Quote:
Originally posted by beepbeep
What we need is another source of energy.
ITER fusion reactor needs around 60 billion dollars of funding alltoghether... compare that to costs of intervention in Iraq. Compare the results.
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What is the near-term solution, though? $60B+ and 10 years won't do anything for our problems now. You speak as if fusion research is a replacement for the war in Iraq. Ignore the right/wrong issues.
What do we do in the next 8-12 months?
What do we do in the next 1-3 years? I'm not talking about alternative energy. I'm talking about fending another large-scale terrorist attack(s) with potential to kill thousands and disrupt the economy of the US and the world.
As has already been mentioned, oil has high output for the cost. If we truly want to be independent, are we ready to pay a lot of $$$? If our energy costs soar 35%, while China buys petro at a 35% discount (due to reduced US demand), the economic fallout could be horrendous. It's not so easy.
On the other hand, things like solar water heaters are very effective. There's large potential there. It won't make a dent in our consumption, but it would certainly help.
techweenie, you're starting to sound like superman (i.e. "it's amazing where you guys come up with this stuff..." "pretty lazy thinking" etc) What's your outline for action?