5 Plans for Action on Climate Change and Renewable Energy
The consensus is in: Climate change is real and is fueled by human activities. But these five ambitious plans offer solutions to the climate crisis.
Dec. 24, 2008
By Aly Van Dyke
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It’s time to focus on renewable energy in our national energy policy — for the health of the planet and the economy.
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The good news is the time is right for a sea change in energy policy, especially one that will create new “green” jobs. The bad news is our window of opportunity for change is quickly closing. The more we learn about climate change, the clearer it becomes that we need to take action quickly. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu has warned of the serious consequences of climate change, saying the American people need to wake up. Some scientists warn that we’re already dangerously close to major tipping points.
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There are currently dozens of plans and ideas for how we can stabilize our climate. Here are summaries of just a few. While they may have different ideas for how to reduce carbon emissions, all of them are calling for decisive action — soon.
Green Groups Proposing Plans
The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing energy efficiency and the use of solar and other renewable energy technologies. ASES says the United States has the potential to generate 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030. By 2050, ASES says the United States needs to have cut carbon emissions by 60 percent to 80 percent of current levels. Click to download the complete ASES plan.
The Apollo Alliance pools resources from businesses, environmental organizations and community leaders. Its plan calls for a $500 billion investment in clean energy over the next 10 years, which the Alliance says would create 5 million green-collar jobs. Read the complete Apollo Economic Recovery Act.
The Earth Policy Institute (EPI) is led by Mother Earth News contributing editor Lester R. Brown, a highly respected scientist and author. Brown’s newest book, Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization, outlines steps needed to cut global emissions 80 percent by 2020, with wind energy as the cornerstone. You can buy the book or read Plan B 3.0 online.
