Scientist at the University of Washington are currently studying the effects of global warming on hydro powered dams. These scientist are finding that a warming of around two degrees would result in a twenty five percent decrease in hydro dams electricity yield. The problem is that as temperature increases water levels will peak earlier causing summer water levels to be significantly lower. This decrease in water makes this “green” technology less efficient. Unfortunately this decrease in water would also cause problems for the salmon. Scientist are working on a system that would supplement the rivers with stored water through the dry months. I feel this report will make hydro power a lot less popular to companies.
Every day Americans get closer and closer to becoming more sustainable. However Americans aren’t willing to give up things to be more sustainable. When we go to the grocery store if there is a “green” alternative to what we normally buy, we will most likely purchase it. We won’t give up things like our cars, plastic bags, Christmas trees, or even Christmas lights. Every year millions of households throughout the United States put up Christmas lights. These Christmas light cause electricity usage to surge. This surge allow for our coal power plants (where the majority of our power comes from) to increase production, and therefore increase pollution on our environment. This doesn’t have to happen there is great technology out there that allows for us to be more Eco-friendly these holidays, and benefit us. LED is a somewhat newer technology that uses 90% less energy than traditional Christmas lights. LED Christmas lights also last longer, are safer, more durable, and come in all different colors. They are even sometimes cheaper than regular lights. Yet every year I see people putting up traditional incandescent lights. If only people knew that the benefits of LED lights outweigh the benefits of the old incandescent lights. I am curious to see how many people use LED versus Incandescent light so I will put up a poll shortly, I encourage people to take it so we can see how widely used LED lights are. (To see if u are currently using LED lights check out the link i posted it shows what LED lights look like)
Freshman Inquiry: Sustainability 