About: David Newland

A frequent writer for National Geographic and Smithsonian, David is an avid follower and learner of the environment. From traveling around the world to learn and observe new cultures to writing about shark attack survival, you'll always get an interesting world class environmental approach.

Recent Posts by David Newland

Nuclear Energy: How It Works, Environmental Impact & Career Paths

Nuclear Energy: How It Works, Environmental Impact & Career Paths
Nuclear energy currently generates about 9-10% of the world's electricity through over 400 reactors in 31 countries (historically contributing around 12%). It works by splitting uranium atoms in a controlled chain reaction, creating heat that produces steam to drive turbines. While nuclear power produces virtually no greenhouse gases during operation, it creates radioactive waste that…
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Wind Power 101

Wind Power 101
Modern wind power is a recent development based on a very old technology. The wind has propelled sail boats for at least 5000 years, and turned windmills for perhaps 1500 years. Even the concept of generating electricity with wind power dates back to the first successful attempt in the late 1800s. But aside from the…
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Natural Gas 101: Pros, Cons & Career Guide

Natural Gas 101: Pros, Cons & Career Guide
Natural gas is a fossil fuel primarily composed of methane, formed over millions of years from decayed organic matter. It supplies approximately 22% of global energy needs for heating, electricity generation, and industrial processes. While natural gas burns cleaner than coal or oil—producing 50% less carbon dioxide—its extraction and use raise environmental concerns including methane…
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Hydroelectric Power 101

Hydroelectric Power 101
Hydroelectric power uses the kinetic energy of moving water to produce electricity. It's the most widely used form of renewable energy, generating 19% of electricity worldwide (1). While large-scale projects have had mixed results in the developing world, when done properly, hydroelectric is a cheap, clean and effective method of producing energy. Hydroelectric Methods Most…
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Solar Power 101: Advantages & Disadvantages

Solar Power 101: Advantages & Disadvantages
Solar power is the conversion of the sun’s energy into electricity. With an estimated 173,000 terawatts of solar energy continuously hitting Earth’s surface (1), there is more than enough energy to meet the world’s current consumption levels of 15 terawatts per year (2). The trick, though, is collecting it. Solar Power Technology Solar energy is primarily collected…
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