4 ms·

The problem is the actual technology that would save us the US Government, and most climate activists do not want to invest in on a large scale Nuclear and Fus

by syshum 5y ago

The problem is the actual technology that would save us the US Government, and most climate activists do not want to invest in on a large scale Nuclear and Fusion. That is the only thing that will cover the oil based energy. Wind and Solar is a pipe dream

phs318u 5y ago
Sorry, but if anything in your paragraph is a pipe dream - its fusion energy. Also, wind and solar may indeed be insufficient to meet the current energy footprint of first-worlders. However we know that most first-world energy consumers are ridiculously profligate. Basic lifestyle changes can significantly reduce consumer energy footprint. I know this because my family has done it without going full hippy-dippy. Passive cooling where possible (e.g. opening windows at night, using window awnings during the day). Home insulation. Using LED lighting. Drive a hybrid or more efficient ICE vehicle that's sized for your actual needs not your emotional needs. Don't buy a new car every 3 years. Change your driving style (gentle acceleration and braking). If it's a 5 minute drive - walk. Buy as local as possible. Don't use disposable everything e.g. wash dishes rather than churning through plastic plates, cups and cutlery. If solar is viable for your home and you can afford it, do it. If public transport is viable where you live, then use it. We are a family of 3 adults, living in a 4 bedroom home with 3 living areas. A/C heating and cooling. 2.3KW solar (which we've had for over 12 years). We've got 2 TV's, 2 computers, 3 phones, an Xbox, an iPad, a Wii (og), a dishwasher etc. Our electricity provider gives a comparison with "typical" families in the area. Our footprint is less than a "typical" 1 person household (which includes quite a few 1 and 2 br apartments). Not bad for not much effort. But even this is just too radical for most people. Which is why we are collectively screwed. Everyone wants someone else to do the dirty work/experience the pain/make the sacrifice/produce the magic, or at best we want someone else to make the first move. And yes, industry has a big part to play. But I am doing my bit because I am a physicist by training and accept the science (though as an average physicist, made a career in IT). I also do it because, though I am not individually responsible for the outcome, I am individually responsible for my actions - and I want to be able to one day look my grandkids in the eye and honestly say "I tried."

by syshum 5y ago

phs318u 5y ago

Sorry, but if anything in your paragraph is a pipe dream - its fusion energy. Also, wind and solar may indeed be insufficient to meet the current energy footprint of first-worlders. However we know that most first-world energy consumers are ridiculously profligate. Basic lifestyle changes can significantly reduce consumer energy footprint. I know this because my family has done it without going full hippy-dippy. Passive cooling where possible (e.g. opening windows at night, using window awnings during the day). Home insulation. Using LED lighting. Drive a hybrid or more efficient ICE vehicle that's sized for your actual needs not your emotional needs. Don't buy a new car every 3 years. Change your driving style (gentle acceleration and braking). If it's a 5 minute drive - walk. Buy as local as possible. Don't use disposable everything e.g. wash dishes rather than churning through plastic plates, cups and cutlery. If solar is viable for your home and you can afford it, do it. If public transport is viable where you live, then use it. We are a family of 3 adults, living in a 4 bedroom home with 3 living areas. A/C heating and cooling. 2.3KW solar (which we've had for over 12 years). We've got 2 TV's, 2 computers, 3 phones, an Xbox, an iPad, a Wii (og), a dishwasher etc. Our electricity provider gives a comparison with "typical" families in the area. Our footprint is less than a "typical" 1 person household (which includes quite a few 1 and 2 br apartments). Not bad for not much effort. But even this is just too radical for most people. Which is why we are collectively screwed. Everyone wants someone else to do the dirty work/experience the pain/make the sacrifice/produce the magic, or at best we want someone else to make the first move. And yes, industry has a big part to play. But I am doing my bit because I am a physicist by training and accept the science (though as an average physicist, made a career in IT). I also do it because, though I am not individually responsible for the outcome, I am individually responsible for my actions - and I want to be able to one day look my grandkids in the eye and honestly say "I tried."