Comments on: Change in action

By: Paul Handover

Paul Handover — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 22:12:58 +0000

Thanks Schalk, those two web references are well worth reading for others. Paul

By: Patrice Ayme

Patrice Ayme — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 16:48:19 +0000

BTW, the myth that Wright brothers invented (powered) flight ought to be put to rest. It’s just a vainglorious USA myth (probably not even true in the USA). The Wrights were media manipulators, and most of their inventions hit a dead end right away. No doubt they were aviation pioneers, but, by far not the only ones.
It’s like with Einstein’s E = mcc…

By: Schalk

Schalk — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 16:21:09 +0000

Indeed, Germany has been making a lot of news lately not only because of the Euro Crisis, but also because of the rapidly rising electricity prices and the fears that the system might spin out of control due to the long term promises made to renewable energy producers. But hey, if there is one country that might just pull this off, it is Germany. On the other hand, if they cannot... well... From an engineering point of view, the challenges facing renewables are indeed massive. If anyone is interested I drafted two pages some time ago to give some more details regarding these challenges: The second law of thermodynamics and Additional challenges facing renewable energy.

By: Martin Lack

Martin Lack — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:18:19 +0000

Nice one. Thanks. Let’s hope so.

By: Paul Handover

Paul Handover — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:09:55 +0000

There is no question that there is a huge mountain to climb but, in the end, the inevitability of the only way forward for mankind will deliver integrated solutions that we can only dream about just now. Who knows, maybe in 2016 the topic of climate change and sustainability may be key topics in the USA Presidential election?

By: Paul Handover

Paul Handover — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:06:19 +0000

I think the power of the figures presented in your recent Post about the Truth of Job Creation will become a very powerful force for change.

By: Patrice Ayme

Patrice Ayme — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 05:01:57 +0000

Germany just announced a rise in energy tax on electricity of more than 50% effective immediately. That will rise the overall cost by 10% by next year. And this is just the beginning.
I do not believe the plan is well thought out. Storage is inexistent. The technology could be developed, but has not been yet.

New power lines will connect wind in the north with sun in the south. But when there is neither sun nor wind, then what?
C O A L…

By: Martin Lack

Martin Lack — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:15:57 +0000

Some of the bloggers (negative) comments were very funny; and the point about the Wright Brothers (insane) idea of building a flying machine 110 years ago very apt.

The mind boggles at the cost of replacing all the roads in the USA; and how long that would take. However, I suppose that – no matter how long it takes and how much it costs – if it is durable enough, it will pay for itself; and end the need to produce asphalt (using tar) or concrete (using water). Therefore, I wish YERT every success in convincing our politicians that it is a viable idea (and fighting all the inevitable misinformation existing business interests will generate to convince them it is not).