Interesting analysis of the Garnaut report on Radio National
Climate change policy and the Garnaut Report - Late Night Live - 7 July 2008.
Author Archive for iain
An interesting idea for a sustainable fridge in developing countries.
Another great example from our government of what we shouldn’t be doing if we actually want to reduce emissions. The basic idea is to convert our fossil fuel reserves of coal and gas into transport fuels like petroleum. Robin Batterham hinted that this was inevitable if oil prices stay high for sustained periods.
‘Coal to gas’ energy plan draws scepticism - ABC News Australian Broadcasting Corporation
I can barely describe how happy this makes me. Die hummer die!
Production line stalling a bummer for Hummers | theage.com.au
Rear Vision looks at the history of the automobile. Raises some interesting points as to why petrol cars have dominated and there has been very little progress in terms of efficiency. When the personal car was first invented t was a battle between the electric car, steam and petrol. Maybe it’s not too late for electric cars to make a comeback
From the Science Show on radio national:
Conventional hydrogen production is expensive. A cheaper method involves using algae. The algae live in a series of ponds. Hydrogen is collected as it bubbles to the surface. An advantage is microalgae can be located on non-arable land and dont compete with food production.
Normally algae use sunlight to split water into protons and elections. Combined with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the cell is able to produce all the biomolecules it requires. If the cultures are depleted of sulphur, the photosynthetic pathway switches to the production of hydrogen
An excellent video describing the development of next generation biofuels in the United States. Next generation biofuels aim for greater efficiency than ethanol while avoiding the food supply issues associated with first generation biofuels.
An interesting analysis of some of the assumptions and mathematics behind a target of 450 ppm. Joseph Romm has written extensively on energy related matters including hydrogen powered cars, etc.
A good summary of recent developments in solar thermal for electricity production.
John mentioned this report the other night in class. Looks at research into emergency measures that could be taken to slow global warming if things get out of control. Some of the measures include injecting particles into the atmosphere to create a global ‘dimming’ effect.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/stories/2008/2204410.htm
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