Further, the British Columbia government under the BC NDP is making it even more costly as they continue to offer taxpayer-funded subsidies to build new, or expand existing, fossil fuel infrastructure in total contradiction to this body of evidence with respect to climate change. In addition, they continue the trajectory of managing our natural resources to zero as set by the BC Liberals. The trajectory is set far enough into the future that the current administration cannot see where it meets the horizon.
Harnessing the sun
It’s within this current context that I share an article that my cousin Stephen sent to me introducing a company called Heliogen. The company has a patented technology using mirrors and artificial intelligence to focus sunlight to a single point to generate temperatures over 1000 degrees Celsius.
There are a number of potential applications for this technology. The examples offered in the article suggest it will be used to power cement and steel operations, possibly removing up to a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions created in carbon-intensive industrial processes. Heliogen, backed by Microsoft pioneer Bill Gates and Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong, made the breakthrough on the first day their system was operational.
Heliogen is an exciting breakthrough and has the potential to be a game changer in how we generate energy and power human life. However, it is only one of countless ideas that are harnessing the free energy of our sun. While the BC government rhetorically celebrates the growth in the innovation economy in our province, they are literally investing our money in the fossils.
It’s time to invest in our future.
Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay
Adam, I think I’m confused. I have a lot of political experience, so when I see an individual or party badging themselves or being badged as being of a particular persuasion I have certain expectations. In the case of the B.C. New Democratic Party (specifically the seated elected members in government) I would expect to see social democrats in action on the political stage. I know their policy manual and there is some of that in evidence, but, alarmingly much of what I see seems like what I would expect from NEO-LIBERALS!
Am I right or am I wrong? I could use some help here.
MK
So, with all the remarks about trees, are old growth trees still being cut in Haida Gwaii, Vancouver Island and the mainland? If so How come?
I know that Cowichan Lake way 40 or so year old trees have been cut,.
And at the same time mills are closing. Raw logs sold out of country are not benefitting anyone in BC. Cutting old growth is damaging the the tourist trade, biodiversity andeven where Orcas rubb their bellies trees along that shore are being logged! Why? I thought there was a moratorium? What are the greens doing about this?
Hello Mikkel,
There is no moratorium. The BC Green Caucus called for one but the government has instead hired a panel to go around the province and hear from British Columbians about what they think about old-growth.
https://adamolsenmla.ca/old-growth-consultation-moves-forward/
Thank you,
Adam