Soon it will be time to get in on the emerging carbon fiber industry… especially now that researchers can make the ultrastrong, ultralight steel-replacement out of plants instead of petroleum, as explained in this article in Popular Science by Jeremiah Wong and Jeremy Deaton of NexusMedia.
“Five times stronger than steel at a fraction of the weight” makes carbon fiber an exciting substitute material to make our cars, trucks and even trains and airplanes run much more fuel-efficiently – saving cost for all while saving the planet.
As a bonus, there will be good jobs and great investment opportunities from this disruptive technology. As the saying goes, “To save the planet, invest your working life” in industries that foster a clean, prosperous and safe society.
Carbon fiber is a climate change solution of the first order, and a key enabler for the smart civilization of our future. As a market disruptor, it will gradually displace steel until a tipping point is reached – then accelerate.
“Our vehicles are about to go on a serious diet … without compromising performance or safety,” according to researchers at the Rocky Mountain Institute in their piece “How the U.S. Transportation System Can Save $1 Trillion, 2 Billion Barrels of Oil, and 1 Gigaton of Carbon Emissions Annually.” As they point out, between electric cars and the ridesharing culture, major efficiencies are coming to the world’s automotive base – and carbon fiber will be a big player.
(Photo credit: Gear Patrol.)
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Not sure how to start saving the planet (civilization, really)? Start by always remembering Al Gore’s famous saying: “Hope is a renewable resource.”
Then, our practical answer becomes “Deeply know the personal Superpowers” we all bring to the game of life:
1) To save the planet, CHANGE OURSELVES FIRST;
2) To save the planet, INVEST OUR WORKING LIVES;
3) To save the planet, USE OUR VOICES and take advocacy seriously! Never miss a vote and never, ever stop influencing your government and all businesses locally, at the state level, and at the national level. As well, set a solid example for all around you to see. Jawbone to others about what we need to do, and influence them as peers. Finally, have an annual cash donations program. All of these are ways we can use our voices.
Stay focussed: Lead the way with substantive global warming solutions. (Far from being a bummer, this is actually a fun trend for each of us to be part of… get energized!) Our kids and their kids will be proud of us.
And in all cases and at all times, cast aside the learned-helplessness that infects so much of modern life… the time is now for climate change solutions. Never give up.
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Global Warming, You and I 