Space-based solar power is becoming more feasible and affordable, with advancements in photovoltaic cells and reusable rockets.
Fusion energy and ecosystem restoration show promise as long-term solutions, but challenges remain in scaling up these technologies and ensuring equitable access to clean energy.
Deep dives
Space-based solar power as a solution
Space-based solar power, a concept dating back to the 1940s, is getting closer to becoming a reality. Recent advancements in photovoltaic cells and reusable rockets have made this technology more feasible and affordable. Several countries and organizations are now actively working on space-based solar power projects, with the hope of generating clean and continuous power for Earth. However, challenges such as high launch costs and the need for autonomous construction methods still need to be addressed.
A hopeful vision of clean energy and rewilding
The story 'Victory Condition' envisions significant progress in fusion energy and ecosystem restoration by the year 2171. Fusion energy, if made economically viable, could provide a constant and clean source of power. Rewilding efforts, demonstrated even in backyards, show promise in restoring native ecosystems and species. However, challenges remain in scaling up these technologies and ensuring equitable access to clean energy solutions. Fission power is seen as a plausible and relatively near-term solution, but a broader portfolio of clean energy options is necessary.
Addressing rising sea levels through innovative interventions
The story 'Glacial Elevation Operations' proposes a bold strategy to combat rising sea levels by pumping water out from beneath Antarctic ice sheets. While audacious, there are challenges in scaling up this technique due to the enormous scale of Antarctica and the logistical and financial requirements. Other approaches, such as cooling seawater around Antarctica or solar geoengineering, offer potential solutions, but their feasibility and unintended consequences require further research. Automation and machine learning systems will be critical to execute large-scale interventions effectively.
Overcoming obstacles and funding innovative projects
To accelerate progress on transformative projects, such as space-based solar power and fusion energy, adequate funding and supportive policies are crucial. Advocacy for political and financial support for clean energy initiatives is essential to drive change. Collaboration between governments, researchers, and private sector investors is necessary to ensure that ambitious projects receive the necessary resources. Incremental progress, bipartisan cooperation, and investments in research and innovation can contribute to a future where clean energy technologies play a significant role in addressing climate challenges.
2 nights of live science storytelling, art & music the evenings of May 12th & May 13th at St. Joseph's Arts Society; there is one show each night, doors are at 7:00pm and the show starts at 8:00pm.
The Long Now Foundation has teamed up with Anthropocene Magazine (a publication of Future Earth) and Back Pocket Media to take the magazine’s new fiction series “The Climate Parables,” from the page to the stage.
Starting with the idea that survival in the Anthropocene depends on upgrading not just our technology, but also our collective imagination, 3 acclaimed storytellers will perform work from creative science fiction writers Kim Stanley Robinson, Marc Alpert and Eliot Peper.
Think of it as climate reporting from the future. Tales of how we succeeded in harnessing new technology and science to work with nature, rather than against it. It’s all wrapped up in an evening of performed journalism that blends science and technology, fiction and non-fiction, video, art, and music. What could possibly go right?
Anthropocene Magazine's Climate Parables is made possible with funding support of the V. Kann Rasmussen Foundation.
Supporting Sponsors: The Carbon Collective: Charm Industrial, Living Carbon, Vesta, Lithos Carbon and other innovators in the space are teaming up to support the Climate Parables and share their visions of a world with less carbon. They will have a dedicated space at the event to showcase their solutions.
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