News And Society Archive

The technology and ingenuity already exists to reduce the threat of global warming. This includes solutions that will stimulate the American economy by creating jobs, saving consumers money, and protecting our national security.

By investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as increase the efficiency of the cars we drive, we can take important steps to reducing our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels that are contributing to the threat of global warming.

By using energy more efficiently and using more renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, and bio-energy, we would significantly reduce our emissions of heat-trapping gases, like carbon dioxide (CO2,) methane, and nitrous oxide.

The United States currently produces 70% of its electricity from fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil, but only 2% from renewable sources. Since the burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of CO2, which is the leading cause of global warming, into the atmosphere, increasing the share of electricity generated from renewable resources would be one of the most effective ways to reduce global warming emissions.

Another effective way to reduce global warming emissions would be to reduce the emissions from cars and trucks, since they produce 25% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. A sensible and realistic way of reducing emissions from cars and trucks would be to create better cars, minivans, and bigger cars. They would be just as powerful and safe as the ones currently on the road, but they would get 40 miles per gallon or more.

By having better transmissions and engines, more aerodynamic designs, and stronger yet lighter material for the vehicle’s body, these vehicles would increase the average fuel economy of the current automotive fleet from 24 to 40 miles per gallon over 10 years. This would be the equivalent of taking 44 million cars off the road, which not only would save individual drivers thousands of dollars in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle, but also would reduce the CO2 emissions into our atmosphere.

More than 50% of America’s electricity is still being produced from outdated, coal-burning power plants that dump pollutants and heat-trapping gases into our atmosphere. Power plants account for one-third of the U.S. total of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere.

By increasing our use of clean renewable energy, investing in energy efficiency, and reducing pollution from fossil fuel plants, consumers will save money, heat-trapping emissions will be reduced, and the U.S. would have less need for new coal and gas power plants.

A study conducted by the Union of Concerned Scientists has found that we could reduce our power plant CO2 emissions by 60% compared with government forecasts for 2020. This would result in a $440 billion savings for consumers, which translates to $350 annually per family by 2020.

Another good solution against global warming is using more major appliances that comply with new or updated standards. Clothes washers, dishwashers, water heaters, furnaces, and boilers all comply with these standards. In 2006, new standards for air conditioners took effect that increased efficiency by 23% over the old standard. This will result in less need for medium-sized power plants in the future. Further progress and gains can be made when it comes to commercial equipment like refrigerators, heaters, furnaces, and public lighting.

Another way to reduce CO2 emissions into our atmosphere is by protecting threatened forests, which store carbon, the base of CO2. When these forests are cut down and/or burned, the trees release their carbon, which raises the level of CO2 in our atmosphere. In fact, tropical deforestation accounts for 20% of all human-caused CO2 emissions each year.

Finally, we can help to reduce CO2 emissions by supporting American ingenuity. The U.S. Government has made some progress in reducing CO2 emissions by developing renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. Federal research dollars have driven technological advances in fuel cells, which runs engines on hydrogen fuel and emits only water vapour.

However, the US Government can do more to contribute to global warming solutions; while investing roughly $1.4 billion in fossil fuel research and nuclear research in 2001, it only invested $376 million for all renewable energy technologies combined. More vehicle research needs to be conducted on hybrid and fuel cell cars, renewable ethanol fuel, and the cleanest forms of hydrogen production.

As you can see, there are many solutions that can be undertaken, both by the government and by the consumer, in order to reduce the threat of global warming. Steps should be taken as quickly as possible to avert the most damage; the longer we wait to take action, the more damage that will occur from our CO2 emissions and the less effect our CO2-reducing efforts will have in protecting our world from global warming.

A renewable energy system isn’t just the best hope for our future… it’s here and now. Renewable sources such as solar energy, hydro energy and wind energy can never be exhausted and are harmless to the environment. Renewable energy provides us with a route out of economic recession and depression and will change our way of life. It is a responsibility we should all embrace sooner rather than later.

Renewable energy can step up the reliability of the overall system, by broadening our resource base and using supplies that are not subject to intermittent shortages or other disruptions to supply. Renewable energy systems have the hope to become the energy solution for the 21st Century: it can produce jobs and groundbreaking industries, improve air and water quality, provide access to energy for our energy security, which all leads to greater community development.

Three types of solutions fall into the category of renewable energy systems: solar energy systems, hydro energy systems, and wind energy systems. In this young millennium, renewable energy products are progressively becoming the workable answers for the independent-minded individual. Around the world, communities big and small are making commitments to reducing waste material and pollution with Zero Waste declarations.

Plans include homemade wind generators, solar panel installation guides, running your generator on biodiesel, renewable energy solutions, information to build your own house, and more.

The Genuine Green certification is a prestigious recognition awarded by SRE to those companies which have shown a true green energy commitment by combining energy efficiency solutions with renewable energy systems for maximum savings and minimum carbon footprints. A sustainable future demands unique development and investment solutions today. Plans need to include homemade wind generators, solar panel installation, running your generator on biodiesel, disseminating information on how to build your own energy efficient house, in order to cut your electricity bills at home by using a renewable energy system.

New technology has made solar energy systems cost effective and gives a relatively fast return on investment. The next step is to create a sustainable society with the integration of these systems. Small systems are easy to build and a perfect way to start saving money and the environment Present-day systems, while rarely economically cost-effective, have demonstrated that a standard home with an appropriately-sized solar panel array and energy storage system requires electricity from external sources for merely a few hours per week.

By harmonizing electricity supply to the end-user’s needs, proponents of renewable energy and the soft energy path, trust that electricity systems will become smaller and easier to oversee, rather than the opposite.

Sustainable is to articulate that something such as a natural resources or an environmental scheme may be preserved indefinitely without depleting any of the material or energy sources required to keep it running. Development is the act, or effect of developing. Blending them together is an idea advanced by the World Commission on Environment and Development outlined by them as a pattern of development or progress that fulfills the requirements of the present without sacrificing the ability of succeeding generations to fulfill needs of their own.

We have to understand that we are the keepers of our natural environment and of the whole planet, and because of this fact, we are accountable for all negative affects to any of our ecological systems.

Will sustainable development work? This question is much more intricate than appears on the surface. Environmental organizations are working on politicians to bring about more regulations and enact laws to help protect the natural environment and the whole planet. By starting out with smaller portions of the human population like in residential areas and urban centers, we can little by little, work towards fully sustainable states and nations and finally a truly sustainable planet. Many commercial entities are assisting by means of recycling, using less of our natural resources, cutting pollution and many other eco-friendly practices.

The USA is one of the leaders in this battle, to alter the way earths’ inhabitants interact with the environment. Little by little political leaders are coming forward and doing their part to bring about positive change. Before leaving office, President Bush disclosed plans for the reduction of pollution and global warming, which first are intended to keep these events from occurring and then to reverse them. Esteemed scientists are coming forward and reporting compelling scientific facts with regard to alarming environmental consequences such as greenhouse gases, pollution, El Nino and other atmospheric conditions, that are destroying our planets’ natural atmosphere, which in turn, if not eradicated, can lead to the death of our planet.

As more people are educated to what is happening and learn that we, the human dwellers of planet Earth are answerable for the depletion of our natural resources and for the destruction of the natural environment, then the result will be more people will serve in the effort to fight back and repair what has taken place, resulting in sustainable development becoming an out-and-out reality.

One of the main constructs of sustainable development that must be comprehended and must be practiced by each member of the human race is stewardship, because, whether we like it or not, we are the stewards of the environment surrounding our planet. The proof that sustainable development is succeeding is that we see commercial enterprises continuing to be operational and grow, they will have customers who desire to purchase the products they are producing and they will also have the money with which to produce them.

The impact of sustainable development working for the environment is apparent. If we, the people of this planet, take care of it, the natural environment of this planet will continue to take care of us. We will not perish or have to find another planet on which to dwell.

Due to the prevalence of the green movement, most companies have at least a moderate interest in retrofitting their older operating systems to make them more environmentally friendly, especially when they discover the long-term cost savings that can result from making their buildings energy efficient. However, for companies that are on the fence, the fact that retrofitting their HVAC and lighting systems, for example, represents an “unnecessary” expense often keeps them from “going green”. If this describes your company, you might be interested to know that, as revealed by studies of companies that have LEED Certification, making your building energy efficient can bring advantages in addition to slashing your annual energy bills.

LEED-an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-is an internationally recognized certification system developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) to evaluate buildings’ environmental performance and encourage the adoption of sustainable design. Unlike some sustainable design campaigns that focus on appealing to our humanity, leed certification focuses on transforming the building industry toward sustainable design and results in tangible benefits, such as tax credits for participating companies.

LEED Certification is granted based on the number of overall “points” that a building acquires across five main areas of design: sustainable sites, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and innovation and design process. The minimum number of points required for certification is 40. But there are also higher levels of certification that can result in higher rewards: Silver Certification (50-59 points), Gold Certification (60-79 points) and Platinum Certification (80-110 points).

Ultimately, leed certification’s greatest rewards come from implementing the energy efficient construction that results in the certification. For example, large companies that make their HVAC and interior lighting systems energy efficient and implement solar panels to lessen energy consumption commonly experience a six-figure reduction in their yearly power costs. In addition, energy efficient buildings have better real estate value than traditional buildings. If you decide to put your building on the market, you’ll have an easier time selling it when potential buyers learn how much money they’ll be saving in energy costs.

Another benefit of achieving leed certification is that energy efficient work atmospheres increase productivity. Research shows that employees who work in offices and facilities that have improved air quality and increased natural lighting have a lower rate of absenteeism, retain their jobs longer and work more effectively. Because most companies’ greatest expense is employee salaries, the employee related benefits of energy efficient construction actually contribute to companies’ profits.

The best way to achieve leed certification is to work with an energy-efficient consultant to develop energy solutions that fit your company’s atmosphere and operating procedures. Once implemented, the solutions will offer your company three indispensable benefits: a dramatic reduction in power cost, and dramatic increase in productivity and, last but not least, a friendlier stance toward the environment.

Seem suprising that I ask that? Well we do see it all over the media that the climate is shot to pieces. Every day we have a fuel crisis where it’s either too expensive or we haven’t got any left. Solutions that get proposed seem to frighten more than put anyone’s mind at rest (try Chernobyl). Amongst that scaremongering are there and facts and figures that let us work out where we actually are with this?

OK, the bad news is that by 2056 there will be no fossil fuels left. The oil wells will be dry by the middle of the century. This is not good news, because whilst it may not effect us, the generations that follow are going to want heat and light and warmth and energy to do all of the things we take for granted today. What is their option going to be?

Now, to be honest, David Hume says we’ll never run out. But I place little trust in a man who’s been dead for over 230 years. I mean after all, back then we didn’t have the consumption that we have now. Heck, we didn’t even have cars, let alone trains and jet planes. No, I don’t think David Hume is a good yardstick to judge the energy crisis on.

But if you really need proof that the world has an energy problem, just take a look at all the wars that have essentially been fought over this very problem. Oh, make no mistake about it. All that hubbub in the Middle East is about one thing and one thing onlyoil. And the US knows that it’s days are numbered as far as relying on other sources for oil. As a result, we’re in bit of a panic mode right now.

That’s just for starters. We could make lists of issues and problems cause by the reliance on traditional energy sources, but I think you get the idea. There is a need to change direction and rethink how we power everything, or we’re going to have serious problems.

Indeed, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: we have way too many less-than-ethical folks chasing the alternative energy bubble money flows. We have too much investment dollars going into things which will not work. Does this mean I am down on alternative energy? NO! I am fine with anything that makes sense, any new way to generate energy which is more reliable, renewable, abundant, and inexpensive.

By all means if there are folks out there with decent Alternative Energy solutions, bring them on, but we’ve sure seen a ton of BS being funded in that sector, things which have unintended consequences and don’t work and can never achieve an ROI. We seem to be building an “alternative energy” bubble with incentives and subsidies and everyone is lining up to stand in that money flow.

Our Think Tank is not an environmental group, we do not side with the eco-terrorists. You know over the years, I’ve watched how easily these folks have tried to pave that road with good intentions, but much of the problems we face are due to their political actions. It takes entrepreneurs to solve those problems, but the environmentalists are so busy attacking us because they don’t understand how free-markets work, why they work, or how they solve problems.

And as I say all this, I can say I revolutionized my industry with better BMPs for environmental controls, better efficiency, using low-cost methods, and innovations. And, I was attacked by environmentalists every step of the way. So, as you say, give them love? Well, I was thinking of revenge actually – it’s a great motivator – but, if they would get real, get educated on the reality, and come to their senses that would be fine.

As it stands now this environmental – “global warming” – carbon CO2 footprint stuff is out of control, and they’d destroy our civilization, economy, and society and be perfectly happy to do it during the process, but in the end the environment will be worse, because they don’t get it – too bad really. Hey, if something is efficient, cheaper to build, doesn’t bring with it unintended consequences, let’s do it, like yesterday!

But, if it’s more of the same throwing good money after bad, I don’t see how a Think Tank could get behind it. Further, this coming “carbon-credit trading scheme” well, I bet Enron would have loved to trade “AIR” after all that’s what they are planning to do with CO2 a “trace gas” – even though mankind’s contribution to the total CO2 in the atmosphere is only 2.6% and 97% comes from nature. I mean what on Earth are people smoking?

Now everyone has to breathe the air and drink the water, yes, I get that, no problem there, but we need a reality check, and back to your “less taxes!” comment, remember that all this wasteful spending on nonsensical alternative energy innovations with Zero-ROI ever, are raising not only taxes, but the cost of energy for EVERYONE. Higher energy costs mean more closed factories, fewer jobs, etc.

Indeed, I guess if people want to be shown the “love” for mouthing off and following the masses into the economic abyss over pie-in-the-sky nonsense, then they should go buy a dog, and a bible and go live in a log-cabin in the forest? Okay so, that is my reality wake-up call for today, however as you know I rely on you my faithful reader to respond.

Tell me, what cool eco-innovations have you come up with? Since you’ve been thinking here, maybe we ought to promote environmental innovations which actually work efficiently, save money, save energy, and help the balance between mankind’s civilizations and the rest of the species out there? Please consider all this.

In the green revolution there are many people who have gained the knowledge to build their own free energy devices. This type of entrepreneurial zest scares the hell out of the energy companies. They have held the monopoly over the Earths resources and the thought of losing control upsets them. What is more upsetting is that free energy devices have existed for a long time. Most notably since Nikola Tesla. There are a few different versions of the truth concerning Tesla, but it is the general consensus that the plans for a free usable energy alternative, was scuppered by none other than JP Morgan. JP Morgan was considered a Financial luminary and as some would say enemy of free humanity.

The fact of the matter is we DO need these devices to become relevant to everyday life as we see the decline of unsustainable resources.

Oil and other fossil fuels has had its usefulness to our civilization but we have passed a point in time in which we can see that not far down the road we will have to change, for ourselves and for Earth.

At present there is a need for ordinary people to be given the knowledge to alleviate the pain of high energy costs at a time when financially people are suffering.

Many devices that exist today that if given a little more attention in the mainstream limelight could free our society from the shackles of the debt pushers.

Hydrogen is going to be the fuel of the future energy revolution, it offers a clean reliable alternative to fossil fuels and hydrogen is considered one of the most abundant gases in the universe. For its use in vehicles hydrogen is separated from its base elements. Water is subject to an electrolysis process in which the hydrogen is separated from the oxygen, freeing up this usable hydrogen to be used for modern day demands.

Hydrogen fuel cells are capable of running vehicles and can be applied to existing vehicles as a conversion solution.

As we enter a decade of declining stocks of oil, along with the lack of investment in alternative energies by many of our governments. We have to face the fact that newer, cleaner and more sustainable energies will be needed in the near future, to replace our current over-dependence on oil. What are seven viable alternatives to oil?

1. Water

Few people know that in late 2010, a conventional family car drove over 200 kms on one litre of water. The Japanese inventor thought he had solved our dependence on oil.

There was one problem, his solution was dismissed as unsustainable by the automobile industry that largely depends on producing petrol-based engines. The engine used was no more expensive or different to a conventional petrol engine, with a simple inexpensive modification.

2. Solar Energy

Satellites in space are fueled by solar energy. Space technology has been at the forefront of energy research for several decades, but this has rarely been accepted as a truly viable solution on our planet. The reasons cited are the initial installation costs, and the fact that it is almost free after this cost.

3. Body Heat

A Swedish station emits enough energy from excess human body heat, to light & heat an adjacent office building, cutting energy costs to almost zero. Experts are now considering further research into this idea, which a real estate broker designed using 19th century technology.

4. Used Cooking Oil

A new eco- designed building in London, uses a novel new way to save on energy costs- used cooking oil. Instead of powering the buildings generators with ordinary petrol, filtered used cooking oil has replaced it. The oil is filtered and sold by a local entrepreneur who purchases used oil from nearby restaurants, and cleans it through a distiller. This newly cleaned oil is far more economical, and cleaner to use than conventional diesel, and now provides over 25% of the buildings energy.

5. Geothermal Energy

Nurturing our volatile volcanic regions as an energy source is nothing new. Iceland is the leading producer of this energy, Currently around 24% of the country’s energy is produced through five geothermal energy plants, whilst 85$ of homes are heated by geothermal heating. Volcanic countries do have a viable energy source to oil, if they invest in geothermal energy.

6. Using Fermented Plants

All over the globe, communities have created their own solutions to replacing oil based energy- from a palm oil plantation in Indonesia, which produces all its energy needs from fermenting discarded husks, to a village in Africa which uses fermented weeds as a replacement for oil. Most of these projects are self-financed by the community.

7. Steam

In the 18th century steam revolutionized the way we traveled and manufactured our goods. Australian scientists a decade ago, created a clean steam engine, which incorporated 20th century technology, with an 18th century design. It proved to be cleaner than oil, and far less expensive but has yet to be mass produced.

All over the globe individuals and communities are creating their own solutions to using oil. This has helped cut down on energy costs, allowing many communities to escape our dependence on a depleted, and expensive unsustainable resource. Perhaps by emulating these ideas, we could in the future become energy independent.ourselves.

Do you know that energy can be generated with magnets? Nowadays everyone is trying to find a renewable source of energy. The renewable form of energy is environment friendly. You can save a good amount of money by using renewable energy in your home or office.

Magnet generated energy is one of the best forms of energy which is being used world wide. For producing this type of energy all you need is a permanent magnet generator. This is a special energy system which does not need big investment. A permanent magnet generator can be easily built and all the energy used will be free of cost.

The working principle of a permanent magnet motor is very simple and the maintenance cost is very low. Once installed, the generator can be used for a long period of time. According to a recent research the magnetic generator is much more efficient than solar systems and other energy devices. There are many people of who are using permanent magnetic motor because of it’s positive environmental effects.

The magnetic generators never release toxic fumes. The generator can produce up to 7,000 watts of energy.

The best thing is that the magnet generator can be made at home. All you need is a manual for building generators at home. This manual can be downloaded from reputed websites. All reputed websites provide customer testimonials and feedback. It is a good idea to through all these testimonies before you decide to buy anything new.

There are many things which should be confirmed before shopping on the internet. Every shopper should be aware of online scams and fraudulent websites.

Almost all the people know the difference between renewable and non renewable energy sources. For those who are still ignorant about it, renewable energy sources refer to those that are present in unlimited quantities in nature and that do not cause any kind to harm to the nature in the form of pollution.

Renewable energy solutions refer to those energy solutions which keep on producing energy continuously without exhausting the resources. The three kinds of energy which fall under this category include solar energy solutions, hydropower solutions and wind energy.

Starting with solar energy, as the name implies, it refers to the energy derived from the sun. The industrial applications of the same include production of electricity by heating water in solar power stations. Domestic uses include the use of solar cookers, water heaters, air conditioning, swimming pool heaters etc.

Hydro energy solutions involve the production of electricity from the power of water. They can also be used to run vehicles and electrical appliances. Water is available in large quantities all around the world and this feature makes hydroelectric power one of the most reliable renewable energy solutions. It is estimated that hydro power could contribute to at least 90% of the total energy from renewable sources.

Wind energy is one that has been used from a very long time, even before Jesus was born. It was used drag boats and ships and also in pumping water. Nowadays wind energy is used to generate electricity by running wind turbines. The long term technical potential of wind energy is about five times the total current global energy production which is quite an impressive figure.

Apart from the above mentioned renewable energy solutions, geothermal energy sources have also gained importance. It is essentially the energy derived by tapping the heat of the earth.