Most of the technologies that could reduce greenhouse gases are not only expensive but would need to be embraced on a global scale, scientists say. Many projections for 2030 include as many as 1 million wind turbines worldwide; enough solar panels to cover half of New Jersey, massive reforestation; a major retooling of the global auto industry; as many as 400 power plants fitted with pricey equipment to capture carbon dioxide and store it underground; and, most controversial, perhaps 350 new nuclear plants around the world.
Jeff Johnson on 08 Dec 08Wind power is, of course, controversial. A big knock is that until power-storage technology evolves, wind farms will work only when the wind blows. Wind energy proponents counter that the sites picked for wind farms are predictably gusty, though they acknowledge wind turbines will never be a complete answer to the nation's energy issues. But they say they can be a significant part of the our energy future when intelligently integrated with traditional power plants that have the ability to pick up the slack when wind doesn't deliver.
