|
|
Energy
As we gear up for war in the Middle East and watch oil prices soar, it is easy to understand that energy is a big issue. We have to somehow wean ourselves off our dependence on oil--and the sooner, the better. What is less well known is the incredible magnitude of the worldwide energy challenge that is before us. The problem is not just oil. Somehow, within the next few decades we must find a new energy source that can provide a minimum of 10 terawatts (TW) of clean power on a sustainable basis and do this cheaply. To do this with nuclear fission would require no less than 10,000 breeder reactors. Assuming we don’t get it all from nuclear fission, where is that 10 TW of new power going to come from? Who will make the necessary scientific and engineering breakthroughs? Can it be cheap enough to bring 10 billion people to a reasonable standard of living? Can it be done soon enough to avoid the hard economic times, terrorism, war and human suffering that will otherwise occur as we fight over the dwindling oil and gas reserves on the planet? Energy may very well be the single most critical challenge facing humanity in this century.
Video Length: 5018
Date Found: February 12, 2009
Date Produced: January 23, 2003
View Count: 4
|
|
|
|
|
I got punched by an old guy, for farting near his wife. Read MoreComic book creator Stan Lee talks the future of the medium in the digital age. Panelists Zachary... Read MoreThe U.S. launch of Spotify is still on music lovers' minds. Join Zachary Levi, from NBC’s... Read MoreTuesday: Rupert Murdoch testifies before Parliament on the hacking scandal that brought down "News... Read MoreAfter a long slump, the home construction industry may be showing signs of life. But as Bill... Read More | 1 2 3 4 5 |
|
|
|