By now we’ve looked at why it is so important to use sustainable energy sources, in addition to considering the need to utilize a mix of these sources. But, eventually, we’re faced with the question: How do we make clean energy a reality?
I believe this transition is entrusted to the hands of three different entities: the government, companies, and the people. If the whole of society doesn’t fervently work towards this goal, by the time we eventually reach zero fossil fuel use it will likely be too late.
The Role of the Government
President Biden, and an abundance of presidents to precede him, have shown their support for solving climate change and encouraging clean energy use. However, according to Oil Change International, the US annually spends approximately 20.5 billion dollars on fossil fuel subsidies (1). Clean energy sources are receiving a third of these numbers at best. This imbalance allows coal and gas-based corporations to thrive while renewable energy companies are left to largely fend for themselves. In fact, today coal plants are only made viable by way of government subsidies and policies, this fossil fuel is otherwise rendered uneconomical (2). Still, let’s say the government did decide to suddenly drop these subsidies entirely; there would be adverse effects, especially for lower-income citizens. Therefore, the government must go about this process prudently, such as beginning by “[introducing] a price per ton of carbon emitted, which would greatly increase the cost of doing business for fossil fuel companies” (2).
At the same time, the government must take clear steps to encourage clean energy while the sector gets up and running. There are many actions the government could take to do this. To start, the government should do more than provide a distant objective like reaching zero emissions by some year. They should set out to supply a more specific roadmap that includes distinct actions and when to carry them out by. Additionally, there is a great need for the government to incentivize businesses to follow the transition, by means of subsidies and other similar modes. The role of the government doesn’t end there; other options include provisions for grants to encourage research and innovation in the clean energy sector.
The Role of Companies
Just like the government, corporations have an important part to play in making clean energy a full reality. The most obvious way for companies to support this shift is by investing in sustainable energy sources for their own operations. After all, “commercial and industrial energy users represent more than 60% of U.S. electricity demand alone,” so there is an evident need for companies to lead the way in clean energy use (3). The pressure is especially high on large corporations like Facebook, Disney, Google, etc. to take the lead. In fact, Amazon has recently taken a huge step in the right direction by partnering with Arlington County, Virginia to generate and utilize immense amounts of renewable energy at a local solar energy farm (4). Still, even small businesses can make a huge difference by trading out carbon-based electricity for energy from renewable companies.
Speaking of these renewable companies, while they are already on the right track, there is even more that they can do beyond simply being a producer of clean energy. A big setback for the transition to clean energy is a lack of education among average consumers. Many families who could be investing in renewable power for their own homes or electric vehicles are simply unaware of how to harness these resources. These consumers haven’t been adequately educated on the cost-efficiency of these resources in the long run. I believe renewable energy companies have a responsibility to educate their market if we are to truly make clean energy the standard power source.
The Role of the People
The opportunities for average citizens to accelerate the transition to renewables are endless. To start, they can make an effort to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels in any way possible, no matter how small. This could be as big a step as investing in solar panels for one’s home or getting energy from a renewably sourced company. However, not everyone is at a point to afford that quite yet. Fortunately, there are many other options; for example, carpooling or biking more to reduce gas usage. Additionally, citizens can unite to vote or lobby for government officials and policies that boost renewables. What’s more, there is a great need for individuals to educate themselves and others on energy. Examples of this could be starting an education campaign on the adverse effects of fossil fuels or attending college to learn how to make clean energy sources more efficient and accessible.
So What?
If it isn’t already evident, no one is without responsibility in the fight to eliminate the use of fossil fuels. Truthfully, I don’t believe this transition will work if only one or two of the groups I’ve discussed take action. For this switch to succeed we need the government’s finance and enforcement, we need companies’ enthusiastic compliance, and we need the people to invest.
The task ahead may seem demanding, but my hope is that a united front will permit our society to make clean energy a reality sooner than we’d ever expected.
- http://priceofoil.org/content/uploads/2017/10/OCI_US-Fossil-Fuel-Subs-2015-16_Final_Oct2017.pdf
- https://generation180.org/the-absurd-truth-about-fossil-fuel-subsidies/
- https://www.wri.org/insights/besides-buying-renewables-how-can-companies-and-cities-create-greener-grid
- https://www.environmentalleader.com/2020/01/virginia-county-purchases-power-from-new-amazon-arlington-solar-farm-2/
Great Blog! I always find it super interesting that most fossil fuel production is only kept alive through subsidies. I always previously assumed that fossil fuels were so much cheaper than renewables that that was the reason that people never chose them. I really liked that you covered how all the different people need to be involved to help make a difference rather than just blaming one group, like the average citizen or the government.
Nice blog. I really appreciated the section that talked about how the government needs to take “clear steps” in order to make a significant change on the topic of renewable energy. I feel like too often the government makes policies that will quiet the people but not actually do very much. Similarly, I appreciate the way you walked us through how individuals can make a change as well as companies as a whole. Overall, solid blog.
This is certainly a huge challenge, and I agree that it’ll take everyone working together to solve it. What are some steps that I can take? I guess education is a big part of making the transition happen, so talking about how feasible clean energy is with my friends could help. I really enjoy the style of your blogs and they are fun and easy to read.
As always, a great argument and even better evidence to support it! The three main areas really do coincide with that needs to be done in order for us to move ahead and I completely agree that is a triangle in which all three parts have to work in tandem in order to achieve this “impossible” goal.
This blog did a very good job of encompassing the many factors that are contributing to eliminating the use of fossil fuels. Whether that’s in the form of government subsidies, individual companies, or the rest of us just choosing the more environmentally friendly option. I agree that all three of these groups need to work in tandem to create the future we all want!
The background of your blog is pretty cool. The organization of your entry is well organized and easy to follow. You had evidence for each section backing your claims. I agree with you that transitioning to renewable energy is a complex process that requires a multilayered approach with numerous actors. I also agree with what you said about the individual having some responsibility in facilitating this transition. I do appreciate how you mentioned that not all families have access to funds for investing in renewable options when it comes to transportation and energy needs. Lastly, I was surprised by the amount of money the government subsidizes for fossil fuels. I learned a lot from your blog this week.