Methane and the Climate Change Problem. Can We Capture and Use it, Moving Away from Fossil Fuels?

 

Methane clathrates (Think of Dry Ice made from Methane) are common constituents of the shallow marine geosphere. Methane hydrate is a problem for the climate change problem and heating of the atmosphere when it comes out into the atmosphere. What kinds of plans can you devise that could capture methane from permafrost or the Arctic coasts?

Capturing methane from permafrost or Arctic coasts is indeed an important strategy for mitigating climate change, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Here are some plans that could be devised to capture methane from these sources:

1. Methane Recovery Wells: Similar to natural gas extraction, methane recovery wells could be drilled into permafrost areas or Arctic coastlines where methane emissions are high. These wells would capture methane as it escapes and direct it to collection systems for proper storage or utilization.

2. Methane Oxidation: Another approach is to encourage methane oxidation, a natural process where methane reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere and converts to less harmful carbon dioxide. This can be done by promoting the growth of methane-oxidizing bacteria in the affected areas or using biochar amendments to enhance the microbial activity.

3. Barrier Systems: Installing impermeable barrier systems, such as membranes or liners, over permafrost regions or Arctic coastlines can help trap escaping methane. These barriers would prevent or slow down the release of methane into the atmosphere, allowing for its controlled capture and extraction.

4. Methane Recovery from Wastewater: In areas where permafrost is thawing and leading to the release of methane-rich wastewater, the capture of methane can be integrated into wastewater treatment systems. This can be achieved through the installation of anaerobic digesters or other technologies that promote methane capture during the treatment process.

5. Methane Hydrate Extraction: Methane hydrates, also known as methane clathrates, can be found in Arctic sediments. Developing technologies to extract and capture methane from these hydrates while minimizing environmental impact is an ongoing area of research. Methods such as depressurization, thermal stimulation, or carbon dioxide injection could be explored.

6. Remote Sensing and Monitoring: Implementing an advanced remote sensing and monitoring system can help identify methane emission hotspots and track changes over time. This data can inform targeted methane capture efforts, enabling efficient deployment of resources to areas with the highest emissions.

7. International Cooperation: Given the global nature of the methane issue, international cooperation is crucial. Collaborative efforts between countries, research institutions, and organizations can facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources, and technologies to develop effective methane capture strategies in the Arctic and permafrost regions.

It's important to note that the effectiveness and feasibility of these plans may vary based on factors such as the specific location, infrastructure availability, environmental impact assessments, and cost considerations. Implementing a combination of these approaches and continuously improving technologies can contribute to the successful capture and reduction of methane emissions in these critical areas.

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To capture methane from permafrost or Arctic coasts, here are some possible plans:

1. Monitoring and Early Detection: Implement a comprehensive monitoring system to detect methane release from permafrost or Arctic coasts. This could involve satellite observations, ground-based sensors, and aerial surveys to identify areas with higher methane concentrations.

2. Methane Capture and Utilization: Develop technologies to capture methane emissions and utilize it as an energy source. This can involve methods such as deploying methane recovery systems, installing collection infrastructure, and utilizing the captured methane for power generation or other productive uses.

3. Controlled Extraction: Design strategies for controlled extraction of methane from methane hydrates or shallow deposits. This can involve drilling techniques that minimize the release of methane into the atmosphere and maximize capture and containment.

4. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Explore the feasibility of applying carbon capture and storage technologies to capture methane emissions. This approach involves capturing methane at the source and storing it underground or using it for enhanced oil recovery.

5. Restoration and Conservation: Focus on protecting and restoring permafrost and coastal ecosystems to prevent the release of methane. This can involve measures such as re-vegetation, wetland conservation, and implementing land-use practices that minimize disturbance to these environments.

6. International Cooperation: Foster international collaboration and partnerships to address methane emissions from permafrost and Arctic coasts. This can involve sharing best practices, data, and resources, as well as coordinating efforts to mitigate methane emissions on a global scale.

7. Research and Development: Invest in research and development to advance technologies for methane capture, storage, and monitoring. This includes funding scientific studies, technological innovations, and pilot projects to improve our understanding and capabilities in addressing methane emissions.

It's important to note that the implementation of these plans would require interdisciplinary collaboration, adequate funding, and the involvement of governments, scientists, industry, and local communities to achieve effective methane capture and mitigate climate change impacts.

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What kinds of uses are methane good for including fuel, and agriculture uses. What other kinds of useful ways can you list for making methane productive.

Methane, the primary component of natural gas, has various uses beyond fuel and agriculture. Here are some productive applications of methane:

1. Fuel: Methane is widely used as a fuel source for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It is burned in power plants, industrial boilers, and residential appliances.

2. Transportation: Methane can be used as a vehicle fuel, either in its pure form (compressed natural gas or CNG) or blended with other fuels like diesel (compressed natural gas-diesel blend or CNG-diesel blend).

3. Industrial Processes: Methane serves as a feedstock in the production of numerous chemicals and materials, including hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, and various plastics. It is also used as a fuel in industrial processes such as glass and cement production.

4. Methane Hydrates: Methane hydrates are solid, ice-like structures that contain a significant amount of methane. Although they are still in the experimental stage, methane hydrates have the potential to serve as a future energy source.

5. Waste Management: Methane can be captured from landfills and wastewater treatment plants, where it is produced by the decomposition of organic matter. This captured methane, known as biogas, can be utilized as a renewable energy source for electricity and heat generation.

6. Renewable Natural Gas (RNG): RNG is a form of biogas that is upgraded to a quality similar to natural gas. It can be injected into existing natural gas pipelines, providing a renewable and sustainable source of methane for various applications.

7. Fuel Cells: Methane can be used as a feedstock in fuel cells, which generate electricity through a chemical reaction between methane and oxygen. Fuel cells are employed in portable power systems, vehicles, and stationary power generation.

8. Chemical Storage: Methane has the potential to be used as a storage medium for renewable energy. It can be generated through processes like electrolysis using excess renewable electricity and stored for later use or transportation.

9. Greenhouse Gas Management: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. By capturing methane emissions from various sources, such as oil and gas operations, livestock, and coal mines, it can be mitigated to reduce its impact on climate change.

It's important to note that while methane can be a valuable resource, it is also a significant contributor to global warming when released into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is crucial to minimize methane leaks and develop sustainable practices in its production and usage.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652621000974

Methane Oxygen Fuel Cells

How can Methane be used in agriculture? Can Bacteria, Methanotrophic, and Mycorrhizal fungi inoculants help increase yields and neutralize large amounts of methane? Outdoors, or in controlled environments?

Methane can be utilized in agriculture through a process known as anaerobic digestion, where organic matter such as manure, crop residues, and agricultural waste is broken down by bacteria in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas that contains methane. This biogas can then be used as a renewable energy source or converted into electricity and heat.

Regarding the use of bacteria, methanotrophic bacteria play a crucial role in mitigating methane emissions from agricultural sources. Methanotrophs are capable of metabolizing methane as their energy source and converting it into biomass. Introducing methanotrophic bacteria into agricultural systems can help reduce methane emissions by consuming and neutralizing the methane produced.

Similarly, mycorrhizal fungi can have a positive impact on agricultural productivity and methane emissions. These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and improving plant growth. By improving plant health and productivity, mycorrhizal fungi can indirectly contribute to reducing methane emissions by promoting more efficient use of resources and minimizing stress on plants.

Both methanotrophic bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi can be applied in controlled environments such as greenhouses or through field inoculation in outdoor agricultural settings. In controlled environments like greenhouses, it is possible to create optimal conditions for the growth and activity of these beneficial microorganisms. However, field inoculation can also be effective, although the success may vary depending on factors like soil conditions, crop types, and management practices.

It's important to note that while these microbial inoculants have the potential to contribute to increased yields and mitigate methane emissions, their effectiveness can depend on various factors, including specific crop types, environmental conditions, and the presence of other microorganisms in the soil. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with agricultural experts or researchers who specialize in microbial applications for specific crop systems and local conditions to ensure appropriate and effective use of these inoculants.

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In relation to the last question, can you tell me about methane uses in making plant fertilizer or other potential uses in agriculture? Then tell me about how Mycorrhizal fungi helps in plant growth and/ or nutrition. Then how the two might work together if they do?

 

Methane can be utilized in agriculture for the production of plant fertilizers through a process called methane oxidation. Methanotrophic bacteria, which are capable of metabolizing methane, can convert methane into biomass and excrete metabolic byproducts such as organic acids and enzymes. These byproducts can be utilized as biofertilizers to enhance plant growth and nutrient availability in agricultural systems. By harnessing methane and the metabolic potential of methanotrophic bacteria, sustainable and nutrient-rich fertilizers can be produced.

Now, let's delve into the role of mycorrhizal fungi in plant growth and nutrition. Mycorrhizal fungi form a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with plant roots. They colonize the root system and establish a network of fungal hyphae that extend into the soil, effectively increasing the root surface area available for nutrient uptake. In return, the fungi receive carbohydrates from the plant. This symbiotic association between mycorrhizal fungi and plants is called mycorrhiza.

Mycorrhizal fungi offer several benefits to plants:

1. Enhanced Nutrient Uptake: The extensive network of mycorrhizal hyphae improves the plant's ability to acquire nutrients, especially phosphorus and micronutrients, from the soil. The fungi can access nutrients in the soil that are otherwise less available to the plant, facilitating nutrient absorption.

2. Water Absorption and Drought Resistance: Mycorrhizal fungi can also improve water uptake by increasing the effective root surface area. This can enhance the plant's resilience to drought conditions and improve its water-use efficiency.

3. Disease Resistance: Some mycorrhizal fungi have the ability to suppress soil-borne pathogens by competing for resources or through the release of antifungal compounds. This can contribute to plant health and reduce the incidence of certain diseases.

The interaction between methane-utilizing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi in agriculture is an area of ongoing research. While there is limited direct evidence of their combined effects, it is plausible that their synergistic activities could enhance plant growth and nutrition

Methanotrophic bacteria can help to mitigate methane emissions, while mycorrhizal fungi improve nutrient uptake and overall plant health. The combined application of methane-utilizing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi could potentially contribute to improved nutrient cycling, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced plant growth, and increased crop yields. However, further research is needed to better understand the specific mechanisms and optimal application strategies for harnessing the potential synergy between these two components in agricultural systems.

 https://itsalmostspring.com/methane-and-the-climate-change-problem

After a few more questions for chatbot about climate and politics, I asked this question.

 

What do you think, with the information you have already been programmed with that would be the most effective way for people to get the government to implement serious action to address real effective solutions for the climate change problems?

As an AI language model, I am designed to provide information and answer questions based on the data and knowledge I have been trained on. From this perspective, there are various ways people can get the government to implement serious action to address climate change. Here are some effective ways:

1. Increase awareness: The more people are aware of the severity and urgency of the climate change issue, the more pressure they can put on the government to take action.

2. Communicate with policymakers: Writing to or meeting with elected officials to voice concerns and make suggestions for climate policy can be an effective way to influence government action.

3. Vote for climate-conscious candidates: Voting for political candidates who prioritize climate action is a critical way to ensure that the government implements effective solutions.

4. Support organizations working towards climate solutions: There are numerous organizations that advocate for climate action and work to push for policy changes. Supporting these organizations through donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness can help amplify their message and create more pressure on policymakers.

5. Adopt sustainable practices: By adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives, such as reducing energy consumption, using public transportation, and eating a plant-based diet, people can reduce their carbon footprint and create a collective push for climate action.

Overall, it is crucial to keep pushing for action on climate change from all fronts and to continue raising awareness of the urgency of the issue.

Can We Save the Climate and the Planet with a Continent Wide Water system? If We Start Now?

 Just a note for Fully Disclose about this article. I spent a few weeks asking questions on GPT. Questions about Climate Change, Organic, and Regenerative Agriculture. I was hoping it would get better at answering questions like I would. It got better and made less mistakes after a while. This is one question in Bold Italics with two responses from the AI Chatbot GPT. I did very few corrections to this answer.

What kind of a water system could be designed to control floods, and move water to wherever it is driest using siphons or bell siphons and/ or something like drilling tunnels through mountains? Ones that are similar to the systems for underground mining, or those used to build underground bases. Also moving water around with canals above ground, like a continent-wide system that helps prevent further depletion of water tables, helps reverse desertification, and slows global warming. Also using some of the Permaculture ideas about water. Adding in micro-hydroelectric and mini-hydroelectric generation at whatever scale, to minimize the amount of electricity from fossil fuel or other renewable sources. Adding in considerations for using small and medium ponds and dams, wetlands, wildlife, and other sensitive areas. And creating newly constructed wetlands to purify waters and remove toxins, before they contaminate water tables, reach the oceans and pollute coastal areas, and damage ecosystems.

A comprehensive water system designed to control floods and move water to wherever it is driest would require careful planning, engineering, and implementation. Here are some of the components that could be included in such a system:

1. Canals and pipelines: Canals and pipelines could be used to transport water from areas with high water levels to areas with low water levels. This could be done above ground, underground, or through tunnels drilled through mountains.

2. Siphons and bell siphons: Siphons and bell siphons are low-cost and low-tech solutions for moving water. They could be used to move water uphill or over long distances.

3. Small and medium ponds and dams: Small and medium ponds and dams could be used to store water and release it gradually during dry periods. These could also be used for micro-hydroelectric and mini-hydroelectric generation.

4. Wetlands: Wetlands are natural filters that can help purify water and remove toxins. Creating new wetlands could be an effective way to prevent water contamination and improve water quality.

5. Permaculture principles: Permaculture principles could be used to design the water system in a way that mimics natural ecosystems and maximizes water efficiency.

6. Wildlife and sensitive areas: Careful consideration would need to be given to protecting wildlife and sensitive areas during the construction and operation of the water system.

7. Climate change mitigation: The water system could be designed to help slow global warming by reducing the depletion of water tables, reversing desertification, and promoting the growth of vegetation.

Overall, a well-designed water system could have multiple benefits, including flood control, drought mitigation, water conservation, renewable energy generation, and environmental protection. However, the implementation of such a system would require significant resources and expertise, as well as careful consideration of potential environmental and social impacts.

------------------------------------

Regenerated response

There are several possible water systems that could be designed to control floods and move water to areas that need it most, using a combination of techniques you mentioned. Here are some possible components of such a system:

1. Siphons and Bell Siphons: These can be used to move water from higher elevations to lower ones, or to control the flow of water in channels. For example, a bell siphon could be used to regulate the water level in a pond or wetland.

2. Tunnels: Tunnels could be drilled through mountains or other obstacles to move water from one watershed to another. This would require significant engineering and construction expertise, but could be an effective way to transport water over long distances.

3. Canals: Above-ground canals could be constructed to move water from one location to another. This could involve digging channels and lining them with concrete or other materials to prevent leaks and erosion.

4. Micro and Mini-Hydroelectric Power: Water flowing through canals or other channels could be used to generate electricity, which could be used to power the system and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

5. Ponds and Dams: Small and medium-sized ponds and dams could be used to capture and store water for later use. This could be especially useful in areas where rainfall is sporadic or unreliable.

6. Wetlands: Constructed wetlands could be used to purify water and remove toxins before it reaches water tables or other sensitive areas. Wetlands also provide important habitat for wildlife and help control erosion.

7. Permaculture Design: Using permaculture principles, the system could be designed to maximize the use of natural resources and minimize waste. This could involve using water-efficient crops, composting organic waste, and designing the system to be as self-sustaining as possible.

Overall, a comprehensive water management system would require significant planning, engineering, and investment, but could have many benefits, including reducing the risk of floods, reversing desertification, and promoting sustainable agriculture and economic development.

This year we are not accepting any excuses, only changed behavior.

 

Some of the Biggest Problems are Political when it comes to the Climate. Corruption and Greed from much of corrupt corporations and Republican politicians slow many of the simple solutions to stop or slow Climate change.

Considering that some of the giant dams and lakes in the southwest have been running very low on water in recent years, how would you answer the following inquiry? What kind of a water system could be designed to control floods, and move water to wherever it is driest using siphons and/ or something like drilling tunnels through mountains? Ones that are similar to the systems for underground mining, or those used to build underground bases. Also moving water around with canals above ground, like a continent-wide system to help prevent further depletion of water tables, help reverse desertification, and slow global warming. Also using some of the Permaculture ideas about water. Adding in micro-hydroelectric and mini-hydroelectric generation at whatever scale, to minimize the amount of electricity from fossil fuel or other renewable sources. Adding in considerations for using small and medium ponds and dams, wetlands, wildlife, and other sensitive areas. And creating newly constructed wetlands to purify waters and remove toxins, before they contaminate water tables, reach the oceans and pollute coastal areas, and damage ecosystems.

Designing a water system to control floods and move water to areas with drought involves a complex set of factors that need to be considered. While siphons and tunnels through mountains are viable solutions, they are costly and may not be feasible in all locations. Additionally, the design needs to be environmentally sustainable, socially acceptable, and economically feasible.

One option to consider is a combination of above and below-ground infrastructure. A continent-wide system of canals could help prevent further depletion of water tables and reverse desertification, while also slowing global warming. These canals could be complemented by underground pipelines and tunnels, which could help transport water over long distances and reduce evaporation losses.

Permaculture ideas about water, such as using small and medium ponds and dams, wetlands, and other sensitive areas, could also be incorporated into the design. Additionally, micro-hydroelectric and mini-hydroelectric generation could be added at whatever scale possible to minimize the amount of electricity from fossil fuel or other renewable sources.

However, it is important to consider the ecological impact of these designs. Newly constructed wetlands could purify waters and remove toxins, but they must be carefully planned to avoid damaging existing ecosystems. Wildlife habitats must also be considered in the design to minimize the impact of the project on animal species.

Finally, the social and economic aspects of the project must also be taken into account. Community participation and consultation is necessary to ensure that the project meets the needs of the people it serves. The costs of the project and its potential economic benefits must also be carefully evaluated to determine its feasibility.

In conclusion, designing a water system to control floods and move water to areas with drought requires a comprehensive and sustainable approach that considers environmental, social, and economic factors. While siphons and tunnels through mountains are possible solutions, they must be complemented by above-ground infrastructure and ecological considerations to ensure their sustainability.

Alan Savory; Deregulation, Neoliberal Economics and Monopoly Do Not Work!

 

 

I was listening to a podcast of an interview with Alan Savory who is one of the people behind the movement to reverse desertification and climate change using managed herds of grazing animals. Managing them in a way that results in a better grazing situation if done well. If we would like to have the USA be a better country we will have to manage it better. It is up to all of us. Democracy is not a spectator sport. We have to have representatives that are responsible to the people they are supposed to represent. It's up to we the people to set this straight. Contact your representatives. Get active.

Many of the political, business, and social problems in our society are a result of a lack of actively managing the situations and problems in our country. It is the responsibility of Congress Article 1 Section 8 to regulate. Since the beginning of deregulation in the early 80s under Ronald Reagan, the controls on monopoly, the Saving and Loan Scandal, the Black Monday event in the stock markets. Then the consolidation of the media and money in media ownership have created one disaster after another. Then the removal of the Glass-Stegal act by the republicans and Clinton in the 90s, along with the NAFTA agreements, made the whole situation worse except for a few very rich people and corporations. The economy and society have become much more unstable, or outright volatile, the dot.com bomb, the mortgage banking crash of 08, the housing crises, the Crypto disasters, etc, etc. The lie of deregulation being good for the economy or people, pushed since the Reagan administration is just a plain old disaster.

Noe-Liberal economics is now thoroughly discredited. Offshoring jobs and production just created more inequality and damaged the stability of society in America.

It is the responsibility of Congress to regulate according to Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution of the United States

The tide has turned and spring is coming. End the Republican party.

     There are not many people in the republican party that I would ever consider supporting, but here is one. Richard Painter is the former White House ethics lawyer from the first Bush Daddy Administration. 

 

    This is the first thing I noticed at the top of his campaign web sight. Really common sense for someone running as a GOP candidate. Where all I hear is the #BIGLIE stuff from regular rethuglican leadership

Ethics.
Environment.
Healthcare.
Farmers and
Small Businesses

 Sounds like he is running for the green Party. Looks like the #Bernie campaign did have a good influence on people with morals and ethics.

I have not even thought about supporting a republican since the time back in the days when John McCain was running back in the nineties. 

Too bad there are not a lot more of these type of old school Republicans who have some real morals or ethics willing to run.   My moms family were almost all Democratic Party supporters. Both of my parents were old school republicans like this. My dad worked for the military industrial complex and my mom taught business and ran her own business. Their involvement in politics was almost all at the local level, back before the press was bought by hedge funds and giant corporation, and all the local papers and independent TV, and radio stations were swallowed up. So just a thought, either the GOP has to join the dust bin of history or there have to be more people like Richard Painter to run on the GOP tickets around the country. Well anyway that's just a thought for today.  BB

How to take back your Power. Listen to this and help out your local Democratic Party

 The Corporations in America and around the world, are working to put the Finishing touches on a complete takeovers of the Economy. Here is a good place to start. Most of the state legislatures are in session this time of year. A simple way to start taking back our government from the corrupting influence of big money in our capitals.

This is the Ralph Nader Radio Hour in Podcast. Check it Out and do something. Also many of the local and county Democratic Parties are looking for people to fill elected and volunteer positions for the election this fall 2022. Run for something.  ;-)

One year ago today. #January6th, #CoupDeTat, #StoptheSteal #TheBigLie #NPR

 

A year ago today, I was sitting here in front of the computer, a nice view of trees out of the window. I had the radio on to KUAR the Little Rock NPR affiliate to get some local weather and news when the radio interrupted the regular show. They cut to a clip from Washington about events at the Capital Rotunda. An attack on the Capital, that started with a “Stop the Steal Rally”. People were swarming the Capital from the rally. The President told his supporters to walk down the Capital. He said “I will be there with you”, but he wasn't.

NPR, January 6^th.

I had been lulled into a calm state of mind, I thought the lies and law suits that all failed, were over. Just the Certificating of the electoral college vote was left. Boy howdy was I wrong! By that night the attack was over at the Capitol. I breathed a sigh of relief. Little did I know that the slide to a corrupted one party system was already being planed by Republican leadership in many of the state capitals around the country. The Big Lie Continues, NPR.

It has become clear that Democracy is not a product, it is a process.

Like Ben Franklin said after the Constitutional Convention. “A Republic, if You can keep it.”

Run for a local office, Democracy is not a spectator sport. Run for Something. Support local Candidates that support Democracy. Organize locally. Democracy is not a spectator sport. Tag, You’re it.

#January6th, #CoupDeTat, #StoptheSteal #TheBigLie #NPR

The Oligarchy of unlimited Bribery. #Joe Manchin and #Kyrsten Sinema

 

 

It has become Clear that the Corporations have bought, and own the Elected and Appointed officials at many levels of our Government in the United States. As Jimmy Carter Called it, “An Oligarchy of Unlimited Political Bribery”.

Exxon-Mobile has stated publicly that they have Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema in their pocket . We can safely assume that they own all of the Republican party in federal positions in Washington DC. We can also assume that there are many other Democrats including Chris Coons and John Tester who have sold out in DC as well.

Check out opensecrets.org and see what your elected officials are reporting. This does not cover any of the vast amounts the Black Money that does not have to be reported from the 501-c-4 organizations or Super PACs. They have totally run amok since the 2010 decision of the Supreme Court called Citizens United which said money is speech. Now the majority of the Supreme Court is controlled and bought by the Corporate Fascists. This is so bizarre. Anyone with any common sense knows that money is money and speech is speech and never the twain shall meet.

There is now one party is actively acting to end democracy, and traitors to the Republic and their Oath of Office. The Republicans who have sold the birthright of a nation for a bowl of soup. Who have called January Sixth a regular tourist day. It was not. Who still push the ‘Big Lie’ every day. There are some so called Democrats that are actively aiding and abetting the traitors.

The First Article in Amendment to the US constitution says nothing about Money. It Very clearly covers the Five Freedoms related to Speech. It only applies to People, not Corporations. Only “We The People”,

All things People do, Worship, speech, a free Press or however you communicate today, the right to assembly which was the way to communicate back then before phones. The right to Petition for a redress of Grievances, that is to sue the government if needed. Or as it is also now used to push elected officials into doing the right thing via petition.

It is very clear that the Founders never intended to grant any special rights to the artificial organizations like this. They even went so far as to start a war over the power of a corporation. The British Corporation; The East India Company. The one that was shipping Tea and Opium into America, and famous for the Boston Tea Party. It is now looking like We could be at the edge of a new civil war in our country. It happened before in our country and its time to work to make sure this does not have to happen again. What can we do in defense of democracy.

It looks that We The People may have to Make a New Declaration of Independence from a new kind of Tyranny. The Tyranny of Dark Money and the The Oligarchy of Unlimited Bribery, Monopoly and corruption. It looks as if the Oligarchy is more interested in their money and power than they are interested in the people of America. That is the people who actually do the work that makes their insane amounts of wealth and greed possible. They are more interested in power and control than taking care of the planet or the environment and our common biosphere that we all must depend on to live.

I hope these people come to their senses before it is to late.

The National Chamber of Commerce has said they will donate to Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema since they Voted to stop the 15$ Hour Minimum Wage.

Joe Manchin used to be part of the Koch Brothers networks that have perverted much of the legitimate functions of our Government. The ones that Buy and Sell elected and appointed officials like a kid in a candy store. I presume Joe still is owned, even if it is not so openly as it used to be. More like a Mole now, than to representative for People in West Virginia.

Let your Congressional Representatives and Senators know about this and that it is time for this to end now. It is time for a truly open and honest discussion about corruption, and the open sale of politicians and our government, the elephant in the room. That our governments have been bought by big money and corruption. We Must have an open, transparent and honest government that includes all voices in elections. To raise generations of young people and tell them the long winded story about freedom and democracy in the form of revisionist history, and then say “aww tricks this doesn't include you!” is very very dangerous. The climate is already burning. Last summer the US. was burning, and looked so much like 1968-69, after the George Floyd murder.

Are you ready for a figurative kicking and scratching match? Ready to pledge you life, your time, your skills, your sacred honor, to save the vision of a more perfect union? To save the Planet?

Washington Switch Board.

(202) 224-3121

Nuclear is not Clean or Green. Ten year since the Fukushima Nuclear Meltdown disaster

 

Nuclear is not Clean or Green.

Nuclear Truth. Lairs for Hire.

Ten year since the Fukushima Nuclear Meltdown disaster, and One year since the Deceleration of the Covid 19 Pandemic by WHO.

My Dad was in the Air Force in the World War Two time. He was trained as a paratrooper. He was one of the people that was to be part of the first wave of the assault on Japan. Because of the Bombs that never happened. It never happened because of the bombs, Little Boy and Fat Man. The first and so far only Nuclear Bombs used in a War on our planet.

After the war he was stationed in New Mexico, at Kirkland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. That was where he met my mother. Later He worked at the Sandia National Labs. His specialty was Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

The Government would send him to other places sometimes. He worked at Los Alamos once in a while. It was only about seventy five miles away if you go through Santa Fe. Once in a while they would send him to Lawrence Livermore in California, but not very often. I remember when we would go to the airport, so that he could go to Area 51 or to the test range at Tonapah (Shishone Reservation) where they tested nuclear bombs in Nevada. That was in the days before the Government used to Lie about the existence of Area 51. I guess they had no reason to hide the truth back then, or it didn’t matter.

I know that he got Nuked in his work, but not sure where. His regular work was at Area 5 in the Sandia Labs. There was one of those lead glass windows that was like half of a foot thick and very yellow to stop the radiation in the test reactor. It was straight back from the entrance to the lab office. There were a couple of those mechanical arms with controls to move stuff around inside the radioactive area. It had Rows of those banks of magnetic tape type of memory machines, for the computers off to the right. There were four rows of those tape machines. There was a couple of those type of punch card machines sitting back to back to put new information into the computers. They were sitting between the reactor and the rows of tape memory machines. Most people did not understand how bad the dangers of nuclear contamination was back then.

We got to got to go there on family days at the laboratories. It seemed super cool to me back in the early Nineteen Sixties. There was a Rocket Sled out back of the area five laboratory. They would use it to test newly designed parts to see how they worked, or to see if it would stand enough G-Force. It was set on a thing like a train track and had a big long trough full of water out at the end to slow it down. There was a giant pile of sand out past the end, I guess to stop it if it didn’t slow down enough in the water trough.

I didn’t know at that time that my dad had been nuked. A friend of my dad that worked with him, in the laboratories had a son that was born with some serious deformities about that time. He was a pretty cool kid. They lived just down the street from us. I remember playing with him. He just walked real funny and his limbs were real short and not shaped right. It really scared my dad. My little sister had been born not long before that time. I used to bug my parents, and my mom. I would tell her that I wanted a little brother. I would tell my mom that its not fair that my big sister got a little sister. I didn’t understand why my dad didn’t want to have any more kids. So as a result, I never got to have a little brother.

I had a Physics Professor at UNM, named Charles Hyder, who was one of the members of Physicists against nuclear, and for social responsibility. I did not realize at that time that he was so opposed to Nuclear. He eventually did what was the longest protest and Fast on the Steps of the Capital Building in Washington DC.

The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, in the middle of dealing with the Covid 19 Disasters have renewed their call for the end to Nuclear Weapons in any form. They consider Nuclear Weapons, and the possibility of the use of these weapons to be incredibly worse than this current disaster from this pandemic.

Most people do not know that the worst Nuclear disaster in the US was not Three Mile Island.

I was living in New Mexico at the time of the Tailings spill from the United Nuclear Corporation Church Rock uranium Mill Processing Plant. This poisoned the Rio Puerco River for over eighty miles. Polluted the water tables in the area, and contaminated the lands and the Navajo Nation all the way past the Arizona border. This was not far from where our current Secretary of the Interior is from, at Laguna Pueblo. They were not prepared for this kind of accident. The spill eventually contaminated the Navajo lands and other areas south and east of there and much farther.

There was some Government housing constructed in one of the smaller Laguna pueblos called Puyte in the Laguna area. The construction people did not realize how contaminated the area was. The amounts of radon were found to be so high latter after they were already built that the Government had them torn down.

There are many other places in New Mexico that are very contaminated. The whole area around the JackPile mine near Grants. Some of the older uranium digs that were from the World War Two time outside of Grants New Mexico. The area of Shiprock in the Four Corners. The messes from accidents or just normal operations at Los Alamos. The areas near Sandia Labs. Many places where mining was done to be removed to processing areas. Areas that were not productive enough to continue mining, but never cleaned up or never cleaned up properly. That is, if it is actually possibly to clean up uranium or other kind of radioactive material properly.

Fukushima. The Storage Facilities at the Fukushima reactors have run out of space for storage of nuclear contaminated water and Tepco is now getting ready to dump over flow contaminated Water from cooling the Reactors into the Pacific Ocean.

THE BEST WAY FORWARD IS TO SEE THE INSANITY OF THE PAST, AND CHOOSE BETTER. #GreenNewDeal

 

ON REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND A GREEN NEW DEAL

Just a Note to Start. when writing a business plan, the first thing to do is to lay out a worse case scenario. Then the plan, and then a detail of goals, short range and long range goals. If we do not face the absolute possibility of worst case scenarios, in relation to the ongoing climate disaster, we stand to continue down the worst path forward  . It will take everyone we can get to take part in repairing our planet, our society, and our economy. Hit the subscribe button, and introduce your self in the comments below.

       In these unprecedented times of pandemic and rapid climate destabilization, it is clear that we must change our way of dealing with questions around agriculture, commerce, economics, and government, proactively implementing remedies.                       We Must have a new story, a story of where we must go to save our planet from what is the existential threat or our time. Return our planet to Balance. We can remove all the carbon from the atmosphere, we just have to return to natural forms of agriculture soon!

    Business as usual just absolutely will not cut it any more. The corporatism agenda of profit at any cost, or the specious supreme court decisions about the responsibility of corporations to profit for shareholders is insane, and is a dead end insanity.

    Reaganomics and Neo-liberal economics must be stabbed in the heart once and for all. The privatization of legitimate functions of government, and the natural monopolies of public utility's, must be publicly held by state or local entities, or fashioned in the form of local cooperatives.

    The lack of consideration of long term consequences for short term gain, have brought us to the brink of planetary wide extinction. It is not to late to do it right. We know what does and does not work, but short sited remedies like nuclear power or giant Hydroelectric bring large downside problems of there own. If we continue to do quick fix, at the expense of long term solutions, we will create more long term problems. If we continue to do giant projects, instead of local and decentralized solutions, to problems we have created ourselves, we just create more long term problems. Simple systems analysis and common sense should be enough to show us the errors of our ways.

    This includes economic, environmental and socioeconomic problems. The climate justice movement is just a reflection of the lack of foresight in our extractive and abusive economic forms of capitalist economic systems. Not that the other forms of economic systems used widely on the planet do not have some of there own drawbacks, but that is a longer discussion than I can get side tracked into here.

    The Biden Climate plan is light years ahead of anything presented or attempted by any previous administration in our country.

Even though Joe Biden did not like to use the phrase “Green New Deal” during the election process, the selection of Gina McCarthy former head at NRDC and Ali Zaidi to lead the new office of Climate Mobilization shows that he is serious.

    Dealing with questions of the environmental reality around a looming climate disaster is a good start. We have heard most of the problems, it is time to focus on, and implement solutions.

    We must green the economy while restarting it. Creating many millions of good next generation jobs, and creating fully integrated infrastructure projects, and tens of thousands of jobs for almost every kind of engineer, architect, and construction engineers and designers. Millions of other jobs in everything from R&D for new types of environmentally friendly construction materials, material science, production and supply, manufacturing and construction, installation and maintenance for this project and much more.

    The logistics of a project of this caliber will require the involvement of every local, county, and state government. The federal government and all of the many agencies must be fully on board to accomplish this in a timely fashion.

    Solar and wind are already partially underway. Wind and solar are best local and widely distributed. This will lessen loses from transporting electricity long distances.

    Harden the electric grids in case of solar flair or EMP. This is now more important with the magnetic poles starting to move or shift, and the possibility of terrorism. In a mostly electric economy this must be considered of utmost importance.

    At the same time, a Continent wide water system, small bypass systems with an integrated state of the art Micro-hydro electric generation (1) and water distribution system. Overshot wheels and Pelton turbine style for some conditions. Producing enough electricity to get off of fossil fuels and at the same time refill water tables continent wide. Some of these must be designed as a two way system for flood control, pumping water to the driest parts of the area or country, while it is flooding in another. Much of this should be automated or computerized, with information links to NOAA and the National Weather Service.

    We must have small bypass systems and ponds, with hundreds or thousands of Micro-hydro systems in every county, and tens or hundreds of thousands in every state. Refilling water tables will slow the speed of sea level rise for a short time while being refilled, and make more water available for landscaping, agriculture, and more trees to help remove carbon from our air.

    Hydrodynamics. Refilling the water tables, using Ram pumps, Archimedes pumps, or siphon systems, and gravity feed systems.

    We have seen how destructive and problematic the giant dams and hydroelectric projects are worldwide. This includes the Americas, the giant projects of the Desert Southwest like Hoover dam and Lake Meade or Elephant Butte, and the South American disasters. In Africa like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance or the High Aswan, and the near east or the Three Rivers project in China. Large Hydro is not a solution, it is very destructive of ecosystems and biodiversity. With the climate being so much warmer the air holds so much more water. Flooding is now much more prevalent and will get much worse before it gets better. The possible damage of a dam breach from giant dams are so disastrous, even if not just above a large city, it must be considered.

    Doing this ASAP is very important, so we have plenty of energy for the rest of the climate restoration projects which will be very energy intensive to complete, but without using massive amounts of carbon fossil fuels.

    Reestablishing watersheds in urban and suburban environments. Dual parallel water systems installed in all areas that are in need of water systems upgrades.

    It makes no sense to put water that is full of Chlorine or Florine on a garden or landscapes. Chlorine and Florine are toxins that should not be in water for people, pets, livestock or household use. New water purification methods must be used. There are plenty of alternative systems for purifying water without adding toxins. Ozone, UV, or other systems for purifying water for food and household or industrial use, and making it safe must be used.

    At the same time a parallel system to bring clean water for lawns or gardens and landscaping that are free of these terrible toxins and of the quality for agricultural and other outside use.

    Developing household and urban rainwater catchment systems like Los Angeles has done.

    Complete a High Speed Rail system from coast to coast, and north to south. Continent wide high efficiency, high speed rail systems. Local light rail and trolley systems in all larger Metro areas.

    If Republican Governors do not want to do it, put elevated rail along all the interstates highways anyway to start with. This will avoid delays and also help deal with right of way problems, as well as avoiding the destruction of more natural habitats to build these infrastructure projects. There are already many wide easements along interstate highways, and in cities or other areas that will be sufficient for elevated light rails or local electric trolley systems.

    Charging stations along all major highways for electric cars, motorcycles and motorized tricycles or other electric machines.

    The adaptation of food production that is not ecologically destructive. Sustainable, Organic, Permaculture and Biodynamic agriculture systems. Rotational grazing systems that replenish the soils. Carbon Capturing, soil health reestablishing types of agriculture, which if done well, soil holds massive amounts of carbon.

    Establishing worker owned community food and farm Co-Ops to provide local food security. Create community gardens in every neighborhood, preferably near to or in all the schools. The ethic of care for environment and real food must be established while our children are still young and healthy.

    Hemp. Hemp was historically a major industrial product. This should be legalized fully in every state and planted in large acreage plots for food, fodder, medicine, oils, diesel, bioethanol/methanol, and Hempcrete as well as in biodegradable plastics. This plant is also one of the very best ways to quickly grow large amounts of biomass for restoration of depleted soil.

    Working with nature, wildlife and the laws of nature. Addressing the problems of Biodiversity and extinctions. Beavers are natural dam builders and an important part of the natural ecosystems. Just like the reintroduction of the Wolf in the Mountain West were so important to the health of the riparian ecosystems.

    Strategically manage Natural and constructed wetlands where necessary to purify water before it gets to the major rivers or oceans, and spreads more pollution or contamination. Purifying all water before its entering into the oceans. Removing plastic and other contaminants.

    This is so important to implement, both for flood control as the climate becomes more unstable, and for reestablishing healthy hydrated ecosystems for sequestration of carbon, for reclaiming the desert west, and other damaged ecosystems continent wide.

    We must consider abolishing production of all petrochemical plastic. The oceans will in the next year or two have as much plastic as there are fish. Types of biodegradable plastic are available, but even these must be considered mostly unnecessary, and especially if not reusable. There are plenty of alternatives to plastic.

    In the light of recent disasters in relation to rapid climate changes, disastrous fires in the western US in recent years and this summer (2020) the importance of implementing these kind of upgrades to our infrastructure and paradigm have become clear.

    It is the responsibility and duty of all jurisdictions and all people to be the good stewards of the land and water just as it is the joint responsibility of all to take care of our common ecosystem, our planet earth.

    This is not a solution, but must be addressed. The issues around Water Rights have been twisted by recent Supreme Court decisions, Reynolds v El Paso and Sporhase v. Nebraska and must be revisited in law, or addressed directly by congress. Water is a part of the natural commons, and ownership of water is a legal fiction, and not an article of commerce as professed by the US Supreme court. Ownership of water is a legal fiction by state or person.

    The lie of Free Trade and issues of water, are just more corporate grabs for control of the commons for profit. This must end. The question must be asked, where in the US Constitution is any mention of authority to regulate water ownership? Water was never an article of commerce. Water rights are a part of the commons, in common law and ancient traditions.

But I digress.

    Moving quickly towards Restorative and Regenerative farming, more local sustainably farmed. The end of (CAFO) style Concentrated food operations. Parity and price support for organic, Permaculture and sustainable regenerative agriculture. Institution of rotational grazing and managed free range systems for heard farming and ranching that produce much less methane and sequester more carbon. local food (policy) council networks.

    In America the military is the number one user of the most petroleum, the number two user is commercial agriculture.

    End subsidies to agribusiness in a phase out, to allow time to change to regenerative and sustainable forms. Agriculture in the style of war destroys soil, water and the health of the people, livestock and wildlife. Subsidies of destructive types of agriculture, cost much more than just the subsidies. The excess release of carbon, lose of top soil, water pollution, and destruction of the general health of our people, are just some of the off balance sheet costs of continuing to fund and subsidize destructive methods of agriculture.

    Stop the use of agricultural Biocides and toxins. These Herbicides, Fungicides, Insecticides, are destroying the soil, the oceans, the health of our people, and especially our younger generations. This Biocides are also partly responsible for the disappearance of the insects and birds that are so important in natural types agriculture.

    Allowing Agribusiness to force other countries and parts of the world into using Eco-destructive farming is unethical and amoral, this most be stopped. This includes supporting destruction of tropical or temperate forest lands for many international agribusiness production. International transportation of foods also move non native pests to new areas. The large amounts of rain across Africa and the middle east have brought on locust plagues of Biblical proportion, and the possibility of more widespread famine.

    This project will take massive amounts of materials. Support of new and better, more environmentally friendly construction products and systems are a paramount consideration. There are excellent new forms of Eco-Concrete. Hempcrete and other types of alternative materials, research and Development, and production must be funded and implemented as quickly as can be prioritized.

    Hydrogen and BioGas. Hydrogen is totally clean and easy by splitting water. BioGas from and for agriculture, municipal sewer waste, etc.

Change of the paradigm to a win-win point of view. 

This was the Garden of Eden, and it can be again.

    Food for people and not for profit, not to feed agribusiness, a broken capitalist system, insurance or Disaster Capitalism, greedy corporations or a usury banking system. Art 1 sec. Eight US Constitution, it is the responsibility of congress to regulate money…not private banks. Profit for the sake of profit in this situation is Immoral and unethical. This will end, one way or another.

    Methane is out gassing from the permafrost and along the arctic coasts. Setting up capture systems to stop methane from escaping into the atmosphere, and also acidifying the oceans, collect the methane for use as energy or agriculture uses. Methane is a very important problem that must be dealt with as timely as possible.

    Environmental Remediation. There have been many kinds of environmental pollutants that are related to the fossil fuel and petrochemical pollutants that can be in part or as a whole remediated by natural and Mycological processes. This is the guy who knows about as much as almost anyone on the planet about these kinds of issues; Paul Stamets at the Fungi Perfecti. Removing these toxins from the environment will save at least as much as it costs to get rid of them on the back end, in medical and health costs to our populations, more pollution of water tables, and general environmental degradation.

    The issue of remedies for dealing with nuclear and nuclear waste must be addressed. The end of nuclear must be brought about soon, before there are more accidents like Fukushima, Chernobal or Three Mile Island. The Biden plan to promote a new generation of Smaller Modular Reactors must be considered misguided at best. It is time to get beyond Nuclear once and for all. This must include nuclear for weapons of war as well. We already have the best nuclear reactor powering the planet and weather. It is called the Sun.

    Even if we have totally safe types of reactors, which we do not, to create more nuclear power, to create more nuclear waste is insane. This must not happen. We have not come up with ways to safely store or get ride of this toxic waste that is deadly for thousands or tens of thousands of years. Other waste sites around the country have showed many problems. YuccaMountain Nevada and the WIPP plant in New Mexico are not safe for this extreme length of time. The Fukushima disaster has run out of space at the site to store contaminated cooling water, and are now talking about dumping in the ocean, if not already started. This is a disaster of international proportion. Nuclear contamination of the Oceans will have far reaching effects beyond anything as yet imagined. Destruction of the food chain in the oceans, will badly reduce the ability life cycles in the oceans to recycle oxygen.

    To think we can violate the laws of nature and natures god and not suffer the consequences sooner or later is beyond insane. Nuclear is something that has the potential to make our planet into a complete wasteland. We have enough nuclear material out of the ground for medical uses to last hundreds of thousands of years. There are much better ways to accomplish these things now anyway. The use of deadly weapons technology to boil water just to make electricity, when there are much more beneficial ways with much less down side, make no sense.

    This is to say nothing of the massive areas of the western US or around the world contaminated by Uranium Mining or processing.

Footnote

(1) This is not an American company. The US and Americas must develop and upgrade this technology and manufacturing, and processes. Deploying quickly. These have a dump load built in some of them. Dump load should be put into the grid and used for agriculture, manufacturing, and moving water to the driest areas of the continent, depending on the season and conditions. These are excellent for off grid use in isolated areas away from grid power.

Please share the everyone. Use copy, adapt, or rewrite for anything you want to that is important to you. #GreenNewDeal

    Check out this interview, He is the grass farmer featured in the Michael Pollen Book “Omnivors Dilemma” World Changer Interview Series - Nicholas Burtner Interviews Joel Salatin

    Please hit the subscribe button, so we can stay in touch. This is a big project and now is the time to make a real change. times of disaster are times of great opportunity. 

Check out this interview, This is the grass farmer featured in the Michael Pollen Book “Omnivores Dilemma” World Changer Interview Series - Nicholas Burtner Interviews Joel Salatin