earthwisebook

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,...

5/28/26 UPDATE: POPs Re: Chapter 8.5. WHAT ARE POPs? Some more good news: Levels of some of the most dangerous PFAS “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have dramatically fallen in Canadian seabird eggs, showing that regulation has been effective. Gannet cradling egg with foot. Source: Wiki Starting from 2006, the US Environmental Protection Agency had worked with major chemical manufacturers to phase out the most common and toxic compounds PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)...

5/18/26 UPDATE: THERMAL BATTERIES Re: Chapter 3.5A STORING ENERGY WHEN THE SUN HIDES AND THE WIND DIES DOWN Thermal batteries made of bricks that are heated electrically are gaining interest as an alternative to chemical batteries. If they reach high enough temperatures (~1,800 °C), they can deliver hot gas to run electrical turbines (instead of burning natural gas). So excess electricity can be stored for later use. High-temperature thermal batteries can also supply industrial heat, e.g. for...