NASA Scientist James Hansen's Presentation: The Dark and Bright Sides to Global Warming

Dr. James Hansen of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) recently gave a presentation on climate change at Gustavus Adolphus College (GAC) in St. Peter, Minnesota. Dr. Hansen's presentation titled, The Threat to the Planet, The Dark and Bright Sides to Global Warming, was part of the GAC hosted conference, Heating Up the Energy Debate. The wildly polarized debate on climate change tends to over shadow points shared by pragmatic individuals of both sides of the debate. So let us look at the pragmatic portions of the presentation without focusing on the areas of disagreement.

Responsible use of fossil fuels, technology and natural resources:
1. Coal only in Powerplants w Sequestration Old Technology 'Bulldozed' in Decades

This is definitely a pragmatic recommendation. Clean energy from any source should be a viable option pursued. With the abundance of coal reserves, improving environmentally sound practices for use from source to kilowatt is required as a bridge to other energy options. Sequestering carbon dioxide via deep ocean well injection is a costly process. I would recommend an interim form of oil well injection sequestering to offset initial technology development costs. The FutureGen clean coal prototype power plant is an excellent example of the technology that could be implemented.

2. Stretch Conventional Oil & Gas Via Incentives (Cap or Tax) & Standards No Unconventional F.F. (Tar Shale, etc.)

This is also a pragmatic recommendation by Dr. Hansen. I would prefer the incentives be positive which would lead to faster development of cleaner more efficient methods of utilizing existing reserves.

3. Reduce non-CO2 Climate Forcings Methane, Black Soot, Nitrous Oxide

Definitely an issue that can and should be addressed quickly, especially the black soot and nitrous oxide. Scrubbing technology should be shared with developing nations to reduce these pollutants. Addressing methane is a bit more complicated, but definitely should be pursued in a pragmatic manner.

4. Draw Down Atmospheric CO2 Agricultural & Forestry Practices Biofuel-Powered Power-Plants

Without a doubt this is an important area of mutual agreement. With more emphasis placed on non-food crops for bio-fuel production, agriculture and forestry can lead the way to abundant clean energy. Not mentioned were alternate energy technologies whose increased use as their economical viability increases are important parts of the solution.

In his summation, Dr. Hansen states that a clean healthy planet is feasible, "but not being pursued". I disagree slightly on this point feeling that the technologies are not being embraced. The various groups opposing pragmatic solutions need to find common ground. Making changes in our business as usual energy approach requires logical compromises.

I encourage you to view Dr. Hansen's presentation slides and would hope that he posts the audio portion of his presentation in the near future. This article was submitted for non-payment. Associated Content has not reviewed and does not endorse the views of this author.