Good news Georgia, we’re not the only ones increasing our carbon emissions!
The New York Times published a story yesterday saying that Italy’s major power producer, Enel, is converting one of its larger power plants to run on coal, “generally the dirtiest fuel on earth,” according to the Times.
Another article from the L.A. Times states that:
“For the last five years, from 2003 through 2007, the global climate averaged 1 degree Fahrenheit warmer than its 20th century average.”
Our neighboring state governments, Florida and South Carolina, have begun to rethink their reliance on coal and are working on plans to reduce their carbon footprint.
But forget about what’s going on today. The important question is, where are we going to be getting our energy from in 50 years? Nuclear? Solar? Wind?
What source, what renewable source, has the ability to replace the juggernaut mega-watt producing coal-fired power plants that dot our state today?
Tags: Add new tag, renewable energy
April 25, 2008 at 9:17 pm |
I think the question is not “what source” or “what renewable source,” but what SOURCES. We can no longer afford, financially or practically speaking, to put all our eggs in one basket. We need a mix here that takes into account our state’s resources, topography, etc. Concentrate on solar in some areas, wind in others. And I’d love to hear some discussion on this blog of the advances that are being made GROWING our fuel from renewable sources such as algae. Let’s talk about the cutting edge! And let’s talk about what’s not so great about growing corn for fuel – and the current rice shortage!
May 1, 2008 at 5:12 am |
Allie’s right. Pine ethanol, tapped by many to be the state’s next cash “crop,” packs more bang for the buck than corn-based ethanol and doesn’t jack up food prices. Sad news is that it’ll only offset the state’s demand for gasoline 15-20 percent. That being said, there’s going to have to be increased research and production of hybrid vehicles. Start laying down the infrastructure — fuel stations, emissions compliance, etc. — for what appears to be the most viable alternative personal-transportation option as well. Another “alternative” is mass transit, which the region should invest in immediately. Gas prices ain’t going down — they might in the run-up to Election Day, per usual — and as more and more people become strapped by fuel costs, more and more will turn to mass transit. Problem: Atlanta’s lacking in that department.
Nuclear powers comes with a bevy of problems, but it’ll provide the most power with no carbon emissions. Not exactly the source you want to turn to in a region that’s shown to be quite sensitive to water shortages. Wind is possible along the coast and needs to be harvested, as does solar, although we may not get enough to power the entire state. That source may only be viable for communities or, if given rebates and incentives, homeowners and businesses.
It’s going to come down to combining sources and offering options and alternatives. But for the people in charge, the cheapest options, such as coal and natural gas, are always the first selected — even though in the end they’re the most costly.
May 5, 2008 at 3:47 pm |
High gas prices are about the best thing to happen for people pushing for hybrid vehicles or alternative fuels. The market will certainly start shifting in a more eco-friendly direction …that is until the government mandates it. As soon as the government tries to help, the level of forms and other beaurocracy will certainly increase costs and only delay a good thing.
Here hoping gas prices hit $8 per gallon and people will start demanding that Ford and Chevy produce either a hybrid or other alternatively fueled vehicle in mass quantities.
…or we can hope the beaurocrats at the state capital will figure it out for us. Personally, I’m hoping for the former.
Sidenote: Anyone notice how much lighter Atlanta rush hour is since gas prices have jumped up? Me either. Weird. I guess gas prices aren’t really an issue for people any more than losing 10 pounds. Sure we’d all love it, but it’s easier to simply complain than it is to change anything.
May 7, 2008 at 1:05 pm |
Tom and Allie make some great points that I’ve never heard before. Algae and pine trees converted to fuel? That’s absolutely brilliant. I’m not a thought-leader in the realm of sustainable resources or community development, but more content along these lines would help educate me and others like me. Kudos to the commenters for enhancing the conversation.