Virginia's Emissions Rise, Greensboro Goes Solar, Google's Energy Dilemma
Virginia's carbon dioxide emissions rose between 2009 and 2019, primarily due to increased natural gas plant construction. Meanwhile, North Carolina's Greensboro city is embracing renewable energy by installing solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations. Tech giant Google has made headlines with both its support for a Louisiana LNG project and its decision to halt AI tool development for oil and gas extraction. Environmental concerns about groundwater pollution from energy storage have also been raised.
Virginia's emissions increase is largely attributed to the construction of new natural gas plants. Despite this, progress in renewable energy is evident. Dominion Energy is planning a significant expansion into offshore wind off Virginia's coast. Looking at global trends, new power from wind and solar is expected to decrease in 2020 for the first time in two decades, primarily due to the coronavirus pandemic's impact on energy demand and supply chains.
In North Carolina, Greensboro is taking steps towards sustainability. The city will install solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations at two city-owned parking lots, promoting the use of electric vehicles and reducing emissions. On the other hand, Google has shown both support and restraint in the energy sector. The company is backing Woodside Energy's proposed Louisiana LNG project but has decided to stop building custom AI tools for speeding up oil and gas extraction. Environmental groups have expressed concerns about potential groundwater pollution from energy companies storing excess oil and gas underground.
Virginia's emissions increase, driven by natural gas plant construction, contrasts with the state's offshore wind expansion plans. Greensboro's solar-powered charging stations demonstrate North Carolina's commitment to renewable energy. Google's involvement in the energy sector highlights both corporate support for projects like the Louisiana LNG project and responsible AI usage. Environmental concerns about groundwater pollution from energy storage remain a pressing issue.
