The term Wind Energy describes effectively the process of generating energy using the wind. The kinetic (motion) energy in the wind is transformed by wind turbines into mechanical power. This power can in turn be exploited for tasks like pumping water or grinding grain or be fed into a generator to generate electricity, powering homes, schools and businesses.

The mechanism of wind turbines can be explained as the opposite of a fan. The fan moves to generate wind while the wind turbine lets itself moved by the wind to create kinetic energy. There are two types of wind turbines, the horizontal axis type which looks like the classic windmills and the vertical axis turbine. Most used wind turbines these days are the horizontal axis turbines.
There are a variety of sizes for wind turbines, which makes for different power ratings. A small wind turbine which stands up to 30 feet and spans between 8 to 25 feet in diameter, is enough to supply electricity needed by a fully electronic house or a small business. The largest type of wind turbine spans more than 360 feet and stands up to 20 building stories. This type of wind turbine is able to supply power for 1,400 homes. The sizes of utility-scale turbines range from 50 to 750 kilowatts. Turbines below 50 kilowatts, the single small ones, are used water pumping, telecommunications dishes and independent homes.

One of the advantages of wind energy is the fact that it is free and renewable. You can use the wind as much as you want to and not run out of it. The fact that it creates no pollution makes wind energy a favorable alternative energy. Among other power plants, wind energy plants is the only one which produce neither air pollutants or greenhouse gases.

On the other hand, some people have voiced concerns over birds and bats killed for flying into the turbine’s rotors, as well as the noise which comes from the rotor blades. People also feel that the wind energy turbines impact the visual beauty of an area. These problems, however, have seen solutions through the appropriate choosing of plant sites and the development of technology.

In the past 10 years, cost of wind power has successfully been decreased. The technology however, asks for more preliminary investment if you compare such to generators fueled by fossil based energy sources. The machinery takes the biggest slice of the cost pie, taking up 80% of the total cost while the rest cover site preparation and installation process. When it comes to operating and fuel expenses though, the cost of wind energy is highly favorable compared to any other technology in electricity generating – since the turbines need no fuel and operating expenses are hardly significant.

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What is a Greenhouse Effect?

The reflection of the radiated heat from the sun further up into our atmosphere is actually a slow-moving energy called an “infrared radiation.” Greenhouse gases seen in our atmosphere capture this heat. Many of these gases are the following: water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases.

Greenhouse effect is significant in creating a perfect temperature on our planet but the creation of man-made greenhouse gases only boosts the natural process.Fortunately, some alternative energy sources are now being employed through solar panel systems, windmills, hydroelectric dams and geothermal systems.

This may serve as one of the solutions to address the global warming problem. Hopefully, this helps with the question of what causes the green house effect.

What are the Human Contributions to the Greenhouse Effect?

Burning off of fossil fuels including coal, oil and natural gas that lead to an increased carbon dioxide concentrations. The burning of rainforests and emissions of automobiles greatly cause this rise. Some of the carbon dioxide released is consumed by plants and trees for their biological processes.

Some factories emit industrial gases called fluorinated gases (hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride) that are utilized in place of ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs. Its potency had given it the term High Global Warming Potential gases (“High GWP gases”). These gases are great contributing factors to the elevated greenhouse effect.

Population growth gives rise to the increased necessity for fossil fuels to be burned for heat, transportation and manufacturing of substances and devices. The application of solar PV systems greatly minimizes the necessity to utilize fossil fuels for our needs.

The increased concentrations of greenhouse gases as a result of human activities suggests there will also be an increase in the temperature of the earth. We might just be left to live in a dying planet if we dismiss these concerns.

The usage of alternative sources of energy like solar power could serve as a great progress to stop global warming. The solar panel information site is a good start in learning more about solar energy to power your homes and offices. Its content has a generous read on solar PV cells and solar panel systems fit for your needs.

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The use of wind power is not a modern concept. Windmills have been used for centuries for grinding grain. However, today they are also being used to produce electricity to power homes and industry. Home owners are exploring developing wind energy systems because of high electricity prices.

Residential wind power is generated with the help of a turbine generator that is mounted on an 80-120 foot tall tower. The height of the tower allows maximum wind exposure for the propeller. The propeller starts to spin by the force of wind on it and the generator in tunn produces electricity from the action of the wind on the propeller.

You remain connected to the grid, so when the wind is not blowing you can still use power from the electric company. If your wind turbine produces excess power the electric company must buy it back from you as per federal law.

The initial investment on a wind power system can range between 6000 and 20,000 dollars. Clearly this is a lot of money to pay up front; however, this cost is more than offset by the energy saving that youll be able to make. The average pay back time for generator system is between 6-15 years depending on its size and how much its used.

You can also build a wind turbine by yourself and this is a great way to dip your toe in the water at a tiny cost compared to the figures above.

Different manuals available online will teach you how to do so. When you build your own wind turbine you could see a return on your investment much sooner. Even if the highest quality materials are used the final price would still a fraction of what the ready-made residential wind turbines would cost.

By using wind energy to cover you electricity needs, you are not only saving money but also helping the environment by reducing carbon emissions that are produced when electricity is generated from fossil fuels.

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How is the change of climate affecting the Maldives
The Maldives, an island country made up of atolls comprising a total of 1,192 islands, is known for being the lowest country in the world, where the highest land is only 2.3 m (71/2 ft) above sea level, and the national average is just 1.5 m above sea level. Over the last century, global sea levels have risen about 20 centimetres (8 in) because of climate change and further rises of the ocean are predicted, which could seriously threaten the existence of Maldives.

In November 2008, President Mohamed Nasheed expressed his concerns about global warming and the possibility of many of the islands being inundated with water from rising sea levels.

India also affected by climate change
Noting not only that the fate of both the Maldives and India are linked to change of climate, but also that any drastic change threatens the survival of millions of people living in the coastal areas of said countries, both President Nasheed and Special Envoy Mr. Shyam Saran agreed that both Maldives and India could work together in combating climate change.

Change of Climate Policies
Presenting several of the Indian government’s policies on environment and climate change, the President was encouraged by their efforts and further stressed the importance of cooperation and support between both countries in working against the threats of climate change.

President Nasheed also praised the Indian government’s policies to support new technological advancements in the field of renewable energy, believing that India and Indian companies could be a leader in the field of renewable energy and environment-friendly technologies.

Adaptation was also a topic dwelled upon by the President and the Special envoy, and they discussed that the aim adaptation should be to find ways of achieving better standards of living through sustainable development. Praising the Maldives and its policies on adaptation, both parties found that both countries possessed similar policies on the subject. As a final note, Special Envoy Saran added that India was prepared to share its new environmentally-friendly and renewable energy technologies with the Maldives.

The meeting was indeed a fruitful one, and it concluded with discussions of how to further strengthen the relations between the Maldives and India, and agreeing on a policy of helping each other in the fight against climate change.

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Mauritius has been one of the major player in the sugarcane industry. Sugarcane are used to produce sugar by extracting juice from sugarcane. Aside from sugar, sugarcane could also be used in the production of alcohol or ethanol which is now being used as an altenative fuel for flex fuel cars. Parts of the sugarcane that’s left over after sugar production is a good source of biomass that Mauritius has in abundance.

By using this biomass as a “feed” for biogas digesters can provide 25% more energy than by burning the same biomass directly in an incinerator-type power plant.

Currently, 20% of Mauritius’ electricity is generated from renewable biomass systems. Also the Mauritius government are finding ways to make photovoltaic/solar powered electricity production fiscally viable whether in large industrial installations or just small domestic set-ups used to meet typical household needs. A lot is riding on the success on this program because Mauritius doesn’t have local petrol, and a 100% renewable energy source could allow the nation to develop without increasing the effects of global warming.

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A report released on April 16th by 11 retired generals says that “global warming presents a significant national security challenges to the United States.” According to the Post, the report says that global warming could destabilize “vulnerable states in Africa and Asia and drive a flood of migrants to richer countries.” The Post confirmed that “the military has begun studying possible future impacts of global warming with new intensity.”

The report notes that poorer states will find it increasingly difficult to meet their basic needs.

Of specific note was the fact that 40% of the world population gets at least 50% of drinking water from glaciers which are now rapidly drying up. The inability of governments to protect and provide for its citizens will make such places as “ripe for turmoil, extremism and terrorism.” Vice Admiral Richard Truly was quoted as saying, “It’s going to happen to every country and every person in the whole world at the same time.”

What is interesting is that only a few short months ago the Bush Administration was still denying that climate change was even a reality. And yet, there are reports coming from the military that have been under way for a while that are warning that climate change could impact national security. There is little doubt that other developed nations are also reaching their own conclusions regarding the destabilizing effects of global warning.

This again raises the specter of military control in dealing with social issues. When terrorism erupted we saw our rights dwindle under the Patriot Act. And, while I supported some of its provisions, its implementation has left much to be desired. We are all familiar with the concerns over the privacy of our mail, phone calls and emails and the abuse by the FBI and CIA. To deal with the migration issue we used the umbrella of terrorism once again and now we have the start of our own Berlin Wall. If climate change is considered in light of terrorism, will the military will once again be in the forefront of shaping our policies? What rights and privileges will we use to combat rising sea levels, droughts and food shortages?

Can we avoid this growth in military dominance by taking a more active and urgent role is helping other countries cope with global warming? Wouldn’t it make sense to start now and work with the at risk countries to help them plan for possible disaster? We are walking a very thin line in allowing the military to place all social issues in the context of terrorism. While there is certainly a place for the military with regards to dealing with “real” terrorists threats, I am not sure that the best way to deal with our climate crisis is the militarization of the problem. How many more rights are we willing to sacrifice under the guise of security? If we do not take a more humanitarian position on these issues what will happen to our values as a nation? We need to think hard and fast here because Mother Nature has run out of patience.

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Something is energy efficient if it uses energy efficiently. It can be used to refer to energy conversion efficiency which refers to the proportion between the amount of input of energy used in the system compared to the useful output. Useful output can mean either heat, mechanical power, or electrical power. Energy efficiency was brought to the attention of the average person on the street mainly because of the 1973 oil crisis. Amory Lovins, a physicist, popularized the concept of boosting energy efficiency rather than promoting heightened energy production at around the same time.

Lovins’ idea has been expanded to apply to whole economies which are attempting to grow yet are hesitant to spur energy production as well. One US state which has managed to integrate energy efficiency policies into the daily activities of the common man, industries and even the government is the state of California. In the over 30 years since the mid-1970s when California started adhering to strict energy usage policies and programs, the state has been able to keep a flat rate of energy consumption while the rest of the country has seen their energy consumption double over that same time period. California also prioritizes energy efficiency above all, with use of renewable electricity supplies as its secondary priority.

Despite the energy savings that can be achieved when systems become energy efficient, there are still enterprises that are reluctant to set energy efficiency measures in place. It is believed that as much as 75% in savings on the current electrical consumption in the US alone can be reaped if efficient systems and measures were to be set in place and religiously observed.

Another side effect of using energy efficient systems is the corresponding decrease in real emissions without jacking up costs in the end, as stated by the Vienna Climate Change Talks 2007 Report.

We can categorize energy conversion efficiency into the subdivisions of electrical efficiency, mechanical efficiency, and thermal or fuel efficiency. The first sub-category of electrical efficiency can be computed by measuring how much useful power output is created when electrical power is used to power the system. Mechanical efficiency, on the other hand, is defined as the use of potential mechanical energy (such as water flowing from a river into a dam) to create mechanical energy. The last category refers to the use of fuel to produce heat.

In modern society, energy efficiency is used to refer to the volume of power supply (such as electricity) used by a certain system (let’s say your radio) to carry out its function (which is to produce music over a certain period of time.) An energy efficient radio would be one that can produce good audio while using as little electricity from your electrical outlet as possible. A more thorough computation of the energy efficiency of your radio would mean factoring in running expenses and its expected lifespan as well.

When you, the average consumer, takes steps to choose items that are more energy efficient over items which are less energy efficient (such as switching to more fuel-efficient cars and selling your gas-guzzler vehicle to the scrap yard), that is called energy conservation. Energy conservation can be said to be successfully applied if you are able to reduce your usage of energy yet are still able to achieve the same level of functionality. In simple terms, if you use a more fuel-efficient car and can still get to work, but are able to use less gas in the process, then you can say that your attempt at energy conservation has been successful.

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Paper bags have the highest global warming impact per bag compared to other types of bags. According to the US EPA, 70% more global warming gasses are emitted making a paper bag than a plastic bag, and 50 times more water pollution. They also use 4 times more raw materials, and consume 3.5 times more energy. They also contribute to global warming by destroying trees. In 1999, the American Forest and Paper Association reported that Americans used 10 billion paper shopping bags, consuming 14 million trees. The use of reusable shopping bags and reusable grocery bags not only eliminates the need for paper and plastic bags, but they will lower the number of bags being produced. It is evident that the production of these bags has a major effect on the environment and people need to make a strong effort in their consumption of these paper and plastic bags.

Reusable Grocery Bags and Reusable shopping bags are a great way to do your part in the prevention of global warming. Global warming, or climate change, shows no signs of slowing down. Average temperatures have climbed 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius) around the world since 1880, much of this in recent decades, according to NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies. The rate of warming is increasing. When you go shopping at your nearest retail outlet, make sure to bring your reusable shopping bags. The next time you go to the supermarket, you should bring your reusable grocery bags. The 20th century’s last two decades were the hottest in 400 years and possibly the warmest for several millennia, according to a number of climate studies. And the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that 11 of the past 12 years are among the dozen warmest since 1850. The Arctic is feeling the effects the most. Average temperatures in Alaska, western Canada, and eastern Russia have risen at twice the global average, according to the multinational Arctic Climate Impact Assessment report compiled between 2000 and 2004. Arctic ice is rapidly disappearing, and the region may have its first completely ice free summer by 2040 or earlier. Polar bears and indigenous cultures are already suffering from the sea-ice loss. Glaciers and mountain snows are rapidly melting-for example, Montana’s Glacier National Park now has only 27 glaciers, versus 150 in 1910. In the Northern Hemisphere, thaws also come a week earlier in spring and freezes begin a week later. Reusable grocery bags are a great way to prevent the countless plastic bags from being manufactured, and it is partly through the production of these plastic bags that global warming is happening. Reusable Grocery Bags and reusable shopping bags are a simple and effective way people can do their part in conserving the environment. Reusable grocery bags can be purchased and used at all supermarkets, while reusable shopping bags are great for any occasion when you are out shopping. Do your part in caring about the environment and saving the planet through the use of reusable shopping bags and reusable grocery bags.

Fortunately, there’s never been a better time to start making your old, drafty house into an energy efficient home. Prices on Energy Star rated materials such as replacement windows and low flow shower heads are at an all time low. On top of that, many state and local governments are offering incentive refunds on everything from energy efficient refrigerators to new insulation.

Conducting an energy use audit is the first step in making your house more energy efficient.

If you’ve got the funds, there are plenty of independent contractors who will, for a price, evaluate your home and write a report with recommended fixes.

A lower tech audit can be conducted by simply examining your doors and window on a cold night. Can you feel cold air coming in? If cold air is coming in, hot air, and money, is probably flowing out the other way.

Home appliances are one area that is frequently overlooked in an energy audit. Older refrigerators, washers, and televisions can account for more of your energy bill than you might think. In most states, you can check out a meter from your local library that will tell you how much energy your appliances are using each year.

Windows are probably the biggest ticket item you’ll run into when making your home more energy efficient. But windows also offer one of the best places to start saving money as well. Modern double pane windows from companies like amsco windows keep heat in during the winter, they deflect the warming rays of the sun during the summer months. This allows for more efficient use of air conditioning as well. And in most municipalities, rebates of up to 00 are available on energy efficient window purchases.

Upgrading your home to be more energy efficient will save you a great deal of money and to the overall value of your home. The fact is that in most cases, new, efficient appliances will pay for themselves in less time than you might think.