The Future of Energy
A presentation given by Dr. Martin J. Hodson
At the General Meeting on 17 October, Dr. Hodson began his presentation with a series of graphs and histograms showing the steep rise in global carbon dioxide emissions in since 1900, pointing out that only half of the additional CO2 generated by human activity (mainly industrialisation) could be absorbed by plants and oceans, the remainder is released into the atmosphere, thus leading to an inevitable rise in global temperature.
The so-called “Paris Agreement” of 2015 (a voluntary agreement drawn up by a group of key players from government, business and mayors of cities from around the world) set a target of 2o by which global warming should be reduced by the year 2025. More recently, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – a body set up under the auspices of the United Nations to provide a Special Report on the impact of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways - concluded that the Paris Agreement target for global warming should be reduced to 1.5oC or, better still, 1oC.
Dr. Hodson went on to explain that the burning of coal appeared to be the worst culprit for generating carbon emissions. China – once said to be contributing most significantly to the problem - has been reducing its coal-fired stations in recent years in favour of generating power from renewable sources (wind and solar). Moreover, in light of continued opposition to the impact on the environment from burning fossil fuels, it is possible that President Trump’s vigorous pre-election campaign to revive the coal industries in the United States may not now come to fruition. In the U.K., CO2 emissions have fallen by 38% since 1990 but there is still a considerable problem with transport. Indeed, diesel-powered vehicles, once heralded as the way forward for private cars as well as taxis and commercial vehicles, are now to be phased out.
Of the other forms of energy production, fracking has suffered a very a bad press. Contamination of water supplies, earthquakes and methane leakage seem to be the most serious concerns expressed by its critics. Nuclear fission plants, although potentially difficult to manage in terms of potential terrorist attacks and disposal of waste are a “necessary evil”, said Dr. Hodson. On the other hand, wind turbines are intrusive when they litter the landscape. But perhaps with improvements in battery technology for storing the energy they generate might lead to a reduction of the number required. Solar energy generation is becoming more and more widespread for both commercial and domestic use. Biogas plants, although still in the early stages of development, show promise for the future. Dr. Hodson concluded his presentation by saying that lifestyle changes can also play their part in reducing greenhouse gases and thus protecting the environment.
A short question and answer session followed. Colin thanked Dr. Hodson for his very informative presentation.
Janet Cato
October 2018
The so-called “Paris Agreement” of 2015 (a voluntary agreement drawn up by a group of key players from government, business and mayors of cities from around the world) set a target of 2o by which global warming should be reduced by the year 2025. More recently, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – a body set up under the auspices of the United Nations to provide a Special Report on the impact of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways - concluded that the Paris Agreement target for global warming should be reduced to 1.5oC or, better still, 1oC.
Dr. Hodson went on to explain that the burning of coal appeared to be the worst culprit for generating carbon emissions. China – once said to be contributing most significantly to the problem - has been reducing its coal-fired stations in recent years in favour of generating power from renewable sources (wind and solar). Moreover, in light of continued opposition to the impact on the environment from burning fossil fuels, it is possible that President Trump’s vigorous pre-election campaign to revive the coal industries in the United States may not now come to fruition. In the U.K., CO2 emissions have fallen by 38% since 1990 but there is still a considerable problem with transport. Indeed, diesel-powered vehicles, once heralded as the way forward for private cars as well as taxis and commercial vehicles, are now to be phased out.
Of the other forms of energy production, fracking has suffered a very a bad press. Contamination of water supplies, earthquakes and methane leakage seem to be the most serious concerns expressed by its critics. Nuclear fission plants, although potentially difficult to manage in terms of potential terrorist attacks and disposal of waste are a “necessary evil”, said Dr. Hodson. On the other hand, wind turbines are intrusive when they litter the landscape. But perhaps with improvements in battery technology for storing the energy they generate might lead to a reduction of the number required. Solar energy generation is becoming more and more widespread for both commercial and domestic use. Biogas plants, although still in the early stages of development, show promise for the future. Dr. Hodson concluded his presentation by saying that lifestyle changes can also play their part in reducing greenhouse gases and thus protecting the environment.
A short question and answer session followed. Colin thanked Dr. Hodson for his very informative presentation.
Janet Cato
October 2018