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THIS IS ENERGIZING!

10/31/2014

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I sometimes feel that the energy/climate change issues are overwhelming.  How are we going to make the needed change and shift our consumption to renewable energy?  Is it even possible?

YES!  It is possible.
I have been reading Naomi Klein’s incredibly well researched new book, "This Changes Everything."  Her investigative journalism provides an excellent analysis of where we are, how we got here and, what we must do in order to meet the challenges of climate disruption and become less dependent upon destructive fossil fuels. 

The reading is sobering – to say the least ­– but also quite clear that we do have options. 

This is the good news that I learned today.
·      100% of the world’s energy, for all purposes, could be supplied by wind, water and solar resources, by as early as 2030.  This includes not only power generation but also transportation as well as heating and cooling; according to a detailed road map authored by Mark Z. Jacobson (Stanford U.) and Mark A. Delucchi (UC Davis).

·      In Australia, a blueprint has been designed for achieving a 60% solar and 40% wind electricity system in an astonishing 10 years.

·      The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin. has concluded that cost-effective wind and solar could constitute nearly 60% of the U.S. electricity system by 2030.

·      The U.S. Dept of Energy states that wind, solar and other currently available green technologies could meet 80% of America’s electricity needs by 2050.

·      New York State could meet all of its power needs with renewables by 2030 according to Mark Jacobson (Stanford U.)  These researchers are developing similar plans for every U.S. State.
(Naomi Klein, This Changes Eveything, pg 101-2)

OK, so how does all this happen?
These researchers go on to say, “This really involves a large scale transformation.  It would require an effort comparable to the Apollo moon project or constructing the interstate highway system.  But it is possible without even having to go to new technologies.”

“We really need to just decide collectively that this is the direction we want to head as a society.”

It is possible.  All we need is the collective will. 

Now is the time!
Together, we are strong.  Together we can bring our voice, our wisdom and knowledge that renewable energies are safe and available.  They are our legacy for future generations.

What Can YOU Do?
Learn more.  Read Naomi Klein’s book, This Changes Everything – or her articles.
There is so much creative and innovative stuff happening! Read about “Generating Power From Tidal Lagoons,”  N. Y. Times 10.28.2014
Switch your home or business to a green energy source.  Check out www.GreenEnergyChoice.com
Contact Your Legislators.  Visit the Union of Concerned Scientists Web Action Center -- www.ucsusa.org/action-center
Find Your Local Activist Groups and support their work.  
Explore Beautiful Solutions offering promising strategies for building a just, democratic and resilient world.   www.solutions.thischangeseverything.org
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