Back on point: here's some things my son has to look forward to when he is my age:
- possible 1 degree increase in earth's average surface temperature, thanks to our decisions today (and yesterday)
- increasing ferocity of storm events
- decreased crop yields
- an older global population
- 35% more population
- delta regions at risk (uh, New Orleans perhaps?)
Just some background information. The word 'possible' might trouble some. To those people I ask: has science always gotten it right? have economic models never failed?
And finally, one more question: What harm would it do to REALLY embrace renewable energy like solar photovoltaics and wind for the vast majority of our energy needs?
If, in 50, 100 years we discover everyone was wrong about global warming and consuming fossil fuel did not cause any damage whatsoever, then it would still be there...
Contrary to the harm, here's the good it could do to really embrace renewable energy:
- stimulate high-quality knowledge economy jobs
- stimulate more manufacturing
- demonstrate inter-generational leadership
- reduce local air pollution
- take money away from un-democratic power mongers that continue to oppress women
- keep money for energy nearby
- make things better for my son
Here's a cool website. All you have to do is gather an electric bill or two, estimate your annual kWh consumption. Next, plug in your zip-code here:
http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and-you/how-clean.html
Now, calculate the CO2 you are responsible for every year.
Good information to have. If you'd like to go a step or two further, I offer the following:
1. Implement cost-effective energy saving measures:
2. Recalculate, and then offset your remaining CO2 pollution from your electricity use:
Here one (there are many many out there). I like this one because they verify their offsets according to the Chicago Climate Exchange procedures:
It's all really about paying it forward....
It's good to be back!
