New Report: Solar could provide 100% of world's energy needs by 2050 using only 1% of world's land

[kpete]

In a report released today World Wildlife Fund (WWF), reporting at The World Future Energy Summit says it's research shows that not only is 100% renewal energy doable worldwide by 2050 but if necessary it could be accomplished using Solar alone.

Abu Dhabi, UAE- A new report released on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit here today, shows that even if all electricity is to be generated through renewable energy (RE) sources, and with solar photovoltaics (PV) alone, it would take up only an insignificant amount of total land area, contrary to common perception.

.................

”Research has found that PV power plants provide considerable environmental benefits, including a low carbon footprint and a short energy pay-back time.

Replacing existing grid electricity with PV arrays significantly reduces greenhouse gas and heavy metal emissions as well water usage,” says Lettemieke Mulder, First Solar vice president for Sustainability.

This is important and shows that renewal energy can have a small land footprint. An increasingly crucial value as the world population increases.



http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?207268/Solar-PV-power-in-harmony-with-nature--new-WWF-report-says-land-requirements-are-insignificant
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/01/17/1179824/-New-Report-Solar-could-provide-100-of-world-needs-by-2050-using-only-1-of-world-s-land

[DonRedwood]

1. kick kick kick

[NoOneMan]

2. Sounds good. But in 50 years, this is still going to be heating us up:

We haven't even begun feeling the effects of the GHG released recently. Where we are today is from the last 50+ years of recklessness. If we are going to keep notching up in the meantime, does it matter what powers our desolate, doomsday dystopia in 50 years?

[DonRedwood]

4. Not burning coal is going to help

But they are all facets of the same diamond... and we have to start somewhere on all those issues. Solar power could save us if we were smart enough to accept that.

[DonRedwood]

3. throw in some wind, some geo-thermal, maybe some wave/tide power

and I'll be able to run my Christmas lights without feeling guilty!