Comments on: Interactive Renewable Energy Map

By: Simon Mallett

Simon Mallett — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:22:07 +0000

Not wishing to criticize, by why can’t Govt departments just use existing resources. Google maps, Microsoft earth both provide brilliant platforms that can be used to develop scalable and standardized systems. The technology is normally cutting edge and its invariably cheaper as the basic mapping is already done. The only thing that I suppose is missing is an excuse for some empire builder to spend money on re-inventing what already exists!

By: Brian Sidzik

Brian Sidzik — Sat, 02 May 2009 18:49:07 +0000

The only question I have is if the world is constantly changing temps: hot to cold, cold to hot – why would anyone want the earth to cool. Thus subjecting it to another potential ice age. This of course believing that we as humans do have the power to change our global temps on a whim. Don’t get me wrong I do like all the new technological advances in electrical production. This is the next step in our evolution. But, as we evolve so does the earth.

By: Sveinn Albertsson

Sveinn Albertsson — Fri, 01 May 2009 23:40:42 +0000

Co2 is a real problem. But far from the only one. Hey Scott, a good point you make: More makes more!

By: Bitty Martin Elizbaeth Ricketson

Bitty Martin Elizbaeth Ricketson — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:41:25 +0000

CO2 is the real problem, don’t let people fool you.

By: Scott McElreath

Scott McElreath — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:41:06 +0000

Most methane and greenhouse gases now are coming from the World’s permafrost thawing. The warmer the Earth becomes, the more permafrost melts and then releases all the gases that have been trapped there since the last Ice Age. Global Warming is happening, and the more it happens, the worse it gets, the ice melts, etc…

By: Sara Hanggi

Sara Hanggi — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:40:43 +0000

You have made some good points – I will have to do a bit of reading to learn more what you are talking about. It does seem that CO2 is the main focus- politically speaking, though it is just one of many gases contributing to changing climate and as you mention methane which certainly plays a major role, as does water vapour and others.

All this ETS talk is so focused on CO2 and barely mentions other greenhouse gases?

By: Sveinn Albertsson

Sveinn Albertsson — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:39:48 +0000

The human factor is but one of many! In order to mean business we will have to go well beyond the warming caused by humans. An intelligent person always knows, that we are living not in a ice age but in a warm period, due to the Bering strait being open thus enabling currents to equalize the temperature of the huge but diminishing reflecting ice cap, reflecting less and less sunlight back into space.

Closing the strait and crossing our fingers is the way to go!

Plus large-scale adding of iron sulfate to the Oceans to promote phytoplankton growth and draw atmospheric CO2 into the ocean. (I´m not in the mood to even try to tell people that they have to stop eating because of the Methane problem).

CO2 levels always correspond to the temperature of the oceans, but in inverse proportions much like in a can of soda, gravity being the cap! Volcanism dwarfs the human ‘footprint’ of CO2.

By: Sara Hanggi

Sara Hanggi — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:37:57 +0000

Climate is constantly changing, that is given, but it is the rate of change which is going to spell unfortold disaster on carbon based, air breathing life-forms like us. The extinction rate has accelerated because species are unable to adapt to changing climate and changing environment. There simply is not enough time for species to evolve to suit changing conditions. Us humans are also walking a tightrope with our increasing dependency on ‘global trade’ for our necessities of life.

Economic slowing will see a change in the availability of goods and services. The circumstance is dire for people already struggling to survive in impoverished circumstances.

It’s all well and good for us here in our fortunate society to discuss climate change as though it has nothing to do with us, but rest assured something’s gonna give and it won’t discriminate between rich or poor!

As increased CO2 dissolves into the oceans, phytoplankton productivity will become limited… so on and so forth…

By: Sveinn Albertsson

Sveinn Albertsson — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:35:30 +0000

An intelligent person always knows that the warming process that has been going on for the last 1000s of yeas at least. This is the latest “KT-event”. The human factor is but one of many!

By: A B Chisholm

A B Chisholm — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:01:44 +0000

It would be nice if these maps and articles could include all of the renewable energies being pursued. In 2008 Nevada alone had 18 geothermal power plants with a capacity of 333MW, and another 200-500 in the development stage.

By: Andrew Davis

Andrew Davis — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:37:38 +0000

The Renewable Energy Map data for New York State should be updated. As of January, 2009, there are 14 wind farm projects in commercial operation, representing nearly 1300 MW of generation in the state. Several of the “planned” projects indicated on the map have also been scaled back or canceled, while there are other planned projects which are not indicated.