EU Sets Targets to Reach 20% Emissions Cut

Germany is number one in wind power in the world.

In a move toward sustainability the EU has set a goal that one-fifth all energy be renewable by 2020. It is the most ambitious plan to counter climate change ever proposed. Investing in renewable energies is also seen as benefiting new energy technologies, creating jobs and establishing a world wide market, though some industrial groups have expressed concern about the costs and potential damage to competitiveness of European industries, possibly making some leave Europe for less regulated countries. The EU also mandated that 10% of transportation be run on biofuel by 2020.

So the question is, should the United States and Canada follow the lead? Already Germany is the most wind energy efficient country and continues to build on its energy expertise. Though wind energy and other alternative sources have increased in the US and Canada over the past decade, they are no where near European commitments or practice. Is there a future for alternative energy in America, or is it a waste of time and energy?



This news item was brought to my attention by William Austin in our lecture class. I am interested in other important sustainable items that impact the United States and Canada.

The Niagara Falls Story

Niagara Falls and Rainbow

This week in class we had conversations about Niagara Falls and IF they actually "turn them off" at night to create hydropower at nearby US and Canadian generation plants. So I went traveling across cyber space to see what I could find. Not as good as actually being there, but for now.... let's see what you can find too. Right now I submit http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/21/tech/main1916244.shtml
a news story from 2006 about drilling a new tunnel to create more power, and diverting more water, though they say it won't be noticeable, I have a hard time believing that 50 - 75% diversion isn't. What do you think? And should they be creating more hydropower, an alternative energy source, by diverting falls water?