In disaster aftermath, a lot of things are suddenly a problem. Dysentery, shelter and food are primary concerns for those people who are displaced. This means a safe shelter with waste management and proper climate controls and a process to clean water are all critical for healthy survival.

HOMErgent has addressed these problems as a group. For a similar cost to a canvas tent, the design is similar to a yurt and is a solid wall semi insulated structure. The system is designed to be modular, allowing you to connect several units creating rooms. Beyond the modular factor is the sustainability. In situations where the time the unit will be used is known to be significant, solar panels, wind turbines, lighting and other necessities are easily added and available.

By addressing these needs right away, a great deal of environmental impact is reduced. Primarily because wood becomes a staple for survival when shelter does not provide enough protection from the elements. When trees are cut down for heat, the tree is gone in a matter of days and takes years to grow back, as well as the huge amounts of CO2 released into the atmosphere.

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Although students are quick to say negative things about anything they are not accustomed too, there is a very real and positive message here at Northgate High School. As you can see in the high schools newspaper clip above, the students are happy with the change.

The article goes as far as saying they are happy to know that the school district cares enough about the future to implement systems like the blue cube.

To see an enlargement of the image, just click it.

Our savings of water at Northgate is 2.7 million gallons a year and has shown approximately $400 a month in overall cost savings! So we save money and water.

Check out EcoBlue for more information.

I know most people have heard the term "supercomputer" although it may have been in a movie. The fact is we really do have a class of computers called supercomputers. These computers are designed for extreme processing, able to crunch numbers and resolve problems at break neck speed. So fast, they are currently measured in petaflops. The new fastest of the supercomputers is the Oak Ridge National Labratory's Jaguar XT5 running at 1.759 petaflops and is pictured above. One of the primary jobs of the new supercomputer will be addressing climate change. Read More...

This school, located in Los Angeles, will be the first to generate 100% of its own energy. Utilizing both solar PV and wind turbines. Buildings will be constructed in position specific arrangements to maximize renewable sources.

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Well, I didn't realize that the first solar space craft crashed into the ocean a few years ago. I just read that the second attempt is scheduled for 2010. The premise is simple, the sails are dark on one side and reflective on the other. As the craft is free in space without significant forces, the light bouncing from the reflective side and being absorbed on the dark side will add up over time to significant propulsion and speed.

If you have ever seen the toy shown above, this is the same process that will drive the craft. You can click the image for a better view. The toy is called a radiometer.

For more information on the Planetary Society, follow the related link.