Support for the energy transition has ignited an almost frantic renewable energy development spree across the world
Littleton, US — There's a consensus among some climate advocates that catastrophic global environmental damage can only be avoided by a rapid and comprehensive retooling of the world's energy system and tough caps on emissions for industry.
For all the good intentions, though, the great green energy revolution has had its share of growing pains, including some rather surprising unintended consequences that in some cases may have caused more environmental harm than good.One example of a surprising side effect of emissions-cutting policy has been the surge in northern hemisphere water temperatures since strict new pollution regulations came into effect three years ago.
The resulting sharp drop in sulphate particles in the atmosphere, however, caused a surge in solar radiation absorbed by the oceans along the world's busiest shipping routes, according to a study by climate researcher Leon Simons. “If this trend continues that could mean that the northern hemisphere mid latitudes will warm much more rapidly,” Simons said in a recent Twitter post.Another ironic side effect of the rush into renewable energy has been the build up in components that have reached the end of their useful life but are hard to recycle.
Some firms are developing blade recycling capabilities, such as Carbon Rivers, LM Wind Power and Veolia, but tend to steer clear of the earliest generation of wind blades, which were made from hard-to-process composite materials. In contrast, old electric vehicle batteries are in high demand by firms that produce new batteries, as many of the key ingredients contained in them can be processed and used again.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
GAVIN MAGUIRE: China, India, Russia and Turkey likely to lead growth in nuclear powerWhile nuclear power may be considered outdated in the West, the tech seems to have a bright future across other energy-poor regions
Read more »
iPhones record faster mobile speeds than Android in South Africa — but beware averagesAlthough iPhones see faster mobile data speeds on average, that isn’t necessarily because they have faster cellular radios.
Read more »
EDITORIAL | Ubuntu on life support as strikers target children, patients and students | News24Pulling an injured child from an ambulance by striking healthcare workers in KwaDukuza is not legitimate protest action, but criminal barbarism, writes News24's editors.
Read more »
Ten Hag, Rashford support Fernandes captaincy fullyCalls for him to be replaced rejected by coach and striker
Read more »
Petition calling for Bheki Cele to be axed as police minister gets supportCele spends his days ‘attending funerals with his motorcade, yelling at activists [and] making insensitive statements about rape,’ Action Society says
Read more »
Petition calling for Bheki Cele to be axed as police minister gets supportCele spends his days ‘attending funerals with his motorcade, yelling at activists [and] making insensitive statements about rape,’ Action Society says
Read more »