What will our cities look like centuries from today? What kind of energy sources will supply a majority of their energy?
Around that time, one might imagine levitating, lightweight vehicles zooming through metallic streets that light up at night or perhaps street tubes functioning as elevators that lead into the heights of skyscrapers that actually disappear beyond the clouds and into outer space.
These highly advanced cities will undoubtedly be powered by energy sources that are beyond what humans are familiar with today. They could be the alternative energy sources that engineers such as mechanical and materials engineers are currently making progress in researching ⁵.
Currently, engineers are doing research on viable energy sources that have the capability of replacing the primary need for fossil fuels; these alternative energy sources, if proven efficient, may serve as massive contributions to the power systems of urban areas in particular. In urban areas, individuals consume the most resources to fulfil the needs of factories, commercial businesses, and residential buildings ⁷.
Material engineers, to be more specific, serve in the area of alternative energy research by creating small scale prototypes from suitable material that are found to have some kind of energy production usage. For example, the hydrogen fuel cell is a technology currently being developed in multiple shapes, sizes, and material - not to forget the artificial photosynthesis systems that are also being developed to supply them with clean hydrogen to convert to electricity. This interlinked system of hydrogen fuel cells and artificial photosynthesis is promising to the future of urbanization regarding how it is supplied energy.
This isn’t just a dream for environmental enthusiasts - it is in the making in the moment at hand. In America alone, the end of 2015 has brought a minimum of three cities being powered entirely by alternative energy sources, in other words, renewable energy sources; this specific kind of energy is and will contribute to the development of sustainable cities across the world in regards to cities in Vermont, Kansas, and Colorado setting a remarkable example for them to follow ³.
It is essential to bring emphasis to the vitality of the development and commitment to sustainable cities by comparing two significantly different urban areas: Los Angeles-Long Beach in California and Aspen in Colorado. According to the National Resources Defense Counsel, Southern California has the worst air quality out of all areas in the nation ⁴.
Diesel powered ships and land vehicles contribute to this growing pollution crisis in Southern California. “Smog and diesel particulate matter pollution are linked to cancer, asthma, premature death and cardio-respiratory diseases. The elderly and children are the most vulnerable to these pollutants” ⁴.
It is evident that fossil fuel usage in cities are a huge issue that can be deadly and will only get worse throughout the next centuries. Environmental laws are a solution to this issue but are the first step towards improvement.
With cognizance to the issue with pollution in cities, urbanization reform in cities like Aspen, Colorado move towards a better option towards urban sustainability - 100% power from renewable energy. It is necessary to take a closer glimpse at just how vital this change is for the city’s future development.
In the snowy mountains of Colorado, skiers are content that they are living in one of the most sustainable lands in the U.S. and enjoy a day of well-earned recreation. Their city, Aspen, is powered entirely by renewable energy sources not limited to the conventional solar power energy that only lives in the day time. Advancements in energy storage and battery design have given the city a privilege - quick elimination of renewable limitation ⁶!
Upon their arrival home after a long day of zipping through the Rockies, the skiers trudge inside buildings with solar panel-lined roofs that collect energy all day, and supply all night, regardless of the forecast. This kind of photovoltaic technology emits zero pollution due to the fact that it runs 100% on sun rays - hence “solar panel” ⁶.
These green home owners savor these clean-functioning buildings considering the addition of their cars being able to park themselves in the driveway. Their cars are undoubtedly powered from photovoltaic cells as well - they function as batteries that too, store energy in the day and supply it when the sun is absent at night ⁶. Hey, who could pass up this get-one-get-all package deal?
Not to mention, in the chilly weather accompanied with residing in Colorado, solar heating is necessary to keep utility bills low while keeping the piglets warm! This applies to warmth all over - may that be hot showers or just a warm basement ⁶.
It is evident that our fellow Aspen residences are very comfortable in their 100% solar power establishments and thus, will allow the people of Aspen to continue to prosper throughout their lives, personally and mentally
.
Using Aspen as a model for inspiration of more sustainable environments, it is vital for our cities to incorporate maximum renewable energy usage to ensure its sustainability. As populations grow throughout regions in America alone, the demand for more energy will increase as well. To support our cities, we need the help of professionals like material engineers who are willing to devote their time to research regarding viable means of providing alternative energy to fossil fuels ¹.
The efforts of developing new means of generating alternative energy to fossil fuels has always been, and will undoubtedly be a challenging task; however, it will be possible if we as a society work together for improved living conditions. Remember what Thomas Berry asserted in The Great Work, “We are not lacking in the dynamic forces needed to create the future. We live immersed in a sea of energy beyond all comprehension” ².
-- Stephanie Booker
We appreciate all suggestions and all comments that are related to global innovation and improvement through STEM and research. Brainstorm, Invest, and Discover a Future!
Bibliography
[1] BLS. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mechanical Engineers : Occupational Outlook Handbook, December 17, 2015. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm>.
[2] Global Steward. Global Stewards: Eco Tips for a Healthy Planet. Sustainability Quotes. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <http://www.globalstewards.org/quotes.htm>.
[3] Keyes, Scott. Climate Progress. A Third American City Is Now Running Entirely On Renewable Energy, September 14, 2015. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/09/14/3701210/third-american-city-renewable-energy/>.
[4] NRDC. National Resources Defense Counsel. Cleaning Up Southern California’s Air, February 22, 2012. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <http://www.nrdc.org/air/diesel-exhaust/california-air-quality.asp>.
[5] Prospects. Prospects. Mechanical Engineer Job Profile, January 2015. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/mechanical-engineer>.
[6] SolarPanelsD. How Renewable Energy Is Helping Aspen Colorado Homeowners Cut Their Bills, July 20, 2015. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <http://solarpanelsd.com/renewable-energy-options-available-in-aspen-colorado-81612/>.
[7] UNEP. Global Initiative for Resource Efficient Cities: Engine to Sustainability. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <http://www.unep.org/pdf/GI-REC_4pager.pdf>.
Around that time, one might imagine levitating, lightweight vehicles zooming through metallic streets that light up at night or perhaps street tubes functioning as elevators that lead into the heights of skyscrapers that actually disappear beyond the clouds and into outer space.
These highly advanced cities will undoubtedly be powered by energy sources that are beyond what humans are familiar with today. They could be the alternative energy sources that engineers such as mechanical and materials engineers are currently making progress in researching ⁵.
Currently, engineers are doing research on viable energy sources that have the capability of replacing the primary need for fossil fuels; these alternative energy sources, if proven efficient, may serve as massive contributions to the power systems of urban areas in particular. In urban areas, individuals consume the most resources to fulfil the needs of factories, commercial businesses, and residential buildings ⁷.
Material engineers, to be more specific, serve in the area of alternative energy research by creating small scale prototypes from suitable material that are found to have some kind of energy production usage. For example, the hydrogen fuel cell is a technology currently being developed in multiple shapes, sizes, and material - not to forget the artificial photosynthesis systems that are also being developed to supply them with clean hydrogen to convert to electricity. This interlinked system of hydrogen fuel cells and artificial photosynthesis is promising to the future of urbanization regarding how it is supplied energy.
This isn’t just a dream for environmental enthusiasts - it is in the making in the moment at hand. In America alone, the end of 2015 has brought a minimum of three cities being powered entirely by alternative energy sources, in other words, renewable energy sources; this specific kind of energy is and will contribute to the development of sustainable cities across the world in regards to cities in Vermont, Kansas, and Colorado setting a remarkable example for them to follow ³.
It is essential to bring emphasis to the vitality of the development and commitment to sustainable cities by comparing two significantly different urban areas: Los Angeles-Long Beach in California and Aspen in Colorado. According to the National Resources Defense Counsel, Southern California has the worst air quality out of all areas in the nation ⁴.
Diesel powered ships and land vehicles contribute to this growing pollution crisis in Southern California. “Smog and diesel particulate matter pollution are linked to cancer, asthma, premature death and cardio-respiratory diseases. The elderly and children are the most vulnerable to these pollutants” ⁴.
It is evident that fossil fuel usage in cities are a huge issue that can be deadly and will only get worse throughout the next centuries. Environmental laws are a solution to this issue but are the first step towards improvement.
With cognizance to the issue with pollution in cities, urbanization reform in cities like Aspen, Colorado move towards a better option towards urban sustainability - 100% power from renewable energy. It is necessary to take a closer glimpse at just how vital this change is for the city’s future development.
In the snowy mountains of Colorado, skiers are content that they are living in one of the most sustainable lands in the U.S. and enjoy a day of well-earned recreation. Their city, Aspen, is powered entirely by renewable energy sources not limited to the conventional solar power energy that only lives in the day time. Advancements in energy storage and battery design have given the city a privilege - quick elimination of renewable limitation ⁶!
Upon their arrival home after a long day of zipping through the Rockies, the skiers trudge inside buildings with solar panel-lined roofs that collect energy all day, and supply all night, regardless of the forecast. This kind of photovoltaic technology emits zero pollution due to the fact that it runs 100% on sun rays - hence “solar panel” ⁶.
These green home owners savor these clean-functioning buildings considering the addition of their cars being able to park themselves in the driveway. Their cars are undoubtedly powered from photovoltaic cells as well - they function as batteries that too, store energy in the day and supply it when the sun is absent at night ⁶. Hey, who could pass up this get-one-get-all package deal?
Not to mention, in the chilly weather accompanied with residing in Colorado, solar heating is necessary to keep utility bills low while keeping the piglets warm! This applies to warmth all over - may that be hot showers or just a warm basement ⁶.
It is evident that our fellow Aspen residences are very comfortable in their 100% solar power establishments and thus, will allow the people of Aspen to continue to prosper throughout their lives, personally and mentally
.
Using Aspen as a model for inspiration of more sustainable environments, it is vital for our cities to incorporate maximum renewable energy usage to ensure its sustainability. As populations grow throughout regions in America alone, the demand for more energy will increase as well. To support our cities, we need the help of professionals like material engineers who are willing to devote their time to research regarding viable means of providing alternative energy to fossil fuels ¹.
The efforts of developing new means of generating alternative energy to fossil fuels has always been, and will undoubtedly be a challenging task; however, it will be possible if we as a society work together for improved living conditions. Remember what Thomas Berry asserted in The Great Work, “We are not lacking in the dynamic forces needed to create the future. We live immersed in a sea of energy beyond all comprehension” ².
-- Stephanie Booker
We appreciate all suggestions and all comments that are related to global innovation and improvement through STEM and research. Brainstorm, Invest, and Discover a Future!
Bibliography
[1] BLS. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mechanical Engineers : Occupational Outlook Handbook, December 17, 2015. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm>.
[2] Global Steward. Global Stewards: Eco Tips for a Healthy Planet. Sustainability Quotes. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <http://www.globalstewards.org/quotes.htm>.
[3] Keyes, Scott. Climate Progress. A Third American City Is Now Running Entirely On Renewable Energy, September 14, 2015. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/09/14/3701210/third-american-city-renewable-energy/>.
[4] NRDC. National Resources Defense Counsel. Cleaning Up Southern California’s Air, February 22, 2012. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <http://www.nrdc.org/air/diesel-exhaust/california-air-quality.asp>.
[5] Prospects. Prospects. Mechanical Engineer Job Profile, January 2015. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/mechanical-engineer>.
[6] SolarPanelsD. How Renewable Energy Is Helping Aspen Colorado Homeowners Cut Their Bills, July 20, 2015. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <http://solarpanelsd.com/renewable-energy-options-available-in-aspen-colorado-81612/>.
[7] UNEP. Global Initiative for Resource Efficient Cities: Engine to Sustainability. Web. Accessed February 5, 2016. <http://www.unep.org/pdf/GI-REC_4pager.pdf>.