Has a “Convergance of Catastrophes” Already Begun?
James Howard Kunstler examines the critical importance of oil in our global economy and then anticipates the cascade of catastrophic consequences when – not if – supply fails to meet demand. After a century of profligate use of this energy-dense resource, he contends that we are within a decade of experiencing an oil shortage: for transportation, industry, heating, plastics, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals and all the countless products essential to our modern lives. In other words, our energy-devouring civilization has been accelerating entropy.
Final Episode of BBC World’s “Hot Cities” Available
Los Angeles is one of the most polluting cities in the world thanks largely to its love affair with the car. It is a city built on consumption. Each person produces around 20 tonnes of emissions per year – twice as much as anyone else. Now they are about to reap what has been sown. In LA there has been a big increase in wildfires, water supplies are under threat, rising sea levels could have a massive impact on LA’s huge port and destroy thousands of homes. “Hot Cities” goes to LA just as the city launches its adaptation strategy.
Climate Change: The Hard Numerical Reality, and What We Can Do About It
In this FORA.tv presentation given earlier this year at the Long Now Foundation, Griffith examines the numerical reality of the fight against climate change. Drawing from a personal assessment of his own energy needs, Griffith argues that we not only need to switch to alternative energies, we also need to drastically reduce their consumption in order to prevent a global catastrophe. In this clip, Griffith lays out in hard numbers the need for a massive increase in “green” energy, and proposes how it can be achieved.
Exciting News On Large Scale Solar Power Development
The Australian government plans to build the world’s largest solar power station a 1,000-megawatt plant that would generate three times as much electricity as the world’s largest solar electric plant, now located in California.
Doing the Math to Prevent Dangerous Climate Change
Even if we imagine strong efficiency measures and smart technology switches, we should not kid ourselves about the scale of the energy challenge which would remain. We need an energy plan that adds up. It is not going to be easy, but it is possible.
Global Warming Solutions for Governments
To stop Global Warming, we must close down all coal-fired power plants, end all fossil fuel subsidies and end all corporate campaign financing.
Article on carbon capture and storage misguided
CCS should never be considered a bandaid or quick fix. It should only be attempted in conjunction with a global effort to reduce GHG emissions to zero. It will be difficult enough to sequester what we already have. If we can’t bring atmospheric carbon dioxide down to what is believed to be the safe level of 350 parts per million or less, we won’t have a planet we can live on.
Today’s Hot Topic: Solar Power (two articles from BC-SEA)
Guy Dauncey of BC-SEA recited a list of recommendations to boost solar hot water installation in the province. He said these systems should be a requirement for new buildings and individuals should receive a 100 per cent tax credit towards them. Dauncey also called for standardized training for solar installation in colleges and apprenticeship programs.
