The World’s Most Amazing Wind Farms
September 8, 2009
Wind farm development is playing a huge role in a clean energy future. While mass wind power may offer a beneficial energy alternative, the construction of wind farms creates a great deal of controversy – from the destruction of natural habitats and dangers to birds and bats to the actual effectiveness of wind as an energy source. Some even argue that wind farms are ugly, disrupting the scenic coastlines and natural beauty of the world. Take a look at these wind farm pictures and let us know your thoughts – ugly or simply amazing?
20 Amazing Images Attributed to Global Warming
February 14, 2009
By Mysi Anne via Flickr
Global warming has been discussed and debated until we’re all about sick of hearing the debates and discussions. Instead of analyzing scientific data or arguing over who’s to blame for climate change, take a look at these intriguing global warming images of the shocking and unusual changes we’ve experienced in recent years. These oddities may or may not prove that global warming is real in your book, but they’re amazing nonetheless!
Hydrogen Powered – The 10 Most Amazing Uses of Hydrogen Fuel
August 3, 2008
More and more uses for hydrogen as fuel and power alternatives are being experimented with each year. We’re discovering ways to make hydrogen more efficient, more eco-friendly, and more affordable. The past few years have seen tremendous advancements in fuel cell technology and the use of hydrogen.
Check out 10 of the most impressive hydrogen powered innovations:
1. The Honda FCX Clarity is sleek, fast, and produces zero emissions. Unfortunately it is mega-expensive and dependent on a hydrogen filling station so only a lucky 600 southern California residents will have the luxury of leasing the Clarity. 
2.
Photo/Tom Lynn
This colorful float was featured in Racine, Wisconsin’s Fourth of July parade. Created by Racine-based Modine Manufacturing Company, the float uses a fuel cell that converts “hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, water, and heat” to power animations and sounds – like the moving elephant that sprays water from his trunk.
3. Both Orlando International Airport and SeaWorld in Orlando have introduced hydrogen fueled shuttles, eliminating carbon emissions by nearly 100%.
ford.digitalsnippets.com/environment
4. UltraCell Corporation in Livermore, CA has perfected the first micro fuel cell. The XX25 Fuel cell provides a reliable power source for mobile electronics in remote areas and has been used by the US Army for several years.
Photo: US Navy
5. The Tigergen I was created by the Mizzou Hydrogen Car Team at the University of Missouri. The hydrogen fuel cell car will take part in the 2400 mile Solar Car Challenge to demonstrate the possibilities of hydrogen power.
6. This house runs completely on solar and hydrogen power. Owner Mike Strizki also operates a car and a lawnmower powered by hydrogen, as well as an electric motorcycle and speedboat.
Photo: ©DAVID BIELLO
7. Zero to 60 in 3.5 and a tremendous 40 miles to the gallon, the Scorpion Supercar by Ronn Motor Company is the ultimate eco-friendly sports coupe. The Scorpion features a high-performance hybrid engine that uses a Hydrorunner hydrogen on demand injection system to decrease emissions and increase efficiency.
Photo: Ronn Motor Company
8. The Pearl Hydrogen Bike travels up to 25km per hour and conveniently folds for easy storage or transport.
9.Photo: Bryan Patrick
California’s environmentally friendly Christmas tree uses LED lights and a hydrogen fuel cell system to eliminate greenhouse emissions.
10. The Hydrastax 5000 is scheduled to be available later this year and can power the average size home on hydrogen.
Photo: SFC
The possibility of a hydrogen economy is becoming more of a reality with each new creation. Subscribe to Ecoble to keep up with the latest in hydrogen news and visit the US Department of Energy to learn more.
Tomorrow’s Oceans – The Effects of Climate Change Under the Sea
July 7, 2008
The effects of global warming and climate change on the ocean are still under much debate. Some see the onset of a damaging megadrought while others forecast water temperatures as high as 107ºF. Regardless of the causes or the results, we are seeing major changes in life beneath the sea. Some ocean species are migrating further north, causing shifts in food chains and the fishing industry, while other populations are decreasing at rapid rates.
In fact, the recent revision to the underestimated numbers released earlier now states that “more than 16,000 species (are) threatened with extinction.” According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), “One in three amphibians, one in four mammals, one in eight birds and 70% of plants so far assessed for its Red Lists of Threatened Species are believed to be at risk.”
At the same time, there are hundreds of new fish and plant species being discovered in the earth’s waters. Not all of these new faces will survive the ongoing climate change and some can harm other populations – but there have been some amazing discoveries beneath the sea in recent years.
Take a look at 5 of the most unusual new ocean species:
- This interesting guy, named the Maluku frogfish, has humanlike vision with front-facing eyes.
- The Antarctic Octopus features psychedelic colors not seen in other species.
- Greenpeace discovered a new sponge in the fragile Bering Sea.
- The Narkidae is a new species of electric ray that uses a sucking action similar to a household vacuum cleaner during feeding.
- This baby octopus is one of 1,000 new creatures discovered in 2006 near the Bermuda Triangle.
(M. Snyder/starknakedfish.com)
Photograph © E. Jorgensen/Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research
Photo Credit: Russ Hopcroft, University of Alaska Fairbanks, NOAA, Census of Marine Life, 2006
Be a part of the action – name your own species.
For as little as $5,000 you can name one of the hundreds of new creatures discovered beneath the ocean’s surface each year. Scripps Institute of Oceanography in San Diego is inviting supporters to name a new species for donation amounts that vary depending on the species.
This newly discovered nudibranch, housed in the Scripps Oceanographic Collections, is available to be named by a donor.
Learn more about the effects of climate change on the ocean here.
Update: New Floating Man-Made Island About to be Open to the Public
May 12, 2008
The original Spiral Island was the talk of the world: a man-made floating island constructed from 250,000 plastic bottles that could drift and relocate as needed until it was destroyed by disaster. Now the new Spiral Island is slated to open to the public within the next few months in Laguna Makax near Isla Mujeres. The new island has drawn in donations, volunteers and visitors from all parts of the world and walks of life – people inspired by what may be one of the most impressive do-it-yourself projects of modern times. 
(Above: the old Spiral Island, Below: The new one under construction) 
The infamous island has been at the center of controversies with each step forward as any endeavor this industrious and unusual is likely to be. Some claim it is a brilliant environmental design – using almost exclusively recycled materials in its construction. Others note that when the last island was destroyed it resulted in the littering of its materials and is in many ways the work of a single insane architectural genius. Still, were it not for that catastrophe those materials would still be providing a home for some and destination for others with a minimal use of non-recycled parts and clearly its creators never intended for it to be demolished in such a fashion. 
There is a variety of media available to people who want to learn more about spiral island. The Spiral Islanders site has forums, a blog, photo collections and videos related to the construction and history of the island as well as the stories and experiences of those who have worked on it and the areas in which they have done so. It is easy to see how, as people learn more and more about the project, they become increasingly intrigued and many ultimately end up visiting and helping with the island itself. The Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not video below and photo collection are also a great place to get a feel for the island.
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