Energy

Numerous studies have shown that automotive pollution has a wide range of negative health effects, including heart and lung disease. Much of the blame has been pinned on gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone, but the role of suspended particulate matter has been less clear.

From the Scholars Strategy Network, written by Stephen Ansolabehere, Harvard University, and David M. Konisky, Georgetown University

From the Scholars Strategy Network, written by Debra Javeline, University of Notre Dame.

When the well beneath BP’s Deepwater Horizon rig blew out in 2010, 4.9 million barrels of oil poured into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Despite the massive clean-up effort, significant quantities of oil made their way to into region’s coastal ecosystems.

A sustained period of fast economic growth nations such as China, Japan and South Korea has corresponded with an ever-increasing demand for energy.  To meet this demand, these countries have invested significantly in green technology.  The significant progress made is underscored in 2009 as China is reported to have passed the U.S. in clean energy investment and finance.

Manufacturing plays a big role in California’s economy. About 10% of residents are employed in manufacturing, which generates $150 billion in value, and the jobs pay well: In 2004 the average income earned in manufacturing was $57,000, 54% more than the state’s median income.

Biomass — wood chips, tree parts and agricultural waste burned to generate heat and electricity — currently generates more 50% of the United States’ renewable energy production.  Because biomass is carbon neutral, it has significant advantages over fossil fuels.