[Jewelry making - Article 00814] - Re: [Orchid] Fossil fuels

[Cameron Potter]

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    Oh dear, now you have me fired up...  ;o) 

    A quick word - I am biased here as my PhD thesis is in power
    engineering trying to improve the renewable energy production... 

    HOWEVER: 

    Yes, we are in a rather dire situation.  The other thing that limited
    oil supplies doesn't mention is that crude oil is also used in the
    manufacture of most pharmaceuticals. Would you prefer to run your car
    or live? 

    Also, yes, aluminium refining is bad for the environment, but they
    have actually REALLY improved their methods (at least here in
    Tasmania they have).  Gold refining is far worse for the environment
    - I am not sure about silver. 

    As for how will the fossil fuel shortages affect us?  Well, the
    hybrid fuel cars are very efficient and there is no reason that cars
    should not be run on hydrogen and pure electricity drive shafts - of
    course this would all be to no avail unless the power used to
    develop the hydrogen/electricity was renewable. 

    Why aren't we using more renewable energy though?  Two reasons -
    cost is probably the biggest factor (although it is becoming
    less-so).  The other reason is the not-in-my-backyard syndrome.  Too
    often people fight against some new power development without
    thinking about the alternatives. 

    A perfect example of this was a lovely juxtaposition in our
    newspapers.  One major paper said "WIND WIN" meaning that a group of
    people managed to shoot down a wind farm in what looks like fairly
    bland countryside, another major paper had their headline as "WE
    CAN'T GO ON LIKE THIS" (or something very similar) referring to the
    way that we are not only losing our fossil fuel resources, but also
    wrecking our environment at the same time. 

    People are often more concerned about something new, than about
    something old they are familiar with (even if that old thing is
    worse for them). 

    Given a choice of a wind farm in my backyard or a fossil fuel
    station 100km away, I know that I would choose the wind farm
    everytime... 

    I'd better get off this soap box before it breaks! 

    If you want more information about any of this stuff, feel free to
    email me offlist. 

Cam

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