Our success at understanding cause and effect has been outstanding in every aspect of science and engineering. Today we can build higher and bigger structures than ever before; we can travel further and faster than pretty much any time in our history, we understand more about our bodies and health than we have ever done allowing us to conquer disease and extend life spans for many. But, along with all that success, there has been a discovery that throws the whole world into uncertainty, that of global warming and the resultant climate change.

It comes as a surprise to many that the knowledge of global warming is not new.

As long ago as 1824 a scientist called Joseph Fourier discovered that the Earth’s atmosphere kept the planet warmer than would otherwise have been expected and this became know as the “greenhouse effect” The knowledge that that carbon dioxide or CO2 in shorthand, is an active gas that allows the visible (sunlight) radiation from the sun into the climate system but slows that same energy down on its way out as heat (infrared) radiation came more than 100 ago and was described in 1859 by a scientist called John Tyndall. Another called Svante Arrhenius made the first calculations of the impact of adding more CO2 from human activities (principally through the use of fossil fuels) to raise the average temperature of the earth’s surface before the end of the 19th century. Pretty much since then, scientists have been improving our knowledge and watching closely for generations now.

In recent years, scientists have recorded many activities that demonstrate that global warming is a real and continuing phenomenon such as:

Global temperature rise

Although accurate instruments measuring temperature in a wide number of areas is fairly recent, scientists have other ways to calculate past temperatures from other observations such as tree ring growth. There are three major methods for approximating global surface temperature and all three show that Earth has warmed since 1880. Most of this warming has occurred since the 1970s, with the 20 warmest years having occurred since 1981 and with all 10 of the warmest years occurring in the past 12 years.

Warming oceans

With higher surface temperatures has come warmer oceans. In the top 700 meters of the oceans a small but measurable increase in temperature has been recorded.

Melting Ice

Whether it is the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, the extent of Arctic ice cover or the size of glaciers, all of the world’s stocks of ice are melting. This and the fact that the oceans are warmer has also led to sea level increases.

Extreme Weather Events

Across the globe the number of extreme record high temperatures has been increasing and the number of record low levels has been decreasing. The frequency and intensity of storms and flooding is also increasing.

The big question facing global society is what to do about global warming and the resultant climate change. On one side, funded primarily by fossil fuel companies, is a lobby that says “don’t do anything”. Their argument is that science is “uncertain” about what the effects will be of further global warming and that the cost of switching from fossil sourced energy to clean energy would be unaffordable. Better, they say, to wait and see how we can adapt to whatever changes come along. The implication is that science doesn’t know what or when the impacts will be so don’t worry until there is clearly something that needs to be reacted to.

“Uncertain” has a special meaning when used in science and scientists seldom claim to be “certain” of anything: after all according to the most advanced thinking in physics there will be occasions when somebody could walk through a wall. What matters most is the likelihood of something happening and for that science talks about “confidence levels”. This is actually a term from the field of statistics and means the likelihood that something you’ve seen happen being caused by the thing you expect to have caused it rather than it just being a “chance” observation. Let me give you an example using coins. Pretty much everybody is comfortable with the thought that if you flip a coin, it can land as a head or a tail so the chance of a head or a tail coming up is 50/50. If you toss again, the chances are still 50/50 because each throw is independent of the last: there is no “law of averages” that says if you have just tossed 4 or 5 head in a row, the next toss must be tail: each toss has just as much chance of being either a head or tail as the last one. However it is quite unusual to toss many heads or tails in a row and how unusual it is can be calculated by probability.

Let’s say we want to know how likely it is to get ten heads in a row. Each time you toss a coin it has two possible outcomes, head or tail so if you toss a coin twice you have four possible outcomes Heads then Heads, Head then Tails, Tails then Heads, Tails then Tails. Each additional toss adds two possible outcomes to each of the possible past outcomes so three tosses gives 8 possibilities, four 16 and so on. Ten tosses gives 1024 possible outcomes of which, only 1 is ten heads in a row. In scientific terms, if you sat down and tossed a coin 1024 times they would be “confident” that at some point during that session you would get ten heads in a row.

In the case of global warming and the resultant climate change, scientist are “confident” that the future is bleak in that crop yields will be affected, more people will get sick from excessive heat and that people, buildings and bridges will be disrupted by flooding. Where the “uncertainty” sits is whether the worst effects will be being felt by 2030 or 2050: either way it is not far away.

Throughout the quest to be able to foretell the future, one thing has become apparent: what will happen in the future will largely be determined by what we do today. It is still possible to change the course of the future by the simple act of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide we put into the atmosphere. You can help bring that about by your own actions through reduced energy use by better insulating your home, using shared or naturally powered transport and reducing the amount of red meat in your diet. But individual action is not enough. You also need to tell your political representatives and the businesses that you deal with that you think this is a big issue and you want action taken on it.

We can never be certain of the future but we do understand cause and effect: it is time to cause change for the better. It is time to implement the solutions to climate change.

A trip to the beach during the summer requires the use of proper suntan lotion to prevent a very bad sunburn. In fact, a hot summer day makes us often retreat from the sun into the cover of nearby shade. However, a cold winter day will often make us long for the warmth of the sun’s direct rays.

When we plan each day, it is around the sun. The sun determines our scheduled activities in the daylight and during the dark of each night. The changing seasons are a function of the number of hours of sunlight. So, if the sun is such a factor in our lives each day, why do we not even consider the sun as a catalyst for future global climate change?

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has been looking in the wrong place for the cause of global climate change. It’s global climate change projections do not include the influence of the sun. As a result, it’s computer-generated model, which predicts a one-degree Fahrenheit increase in global temperature in each decade of this century due to human-emitted carbon dioxide gas, is in need of drastic repair.

The truth is that it is becoming clearer with each passing day that global climate change is a function of the sun and not a function of an increase in man-made CO2 emissions. The fact is that global temperatures have not increased in the last ten years, since 1998, even with a significant global increase in CO2. Also, consider that the first half of this year (2008) was actually the coolest of the last five years, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

So, the current trend of global temperature is becoming colder, not warmer, despite the continued increase in CO2. Of course, the reality for the United Nations is that, in all probability, the extent of their error is about to soon get much worse. Since they are looking at the wrong catalyst of global climate change, they really have no idea what is about to happen next. To more adequately predict global temperature in the next few decades, the IPCC should be looking at the activity of the sun.

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Indeed, studying the sun is exactly what astrophysicist Dr. Willie Soon, a researcher at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been doing for years. Dr. Soon has identified a clear link between the sun’s activity as indicated by it’s magnetic activity and temperature variations in the Arctic and Greenland over a period of time of about 130 years.

Dr. Soon chose this area for study since it has good temperature records and is an area sensitive to climate change, so that the signal from any one climatic influence should be easier to spot. He also says he can point to a physical mechanism in the circulation of the ocean linking the sun’s influence on temperature in the region.

Dr. Soon discussed the conclusions of his research work recently as follows: “Global temperature change can be attributed to slight variations in the sun’s energy output, not man-made carbon dioxide emissions.”

He continues, “When the sun is slightly brighter, meaning giving more light to Earth’s system, the temperature warms in the Arctic. With the cooling that we observed in the Arctic from the 1940s to the 1970s, guess what the sun is doing? It’s actually dimming slightly, ever so slightly. And then, guess what happened after the late 1970s? The sun brightens again.”

Meanwhile, a new research paper from the Astronomical Society of Australia also identifies the sun as the catalyst for global climate change. The paper contends that the level of activity on the Sun will significantly diminish sometime in the next decade and remain low for about 20 to 30 years. On each occasion that the Sun has done this in the past the World’s mean temperature has dropped by 1 – 2 degrees C.

Of course, all this recent research just confirms earlier findings about the sun’s role in global climate change. Consider that the sun’s influence in the long term cooling and warming of the planet was discovered by the Danish Meteorological Institute in 1991. The Institute released a study using data that went back centuries which showed that global temperatures closely tracked solar cycles.

Then, several years later, a Hoover Institution Study examined the same historical data and came to a similar conclusion. “The effects of solar activity and volcanoes are impossible to miss. Temperatures fluctuated exactly as expected, and the pattern was so clear that, statistically, the odds of the correlation existing by chance were one in 100,” according to Hoover fellow Bruce Berkowitz.

As world politicians and the United Nations continue a misguided global warming focus on man-made CO2 emissions, evidence of the sun ‘s role in global climate change continues to grow.

So, it should not be surprising that to predict global climate change in the decades ahead we should look to the sun, just like we do in preparation for each calendar day.

Alternative renewable energy source is indeed a favorite topic from everybody walks of life already. what would it take for the nature to get away from fossil fuels and swap over to renewable energy? It takes furthermore than willingness prior to acquire a Prius or in order to introduce solar panels on your roof.

Air energy facts always cause with the renewable nature of the whirlwind as a power source. Wind energy is a separate one of the alternative renewable energy resources whichever is currently being utilized by citizens who need to cut down on their energy cost plus assurance on specimen fuels. Wind also for all that is used to some amount for pumping water.

Solar power systems for camping are limited in addition to portable, but can produce enough energy to perform a small heater or light bulb. Solar earned by a backpack while hiking may regenerate a cell phone, camera, or iPod. limited solar power units will operate appliances created for use in a vehicle.

Before speculation in Alternative Energy Stocks, Know the material. By speculation in alternative energy development plus production, Iowa can achieve many great things. Anyone considering investing in alternative energy stocks needs prior to consider with a financial advisor.

Green renewable energy resources are an supreme key over non-renewable resources as they are frequently replenished. The authenticity that nearly everyone of these power sources bear down or even have nada greenhouse gas accomplish can only be viewed as a charitable affair. That bush would switch 40 million bushels of corn into 100 million gallons of ethanol each calendar year.

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Clean energy sources contain the renewable energies as well as core energy. cleanse energy sources that close in less carbon emissions, are fast emerging as the most lucrative sources of “carbon financing” in the nature. Based on an analysis by SADC, a total of 19,000 Megawatts (MW) worth of creation projects may be commissioned under the CDM in the region.

Green electricity markets have been developed in recent years in several European countries containing Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, as well as the United Kingdom. In fact, there is scarcely any other choice at everyone when you call in that the alternative is in order to run out of fuel altogether along with end up living a far moreover menial in addition to an impoverished existence.

The purpose is to fund the development of long term sustainability investment at NSCC along with the initial?installations of an Alternative Energy Demonstration Laboratory on the NSCC campus. Nearly 90 percent of the world’s energy comes from specimen fuels. This certificate program will provide students with an understanding of energy uses, the current as well as future alternative energy options, along with the tools for evaluation.

technical knowledge cannot substitute for needed undomesticated resources such as food, forests, land, water, energy, plus biodiversity. automation designed in Canada uses almost no outside power prior to create conversion of bio-solids along with natural matter into clean green renewable energy. ITA has an aggressive green science promotion program with over 90 trade events planned international for this abundant year in addition to 2010.

Alternative renewable energy is also a better option than organic remains of a previous time fuels because no green house gases are released during the energy generation process. What would it take for the earth prior to get away from specimen fuels in addition to switch over in order to renewable energy? It takes furthermore than willingness prior to pay for a Prius or prior to fix up solar panels on your covering. A lot of us are experimenting on alternative renewable energy sources which are sustainable over time.

The Federal Tax Credits currently available in the US for upgrades for residential energy efficiency are significant enough to have many people thinking about energy efficiency remodeling.  There is much discussion around the cost benefits of installing solar energy systems and even geothermal heat pump systems.  But many homeowners are still asking, “Can I really power my home with wind energy?” The answer is “Yes!”

When most of us think about wind energy, we flash on images of huge turbines lined up in mid-western or off-shore wind farms. We see pictures of turbines 150 yards in diameter that sit 3000 feet above sea level.  But wind technology is advancing daily. In fact, turbine design is advancing so fast that some of the wind-energy web sites are having difficulty keeping up!

Many farms and other residential and industrial facilities in rural areas have been using wind turbines for years to provide all power for their needs.  But as interest in powering homes with wind energy grows, new technologies are producing quieter, more attractive, turbines that can be effective at lower elevations.  In fact, there are new turbine designs that can be incorporated into landscaping design around homes.

The economics of wind power depend on where you live, how much wind is available on a continuous basis at what elevation, and whether you plan to invest in batteries to store excess energy.  The economics of wind power also depend on whether you plan to install a stand-alone system to provide all of your energy needs or you plan to connect to the electric grid serving your area and use a wind energy system to generate power that you supply to the electric company in exchange for free energy.  Either way, a small wind system could provide all of the power your home needs with wind energy.

You can now purchase a wind generator from Amazon.com and from several other online retailers.  You can also purchase complete wind systems from the manufacturer.  At the very least, you can do your homework online before you start talking with a local contractor.  Most states currently require that wind power systems be professionally installed by certified contractors.  Before you purchase any equipment from any source, you should discuss your options and what kind of systems are working for other homeowners in your area with your contractor.

Choices of turbines are generally based on the amount of wind power generated by the system. This is measured in kilowatts.  For example, a 1.2kW turbine produces 1200 watts. A turbine of this size installed where there is an average wind speed of 12 mph will produce about 2000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year.  The cost of a wind system usually ranges from ,000 to ,000 per kilowatt connected to the grid. The cost could be lower for an independent system not connected to the grid.  Turbines are expected to last about 20 years.

In most cases, the installation cost for a 10 kilowatt residential system will be about ,000 to ,000.  In an energy efficient home, this system could meet all energy needs, eliminating the electric bill.  The amount of time needed to recover the cost would depend on current average monthly electric bill (e.g., a home using 0 of electricity per month, would recover ,400 of the cost each year) and the available purchase incentives.  The incentives would begin with the current Federal Income Tax Credit of 30% of the cost of equipment and installation or ,500 – ,000. Many states also offer such incentives as investment tax credits, sales tax reductions, property tax reductions, and financing assistance.  Many utility companies also offer a variety of incentives, including net metering, to wind system installation.

In short, it is entirely possible to completely meet the energy needs of an energy efficient home with a wind power system that could be expected to pay for itself in as little as 10 to 15 years.

Have you ever thought to build solar energy panels? Most people who truly desire to become more energy independent, have been led to believe that it is simply too costly of an undertaking, or that you need to be some sort of physics major to construct a solar panel. Maybe you are completely fed up with relying on the big energy companies and the exorbitant prices that they charge.

Personally, it drives me nuts to be slaves, so to speak, to the power companies. I know for a fact that there are many alternative and renewable energy sources that are more than capable of delivering energy for a fraction of the cost, if not completely wiping out your energy bill all together. Sounds pretty good huh? So why not give it a shot and build solar energy panels?

My name is Andrew, and I have basically become quite fascinated with the thought of harnessing the energy of the sun to offset the cost of being “on the grid.” That isn’t all there is to it though.

There are many other ways to power a home that the majority of people simply aren’t aware of, and I would love nothing more than to spread the knowledge so that one day we will find ourselves capable of creating everything we need to be self reliant.

Things such as wind turbines to harness the energy of the wind, or ways to produce electricity from running water are just a couple more methods that I want to explore as I gain more knowledge and insight. Who knows, maybe one day we will have vehicles that run on nothing but water as they efficiently separate the hydrogen from the oxygen. Pure, clean, renewable energy with no pollution is possible, but it takes knowledge and understanding.

I will continue to add more information about what exactly solar energy is, the pros and cons, some interesting facts, and how different systems work. If you have begun to become interested in ways of becoming more self sufficient in case of an emergency or truly wish to get off the grid, then make sure and explore this site. If anything, I would like to provide knowledge and direction for those who are looking to better themselves.

I chose to simply stick with this one area of energy; namely for you to learn to build solar energy panels with this site. As time goes by, I hope to have sister sites that will tie in with this one, and provide step-by-step plans to construct various means of producing alternate energy and much more as well.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my site. I hope you enjoy it and can take away something positive from it. If you do decide to build solar energy panels, I hope it is something that your whole family can learn and enjoy doing together.

Getting to grips with the rules and regulations of Energy Performance and Display Energy Certificates is a time consuming and complicated business.

What are Business Energy Certificates?

Business energy certificates measure the energy usage of a particular building. These certificates are a vital component in highlighting the overall energy efficiency of a property, and offer support on how improvements can be made to lessen a building’s energy consumption in the future.

What types of Business Energy Certificates exist and what are the differences between them?

There are two types of business energy certificates; Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) and Display Energy Certificates (DEC). The difference between the two is that, in England and Wales, EPCs cover dwellings and commercial buildings, whereas DECs apply to buildings occupied by public authorities or buildings used to provide a public service EPCs are valid for 10 years, whilst DECs need to be renewed annually.

In Scotland EPCs are used to cover public buildings as well as homes and commercial buildings
Who needs an EPC/DEC?

In England and Wales, government legislation states that all commercial buildings that are put on the market for sale/rent as well as all newly built commercial buildings require an EPC.

Public buildings with a floor space greater than 1000m2 require a DEC. DECs are required irrespective of whether the building is up for sale or rent.

In Scotland EPC’s are required for dwelling and commercial buildings made available for sale or rent and must be on display for public buildings that have a floor space larger than 1,000 m2.

Our main source of energy is fossil fuels which consist of coal, oil and gas. Fossil fuels are formed when organisms were buried and compacted in the soil for a long time. Since the fossil fuels can only be formed after a long time, it is considered as a non-sustainable energy. These fossil fuels have limited supply in the long term. Hence, it is necessary to have other alternatives sources of energy. We believe that renewable energy is the best choice of alternative energy because there are a lot advantages using renewable energy.

In my opinion, one of the main advantages of using renewable energy is that renewable energy is unlimited.  As an example, one of the most common and widely available renewable energy that we know is solar energy. Solar energy is powered by the sun and we know that the sun has been around in our universe since a long time ago and it will always shine for billions of years. So, as long as there is sun, solar energy can be used.  Another kind of renewable energy is ethanol. This energy can never run out as long as we can farm the plants which are harvested and then fermented to create the ethanol.

My second opinion on the advantages of renewable energy is that renewable energy is environmentally friendly. This is because, unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy such as solar energy and so on does not produce any product that disturbs the environment. Ethanol produces smaller concentration of green house gases such as carbon dioxide, but unlike fossil fuel that have been stored in the earth for millions of years, the pollution that ethanol create in the atmosphere is usually recycled when new plants are planted to create more ethanol thus, these plants will reabsorbed the green house gases such as the carbon dioxide it needs to grow. The use of fossil fuels has caused the increase of greenhouse gases in the air which cannot be recycled and may be in the atmosphere for hundreds to thousands of years before they decompose. Therefore, I think by using renewable energy, we can stop the increase of greenhouse gases in the air.

For my third opinion, another advantage is that the uses of renewable energy will create more jobs for people. Renewable energy has not been fully utilized by most country. Renewable energy power plants will require a lot of manpower to build and for maintenances to ensure the reliability of the power plant. Therefore, a lot of jobs opportunity will be available. A journalist from an online newspaper wrote that ” There would also be some 52,000 jobs created to construct, operate and maintain renewable energy power plants” Tan (2010) supports my opinion that a lot of jobs will be available if renewable energy power plant to be built.

As a conclusion, I strongly believe that renewable energy is the best alternative energy to replace fossil fuels as our main source of energy. This is because renewable energy is unlimited, environmental friendly and more jobs will be available to build and maintain the renewable energy power plant.