Technological

"In my work, I am not attempting to predict the future. I am only pointing out what is possible with the intelligent application and humane use of science and technology." Jacque Fresco

Energy

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In the process of creating a resource-based economy, we must consider the backbone of our society. Energy is what makes the world go round. We use energy for nearly everything in our lives, and this energy is slowly consuming our natural resources. In order to halt our consummation of the planet, we must consider alternate or “green” forms of energy that do not reduce our resources and can restore the balance of resources that we have offset during the previous centuries. Tapping into sources like solar energy, underwater currents, and geothermal energy, we can generate energy by harnessing the resources that are around us in a sustainable manner. Before we can explore the sort of technologies that the VP envisions for our future, we must explore stable energy sources that can power our future.

Solar energy
It has been estimated that our sun will continue to shine for another 7 billion years. In the recent decades, we have been harnessing solar power to generate currents large enough to sustain an entire household. We currently have different technologies that can absorb solar power and convert it into usable energy. Taking advantage of the nearly limitless power of the sun can prove to be beneficial to our generations to come and can sustain our growing need for energy. Integrating solar energy into every home will allow the flexibility of homes that are sustained independently of outside energy sources. Using and storing charges provided by solar panels built into every home, reduces the power consumption of cities to a power plant.

Geothermal energy
Another viable source of energy also comes from heat. Geothermal energy uses the heat from the earth to turn water into steam. The newly generated steam is used to drive electrical generators. This form of energy conversion is very sustainable, though it must be monitored to prevent local depletion. In previous decades, geothermal energy was tapped by using natural hot springs or aquifers. These geothermal sources run the risk of local depletion, as the water in these areas can be locally depleted by the process. Recent research has demonstrated that a system set up to re-inject water back into the source can prevent local depletion.
Advances in the geothermal industry have developed a procedure known as hot dry rock geothermal energy or enhanced geothermal systems. This manner of extraction is used where the ground is hot but is dry, or there is not an adequate water pressure. The rock is fractured with high pressure water, and in some cases with explosives. Water is circulated to the site, superheated naturally. Geothermal energy does produce some of the pollutants contributed to global warming, but these pollutants are generated in a very small quantity in comparison to fossil fuel.

Thermohaline circulation, Underwater Currents
A using underwater current, or thermohaline circulation, is another way to generate energy from a renewable source. Underwater currents are far more predictable than wind and solar power. Large turbines are turned by underwater currents, providing electrical power. Hydroelectric generation is the process of using the current to turn a generator, thus producing electric power. The water has to flow at a rate and force strong enough to turn the generator. This can be done naturally, in the case of deep underwater currents and rivers, or by the construction of a dam to control the pressure of the system. We currently use dams and rivers to generate hydroelectric power. Building a dam across the Bering Strait is a viable source of water capable of generating a vast about of electric power. Not only would a dam on the Bering Strait generate hydroelectric energy, but it would become a source for harnessing marine life, and controlling environmental factors, such as the melting of sea ice.

Cities

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The main consideration of the VP is efficient use of resources. Designing cities with efficiency in mind, project engineers crafted cities that are designed to allow for the best quality of life for each of the inhabitants. This is done in a resource-based economy, where no currency is exchanged. We currently design aesthetically pleasing buildings, using excessive resources, integrating features that do not offer functionality.

Designing homes with the end users and the environment in mind, can lead to some very beneficial changes in structure and technology. The VP envisions homes that have transparent walls, so that the occupants can enjoy the scenery and receive as much or as little light as they desire. Today, in Switzerland we can find one-way walls in public bathrooms whose opaqueness can be adjusted at the touch of a button. The new one-way walls in our future homes will block harmful rays, and trap necessary heat to maintain a stable and comfortable environment in the homes and buildings.

Transportation

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The current design of our road system and transportation leaves room for car crashes and fatalities. Implementing a structure where automatic vehicle guided systems transport people to their desired destinations. Taking the guidance control away from the user severely decreases the possibility of a vehicle crash thus reducing traffic related fatalities. The atomatic vehicles would run on sustainable energy and would be provided free of charge to all individuals. The vehicles would be designed to self-monitor for maintenance, and would be able to transport itself to the maintenance facility. These vehicles could use wheels or magnetic levitation to achieve propulsion.

The construction of tunnels and bridges would allow high-speed maglev trains to transport individual’s trough long distance. Maglev trains use magnetic levitation for the lift and propulsion of the trains. The advance of aircraft technology would allow for a highly maneuverable vertical takeoff and landing crafts (VTOL). These crafts can employ the use of green energy and provide the speed and flexibility needed for flight transportation. Along with remarkable technological advancements, the VP ideology also redesigns present-day economics.

Works Cited

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How long will the sun shine? (2008, September 29). Retrieved March 22, 2011, from Universe Today: http://www.universetoday.com/18800/how-long-will-the-sun-shine/
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Jacque, F., & Meadows, R. (2007). Designing the Future. Retrieved February 16, 2011, from http://www.thevenusproject.com/en/get-involved/free-downloads
Keyes Jr., K. S., & Jacque, F. (1969). Looking Forward. South Brunswick and New York: A.S. Barnes and Company.
Lyobinov, B. (1960). Bering Strait Dam. Washington, D.C.: Office of Technical Services, US dept. of Commerce.
Schuttenhelm, R. (n.d.). Could a 300 km dam save the Arctic? Retrieved February 16, 2011, from Global-Greenhouse-Warming.com: http://www.global-greenhouse-warming.com/could-a-300-km-dam-save-the-arctic.html
Sofge, E. (n.d.). Underwater Wind Turbines Tap River Energy. Retrieved February 16, 2011, from www.popularmechanics.com: http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/4213223
Solar Power. (2011, February 13). Retrieved February 16, 2011, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power
Tidal Power. (2011, February 14). Retrieved February 16, 2011, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_power
www.ucsusa.org. (2006, August 04). Retrieved February 16, 2011, from How hydroelectric energy works: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/technology_and_impacts/energy_technologies/how-hydroelectric-energy.html
www.wired.com. (2008, December 22). Retrieved February 16, 2011, from Nation's First 'Underwater wind turbine': http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/12/hydrokinetic/