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REGION: North America
TOPIC: Science & Technology
Online NewsHour
FORUM
Posted: August 23, 2007

Physicist Seeks Alternative Fuels

 Forum Introduction
Steven Chu Nobel Prize-winning physicist Steven Chu is leading the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's efforts to develop cleaner forms of energy, including new types of solar cells and new biofuels. He answered viewer questions about his research and the future of alternative fuels.
QUESTIONS
Do you believe we will find technology to reverse global warming?
Will "paint-on" photovoltaics be available soon?
What about developing technology to remove existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
How will biofuel production affect our water supply?
Is enough being done to ensure that biofuels help the environment more than hurt it?
What's more important in advancing alternative fuel use, individual lifestyle changes or national policy?
Do you question the ethics or motives of your laboratory's funders?
What about conservation?
Can I run my car on salad oil?
Should we be partnering with researchers in other countries to solve our energy problems?
John Zehethofer of Pickering, Ontario asks:
Why are we not developing technology that removes existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at the same time as we are looking for ways to reduce future emissions?
ANSWERS
Steven Chu responds:

I agree that we should be looking hard for ways to do this. Because of anticipated emissions, we will have to develop ways to sequester carbon out of the atmosphere and/or develop ways to change how much sunlight energy is reflected from the Earth. Do I believe we can do this? Yes, but the solution is not in hand yet. Also, we have to be very careful about unintended consequences of geo-engineering at the global scale.

Next Question and Answer
SCIENCE REPORTS
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IN-DEPTH COVERAGE
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  What Is Global Warming?
  U.S. Policy Struggle
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  Emissions Trading Ins and Outs
RESOURCES
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  Greenhouse Gases
  Interactive: How Does Your Vehicle
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Physicist Seeks Alternative Fuels
FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
  Lesson Plan
  Arctic Warming



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