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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
 Posted - 08/06/2004 : 20:43:35
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It's definitely a worthy cause. Will the fossil fuel corporations ("Use them and nobody gets hurt!") allow such research, though?
Cattle in Korea / They can really moo. |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2004 : 09:43:48
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They certainly have the clout to make things difficult, no doubts there, but in the end, I think it's consumers that will make that decision. The major auto companies have their share of clout as well, and if the consumer is more likely to buy an environmentally friendly car than a gas guzzler, then you can count on some significant funds for alternative energy research. Government also plays a roll by creating emissions penalties/standards so that car manufacturers are forced (even if not by consumer will) to examine more efficient engines and alternative.
The interesting thing, to me, is how the oil companies are actually aiding the cause unwittingly by limiting production and allowing prices to skyrocket. Sure, they'll make more money in the short term, but all they're doing is encouraging people to purchase less and consider alternative energy and alternative transportation. Were I running the cartel, my strategy would be to invest heavily in either companies like Ballard (fuel cell pioneer in BC) or in internal research and keep consumers complacent with gas prices staying roughly in line with inflation. That way, you not only slow the progress of your competitors by removing the immediacy of need (and therefore research funding for alternative energy), but you are quietly developing it on your own or with what is essentially a subsidiary so that when a feasible replacement for the internal combustion engine is ready, you hold either the rights or significant stock, placing your company at a huge advantage over others and standing to reap some lucrative rewards, all the while maximizing the time that you can still make money from oil.
 "When 5000 posts you reach / Look as good you will not, hmmm?" |
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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2004 : 15:05:50
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Sales of gas-guzzling SUVs are still pretty high, aren't they?
Cattle in Korea / They can really moo. |
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n/a
deleted
4894 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2004 : 13:19:50
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The study erebus quotes suggests that the suns influence on global warming can be measurd by taking the various factors involved into account solar irradiance/magnetic fields/sun spots and that the current period of global warming we are undergoing is a man made one rather than a solar affected. It shows that the global temperature has increased sans the aid of the sun since the start of the industrial age, surely thats not a coincidence!
In it's research stags it also talks about the mini ice age as an example of ways the sun does affect global temperature but states this isn't the case now. I'm not suggsting this is the authority on the matter, I've been too lazy to look further
And the companies have the technology to improve the situation, it just wouldn't be cheap so is blocked by consumers not getting the choice in many respects and by the consumers general unwillingmess to fork out that little bit more, the age old bullshit of it's not our generation that'll feel the affects anyway. Depressing.
Frank Black ate my Hamster
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Dave Noisy
Minister of Chaos
Canada
4496 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2004 : 16:00:11
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Hey Dean - Japan is doing this right now.. They're going nuts on solar cells, sticking them on every roof, and are focused on the R&D of course..in a few years they will likely totally dominate the market....
 Join the Cult of the Flying Pigxies - I'm A Believer! |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2004 : 07:22:57
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Yeah, they're way ahead of everyone with the solar technology... ever heard of TV-PV?
Translucent photovoltaic cells that can also display images. Imagine a building made out of these instead of plain old glass - it generates power, still looks pretty, can be seen through, and could display stuff either on the side of the building or in the lobby. They're also more efficient than standard PVs.
"When 5000 posts you reach / Look as good you will not, hmmm?" |
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Dave Noisy
Minister of Chaos
Canada
4496 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2004 : 23:36:16
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Yeah, tho i find that kinda thing annoying..hehe
Join the Cult of the Flying Pigxies - I'm A Believer! |
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Hotter Sun > Global Warming ?
