Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
On the ethical problems of climate change. Should the well-being of future generations take precedence over our own? Are we responsible for the excesses of past generations? All over the world, or just our own compatriots?
"Many people see geoengineering as a false solution to an existential crisis—akin to encouraging a heart-attack patient to avoid exercise and continue to gobble fatty food while simply doubling his dose of Lipitor." Are they right?
"A handful of foreign creatures, including a particularly hardy kind of grass, have already shown that they’re tough enough to put down roots at the end of the Earth." For as long as humans explore, more will arrive
"If we expected the entire Gulf to become a toxic gumbo of Louisiana sweet crude and dead animals, then no, the 'worst-case scenario' didn’t come to pass. But if we don't address long-term degradation that will be a worse fate"
Buying a $45k Chevy Volt is not a realistic option for most, so how could we reduce our consumption of liquid fossil fuels for transport? Physicist runs rule over the options (and, yes, the answer does include taking the bus)
It's China. And in particular China's environment. Because that's the basis of China's economy. The carbon-fuelled industrial model that Britain pioneered 200 years ago is reaching its apex here. And perhaps its end
Can economic growth continue indefinitely? No, said the physicist to the economist. And here, in a delightful re-creation of a recent dinner conversation between the two, is why not
There are differences between oil resources and oil reserves. And there are differences between oil shale and shale oil. And those differences are big. Although to listen to some politicians recently, you might not think so
Nicely done. Photo gallery with scenes from 24 world cities observing Earth Hour, a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about energy consumption. Click the photos to watch the lights go out
Decisions you take in the 10 minutes after detonation are the most important. Find shelter immediately; basements of tall buildings are good. Don't be tempted to flee. Fallout is at its most radioactive now but drops off quickly
Physics professor decides to investigate, and cut, his domestic energy use. Living in San Diego may help, but he managed to get his utility electricity consumption down to a tenth of comparable local homes. This is how he did it
"My husband has kind of a weird job," she said. "He'd rather not live around other people." I sat up in the chair. "What does he do?" "He's a nuclear diver." "A what?" And so begins an investigation of a very dangerous job
