#green future

[reasonsforhope]

No-paywall version.

"You can never really see the future, only imagine it, then try to make sense of the new world when it arrives.

Just a few years ago, climate projections for this century looked quite apocalyptic, with most scientists warning that continuing “business as usual” would bring the world four or even five degrees Celsius of warming — a change disruptive enough to call forth not only predictions of food crises and heat stress, state conflict and economic strife, but, from some corners, warnings of civilizational collapse and even a sort of human endgame. (Perhaps you’ve had nightmares about each of these and seen premonitions of them in your newsfeed.)

Now, with the world already 1.2 degrees hotter, scientists believe that warming this century will most likely fall between two or three degrees. (A United Nations report released this week ahead of the COP27 climate conference in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, confirmed that range.) A little lower is possible, with much more concerted action; a little higher, too, with slower action and bad climate luck. Those numbers may sound abstract, but what they suggest is this: Thanks to astonishing declines in the price of renewables, a truly global political mobilization, a clearer picture of the energy future and serious policy focus from world leaders,

we have cut expected warming almost in half in just five years.

...Conventional wisdom has dictated that meeting the most ambitious goals of the Paris agreement by limiting warming to 1.5 degrees could allow for some continuing normal, but failing to take rapid action on emissions, and allowing warming above three or even four degrees, spelled doom.

Neither of those futures looks all that likely now, with the most terrifying predictions made improbable by decarbonization and the most hopeful ones practically foreclosed by tragic delay. The window of possible climate futures is narrowing, and as a result, we are getting a clearer sense of what’s to come: a new world, full of disruption but also billions of people, well past climate normal and yet mercifully short of true climate apocalypse.

Over the last several months, I’ve had dozens of conversations — with climate scientists and economists and policymakers, advocates and activists and novelists and philosophers — about that new world and the ways we might conceptualize it. Perhaps the most capacious and galvanizing account is one I heard from Kate Marvel of NASA, a lead chapter author on the fifth National Climate Assessment: “The world will be what we make it.” Personally, I find myself returning to three sets of guideposts, which help map the landscape of possibility.

First, worst-case temperature scenarios that recently seemed plausible now look much less so, which is inarguably good news and, in a time of climate panic and despair, a truly underappreciated sign of genuine and world-shaping progress...

[I cut number two for being focused on negatives. This is a reasons for hope blog.]

Third, humanity retains an enormous amount of control — over just how hot it will get and how much we will do to protect one another through those assaults and disruptions. Acknowledging that truly apocalyptic warming now looks considerably less likely than it did just a few years ago pulls the future out of the realm of myth and returns it to the plane of history: contested, combative, combining suffering and flourishing — though not in equal measure for every group...

“We live in a terrible world, and we live in a wonderful world,” Marvel says. “It’s a terrible world that’s more than a degree Celsius warmer. But also a wonderful world in which we have so many ways to generate electricity that are cheaper and more cost-effective and easier to deploy than I would’ve ever imagined. People are writing credible papers in scientific journals making the case that switching rapidly to renewable energy isn’t a net cost; it will be a net financial benefit,” she says with a head-shake of near-disbelief. “If you had told me five years ago that that would be the case, I would’ve thought, wow, that’s a miracle.”"

-via The New York Times Magazine, October 26, 2022

[reportsofagrandfuture]

[atompowers]

Envision Our Energizing-Vibrant Renewable Future Now

[ufohio]

If all things were possible, what kinds of technologies and miraculous feats of science do you think would put mankind in harmony with the Earth?

Happy Earth Day from the Science-Fiction Nerds at Kaleidoscope World. 💕

[greentechspot]

We must continue to invest in a sustainable future, not just for ourselves but for future generations.

[the-eccentric-eclectic]

The future isn't electric cars, it's public transportation. As dr. Gupta says, lithium batteries are still very polluting, and don't exist in a large enough quantity to supply the world with enough electric cars to get everybody driving one.

The path forward that I see has well arranged public transportation in a spiderweb form rather than a wordweb. All areas connected to each other rather than all transport going to the city center. It is publicly funded through taxes so you don't have to pay every time you use the train or take a bus.

For the elderly and the disabled there are special taxis upon request. You can rent a car or a van when you really need one, electric ofc. But you have to specify the reason and if it's something dumb like 'going to the gym by car' it can get denied.

If you need a car for your job because you work in emergency services such as GP, cop, etc. you drive one from your work, which you park at your workplace at the end of your workday, after which you take public transport home. You need a special dispensation to drive a car. Your workplace needs a special dispensation to own and let you drive a car.

And imagine all the things we can do with the space that is freed up. First of all, cars actively discourage community, so neighbourhoods become a lot more social. All the extra lanes on highways that are suddenly no longer needed can be turned into strips of forests which work noise reducing. If all cars are electric and the amount driven falls by like 85% (I am pulling this statistic out of my ass, this is by no means based on any actual data) there will be significantly less noise anyway.

We can take parking spaces and turn them into pollinator gardens, community gardens, sensory gardens for children.

We can get on roads again without fear of being hit by some loser with a god complex and a tin can murder machine. We can walk, bike, convene, live.

[advice-to-try-8d]

Some of the jobs you can do without a collage education

Now I'm not saying all jobs in this list are equal in pay amount of work needed to put in and risk

But I'm saying there are options and some may fit you!

Art

Animator

Storyboard artist / Storyboard artist

Web Design

Coder

Trade jobs (many only need certificate or associate degree)

Coacher

Making an online store

Chef

Taxi Driver

Choreographer

Afterschool lessons (If teaching a bunch of kids the fun of art or help with homework etc you can even teach a bunch at ones!)

Hairdresser

Cleaning

Garbage man

Firefighter

Pharmacy Technician

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Recreation and Fitness Worker

Independent business

Startup

game designer

Hearing Aid Specialist

Massage Therapist

Electrician

Landscaper

Forest and conservation worker

Recycling worker

Environmental technician

Green HVAC technician

Safety coordinator

Environmental scientist

Occupational health and safety technician

Natural resources technician

And these are just some I reccommand to search for more!

You may find ones your interested in!

[trazyndiannajones40k]

I keep hearing about "humans are space orks" this, and "humans are space orks" that. When everyone knows that the true space orks ARR DA REEL SPACE ORKS! DER BE NUFFIN AS GOOD AS 'AVIN A NICE KRUMP WIT DA BOIZ. DEM 'UMIES ARR NUFFING LOIK US. WE GOT MOR DAKKA! WE GOT MOR GITS! AND WE GOT MOR DAKKA! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!!!!

[spidermartini]

AMERICAN CLIMATE CORPS (ACC)

This is pretty damn cool. I feel there is so much loud and terrible Tr$mp news that we need some loud GOOD/ BIDEN news.

New jobs all dedicated to various environmental efforts for preservation and a greener future....also with an emphasis on having a diverse team.

This is promising.

[geohoneylovers]

🐝🌍 UAE Urges G20 Countries to Lead the Fight Against Climate Change! 🌱💚 Let's join hands and protect our planet for generations to come! 🤝🌱 Click the link to learn more https://blog.geohoney.com/uae-urges-g20-countries-lead-climate-change #Geohoney

[barrybekkedam]

Sustainable Infrastructure: Investing in a Green Future

Investing in sustainable infrastructure is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of future-oriented strategies. As we tackle urbanization, climate change, and resource scarcity, sustainable infrastructure offers solutions that don’t just meet today’s needs but are built to last. Here, I’ll delve into key components of sustainable infrastructure and discuss why they represent critical opportunities for forward-thinking investors.

The Importance of Sustainable Infrastructure

Sustainable infrastructure goes beyond traditional construction to incorporate environmental responsibility into every stage, from design to materials to maintenance. This approach aims to reduce emissions, save resources, and ultimately create resilient structures that serve communities without compromising the environment. Recognizing that sustainable infrastructure is both a necessity and a long-term investment opportunity, many investors are shifting their focus toward projects that offer enduring value alongside environmental benefits.

With sustainable infrastructure, the goal is twofold: economic returns and positive social impact. Projects are designed to withstand environmental challenges, lowering maintenance costs and enhancing durability. Given the emphasis on climate goals worldwide, sustainable infrastructure offers investors a chance to align financial objectives with ecological stewardship, helping protect both portfolio returns and the planet’s health.

Integrating Renewable Energy

Integrating renewable energy into infrastructure is a game-changer for sustainability, allowing projects to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Solar, wind, and geothermal energy are increasingly used to power buildings, transit systems, and public lighting. With the cost of renewables falling and technology advancing, solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems are becoming more accessible for infrastructure projects of all sizes.

For investors, renewable energy integration within infrastructure projects represents a forward-thinking approach with financial and environmental payoffs. Renewable-powered infrastructure reduces operating costs over time and increases resilience against future energy price fluctuations. Whether it’s solar-powered streetlights or geothermal heating systems in commercial buildings, renewable integration is transforming the way we power infrastructure, creating a new standard in sustainable design.

Using Green Building Materials

One of the cornerstones of sustainable infrastructure is the use of green building materials. Conventional materials like cement and steel have high carbon footprints, and their production generates considerable waste. Green alternatives, such as recycled steel, bamboo, and sustainably sourced wood, provide durable solutions that reduce environmental impact. For example, green concrete reduces greenhouse gas emissions during production and requires less water, making it an ideal choice for sustainable construction.

By choosing sustainable materials, infrastructure projects conserve resources and minimize maintenance requirements, which helps cut costs over the project’s life span. These materials also create structures that are more resilient to environmental conditions. Investing in projects that emphasize sustainable materials aligns with the growing market demand for green construction and assures that infrastructure will remain valuable and functional as environmental standards continue to evolve.

Prioritizing Water Conservation Technologies

Water conservation is a critical component of sustainable infrastructure, especially as water scarcity becomes a concern in many regions. Smart irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling technologies are being incorporated into new and existing infrastructure to reduce water usage. In urban environments, green infrastructure elements such as rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales manage stormwater more effectively, lowering flood risks and reducing reliance on centralized water management systems.

Water conservation efforts extend the life of resources and reduce long-term operational costs. By investing in water-efficient infrastructure, stakeholders contribute to the responsible management of a precious resource and reduce operating expenses. From smart water meters in residential areas to industrial water recycling, these technologies help address water scarcity while reinforcing infrastructure sustainability, making them highly attractive to investors focused on environmental resilience.

The Role of Smart City Technology and IoT

Smart cities use data-driven approaches to enhance infrastructure efficiency, from traffic management to energy use. Internet of Things (IoT) devices are deployed to gather and analyze data, providing insights that enable cities to optimize resource usage and reduce waste. For instance, smart streetlights adjust brightness based on pedestrian activity, conserving energy, while waste sensors notify collection services only when bins are full, cutting unnecessary trips.

These technologies offer significant benefits to cities and investors alike, enhancing infrastructure longevity and reducing operational costs. IoT technology empowers urban centers to respond quickly to infrastructure needs, lowering energy consumption and maintenance costs. For investors, projects that incorporate IoT and smart technologies offer a glimpse into the future of urban living and present an opportunity to support infrastructure that aligns with modern, data-centric management practices.

Sustainable Public Transit and Mobility Solutions

Transportation is a major contributor to emissions, and sustainable infrastructure addresses this through investment in public transit and active mobility solutions. Cities are shifting toward electric buses, bike-sharing programs, and pedestrian-friendly zones, all of which reduce the reliance on fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. This reduces pollution, eases congestion, and enhances the quality of urban life. The development of electric-powered and renewable energy-based transit options has also seen growing interest among municipal leaders and the public.

For investors, sustainable transit infrastructure projects promise significant long-term returns. Cities that prioritize these projects attract residents and businesses committed to low-emission lifestyles, creating a supportive environment for green initiatives. The trend toward eco-friendly transit highlights the growing commitment to sustainable infrastructure that can be expanded to include future innovations like autonomous electric buses and expanded rail systems.

Building Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

As climate-related events become more frequent, infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather is essential. Sustainable infrastructure projects often incorporate resilience to climate risks, such as rising sea levels, extreme heat, and heavy rainfall. This may involve using flood-resistant materials, installing green roofs to reduce heat, and designing elevated structures in flood-prone areas. Climate-resilient infrastructure also includes energy-efficient buildings that can handle increased cooling demands as temperatures rise.

Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure provides a built-in hedge against environmental disruptions that could otherwise damage assets and incur repair costs. For investors, climate resilience in infrastructure offers peace of mind, as these assets are built to endure environmental shifts without compromising functionality. This resilience is increasingly recognized as a value-add for sustainable infrastructure projects, helping protect investments while adapting to changing environmental conditions.

Key Aspects of Sustainable Infrastructure Investment

Renewable Energy Integration: Solar, wind, and geothermal energy in buildings and public spaces.

Green Building Materials: Use of recycled steel, bamboo, green concrete, and other eco-friendly options.

Water Conservation: Incorporating smart irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and greywater systems.

Smart City Technology: IoT devices for efficient energy, waste, and resource management.

Sustainable Public Transit: Electric buses, bike-sharing, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Climate Resilience: Infrastructure built to withstand extreme weather events.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future with Sustainable Infrastructure

Sustainable infrastructure investment is more than just a market trend—it’s a step toward building a resilient, eco-friendly world that can support both present and future generations. By prioritizing renewable energy, eco-conscious materials, water conservation, smart technologies, and climate resilience, these projects don’t just offer environmental benefits; they also offer lasting value. Investors looking to make an impact should consider sustainable infrastructure, as it aligns with both financial growth and responsible stewardship, building a greener future for all.

[shafaqmum]

("Green Future: Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Living Design" Tote Bag for Sale by Colorful-Garden gönderdi)

[loriwilliamson5314]

The Exciting World of DYU E-Bikes

The DYU electric bike shop is a fantastic place to explore the latest in e-bike technology. With a variety of stylish and efficient models, DYU offers something for everyone, whether you're commuting to work or enjoying a leisurely ride.

The shop features sleek designs and innovative features of their electric bikes. The staff is incredibly helpful, providing insights on the benefits of going electric and assisting customers in finding the perfect model for their needs.

It's inspiring to see how DYU is contributing to a greener future by promoting eco-friendly transportation options. Many enthusiasts look forward to experiencing the joy of riding with the ease and convenience that an electric bike provides.

[harmzsk90]

(via "Climate Action for Future Generations - Sustainability Matters" Art Board Print for Sale by harmzk90)