#Renewable Energy Revolution

[ess01]

Innovation Spotlight: The Latest in Battery storage and Solar Panel Technology

Introduction

Welcome to the future of energy! As we navigate the twists and turns of our changing climate, one spotlight shines bright: the incredible advancements in battery and solar panel technology. How exactly are these innovations reshaping our energy landscape? Let's embark on a journey to uncover the latest breakthroughs, addressing the burning questions on everyone's minds.

Unveiling Solar Energy Battery Storage

The Evolution of Solar Panel Efficiency

Say goodbye to the clunky solar panel technology of the past. Today's solar tech is all about efficiency. We'll explore the incredible science behind multi-junction cells and the game-changing perovskite advancements that turn sunlight into electricity like never before.

12V Lithium-Ion Batteries: Your Power Player

Meet the rock stars of energy storage - 12V lithium-ion batteries. Discover how these compact powerhouses are eco-friendly and the key to ensuring your devices stay charged, your home stays lit, and your carbon footprint remains impressively tiny.

Long Duration Storage: The Holy Grail

Overcoming the Challenge of Intermittency

Have you ever wondered what happens when the sun goes down, or the wind stops blowing? Long-duration storage is the hero we need. Join us in exploring advanced flow batteries and innovative thermal storage solutions that keep the power flowing even when nature takes a break.

How Does Energy Storage Work: Demystifying the Process

The Dance of Electrons: Inside the Battery

Let's break it down. How exactly does energy storage work? We'll take you on a journey inside the battery, unravelling the mystery of electrons and showcasing the crucial components that make it all happen. Spoiler alert: it's fascinating!

Raising Questions for the Future

As we dive deeper into the solar-powered future, questions naturally pop up:

FAQs

Q1: Are these technologies affordable for the average consumer? Absolutely! With the growing demand, prices are becoming more competitive. Plus, long-term savings make it an intelligent investment.

Q2: Are there any environmental concerns with these advancements?

We'll be honest; every innovation has its challenges. But the industry is actively working on eco-friendly solutions, and the benefits far outweigh the concerns.

Q3: Can I use solar panels if I live in a cloudy area?

Yes! While direct sunlight is ideal, modern solar panels can still generate power on cloudy days. They're more resilient than you might think.

Q4: How long do 12V lithium-ion batteries last?

These batteries are like the marathon runners of the energy world. They can last anywhere from 8 to 15 years with proper care, making them a reliable choice.

Q5: Do I need an engineering degree to understand how energy storage works?

Not at all! We break down the complexities into bite-sized pieces. Think of it like your smartphone - you don't need to be a tech expert to use it effectively.

Conclusion: Providing Answers and Insights

As we wrap up, the future of energy is looking bright. We've addressed your burning questions, provided insights, and given you a front-row seat to the renewable energy revolution. Remember, you're not just an observer; you're a participant. Ready to make a change? The time is now.

Join the Green Revolution

Ready to make a positive impact on the planet? Embrace batteries and solar panel technology today! It's not just about saving energy; it's about creating a sustainable future for future generations. Make the switch, and be a part of something incredible.

[crazysnakey]

Don't forget the reason the U.S. is supporting Israel's genocide of Palestine - hell, 90% of the reason they ever get involved into something in the Middle East is for ulterior purposes regarding oil.

That and the Ben Gurion Canal project, which you can learn more about:

Also this short video explaining the canal's significance and full history in summary:

Simply put,

[alpaca-clouds]

My Issue with Techno Optimism

I think my least popular opinion within the solarpunk space is, that I do not like Techno Optimism. But there is a good reason for it.

The usual way techno optimists go about it is looking at the state of the world and say: "Well, it is not all bad, technology will save us one day." And this makes me so angry.

It is basically saying like: "One day there is gonna be magic and everything is gonna be okay."

This especially comes into play with the environmental stuff. "Oh, don't worry about clean energy. One day we are gonna have fusion reactors and with that unlimited clean energy." And also: "Oh, don't worry about the CO2 and climate change. One day we are gonna have machines to filter the CO2 from the air."

But actually, what they are saying is: "Let's not change anything right now. It is all gonna work out in the end."

We already have clean energy. We have photovoltaic, we have wind, we have hydro and we have nuclear. (And yes, contrary to what folks might have told you: We do know how to store nuclear waste safely.) We can invest money right now to build a renewable energy grid.

We also do know, how to store some of the CO2. Yes, trees, but also wetlands. Wetlands and especially marshes are AMAZING in storing CO2.

And no, we do not need some weird flying bus. Trains will do just fine.

To me the thing about solarpunk is, that already have all the tools we need to make it happen now. Techno optimists wanna wait for a solution to appear that allows them to not change their behavior. To just keep doing, what they have been doing the entire time. To not degrow. But that is just bullshit.

We need change. We need equity. We it now. Not in 20 years.

[kimberlymiss]

The Future of Power: Just How Environment-friendly Energy is Leading the Means

As the world moves towards even more sustainable practices, the need for green energy is on the rise. Eco-friendly power refers to the manufacturing and use of renewable energies such as wind, solar, hydro, and also geothermal power. Unlike traditional nonrenewable fuel sources, eco-friendly energy resources are tidy, abundant, and also have a marginal influence on the atmosphere. The advantages of environment-friendly power are numerous, ranging from decreasing greenhouse gas exhausts to enhancing public health and also producing new task opportunities.Governments, businesses, and also people are doing something about it to shift in the direction of green power. Many countries have set ambitious targets to get to net-zero exhausts by 2050 or earlier. Business are investing in renewable resource jobs and also applying lasting practices to lower their carbon impact. Individuals are also making aware options to switch to eco-friendly energy service providers as well as decrease their energy intake. As more individuals welcome environment-friendly power, it is ending up being a progressively viable and also economical choice for powering residences, companies, and also areas. The future of power is environment-friendly, as well as it depends on everyone to make it a fact.

Read more here https://wastersblog.com/209/anaerobic-digestion-ad-process/

[familythings]

Tesla's Electric Car Dilemma: Navigating the Challenges of Surplus Inventory

With the ongoing environmental debates, the crucial decision of choosing between an electric car and a fossil fuel-based one weighs heavily on the minds of those purchasing a new vehicle. The mere thought of an electric car brings the iconic name of Tesla to mind. However, it is disheartening to hear about the challenges Tesla is currently facing with their unsold inventory of cars. Tesla, the…

[reasonsforhope]

No paywall version here.

"Two and a half years ago, when I was asked to help write the most authoritative report on climate change in the United States, I hesitated...

In the end, I said yes, but reluctantly. Frankly, I was sick of admonishing people about how bad things could get. Scientists have raised the alarm over and over again, and still the temperature rises. Extreme events like heat waves, floods and droughts are becoming more severe and frequent, exactly as we predicted they would. We were proved right. It didn’t seem to matter.

Our report, which was released on Tuesday, contains more dire warnings. There are plenty of new reasons for despair. Thanks to recent scientific advances, we can now link climate change to specific extreme weather disasters, and we have a better understanding of how the feedback loops in the climate system can make warming even worse. We can also now more confidently forecast catastrophic outcomes if global emissions continue on their current trajectory.

But to me, the most surprising new finding in the Fifth National Climate Assessment is this: There has been genuine progress, too.

I’m used to mind-boggling numbers, and there are many of them in this report. Human beings have put about 1.6 trillion tons of carbon in the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution — more than the weight of every living thing on Earth combined. But as we wrote the report, I learned other, even more mind-boggling numbers. In the last decade, the cost of wind energy has declined by 70 percent and solar has declined 90 percent. Renewables now make up 80 percent of new electricity generation capacity. Our country’s greenhouse gas emissions are falling, even as our G.D.P. and population grow.

In the report, we were tasked with projecting future climate change. We showed what the United States would look like if the world warms by 2 degrees Celsius. It wasn’t a pretty picture: more heat waves, more uncomfortably hot nights, more downpours, more droughts. If greenhouse emissions continue to rise, we could reach that point in the next couple of decades. If they fall a little, maybe we can stave it off until the middle of the century. But our findings also offered a glimmer of hope: If emissions fall dramatically, as the report suggested they could, we may never reach 2 degrees Celsius at all.

For the first time in my career, I felt something strange: optimism.

And that simple realization was enough to convince me that releasing yet another climate report was worthwhile.

Something has changed in the United States, and not just the climate. State, local and tribal governments all around the country have begun to take action. Some politicians now actually campaign on climate change, instead of ignoring or lying about it. Congress passed federal climate legislation — something I’d long regarded as impossible — in 2022 as we turned in the first draft.

[Note: She's talking about the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Act, which despite the names were the two biggest climate packages passed in US history. And their passage in mid 2022 was a big turning point: that's when, for the first time in decades, a lot of scientists started looking at the numbers - esp the ones that would come from the IRA's funding - and said "Wait, holy shit, we have an actual chance."]

And while the report stresses the urgency of limiting warming to prevent terrible risks, it has a new message, too: We can do this. We now know how to make the dramatic emissions cuts we’d need to limit warming, and it’s very possible to do this in a way that’s sustainable, healthy and fair.

The conversation has moved on, and the role of scientists has changed. We’re not just warning of danger anymore. We’re showing the way to safety.

I was wrong about those previous reports: They did matter, after all. While climate scientists were warning the world of disaster, a small army of scientists, engineers, policymakers and others were getting to work. These first responders have helped move us toward our climate goals. Our warnings did their job.

To limit global warming, we need many more people to get on board... We need to reach those who haven’t yet been moved by our warnings. I’m not talking about the fossil fuel industry here; nor do I particularly care about winning over the small but noisy group of committed climate deniers. But I believe we can reach the many people whose eyes glaze over when they hear yet another dire warning or see another report like the one we just published.

The reason is that now, we have a better story to tell. The evidence is clear: Responding to climate change will not only create a better world for our children and grandchildren, but it will also make the world better for us right now.

Eliminating the sources of greenhouse gas emissions will make our air and water cleaner, our economy stronger and our quality of life better. It could save hundreds of thousands or even millions of lives across the country through air quality benefits alone. Using land more wisely can both limit climate change and protect biodiversity. Climate change most strongly affects communities that get a raw deal in our society: people with low incomes, people of color, children and the elderly. And climate action can be an opportunity to redress legacies of racism, neglect and injustice.

I could still tell you scary stories about a future ravaged by climate change, and they’d be true, at least on the trajectory we’re currently on. But it’s also true that we have a once-in-human-history chance not only to prevent the worst effects but also to make the world better right now. It would be a shame to squander this opportunity. So I don’t just want to talk about the problems anymore. I want to talk about the solutions. Consider this your last warning from me."

-via New York Times. Opinion essay by leading climate scientist Kate Marvel. November 18, 2023.

[sabkiawaaj]

Revolutionary Move: PM Launches Surya Ghar Scheme, Offers 300 Units of Free Solar Power

PM Launches Surya Ghar Scheme, Offers 300 Units of Free Solar Power In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing the energy landscape of the nation, Prime Minister Surya Ghar Scheme: Centre Turns To Solar Power For ‘300 Units Free Power’ unveiled the ambitious “Surya Ghar Scheme,” promising to provide 300 units of free solar power to households across the country. This bold step marks…

[nimixo]

Cease Fueling the Flames

Cease Fueling the Flames

 

Our dependence on fossil fuels amounts to global pyromania, and the only fire extinguisher we have at our disposal is renewable energy. - Hermann Scheer

#RenewableRevolution #cleanenergyfuture #GreenInnovation #saveourplanet #ecofriendlyliving #ClimateHope#greenenergy #climateresilience #zeroemissions #EcoWarriors #Nimixo #motivational #motivationalquote #motivationblowbyblow

[vasolar]

Empowering Malaysia's Future: Vasolar's Innovative Contribution to Renewable Energy Transformation

Explore the renewable energy revolution in Malaysia with Vasolar leading the way. Uncover how Vasolar's cutting-edge technologies are driving the nation toward a cleaner, greener future. From solar solutions to ground-breaking renewable energy projects, discover the pivotal role Vasolar plays in Malaysia's journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious energy landscape. Join us as we delve into the exciting realm of renewable energy and witness Vasolar's commitment to powering Malaysia's progress with clean and efficient solutions.

[market-insider]

Space-Based Solar Energy Markets: Rising to New Heights

The global space-based solar power market size is expected to reach USD 1,053.8 million by 2030. The market is expanding due to increased investment in sustainable power generation and the adoption of rigorous government rules against pollution. On the contrary, R&D aimed at lowering the cost of solar space missions through improved technologies is expected to offer attractive growth prospects for key players in the global industry during the forecast period. For instance, in December 2021, Northrop Grumman, an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company, partnered with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop and test hardware for space-based solar power experiments. Researchers and engineers intend to refine the technology and address potential challenges or limitations by conducting these tests and experiments.

Space-based Solar Power Market Report Highlights

The microwave-transmitting solar satellite segment held the largest revenue share of over 70% in 2022

This satellite generates solar power at a high level of efficiency and with minimal disturbance making it an attractive alternative for space-based solar power projects

The electricity generation segment led the market in 2022 accounting for over 74% share of the global revenue

The high share was attributed to a rise in energy demand and the cleaner generation of electricity globally

North America dominated the market in 2022, accounting for over 41% share of the global revenue owing to increased investments in R&D activities by government organizations, such as NASA, and private organizations’ participation in this region

Gain deeper insights on the market and receive your free copy with TOC now @:  Space-based Solar Power Market Report

The increase in energy demand globally and a rise in awareness about reliable and sustainable energy sources are major factors driving the growth of the global industry. Moreover, space-based solar power could significantly mitigate climate change's effects by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from traditional power sources. This is likely to fuel market growth over the forecast period. Furthermore, a rise in the application of space-based solar power in the military sector contributes to market growth. Moreover, space-based solar power systems can generate power continuously since they are not affected by factors like weather conditions or daylight limitations. They also help reduce GHG emissions and dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation. These systems can provide a source of energy to remote areas that are difficult to access with traditional energy infrastructure, such as developing countries or disaster-stricken areas. Thus, increasing their application scope in several end-use industries.

[atompowers]

Book Review: Labor Leads the Climate Revolution in this Enthralling Climate Fiction Epic

[zachafoster]

Looking Forward to Autumn, Friends and their Mid Life Crises, Dealing with Extreme Weather, and Refusing To Tolerate Stupid and Rude People Anymore

Saw my general practitioner a few days ago. My blood pressure is stable and good. Everything else seems to be going alright. School started here in Oklahoma City last week. My parents will probably be going to school activities again once the weather cools down. With as hot as it’s been the last several days, it’s hard to believe that autumn is only a few weeks away. First college football games…

[greenthestral]

The Green Revolution: Exploring the Disruptive Technologies Shaping the Future of the Green Economy

In today's rapidly evolving world, the urgency to address climate change and environmental degradation has propelled the concept of a green economy to the forefront of global discussions. As businesses, governments, and individuals recognize the need for sustainable solutions, disruptive technologies have emerged as key drivers of change. These groundbreaking innovations are reshaping traditional industries, revolutionizing energy production and consumption, transforming resource management, and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

The green economy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and green transportation. Within each of these sectors, disruptive technologies are playing a pivotal role in disrupting existing practices and opening up new possibilities.

One of the most significant areas where disruptive technologies are making an impact is renewable energy. Solar power, wind energy, and hydropower have long been recognized as viable sources of clean energy. However, recent advancements have propelled these technologies to new heights of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The development of highly efficient solar panels, innovative wind turbine designs, and sophisticated energy storage systems has significantly enhanced the feasibility of renewable energy sources. Moreover, emerging technologies such as tidal and geothermal energy hold great promise in harnessing previously untapped sources of renewable power.

The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources has traditionally been a challenge for their widespread adoption. However, disruptive technologies are addressing this limitation through energy storage solutions. Advancements in energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, and hydrogen storage systems, are unlocking the full potential of renewables. These technologies not only enhance grid stability but also enable the integration of renewable energy into existing infrastructure, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to a greener energy mix.

The transformation of energy management and distribution is another area where disruptive technologies are reshaping the green economy. Smart grids equipped with advanced sensors, communication networks, and automation allow for real-time monitoring and control of electricity supply and demand. By optimizing energy distribution, reducing transmission losses, and integrating decentralized renewable energy sources, smart grids enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of energy systems. Furthermore, the emergence of blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the energy sector by enabling peer-to-peer energy trading, ensuring transparency and trust in transactions, and empowering energy consumers to actively participate in the market.

In the realm of sustainable agriculture, disruptive technologies are revolutionizing the way we grow food. Vertical farming, hydroponics, and aeroponics are transforming traditional farming methods, making agriculture more resource-efficient and less dependent on large land areas. These innovative approaches enable year-round crop cultivation, minimize water usage, and maximize productivity. Additionally, precision agriculture techniques, such as remote sensing, drones, and AI-powered analytics, optimize resource allocation, reduce environmental impact, and enhance overall crop yield.

The concept of a circular economy, where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimized, and materials are continuously recycled, is gaining momentum with the help of disruptive technologies. Advanced recycling technologies, including chemical recycling and waste-to-energy conversion, are enabling the recovery of valuable resources from waste streams. This not only reduces the strain on natural resources but also mitigates environmental pollution. Furthermore, innovations like 3D printing, which utilizes recycled materials, are revolutionizing traditional manufacturing practices, reducing waste generation, and promoting decentralized production.

Transportation, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is also undergoing a transformation driven by disruptive technologies. Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant traction, thanks to advancements in battery technology, increased range, and the establishment of robust charging infrastructure. The rise of autonomous vehicles and shared mobility services is revolutionizing urban transportation, reducing congestion, and optimizing energy consumption. Furthermore, the development of biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells holds promise for greener alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based transportation.

Disruptive technologies are catalyzing a profound transformation within the green economy. From renewable energy and energy storage to sustainable agriculture, waste management, and green transportation, these innovative solutions are reshaping industries, driving economic growth, and addressing pressing global challenges. Embracing these technologies is not only an opportunity but a necessity as we strive to create a more sustainable and resilient future. By investing in and harnessing the transformative potential of disruptive technologies, we can accelerate the transition towards a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come.

The Rise of Disruptive Technology in the Green Economy

The green economy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and green transportation. Within each of these sectors, disruptive technologies are emerging as catalysts for change. These technologies are characterized by their ability to create significant shifts in existing markets, transform business models, and disrupt traditional practices. Their impact extends beyond economic considerations to encompass environmental sustainability and social progress.

Renewable Energy: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

Renewable energy is one of the key areas where disruptive technologies are reshaping the green economy. Solar power, wind energy, and hydropower have long been established sources of renewable energy. However, recent advancements in solar panel efficiency, wind turbine design, and energy storage systems have dramatically improved the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of these technologies. Additionally, emerging technologies like tidal and geothermal energy are showing promise in harnessing previously untapped sources of renewable power.

Energy Storage: Unlocking the Full Potential of Renewables

The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources poses a challenge to their widespread adoption. However, energy storage technologies are rapidly evolving to address this limitation. Innovations such as lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, and hydrogen storage systems are paving the way for efficient and scalable energy storage solutions. These technologies not only enhance grid stability but also facilitate the integration of renewable energy into existing infrastructure, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a greener future.

Smart Grids and Energy Management: Revolutionizing the Power Sector

Disruptive technologies are also revolutionizing the way energy is managed and distributed. Smart grid systems, equipped with advanced sensors, communication networks, and automation, enable real-time monitoring and control of electricity supply and demand. This enables more efficient energy distribution, reduces transmission losses, and enables effective integration of decentralized renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the advent of blockchain technology has the potential to transform the energy sector by enabling peer-to-peer energy trading and ensuring transparency and trust in transactions.

Sustainable Agriculture: Growing Food for the Future

The agricultural sector is undergoing a transformation with the help of disruptive technologies. Vertical farming, hydroponics, and aeroponics are revolutionizing the way we grow crops, making agriculture more resource-efficient and less dependent on traditional farming methods. These technologies allow for year-round crop cultivation, reduce water usage, and eliminate the need for large land areas. Moreover, precision agriculture techniques, such as remote sensing, drones, and AI-powered analytics, optimize resource allocation, enhance productivity, and minimize environmental impact.

Circular Economy and Waste Management: Closing the Loop

Disruptive technologies play a pivotal role in promoting a circular economy, where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimized, and materials are continuously recycled. Advanced recycling technologies, such as chemical recycling and waste-to-energy conversion, are enabling the recovery of valuable resources from waste streams. Additionally, innovative approaches like 3D printing, which utilizes recycled materials, are reducing waste generation and enabling decentralized manufacturing. These technologies are reshaping traditional waste management practices, transforming waste into a valuable resource for creating new products and reducing environmental pollution.

Green Transportation: Journeying Towards Sustainable Mobility

The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Disruptive technologies are tackling this challenge by promoting sustainable modes of transportation. Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining momentum with advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and increased range. Furthermore, autonomous vehicles and shared mobility services are revolutionizing urban transportation, reducing congestion, and optimizing energy consumption. Additionally, developments in biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells offer potential alternatives to fossil fuel-based transportation, paving the way for a greener mobility revolution.

Conclusion

The disruptive technologies within the green economy are transforming industries, economies, and societies. From renewable energy and energy storage to sustainable agriculture, waste management, and green transportation, these innovations are redefining traditional practices and offering sustainable solutions to pressing global challenges. As the urgency to address climate change intensifies, embracing and investing in these disruptive technologies is not just an opportunity but a necessity. By harnessing their transformative potential, we can accelerate the transition towards a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

An end to the climate emergency is in our grasp

On June 20, I'm keynoting the LOCUS AWARDS in OAKLAND.

The problem with good news in the real world is that it's messy. Neat happy endings are for novels, not the real world, and that goes double for the climate emergency. But even though good climate news is complicated and nuanced, that doesn't mean it shouldn't buoy our spirits and fill our hearts with hope.

The big climate news this past week is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's clarion call about surging CO2 levels – the highest ever – amid a year that is on track to have the largest and most extreme series of weather events in human history:

https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/during-year-of-extremes-carbon-dioxide-levels-surge-faster-than-ever

This is genuinely alarming and you – like me – have probably experienced it as a kind of increase in your background radiation of climate anxiety. Perhaps you – like me – even experienced some acute, sit-bolt-upright-in-bed-at-2AM anxiety as a result. That's totally justifiable. This is very real, very bad news.

And yet…

The news isn't all bad, and even this terrible dispatch from the NOAA is best understood in context, which Bill McKibben provides in his latest newsletter post, "What You Want is an S Curve":

https://billmckibben.substack.com/p/what-you-want-is-an-s-curve

Financier and their critics should all be familiar with Stein's Law: "anything that can't go on forever will eventually stop." This is true outside of finance as well. One of the reasons that we're seeing such autophagic panic from the tech companies is that their period of explosive growth is at an end.

For years, they told themselves that they were experiencing double-digit annual growth because they were "creating value" and "innovating" but the majority of their growth was just a side-effect of the growth of the internet itself. When hundreds of millions of people get online every year, the dominant online services will, on average, gain hundreds of millions of new users.

But when you run out of people who don't have internet access, your growth is going to slow. How can it not? Indeed, at that point, the only ways to grow are to either poach users from your rivals (through the very expensive tactics of massive advertising and sales-support investments, on top of discounts and freebies as switching enticements), or to squeeze your own users for more.

That's why the number of laptops sold in America slowed down. It's why the number of cellphones sold in America slowed down. It's why the number of "smart home" gizmos slowed down.

Even the steepest hockey-stick-shaped exponential growth curve eventually levels off and becomes an S-curve, because anything that can't go on forever will eventually stop.

One way or another, the world's carbon emissions will eventually level off. Even if we drive ourselves to (or over) the brink of extinction and set up the conditions for wildfires that release all the carbon stored in all the Earth's plants, the amount of carbon we pump into the atmosphere has to level off.

Rendering the Earth incapable of sustaining human civilization (or life) is the ultimate carbon reduction method – but it's not my first choice.

That's where McKibben's latest newsletter comes in. He cites a new report from the Rocky Mountain Institute, which shows a major reversal in our energy sources, a shift that will see our energy primarily provided by renewables, with minimal dependence on fossil fuels:

https://rmi.org/insight/the-cleantech-revolution/

The RMI team says that in this year or next, we'll have hit peak demand for fossil fuels (a fact that is consistent with NOAA's finding that we're emitting more CO2 than ever). The reason for this is that so much renewable energy is about to come online, and it is so goddamned cheap, that we are about to undergo a huge shift in our energy consumption patterns.

This past decade saw a 12-fold increase in solar capacity, a 180-fold increase in battery storage, and a 100-fold increase in EV sales. China is leading the world in a cleantech transition, with the EU in close second. Cleantech is surging in places where energy demand is also still growing, like India and Vietnam. Fossil fuel use has already peaked in Thailand, South Africa and every country in Latin America.

We're on the verge of solar constituting an absolute majority of all the world's energy generation. This year, batteries will overtake pumped hydro for energy storage. Every cleantech metric is growing the way that fossil fuels did in previous centuries: investment, patents, energy density, wind turbine rotor size. The price of solar is on track to halve (again) in the next decade.

In short, cleantech growth looks like the growth of other technologies that were once rarities and then became ubiquitous overnight: TV, cellphones, etc. That growth isn't merely being driven by the urgency of the climate emergency: it's primarily a factor of how fucking great cleantech is:

https://rmi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/the_incredible_inefficiency_of_fossils.pdf

Fossil fuels suck. It's not just that they wreck the planet, or that their extraction is both politically and environmentally disastrous. They just aren't a good way to make energy. About a third of fossil fuel energy is wasted in production and transportation. A third! Another third is wasted turning fossil fuels into energy. Two thirds! The net energy efficiency of fossil fuels is about 37%.

Compare that with cleantech. EVs convert electricity to movement with 80-90% efficiency. Heat pumps are 300% efficient (the main fuel for your heat pump is the heat in the atmosphere, not the electricity it draws).

Cleantech is just getting started – it's still in the hockey-stick phase. That means those efficiency numbers are only going up. Rivian just figured out how to remove 1.6 miles of copper wire from each vehicle. That's just one rev – there's doubtless lots of room for more redesigns that will further dematerialize EVs:

https://insideevs.com/news/722265/rivian-r1s-r1t-wiring/

As McKibben points out, there's been a lot of justifiable concern that electrification will eventually use up all our available copper, but copper demand has remained flat even as electrification has soared – and this is why. We keep figuring out new ways to electrify with fewer materials:

https://www.chemanalyst.com/NewsAndDeals/NewsDetails/copper-wire-price-remains-stable-amidst-surplus-supply-and-expanding-mining-25416#:~:text=Global%20Copper%20wire%20Price%20Remains%20Stable%20Amidst%20Surplus%20Supply%20and%20Expanding%20Mining%20Activities

This is exactly what happened with previous iterations of tech. The material, energy and labor budgets of cars, buildings, furniture, etc all fell precipitously every time there was a new technique for manufacturing them. Renewables are at the start of that process. There's going to be a lot of this dematerialization in cleantech. Calculating the bill of materials for a planetary energy transition isn't a matter of multiplying the materials in current tech by the amount of new systems we'll need – as we create those new systems, we will constantly whittle down their materials.

What's more, global instability drives cleantech uptake. The Russian invasion of Ukraine caused a surge in European renewables. The story that energy prices are rising due to renewables (or carbon taxes) is a total lie. Fossil fuels are getting much more expensive, thanks to both war and rampant, illegal price-fixing:

https://www.thebignewsletter.com/p/an-oil-price-fixing-conspiracy-caused

If not for renewables, the incredible energy shocks of the recent years would be far more severe.

The renewables story is very good and it should bring you some comfort. But as McKibben points out, it's still not enough – yet. The examples of rapid tech uptake had big business on their side. America's living rooms filled with TV because America's largest businesses pulled out all the stops to convince everyone to buy a TV. By contrast, today's largest businesses – banks, oil companies and car companies – are working around the clock to stop cleantech adoption.

We're on track to double our use of renewables before the decade is over. But to hold to the (already recklessly high) targets from the Paris Accord, we need to triple our renewables usage. As McKibben says, the difference between doubling and tripling our renewables by 2030 is the difference between "survivable trouble" and something much scarier.

The US is experiencing a welcome surge in utility scale solar, but residential solar is stalling out as governments withdraw subsidies or even begin policies that actively restrict rooftop solar:

https://twitter.com/curious_founder/status/1798049929082097842?s=51

McKibben says the difference between where we are now and bringing back the push for home solar generation is the difference between "fast" and "faster" – that is the difference between tripling renewables by 2030 (survivable) and doubling (eek).

Capitalism stans who argue that we can survive the climate emergency with market tools will point to the good news on renewable and say that the market is the only way to transition to renewables. It's true that market forces are partly responsible for this fast transition. But the market is also the barrier to a faster (and thus survivable) transition. The oil companies, the banks who are so invested in fossil fuels, the petrostates who distort the world's politics – they're why we're not much farther along.

The climate emergency was never going to be neatly solved. We weren't going to get a neat novelistic climax that saw our problems sorted out in a single fell swoop. We're going to be fighting all the way to net zero, and after that, we'll still have decades of climate debt to pay down: fires, floods, habitat loss, zoonotic plagues, refugee crises.

But we should take our wins. Even if we're far from where we need to be on renewables, we're much farther along on renewables than we had any business hoping for, just a few years ago. The momentum is on our side. It's up to us to use that momentum and grow it. We're riding the hockey-stick, they're on that long, flat, static top of the S-curve. Their curve is leveling off and will start falling, ours will grow like crazy for the rest of our lives.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/06/12/s-curve/#anything-that-cant-go-on-forever-eventually-stops

[reasonsforhope]

Masterpost: Reasons I firmly believe we will beat climate change

Posts are in reverse chronological order (by post date, not article date), mostly taken from my "climate change tag," which I went through all the way back to the literal beginning of my blog. Will update periodically.

Especially big deal articles/posts are in bold.

Big picture:

Mature trees offer hope in world of rising emissions (x)

Spying from space: How satellites can help identify and rein in a potent climate pollutant (x)

Good news: Tiny urban green spaces can cool cities and save lives (x)

Conservation and economic development go hand in hand, more often than expected (x)

The exponential growth of solar power will change the world (x)

Sun Machines: Solar, an energy that gets cheaper and cheaper, is going to be huge (x)

Wealthy nations finally deliver promised climate aid, as calls for more equitable funding for poor countries grow (x)

For Earth Day 2024, experts are spreading optimism – not doom. Here's why. (x)

Opinion: I’m a Climate Scientist. I’m Not Screaming Into the Void Anymore. (x)

The World’s Forests Are Doing Much Better Than We Think (x)

‘Staggering’ green growth gives hope for 1.5C, says global energy chief (x)

Beyond Catastrophe: A New Climate Reality Is Coming Into View (x)

Young Forests Capture Carbon Quicker than Previously Thought (x)

Yes, climate change can be beaten by 2050. Here's how. (x)

Soil improvements could keep planet within 1.5C heating target, research shows (x)

The global treaty to save the ozone layer has also slowed Arctic ice melt (x)

The doomers are wrong about humanity’s future — and its past (x)

Scientists Find Methane is Actually Offsetting 30% of its Own Heating Effect on Planet (x)

Are debt-for-climate swaps finally taking off? (x)

High seas treaty: historic deal to protect international waters finally reached at UN (x)

How Could Positive ‘Tipping Points’ Accelerate Climate Action? (x)

Specific examples:

Environmental Campaigners Celebrate As Labour Ends Tory Ban On New Onshore Wind Projects (x)

Private firms are driving a revolution in solar power in Africa (x)

How the small Pacific island nation of Vanuatu drastically cut plastic pollution (x)

Rewilding sites have seen 400% increase in jobs since 2008, research finds [Scotland] (x)

The American Climate Corps take flight, with most jobs based in the West (x)

Waste Heat Generated from Electronics to Warm Finnish City in Winter Thanks to Groundbreaking Thermal Energy Project (x)

Climate protection is now a human right — and lawsuits will follow [European Union] (x)

A new EU ecocide law ‘marks the end of impunity for environmental criminals’ (x)

Solar hits a renewable energy milestone not seen since WWII [United States] (x)

These are the climate grannies. They’ll do whatever it takes to protect their grandchildren. [United States and Native American Nations] (x)

Century of Tree Planting Stalls the Warming Effects in the Eastern United States, Says Study (x)

Chart: Wind and solar are closing in on fossil fuels in the EU (x)

UK use of gas and coal for electricity at lowest since 1957, figures show (x)

Countries That Generate 100% Renewable Energy Electricity (x)

Indigenous advocacy leads to largest dam removal project in US history [United States and Native American Nations] (x)

India’s clean energy transition is rapidly underway, benefiting the entire world (x)

China is set to shatter its wind and solar target five years early, new report finds (x)

‘Game changing’: spate of US lawsuits calls big oil to account for climate crisis (x)

Largest-ever data set collection shows how coral reefs can survive climate change (x)

The Biggest Climate Bill of Your Life - But What Does It DO? [United States] (x)

Good Climate News: Headline Roundup April 1st through April 15th, 2023 (x)

How agroforestry can restore degraded lands and provide income in the Amazon (x) [Brazil]

Loss of Climate-Crucial Mangrove Forests Has Slowed to Near-Negligable Amount Worldwide, Report Hails (x)

Agroecology schools help communities restore degraded land in Guatemala (x)

Climate adaptation:

Solar-powered generators pull clean drinking water 'from thin air,' aiding communities in need: 'It transforms lives' (x)

‘Sponge’ Cities Combat Urban Flooding by Letting Nature Do the Work [China] (x)

Indian Engineers Tackle Water Shortages with Star Wars Tech in Kerala (x)

A green roof or rooftop solar? You can combine them in a biosolar roof — boosting both biodiversity and power output (x)

Global death tolls from natural disasters have actually plummeted over the last century (x)

Los Angeles Just Proved How Spongy a City Can Be (x)

This city turns sewage into drinking water in 24 hours. The concept is catching on [Namibia] (x)

Plants teach their offspring how to adapt to climate change, scientists find (x)

Resurrecting Climate-Resilient Rice in India (x)

[whereserpentswalk]

Your city has captured an angel, it's all chained up with massive chains forged with sea serpent's blood. They caught it long before you were born, when the land was first being colonized by your culture. It's been just a normal part of your city's local culture for your entire life. It's been here for so long; nobody even knows the name of the god who gave it life.

It's a massive angel, with four wings, and the head of an eagle with burning eyes, and a fiery sword in its hand that they were never able to pry away from it even after it was chained. It's a symbol of local civic pride, they sell T-shirts of it and dolls of it in touristy areas, and it's the mascot for almost every local sports team, and most schools. Sometimes it's easy to forget that it's even real.

The angel has been in the largest local building, chained up, for nearly three hundred years now. People come and see it all the time. It used to speak, but it stopped around the time humans could record sound. They say for thirty years it slept, and for thirty years after that it wept, but it doesn't do that anymore, it just looks at everyone, watching and waiting, in an old brick building. Maybe it's judging you and waiting for its god to come.

They say its wings used to glow, and its eyes used to be bright yellow instead of its current fiery orange, you're not sure what that means. Its halo is almost impossible to see now, so faint and ghostly, it used to glow so bright they say ghosts and vampires were repelled from it as if it was the sun, now they swarm it like insects cowering by a flame. It would strike them all away if not for the chains, if it had the strength, if it saw the sun.

Everyone loves the angel. They use its blood and sweat to make medicine and fuel, it's light alone is one of the few renewable sources of energy in the local area. A lot of people think your city went into the industrial revolution early because of it being there. You wonder what other things the angel would have given you, if you had let it sit there willingly. It was born on the hill your city was built on, you don't think it ever would have left, even if it was not in a city ruled by those who believe you have to imprison something to have it.