Re: Global Warming
I'm not really sure what you're arguing. Borodog himself said:
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My point is, and will remain, that when alternative energy technologies and cleaner production technologies become economical, they will be used.
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And I think that's very true. And I don't see how what you say now does anything but support that statement. You're initial response to his economic question was to simply point out what research is being done now. My point was simply that the research you mentioned is for the most part:
1) In early stages with other unforeseen issues that will have to be addressed as time goes on.
2) A small part of the total investment of getting any of it into something practical for every day use.
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Do you really think hybrid prototypes 10 years ago with their massive batteries were superior to a Honda Accord?
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Of course not.
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If so why would you say this:
If it was simply a matter of developing technology everybody would have been driving a hybrid vehicle 10+ years ago.
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Because it's true. It was quite a bit of time between when the first hybrid vehicle was made that was more efficient than anything on the market and when a hybrid vehicle actually hit the market. The purpose of the initial research was to design a battery operated vehicle with a gasoline generator that was more efficient than a gasoline engine drive. This was successfully done. But as often is the case there were other issues to work out. Most new technology has stumbling blocks (comparable to the hybrid battery) to get over before it is usable and economical. I was simply comparing the hybrid vehicle to:
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Scientists at berkeley are very close to coming out with an algae that can be used to fuel all of our cars while taking up only a very tiny amount of farm land to grow.
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This does not mean that we'll see algae farms in the very near future. If/when it becomes economical (as borodog said and as the hybrid finally is) we will. And unless I can just go pick some algae and put it in my Honda gas tank there will likely be other stumbling blocks to overcome (economic and design issues).
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