out on the matter. Thank you. (more…)
Eventually, the pro-nuke—anti-solar/wind people with whom I’ve recently been corresponding are going to lose patience with me and delete me from their email distribution list. Earlier today, a gentleman by the name of George Erickson sent the 100-or-so of us this piece on one of the negative environmental consequences of wind energy. Sadly, what these folks do for a living is digging up stuff like this. Why? Of the many millions of scientists who study the energy industry, why do these pro-nuke people follow the fraction of a percent of them who believe that renewable energy is a bad idea? (more…)
Geothermal pumps can be of great help when you need to save up some money on your utilities and heating. The greatest thing is that they are essentially in balance with the natural world around you. A geothermal system however costs quite a bit to install and may prove to be too expensive in most cases, but it will be an excellent long-term solution to your heating and energy needs if you can afford it. (more…)
According to an article published on The Telegraph, new survey indicates that most people are aware and concerned about the damages that are constantly being inflicted on the environment. They are also troubled by continuous loss of biodiversity, changes in the countryside, and the deterioration of the earth’s natural resources.
While it is indeed reassuring to know that most people are willing to do something to ensure environmental sustainability, the real game changer is what people actually do to achieve this. This is where environmental education comes in. (more…)
Everywhere you look, it seems, terms green energy and renewable energy all the rage. There can be little doubt that our climate is changing and that we as humans need to do something if we can. But what exactly is green energy? (more…)
I love these people who claim that their report/infographic/whatever is the one “the government doesn’t want you to see.” Here’s an infographic that makes the point that we can generate more power per acre with nuclear than we can with wind or solar — and, of course, government is hiding it from you. (more…)
A reader sent me this just now:
I’m a member of Citizens for Green Nuclear Power on the mid California coast.
My wife and I lived on our sailboat, Gaia, for about 18 years (average time out at sea – 6 months traveling from port to port in Central America, the Caribbean and Bahamas)
We had three 75 watt solar panels and a powerful wind generator. In the windy section of the Caribbean we did fine. The Trade Winds are reliable. But we had a tiny need for electric power (refrigerator, water maker, a few lights, GPS, etc.)
The wind generator did 2/3 of the work and solar the rest. I liked the fact solar needed no TLC. The KISS wind generator did need some.
Wind and solar just won’t cut it to run mega factories, New York City, and so much more in America. The sooner we face that and educate about that, the better. Wind and solar are a “boutique” power source, fine for our sailboat, but not for a large modern nation.
That’s my feeling after living on wind and solar for a long time. If we hadn’t been in a reliably windy zone, not sure we could have survived on these alternatives.
Best regards (where do you reside? Silicon Valley? I lived for 30 years in San Jose and now live in Santa Maria)
I happen to be in Santa Ynez, just south of you! What a coincidence. Wow, I envy you; you must have seen some incredible beauty.
Re: your comments on energy, you may be aware that wind power constituted 4.18% of the U.S. grid mix last year. True, that’s not huge, but it’s not nothing either. 160 billion kilowatt hours in the U.S. alone. Based on the needs you describe here, that’s enough to power at least 400 million such sailboats six months of the year, probably closer to 700 or 800 million. (Yes, I know this is a rather pointless comparison, but I bring it up to show that we’re talking about an enormous amount of power.) I’m always amazed when people say that renewable energy is a hobby/boutique enterprise; it’s not.
If you want to get together for a beer sometime, I’d like that very much.
