NANOTECHNOLOGY, ENERGY, and PEOPLE

American Energy Independence ^ | January 22, 2003 | Richard E. Smalley

[Fester Chugabrew]

I’ve been increasingly absorbed into solving the world’s energy problems for the past six months. Almost every week I am surprised at the depth of this problem. The more I look at it; the problem just doesn’t get easier. But I believe that within this problem lies a magnificent opportunity for our nation, and the world.

The title my my talk “Nanotechnology, Energy and People” has the word “people” in it; and the more I’ve gotten into this, the more I think it is mostly a people problem.

Let me just jump to the chase here and tell you what the bottom line of the talk will be. Energy is, at least in the United States since 9/11, simply the single most important problem that faces humanity today, particularly when you think of the world as a whole and the time period of the next 50 years. What’s remarkable though (and I don’t know if it would have been true before 9/11) is that after a little bit of conversation in any group of American citizens, and probably any group of citizens in the world, I believe you will find that pretty much everyone will agree that energy is the single most important problem. I doubt if there ever was a time before when we would all agree, but now I think we do.

The second point is that I am confident we can solve this problem. But it will take revolutionary breakthroughs in physical sciences and engineering, fields that we haven’t been emphasizing enough in the past couple of decades, particularly in the United States. . . .

[Fester Chugabrew]

I've never been one to panic over the climate and energy issues so commonly discussed these days, knowing that we have been blessed from Above with terrific resources. Nevertheless it seems prudent to enjoin healthy discussion and debate with regard to procuring and using the energy needed to enjoy healthy and productive lives. The lecture and website linked herein provides a wealth of resources for those interested in a practical advancement toward energy independence.

In this case, the author touches on nanotechnologies and their potential to solve what seems to be an increasing concern. He compares various sources of energy and evaluates them briefly with regard to their viability in terms of cost and results.

My hope is that in future years we can wean ourselves off from crude oil and other fossil fuels as a primary source for energy, and harness the elements in ways that allow individuals to localize their energy needs. Today it may be cost effective to own a home that is tethered to a grid and burn gasoline to get from place to place, but this need not always be so.

My apologies if this article has already been posted, even though it is over five years old. Enjoy.

[SampleMan]

As liberals appear to make up 50% of the population, and they all think that overpopulation is the fundamental problem, can’t the “energy crisis” be solved by having them all exit stage left?

Aren’t they willing to do their part for the planet?

[Cpl.Nym]

Research on nano power storage continues. Here is an article from Feb. 2008. http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/research/4252623.html

[Steely Tom]

I’ve been increasingly absorbed into solving the world’s energy problems for the past six months.

This opening sentence always gets my attention.

[stefanbatory]

ping for after work...