By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:48:28 +0000

Did you know we use 1200 Tera watts of electricity a year in the US. this is a huge amount of energy. 2% of that now goes to server farms, these farms allow you to post and me to reply, computing which has its drawbacks is also an integral part of our fabirc s a society. To me communication is what guarantees the continuity of modern society. We use alot of energy, energy is a sign of prosperity I agree with you that it is also a sign of decadence. If you ask the average person will you drastically alter your lifestyle to help other people you will never meet I am certain most people will say no. Sustainability is absolutely key to the future of our society and the world but has to come in a orderly, feasible way. This will be multi-genrational and requires a tremendous amount of compromise and forethought to allow the smooth transition from fossil fuel to alternatives. The average coalplant has a working life of 30yrs and produces 400MW continuously, this is a lot of energy. We do not have the infrastructure, economy or technology to switch to RE overnight. I work in solar, love the science and innovation behind it and I do not believe that I will see RE meet base load demand in my life. The mere fact that ACES has the potential to shift the great ship at sea that is the ‘American Economy’ a degree or two towards reforestation, new energy economy, valuing science and engineers again as leaders of change is enough. This bloated bill is riddled with compromise and riders but it had the votes necessary to get it off the floor. I seriously hope that everyone you know is told to call their senator, go see your senator and get this bill passed this year.

Comments on: Bad Government, but first climate change step - (Long bill gets long feedback from an informed layperson)

By: Andrew