“Innovation is the calling card of the future.”
Anna Eshoo, Member of US Congress
During a week when lot of us are celebrating things we’re thankful for, here’s one of mine: innovators. When it comes to solving climate change, innovation is the way forward.
Innovators have always pushed society ahead. From medicine, to technology, to communication, the people who aren’t afraid to take risks and follow through on big ideas have transformed our lives.
Climate scientists, political leaders, policymakers, journalists, non-profits, and many others play a critical roles in the effort to reverse global warming. Significant progress has been made, but we won’t completely solve it with the technology we have today. That’s where innovators come into the picture.
Every week I read about new ideas to transition us away from fossil fuels. I want to just share a few to give you a glimpse some of the exciting things happening. Here are 3 cool recent innovations:
Electric passenger planes
Airplanes create significant CO2 emissions. There are alternative fuel options in the works, including biofuel and battery-power. This newly designed electric plane can fly 9 passengers up to 250 miles. In the near term, because the weight of batteries is limiting, electric planes will be most useful for short trips. In addition to being free of emissions, the planes are much quieter, so they can be used in areas places there are noise restrictions.
Solar cars
The electric vehicle market is getting lots attention right now, and for good reason. Options are growing and prices are dropping. That market will continue to skyrocket next year in the US, as a new set of tax incentives become available. But several companies are quietly working on solar powered cars. This one, made by a German company, is close to market at a low price-point. Ingeniously, the solar cells are incorporated into parts all over the car, so it can be charged by sun regardless of how it is parked. It has a traditional EV system, so can be powered by electricity when needed.
Flower turbines
Wind power has become one of the most cost-effective forms of renewable energy, and wind farms are cropping up all over. While I happen to find wind farms beautiful and peaceful, not everyone agrees. If you are in that camp, these flower turbines may change your mind. In addition to looking like art installations, these turbines are quiet, and friendly to wildlife. They are made in different sizes so they’re suitable for homes or businesses.
Have you heard or read about other innovative ideas? Please email me and I will write about them down the road.
Let’s do something about climate change. Learn about it. Think about it. Talk about it.