The article explains the concept of algae powering the city by covering the bottom of each neighborhood with genetically-altered algae, which can be used to generate power. Also, in order to achieve the status of an environmentally friendly and vehicle-less city, buildings are positioned closely within transits to allow the accessibility of the different parts of the city by foot (Raya Ani, director of RAW-NYC, 2016).
My opinion of this matter is generally positive and I strongly support the initiation of an environmentally friendly development as I believe that the innovative implementations involving algae power and vehicle-free accessibility will be beneficial in tackling global warming.
Firstly, the concept of using algae as the main source of power is highly revolutionary. It can be used as a substitute for liquid fossil fuels or any other petroleum-based fuels. Due to its biodegradable nature and massive consumption of carbon dioxide, algae would be an environmentally friendly option as compared to different energy sources, such as fossil fuel. Research had shown that producing one gallon of oil from algae only requires 13 to 14 kilograms of carbon dioxide (Future of working, 2016). This would be a win-win situation as it involves the production of a useful source of energy at the expense of a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Not only that, this inherently renewable source of power can be produced on lands that have otherwise unfavorable conditions for other sort of agriculture, allowing ease and flexibility during production (RP Siegal, 2012). This is especially advantageous for Liberland due to the bad conditions of its access roads and land, which would otherwise be unacceptable for the growth of certain types of vegetation (Anonymous journalist, Parlamentni Listy).
Furthermore, Vít Jedlička, the self-proclaimed president of Liberland, had emphasized that the city's design will reduce any adverse environmental impacts by utilizing renewable energy (Vít Jedlička, President of Liberland, 2016). Aligning with the going-green city initiative, Peters analyzed other eco-friendly options that the city design adopted, that being the use of solar energy, and a system that converts organic waste to biogas for cooking. This interchangeability between different alternatives of clean energy will certainly be beneficial for the success of an algae-powered city as there will be flexibility and contingencies in case of a depleting source of algae.
Next, for the city to operate without any vehicles, it was deemed necessary by Raya Ani, director of RAW-NYC architecture firm, for buildings and amenities to be compact within the limited space of three square miles - the area that the country can offer (Raya Ani, 2016). This will be a favorable and highly achievable implementation as a vehicle-less city will reduce the number of main roads needed for automobiles, and therefore, the lack of roads will allow the infrastructures of the city to be clustered together, allowing the citizens to access their destination by foot. Hence, not only does the absence of vehicle significantly reduces the amount of pollutants produced by the city, it also promotes travelling without vehicles as everything is just a stone throw away.
In conclusion, Peters articulated the overall scheme, as well as benefits, for a green micronation in Liberland. Through his analysis, I believe that the idea of an environmentally-friendly country is achievable and realistic. It was a clever decision to utilize the properties of algae power to the city’s advantage. Being an eco-friendly source of energy, along with the intended no-car policy, these factors aligns with Vít Jedlička’s goal of establishing a green Liberland.
References:
This Self-Proclaimed Micronation Has Plans for a Car-Free, Algae-Powered City, by Adele Peters
Retrieved June 14, 2016, from https://www.fastcoexist.com/3060800/this-self-proclaimed-micronation-has-plans-for-a-car-free-algae-powered-city
Algae-based Biofuel: Pros and Cons, by RP Siegal
Retrieved April 12, 2012 from http://www.triplepundit.com/special/energy-options-pros-and-cons/algae-based-biofuel-pros-cons/
7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Algae Biofuel
Retrieved February 4, 2016 from http://futureofworking.com/7-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-algae-biofuel/
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