QUICK NEWS, October 6: TPP – TOO BAD BAD FOR CLIMATE?; WIND TO FLY A KITE; WAYS TO AFFORD SOLAR
TPP – TOO BAD BAD FOR CLIMATE? Environmentalists: The Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement Is A Disaster For Climate Change
Samantha Page, October 5, 2015 (ClimateProgress)
“…[T]he United States and 11 other countries reached an agreement on the Trans-Pacific Trade agreement (TPP)…[that would] eliminate or reduce tariffs between Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam. But while it specifically addresses some environmental concerns — such as trade of illegally harvested resources or wildlife trafficking — climate change activists…say the TPP protects multinational corporations that profit from fossil fuels. Some have argued that under the TPP — as with the North American Free Trade Agreement — companies will be able to sue countries that enact laws to limit fossil fuel extraction or carbon emissions, if it interferes with profits. The deal also will lead to the rubber-stamping of export facilities for natural gas from fracking and will prevent the U.S. Trade Representative from ever including climate change action in trade deals…Environmentalists aren’t buying it…” click here for more
WIND TO FLY A KITE Harness the wind: Energy kite set to launch early next year
Bret Yager, October 5, 2015 (Hawaii Tribune Herald)
"Before [an experimental 600 kW energy kite] can begin spinning 1,100 feet above the ground [in Hawaii in 2016], the Google-owned development company behind the initiative must receive clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration and a building permit from Hawaii County…[Representatives of Makani hope a year of testing will get them closer to] a commercially viable product that is up to 50 percent more efficient at generating electricity than a conventional wind turbine…The 85-foot airfoil with eight wind generation rotors — and the 50-foot tower from which it will be launched and controlled — is essentially finished…The device loops in the sky at the end of a…[1,400-foot carbon fiber tether attached to a giant drum used to reel the kite in and out. The kite mimics] the most energy efficient part of a conventional wind turbine blade — the tip — without the need for the massive concrete, steel and fiberglass infrastructure of a conventional windmill…The top of the kite’s loop will reach twice the height of a conventional turbine…When the winds die, electricity can be reversed back up the tether to the rotors, which will then spin to control the craft’s descent…” click here for more
WAYS TO AFFORD SOLAR Affordable Solar Energy Options For Homeowners
Ric Romero, October 3, 2015 (KABC News)
“Homeowners may feel pressured to take advantage of solar panel federal rebates set to expire at the end of 2016…Rooftop solar panel installation nearly doubled in 2014 and solar energy companies claim you can drastically reduce your monthly electric bill…However, experts say there a few things to consider before taking the investment…Not every house is a good candidate…Panels are usually installed on the south side of your roof and shouldn't be shaded..Knowing how old and sturdy your roof is can also be important…While it may initially be cheaper to lease, homeowners will likely pay more over the life of the typical 20-year contract…[There could be roof warranty or property tax issues]…Checking the homeowner's insurance policy to see if you'll be covered in the event the panels are damaged by a storm is also crucial…” click here for more
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