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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Efficiency

In this age of social media, it is easy to talk about pressing issues. Users take to social channels and discuss topics that will impact our futures. Prominent among them is the issue of our environment. But while many people feel they have the answers to the pressing questions of our times, few of these people take action.

In our age of seemingly infinite information and knowledge resources, it is easier than ever to put simple plans into action. That is to say, those who speak up in social forums can also play their part in the solution. Whether it’s organizing a drive to write members of Congress concerning legislation, or taking simple conservation measures at home, the means are readily available. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Fossil Fuels

In the course of writing my second book (“Is Renewable Really Doable?”) I realized during an interview with the Environmental Law Institute in Washington DC that I had been misquoting the volume of subsidies that the oil companies receive from the federal government.  Their report on the subject did a great job at bringing this all into focus for me (though I think they were far too conservative with what they called a “subsidy”).

Here’s another report on the subject direct from the US CBO (Congressional Budget Office).  Of course, this raises several good questions, like:

• Why does the most profitable industry in the history of the known universe need subsidies from struggling tax-payers in the first place? and

• Aren’t subsidies supposed to help encourage and expand social goods (like environmentally friendly solutions), rather than social evils (like pollution)?

I wish I had some answers for you there, but I don’t.

 

 

 

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Climate Change

Virtually every time I meet with my client Jim Greenberg, Chief Strategy officer at the OTEC Corporation, he mentions Rear Admiral David Titley’s “Ted Talk” on climate change, and I characteristically wince when I realize that again, I’ve forgotten to check it out.  No more!  Here it is, and yes, Jim, it’s very worthwhile.  Titley, the U.S. Navy’s head oceanographer, describes the process whereby he went from a skeptic to a believer, and provides numerous other top-line facts about the effects of the melting of the arctic ice, sea-level rise, etc.

Regarding taking action to mitigate climate change, Titley says, “In the military, if you wait until you’re absolutely certain that you’re in grave danger, you’re already dead.”   Something to think about, even for us non-military types.

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Fossil Fuels

I’m fascinated by the dynamics at work in our society that surround climate change.  The United States is notably sluggish in its response to the challenge, and, perhaps because of this, certain groups with progressive ideals are getting fairly militant.  One example is the Sierra Club, which, after 120 years of law-abiding environmental advocacy, announced recently that it will espouse civil disobedience as a weapon to create a progressive change in national energy policy.   (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Business

When economist Nate Hagens agreed to an interview for my second book (“Is Renewable Really Doable?”) I was quite pleased – in part because I knew that his thinking lies at odds with a great number of others who study the subject, and I wanted to present a well-rounded discussion to my readers.  As opposed to those who see a vibrant new growth economy right around the corner, perhaps one based on an explosion of cleantech, Hagens explains why that won’t happen.  Here’s a recent video on the subject.

As much respect as I have for Nate, I have to say that I’m skeptical of people who claim to predict what life will be like on this planet in 40 years. Here’s a quick list of causes of potential runaway change that I think renders any notion of life on Earth in 40 years completely unknowable:

  • Rogue states with nuclear weapons
  • Climate change and resultant extreme weather events and water/food shortages
  • Breakthrough energy technology
  • The trend toward fascism and people’s reaction to that trend
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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainability

Are you happy with your company culture? Many companies that have a ‘green’ product pay no attention to their culture. Even those that follow the three P’s (Planet, People, Profit) see the ‘people’ part as donating to charity and not as having a focus on their culture.

Culture is built on agreements. These agreements can be tacit (underneath our consciousness) or conscious. Rarely are cultures designed or created consciously. You can’t prevent a culture from forming, but if you are not aware of how leadership actions create culture, then you can create a culture that is so bad and so intractable that you’ll want to sell your company (Tony Hsieh). (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Nuclear

After the Chernobyl incident, nuclear power became infamous as a potent yet deadly source of alternative energy. It would seem that no one would want to take second chances, not after the calamity that fell on the once prosperous city in Eastern Europe. The unfortunate accident that fell on one of Japan’s nuclear reactor during the March 2011 tsunami disaster was another cause of concern for any country planning to use nuclear power as their means for solving the energy crisis. And lately, the nuclear reactor near Crystal River, which is north of Tampa Bay, have been closed down permanently due to the cracks discovered within the reactor dome in 2009. Fixing the crack caused other cracks within the dome to appear as well. To repair all of the cracks would mean spending at least $ 1.5 billion at minimum, therefore it was more sensible to close down the nuclear power plant. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Sustainability

Insurance companies have been on board with the green revolution for a number of years now, and not only is it easier than ever to get major discounts for already owning an eco-friendly home or car, you can also use insurance to help you make the transition. Eco-friendly lifestyle changes can help you with your insurance prices because studies have shown that people who are concerned with environmental factors are also less likely to be at risk for filing an insurance claim in general. You may be interested in eco-friendly insurance, but you don’t have the money to install a solar system in your home or buy a hybrid car. There are still ways to choose the most eco-friendly policies available to you, ones that will let you save money for all the ways you incorporate helping the environment into your life. (more…)

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Hydrokinetics

I had a terrific meeting this morning with one of my “Craig Shields – At Your Service” clients on the East Coast, this one involving a new concept in hydrokinetics.  It’s always cool to be paid, albeit modestly, to review original ideas in clean energy and offer recommendations accordingly.  Having said that, I’m glad to have wrapped up my last meeting for the trip, and to be on my way back home, and just ahead of the storm. 

 

 

 

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by craigshieldsPosted on Posted in Renewables - Politics

As I was leaving the Renewable Energy Policy Forum on Capitol Hill yesterday, ready for a brisk walk a few blocks north to Union Station, I ran into a fellow who caught my eye and said, “Not a lot of new news there, was there?” 

“Oh, I thought there were some interesting insights,” I replied. 

“Can you name one?” he insisted.

For what it may be worth, here are a few abbreviated take-aways:  (more…)

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