Google recently announced it is launching an initiative to create electricity from renewable sources at less cost than energy produced from coal. The initiative, called RE<C, is expected, in the words of Google co-founder Larry Page, to be completed “in years, not decades”.
“RE<C is hiring engineers and energy experts to lead its research and development work, which will begin with a significant effort on solar thermal technology, and will also investigate enhanced geothermal systems and other areas. In 2008, Google expects to spend tens of millions on research and development and related investments in renewable energy. As part of its capital planning process, the company also anticipates investing hundreds of millions of dollars in breakthrough renewable energy projects which generate positive returns.”
Google requires massive computer hardware storage capacity to store the ever increasing volumes of data it uses for its various business operations. And although Google is taking steps toward conserving the energy it does use, such as becoming involved in the Climate Savers Computing Initiative (together with several other companies) and finding innovative ways to operate more efficiently; due to the nature of Google’s business, in order to improve many of its services, it needs to increase the amount of computing it does regularly.
How does this affect your students?
The internet is increasing in size constantly. With that increase greater need for storage is required, which will either be supported with more energy or improved efficiency. As more people around the world buy computers and more businesses slant their business operations further towards internet based operations to reap the benefits of lower costs and enhanced communications, the repercussions for energy usage are becoming an increasing burden on the environment.
Fortunately people care about the environment and don’t want to see the benefits we gain from use of the internet to cause the environment to suffer. As one of the world’s largest and well known businesses, Google is leading the way by setting a good example for the people and businesses that see and use Google products daily. This trend will no-doubt continue as more and more people and businesses accept their responsibility for the future of the environment.
What does that mean for your students?
It means that if they are not educated to understand eco-friendly business and also to be eco-friendly in their own lives they will be left behind, as more competitive students gear themselves toward future industries. Google is a trend setter. What they do now, other businesses do in the future. That’s good for your students because you’re reading this blog, meaning you already have an interest in eco-friendly matters; which in-turn means your students may be one step ahead of the game.
How to ensure your students garner the benefits of your concern
Fortunately it’s easy to get your students interested in eco-friendly education. Why? Because it’s usually fun, exciting and different. It can be sensational because the possibilities are so prolific for the future of the human race. It may involve fun, healthy outdoor activities. And because it often involves the latest developments in technology (in the case of Googles example), it’s natural for your kids to take an interest, due to the natural curiosity innate in young minds.
Leave a Reply
Do you want a picture to display next to your comments? Upload one here.