Earthshot Prizes

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kenneal - lagger
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Earthshot Prizes

Post by kenneal - lagger »

Some strange choices in the Earthshot Prizes this evening. One for electrolysers for producing hydrogen and another for the city of Milan for a waste food distribution scheme.

There has been quite a bit of scientific discussion recently about the unsuitability of hydrogen for widespread use when it is better to use electricity directly.

There are dozens of cities in the UK which are running food banks which is basically what Milan is doing.
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adam2
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Re: Earthshot Prizes

Post by adam2 »

I agree, use of food that would otherwise go to waste is commendable but hardly new.

Very doubtful about hydrogen production. "Research into hydrogen production or use" is rapidly becoming a good excuse for not doing anything here and now regarding the related concerns of fossil fuel depletion and climate change.
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Catweazle
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Re: Earthshot Prizes

Post by Catweazle »

Personally, I think it's a red herring, promoted to allay the fears of people imagining a world without petrol vehicles and natural gas central heating.
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Potemkin Villager
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Re: Earthshot Prizes

Post by Potemkin Villager »

Yes I agree the underlying theme is that there are clever fixes
to all our ills which will not require any huge disruption to our
way of life or social arrangements. Just the sort of message one
would expect from the royals.
Overconfidence, not just expert overconfidence but general overconfidence,
is one of the most common illusions we experience. Stan Robinson
kenneal - lagger
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Re: Earthshot Prizes

Post by kenneal - lagger »

I don't think the royals have any motive to deceive in this. They have advisers in government and this is the government line so I think that they are just going on advice. It is also the message that many people would like to here as well.

They are going further than many thought that they might with the Queen being irritated by "those that talk but don't do" and the younger royals not being happy with those wasting money on space ships.
Action is the antidote to despair - Joan Baez
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Potemkin Villager
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Re: Earthshot Prizes

Post by Potemkin Villager »

It is what it is and they are what they are.
Overconfidence, not just expert overconfidence but general overconfidence,
is one of the most common illusions we experience. Stan Robinson
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Mark
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Re: Earthshot Prizes

Post by Mark »

According to their website, The Royal Foundation (registered charity no. 1132048) is funded entirely by a number of generous supporters, but I couldn't find any info on who they are ?
Personally, I'd be happier with the initiative if they were more transparent and stated where the £50 million came from....?
I guess it's not too bad if the 'quid pro quo' is only a few knighthoods and invites to the Garden Party..., but who knows..?
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