The Border Wall is one of the most divisive topics in the
country right now, but there’s one proposal that might be more agreeable to
everyone — to make it green.
No, not literally (although, sort of). But a consortium of
28 engineers and scientists has brought forth a proposal to create an
industrial park along the divide that would include desalination facilities,
solar energy panels, wind turbines, and natural gas pipelines.
This “green” border would still create a physical barrier
between the U.S. and Mexico while also many, many green jobs. The consortium
has compared the project to the transcontinental railroad in its
transformational potential.
The massive infrastructure project would be a massive, expensive,
complicated undertaking, with the solar energy arm of the green border alone
costing an estimated $4.5 billion. However, certain parts of the border region
are actually idea for generating renewable energy. The strong winds in the Gulf
and Baja California regions are actually ideal for wind farms.
The desalination portion of the proposal would bring water
to California, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, all areas that are in the midst
of long-term droughts. This would help make the U.S. a global leader in the
industry.
Although this might seem too lofty, the team argues that
the cost of providing infrastructure is far outweighed by the amount of
opportunities it could create, especially when it comes to green jobs. It would
turn unused land with little value into a massively productive area that can help
numerous communities.
If nothing else, the consortium hopes to at least spark
conversation on alternative solutions for the border. For more on green jobs
and energy news, stay tuned here to the blog.
Green Jobs
How to Apply for a Green Job With the demand for green jobs skyrocketing so far in 2017, giving yourself a unique edge can be difficult—yet absolutely necessary—in order for you to become a proud worker for Mother Earth. Follow these steps to successfully claim your next environmentally friendly employment opportunity. 1. Resume: Make sure … Continue reading..
