Our most recent C-R-Newsletter includes a guest essay by Jeffrey Treder, older brother of CRN executive director Mike Treder. Jeff, a retired English professor and published author, provides a compelling overview of past and future trends that could be relevant to the development and deployment of molecular manufacturing.
Here is an excerpt:
In October, 1991, two weather systems merged in the Atlantic off New England to produce a maelstrom that earned the title “the perfect storm.” Subsequently that evocative phrase has been applied metaphorically to any number of tumults. Now it seems possible, even likely, that the phrase might legitimately describe something much bigger than a nor’easter. Four things, distinct but deeply influencing one another, are about to impact our world in ways hard to predict but foolish to ignore.
These four are climate change, oil and natural gas passing their supply peak, fresh water depletion and pollution, and population pressure. Their mutual influence is obvious. Often they reinforce one another, sometimes in positive feedback loops (positively harmful to people)....
Jeffrey has identified key "waves". Perhaps he's a bit too pessimistic. There are things we can and may do.
Rapidly build up nuclear power. Require every US state to build a 1GW plant per representative they have in Congress.
Clean up coal - lower CO2 output. Barring nuclear fusion power, we're stuck with coal for many years - better figure out how to minimize the damage.
Biofuel from algae looks good, and could help sequester coal plant CO2.
Inexpensive electric cars based on current technologies - skip hybrids. Promote the idea that people should drive an electric but keep their gas guzzler for longer trips. That'll help get car companies on board, as it keeps used cars from flooding the market and depressing demand. Even a 40 mile range is adequate to get started, and re-charging services in parking garages will soon spring up, effectively doubling driving range for commuting.
There's not a lot that can be done about population, except keep improving education for women of developing / impoverished nations.
Posted by: Tom Craver | August 19, 2008 at 02:21 AM