October 2026 Update

10/29/26 UPDATE: Enhanced Geothermal Goes Commercial

Re: Chapter 3.7 How Big a Role Can Geothermal and Ocean Energy Play?

Geothermal Resources of the United States. Source: U.S. Department of Energy. Downloaded from https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/geothermal/where-geothermal-energy-is-found.php

The promise of enhanced geothermal energy (EGS) is starting to be realized. The Fervo Energy company has connected its Cape Station enhanced geothermal project in Utah to the grid and begun selling clean electricity. Its first 33 MW unit will expand to 500 MW by 2028. A fracking type drill rig pumps water to fracture deep hot rocks, and nearby wells pump the heated water through a turbine to generate electricity.¹ The potential for EGS is very large.²

The EGS hot rock reservoir can also be used for efficient storage of solar and wind energy. The excess intermittent energy can be used to pump more water into the hot rocks, to be released hours or days later for electricity generation.³

References

1. Fervo Energy. “Fervo Energy Declares Commercial Operation at Cape Station Ahead of Schedule, Leading the Race For for Next-Generation Geothermal Energy.” October 1, 2026. https://fervoenergy.com/fervo-energy-declares-commercial-operation-at-cape-station-ahead-of-schedule-leading-the-race-for-next-generation-geothermal-energy/.

2. Aniti, Lori. “Enhanced Geothermal Systems Could Expand Geothermal Power Generation.” U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). February 19, 2026. https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=67204.

3. Patel, Prachi. “Geothermal May Beat Batteries for Energy Storage.” IEEE Spectrum, July 18, 2025. https://spectrum.ieee.org/geothermal-energy.

September 2026 Update

09/06/26 UPDATE: Infant Cognition Improves with Cleaner Air

Re: Chapter 6.6 POLLUTION MITIGATION: SUCCESS STORIES

Manhattan skyline in 2023. Photo by Jakub Hałun via Wiki.

EARTH WISE noted (p. 103) that asthma among Los Angeles children diminished as anti-smog measures were put into effect. Now a study of infants in New York City¹ over a 20-year period shows there was improvement in cognitive test scores as the city implemented policies limiting air pollution from vehicles and buildings. The test scores tracked the measured decline in PM2.5 particles, ozone, and nitrogen oxides.

References

1. Perera, F.; Miao, Y.; Wang, S.; Algermissen, M.; Herbstman, J. “Less Air Pollution Previously Related to Clean Air and Climate Policies Is Linked to Improved Cognitive Scores Over Time in NYC Children.” Environmental Health 2026, 25, 72. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-026-01328-1.

June 2026 Update

6/14/26 UPDATE: Iran War Spurs Cleantech

Re: Chapter 3.5.D A RACE AGAINST TIME

Solar electric system installation on the Minneapolis Convention Center. Photo by U.S. DOE, via Flickr.

The Iran war has created economic hardship around the world as supplies of oil, gas, and synthetic fertilizer (made from gas) run short and prices skyrocket. But it also accelerated the transition to renewable energy sources. Countries are increasing their commitment to solar and wind power, battery storage, and electric vehicles in order to diminish dependence on oil and gas. Half the gas shipments that had been passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which was blocked by the war, was headed for Asia, which experienced the worst price shocks.

South Korean president Lee Jae Myung declared the conflict a "great opportunity to rapidly and comprehensively transition to renewables."[1] 

Vietnam, Southeast Asia’s largest electric vehicle market, has targeted 47% renewable electricity generation by 2030.[2] Thailand has advanced its net zero target by 15 full years, to 2050. And in Europe rooftop solar demand has more than doubled since the Iran War began in February.[2]

References

1. Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis. “Impact of Middle East Crisis on Global Energy Markets.” May 2026. https://ieefa.org/impact-middle-east-crisis-global-energy-markets.

2. Kennedy, Danny. “Elite Cognitive Dissonance and the Asian Energy Disruption.” ProElectrica, May 28, 2026. https://proelectrica.substack.com/p/elite-cognitive-dissonance-and-the.