Few would argue that clean energy is the best tool we have to combat climate change (but if you do, speak up!). The first two speakers of The Nature of Things series have delivered messages of innovation and hope for its implementation. The remarkable research and efforts of people involved with fixing our energy problems and cleaning up the planet have proven alternative energy to be extremely beneficial. However, clean energy faces issues that go beyond the unfair market challenges outlined by Fred Krupp and the lack of transformational progress that Jeff Muhs discussed. In particular, land demands associated with energy infrastructure present another problem. Powering our nation with sustainably will require large expanses of land to devote to solar panel installation, wind turbines, biofuel crops, etc. Energy sprawl, discussed more at length in this article, presents a bit of a challenge, but is by no means insurmountable.
Jonathan Hoekstra, senior scientist at The Nature Conservancy, will discuss energy sprawl solutions at this week’s Nature of Things lecture. I’ll admit that this issue was news to me before getting involved with The Nature of Things, and I was rather dismayed that alternative energy isn’t entirely perfect (especially since I’ve been heralding its joys to the world for years). However, I appreciate the realistic approach that will be acknowledged in Wednesday’s lecture, and I look forward to the encouraging solutions that Hoekstra will surely present. Addressing these issues now will produce even better options to help the effort to reinvent energy.
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