An important and amazing thing happened at the end of a year of tragically bad
news—and it was not even treated as a top news story. On December 13 it was
announced that 195 countries (out of 196 countries world-wide—near
unanimity!) agreed to limit the rise in the earth’s temperature to 1.5 degrees
Celsius.
Most of the environment groups that SWS uses for sounding boards have been
positive about the agreement. However, some groups think the agreement
lacked enough bite—there are no consequences if a nation fails to keep its
commitment. We have to trust that the 195 countries will honor their
commitment.
A number of countries are already imposing a carbon tax to help fund the
transition to a fossil fuel free economy. Where there is an absence of federal
action, a number of regional entities are imposing carbon taxes—for example,
British Columbia. Also, Seattle’s Initiative I-732 will be voted on in the next
election cycle.
The business sector increasingly recognizes the business potential in lower cost
energy and in ending subsidies for fossil fuel extraction, distribution, and
mitigation. This was a clear breakthrough at the Paris conference. There are now
more jobs in renewable energy, which is another reason for optimism among
this normally resistant group. An area of concern is how to achieve carbon
reduction in air transportation and the shipping and distribution of consumer
goods.
A bright spot is Boeing’s and Seattle airport’s announcement that they will
pursue the use of biofuel for their jet propellant. Meanwhile, protecting our farm
land from an onslaught of biofuel agriculture remains a concern. However, more
food is being grown locally and more people are eating seasonally, and this
could eventually help offset loss of food production due to the growing of
biofuels. It is becoming increasingly clear that relying on big agriculture as a
source of food is not in our best interest anyway. Algae-based biofuels may one
day meet some of our need for fuel.
Even though oil prices are low, electric powered vehicles (EVs) have never
been more popular. Electric transportation technology is growing fast. On
average, most cars are owned five-six years or less, so your next car may be an
electric vehicle! The Tesla Company has been improving battery storage
capacity and increasing recharge ability at a fast pace. Tesla claims it will be
able to produce a $35K car with a 1000 mile range by 2020. They are also
working on long-lasting home energy storage for Solar PV rooftop homes. I
think movement toward freedom from fossil fuels is gaining the momentum we
have been waiting for.
We all heard that hover boards and other electronic gadgets were a top holiday
gift. Happily, another top gift was LED light bulbs, which last twenty years and
are at least ten times more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
You can tell that I feel optimistic that we are moving in the right direction. I am
hopeful that the top down proposals that came out of the Paris meetings will
increase momentum toward a fossil-fuel-free world. At the same time we can all
become fossil-free consumers.
The transition to a fossil-fuel-free world is already happening. Sustainable West
Seattle can speed that along by setting annual goals and challenging the public
to participate. We have generally taken a bottom-up approach. We encourage
consumers to make decisions that will reduce both the cost of energy and the
cost to our planet. In 2016, with the ongoing subsidy from Seattle City Light,
we can work to bring affordable LED lighting to local homes and
businesses. We can challenge local industry to get on board and join in the
transition—we can consider a petition to local industries asking them to make a
commitment to the transition.
There is much to look forward to in 2016 following the Paris COP21. There is
also much to do. Please join us.
