Introduction Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and has the potential to reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonize our planet. What makes hydrogen vital is its capability to be a clean, safe and flexible energy carrier. Additionally, when combusted to generate heat or electricity, it produces water. These characteristics make it … Continue reading
Category Archives: Environment
Righting the Wrong, Pipeline Edition: The Case Against the Tar Sands of Canada
The Keystone XL pipeline is in the spotlight once again after President Biden revoked the pipeline’s presidential permit by signing an executive order halting the construction of the pipeline that would carry 830,000 barrels of oil per day from Alberta, Canada to Steele City, Nebraska, where it would join an existing pipeline that would transport … Continue reading
China and Latin America: forging new economic ties in United States backyard.
China experienced explosive economic growth in the past few decades that helped it rise to the position of the second-largest economy in the world. It now aims to transform itself from a regional to a global hegemon, effectively challenging the US in its backyard, Latin America. The country’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) facilitated its … Continue reading
Potential Benefits and Costs of US Backed Nuclear Power Plants Abroad
Last month the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced its reversal of a legacy policy that banned the financing of nuclear power projects abroad[1]. The decision, currently in the public notice and comment period, was lauded as a victory by the energy, environmental, and national security spheres[2][3] but raises several concerns around carbon emissions, … Continue reading
Improving Island Resiliency: Incorporating Microgrids as part of the RICANstruction Process.
This might very well be the busiest year of the Atlantic hurricane season, and with two months left the Americas shudder at the thought of what next, who’s next, and when. Three major hurricanes—Harvey, Irma, and most recently Maria—all made landfall roughly one week apart, and caused widespread devastation across several U.S. cities and total … Continue reading
Why Energy Efficiency is Key to Fulfilling the Paris Goals
Energy efficiency — the ugly ducking in an industry full of shiny solar panels and soaring wind turbines — may be the smart, business friendly path to mitigating climate shifts, regardless of political detours. The Paris Agreement, the most drastic global climate action plan, officially entered into force in early November, confirming 94 countries’ pledges to … Continue reading
Nuclear Waste’s Apathy Tax
Everyone knows littering is bad, but when it comes to 75,000 metric tons of nuclear waste Obama is apathetic. Continue reading
Exchanging Trash for Treasure
The Michigan state government recently stumbled across a startling statistic. Over the past decade its revenue streams were $8-10 million below what it expected. The cause? Residents of nearby states have been smuggling millions of bottles and cans into Michigan, taking advantage of its nation-leading 10-cent bottle refund. Michigan is one of 10 states nationwide … Continue reading
Can Oil and Gas, Government, and Environmentalists Work Together?
It must be frustrating for President Obama when his policies make no one happy. Recently the administration announced plans to regulate methane emissions, and while the oil and gas industry grumbled about new regulations and added costs, environmental groups complained the new measures don’t go far enough. Is it possible for policymakers to appease environmental … Continue reading
Is there any diplomatic benefit to Kate and Will’s visit?
“I hope that after a couple of days of this very intensive program there will be a lot of happiness being shared, but I also hope that it will do a great deal of good for the United States and the United Kingdom,” British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott said. While fostering good relationship ties and … Continue reading
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