Scientific Consensus: Global Warming Is Happening

There is no more doubting or questioning it – #global warming is happening according to scientific consensus, which claims humans are the cause. As a matter of fact, as per the head author on an influential study on global warming, the notion that people are the cause potentially passed 99 percent. This number could actually increase once doubts are cleared up through additional research.  

Global Warming Can No Longer Be Denied  

All-encompassing historical data was utilized to demonstrate (in three studies presented by #Nature and Nature Geoscience) that over the last 2,000 years, there has never been a period of time when temperature variations have been as quick as they have been in recent decades. Today, the negative impacts of global warming we have been warned about are very apparent. Global warming can no longer be denied.  

It was formerly believed that equally intense global warming-related changes could have taken place in the past, for instance, in the Medieval Climate Anomaly and Little Ice Age periods. However, based on the three previously mentioned studies, certain shifts would not have occurred in more than half the planet at any particular time. These studies utilized reconstructions which were based upon 700 proxy registers of temperature alterations, such as ice, sediment, and trees from all continents.  

Evidence of Global Warming 

You likely have heard of the heatwave happening this summer in Europe. Let’s go back to the Little Ice Age (1300 to 1850). The 15th century is when this period reached an extreme point in the Pacific Ocean. In the 17th century, it reached an extreme point in Europe. But since the late 20th century, records have been broken each year across the planet. The heatwave in Europe is just one example of global warming at play. If one wants evidence of global warming, all they have to do is look at the current temperatures.  

What has caused significant temperature shifts in recent history? One of the studies says volcanic eruptions have been a main cause. This would explain global fluctuations which took place during the first part of the 18th century, when the world transitioned from one which was volcanically chilled to one with a warmer climate due to human emissions. A study mentions how this has become very clear since the late 20th century, as temperatures have gone up fast over the course of 20 years – as a matter of fact, they have risen the most rapidly in this amount of time over the last two thousand years.   

Industrial emissions have caused uncommon warming temperatures, in line with the authors of these studies.  

The University of Bern and the Pages 2K consortium of climate scientists, Stefan Brönnimann, mentioned how there is not any uncertainty left, and this has been clearly demonstrated through many studies which address the climate system. Humans are, in fact, causing #climate change in ways never seen before.  

The studies show that current changes are not part of a natural cycle. Climate change deniers need to face the truth, as there is a huge difference between localized and regional changes in the climate, as touched upon by professor of climatology at University College London, Mark Maslin.  

There is agreement among scientists studying climate change in many studies that things such as chimneys, forest clearance, car exhausts and so on are causing global warming.  

Extreme Weather and Climate Change 

Academics studying the climate and climate change cannot deny what is happening to our planet. As per the lead author of a study on “#consensus about consensus,” #John Cook, there was a 99 percent consensus among scientists back in 2011 that human beings are causing global warming, in accordance with a 20-year study. So, there is more agreement now than there was at first. There has been strong research on global warming and climate change since, in addition to increasing extreme weather conditions and heatwaves.  

Cook mentioned how know-how in science studying climate change is increasing. Consequently, agreement regarding global warming being caused by humans is increasing, too. Unfortunately, there are still climate change deniers but on the plus side, public understanding is increasing. This is important.  

We must take care of our planet, and the first step is to accept that it is much more difficult to deny climate change and global warming are occurring today.  

Sources: 

https://grist.org/article/theres-no-doubt-left-about-scientific-consensus-on-global-warming–anymore/ 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190724131624.htm 

Can Artificial Intelligence Save Our Planet from Climate Change?

If by now you are not concerned about #climate change, you should be. Gone are the days of widespread speculation that were amplified in 2006 when former Vice President, Al Gore, first publicly raised awareness for #global warming in his film An Inconvenient Truth. Despite criticism, distrust, and even outright mocking that was displayed in response to the Academy Award winning documentary, Al Gore and others have long since been on the right track when it comes to the reality of climate change and global warming.  

Had we begun to take climate change and global warming seriously back in 2006 when Al Gore had warned us to, we may have avoided many of the problems and climate change issues we are experiencing today. Now, just over 13 years after Al Gore’s pleas first hit the media, there is no doubt that we have no more time to waste and no more room for hesitation when it comes to actually tackling climate change once and for all.  

The Costs of Climate Change 

The cost of climate change is immense and only increasing substantially with each passing year. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the cost for disaster aid for taxpayers in the United States since 2005 has risen to a total of $450 billion, including nearly $19.1 billion in supplemental appropriations that were signed into law this past June. In 2018 alone, 14 separate, billion-dollar climate change and weather-related disasters in the United States occurred, costing our nation nearly $91 billion in relief funds.  

What most taxpayers and politicians are not considering is that some of these climate change–related disasters can be prevented. We need to start investing in climate change solutions that can help minimize or eliminate the disasters we are seeing all over our planet.  

According to Rob Moore, a senior policy analyst and climate adaptation and resilience expert for the Natural Resources Defense Council, the warnings laid out in the GAO’s latest financial report are on par with warnings previously given by financial experts. Ultimately, the costs of climate change-related disasters in the United States are now outweighing our ability to pay for them. Moore stated in an interview that political and federal agencies, “are still treating these disasters as random events” – when, in fact, they are not random. Moore believes that the senseless relief spending must stop and money should be put towards preventative investments instead to help stop these disasters from happening in the first place. 

#Artificial Intelligence as a Solution to Climate Change 

What we all need to be asking ourselves is, what is the ultimate solution? While time has passed that we can never get back to devote to healing our planet, we can start now. The good news is, with every passing year, technology improves substantially. Tackling climate change directly will require solutions unlike any we have yet to see thus far. Is it possible that advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, will be the answer to saving our planet?  

Proponents of artificial intelligence and leading scientists in their fields seem to think so. A recent report titled Tackling Climate Change with Machine Learning was showcased at an AI conference this past June. In the report, three specific areas are mentioned where artificial intelligence can help combat climate change.  

First, AI can be used to create better climate prediction models. Experts in the climate informatics field, a discipline created in 2011, believe that the complex models that AI can produce will help clarify the damaging effects of climate change and help us better predict how to avoid these damages in the future.  

Next, AI can help show the real effects of climate change before they happen. For example, researchers at the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms (MILA), Microsoft, and other AI software development companies have created a simulator that shows individuals what their homes and neighborhoods might look like if a massive, climate change-induced flood were to strike. 

Finally, AI can assist in worldwide carbon output monitoring. With better tracking capabilities, certain regions could be rewarded with tax benefits for reduced carbon output and culprits of the largest carbon emissions could be pinpointed and monitored. 

What do you think about utilizing technology to beat global warming and the negative effects of climate change? As of now, any advancements in intelligence and technology will be needed if we hope to leave a habitable and happy planet for generations to come. 

Read the latest climate change financial report from the GAO here: https://www.gao.gov/assets/700/699605.pdf  

Resources: 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/07/artificial-intelligence-climate-change/ 

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/climate-change-will-strain-federal-finances/ 

Smartphones Could Soon Be Powered By Solar

#Smartphone users might be able to ditch their chargers at some point in time, and maybe even sooner than later. No, it’s not because of some sort of super-human power as seen in the 2019 movie Shazam! Alternatively, this is due to a ground-breaking method of using #solar power to boost batteries. Imagine being able to power your #iPhone by leaving it in the sun. Well, a working model is in existence, so the concept isn’t too far off.  

Researchers have developed a functional model at Belgium’s #Ghent University and South Africa’s #University of the Free State. Their model uses glass that is able to shift non-discernible light to a #solar panel. How does it work? A pane is able to let light through using phosphor materials in glass, while transmitting infrared and ultraviolet rays to small solar panels which are mounted on the sides.  

Smartphones Powered by the Sun 

Senior professor at the University of the Free State’s physics department, #Hendrik Swart, mentioned how this technology could be implanted in cell phone screens, allowing the sun to power the device but not impact appearance.  

Solar and Small Gadgets – How it Would Work 

If all goes according to plan, the solar panel technology could lessen the issue of solar power’s potential ineffectiveness by making panels more omnipresent. You likely have seen solar panels or solar arrays before – you will characteristically notice them in the form of a square or rectangle which is able to capture sunlight. Perhaps you have seen solar panels in a field or on a rooftop. But picture this – solar panels on windows of buildings rather than on the rooftop. This is a similar concept to the type of solar that would be placed on electronic devices such as smartphones. Currently, see-through solar is not able to collect solar power unless it uses something like an intricate phone case, for example.  

Transparent solar panels would make a big difference, allowing us to use self-charging smartphones, if you will.  

This technology isn’t just something that could benefit smartphones, either. It could even be used for electric vehicles. If you have seen or heard of Sono and Toyota solar cars, the idea is similar, as it would shift light from windows to panels. Perhaps plastics could even be used so zinc roofs could be replaced.  

With the aforementioned technology, less solar panels would be needed which would lead to a drop in cost. This is because light would be concentrated from a big area to one that is smaller on the sides (where the solar panels are), in accordance with #Lucas Erasmus, who is currently working on the research with Swart.  

This might not be something we see for another decade, but it is still worth thinking about. In the meantime, similar ideas have come to light. For instance, at the University College London, researchers discussed a luminescent solar concentrator and issues such as how to make panels clear and ensure they are safe to use.  

#SolarWindow is a Maryland-based company founded in the late 1990’s that utilizes thin wires to transport power. Apparently, its solar-generating windows could generate 50 times the amount of power and offer much more in terms of environmental benefits than, say, solar panels on the roof of a comparable building.  

Concealing solar panels is something other companies are trying to do, such as Tesla. Their solar roof tile looks just like a typical roof and allows people to avoid thick panels traditionally on solar-powered homes. Origami solar blinds are another popular creation, thanks to the innovative mind of #Ben Berwick, an Australian architect. These blinds are able to collect #energy and bounce light into a room.  

See-Through Solar Panels 

A solar panel that is see-through such as what Erasmus described would present the opportunity to place solar panels in devices and gadgets such as smartphones. It was rumored back in 2014 that Apple was looking into ways to incorporate solar panels in their Apple Watch. Recently, reports surfaced that mentioned Apple is looking into a charging solution for iPhones. To put it simply, if gadgets we use daily such as the iPhone could benefit from solar, they would in turn help with battery concerns and become more environmentally-friendly. 

Keep following solar news and stay in the know about how the technology you use on a daily basis could be impacted!  

Sources: 

https://www.inverse.com/article/57825-see-through-solar-panels-could-one-day-cover-smartphone-and-electric-cars 

https://www.itweb.co.za/content/xnklOvzbmzpv4Ymz 

Climate Change and Wildfires in Alaska – Is There A Link?

You might have heard about the forest fires happening in #Alaska. #Global warming has led to more storms drying out forests and causing lightning, which has, in turn, caused fires in Alaska, according to climate scientist Brian Brettschneider, who tracks extreme weather in Alaska and the Arctic.  

Global Warming and #Climate Change Causing Dangerous Wildfires 

Wildfires resulting from global warming and climate change have led to more than 1.2 million acres burning in Alaska, causing one of the largest fires recorded to date in Alaska.  

These fires are spreading into the Arctic as seen through satellite monitoring. Climate change experts suggested a long time ago that this would happen as air temperatures increase.  

Climate Change is Changing the Planet 

For weeks, part of Alaska the size of California has been experiencing an extreme heatwave. Sea ice on the Northern coast is vanishing months earlier than it usually does, and temperatures of the ocean surface are roughly 9 degrees warmer than normal in the Chukchi Sea. Other changes are occurring throughout the state which might point back to climate change and global warming… 

The July to June average temperature in Alaska, for the first time in 95 years, has been above freezing. This indicates temperatures much warmer than average across the state. This year alone, the average temperature across Alaska was almost 8 degrees above average. Anchorage hit 90 degrees on July 4th marking the city’s highest recorded temperature, which was up by 5 degrees.  

Climate Change And Fires in the Arctic 

Climate change could be causing fires in the Arctic. The recent large fires could signal a climate tipping point in accordance with climate researcher #Thomas Smith (London School of Economics and Political Science). Smith mentioned in relation to the Arctic wildfires that if temperatures were to remain higher (than a certain temperature) for an extended period of time, fuels could become flammable.  

Unprecedented fire and smoke intensity occurred in June. Back in 2016, a paper published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society demonstrated that climate change ultimately caused by humans increased the chance of extreme fire seasons occurring in Alaska by up to 60 percent. Grass, trees and shrubs, as well as tundra, become more flammable as temperatures rise, especially when they are not offset by wet conditions. Basically, when the temperature increases, precipitation has to increase with it or too much drying will take place. Precipitation is not increasing enough to offset the hot temperatures in Alaska.  

Alaska is Overheating Due to Global Warming & Climate Change 

Recently, according to senior scientist with the ECMWF and Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service Mark Parrington, a European satellite monitoring the climate verified the fire intensity and levels of smoke emissions in Alaska as well as in the Arctic were unparalleled for the month of June. The monitoring demonstrated the link between wildfires and extreme heat, basically revealing that Alaska is overheating because of climate change and global warming.  

Alaska is not exactly a place where one would expect serious fires to occur. There are health risks, of course, associated with #wildfire smoke, so the heat and smoke are dangerous for the planet and they raise public health concerns. Even in Fairbanks, public health warnings against vigorous outdoor activity were released. Greenhouse gasses are being emitted by the wildfires, thereby warming the planet and releasing smoke into the atmosphere. Consequently, Fairbanks recently was reported as having the worst air quality on the planet.  

Global warming is undoubtedly leading to an increase in extreme fires. There have been fire threats in places otherwise not used to having much, if any, fire at all. By mid-century, there is a possibility that the number of days in which we see extreme fires will increase up to 50 percent across the globe (currently, the number sits at 20 percent).  

It isn’t just wildfires taking place. The ocean surrounding Alaska has also been heating up. Here’s how this spirals out of control – heat waves in the ocean contribute to heat waves on land, and when temperatures overall lead to ice freeze-up being delayed, there is more heat buildup in the ocean, which can cause dangerous problems for the Arctic climate system. #International Arctic Research Center’s Rick Thoman discussed how a climate shift is occurring in Alaska as ocean temperatures change.  

Animals in Western Alaska are dying due to warmer ocean temperatures. There have been more reports of dead marine mammals, fish, and birds on the Local Environmental Observer network.  

Fires are connected to global warming, and they are causing major damage. Clearly, climate change and global warming are proving extremely dangerous for our planet. It is time to step up and do our part to help protect the planet that we live on. When a place like Alaska starts to burn, there isn’t much room to argue that there is a serious problem relevant to climate change.  

Sources: 

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/11072019/arctic-wildfires-alaska-climate-change-heat-wave-2019-university-funding 

https://wildfiretoday.com/2019/07/16/wildfires-above-the-arctic-circle-in-greenland-and-alaska/ 

 

Air Pollution in China is Negatively Affecting Solar Production

#China’s air #pollution crisis is now affecting more than the health of its citizens – it is impacting the nation’s ability to properly capture and utilize #solar energy. While #solar panels can still operate when it is cloudy, there is a major difference between occasional cloud cover and smog pollution. Sunlight can still penetrate through a cloudy atmosphere but will struggle to reach the Earth if there is a thick layer of contaminated, man-made pollution in its way. The murky air in China is hardly breathable at its best. Now, at its worst, it may halt clean #energy production in the country altogether. 

Decreased Solar Energy 

A recent study published by Nature Energy details the current state of solar energy production in China and how air pollution is primarily to blame for the drop in solar energy output and efficiency. Despite the advancements made in the solar energy field in China, progress as a whole has been stunted.  

Through the use of surface radiation data collected since the 1960s, researchers have determined that the solar power generated in China has decreased by a whopping 15% in the last half-century or so. This is surprising and discouraging, considering China’s resources, population density, and the urgency felt worldwide to end fossil fuel emissions in favor of other alternatives.  

It appears that while China has become a top global leader in solar energy in recent years, the country has woefully neglected an even larger problem that may make solar energy production ineffective or entirely obsolete if something does not change – and fast. 

Progression of Solar in China  

According to data from the World Economic Forum, China was not always at the top of the worldwide leaderboard for solar energy. Over the last 25 years or so, China has developed into a country that has more solar capacity and capabilities than any other country in the world. The country is even home to the world’s largest solar farm located in the Tengger Desert in Northern China. In addition to China’s solar capacity capabilities and plenty of available land space for desert solar farms, the country is also the biggest clean energy investor in the world according to renewable energy investment trends from 2018. Despite some substantial progress when it comes to solar energy, China’s dependence on coal production is becoming an issue according to World Economic Forum data. Nearly 60% of China’s energy production still comes from coal, while only 5% is allocated to solar energy. 

That is why this study and these statistics regarding pollution are so discouraging and concerning; and not just for China, but for the rest of the fossil-fuel ridden world, as well. The number one solar energy hotspot in the world, with the most land capacity and financial investment funds, is hardly putting a dent in cutting back on fossil fuels. There is something wrong with the fact that China has more solar capabilities than most countries combined, yet is still the number one coal producing country in the world. How can two polar opposite energies compete in the same space? No wonder pollution from rampant coal production in the region is outweighing any efforts made for solar energy production. 

Ending Pollution for Solar and the Planet 

No matter how dismal they may seem, there is something to be gained from these statistics. Pollution is a major contributing factor to climate change in and of itself. Therefore, it is frightening to think that the solar solutions we are constructing may be ineffective if pollution and other man-made problems continue to threaten the health of our planet and accelerate global warming.  

As difficult as it may be, multiple problems and solutions must be juggled at once. While we should continue to construct and utilize solar panels and other clean energy resources, there are always going to be complex considerations. We must start tackling the big issues that directly impact #solar panel production, rather than simply constructing solar panels, leaving them be, and neglecting to do what else must be done to support solar energy over the long term – such as cutting out coal production. Only then can we look forward to the possibility of a healthy planet for future generations to inhabit. 

You can read the original research report published by Nature Energy here. 

Resources: 

https://interestingengineering.com/chinas-air-pollution-is-so-bad-its-blocking-its-solar-panels 

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/06/chinas-lead-in-the-global-solar-race-at-a-glance/ 

Oregon’s Solar Win – The HB 2618 Rebate Bill

Changes worth talking about are happening in the beautiful state of #Oregon. The Oregon Senate passed an important bill, #HB 2618, at the end of June, and it is about to make its way to the Governor. HB 2618 is a #solar rebate bill, and it passed with flying colors – the vote was 27-2-1.  

A #Solar Coaster

Passing the solar bill was not easy. It could be described as a “solar coaster” and solar advocates believe there is still work to be done. However, there is satisfaction in the fact that the program has been established which will allow for the request of additional funding in the future.  

Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association is going to make sure members stay up to date as the regulatory process starts rolling and additional details are confirmed. 

What exactly is this solar bill? Here is what you are going to want to know about HB 2618… 

Starting in January of 2020, solar rebates are going to begin being issued following six months of regulation. Over a two year period, there will be roughly $1.5 million allocated for rebates. Here is an interesting point, too – a quarter of the program is going to be used for projects benefiting low-income service providers and taxpayers. In terms of low-income providers, the solar rebate is going to be limited to commercial or residential projects. A solar rebate of up to 60 percent of the project, or up to $5,000 (whichever amount is less) can be accessed for residential low-income projects. In terms of other residential projects, a solar rebate of up to 40 percent of the project or up to $5,000 can be accessed.  

Solar and Storage: Worth Combining?  

Let’s say solar and storage were to be paired together. In this regard, a solar rebate of up to 60 percent of the storage system cost, or up to $2500 could be accessed by a low-income storage project. When it comes to other residential projects, if storage were to be paired with solar, the system would qualify for up to 40 percent of the storage system cost or up to $2500, again, whichever amount comes to less. There would be eligibility for up to $30,000 or half of the cost of the system regarding commercial projects for low-income service providers (once again, whichever amounts to less). Now let’s say the project were to be coupled with storage. In this case, the project would qualify for as much as 60 percent of the storage system cost or upwards of $15,000, whichever number turns out to be lower.   

Note: It is important to consider that when it comes to the net cost of a project, federal tax credits are not accounted for. On the other hand, certain incentives such as local and #Energy Trust are subtracted from the “net cost” or the cost of the system.  

In order to make sure funds are used properly, there are various consumer protection provisions in the solar bill. The solar bill can be viewed online by clicking here.  

Solar in Oregon: Other Changes You Should Know About  

Changes are happening across the globe, and Oregon is no exception. There are big moves being made toward battery storage and solar. Portland General Electric, for instance, is one of the players involved, as it intends to bring a 50–megawatt solar power array and battery storage system that will be able to put out 30 megawatts for a period of up to four hours. This is being done in a deal with NextEra Energy Resources.  

Furthermore, in Milwaukie, Oregon, the largest multifamily #solar project (for the state of OR) was recently installed and revealed. The 400–kilowatt solar project is set up across 13 apartment buildings. The amount of renewable electricity expected to be generated should be able to power just under 40 homes.  

These are things worth talking about. Clearly, the solar bill is just one of the solar changes happening in the state of Oregon. Stay in the know by following solar news – it is always interesting to read about what is happening and to consider changes all of us could be making in order to clean up our planet!

Sources: 

https://www.oseia.org/latest-news/solarrebatepasses 

https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2019R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB2618/Enrolled 

https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2019/07/10/solar-batteries-edge-into-big-winds-territory.html 

https://www.opb.org/news/article/solar-panels-milwaukie-apartment-waverly-greens/ 

Will Planting Trees Put an End to Climate Change?

A recent study published by Science Magazine claims that the solution to #climate change is to plant more trees. Is it possible that the restoration of forests and other natural ecosystems on our planet could help stall, if not reverse, the negative effects of climate change? These scientists believe so. 

According to the study, there is more land space available to plant trees on Earth then was once previously thought. Excluding cities and pre-existing agricultural areas, the researchers of the study found that there are nearly 3.5 million square miles of land that could be used to plant and preserve trees. Russia is stated to have the most land space available with 583,000 square miles, followed by the United States with 397,700 square miles. Next, Canada comes in with 302,700 square miles, and just ahead of Canada, Australia and China, which all have land space ranging from about 150,000 square miles to around 224,000 square miles each. 

How Can Planting Trees Help? 

Scientists hypothesize that if enough trees were to be planted, CO2 levels in the atmosphere could drop by as much as 25%. This drop would be significant, as it would restore CO2 balance in the atmosphere to levels that have not been seen in almost 100 years. Once matured, it is possible that enough new trees could photosynthesize nearly two-thirds of the extra carbon in the atmosphere that has been gathering and leftover since the industrial revolution. Professor Tom Crowther, senior author of the study, stated that their research “shows clearly that forest reforestation is the best climate change solution available today,” and that their study provides the evidence needed to justify the effort and expenses that will be required in order to plant more trees. 

Determining Where to Plant More Trees 

Despite the optimism surrounding this particular theory, this study has not been without its criticisms. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has estimated that if the world is to limit the predicted warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050, nearly 2.4 billion acres of trees would need to be planted. Additionally, estimates as to where the trees could be planted in order to have the most impact have been questioned. 

However, through the use of Google Earth technology, scientists behind this particular study were able to map out which areas across the globe can best accommodate new tree and forest growth, as well as how much extra tree cover the earth can actually support. Their estimates came in at 2.22 billion acres, which is just shy of the estimated number of trees needed to prevent global temperatures from rising and climate change from worsening. Additionally, the researcher team used photo-interpretation methods, as well as global dataset observations from over 78,000 forests. 

Can Trees Really Help End Climate Change? 

If we are going to plant more trees in order to reverse climate change, we need to act now. Since it will take decades for the trees themselves and new forests to grow and fully mature, there is no time to spare.  

Some researchers argue that, while planting more trees may be an effective strategy for fighting climate change, it is far from the best solution we have available to us today. Professor Simon Lewis from the University College of London spoke out against the study, stating that the predicted drop in CO2 levels based on the number of trees planted is not supported by previous research and climate change studies in the field.  

Professor Mark Lukac from the University of Reading also expressed his skepticism towards the study’s claims, explaining that the expectation that new trees and forest growth will absorb pre-existing CO2 levels in the atmosphere is simply “too good to be true.”  

If anything is certain, action needs to be taken immediately in order for us to remedy climate change burdens and ultimately reverse global warming as soon as possible. While it may sound too good to be true in some respects, planting trees in order to save the planet may not actually be a bad idea. Any positive change, big or small, is needed now if we are to ensure that our planet is healthy and habitable in the coming decades. 

Resources: 

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-48870920 

https://www.livescience.com/65880-planting-trees-fights-climate-change.html 

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/365/6448/24 

Toyota Testing Solar Roof

It seems that on a daily basis, new accomplishments are being made in terms of #solar #energy. And now, #Toyota is making changes worth talking about. The company is getting ready to begin testing a new solar roof. This solar roof will be for a #Prius model and will add up to 44 and a half km of range in a single day to the vehicle you might otherwise know as a plug-in #hybrid. The #solar cells being utilized are the upgraded version of what was previously installed on their Prius PHV model.  

Powered by Solar Cells  

Produced by Sharp, the solar cells are merely .03mm in terms of thickness, but they are able to deliver roughly 860 watts of power. The size of the solar cells allows them to fit in smaller curves, for instance, the hood, rear hatch door, and the roof. Even cooler is the concept that these solar cells are able to charge a car while it is in motion. Imagine being able to charge your vehicle while you are driving it thanks to clean, solar energy.  

If you are wondering how the solar cells will function in various weather conditions, you are not alone – tests will be carried out in places such as Tokyo and Toyota City, where weather conditions certainly do vary greatly.  

While no information has been provided yet regarding commercial vehicles, testing is going to begin this month (July) on public roads. It will certainly be something that draws attention and hopefully sparks an interest when cars are covered in solar rooftops.  

Toyota – A Solar Star 

Toyota has been involved with solar energy previously. As a matter of fact, the company has even made solar panels for its cars in the past. You might remember that Toyota sold solar panels almost a decade ago (in 2010) which could be utilized in order to recharge a vehicle’s auxiliary battery. Note: this type of battery powers secondary systems such as climate control. But these new solar panels stand out because they provide more efficiency overall. Here’s what is meant by this – the solar panels are capable of producing practically five times the amount of power as the former model. This equates to providing more than seven times the amount of range.  

You might have heard of the #Mirai by Toyota, which is powered by hydrogen. But unless you count this vehicle, there are no pure electric vehicles produced by Toyota. For now, the solar roofs are intended for plug-in hybrids.  

Toyota realizes the significance of reducing carbon emissions, and believes they can reduce these emissions more by focusing on hybrids and utilizing battery production capacity to produce even more hybrids rather than producing a small number of completely electric vehicles. In June, the company made an announcement regarding plans to produce a drive train platform (all-electric) with Subaru, so an all-electric Toyota might be on the horizon.  

Solar Changes Coming to the Auto Industry 

Bearing in mind the comparatively slight power output one is able to attain by placing solar panels on the roof of a car in comparison to the roof of a building, coupled with the difficulties in doing so, it is understandable that the idea has not become widespread just yet. This does not mean companies are not trying. #Lightyear is a start-up, for example, with plans to begin bringing a solar car to customers within the next two years. Another major company, Hyundai, is going to start placing solar roofs on some cars in 2020.    

There are big solar changes coming to the automotive industry. Being able to charge a vehicle while driving is certainly a concept worth talking about. It is clearly ambitious of Toyota to install solar cells on the roof, hood and back of a vehicle, which can charge said vehicle while it is in motion. This would lead to improvements in fuel efficiency and a boost in the cruising range.  

It is going to be interesting to continue to follow solar news and to see the changes coming to light regarding solar energy. Would you drive a vehicle powered by solar cells? It is worth looking into, to say the least!  

Sources: 

https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/5/20683111/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-solar-roof-range-electricity-energy-environment 

https://techxplore.com/news/2019-07-toyota-solar-panels-electric-cars.html 

Minnesota Making Major Strides in the Solar Energy Realm

The state of #Minnesota has been busy in the last several years. Despite its location and the harsh, winter months experienced in the region, you may be surprised to learn that Minnesota actually has annual #solar resources that match parts of Florida and Texas. In fact, according to the 2018 Solar Potential Analysis Report released last November, it is possible that nearly 70% of Minnesota’s electric load will be covered by wind and solar utility by 2050 given the state’s current trajectory.   

If there is one particular advantage the state of Minnesota has when it comes to #solar energy, it is land space. 37% of the state’s land is used for agricultural purposes. This means there is plenty of wide, open space available on farmlands and in other areas where sunlight can meet the land without interference from trees or other structures.  

Agricultural production in Minnesota actually declined by 7 percent between 1997 and 2007, and yet agricultural yields were higher than ever before, thanks to innovations like biotechnology. This means that more crop is being produced with less land space, leaving certain agricultural production sites open for other purposes, such as solar panel placement and clean #energy generation. 

In addition to the availability of land space for future clean energy projects and the promising solar energy statistics we have seen from the state so far, several groups in Minnesota are working to make solar energy an integrated part of everyday life, while helping consumers and utility providers alike. 

Pollinator-Friendly Plants and Solar Energy  

One particular solar project in the state of Minnesota is not only helping solar energy output, but also helping to enrich the bee and butterfly populations in the region. Pollinator-friendly plants can be seen planted under solar energy panels at various solar energy sites across the state. It has long since been hypothesized that thick vegetation planted underneath solar panels creates a cooler microclimate overall, which then helps boost the energy output from the solar panels. For years now, the Center for Pollinators in Energy has been working with entities like Xcel Energy and Fresh Energy in order to plant milkweed and other pollinator-friendly plants at solar energy sites. It is anticipated that over the course of 25 years or so, the pollinator plants will actually improve the health of the soil, on top of providing clean, solar energy for local residents for decades to come. 

#Value of Solar Adoption 

In addition to creative solar projects that prove to be a win-win for the Environnement, Minnesota is also improving certain policies and procedures surrounding their solar energy consumers. Last Month, Minnesota became the first state in the U.S. to adopt a “Value of Solar” methodology for their community solar customers. Value of Solar is an approach that considers the unique factors of solar energy usage in a given area in order to generate a fair market value price that benefits both consumers and solar energy providers. While Austin Energy in Texas is the only utility provider in the country that currently uses Value of Solar, Minnesota is the first state to approve Value of Solar use on a statewide scale. 

According to Allen Gleckner, a policy director for Fresh Energy in Minnesota and one of the primary supporters of the switch to Value of Solar, this transition will give solar energy customers a transparent rate of pay that will be based on a 25-year bill credit schedule. Overall, it is anticipated that the move to Value of Solar will improve access to community solar programs for certain low- and middle-income households, as well as ease any apprehension that new solar energy customers may have when it comes to making the switch. 

The Future of Solar in Minnesota 

Policy leaders and solar energy supporters in Minnesota will need to continue to work together in the coming decades as the state strives to reach both the Solar Energy Standard (SES) goals and Renewable Energy Standard (RES) goals that have been set. Solar energy leaders and other entities will need to continue to make careful and creative decisions in order to make sure Minnesota’s switch to solar and clean energy utility yields the most benefits possible. 

Resources: 

https://energynews.us/2016/07/22/midwest/value-of-solar-gains-another-foothold-in-minnesota/ 

https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2019/06/minnesota-has-plenty-of-land-for-solar-development/ 

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/06/20/pollinatorfriendly-solar-energy-becomes-the-norm-in-minnesota 

California Was Warned: But the Effects of Climate Change Are Happening Faster Than Expected

#Climate change is one hot topic. In the late 1980’s, the state of #California was warned that too many gases preventing heat and #energy from exiting our atmosphere would eventually lead to floods, droughts, heat waves and fires. Now, these forecasts have become apparent – and sooner than expected.  

#Global Warming Predictions Are Happening 

Research manager at the California Energy Commission (the organization which assembled a detailed report), #Susan Fischer Wilhelm, commented on the fact that some of the aforementioned forecasts have already been observed. Now, this assessment is leading people to act because they can see global warming is very real, and very frightening.  

One of the policy analysts who worked on the report, #Les Baxter, pointed out a feeling of regret over not doing what needed to be done faster. Gary Estes is the person who revived this report, if you will, as he found a copy last year in his garage. He is the organizer for the California Extreme Precipitation Symposium which occurs each year. At this year’s meeting at UC Davis, he decided to discuss the report three decades after it was written.   

You might be wondering where this information on climate change came from. It was put together based off of calculations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as well as scientific studies, and studies by state agencies.  

Perceptible Effects of Climate Change  

Wilhelm presented information at the symposium. Part of the report included an explanation of how carbon dioxide doubling in the atmosphere would raise California’s temperatures and that this will occur if emissions keep rising. The state could see an increase of approximately 3 degrees C. This increase might not sound like much – but it would potentially cut mountain snow cover by 50 percent. There would be more floods during the winter, too. According to Wilhelm, both of these things have begun to happen. Of course, changes in precipitation can negatively impact California’s reservoirs. Remember the Oroville Dam disaster in 2017?  

The authors of the report mentioned how water shortages during the summer would negatively impact farmers, ecosystems and hydropower production. Forests would be negatively affected by fires, disease and lower growth. All of these concepts have been happening. Also mentioned in this report are rising sea levels, poor air quality, and an increase in demand for electricity. The unfortunate reality is that everything has been spot on.  

The #CEC was asked by the legislature to assess the impact of global warming trends of the economy, energy agriculture, environment, and water in California, and the report came about shortly after this.  

Global warming is something many are worried about, but unfortunately, not enough is being done. Back in 1989, when scientists were voicing their apprehensions using words such as “greenhouse effect,” many started to become more concerned. This is when a Stanford law professor by the name of #Byron Sher, who authored the state’s clean air and safe drinking water acts, realized the threat to the state. Three decades ago, he said the state can ignore science or respond responsibly. Even George H.W. Bush mentioned during his presidential campaign in the late 1980’s that he was going to work to fight the greenhouse effect.  

Many bills were introduced by Republicans and Democrats to curtail pollution.  

A bill – #AB 4420 – came to light and most voted in its favor. It is worth mentioning the Senate voted 38-0. This was the first law in America that utilized the phrase “global warming”. Unfortunately, it would be more than a decade before another piece of climate legislation would be passed.  

Why aren’t we making more of an effort to combat the effects of climate change immediately? Realistically, there are challenges and worries about moving away from fossil fuels, and there is opposition. Many have expressed doubt over climate change being real. And the report covered this notion. As a matter of fact, six pages of the report detailed challenges to the idea of global warming – people demanded more evidence of its reality.  

Climate Change: The Time to Act Was Yesterday 

Leaders have spent a lot of time, because of these challenges, trying to do things like improve energy efficiency. This is not enough, though. It is much more difficult to argue that climate change isn’t real now. There is real data verifying the speculations made about climate change and global warming three decades ago. The only real issue with the report is the people who wrote it didn’t realize how quickly their predictions regarding global warming would take place. They thought maybe it would be 100 years – but climate change and global warming are a problem right now – and we must address this.  

Sources: 

https://www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-climate-change-predictions-progress-20190626-story.html  

https://phys.org/news/2019-07-california-climate-years-agonow-effects.html