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Three Challenges Defining Social-Political Sustainability
The subtle difference between pure social development and social-political sustainability is very central to the pursuit of sustainable development. Just as economic development accomplishes little if the achievements heralded are unsustainable, so too must social enrichment go hand in hand with a concerted effort to ensure its persistent viability.
Open, contested political arenas offer the only means to this end-arenas that are contested by you. These three phenomena endanger the sustainability of our social-political processes; they beg our devoted attention.
Solar Energy Costs and Economic Impact
According to a global price survey, solar energy prices have declined an average of 4% per year for the past 10 to 15 years. There is a progressive increase in conversion efficiencies of cells, and manufacturing economies of scale are the underlying drivers of this price decrease. The Solarbuzz Global Price survey clearly indicates that prices have consistently declined for over the last two years. A detailed analysis of the worldwide photovoltaic market is present in on the the leading industry reports, the Market Buzz 2009. A residential solar energy system typically costs about $8-10 per Watt in 2009. When government incentive programs exist, and coupled with with lower prices secured through volume purchases, installed costs for solar panels can become as low as $3-4 watt – or some 10-12 cents per kilowatt hour can be achieved. Without incentive programs, solar energy costs range between 22-40 cents/kWh for very large PV systems.
Another system being used for large power stations is the concentrating solar power (CSP) technology, this is a large array of mirrors or lenses that are focused to either produce heat, or directed towards PV systems. These are built at a cost of $2-$4 per Watt. Some estimate that these types of solar arrays can produce 25% of the world’s energy needs by 2050. It is expected that the cost of CSP can become as low as 6-7 cents per kwH, as low as conventional energy production. The CSP industry is growing quickly in Spain and the United States, and the SEPA is tracking over 5,000 MW of new project announcements that are slated for development until 2015. Not all of them will be built; permitting, financing, technology and other factors need to fall into place first but the industry is poised for rapid growth regardless of any individual project’s outcome.
Surviving a Riot After a Heated Political Election
The political unrest in the United States during the present period is significant, and as usual all Americans are told that they have a choice, between the lesser of two evils. Many are tired of such choices but others are “all in” and backing the candidate of their choice. Thus, the outcome of the election will mean a major change in power and direction for our great nation.
But, what if some of the fringe supports are emboldened by a win of a certain candidate or what if they protest if that candidate loses. We have often seen racially charged riots during major decisions in the past. Could this happen in a close US Election? Unfortunately, the answer is yes and let me explain why?