Rick Crawford
If you haven’t heard, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report was released last month saying that if greenhouse gases which cause global warming continue to rise at current rates, the earth will warm to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) by 2040 with catastrophic results if we don’t curb greenhouse gas emissions immediately. This news preceded the Living Planet Report released this week by the World Wildlife Fund that humans have killed 60% of the world’s wildlife since 1970, which is alarming to say the least. With all of this news, it is easy to get depressed and feel hopeless about the future of our planet, but I am optimistic…
So, I thought it would be beneficial to cite some examples that give me hope about climate change in the United States:
- There are 84 U.S. cities that have committed to 100% renewable energy no later than 2035 for electricity and 2050 for all energy sectors.
- 6 U.S. cities are already powered by 100% renewable energy, including: Aspen, CO, Burlington, VT, Georgetown, TX, Greensburg, KS, Kodiak Island, AK and Rock Port, MO!
- 17 Governors have signed the U.S. Climate Alliance which affirms their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions meaning each state is to “implement policies that advance the goals of the Paris Agreement, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emission by at least 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.” Some of the states include: Colorado, North Carolina and Virginia.
- 2 States have committed to 100% renewable energy by 2045, and they are California and Hawaii!
- The worlds Top 100 most influential companies are committing to 100% renewable energy including many U.S. companies like: Apple, Facebook, Nike and others!
The above examples all give me reasons to be hopeful about the future of our planet, but in order for us to curb the impact of climate change we all need to take action.
TAKE ACTION
If you’d also like to take action, here’s a few ways to make an impact today:
- Contact your mayor and ask why your city is not committed to 100% renewable energy and what plans are in place to achieve this goal!
- Contact your governor and ask why your state is not part of the U.S. Climate Alliance and why they are not committed to 100% renewable energy and what they plan to do about getting on board!
- Own your own business? Commit to 100% renewable energy and explore energy conservation and renewable energy options because they not only reduce operational costs, but reduce greenhouse gas emissions (I am happy to guide you in reducing your company’s environmental impact while cutting costs!).
- Are you an American? Then VOTE! Your first opportunity to make an impact is coming up on November 6th for the midterm elections, and there are some great resources from my last blog to help find candidates that vote the environment.
Finally, as a new father I realize that now more so than ever, it is not only my responsibility to ensure that she has a fair, equitable and sustainable planet to inherit, but it is my duty. I hope you feel the same way, because our planet depends on it!