What concerns me, is the impacts of cycle inefficiencies have on the Earth’s system- just think a decent solar panel has a conversion efficiency of ~20%, natural gas powered turbines are ~40% effective… those numbers seemingly different should be viewed with caution.. Let us not forget the macro-costs of pursuing non-renewable energy production.

If humans intend on further exploitation of petroleum and fossil fuel resources, then we must also be willing to examine some of the bi-products.

Perhaps the gases released through converting these natural resources into usable energy pose a serious threat to the integrity of homeostasis on the planet.

Maybe there is not enough conclusive evidence of this yet?

Perhaps humans have defied natural opportunities for rigid, predictable - and seemingly controllable systems.. just look at how conventional human structures are also responsible for global pollution:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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My logical conclusion would be to say… let us re-examine our current model of energy use…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Think of the infrastructure required to implement large scale projects —

Think of the consequences of large scale projects gone wrong:

Consider the lasting results of one such disaster… what was human response?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What can we make of this?

Consider the words of Thomas Malthus who wrote at the turn of the 17th century (1800s)

“The power of population is so superior to the power of the earth to produce subsistence for man, that premature death must in some shape or other visit the human race. The vices of mankind are active and able ministers of depopulation. They are the precursors in the great army of destruction, and often finish the dreadful work themselves. But should they fail in this war of extermination, sickly seasons, epidemics, pestilence, and plague advance in terrific array, and sweep off their thousands and tens of thousands. Should success be still incomplete, gigantic inevitable famine stalks in the rear, and with one mighty blow levels the population with the food of the world.”

A stark comment written over 200 years ago, by a man who explained the concept of exponential population growth.

Scroll back up, look at the first photo - think of the global population.

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What do we know?

Energy is useful in performing tasks for humans. There are more humans today than ever before, therefore there is also the greatest demand for energy than ever before. Much of our society depends on reliable sources of energy to get work done.

There are many potential sources for energy - humans have pursued Petroleum,Natural Gas, and Coal aggressively to meet the rising demands. These methods require immense alignment of international businesses - from extraction, processing, converting, transporting, to retailing. Every step requires value-adding - resulting in your monthly electric bill.

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The consequences of pursuing such course of action truly remain unknown -

However it is generally understood that “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”

but there is no one “reaction” that will occur…

the butterfly effect demonstrates the impact of a single action resulting large variations in long-term behaviour of a system

Energy dependent societies must realize their situation.

Question the status quo - what alternatives suit you?

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positive thought and action will produce positive results… creativity will inspire the human race

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Picture Sources:

www.livescience.com

www.treehugger.com

en.wikipedia.org

google.images

NASA

*see picture links for more information