Feel like you’re falling behind the curve when it comes to clean energy technologies? Not to worry, we’ve gathered up some of the web’s best infographics to get you up to speed.

Oil and coal have had a monopoly on energy production for centuries, but their glory days are just about over. The clean energy industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and quickly approaching grid parity (which means soon solar and wind power will be just as cheap as fossil fuels).

With all the political debate surrounding renewable energy technologies, it’s easy to lose sight of the really important news: that clean energy is creating safe jobs while helping people to reduce their carbon footprint and save money. All without giving up access to the electricity that powers all the gadgets we can’t live without.

To help cut through all the spin, we’ve rounded up nine of our favorite clean energy infographics. If you’re a visual learner (or just don’t have time to read a 10 page article on the growth of solar) they’ll help you digest the facts in record time. Click on the images to enlarge, or on the credit link to see the original.

1. How Do Solar Panels Work, Exactly?

Do you find yourself smiling and nodding when people mention photovoltaics or grid connectivity, but aren’t really sure how it all works? This infographic from Solar Energy Systems explains it all.

2. Top 10 Countries For Solar Power

The U.S. could be a global leader in solar energy, but thanks to political delays and misinformation about solar’s potential, other countries are out in front…for now. This infographic from 1 Block of the Grid shows the top 10 countries in terms of megawatt production.

3. Top 5 Solar Energy Myths

Wondering what kind of misinformation we’re talking about? Check out this infographic from Bright Energy. It shows a few of the myths that solar critics like to spread about this amazing energy source. How many did you believe?

4. Solar Jobs In America

Opponents of solar power often claim that weaning ourselves off coal and oil would be disastrous for our economy because it would eliminate jobs. What they fail to mention is how many jobs it could create! This infographic from 1 Block of the Grid proves that embracing clean energy could be the best thing that ever happened to the American workforce.

5. How Is Wind Power Harvested?

Not sure how a gust of wind is transformed into juice for your phone? No worries, this neat infographic from Daily Infographic explains how wind turbines turn sweet breezes into clean energy, as well as other fascinating facts about this quickly growing industry.

6. Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Wind Power

Did you know that a wind turbine has as many as 8,000 different components? Or that as much as 20 percent of our nation’s electricity could come from wind energy by 2030? These and more mind-blowing facts about wind can be found in this 6 part infographic from the Department of Energy.

7. How Loud Is A Wind Turbine?

Just like solar, wind energy comes with its own set of myths and misconceptions. Some people say they’re unsightly, dangerous for animals, and too loud to be set up near urban areas (where they’re needed the most). This interesting infographic from GE shows that you can’t believe everything you hear.

8. Harnessing The Power Of Geothermal Energy

Solar and wind might be the most popular forms of clean energy, but they’re not the only ones you should know about. Geothermal energy systems tap into the thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth for energy efficient heating and cooling. Never heard of it? Check out this infographic from Wellhome.

9. Energy: Our Past & Future

By now your head is probably swimming with facts and figures about all different types of clean energy. But what does it really mean? How long has it taken us to get this far, and how long will we continue to squeeze the last bits of fossil fuels from the ground? This award-winning inforgraphic from Linda Nakanishi puts it all in perspective.

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Lead Image: Jurgen

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Spielberg’s Terra Nova is a look at 22nd century earth in the midst of environmental collapse.

It’s the year 2149, and the Earth is like a brown dust ball rising in space. On land, things aren’t much better. The Chicago skyline crumbles into a Blade Runner-style landscape. Sallow citizens breathe through dark mouth filters. Teenagers greet a single orange with an enthusiasm currently reserved for Justin Bieber tickets. “At the dawn of the 22nd century, the world is on the verge of an environmental collapse,” reads the ominous opening credits. “Mankind’s only hope for survival lies 85 million years in the past.”

This, my fellow TV watchers, is the first reason why FOX’s latest drama Terra Nova is awesome. Welcome to one big “I told you this would happen” smug fest for environmentalists. The Steven Spielberg-produced drama takes us back 85 million years into the past, where humans are colonizing pre-historic Earth because we have royally screwed up the environment.

In 2149, the Earth’s air is so toxic that everyone is forced to walk around wearing a portable air filter attached to their face. Families are only allowed two children because “Overpopulation equals extinction.” Trash litters the streets and people live as the homeless, despite impeccably beautiful skin and muscle tone.

Our delight in environmentalist finger wagging is cut short when our heroes, the Swiss Family Shannon, make a break for a new life 85 million years into the past. They arrive at Terra Nova, which looks something like an eco-resort plucked into the middle of the Jurassic Park ride at Universal Studios. Still, the show continues to deadpan a utopian – or is it a dystopian? – view of the future. Or the past. Past future. And here’s why it’s awesome.

First, there’s Stephen Lang. You might remember him as the commander from Avatar, a steely-eyed, muscle-bound stalwart in a foreign, bucolic world. Here, Stephen Lang plays Nathaniel Taylor, a steely-eyed, muscle-bound stalwart in a foreign, bucolic world. “Greed, war and ignorance destroyed our home,” he tells the latest recruits. “This is our chance to get it right.” Lang’s Taylor is an eco-pilgrim staring down dinosaurs and saucy teenagers. And he is glorious.

Second, there’s renewable energy. Apparently, someone got the memo to continue developing solar and wind energy technologies into the 22nd century, because the Terra Nova colony is filled with them. Except they somehow haven’t figured out a way for solar to heat up water for a shower. Oh, those wacky solar panels.

Third, Terra Nova knows no distracting subtly. From the actor’s emotions to set pieces to props, everything is extremely on the nose. Hero Jim Shannon (Jason O’Mara) emotes out of every pore of his sensitive, chiseled frame. A lush farmer’s market overflows the town square with peace, fruits and hippie beads. Nathaniel Taylor (Stephen Lang) actually sits behind a T-Rex skull desk. All they are missing is a group of rebellious teenagers drinking moonshine in the jungle while splashing about in bikinis. Oh wait, they have that too.

And finally, nature kicks our ass. Sure enough, as soon as the oldest Shannon child Josh (Landon Linborin) makes a break outside the town walls, he’s being chased all over the landscape by “slashers,” the velociraptors of 85 million years ago. (Did we mention the dinosaurs? There are dinosaurs. Lots of them.) But in the end, don’t we deserve it after what we did to the planet?

You can catch Terra Nova Mondays on FOX.

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Desperate times in Asia call for desperate green measures to achieve clean air (pollution is proving a major killer), pure water (so long, mountain glaciers) and enough food to meet the crushing demand.

Witness frantic and frenetic China where a massive industrial build up has come at the expense of the environment and human health. They knew they were forgetting something during that crazed development of resources. But now, with predictions of energy consumption doubling by 2030, something has to give.

Spurring immediate change was the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Literally offering a breath of fresh air, the government played catch-up, erecting buildings using strict green guidelines, shutting down polluting factories and restricting traffic. This pop-up example of  sustainable community development triggered action by eco activists to maintain the blue skies and cleaner air. Money is the strongest talking point.

Games or no games, Asia can now see a dramatic cost cutting incentive to lowering the impact of development, and change is coming at a faster pace. For this reason, progress is a mixed bag as environmentalists there work to pressure those most responsible for poisoning the air for personal gain.

Playing Catch Up on Improved Shipping Methods

A whopping 80 percent of global trade is done on the sea. Improved methods are crucial to improving air quality since seaborne trade is expected to double by 2025. Carbon emissions from shipping amounts to four percent of all emissions, globally, and the U.S and Europe have and pushed for more responsible methods, introducing green initiatives such as more efficient operating systems and reworking ship design for more effective trafficking.

News Asia reports that adoption for green initiatives by shipping companies has been slow in Singapore and Southeast Asia despite the fact implementing measures can save some 30 percent on fuel and energy costs. Plus, those who have invested in measures such as scrubber systems to remove pollutant particles have reported a one to three year return on that investment. While all of this is convincing, what might allow Asia to catch up is the threat its ships won’t be able to enter international waters without adhering to tighter regulations.

China Advancing Cleaner Energy out of Necessity

China is now reportedly ready to let wind energy soar as it makes a commitment to a renewable energy revolution. According to the Telegraph, that commitment is most apparent in Beijing, where edicts are being issued weekly including a pledge to generate 100 gigawatts of power from wind by 2020, tripling the original target of the national energy strategy.

In describing the new wind farms in western China, the Telegraph found they have even emerged as a tourist attraction where fascinated couples pose in front of the giant white propellers for photos. “Today, the same winds that struck fear into traders of the Silk Road, swallowing whole caravans in blinding storms of dust, are being used to power plans for a new, green revolution for China’s energy-hungry economy,” wrote the Telegraph.

Meanwhile in the city, the government has installed solar panels to power street lights in Beijing as well as solar water heaters in some of the remaining houses. In fact, the Telegraph tells us China will now spend more than six times America’s green stimulus spending to reduce emissions and create alternative energy by revamping nuclear, solar and hydroelectricity.

In terms of working together, a consortium of U.S and Chinese companies are investing $1.5 billion in a 600-megawatt wind farm in West Texas using turbines made in China. The power should meet the electricity demands of between 135,000 and 180,000 U.S. homes for a year. Chinese banks have largely paid for the farm with loan guarantees and cash grants from the U.S. government.

Japan Joins Call for Reduced Emissions

As the Japanese people also grow more environmentally aware (they were even in the dark about the dolphin slaughter) the government has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent compared to 1990 levels, while upping environmental-related employment. Subsidies also are being flaunted for home solar electric generators and friendly appliances and hybrid vehicles.

In 2010, a new incentive initiative was created for the purchase of eco-friendly houses, and in 2011, the government will expand the Feed-in-Tariff range and set an emissions rights market. Other incentives encourage research and development. Investment Week suggests Japan’s primary focus is energy-saving technology. It is considered the most energy-efficient country in Asia. China’s share of greenhouse emissions is 19 percent – five times larger than Japan’s – and the country is expected to widen its ecology and tech markets for solar and hybrid cars, nuclear energy, water conservation and purification and waste disposal. Other growth areas include LED lighting, fuel batteries, smart grids, carbon dioxide capture and storage.

Forging  Green Dwellings for Emerging Middle Class

Asia is also advancing in the uphill battle of energy-efficient housing, taking its lead from the West. Japan might be slightly ahead of the yuppie housing game but all that newly acquired income from making all of our stuff has seen a rapidly emerging middle-class in China. That populace now seeks the same green standards for cleaner materials, energy and water efficiency in residential dwellings as the educated and informed in Europe and the U.S.

China Daily tells us a number of real estate developers are answering that call by adopting green industry systems for residential buildings. Shenzhen Fountain Corporation, for example, is slated to develop LEED-registered residential buildings in Zhuhai in Guangdong province and Changsha in Hunan province. Apparently, this will bring world-class environmental standards to China.

Officials see they can save 20 to 60 percent on energy consumption, and better yet, LEED-certified buildings, though more costly to build, see good returns on investments in the long run. Developers see it can give them a competitive edge while meeting increasing demand.

Hybrid Rice to Replace Disappearing Fields

Hybrid seed growers want the government in the Philippines to act now and urge local farmers to adopt the use of hybrid rice technology which has proven effective in doubling or tripling their farm yield as high as 17 tons per hectares. This is comparison to the output of four to five tons per hectare for certified inbred seeds.

Expanding land and using old technology is no longer a viable option. Still, the Aquino administration has said it would continue using inbred seeds. Advocates of a hybrid rice program argue without it, China would not have busted out to become the second-largest world economy able to feed more than 1.3 billion people.

China embraced the technology in the 1960s when a famine threatened starvation, and has since led the world in the research of hybrid rice and development. In describing the technology, Commodity explains that in conventional rice plants, inbreeding take place since each flower has both male and female organs, allowing the plant to self-pollinate  to produce. But Hybrid rice seeds come from two genetically distinct parents requiring three breeding lines (male-sterile line, the maintainer line, and the restorer line).

Complicated, no? China’s ability to master it has given the country an edge in not only feeding its own population, but providing ways to cultivate sticky rice in other parts of Asia where it is popular. Farmers must buy new hybrid seeds every season and China is now developing super hybrids from parent lines that are genetically more distinct than typical hybrids and contain a greater degree of heterosis, and therefore, higher yields.

Images: Ivan Walsh; Kiwi Mikex; Dmytrok; FHKE; Muji; Bionicfarmer

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If you want to look at the history of American energy, just consider T. Boone Pickens.

When Pickens founded Mesa Petroleum in the 1950s, he took $2500 and turned it into a three-billion-dollar oil empire. He’s Texas old school oil, currently running Dallas-based energy investment fund BP Capital. He is a close, personal friend of the Bush family, and he also funded that little Swift Boat incident that turned John Kerry into election road kill.

But then, a few years ago, something seemed to turn. Pickens is a business man above all else – and considering the state of the world’s oil, he planned accordingly. He launched the Pickens Plan, an extensive blueprint to promote oil alternatives.

According to Pickens, “At current oil prices, we will send $700 billion dollars out of the country this year alone – that’s four times the annual cost of the Iraq war.  Projected over the next 10 years the cost will be $10 trillion – it will be the greatest transfer of wealth in the history of mankind.”

Further, the plan is to replace natural gas resources with wind energy, which would then free up to 38% more natural gas resources to replace the current need for transportation – and therefore our dependence on oil. And Pickens went to great lengths to promote his plan, traveling all over the country to the tune of $60 million, promoting what he seemed to feel was the answer to all energy problems.

Or was the answer. Yesterday, Pickens beat a hasty retreat on Glenn Beck’s FOX television show. Faster than Sarah Palin can wink away her status as governor, Pickens called off his plans for the world’s largest wind farm.  The 687 turbines that were going to power the nation into clean energy are homeless, as Pickens claims he doesn’t even have a place to store them.

What happened?

As Pickens claims, “It doesn’t mean that wind is dead”¦It just means we got a little bit too quick off the blocks.”

Which means what, exactly? Pickens is vague. It seems that the energy executive ran into problems getting the turbine distribution system set up in the Texas panhandle. Okay, sounds feasible. We’re still with you, T. Boone.

But then Pickens kept talking. It seems that certain aspects of the new climate bill have made natural gas, not wind, the cheap energy du jour. Pickens owns an extensive natural gas monopoly. And the climate bill includes a lot of incentives to switch to natural gas. So it makes fiscal sense to jump on the natural gas bandwagon. Which would be great, if it were truly a green energy. But natural gas still contains 70% methane and seriously injures people when inhaled. Okay, so maybe it is clean by the “we’re not mired in the Middle East” definition, but it’s not clean by the “will it kill me?” litmus test.

Image: Fort Worth Real Estate Online

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