[extropy-chat] Forbes Magazine on Robotics

[Keith Henson]

At 04:38 PM 8/20/2006 -0400, Martin wrote:
>On 8/20/06, Keith Henson <hkhenson at rogers.com> wrote:

snip

> > The potential for wind energy, for example, isn't large enough.
>
>High altitude wind power is sufficient to supply the world's energy
>needs, according to many estimations.
>
>http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:High_Altitude_Wind_Power
>
>http://www.skywindpower.com/ww/index.htm

The engineering problems for this are *worse* than a space elevator and 
hundreds of power satellites.

>Other than that, energy needs will be met with resources available
>locally: hydroelectric where rivers are available, solar at low
>latitudes, etc.  With advanced photovoltaic technology, every building
>could be energy self-sufficient.

I agree with you, but I think you are talking post nanotechnology to do 
it.  I don't see this inside what can be done pre singularity.

> > >That being said, I don't think alternative energy will make the
> > >greatest impact within the *10 years.*
> >
> > You are probably right.  But without a massive start in the next ten years
> > a substantial fraction of the current population is likely to die in the
> > next 20 years from starvation or wars from the effects of a looming bleak
> > future.
>
>A bit histrionic.  Even I don't see the energy crisis looming that
>closely.

Do you understand the EP model of wars?  All you have to do to get war 
memes circulating is for the general perception of the population to be of 
a future worse than the present.  Running out of oil without something on 
the horizon to replace it makes for that kind of future.  You can make a 
good case that the present mess in the mideast is an early presentation.

>However, I would love to see a massive start in alternative
>energy R&D anyway.

A space elevator/solar power satellite project is not really 
research.  Just large scale engineering.

Keith hesnon