Monday, June 20, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Monday, February 1, 2010
Saudi Arabia goes green
Who'da thunk that one of the world's largest exporters of petroleum would become an advocate of solar power? Well, that's exactly what's happening with Saudi Arabia. The desert country is surrounded by salt water, meaning that in order to get potable water for drinking and other uses requires massive desalination efforts.
Up until now, Arabian desalination plants were fueled with oil, consuming up to 1.5 million barrels per day. That's a lot of oil. With the use of solar, the dirty consumption will cease. They even plan to export solar as well as oil (this also gives them an extra 1.5 million daily barrels to export instead of use, so this isn't entirely a magnanimous effort).
What this does is set an example for the west. Use the power we have available to us, not what we get from other countries.
Full story here.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
On a lighter note
Though honey bees are going through a rough patch, the Huffington Post has run an article about the cutest bee keepers around.
At least someone cares enough to at least be silly
At least someone cares enough to at least be silly
Saturday, January 23, 2010
When it comes to green, Geneva doesn't mess around
Geneva has proposed ban cars from 200 city streets.
Story and radio interview the Green Party's Fabienne Fischer here.
Story and radio interview the Green Party's Fabienne Fischer here.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Why "Climategate" doesn't matter
Despite the recent brouhaha over emails from the University of East Anglia's Climate Research Unit (CRU) that put Al Gore and his team of Nobelers into hot water, "nothing in the stolen material undermines the scientific consensus that climate change is happening and that humans are to blame," according to an article in the February 2010 issue of Scientific American.
In other words, claims that client science is far from settled, that "tricks" (more on that below) were used and that researchers hid data that didn't support their argument are all bogus - bugbears created by denialists to ignore the obvious.
Here's why (all quotes from the SciAm article and are in green):
1). "Heat-trapping effects can be verified by any undergraduate in any lab," notes climate scientist Katherine Hayhoe of of Texas Tech University. "The detection of climate change, and its attribution to human causes, rests on numerous lines of evidence." [These] include melting ice sheets, rising sea levels and earlier onset of spring, not to mention higher average global temperatures.
2). Some of the kerfluffle rests on a mis-reading of the emails wording. For example, "trick" in one message actually describes a decision to use observed temperatures rather than stand-in data inferred from tree rings. Instead of implying deception, the word itself in science often refers to a strategy to solve a problem. (This is the part that the Limbaugh cronies jumped on - "They're trying to trick us!" Only problem is, they didn't understand what the word meant in scientific jargon and used this ignorance to fuel what turned out to be a misinformed, imaginary fire. Sur-prise, sur-prise, sur-prise.)
3). "Even if the CRU data "were dismissed as tainted, it would not matter," argues IPPC (UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) contributor Gary Yohe of Weslayan University. "CRU is but one source of analysis whose conclusions have been validated by other researchers around the world." Other sources include NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climate Data Center, and even the IPCC, all of which provide access to raw data. In other words, twisting one set of findings that don't even say what some claim they do does not invalidate the findings of other, highly trustworthy sources. (Not trustworthy, you say? How many lies, distortions and half-truths do Limbaugh, Beck and their ilk pass off as "facts" in a given week? If you trust any of those people, you probably can't count that high.)
The one thing the whole debacle (perhaps too strong of a word - let's stick with kerfluffle, it's cuter and not as ominous) has shown is the sociological and political sides of science.
"This is a record of how science is actually done," notes Goddard's Gavin A. Schmidt. Historians will see "that scientists are human and how science progresses despite human failings. They'll see why science as an enterprise works despite the fact that scientists aren't perfect."
"Science has already played its role" in the climate debate, explains Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the IPCC. After all, IPCC authors had to achieve consensus with more than 190 countries as well as publicly respond to each comment on the draft documents. "Unfortunately, the [climate] negotiations are becoming solely political," Pachauri laments.
So once again, it's down to politics and blatant ignorance in the face of facts vs. politics and science. I'll take science for the win and that's my final answer.
In other words, claims that client science is far from settled, that "tricks" (more on that below) were used and that researchers hid data that didn't support their argument are all bogus - bugbears created by denialists to ignore the obvious.
Here's why (all quotes from the SciAm article and are in green):
1). "Heat-trapping effects can be verified by any undergraduate in any lab," notes climate scientist Katherine Hayhoe of of Texas Tech University. "The detection of climate change, and its attribution to human causes, rests on numerous lines of evidence." [These] include melting ice sheets, rising sea levels and earlier onset of spring, not to mention higher average global temperatures.
2). Some of the kerfluffle rests on a mis-reading of the emails wording. For example, "trick" in one message actually describes a decision to use observed temperatures rather than stand-in data inferred from tree rings. Instead of implying deception, the word itself in science often refers to a strategy to solve a problem. (This is the part that the Limbaugh cronies jumped on - "They're trying to trick us!" Only problem is, they didn't understand what the word meant in scientific jargon and used this ignorance to fuel what turned out to be a misinformed, imaginary fire. Sur-prise, sur-prise, sur-prise.)
3). "Even if the CRU data "were dismissed as tainted, it would not matter," argues IPPC (UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) contributor Gary Yohe of Weslayan University. "CRU is but one source of analysis whose conclusions have been validated by other researchers around the world." Other sources include NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climate Data Center, and even the IPCC, all of which provide access to raw data. In other words, twisting one set of findings that don't even say what some claim they do does not invalidate the findings of other, highly trustworthy sources. (Not trustworthy, you say? How many lies, distortions and half-truths do Limbaugh, Beck and their ilk pass off as "facts" in a given week? If you trust any of those people, you probably can't count that high.)
The one thing the whole debacle (perhaps too strong of a word - let's stick with kerfluffle, it's cuter and not as ominous) has shown is the sociological and political sides of science.
"This is a record of how science is actually done," notes Goddard's Gavin A. Schmidt. Historians will see "that scientists are human and how science progresses despite human failings. They'll see why science as an enterprise works despite the fact that scientists aren't perfect."
"Science has already played its role" in the climate debate, explains Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the IPCC. After all, IPCC authors had to achieve consensus with more than 190 countries as well as publicly respond to each comment on the draft documents. "Unfortunately, the [climate] negotiations are becoming solely political," Pachauri laments.
So once again, it's down to politics and blatant ignorance in the face of facts vs. politics and science. I'll take science for the win and that's my final answer.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Migration for island nations?
In the wake of the Haitian earthquake last week, nearly 200,000 natives have fled to the neighboring Dominican Republic, seeking shelter. Unfortunately, earthquakes are the only disasters facing island nations.
While the Maldives has no plans to relocate its population before sea levels rise, "the Pacific Small Island Developing States, which includes countries such as Fiji, Palua, Marshall Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu, have not ruled out the possibility of relocating before disaster strikes," says an article on the Environmental News Network.
These are islands that are vulnerable to rising sea levels, something that is certain in the wake of Arctic melt. Let's hope mainland neighbors will open their arms to these refugees before the tragic occurs.
I'm talking to you, USA.
While the Maldives has no plans to relocate its population before sea levels rise, "the Pacific Small Island Developing States, which includes countries such as Fiji, Palua, Marshall Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu, have not ruled out the possibility of relocating before disaster strikes," says an article on the Environmental News Network.
These are islands that are vulnerable to rising sea levels, something that is certain in the wake of Arctic melt. Let's hope mainland neighbors will open their arms to these refugees before the tragic occurs.
I'm talking to you, USA.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Fun and informative video
Whether you believe in global warming or not, this is a great breakdown of why action needs to be taken no matter what stance you take.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
"Star Power comes to California"
Both the title of this blog and the content come from #78 in Discover magazine's Top 100 Science Stories of 2009. Text by Amy Barth.In the heart of the National Ignition Facility (NIF - left), a technician inspects the optics assembly where 192 powerful laser beams will zap a pellet filled with deuterium and tritium, two heavy forms of hydrogen. The pellet will immediately implode, reaching a temperature of more than 100 million degrees at a pressure 100 billion times that of Earth's atmosphere. Under those conditions the hydrogen will be fused into helium, releasing a vast amount of energy and creating the kinds of processes that occur deep inside the sun. The NIF, dedicated in May in Livermore, Calif., will also mimic the detonation of nuclear weapons and will perform astrophysics experiments. Research at the facility could speed the development of abundant, clean fusion power - literally the stars brought down to Earth.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Leap-Frogging hydrogen hurdles
#74 on Discover's Top 100 Science Stories of 2009 is hydrogen power.
The only "waste" created by hydrogen fuel cells are water and heat. This makes them tremendously attractive as energy producers. Two of the main problems are that they currently require expensive platinum catalysts and the source is often fossil fuels.
Jean-Pol Dodelet of the National Institute of Scientific Research in Quebec has looked to the human body for inspiration. Within our organic construct, iron-based molecules extract energy from food. Dodelet and his team are looking at enhanced iron-based catalysts to use in fuels cells. It works just as well as platinum but is obviously less expensive.
MIT's Daniel Nocero is also using nature for his work, this time looking at plants. When his catalyst is combined with photovoltaic cells like the ones used in solar panels, it splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, mimicking photosynthesis. He wants to use this technology to provide power to those living off the grid.
With Nocera's system, only dependency is on the sun.
The only "waste" created by hydrogen fuel cells are water and heat. This makes them tremendously attractive as energy producers. Two of the main problems are that they currently require expensive platinum catalysts and the source is often fossil fuels.
Jean-Pol Dodelet of the National Institute of Scientific Research in Quebec has looked to the human body for inspiration. Within our organic construct, iron-based molecules extract energy from food. Dodelet and his team are looking at enhanced iron-based catalysts to use in fuels cells. It works just as well as platinum but is obviously less expensive.
MIT's Daniel Nocero is also using nature for his work, this time looking at plants. When his catalyst is combined with photovoltaic cells like the ones used in solar panels, it splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, mimicking photosynthesis. He wants to use this technology to provide power to those living off the grid.
With Nocera's system, only dependency is on the sun.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Geographer Mark Serreze predicts outcome of Arctic melt
Coming in at #60 on Discover magazine's Top 100 science stories of 2009 is Mark Serreze, a geographer that states that the Arctic will be ice-free during the summer as early as 2030.
Since 1979, satellites have measured the extent of Arctic sea ice accurately, giving us a view of change. The region has lost 40 percent of its ice since the 70s, he says.
The ice will still be there in the winter, but during the summer, the area will be free of obstacles. On the upside, this means Japanese cars will be able to make it to the East Coast quicker and cheaper, but the downsides far outweigh any economic advantages it may incur.
And there's no going back.
Things we have to "look forward to":
1). Cascading effects through the food chain, from predators to plankton.
2). Coastal erosion. Villages in Alaska and coastal Siberia are slowly falling into the sea.
3). Weather. Normally waves caused by storms are dampened by Arctic ice. This will no longer be the case and waves will just get bigger and more likely to cause damage. See #2.
4). Rising temperatures. Ice normally reflects a lot of sunlight back into space. With it gone, the seas will absorb much of that solar energy, causing further warming trends and playing more havoc with the weather. Citrus crops in Florida may be safe from freezing but winter wheat, which relies on precipitation from snow, will take a hit.
5). Water supply. The western US relies on melting snow for much of its water supply. No snow, no water.
6). Carbon cycle. This is a biggie. As permafrost thaws, carbon deposits from millenia old plants and animals will defrost, releasing more carbon into the atmosphere in an ever-warning feedback loop. There is growing evidence that the effect will be quite strong.
7). Loss of species. While humans are supremely adaptable, many species are not. Say good-bye to even more of them.
As Dr. Serreze says, "We're looking at a different world. That world is coming fast, and the Arctic is leading the way."
Since 1979, satellites have measured the extent of Arctic sea ice accurately, giving us a view of change. The region has lost 40 percent of its ice since the 70s, he says.
The ice will still be there in the winter, but during the summer, the area will be free of obstacles. On the upside, this means Japanese cars will be able to make it to the East Coast quicker and cheaper, but the downsides far outweigh any economic advantages it may incur.
And there's no going back.
Things we have to "look forward to":
1). Cascading effects through the food chain, from predators to plankton.
2). Coastal erosion. Villages in Alaska and coastal Siberia are slowly falling into the sea.
3). Weather. Normally waves caused by storms are dampened by Arctic ice. This will no longer be the case and waves will just get bigger and more likely to cause damage. See #2.
4). Rising temperatures. Ice normally reflects a lot of sunlight back into space. With it gone, the seas will absorb much of that solar energy, causing further warming trends and playing more havoc with the weather. Citrus crops in Florida may be safe from freezing but winter wheat, which relies on precipitation from snow, will take a hit.
5). Water supply. The western US relies on melting snow for much of its water supply. No snow, no water.
6). Carbon cycle. This is a biggie. As permafrost thaws, carbon deposits from millenia old plants and animals will defrost, releasing more carbon into the atmosphere in an ever-warning feedback loop. There is growing evidence that the effect will be quite strong.
7). Loss of species. While humans are supremely adaptable, many species are not. Say good-bye to even more of them.
As Dr. Serreze says, "We're looking at a different world. That world is coming fast, and the Arctic is leading the way."
Monday, January 11, 2010
Smartly making over the Electrical Grid
According to Discover magazine, "the basic technology that transports electricity around the United State is more than a century old."
This is pathetic. In a century, everything from information technology to medicine has advanced exponentially and so has our power usage, so why should the backbone be so antiquated?
Obama has announce $3.4 billion in economic stimulus and private holdings are investing another $5 billion in bringing the infrastructure up to date, a necessity when the country hopes to produce at least 20 percent of its power from alternative sources like energy and wind.
Basically, the hope is to establish a two-way power structure where currently only one way exists.
In other words, electrical customers would be able to determine peak usage and pay as it comes. It there is excess, it would be sent back to the power company for discounts. No power would be lost and only be applied when needed. Customers would have control over their meters and be able to "budget" accordingly.
Grids will soon be able to store and redirect power.
Ford has even announced that its hybrids would have smart capability, charging during off-peak hours and sending back excess as needed.
This is pathetic. In a century, everything from information technology to medicine has advanced exponentially and so has our power usage, so why should the backbone be so antiquated?
Obama has announce $3.4 billion in economic stimulus and private holdings are investing another $5 billion in bringing the infrastructure up to date, a necessity when the country hopes to produce at least 20 percent of its power from alternative sources like energy and wind.
Basically, the hope is to establish a two-way power structure where currently only one way exists.
In other words, electrical customers would be able to determine peak usage and pay as it comes. It there is excess, it would be sent back to the power company for discounts. No power would be lost and only be applied when needed. Customers would have control over their meters and be able to "budget" accordingly.
Grids will soon be able to store and redirect power.
Ford has even announced that its hybrids would have smart capability, charging during off-peak hours and sending back excess as needed.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Highly useful eyesores
According to an article on the Environmental News Network's website, the ugly sound barriers between highways and neighborhoods have many positive effects, including keeping pollution on the roadways and reducing cancer in the neighborhoods.
And communities can always plant vines, giving the walls a more natural look while helping to absorb CO2.
And communities can always plant vines, giving the walls a more natural look while helping to absorb CO2.
Algae make clean, renewable fuel
#37 on Discover's Top 100 science stories of 2009:
" When researchers conceived of turning algae into diesel fuel three decades ago, the idea sounded like something out the old sci-fi movie Soylent Green. But in July, ExxonMobil teamed up with biologist J. Craig Venter's Synthetic Genomics to take algae biofuel to the marketplace. ExxonMobil invested $600 million to design better strains of algae and to convert them into fuel. Meanwhile, several start-up companies - including Aurora Biofuels and Solix Biofuels - have built pilot plants that prove it is possible to brew algae-derived diesel fuel in large quantities. "At the beginning we'd tell people, 'I know this sounds crazy,'" says Bryan Wilson, a Colorado State University engineer and co-founder of of Solix Biofuels. "But with the ExxonMobil investment, algae is entering the mainstream.
Traditional biofuel crops such as soybeans yield up 50 to 150 gallons of fuel per planted acre per year, but Solix's facility near Durango, Colorado, is producing more than 2,000. The centerpiece is a sealed growth chamber, or photo-bioreactor, made form a clear polymer to let sunlight through; inside is a strain of algae selected for its high rate of oil production. (Closed reactors are less susceptible to contamination by outside algae than are open-pond systems.) After the algae are harvested, their oils are extracted and refined into renewable diesel. Besides sunlight, the algae require little more than carbon dioxide from nearby power plants, so operating expenses should be low.
Wilson predicts his company's algae fuel (and its coproducts, which are to ve sold for animal feed) will be cost-competitive with petroleum diesel within five years. "It represents a large-scale solution to a global problem," he says."
" When researchers conceived of turning algae into diesel fuel three decades ago, the idea sounded like something out the old sci-fi movie Soylent Green. But in July, ExxonMobil teamed up with biologist J. Craig Venter's Synthetic Genomics to take algae biofuel to the marketplace. ExxonMobil invested $600 million to design better strains of algae and to convert them into fuel. Meanwhile, several start-up companies - including Aurora Biofuels and Solix Biofuels - have built pilot plants that prove it is possible to brew algae-derived diesel fuel in large quantities. "At the beginning we'd tell people, 'I know this sounds crazy,'" says Bryan Wilson, a Colorado State University engineer and co-founder of of Solix Biofuels. "But with the ExxonMobil investment, algae is entering the mainstream.
Traditional biofuel crops such as soybeans yield up 50 to 150 gallons of fuel per planted acre per year, but Solix's facility near Durango, Colorado, is producing more than 2,000. The centerpiece is a sealed growth chamber, or photo-bioreactor, made form a clear polymer to let sunlight through; inside is a strain of algae selected for its high rate of oil production. (Closed reactors are less susceptible to contamination by outside algae than are open-pond systems.) After the algae are harvested, their oils are extracted and refined into renewable diesel. Besides sunlight, the algae require little more than carbon dioxide from nearby power plants, so operating expenses should be low.
Wilson predicts his company's algae fuel (and its coproducts, which are to ve sold for animal feed) will be cost-competitive with petroleum diesel within five years. "It represents a large-scale solution to a global problem," he says."
- Elizabeth Svobada
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