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A SERVICE OF OHIO'S PUBLIC BROADCASTING STATIONS
A SERVICE OF OHIO'S PUBLIC BROADCASTING STATIONS
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Columbus Metropolitan Club - Alternative Energy Realities; Why the Energy Discussion Matters.
The world economy and ultimately our quality of life depend upon energy. Today, energy still means cheap fossil fuels, which present problems. Many believe that the most pressing challenge of our age - and an imperative legacy for our future - is the development of clean and renewable replacements for fossil fuels.
We exist in a world highly affected by fluctuations and speculation about the supply and demand of crude oil and more than 75% of all crude oil consumed is used for transportation and heating. Conservative estimates by many leading researchers suggest that peak oil production will occur in this century, with some pointing to the occurrence in this decade.
Burning coal and oil release a steady diet of CO2 into the earth's atmosphere, which is pushing the world's climate towards a potentially irreversible brink. The environmental considerations contribute to the urgency for new energy sources.
Experts agree that there are many alternative energy possibilities and no one silver bullet solution. Potential sources include wind, solar, nuclear, biomass, and hydro-electric among many others. While each energy source appears to have advantages, each also has limitations that include factors like cost, scalability and unintended consequences.
Dr. Greg Washington will take a candid look at our current energy situation and the alternative energy realities in his presentation "Alternative Energy Realities, Why the Energy Discussion Matters."
We exist in a world highly affected by fluctuations and speculation about the supply and demand of crude oil and more than 75% of all crude oil consumed is used for transportation and heating. Conservative estimates by many leading researchers suggest that peak oil production will occur in this century, with some pointing to the occurrence in this decade.
Burning coal and oil release a steady diet of CO2 into the earth's atmosphere, which is pushing the world's climate towards a potentially irreversible brink. The environmental considerations contribute to the urgency for new energy sources.
Experts agree that there are many alternative energy possibilities and no one silver bullet solution. Potential sources include wind, solar, nuclear, biomass, and hydro-electric among many others. While each energy source appears to have advantages, each also has limitations that include factors like cost, scalability and unintended consequences.
Dr. Greg Washington will take a candid look at our current energy situation and the alternative energy realities in his presentation "Alternative Energy Realities, Why the Energy Discussion Matters."
March 4, 2009