Popular Science Does Alternative Energy
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 06.17.06
Popular Science has put together a special segment on energy alternatives, subtitled "10 Steps To End America’s Fossil-Fuel Addiction." Most of the ideas listed have common-sense merits, while some are perhaps new to most Americans. Several have been covered before on TreeHugger. There's a meta-story about this PopSci segment that we'd like to focus on. When Popular Science talks about energy so engagingly and constructively, its a signal that everyday people "get it" better than the People's House does. Indeed, the PopSci technology roster (samples listed below the fold) is more comprehensive than any Federal bill, passed or proposed. Add to that other evidence we've seen of popular sentiment, and it's looking like America's "mental brownout" is passing. Because of the complex layout on the Popsci web site, hardcopy would probably be best for a serious text read, with the notable exception of terrific interactive global map, (as pictured above).
Samples:
* Step 1: Harness the Wind
Turbines are getting stronger, lighter, bigger
* Step 2: End Gridlock
Make power where we use it
* Step 3: Rev Up Our Hybrid Rides
Ultralight parts and a plug could double America's mileage
* Step 4: Brew Better Ethanol
With a little help from our termite friends
* Step 5: Switch on the Sun Lamp
Via: BoingBoing
It's good to see Popular Science tackling this issue and providing their readership some answers to the problems. I still do not believe this will be solved by the government, but rather by private citizens and corporations looking to become more efficient through the use of green energy and green products.
Brian,
In my view, it's going to take a lot of collaboration between government, private citizens and business to transform how we create and use energy. Some government regulations that get in the way are going to have to be removed, some new ones are going to need to be written, etc.
But government very definitely has a very big role for the simple fact that it is one of the few human systems that connects every element of society. Not to mention that government is a huge user of energy and energy-consuming products.
And despite some opinions that provide no role for government, well-run government can produce big results. Take a look at the Climate Protection Campaign's recent results: they got Sonoma county (California) to commit that county-wide emissions will be 25% less than the 1990 level by 2015. They have an energized county leadership that is the "engine" behind this goal.
Or take a look at what we did in San Francisco with a collaboration between the City of San Francisco, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, the local utility and private business: we got 89% of the businesses who attended our event to sign up for a energy audit by Pacific Gas & Electric. And since each business in the program has a dedicated coach to work with them, this will result in big energy (and $) savings.
We couldn't have reached 89% without all the players involved that were involved. It's a bit more work to coordinate, but the results are worth every bit of the effort.
-Andre' Angelantoni
www.SavingGreenByGoingGreen.com
I note that none of PopSci's recommendations include "drive less". I guess this isn't too surprising, given that the sponsor of the section is Toyota.