Eliminating Pollution: Revolutionizing U.S. Geography and Agriculture for a Greener Future
Amid growing concerns about climate change and its impact on geography and global health, a critical turning point is at hand. The United States, with its vast resources and innovative capabilities, can lead the way in solving one of the world's most pressing environmental issues: pollution. If America, along with the Rest of the World (ROW), were to eliminate pollution, which today causes 9 million premature deaths annually and 275 million years of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of suffering, climate change would simply not happen. Pollution is the root cause of all our environmental woes.
The Impact of Pollution
According to various studies, pollution contributes significantly to climate change, comprising a wide range of harmful substances including air pollutants, chemicals, and waste. For example, air pollution has been linked to increased asthma rates, respiratory issues, and even mortality.
Agriculture and the Role of Agrivoltaics
One potential solution lies in the adoption of agrivoltaics, a method that combines agriculture and photovoltaic solar cells. Through agrivoltaics, crops can be planted under solar panels, enabling the dual utilization of land for both energy production and food cultivation.
Take the example of the United States alone. By embracing agrivoltaics, the U.S. could meet the entire world's energy needs with a 150 terawatt (TW) system, producing 180,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually, on just 25% of its 4 million square kilometers of farmland by 2050 or even sooner. This system could be shared with ROW to ensure global energy security. Moreover, just 2.5 percent of the farmland could meet the country's own energy needs, with a total area of 100,000 square kilometers. This innovative approach could help transform agricultural landscapes and support sustainable energy practices.
The Benefits of Agrivoltaics
The best part of agrivoltaics is its dual benefit. It not only produces energy but also supports crop growth. By cooling the soil through shading from the solar panels, this system can enhance water efficiency and reduce soil salinity, making it highly beneficial for arid regions.
Addressing Climate Change and Pollution
To address climate change and pollution, one must eliminate pollution. This means reducing emissions, adopting clean technologies, and promoting sustainable practices. By doing so, the U.S. can lead the way in creating a greener future, free from the burdens of climate change and pollution.
Conclusion
The current climate warming alarmism, fueled by individuals like Al Gore, can be unsettling. However, the reality is that ice floating on water has already raised sea levels, and when it melts, the water level remains the same. Instead, we should focus on upcoming Grand Solar Minimums and the cyclic nature of climate patterns. The warming of the 2000s has reversed, and we are now at the beginning of a 22-year cold period, marked by strong cold winters, wet cold springs, and poor harvests.
Global food production is at risk due to global cooling. Ohio's farmland is underwater and unrecognizable, and the impact will last longer than the rain. Illinois farmers are giving up on planting, and Indiana is behind nearly every other state in corn planting. In such circumstances, it is essential to have greenhouses to ensure continued food production and pray for a secure future where our children have food on their plates.
The solution is clear: eliminate pollution, and the world, including the U.S., can reap the benefits. This is not a complex issue; it is as simple as stopping pollution. Let's work together to create a future where green and sustainable practices thrive.