Climate Energy
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Alternative energy plants aren’t just smart, they’re good-looking
Why is our country so enamored of coal and oil? Well, it sure ain’t for their looks. Unless you’re a near-pathological industrial-porn enthusiast, there’s nothing attractive about an oil refinery or a coal-fired power plant. But alternative energy plants are being designed to be not only better for the environment, but less of an eyesore […]
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Another bogus report tries to discredit energy efficiency
If you think efficiency doesn’t save money, you haven’t been looking at the data.Cross-posted from the Natural Resources Defense Council. This piece was coauthored by Ralph Cavanagh, senior attorney and co-director of NRDC’s energy program. Throughout almost four decades of societal progress in getting more work out of less energy, those who deny the promise […]
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Hidden costs, despite being hidden, are costs
Harold Pollack has a post on gold mining making the familiar point that there are all sorts of market failures that support destructive environmental practices. If the mine in question actually had to pay for the costs it imposes — or even pay fair price for the land it occupies — it could never compete […]
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Busting 4 myths about solar PV vs. concentrating solar
Although both produce electricity from the sun, there are significant differences between solar photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar thermal electricity generation. This guide provides answers to the most pressing questions about the two solar technologies. 1. Isn’t concentrating solar power cheaper? No. Five years ago, the two technologies were relatively comparable, but in 2011 there’s […]
