21–27 of 27 posts
The current model uses PLCs but something like a neural net or some other type of machine learning could supplement this system to make it more efficient.
This from Peter Wadhams, one of the first people to discover the shrinkage of the ice caps. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/21/arctic-w... "As far as I can see, it will have to take the form of some sort of device into which you pump air at one end and you get air without carbon dioxide coming out the other end. It can be done, I am sure, but at the moment we do not have such a device. However, witho…
This device, isn't it basically a plant? :-) Seriously though, microalgae carbon capture sounds like it was a good way forward. http://bioscience.oxfordjournals.org/content/60/9/722.full
Passive solar design, smaller homes, solar power, wind power, more efficient methods that use less water or energy to accomplish something, public transit, storm/disaster prep and clean up type things, storm resistant housing such as geodomes and smart city stuff.
I am sure there is more.
I expect solar-assisted propulsion systems for ships, solar-assisted power generation, solar-assisted desalination, greenhouses, heating, etc. to power an arctic boom. But since the region will still be far from hospitable, other industries like prefab homebuilding, insulation, and (paradoxically) resource and/or fossil fuel extraction stand to benefit too.
Arctic shipping will eventually be commonplace during the northern hemisphere summer, bringing both sea- and land-based activity to the region for half of every year. Since north of the arctic circle the sun won't set during this time, the there is opportunity to use (some) solar resources throughout the day. I expect solar-assisted propulsion systems for ships, solar-assisted power generation, solar-assisted desalin…
I found this report [1] on panels installed at the South Pole, which seemed to indicate that this does work, although the panels never exceed about 50% of their rated maximum power point. A 175W panel there generates about 1500kWh per year. By comparison, I think the same panel in the US would generate about 2200-2500 kWh per year. (1.3m^2 * 5kWh/m2/day * 365)
[1] - http://www.southpolestation.com/0809/solarenergyatpole012209...
Earlier quoted context omitted.
hasn't that been true forever though? isn't the problem that these people can't afford even cheap housing, and no one is buying it for them? these are already current social problems and don't appear to be enough of a business opportunity to be getting solved by capitalism
I'm not really talking about the poorest of the poor who don't have any skills, although I'm sure there are plenty NGOs who are interested in finding cheap housing solutions for them. I'm talking about those who are emerging from poverty and have found a place in the economy. Climate change will pull them back down into poverty if the place they've settled in is flooded, or no longer has access to clean water, or can…
Solving regional water supply challenges (whether due to recent desertification, salination or frequent flooding) sounds like a much bigger market. Not to mention conceiving innovative new ways of building flood defences to protect the middle income people and the shiny villas they don't want to leave.
I still think the biggest climate change market in the near term is technology aimed at reducing human contributions to it, most of which also promises cheaper energy or less harmful emissions.