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On To Beat Climate Change, Must Obama Win?
He has had plenty of opportunities and will get many more. He just has to grasp the nettle and show proper leadership.
On As the U.N. climate talks make little progress, are we headed for 3°C rise?
Actually, Willem, you're wrong, that's not where it was originally published. We've been here before. And, so what?
I fail to understand your comment. CO2 increased very little from 1960 to 2010. Then you say CO2 increased by 23%.
On As the U.N. climate talks make little progress, are we headed for 3°C rise?
You want evidence? Start here: http://www.skepticalscience.com/empirical-evidence-for-global-warming.htm
On Wind Energy CO2 Emissions Reductions are Overstated
What you don't take into account the cost of not doing all these things. Not just now, but for the sake of the future.
On Wind Energy CO2 Emissions Reductions are Overstated
Here is an example of a point which you do not address: the definition raised of what counts as peer reviewed. You don't seem to understand what this means!
It's not that what you say isn't interesting, is that if we want to find out the truth, which your contribution might help us towards, we need to develop our understanding.
Just because your post is the most popular doesn't mean you are automatically completely in the right!
Your point seems to be that emission savings are inaccurately attributed to the addition of wind turbines to the National Grid. But by my understanding emissions are calculated from actual emissions from actual fossil fuel powered power stations. Therefore, there is no false accounting.
The technology that we are introducing is evolving all the time, the 1st industrial revolution did not happen overnight. Bicycles were faster than the first cars, but that was not a reason to discontinue their development. As the smart grid is introduced, as more kinds of energy storage are developed, and as other forms of more efficient renewable energy enter the system, over the next 30 to 40 years, we will move to a situation where most of our energy comes from renewable sources. Decarbonisation of the grid is happening simultaneously on many fronts, at least here in Europe.
On Wind Energy CO2 Emissions Reductions are Overstated
I know all that, you've said it before. You're repeating yourself. I do read what you write. I like especially the paragraph on energy efficiency. But please answer my question.
On Wind Energy CO2 Emissions Reductions are Overstated
Willem
Why do you keep repeating things that other commentators have debunked? Your incapacity to listen, learn and develop your argument does you little credit.
On EU to impose new rules that will cut driving cost by 25%
It's the high gas price that's made them more expensive. That's the point of efficiency. It saves money.
On EU to impose new rules that will cut driving cost by 25%
Er, no, Jeff. The opposite is the idea. By making cars cheaper to run you make them less the purview of the rich.
On Will UK Will Exceed Its Carbon Reduction Targets? Part 1
Hands up! I admit it! However - I wrote the article on eaem.co.uk! I'm its News Editor, and have been for 12 years. Energy and Environmental Management magazine publishes for the UK market. The Energy Collective editors deem that some of the material I write should be viewed by the audience of this website, which is predominantly American, so readers can get a flavour of what is happening in the UK and Europe.
On Dalai Lama: Look At Nuclear Energy Holistically
What really strikes me about some of the comments on this site is their complacency, and lack of confidence.
Geoffrey, read my book Solar Technology and Alexis Madrigal's Powering the Dream. Both give part of the history of sustainable energy technologies.
For example, the first solar power station was built in 1913. Solar power was used in the 1880s to make ice and print a newspaper.
If this planet had not possessed such huge reserves of fossil fuels, human ingenuity being what it is, we would have developed renewable energy technologies much faster than we have done. And we would have learned to do more with less energy. And we would have avoided the numerous conflicts over access to fossil fuel reserves that have cost millions of lives over the last hundred years, beginning with WW1, which was partly about just such access, and which led to the formation of modern Iraq.
The Dalai Lama, much as I love him, is misinformed on this issue.
On To Beat Climate Change, Must Obama Win?
I agree with the WRI's view, just issued: “In its first term, the Obama administration made real progress to reduce harmful emissions and shift the country toward cleaner energy. The administration implemented historic clean vehicle rules, proposed standards for greenhouse gas emissions for new power plants, and directed unprecedented investments in clean energy, among other achievements.
“But, these actions aren’t enough. The reality is that the Obama Administration has not yet put the country on a pathway to truly confront the climate crisis. First off, the United States needs a strong national climate and energy strategy. The president should begin by re-engaging a dialogue on climate change and identifying the actions needed to address the crisis. The president should work with Congress on national-level policies, including putting a price on carbon, to get the country on a low-carbon trajectory. In addition, the EPA, in particular, has the ability to implement new standards to reduce dangerous greenhouse gases from existing power plants. The president should reject proposals that would over-exploit America’s resources, decimate its lands, or increase its dependence on high-carbon fuels.
“Many leading businesses are looking for greater clarity to stay competitive in the global economy and take advantage of the emerging $2.3 trillion clean energy market. They need to set long-term goals, which are currently being undercut by America’s piecemeal approach on climate and energy.
“In the international arena, the Administration should take a more constructive role around the climate negotiations. President Obama has shown the power of bold leadership on big international issues—and he has the opportunity to make an ambitious international climate agreement part of his legacy."