Comment ▼ Energy and global warming: The great convergence his month, the U.S. Congress is considering a watereddown energy bill that lacks any semblance to the needs of the nation. They’ve been struggling with this legislation for more than six months and now stand impotent. Yet, there has never been such a convergence of two mega-trends that point to the same policy action. Energy security, a crucial form of homeland security, and global warming both require a dramatic reduction in the use of imported fossil fuels. Congress and the Bush Administration could address both ills with legislation targeting a rapid expansion of energy efficiency and homegrown renewable energy sources, but somehow they can’t see it. The people deserve better. It’s like the TV show Wheel of Fortune. Vanna White, one of the show’s hosts, turns over the letters to expose a portion of the word puzzle whose answer everyone knows but the contestants. The contestants are a metaphor for the U.S. government, while the American people have a natural instinct about the puzzle. Ask anyone whether importing more than 50% of our oil to fuel the economy is prudent or sustainable in the long run, and you will get an earful. Ask most Americans if they think there is something “funny” about the climate, and they will tell you they suspect something is amiss. I think that people know the answer and could be convinced of the challenge, but the government simply doesn’t get it. The Economist, in a December 15, 2001, article, stated that 70% of voters in the United States and Europe would support a revenueneutral scheme that decreased income taxes and accordingly increased carbon taxes in order to control pollution and achieve other societal benefits. The current situation is unprecedented. We have never imported more of our energy needs than we do today— 13% of the world’s total, or about 460 million tons. Secretaries of State since Henry Kissinger have declared that the United States will fight to protect the world’s energy supply lines. Troops and bases in the Middle East cost tens of billions of dollars each year (not including the costs of mobilizing troops for war and lives lost). Just imagine if these billions of dollars were invested in energy conservation and renewable energy systems at home. The other mega-trend is global warming. The 3rd Assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a consensus document vetted by more than 1500 scientists worldwide, states that global warming has al-
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ready occurred and is due in part to burning fossil fuels. Although the amount of warming so far (0.6 °C) has not been great compared to that forecast for the next 50 years, the effects are already enormous. The 11 warmest years on record have occurred since 1990. Floods, droughts, and storms have appeared more severe in recent years, and we are losing most of our continental glaciers. The Arctic is 5.4 °F warmer in July and August than it was 30 years ago—we have lost 15% of arctic tundra and more than 10% of perennial sea ice since the 1970s. Still, there is reason for optimism. Many are heeding the call to action. British Prime Minister Tony Blair has proposed a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 for his country and the European Union. Germany is mulling over a plan for a 40% reduction by 2020 and has even begun to remove the perverse subsidies (preference laws) on its native coal industry. Canada’s Climate Action Network has the government’s ear for a pledge of 50% reduction by 2030. Ontario, Canada, has a plan to phase out five of its largest coal-fired power plants by moving to wind, hydropower, and biomass. It is doable. We can attain a 50% reduction in fossil fuel usage with energy efficiency and wind power alone! A few actions will help, such as requiring compact fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow shower heads for water heater savings, heat pumps for heating and air conditioning, refillable beverage containers, and doubling the fuel efficiency of cars (hybrids can do it). There is enough wind in the United States to satisfy all our energy needs. Wind power has grown at 30% per year since 1995, and thanks to the current federal tax credit it is significantly cheaper than all other new forms of power. These changes will also create jobs, erase our balance of payments deficit, curtail mercury pollution of our fish and people, and improve our beautiful country. And, yes, we will obtain energy security and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions—a great convergence. We need leadership; the way is clear.
Jerald L. Schnoor Editor
[email protected] APRIL 1, 2004 / ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ■ 119A
