Re: [Vo]:Reversing global warming and removing carbon from the atmosphere with cold fusion

[Jed Rothwell]

Andrew Meulenberg  wrote:


> On the other hand, with uncontrolled population growth . . .
>

Population growth is not uncontrolled. On the contrary, it has largely
stopped. What I mean is, the only age cohort that is growing is people in
the Third World over age 40. Their numbers are increasing because
healthcare in the Third World is much better than it was decades ago, so
people live longer. As soon as that cohort reaches age 80, it will start to
die off, and population growth will stop. Population only increases when
the cohort from age 0 to 20 increases year by year. That has not happened
since the 1980s.

To put it another way, worldwide, the average couple now has just over two
children, the replacement rate.

The main reasons people no longer have many children are:

   1. Contraceptives are widely available.
   2. Couples no longer fear their children will die, so they do not have
   many "extra" children. Infant mortality in the Third World is now at about
   the same level it was in the US in 1963.
   3. Children are no longer the only source of support for elderly people.
   Many countries now have some form of Social Security.
   4. People worldwide have far more wealth than they had decades ago, so
   they can support themselves in old age. Extreme poverty has been reduced 30
   to 50% since the 1980s (depending on how you measure it). It could easily
   be eliminated.

See this video starting around minute 21:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FACK2knC08E

Re: [Vo]:Reversing global warming and removing carbon from the atmosphere with cold fusion

[Andrew Meulenberg]

 Dear Jed,

Among the advantages of my system is the ability to provide a low-cost (yet
ecologically sound

and man-rated) mass-transfer system as a low-earth-orbit "waystation" that
can then provide

massive boosts to interplanetary transportation (e.g. to L1). The ability
to transfer people from

earth to space (and back), as well as to support a "tunable" sunshade,
would make it a

permanent fixture. In addition to reducing global warming (and preventing
methane release),

the shade rings would greatly reduce the global energy needs (details in
the papers). Nevertheless,

I agree with you that man's continuing thirst for energy must be ultimately
satisfied by technological

advances (e.g. CF). On the other hand, with uncontrolled population growth,
even CF-derived

electrical-energy production will have excessive waste-heat production. It
might ultimately be

necessary to move (even CF) electrical-energy production off-earth. But,
perhaps by that time,

population control and moving people and much industry off-planet will have
solved that problem.


Andrew

_ _ _


On Thu, Jun 9, 2022 at 8:53 PM Jed Rothwell  wrote:

> That is great stuff! Thanks. Your proposal is low earth orbit. I have
> heard of others like this. The one linked to at BBC.com is for a very
> distant space umbrella, at earth-sun L1. I don't understand how that would
> work. It seems harder to set up. But the technical details and astronomy
> are over my head. I think the experts (including you) can work out
> something.
>
> I regard this as a stopgap solution. It should be done if needed, but if
> we are going to keep emitting CO2 it will eventually stop working. I think
> it would buy time for a more permanent solution.
>
>
> On Thu, Jun 9, 2022 at 8:23 PM Andrew Meulenberg 
> wrote:
>
>>
>> Dear Jed,
>>
>> You included this link, which I thought might have been referring to my
>> papers since some of the numbers agreed with mine.
>>
>>
>> https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160425-how-a-giant-space-umbrella-could-stop-global-warming
>>
>>
>>
>> * On closer look, I saw that the author did not suggest some of my
>> solutions to problems mentioned.*
>>
>> *1.  Meulenberg, A. and Karthik Balaji P.S., “The LEO Archipelago: A
>> System of Earth-Rings for Communications, Mass-Transport to Space, Solar
>> Power, and Control of Global Warming ,”
>> Acta Astronautica 68 (2011), iss. 11-12 Jun 2011 pp. 1931-1946,
>> doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2010.12.002 arXiv:1009.4043v1
>> .*
>>
>>
>> *2.  Meulenberg, A. and Wan, T., C., “LEO-Ring-Based Communications
>> Network,” Proceedings of Space, Propulsion & Energy Sciences International
>> Forum (SPESIF-11, March 15-17, 2011), Physics Procedia
>> , Volume 20
>> ,
>> 2011, Pages 232-241, edited by Glen A. Robertson.3.  Meulenberg, A. and
>> Poston, T., “Sling-on-a-Ring: Structural elements for a Space Elevator to
>> LEO,” Proc. of SPESIF-11, March 15-17, 2011, Physics Procedia
>>  Volume 20
>> ,
>> 2011, pp 222-231, Space, Propulsion & Energy Sciences International Forum
>> edited by Glen A. Robertson.*
>> *4. A. Meulenberg, R. Suresh, S. Ramanathan, "LEO-based optical/microwave
>> terrestrial communications," Presented at the 59th International
>> Astronautical Congress, Glasgow, Scotland, (2008). IAC-08-B2.5.2 Available
>> from:
>> https://www.researchgate.net/publication/46587815_Leo-Based_OpticalMicrowave_Terrestrial_Communications
>> *
>> These papers provide a path to space that would not only pay for itself;
>> but, it would be a major profit source. Had these ideas been implemented a
>> decade ago, we would now  have relatively cheap transport to space and a
>> means of major shipping to and from space that would not blow a growing
>> hole in the ozone layer.
>>
>> Andrew
>> _ _ _ _
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Jun 3, 2022 at 9:39 AM Jed Rothwell 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I have discussed these topics here from time to time. I am preparing a
>>> talk on them. I propose to stop global warming using cold fusion in two
>>> steps:
>>>
>>>1. Stop emitting carbon dioxide by using cold fusion energy.
>>>2. Remove excess carbon from the atmosphere by growing billions of
>>>trees. When they are old, cut them down and bury them underground in
>>>abandoned open-pit coal mines.
>>>
>>> Item 2, 

Re: [Vo]:Reversing global warming and removing carbon from the atmosphere with cold fusion

[Jed Rothwell]

That is great stuff! Thanks. Your proposal is low earth orbit. I have heard
of others like this. The one linked to at BBC.com is for a very distant
space umbrella, at earth-sun L1. I don't understand how that would work. It
seems harder to set up. But the technical details and astronomy are over my
head. I think the experts (including you) can work out something.

I regard this as a stopgap solution. It should be done if needed, but if we
are going to keep emitting CO2 it will eventually stop working. I think it
would buy time for a more permanent solution.


On Thu, Jun 9, 2022 at 8:23 PM Andrew Meulenberg  wrote:

>
> Dear Jed,
>
> You included this link, which I thought might have been referring to my
> papers since some of the numbers agreed with mine.
>
>
> https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160425-how-a-giant-space-umbrella-could-stop-global-warming
>
>
>
> * On closer look, I saw that the author did not suggest some of my
> solutions to problems mentioned.*
>
> *1.  Meulenberg, A. and Karthik Balaji P.S., “The LEO Archipelago: A
> System of Earth-Rings for Communications, Mass-Transport to Space, Solar
> Power, and Control of Global Warming ,”
> Acta Astronautica 68 (2011), iss. 11-12 Jun 2011 pp. 1931-1946,
> doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2010.12.002 arXiv:1009.4043v1
> .*
>
>
> *2.  Meulenberg, A. and Wan, T., C., “LEO-Ring-Based Communications
> Network,” Proceedings of Space, Propulsion & Energy Sciences International
> Forum (SPESIF-11, March 15-17, 2011), Physics Procedia
> , Volume 20
> ,
> 2011, Pages 232-241, edited by Glen A. Robertson.3.  Meulenberg, A. and
> Poston, T., “Sling-on-a-Ring: Structural elements for a Space Elevator to
> LEO,” Proc. of SPESIF-11, March 15-17, 2011, Physics Procedia
>  Volume 20
> ,
> 2011, pp 222-231, Space, Propulsion & Energy Sciences International Forum
> edited by Glen A. Robertson.*
> *4. A. Meulenberg, R. Suresh, S. Ramanathan, "LEO-based optical/microwave
> terrestrial communications," Presented at the 59th International
> Astronautical Congress, Glasgow, Scotland, (2008). IAC-08-B2.5.2 Available
> from:
> https://www.researchgate.net/publication/46587815_Leo-Based_OpticalMicrowave_Terrestrial_Communications
> *
> These papers provide a path to space that would not only pay for itself;
> but, it would be a major profit source. Had these ideas been implemented a
> decade ago, we would now  have relatively cheap transport to space and a
> means of major shipping to and from space that would not blow a growing
> hole in the ozone layer.
>
> Andrew
> _ _ _ _
>
>
> On Fri, Jun 3, 2022 at 9:39 AM Jed Rothwell  wrote:
>
>> I have discussed these topics here from time to time. I am preparing a
>> talk on them. I propose to stop global warming using cold fusion in two
>> steps:
>>
>>1. Stop emitting carbon dioxide by using cold fusion energy.
>>2. Remove excess carbon from the atmosphere by growing billions of
>>trees. When they are old, cut them down and bury them underground in
>>abandoned open-pit coal mines.
>>
>> Item 2, reforestation to sequester carbon, has been suggested by many
>> experts. I have taken their ideas and shown how the project can be enhanced
>> with cold fusion.
>>
>> I cannot fit the following into the talk, but here are three interesting
>> things I have learned in the last few years.
>>
>>
>> 1. The experts do not agree how much carbon this could be removed from
>> the atmosphere with this method. The experts also do not agree whether
>> old-growth forests continue to sequester carbon or not. Some say
>> that leaves on large, mature trees sequester a great deal of carbon. Others
>> disagree. Quote:
>>
>> “[W]hether carbon accumulation continues or peaks when net additional
>> wood growth is minimal (in “old-growth” forests) is disputed.”
>>
>> - Gorte, R.W., *U.S. Tree Planting for Carbon Sequestation*. 2009, U.S.
>> Congress: Congressional Research Service.
>>
>>
>> Here are some recent articles about carbon sequestration by
>> reforestation. I have highlighted some disagreements among experts, and
>> some aspects of the project that cold fusion would enhance.
>>
>> Reforest Action, Contribute to the Global Carbon Neutrality . . . by
>> Funding the creation and preservation of Forests,
>> 

Re: [Vo]:Reversing global warming and removing carbon from the atmosphere with cold fusion

[Andrew Meulenberg]

Dear Jed,

You included this link, which I thought might have been referring to my
papers since some of the numbers agreed with mine.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160425-how-a-giant-space-umbrella-could-stop-global-warming



* On closer look, I saw that the author did not suggest some of my
solutions to problems mentioned.*

*1.  Meulenberg, A. and Karthik Balaji P.S., “The LEO Archipelago: A
System of Earth-Rings for Communications, Mass-Transport to Space, Solar
Power, and Control of Global Warming ,”
Acta Astronautica 68 (2011), iss. 11-12 Jun 2011 pp. 1931-1946,
doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2010.12.002 arXiv:1009.4043v1
.*


*2.  Meulenberg, A. and Wan, T., C., “LEO-Ring-Based Communications
Network,” Proceedings of Space, Propulsion & Energy Sciences International
Forum (SPESIF-11, March 15-17, 2011), Physics Procedia
, Volume 20
,
2011, Pages 232-241, edited by Glen A. Robertson.3.  Meulenberg, A. and
Poston, T., “Sling-on-a-Ring: Structural elements for a Space Elevator to
LEO,” Proc. of SPESIF-11, March 15-17, 2011, Physics Procedia
 Volume 20
,
2011, pp 222-231, Space, Propulsion & Energy Sciences International Forum
edited by Glen A. Robertson.*
*4. A. Meulenberg, R. Suresh, S. Ramanathan, "LEO-based optical/microwave
terrestrial communications," Presented at the 59th International
Astronautical Congress, Glasgow, Scotland, (2008). IAC-08-B2.5.2 Available
from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/46587815_Leo-Based_OpticalMicrowave_Terrestrial_Communications
*
These papers provide a path to space that would not only pay for itself;
but, it would be a major profit source. Had these ideas been implemented a
decade ago, we would now  have relatively cheap transport to space and a
means of major shipping to and from space that would not blow a growing
hole in the ozone layer.

Andrew
_ _ _ _


On Fri, Jun 3, 2022 at 9:39 AM Jed Rothwell  wrote:

> I have discussed these topics here from time to time. I am preparing a
> talk on them. I propose to stop global warming using cold fusion in two
> steps:
>
>1. Stop emitting carbon dioxide by using cold fusion energy.
>2. Remove excess carbon from the atmosphere by growing billions of
>trees. When they are old, cut them down and bury them underground in
>abandoned open-pit coal mines.
>
> Item 2, reforestation to sequester carbon, has been suggested by many
> experts. I have taken their ideas and shown how the project can be enhanced
> with cold fusion.
>
> I cannot fit the following into the talk, but here are three interesting
> things I have learned in the last few years.
>
>
> 1. The experts do not agree how much carbon this could be removed from the
> atmosphere with this method. The experts also do not agree whether
> old-growth forests continue to sequester carbon or not. Some say
> that leaves on large, mature trees sequester a great deal of carbon. Others
> disagree. Quote:
>
> “[W]hether carbon accumulation continues or peaks when net additional wood
> growth is minimal (in “old-growth” forests) is disputed.”
>
> - Gorte, R.W., *U.S. Tree Planting for Carbon Sequestation*. 2009, U.S.
> Congress: Congressional Research Service.
>
>
> Here are some recent articles about carbon sequestration by reforestation.
> I have highlighted some disagreements among experts, and some aspects of
> the project that cold fusion would enhance.
>
> Reforest Action, Contribute to the Global Carbon Neutrality . . . by
> Funding the creation and preservation of Forests,
> https://www.reforestaction.com/en/contribution-climate, 19 million trees
> planted
>
> University of Aukland, Can reforestation help reverse the extinction
> crisis?
> https://www.thebigq.org/2019/06/12/can-reforestation-help-reverse-the-extinction-crisis
>
> Congressional Research Service, U.S. Tree Planting for Carbon
> Sequestration, https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R40562.pdf
>
> Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Planting trees to mitigate
> climate change: Policy incentives could lead to increased carbon
> sequestration, https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/61873
>
> YOUNG TREES ARE BETTER!
>
> World Resources Institute, Young Forests Capture Carbon Quicker than
> Previously Thought,
>