Ten ways to save the world...

London, Dec 3: 'Ten Technologies to Save the Planet', a new book by Chris Goodall, a businessman and climate-change commentator, has outlined ten ways to save the world.

According to a report in New Scientist, the book determines that climate change can be overcome if the following energy sources and technologies are adopted: The first technology that is recommended is that of wind power. Despite a reputation for being unreliable, wind power has the potential to provide more than 30 percent of the world's electricity. The second method that the book puts forward is solar power. The sun provides more than enough energy to power the world many times over, and increased investment in solar cells is leading to better models which capture more energy and cost less to produce. The third energy source is the power from the oceans. Tides, waves and currents possess huge potential for low-carbon energy generation, and power-generating buoys that harness wave energy 50 meters underwater provides positive vibes.

The fourth way to overcome climate change is installing domestic microgenerators, which are almost as efficient as huge generators and the heat they produce can be used to heat our homes and water.

The fifth method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to eco-renovate existing buildings. Measures such as insulating walls and windows, and using improved ventilation methods that don't lose heat, can reduce emissions by 80-90 percent.

The sixth technology that the book outlines is the use of electric cars. With running costs as little as 5 percent those of diesel models, electric cars will soon become a viable option.

The seventh way to fight climate change is using second-generation biofuels made from agricultural waste. Using new cellulose-cracking technologies, waste wood can be broken down into liquid fuel, an idea that might very soon become a reality.

The eighth method is investing in promising new carbon-capture technologies, with governments around the world understanding the importance of funding research in this area.

The ninth method is to sequester carbon as biochar, a charcoal made from burning agricultural waste in the absence of air. Biochar is exceptionally stable and can be stored underground for hundreds of years without releasing its carbon into the atmosphere, and it improves the fertility of the soil.

The tenth and last technology that the book outlines is the use of biogas stoves, powered by methane released from rotting organic waste, which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

ANI