biomimicry... it's for the birds

Actually, biomimicry is a really cool notion- we can learn and work on solving human problems by examining nature and its models, systems and processes.  And, birds flight is a good example of how we realized the feat of air travel.  

I'm attending a seminar at school this week, 'Environmental Responsibility: The role of NGOs and large organizations.'  Yesterday we had a presentation from Bellona and today was a gentleman from Friends of the Earth Norway.  It's pretty neat to see how they work, who they work with and the projects they are involved in.

One of Bellona's projects is The Sahara Forest Project and you can check it out here.  Sahara.... forest?!  I know, interesting stuff!

Our Friends of the Earth Norway presenter showed this video, and I thought it was something fun and inspiring to share.  It is, in large part, about biomimicry.  As we discussed in class, there are some other considerations not covered like costs.  But, overall I think Michael Pawlyn presents some cool concepts and out-of-the-box thinking that, to me, makes a lot of sense.  This is one thing I love about what I'm studying- there is so much amazing research going on with innovative and revolutionary ways to capture and use energy.  Support R&D, research will blow your mind.

If I could mimic something bio, what would I mimic? Hmmmmm.  What about you?

hugs,

lisa liv

love me some ocean power

If you know me, you know I'm a surfer girl.  If you don't know me, nice to meet you and check back to my posts from last summer ... you can read all about my summer as a surf instructor and my unfortunate run in with a sting ray.

Sooo, it's probably no surprise that I love the notion of energy from the ocean.  Maybe because I've had my fair share of feeling the wrath of seemingly little waves?  Let me assure you, there's some power in those things!  In any event, I've always been a little perplexed we don't hear more about ocean systems, wave or tidal, to capture energy.  I understand, ocean conditions are rough and tough on machinery, etc.  So, it was neat to read this from the Department of Energy (click here for the full story):

As part of the Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy project, 30 turbines are being installed along the strait that connects the Long Island Sound with the Atlantic Ocean in the New York Harbor. The project, led by Verdant Power, Inc., is the first ever commercially licensed tidal energy project in the United States..... the turbines will create enough energy to power 9,500 homes.   

dreaming of waves,

lisa liv

ps. thank you facebook friends of Southern California for insisting on posting photos of the insane 80 degree weather yesterday.  I was just happy it wasn't raining in Bergen but you had to go and rub it in, didn't you? ;) love, me

Time's a flyin

This is my last week in San Diego as I head back to Bergen on Sunday, August 21 (arriving August 22).  I'm working surf camp in the mornings because it's just darn fun.... yahoo, I'm back in the water (see last post)!  Then I have time to wrap other things up and see friends and family in the afternoon/evening.

More soon on exciting and positive things that happened this summer.  California is alive with energy... literally, dare I use a surfing term.... there is a exciting 'stoke' here on new technologies and the continued push for renewable energy sources as part of the energy mix.  I love it and I love seeing application for my classroom studies.

Here's to a week more of some lovely sunshine at my favorite beach, I'm savoring every minute.

hugs,

lisa liv

just call me 'au currant'

Today I received an email update about President Obama's plans/thoughts on Jobs & Gas Prices with a super neat-o graphic breaking down some 'Quick Facts' about the Obama Energy Agenda & Gas Prices.  Obama administration, have you been following my blog?  I jest, but I feel like I've been writing about some of these same things so I'm quite proud that I'm trending 'current'.

Take a look at my post 'a, b, c's' to see why it is so important we take a look at our energy consumption (specifically oil in the post).  And, it's really exciting to see our government so dedicated to pursuing this important issue.

As you might imagine, studying energy and natural resources abroad brings a good perspective.  Yes, the US is the butt of many jokes (in the kindest of ways).  And, rightfully so.  We make up 5% of the world population and yet consume 20% of the energy (source).

There's so much more to say but the night grows late and I must get some rest for another full day of studying.  So, I leave you with the graphic below and check out the full thing here

The increasing gas prices has the administration outlining solutions.  Of course, solutions take some time.  First, they talk about increasing domestic oil production. That can help in the short run if we have the appropriate infrastructure (and commitment from oil companies- oil extraction is a whole other study, and, as you can imagine has to do with prices, interest rates and making the most money.  Let's just say it's not a simple as saying 'let's extract more!').  Also, this is not a long term solution being a finite resource.

The administration's next solution is better gas milage for cars- always a good thing. We've got smart engineers, they can make it happen (also, reference my last few posts about the Skoda).  And, they propose improving transportation and investing in cleaning public transport- cool but this will take some time as the technology is coming along but still needs some refining (ha, refining... like oil.. I'm so funny).

Last, but not least, is the 'clean energy future' seen below.  80% of electricity produced from clean sources by 2035?!  I like it!  As they note at the bottom in the fine writing- it sets out an ambitious target.  Truth.  But, by no means impossible.

We are looking at this exact concept in one of my classes right now.  Technically energy is in continuum.  Total energy is constant.  It simply transforms between different forms.  I won't get into the numbers details but if you think about the energy coming at us from the sun and the wind whipping around us- there is plenty of energy to fuel our every day activities.  The real issue is capturing, converting to usable energy and storage.

And with this, I bid you a good night,
lisa liv

P.S. Obama administration, if you would like to hire me for the summer- that would be super.

the social network

I'm relatively new to twitter and sometimes feel it's a bit decadent (does every intimate detail of someone's life really need to be broadcast?).  But, it is a fun way to keep up with people while being abroad as well as let people in to funny random things that happen on a daily basis in Norway.  And, a feature I do like is being able to subscribe to what is essentially a news feed from some different sources like Paste Magazine (Music), The Economist, NPR News and the EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration).  Not to long after writing my post a, b, c's, these updates filled my twitter feed.....

Ouch.  Almost $1 up in both gas and diesel from a year ago. People have to be feeling this on their budgets.  Gas is a relatively inelastic good in the short run (I know, I'm getting all economics-y on ya) meaning peoples behavior doesn't change much.  The bigger question will be the effect higher prices have on the long run.  Do we start getting serious about smaller cars?  Or investing better in usable public transportation?    The probability this stimulates important R&D in alternatives is good.  And, the future will remain to be scene.  But, I have an idea.  Instead of moaning about how high gas prices are (which, might I remind us, the rest of the world laughs at because we have some of the lowest gas prices), let's use that good old American ingenuity and figure out some new and better solutions.  We've always been pioneers, why not keep exploring new territory?

And, what the hey... click here if you want to follow me on twitter ;)

socially yours and studying for finals,
lisa liv

a, b, c's

Hello Hello!  So, i've decided.  It is time.  While it's fun to post about my trips and goings on, part of my intention for this blog is to share what I'm learning in my program.  There's so many exciting things going on and energy is of the utmost importance- starting now.  I'm really pleased with what I'm studying and feel it's important to help spread information.

I'm stating with some information presented by the head of micro-economic analysis of petroleum for Nordea Bank who presented on campus last week.  This is something we've been covering in class but it really hit me in her presentation.  Below is information from the EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration) on the top 15 oil exporting nations from 2009 (generally the same today):

Don't worry about the barrels so much.  Take a good look down the list of countries.  I'd venture to say Norway and Canada are the only two really 'stable' countries on that list.  2 out of 15, hmmmmm.

And, guess who the biggest oil importer is?  You got it, the good old U.S of A.  I'm sure I will preach the need to reduce our use of fossil fuels somewhere along the way.  But, today, this post is to simply make the point, we are relying on unstable sources for the lifeblood of our daily functioning.  Does this concern anyone else?!  You might have heard the term 'energy security' being thrown around.  This is exactly what it means- having stable sources supplying our energy needs.

So, what do we do?  Do we drill more of our own domestic petroleum supply?  Well, let's be honest, it's all finite (ok, maybe not in our generation, but, come on, we are smart people, we can do this!).  Do we keep ourselves reliant on oil?  I believe it's time to start getting more aggressive about other options and I hope this blog will now start building a good case for why and how.

As for oil, EIA predicts gas prices will remain high through the summer months, around $3.71 a gallon (click here for article).  I know y'all don't like the sound of that (or maybe you do because you know high gas prices are the one thing to make people really start looking at the severity of the issue).  But, as some perspective, gas in Norway is typically over $9 a gallon.  Perhaps that would change car purchase decisions and driving decisions?  Just saying.

Mom and I were just visiting friends in Copenhagen and our friends just got a new Skoda 'GreenLine' car.  The car averages 68.9 miles per gallon... holy wow!  Ok, ok, it lacks a little pickup some people might want, but still- impressive!

this is not their Skoda but gives you the idea

I leave you with one last thing for today- the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.  This competition challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost effective, energy efficient and attractive.  I love this!  Brilliant for the government to involve young smart minds in this way.  Here's an entertaining little piece about Ohio States team getting ready.  They came in 10th last year and are looking to win.  Oh the drama!

Off to do some reading about hydro as a good energy storage device especially when integrating more wind power into the electricity grid system.

energetically yours,
lisa liv