I had a pretty interesting conversation with a fellow environmental engineer at my company today, while we were driving to a site for some inspections. I started asking him what his thoughts on renewable energy were, wind energy specifically, and the conversation leaded to global warming. In the brief time we talked, I gathered that he was very anti-global warming, and his opinion was that it is a very exaggerated theory. He was talking about weather trends and how if you simply look back 10 years, you can see how the earth was actually at a cold point, because of sun spot migration, and other naturally occurring phenomenon. I don’t know what to say about global warming because I have not done enough research on the matter. I agreed with a lot of what he said, but I would like to get some more opinions on the topic. What are your opinions on the topic of Global Warming?
After that I brought up the topic of Carbon, and how I felt it was a growing problem, and he concurred. He was telling me about carbon sequestration efforts (planting trees and other plant life to offset carbon usage), and how he felt that these efforts in combating carbon emissions would never be sufficient to have a significant impact on our efforts to dispose of carbon. I agree with him on this point, because I see the sequestration programs as a “feel good” solution to the problem. What I mean is that most people in higher positions know we can not combat carbon emissions easily, because we are so addicted to oil, and also because of vested interests in the oil industry, and they need to do something to make the public feel better about driving SUV’s and burning oil byproducts for energy. Welcome to America….
Tag Archive for 'Green'
It’s not everyday that I read something and it sticks with me for a long period of time, so I am surprised that over a month has passed and I can’t get the image (on the left) of the wind turbines located in San Cristóbal out of my head. Wind energy, and renewable energy in general are topics that have always interested me, and possibly influenced me to become an electrical engineer. I wish more people would be more receptive and appreciative of renewable forms of energy, but the truth of the matter is that the cost almost always outweighs the environmental benefits in the eyes of the client (especially in the consulting field). Several weeks ago a project manager approached me regarding a solar installation, and wanted me to design a small system for a client. When I returned submitted the project cost to him several days later, I knew that the odds of the project progressing any further than an email, were slim to none. Well, my instincts were correct, and the project got canned, but I did have fun with the initial design. On a positive note though, renewable energy products such as photovoltaic (solar) panels are dropping in cost and are that trend is forecasted to continue, so I will continue to be optimistic. Let me end with a quote, Charles Darwin described the Galápagos archipelago as
“A little world within itself.… Both in space and time, we seem to be brought somewhat near to that great fact—that mystery of mysteries—the first appearance of new beings on this earth”
Do you want future generations to be able to experience what the earth has to offer, or just new ways to find oil…
I encourage you to read more about the Galapagos Wind Project at:
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