Energy Alternatives and Biomimetics...key to driving change.
Tom McKeags article featured in this week's readings pretty much summed up why we need to consider photosynthesis as the "holy grail" model for future energy studies. (LINK TO ARTICLE HERE) In his article "From Thin Air" Tom discusses how mimicking the process of photosynthesis will be a "game changer" for all of humanity. We are currently using borrowed sunlight to drive every aspect of modern life. The level of carbon comsumpiton enjoyed by modern society is fixed and finite. Our carbon consumption is not real-time..we are living on borrowed sunlight and releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide so fast it is like a meteor hit and released tons of debris into the air. Scientists are very familiar with catastrophic atmospheric events and the effects these had on ecosystems. It is clear from the lecture materials from this week's lesson that carbon neutral processes are critical to the future of our society. Photosynthesis is not only carbon neutral, but produces compounds that store sunlight in real-time and more efficiently than any system that exists. Yes, solar panels can capture more energy from the sun in some cases, but the energy required to produce these panels is extremely costly.
Here is a great link to a video clip that discusses the ideas of artificial photosynthesis with some review of the photosystems:
Here is a great link to a video clip that discusses the ideas of artificial photosynthesis with some review of the photosystems:
I posted a link to a video hosted by Leonardo Di Caprio. It is called "The Eleventh Hour." It is a documentary about carbon release and energy consumption that I think all of us should watch. I truly believe this video fits well with this unit. The video features Nobel scientists from around the world who present data on carbon-neutral processes and the need to spear-head policy for change in the way we consume/produce our energy.
The module is extremely important. ENERGY and FRESHWATER will be the focus of much turmoil for future generations..even in our lifetime. This unit should be part of all biology units. We need to get kids to understand what real-time carbon consumption means. Here is a link again to the trailor for the movie "The Eleventh Hour." It is no longer available full length for free but you can purchase on amazon for under $5.00.
The module is extremely important. ENERGY and FRESHWATER will be the focus of much turmoil for future generations..even in our lifetime. This unit should be part of all biology units. We need to get kids to understand what real-time carbon consumption means. Here is a link again to the trailor for the movie "The Eleventh Hour." It is no longer available full length for free but you can purchase on amazon for under $5.00.