Written by Rafael Reyes Tuesday, 05 June 2007 00:00

Lantos bill on climate change

From SF Chron. Tom Lantos (D-San Mateo) offers a bill on climate change to put in place a serious initiative on climate change.

It finally brings the United States to the table on climate change to deliver more than just lip service. Unlike the Bush administration's plan, the bill has binding targets and workable methods, such as a cap-and-trade system, to get there. And unlike the Bush administration's plan, the legislation includes specific strategies to engage India, China and other major polluting countries on an ongoing basis to come to an agreement. The House of Representatives will soon consider this timely bill.

It's unlikely this president will do anything constructive on the climate crisis but still it's good that some electeds are pushing. It sets the stage for progress when this catastrophic administration is behind us.

Written by Rafael Reyes Sunday, 03 June 2007 00:00

A little music...

Now for something a little different



Hat tip to Climate Change Action

Written by Rafael Reyes Sunday, 03 June 2007 00:00

More from TED: John Doerr

Ok, yeah, TED was in March but this is still a great emotional talk from Silicon Valley venture capitalist John Doerr covering a broad look at solutions and challenges:



What we are doing is not yet enough. We need a quantum leap.

Policy matters, companies matter, individuals matter. That's why we need action at every level personal, institutional, municipal, state, federal, and international.

What conversations will we have with our children in 20 years?

Written by Rafael Reyes Saturday, 26 May 2007 00:00

Solar: better, faster, cheaper

Despite the million solar roofs initiative of the Governator solar panels remain an expensive proposition given the up-front costs. One of the big issues is lack of production supply for polysilicon. But that appears to be on the verge of a huge change - especially due to China.

"To say that Chinese PV producers plan to expand production rapidly in the year ahead would be an understatement. They have raised billions from international IPOs to build capacity and increase scale with the goal of driving down costs. Four Chinese IPOs are expected to come to market this month alone."

According to this Worldwatch study prices could drop 40%. If those savings translate directly into the market once we factor in installation, inverters, etc. that could be enough to bring the payback period under 10 years for many - making it much more attractive.

But the birthplace of the silicon revolution is not to be outdone as promising nanotech solar panel alternatives to silicon are being rapidly developed. Among the new companies working on nanotech solar are Miasoleand Nanosolar, right in our neighborhood. Profiled in Scientific American in May, the "nanonets" or "nanotrees" depending on who you talk to are transparent, light and flexible. This looks like a near-term technology - companies are scaling up manufacturing.

Hat tip to Climate Change Action (despite his poor spelling)!