Positive Global Solutions

Invent the Future

Positive Global Solutions are products, information and services that assist our global community towards a sustainable future. At this location, we’ll be looking at some of the wonderful inventions that are becoming available to us all. Do you know of a Positive Global Solution? Let’s have a look at some great contenders!

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Positive Global Solutions

GREAT SOLUTIONS FOR A HEALTHY PLANET

As climate change continues to produce erratic weather causing constant problems for society, the good news is we have some incredible people working on some amazing technologies to help us find balance. Let’s have a quick look at some Positive Global Solutions.

CARS THAT RUN ON AIR

Although petrol use in engines can represent a high efficiency rate, the disadvantages are that, both we and the environment pay a very high price. For each litre of petrol consumed 3,360 grams of CO2 are released into the atmosphere, not to mention other polluting gases. The World Health Organisation estimates that annually 13 million deaths are caused directly by pollution.

All around the world ecological companies with a defined vision and a sustainable philosophy are popping up and designing efficient vehicles that do not emit gases. The vehicle above runs on 100% compressed air with a maximum speed of 120 km/hr and a range of at least 150 km. As The Air Car can be used on a daily basis for a very low energy cost and zero contamination. It makes a great solution for 80 % of the world’s population which does not travel more than 60 km per day.

CARS MADE FROM PLANTS

These environmentally friendly car parts are made from coconut, corn, flax, hemp, jute, sisal, soybeans and other plant-based materials (and occasionally from animal-based materials, like wool). They're showing up in entry-level economy cars and high-end luxury automobiles, in this country and abroad.

Did You Know?

The Air Motor

For more than a 130 years, compressed air motors have been used in distinct industrial areas. The Swedes started to use compressed air engines down mines because the risk of explosions prevented them from using engines working on fuel.

There's a quiet green revolution going on. While automakers have been talking up a future filled with bio-diesel, hydrogen fuel cells and even ethanol, they've been very quietly integrating parts made from bio-based materials into their present-day cars and trucks.

WHY USE PLANTS?

Using plant fibres in composites provides additional advantages in terms of product design flexibility, noise absorption, insulation, impact-resistance and even a reduced tendency for parts to splinter in a crash. Plus, weight reduction translates directly into better gas mileage.

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SOLAR CELL EVOLUTION

An Australian company has radically altered the conventional solar cell in size and shape. Known as Sliver panels, they are long, ultra thin, quite flexible and have a high power - to - weight ratio. This allows for considerable flexibility in module design and opens up new possibilities for innovative applications for the future, because now you can put them just about anywhere.

WATER FROM THIN AIR

While we watch our dams dry, our rivers die, our lakes and groundwater disappear, this wonderful invention called ‘Water Unlimited’ could be the answer to many of the world’s water shortages. This wonderful system collects water out of the atmosphere by using the energy of the wind to cool air coming into it and then collects the water as the air condenses. It is self powered, independent of weather and can be positioned wherever needed. The application of this technology may result in solutions for water supply problems in many situations.

COOKING WITH THE SUN

A solar oven / solar cooker is a device which uses sunlight as its energy source. Because they use no fuel and they cost nothing to run, humanitarian organisations are promoting their use worldwide to help slow deforestation and desertification, caused by using wood as fuel for cooking. Solar cookers are also sometimes

used in outdoor cooking, especially in situations where minimum fuel consumption or fire risk are considered important.

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QUIZ 16: POSITIVE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS

We all play a very important role in shaping the future. We need to keep positive, we need to think globally and we have to become a part of the solution and not the problem. As a planetary guardian for future generations, you can be the difference! Are you ready for the next quiz! Remember, most of the answers can be found in the previous section but some questions may require you to dig deeper. So, consider the internet, go to the library or ask a friend! Let’s go, team!

1. What is a positive global solution?

2. List 5 examples of positive global solutions?

3. Why are compressed air engines a positive global solution?

4. What makes cooking with a solar oven such a positive global solution?

5. What sort of temperature can a solar oven reach?

6. What makes the 'Water Unlimited' invention a positive global solution?

7. Approximately, how much of all water is used for irrigation?

8. What makes 'Sliver' solar panels a positive global solution?

9. Why is the use of plant matter a great positive global solution for new industries?

10. Can you think of a positive global solution for your school or community?

11. How can we make positive global solutions common place everywhere and for everyone?

Funny Ha Har!

Q: How do energy-conscious people feel

about wind power?

A: They’re blown away.

Q: How did Benjamin Franklin feel when he

discovered electricity?

A: He was shocked.

Q: How are renewable power plants like

people who enjoy going to the beach?

A: They all like sun, wind and water.

Q: What is a renewable energy source that

is used every day at your school?

A: Brain power.

Q: How many energy students does it take

to change a light bulb?

A: None! They’re smart enough to use energy

efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, which

rarely need to be replaced.