Beneath the surface of the earth is an energy source, geothermal, that could provide 39 countries with all of their electricity needs. Geothermal power is generated through the piping of underground water and steam reservoirs to the surface in order to power turbines that produce electricity. This type of energy is attractive because it is a free heat source, and it is bountiful, and reliable. According to the Project Drawdown's calculations, geothermal growth from now until 2050 will result in the reduction of CO2 emissions by 16.6 gigatons (1 gigaton is equal to 1 billion tons), ranking it as the 18th best solution to slow down climate change.
Several cities and countries have discovered that geothermal energy has the potential to provide significant energy capacity in a completely sustainable way. Two stories in this collection (see below) feature Iceland, where geothermal energy heats pools that define their communities, and geothermal power plants turn CO2 into a solid to stop it from entering into the atmosphere. Another story addresses how geothermal power would be an ideal source of electricity for developing countries, in part due to its steady supply. Lastly, numerous cities around the world are making plans to reduce carbon emissions through the use of geothermal. This solution is one of the Drawdown Ecochallenge actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/24/magazine/icelands-water-cure.html?_r=2
Dan Kois
The New York Times Magazine
19 April 2016
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Despite being an island of seamen, Iceland used to experience high numbers of drownings every year, fostering a keen interest in swimming education. The government stepped up and tapped into the underground hot water generated by Iceland’s volcanic activity to create geothermal pools, which quickly became more than a humble municipal investment, but perhaps the very secret to the country’s happiness. Every town now enjoys communal pools, which create a neutral, recreational space that brings all manner of people together.
https://unu.edu/publications/articles/geothermal-energy-in-developing-countries-and-the-mdgs.html
Ingvar Birgir Fridleifsson
Málfrídur Ómarsdóttir
United Nations University
4 October 2013
Text / 1500-3000 Words
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of balancing rapid development and energy needs against sustainability initiatives and conscientious practices, renewables continue to provide a growing, constructive alternative to fossil fuels. Geothermal energy in particular is a resource with vast potential, as unlike wind and solar it is constant (does not have low times for which energy must be stored) and it is accessible in dozens of countries. But it will require global cooperation to fully tap the potential and define a sustainable future in energy.
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/earthrise/2017/05/turning-co2-stone-iceland-170523140808874.html
Russell Beard
Al Jazeera
25 May 2017
Broadcast TV News / 5-15 Minutes
Iceland, hit by the oil crises of the 1970s, turned to geothermal energy - and they haven't turned back. The island is now powered by 100% renewable energy, and they are taking it one step more, looking to further cut emissions using a unique carbon capture system called CarbFix. It is being pioneered at the Hellsheidi geothermal power plant in western Iceland.
https://vimeo.com/155005798
Kirsi Jansa
Sustainability Pioneers
1 February 2016
Video / 5-15 Minutes
While many countries are committed to working towards goal set forth by the Paris Climate Agreement, not many individual states in the United States have taken noticeable action. New York is an outlier in this scenario, however. Grassroots efforts include creating an Eco Village and geothermal installations, while the government has acted as a leader and partner in helping to earmark finance for these innovative solutions.
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