Daily News – January 07, 2009
January 7, 2009
Antarctic Ice Shelf Puzzles Scientists
Scientists are puzzled by the fact that a specific section of the Antarctic ice shelf, the Pine Island Glacier is melting at an alarming rate. The glacier holds close to 30 trillion liters of water and the melting ice would raise sea levels dramatically and cause floods in coastal cities like New York, London, Calcutta and Tokyo. The Pine Island Glacier is believed to be melting faster than the rest of the Antarctic ice due to a possible underwater volcano or the melting of its base due to global warming. Proof of this, however, has not yet been found. British scientists plan to send a robot submarine to investigate the cause.
Toyota Prius Not Wholly Powered by Car Solar Panels
The Toyota Prius has been much in news for the solar panels on its roof, which will generate enough electricity for the air conditioner as well. It has been much in the news as it is believed to be wholly run by solar power from the car alone. But it seems that this power will be supplemented by solar energy from panels on roofs of homes. Toyota plans in future to make the car fully fuelled by solar energy through panels from the car alone. Despite the tough ongoing financial times Toyota has pledged to continue investing in green technology.
Energy Efficient Infrastructure in US to Create Nearly 300,000 jobs
Smart grid technology could create around 280,000 jobs in the United States through its deployment. According to a report recently released, federal investment in the area could create a large number of jobs indirectly as well, due to the technology’s impact on hybrid and electric vehicles, clean technology, smart appliances and distributed renewable energy. Smart Grid is essentially the weaving together of different technologies to introduce new capabilities to utilities. President Elect Barack Obama is in favor of a plan to compensate 25% of the investment cost for such a project.
Progress Energy Florida Customers to Reap Benefits Only in 7 Years
The customers of Progress Energy Florida will pay in advance for energy that they will use in 7 to 9 years. This money will go towards building the two nuclear plants. The total cost is estimated at around $14 billion. The advantage that the customers gain by paying so much in advance is that they will be able to avoid interest accrued during construction of the units. While Progress Energy is pushing nuclear fuel as a carbon free alternative no plan has yet been detailed about disposal of the radioactive waste resulting from the process.
Carbon Trade Possible Cash Crop for Farmers
Carbon Trading has been touted for some time as the way to decreasing global carbon emissions, leveling the playing field for developed and developing countries, as well as moving towards sustainability. Now the role of the agricultural industry is being looked at to produce food that keeps in mind the earth, the people as well as the industry. The social, economic and environmental aspects could impact future generations to come. Agriculture will play an important role in curbing carbon emissions, with the populations in China and India growing at an alarming pace. The US Department of Agriculture seeks to create ecosystem markets, which will provide benefits taken for granted till date.
Originally posted here.
Posted in RSS
Energy Power.
