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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?
Stephen Smith of Minneapolis asks:
What about conservation? It is far easier to find more efficient ways to use energy than to find more energy. But industry is not interested in this because they will sell less energy.
ANSWERS
Steven Chu responds:

I agree that conservation is the most important thing we can do, and it will remain the lowest-hanging fruit for decades! I am the co-chair of an Inter Academy Council (representing 90 academies of sciences around the world) report that should come out in October 2007 on how to transition to sustainable energy. I anticipate that conservation and energy efficiency will be our number one recommendation. However, conservation alone will not solve the problem; we also need new sources of clean energy.

Next Question and Answer
SCIENCE REPORTS
  Earth and Environment
IN-DEPTH COVERAGE
  Main: The Global Warming Debate
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  What Is Global Warming?
  U.S. Policy Struggle
  International Snapshot
  Emissions Trading Ins and Outs
RESOURCES
  Earth 2100: The Effects of
  Greenhouse Gases
  Interactive: How Does Your Vehicle
  Stack Up?
  Archive
Physicist Seeks Alternative Fuels
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