Summary: We cannot find the few dollars needed to study serious threats like Climate Change and Peak Oil. But the military effortlessly obtains funds to study star travel. Our nation’s physical infrastructure rots. But the military effortlessly obtains the funds for beyond-cutting edge projects like the WaveRider X-51A. Is this how empires die? Can we …
Summary: Today we have an exercise in future history (see Wikipedia), a look at my forecast of medium-term geopolitical trends. The most interesting predictions are at the end (starting with #4), our responses to the obvious trends. History moves in leaps. Punctuated equilibrium it’s called in evolutionary biology: a long period with relatively slow change, then …
A look back at our time from the 2100 A.D. edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica Read More »
Here is an update on that long-shot path to fusion: the polywell. The polywell is the last work of that giant in the world of physics, Robert W. Bussard (who passed over in October 2007). Excerpt from the Wikipedia entry: The Polywell is a plasma confinement concept that combines elements of inertial electrostatic confinement and magnetic confinement fusion, …
A long-shot project for fusion power: the Polywell Read More »
Summary: This is post #5 in a series examining “urban legends” about energy that comfort Americans. There are solutions, but not the easy ones in which so many Americans have confidence. This is the last post in a series examining 5 “urban legends” about energy that comfort Americans. I. Our massive reserves of unconventional oil. II. …
An urban legend to comfort America: alternative energy will save us Read More »
Summary: The polywell is one of the most promising of fusion technologies. This post describes its history and potential. But the significant lesson from this is America’s irrational policy for investing in its future. Also, see the updates posted in the comments! The Polywell has come up in the comments several times, so perhaps deserves an …
Fusion energy, too risky a bet for America (we prefer to rely on war) Read More »
