Environment & Energy

Finishline42

(1,162 posts)

23. To your point Hunter

Tue Apr 28, 2020, 03:08 PM

Apr 2020

Just read a piece written by David Byrne (yes that David Byrne - of The Talking Heads) about how a state known for conservatives and oil became a leader in not only the US but also the world for wind power. So last year Texas generated 23.4% of their electricity from wind. That's more than any other state and it would rank 5th in world.

But to Hunter's point - the state of Texas consumed 40% more energy than California with 25% less people. I don't how that breaks down but that's a lot of energy usage. Is that from oil refineries, chemical plants or is because at night there is an excess of electricity and the utilities basically give it away? 40% is a lot of air conditioning...

My personal view is that wasting energy is the main culprit in climate change. With that it's easy to agree that our lifestyles play a big part in that as well. IMO the number one thing that has driven an energy wasteful culture is that it's been cheap because of coal and no pollution controls. Cheap doesn't push people or companies to waste or use less.

https://electrek.co/2020/04/28/david-byrne-explores-how-texas-become-no-1-in-the-us-in-wind-power/

There's been a lot written on how the Depression changed those that lived during that time. I wonder if this pandemic will convince people that a simpler life can be a better life?

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PLANET OF THE HUMANS' STREAMING: HOW TO WATCH THE MICHAEL MOORE-PRODUCED DOCUMENTARY ONLINE FOR FREE [View all] douglas9 Apr 2020 OP

First, MM is NOT in it. 2nd, everyone should watch this 2naSalit Apr 2020 #1

It is a really important documentary. n/t MuseRider Apr 2020 #2

This documentary is fodder for climate deniers, Miguelito Loveless Apr 2020 #4

I disagree. MuseRider Apr 2020 #5

I am already seeing my Twitter feed fill up Miguelito Loveless Apr 2020 #10

While it makes valid points about biomass Miguelito Loveless Apr 2020 #3

Haven't seen the movie yet but about putting solar PV on a house Finishline42 Apr 2020 #7

I have been a green energy advocate Miguelito Loveless Apr 2020 #8

Never understood the efficiency angle on solar PV Finishline42 Apr 2020 #9

I have repeatedly explained to folks Miguelito Loveless Apr 2020 #11

Link to the film: muriel_volestrangler Apr 2020 #6

And a link to a review of the film Miguelito Loveless Apr 2020 #12

That "8%" quote comes from the section about the launch of the Chevy Volt muriel_volestrangler Apr 2020 #13

The panels he was showing off were about twice the size Miguelito Loveless Apr 2020 #15

Pretty good takedown on the whole thing at Climate Crocks - key point - old footage, old information hatrack Apr 2020 #14

And that's the good and bad about wind and solar Finishline42 Apr 2020 #16

Solar power, wind power, and electric cars are mere greenwashing... hunter Apr 2020 #17

Rather than becoming a huckster for solar and wind power schemes Finishline42 Apr 2020 #18

"Break even on your investment..." is part of the philosophy that is killing the planet. hunter Apr 2020 #19

To your point Hunter Finishline42 Apr 2020 #23

It may be that some economist in Texas realized that wind power commits the state to natural gas... hunter Apr 2020 #24

Texas and wind has to more with ERCOT Finishline42 Apr 2020 #27

Nope, not going to let you get away with that progree Apr 2020 #28

Thanks for what you are doing to reduce your carbon footprint, and for not letting the perfect be progree Apr 2020 #21

It seems to me Finishline42 Apr 2020 #22

In this case the perfect is not the enemy of the better. hunter Apr 2020 #25

Well, people aren't going to quit using electricity. That's just the reality of the situation. progree Apr 2020 #26

RE: Carbon cycle of nuclear Finishline42 Apr 2020 #29

A society that embraces nuclear power has no need for wind turbines. hunter Apr 2020 #31

Sorry, but wind is a lot cheaper to build, without the enormous cost overrruns. The "fuel" is free progree Apr 2020 #32

Windmills don't need a river to heat up either Finishline42 Apr 2020 #33

And sadly, that's when customer electrical demand is the highest - on hot summer days progree Apr 2020 #34

It's been available online since last week on YouTube: Rhiannon12866 Apr 2020 #20

Important messages marred by bad arguments caraher Apr 2020 #30