Glen Luckman, Global Warming Issues

By: Nathan Brown

If you want an unique, pleasant, environmentally sound experience, visit the 1880 inn we found that has completely converted to a photovoltaic solar power system. Andy and Barbara Seaman are the progressive thinking and environmentally concerned owners of a 16 room inn in Spring Lake New Jersey. Worried about global warming and the legacy they are leaving their children, the Seamans took advantage of New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program. This innovative initiative provides funding for both commercial and residential solar power systems. The Seamans installed a series of roof top solar panels that not only supplies all of their electricity needs but feeds unused power back into the state grid. The

Financial Picture for Spring Lake’s Commercial Solar Power System

The process wasn’t cheap, but the return on investment, the cost savings and the reduction in greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming are substantial. The solar power energy system equipment and installation cost around $75,000 and the state provided a grant for more than half the cost. But the savings didn’t end there. There was a federal tax credit, credit for the sale of excess electricity and cash back from the company where they purchased the system. The Seamans expect to break even in a few years and to make money after that. They are already planning to expand to a wind and solar power system in the future.

The Effect of Spring Lake’s Solar System on Global Warming and the Environment

The beneficial effect on the environment is significant. The firm that put in the system, Renewable Energy Concepts, estimates that over a 30 year period the Seaman’s solar power electric system will save 619 barrels of oil, be the equivalent of 541,344 miles of automobile travel not used, reduce acid rain emissions by more than a ton, reduce green house gases by 216 tons and be the equivalent of planting more than 1000 trees. That all adds up to doing a lot to help stop global warming while reducing resource use!

Spring Lake Is Inspiring Others To Install Commercial and Residential Solar Power Systems

The Spring Lake Inn is the only completely solar powered inn in the area but others are intrigued and are investigating commercial solar power systems for their businesses and guest visiting the inn are considering home solar power systems. Anyone concerned about the environment can’t help but be impressed. This 127 year old inn is a delight in its own right but the fact that it has become a leader in solar power makes it even more special. The inn is spotless, attractive, has an interesting history and is located in a village of multi-million dollar homes, tree lined streets, wonderful restaurants and it is one block from a huge unspoiled beach. Each of the 16 rooms is unique and the breakfast included with your room is varied and delicious. Andy took time to explain the solar system, show us the installation, the photovoltaic cells, the bi-directional meters and answer all of our questions. Not only did we enjoy our stay, but we came away determined to get into solar power too. Anyone can set up their own solar power system. From a purely financial point of view, the most appealing aspect is locking in your cost of power over the long term. In a future energy crisis you would be immune from the cost increases if you have a solar system. This is great news for those who anticipate or are already living on a fixed income. With a solar electricity system, even as electricity costs increase, home and business owners will not have to worry about increased utility bills. In addition, there are several studies that indicate every dollar saved on your utility bill with a solar electric system will increase your overall home value by twenty dollars. It is estimated that $1,500 in annual electric bill savings from solar will equate to $30,000 in additional resell value. In today’s increasingly tight housing market, a solar electric system helps set a home apart from the others in the neighborhood. A home with a fixed electric bill from solar power is “cheaper” to live in, and thus is very appealing to potential buyers.

The Nitty Gritty of Spring Lake’s Commercial Solar Electric Power System

The Spring Lake Inn has about 40 photovoltaic solar panels on its roof and two bi-directional meters in the basement. The panels are unobtrusive and the whole thing was installed in about 2 days. A good rule of thumb is to allow 100 sq. ft. of roof space per every kilowatt (kW) of electricity the system produces. A typical residential solar electric system will require approximately 300-500 square feet. Most businesses and homes are able to purchase a solar power system thanks to the incentives and aid offered by the federal government. In several states residents that install these systems are also eligible for rebates from their local energy company as well as certain federal tax credits. A home solar power system will also significantly reduce monthly utility bills. The average six-cent price of a solar kilowatt hour is less than half the average 14.5 to 15-cent rate of a utility company’s power rate. You can expect to pay back the price of the equipment within five to six years. Solar power is the cleanest and quietest electric technology available and an investment in a solar electric system offers many significant advantages.

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By Napoleon Miles

Global warming has an effect on tourism and the economies of many nations. Scientists are forecasting that the Caribbean and its surrounding areas will register a constant increase in temperature. The same can be said about the Mediterranean basin. Global warming has interesting effects on the tourism industry.

A characteristic of the northern countries is their low temperatures. With an increase in temperature their climate may be much warmer. This has very important consequences on the tourism industry.

Some counties may suffer from droughts in the near future. Many plants may not resist such high temperatures and many countries may become more similar to a desert. On the other hand, by the increase in temperature, countries like Canada and northern Europe will be more habitable than nowadays and so attract tourists and settlers.

Avalanches may also increase. Places used for skiing may no longer be appropriate for such an activity. So such places will no longer be a tourist attraction. On the other hand new areas may become adequate for skiing. In general we will be witnessing to a shift in the tourism industry.

The consequences of global warming are therefore a general shift in tourism from the Caribbean and the Mediterranean countries to that of Canada and the northern European countries. Countries like Italy, Spain and Greece may become too hot to live comfortably in. Presently these countries have a highly developed tourism industry because of their favorable climate. On the other hand countries like Canada, Great Britain, Sweden and Norway may develop booming tourist industries in the coming years.

Such a shift in the tourism industry will mean also a shift in resources. Northern countries will have to shift more resources from other industries to cater for the booming tourism industry. On the other hand Caribbean and Mediterranean countries must adapt to the new situation and shift resources from the now declining tourism industry to other more profitable industries.

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Author: Nathalie Fiset

What do you think could come in as more important to our basic human needs such as food, shelter, medicine, education or even the need for affection? There could be one issue that would predetermine everything that will transpire on the planet, and that is the planet’s condition. If the world were on the brink of destruction, saving it would be the priority of every single individual. And save it we must. Although the threat is still not at a life and death level, there is an alarming truth that there are several problems that are now bugging the place that we live in. Say hello to global warming. And try to say bye – stop global warming!

Global warming, which is also known as the greenhouse effect, has been here long before you or anybody else out there existed. It’s been here for thousands of years. And through those thousands of years, the earth’s temperature has increased, and so has the effects of global warming. Time magazine has actually coined this problem as a planetary emergency.

There are major solutions that have been done worldwide to cope, alleviate or altogether stop the effects of this major problem. But among these choices, the obvious choice that the human race is supposed to concentrate on is how to stop global warming. Since we have all contributed to the occurrence of global warming (in our own little ways), then we should also join forces in combating this dilemma.

1. Join organizations that promise to educate you about the effects of global warming and what you can do to put a stop to this problem. Be an activist on this matter. After all, everything begins with you.

2. The next step is to conserve energy. And yes, there are so many ways that an individual can save energy. Let’s list some here: car pooling, turning off appliances that are not in use; unplugging any electronic devices that are not in use; buying energy-efficient lamps; keeping the filters of your air-conditioning unit clean; taking a walk (instead of driving); turn off the faucet when enough water has been consumed; do not use appliances or products that release chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere (examples are hairsprays and refrigerators that have CFCs); use EEF appliances; start planting trees, etc. These are basic things that we have learned even from grade school and yet, tend to forget the most.

3. If you are a slave of your profession, then, cut on those work hours to help save energy. For every individual that would cut down an hour from his work, there would be millions worth of energy saved. Learn to maximize your time and to properly manage it. I guess you never imagined before that this could also stop global warming, huh?

4. Recycle. Need we elaborate on that?

5. Use environment-friendly fuels and vehicles. They may be a little bit more expensive but they do not contribute to pollution. Honda was the first to come up with a vehicle that is cell-powered, thus, there are no harmful emissions. If you cannot afford cell-powered vehicles just yet, you can opt for those that can run thirty miles in just a gallon of fuel. This way, carbon monoxide is greatly reduced.

6. If you can, harness the power of the sun, wind and water to generate electricity. There are equipments in the market that can be used to harness solar, wind or geothermal energy. These sources of energy are clean and reusable. If, again, you can’t afford to tap on the power of these sources, then, at least, choose an electric provider that does not pollute the environment by the use of fossil fuels.

7. Insulate your home to prevent excessive use of heaters. During summer, dress lightly to minimize the use of air-conditioning units.

Most people would argue that these, altogether, would not stop global warming. Well, maybe for now that is true. But with the collective efforts of each and everyone in the planet, and if everyone would be disciplined enough to care for environmental issues such as this, then even two degrees off the present global temperature would be such a major feat.

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Lance Winslow

Are the Global Warming alarmists all washed up in their own acid rain? A couple of new research papers seem to indicate that pollution prevents Global Warming as it prevents the sun from getting through and heating up the concrete in cities which causes Urban Heat. Well, there is much more to the report than just that, you’ll have to read it all for yourself.

The evidence is pretty overwhelming that the scientist “do not” agree that Global Warming, which by definition means that it is being caused by human pollution output of CO2, is real. This new evidence seems to indicate that additional pollution will indeed, slow climate change or heating of the Earth, even during times of severe solar activity. But is this report true?

Apparently, the team of scientists who worked on this research and report have proof, unlike Al Gore’s “Inconvenient” movie, in which he received a Nobel Prize for. If pollution is preventing Global Warming and if the Earth’s atmosphere really is heating up uncontrollably then maybe it is time that all nations start paying Beijing royalty payments for polluting the air, which then is blown by the trade winds around the world.

No one should be surprised by all this. 300-years ago we had the mini-ice age, in the 1950s it was hotter than hell, in the 1970s scientists believed we were entering an ice age again, and today, well, it’s back to the climate change issue again, this time we are calling it Global Warming. At this point one would have to ask the question, what makes you so sure you are right this time?

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