Photo: Malou Rose
Presently the world’s population consumes approximately 15 terawatts of power (a terawatt is 1000 gigawatts & a gigawatt is the capacity of the largest sort of coal-fired power station). By 2050, power consumption is projected to be up to 30 terawatts.
Due to how inexpensive coal is, the clean energy alternatives are not as yet cost competitive for the most part.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – United Nations appointed group of scientific experts, say fossil fuels should carry a tax of $20 – $50 for every tonne of CO2 they generate to pay for the environmental effects of burning them.
If that occurred, as is happening in Europe through their cap & trade system, wind based electricity would already be competitive with fossil fuels and others would be coming close. Failing that, special treatment for alternatives is probably the least bad option and need to be withdrawn when no longer necessary – the subsidies & mandates offered to renewable sources of power, i.e. wind turbines, often just level the playing field.
Some subsidies amount to unwarranted market-rigging. Others though, such as the requirement that a certain amount of electricity be derived from non-fossil-fuel sources, make no attempt to pick particular technological winners. They merely act to stimulate innovation by guaranteeing a market to things that actually work.
If clean energy can compete on cost, the poor and the rich countries would likewise adopt them.
The clean energy field requires continued innovation.
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The Oil Spill in the Gulf, and Lessons About Energy
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/09/opinion/lweb09oil.html
There is no time like the present to begin an aggressive development of alternative energy. The Gulf of Mexico spill is just another example of incidents that will continue to take place in the future, each one worse and more cataclysmic than the previous one.
Royal astronomer urges Australia to ’step up’ on climate change
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/royal-astronomer-urges-australia-to-step-up-on-climate-change-20100329-r8av.html
ADVANCED countries should be taking the lead in a global search for climate change solutions, according to renowned scientist Lord Martin Rees.
UK air pollution causes 50,000 early deaths a year, say MPs
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/mar/22/air-pollution-deaths
Minute particles from burning fuel can shorten lives by up to nine years, according to the environment audit committee
Air Pollution Hits Record High in Hong Kong
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/23/science/earth/23hong.html
Air pollution in Hong Kong hit record levels on Monday, triggering an official government warning to avoid outdoor activities and physical exertion.
Money spent on tar sands projects could decarbonise western economies
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/mar/15/bp-shell-tar-sands-green-energy
The £250bn cost of developing Canada’s controversial tar sands between now and 2025 could be used to decarbonise the western economy by funding ambitious solar power schemes in the Sahara or a European wide shift to electric vehicles, according to a new report released today.
Ozone levels to worsen over next 15 years
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/ozone-levels-to-worsen-over-next-15-years-20100308-psuy.html
SYDNEY’S air quality is only going to get worse, with a state government report signalling that residents will suffer from rising levels of ozone, a primary cause of respiratory diseases such as asthma.
Running out of oil
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2010/s2835678.htm
Commercial oil production will dry up by 2040 and a new Australian Government report adds weight to this prediction.
Cars pollute even when engines are switched off
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/cars-pollute-even-when-engines-are-switched-off-20100227-pa42.html
Vehicles sitting in the sun for days at a time can spew out damaging hydrocarbons – one of the main ingredients in smog, a federal government study has found.