big data
There’s a reason we call today’s plethora of information “big data.” With almost every action and transaction we engage in leaving a digital trail, we’re generating an unprecedented amount of data – 2.5 quintillion bytes’ worth – every day. If that doesn’t compute, think about it this
information technology
We’ve all heard the stats about the explosion of social media users. One-billion-plus on Facebook. One hundred seventy-five million Tweets a day. An expected 5 billion professional searches on LinkedIn in 2012. But that’s all mostly for Justin Bieber fans, politics junkies, people who like to exchange snark
innovation
Modern society would grind to a very unpleasant halt without energy … we all know that. Outside of the “usual suspects,” though — oil, coal, natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and hydro — are there any other energy sources we can turn to? It turns out there are options. Whether they’re practical,
solar
Grand solar energy plans — such as turning the Sahara or the Mojave into giant, clean power plants — are good at grabbing big headlines and big investments. But, for hundreds of millions of people around the world, the energy revolution lies with small-scale solar. Affordable, off-the-grid, renewable energy could help deliver
water
What are the key takeaways from the World Economic Forum’s latest report on energy? One, global energy demand is showing no signs of slowing down, despite “peak driving” having arrived already in the US and Europe. Two, if we’re going to ease energy poverty for the large chunk
cities
For some cities, the issue of going “green” is becoming less important than going “resilient.” Officials in New York City – a municipality already well known for many green initiatives – are putting a new emphasis on becoming more storm-resistant since Hurricane Sandy caused billions in damage this past October. New strategies
efficiency
Energy efficiency is a strange “fuel.” You don’t get a monthly efficiency bill like you would for, say, heating oil or natural gas. But efficiency — or the lack of it — can have as big an impact on your bottom line as what you shell out for every kilowatt-hour or
cities
More people today live in cities than in rural areas … a first in human history. The question is: is this a good thing or a bad thing for sustainability? Past studies have suggested that compact urban living is more efficient, with a lower overall environmental footprint, than country living. At
automation
The Singularity is coming. Or is it the Terminator? Or maybe, at long last, we’re on our way to Jetsons-style, automation, where Rosie the Robot handles all the drudgery, freeing up humans to enjoy the good and easy life. It’s hard lately not to notice the proliferation of
agriculture
What’s the greatest challenge to growing enough food to feed 7 billion – or even, eventually, 9 billion or more – people? The first problem is the question itself. There is no one challenge to overcome, but multiple challenges: for example, improving yields where it’s needed most, dramatically cutting food
waste
We use oil to make plastics. So, in theory, couldn’t we break down used plastic back into its components and get oil back out again? Yes. And the idea isn’t just theoretical. A number of companies (as well as some innovative individuals) are already using different versions of
transport
Energy – not even fossil-fuel energy – isn’t in short supply for the short-term future, globally speaking. Liquid fuel for transport, on the other hand, is a concern. And it’s hard to imagine a global economy functioning for long without transport. Could algae ultimately provide the solution other biofuels (corn