A recent article from The Boston Globe about global warming and how it relates to our current winter temperatures.
Here are a few examples of the renewable energy technology available today:
Solar energy can be used in two ways: as heat or as
electricity harnessed through photovoltaic cells. The Photovoltaic
Effect occurs when panels of semi-conducting materials absorb
sunlight, knocking electrons loose from their atoms. This
allows the electrons to flow through the material to produce
electricity.
Solar thermal energy is offten captured with solar
concentrators (using parabolic-collectors and mirror arrays)
and is then used to heat water and create steam.
Wind power is a process by which the air movement
is converted to mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines
convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power
which can then drive electrical generators or other mechanical
devices. Although machines have been harnessing the wind for
hundreds of years, today’s Wind Turbines, which can measure
over 100ft tall, are a far cry from yesterday’s windmill.
Biomass power comes from the burning wood,
agricultural wastes and/or methane gases from landfills or
anaerobic digesters to power electrical generators and to
create heat. Biomass act as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Additionally they can help reduce the amount of material that
goes into landfills, and can help reduce the amount of greenhouse
gases that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
News on Green
Energy projects from the US Department of Energy
National Renewable Energy Networks and Resources
Check out these links to find out about what other students are doing around the country and to find resources to help you run a campaign at your school.
SEAC's Youth Power Shift
Clean Energy Now
Climate Campaign
Click here to join a listserve of clean energy organizers around the country!
Other campuses with green energy initiatives:
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