As we enter into these early years of the new millennium, especially in these recent times of political and economic turmoil, we should take the opportunity to reflect on some of the factors influencing recent events and perhaps formulate strategies to move forward.
Essentially, America is a petroleum-based economy. We extract (or mine) oil resources from the earth and burn them at an astonishing rate, in order to live a life of relative comfort compared to the rest of the world.
Half of all humans have never spoken on a phone, never had clean running water nor safe power in their dwellings, never used machines to help with physical labor nor easily traveled long distances.
In our own culture we enjoy, as if second nature, “the highest standard of living” on the planet. It begs the question and observation: Are we slaves or masters of our “modern standard of living”?
As the natural petroleum reserves dwindle, do we have a backup plan? Will all humanity enjoy our standard of living, or we will we return to the “dark ages” as “free market” forces drive up the costs (and profits) of the ever decreasing energy supply?
Fortunately, there is a technology, more than 100 years old, that is 100 percent pollution free, 100 percent renewable and very easily obtained. It can heat our homes, cook our food and be used with our current transportation technology, even those large SUVs that we love to hate. Humanity can be both a consumer and a producer of this energy source.
This is the answer that a hydrogen-based economy can deliver. Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe, and it is a fuel that an internal combustion engine can use with negative emissions. The air coming out of the exhaust is cleaner than the air entering the engine. Imagine an SUV cleaning the air as it is driven!
On Nov. 10, Roy McAlister, president of the not for profit American Hydrogen Association, gave a lecture on “Hydrogen 101,” the basics of hydrogen use, conversion and production.
As a student member of the AHA, I extend an invitation to all in our community to learn about the future of humanity — the hydrogen-based world economy.