Environment

Reflecting on the Sun

- Adam Clare

http://environment.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn11993
It’s good to know that already scientists have figured out backup plans for when climate change becomes so destructive that we have a way to turn down the thermostat. The solutions being put forward include blocking or diffusing the sun’s energy out into space – essentially making the Earth a giant mirror. The catch is that this geoengineering could change the way we see the world by altering the rays that hit the planet’s surface. The solutions maybe drastic, but at least we have a plan.

A solar shield that reflects some of the Sun’s radiation back into space would cool the climate within a decade and could be a quick-fix solution to climate change, researchers say.
…
His computer models simulated a gradually deployed shield that would compensate for the greenhouse effect of rising carbon dioxide concentrations. By the time CO2 levels are double those of pre-industrial times – predicted to be at the end of the 21st century – the shield would need to block 8% of the Sun’s radiation.

UK Unveils Zero-Emission Home

- Adam Clare 1 Comment

from the bbcNot to be outdone by the recycled house in Quebec, the Brits have unveiled a zero-emission home. The BBC reports that it’s the first zero-emission home in the UK and aims to be an example of new rules to be applied in 2016.

“The home generates all its own energy – and when you’re away on holiday can send electricity back to the National Grid. The company says its annual energy bill would be £31, as compared to £500 for the standard new home of this size,” he said.

Quebecers to See Sample Green Home

- Adam Clare

The Canadian province of Quebec is trying to promote small thing s that people can do in their home to lessen their impact on the environment. Part of this awareness campaign involves building a house using 100% recycled materials, including socks!

The building will be cobbled together with two boxcars, used wooden crates, old firefighting hoses and a roof made of vegetation. It will house a kitchen, living room and a garage with displays of greener lifestyles

Virgin Trains Introduces First European Biodiesel Train

- Adam Clare

thanks google!Sir Richard Branson owns a lot of companies and he has previously mentioned that he wants to fight climate change and cut back on emissions. It appears that he’s sticking to his word as Virgin Trains is running a biodiesel train in Europe and plans to switch more trains to biodiesel if this test run goes well.

If running biodiesel isn’t enough, the trains also produce energy!

From their press release:

In addition to the environmental benefits of the Voyager trial, Virgin’s Pendolino electric trains return 17 percent of the power they use to the national grid every time they brake, making the Pendolino fleet one of the most efficient in the world. Over the course of a year this is enough to power 11,825 homes. These trains emit 76 percent less CO2 than cars or domestic flights.

Curb Consumerism, Save the World

- Adam Clare 2 Comments

A good article from The Observer covers a new movement that is apparently gaining popularity – the ‘compact’ to not buy anything new. This is great to read, because it validates me, anyone who knows me knows that I hardly make any new purchases unless I have too. I have more leisure time as a result 🙂

Perry believes that by refraining from buying, he saves ‘a few hundred dollars a month on unnecessary and impulse purchases’ and thousands every year on larger buys like furniture and kitchen appliances: ‘The extra money means we now overpay on the mortgage and contribute more to the kids’ college funds.’

Thanks, Janet!

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