It's been said that "knowledge is power" (Sir Francis Bacon 1561-1626). Entark Global couldn't agree more. In the fight against global warming and the struggle for energy independence, being informed is a most potent tool. We want each and every person we touch to find us useful as a source of information and inspiration. By empowering people the challenges ahead can and will be met. We know anyone anywhere can make a difference. We will continue to add useful relevant information to this section of our site. Please feel free to leave a comment, and check back often.
COMMON TERMS:
Alternative energy: Clean and environmentally sound energy that isn't derived from traditional, nonrenewable resources such as coal, oil and natural gas.
Carbon emissions: Refers to polluting carbon compounds that are released into the atmosphere, usually as a result of human activity such as burning fossil fuels.
Carbon footprint: A measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse-gas emissions that a product, service or lifestyle produces, all of which contribute to global warming.
Carbon neutral: The fact that no extra carbon dioxide is released as a result of a particular manufacturing process, service or lifestyle. This is brought about by balancing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere with an equal amount of carbon dioxide that has been sequestered or offset. Examples include planting trees or using renewable energies that don't emit any carbon dioxide.
Carbon capture and sequestration: The act of capturing large quantities of carbon dioxide and storing it, instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. One idea is to bury it in the ground.
Carbon offsets: Also known as renewable energy certificates or "green tags"; refers to credits that can be purchased to neutralize an activity's (such as air travel) carbon emissions.
Geothermal energy: Energy generated by heat stored beneath the Earth's surface, which includes natural steam, hot water, hot rocks or lava.
Greenhouse effect: The process whereby greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun, keeping the Earth's surface warmer than it should be.
Greenwashing: The practice of making misleading or unsubstantiated claims about the environmental benefits of a product or service.
Global warming: Like "climate change," refers to a change in global temperatures and weather patterns over time, either due to natural variability or human activity.
Hydroelectric: Energy generated by moving water. Typically refers to dams but can also mean harnessing ocean waves.
Nuclear energy: Energy that is generated by a nuclear reaction through the process of fission or fusion.
Phantom power: Also known as "vampire power" or "phantom load"; refers to the power drawn by appliances and electronics even when they're switched off or not in use. By one estimate, U.S. residents spend $1 billion per year on it.
Solar power: Energy that is generated by the sun. Can take varying forms, from solar panels on a home to giant, regional solar towers to solar power collected in space and beamed to Earth.
Socially responsible investing: An investment strategy that seeks to maximize financial return, while supporting corporations that promote ethical causes such as environmental stewardship, human rights, and diversity.
Sustainable: The use of natural resources to meet present needs, without compromising those of future generations.
Wind power: Energy that is generated by the wind. Ideas range from large turbines already in use to storing wind as compressed air for a more consistent supply of power.
