Powering The World With Alternative Energy by 2050

Using the knowledge we have already acquired about renewable, clean energy, we could power the entire world with alternative energy by 2050, says Stanford Professor Mark Z. Jacobson. "Based on our findings, there are no technological or economic barriers to converting the entire world to clean, renewable energy sources," said Jacobson in a Stanford report. "It is a question of whether we have the societal and political will." 90 percent of the energy would be supplied by wind and solar power; four percent each by geothermal and hydroelectric sources; two percent by wave and tidal power.

The conversion could save 2.5 to 3 million lives lost to air pollution each year, stop global warming and significantly reduce air and water pollution. And it wouldn't cost us a thing. “When you actually account for all the costs to society – including medical costs – of the current fuel structure, the costs of our plan are relatively similar to what we have today," Jacobson said.

http://paloalto.patch.com/articles/powering-the-world-with-alternative-energy-by-2050