In a 2-minute video, David Attenborough explains that our world and its wildlife are in danger because of climate change.
In the 1960s, scientists overcame immense odds to put men on the moon. A similar effort is now needed to combat climate change,
If we make renewable energy cheaper than coal, fossil fuels will stay in the ground.
David Attenborough, Professor Cox, and many other leaders of business, science and industry have put their names to a call for an investment of $15 billion a year over 10 years to make this happen.
For much less than the $100 billion per year currently spent on defence, we could save our planet from climate change. The money invested in research would not only pay for itself, but provide significant economic benefits.
Leaders of the world are urged to commit, by the Paris climate conference in December, to the positive, practical initiative, named the Global Apollo Program, in honour of the 1960s program that saw men walking on the moon.
This is a highly commendable initiative – one that is sorely needed to assist in the transition to sustainability. If that transition does not take place, what is the alternative?
I believe that even more powerful than the Global Apollo Program are efforts – if replicated globally – to minimise energy usage. Putting on some clothes instead of turning on a heater. Learning to welcome cool drafts instead of turning on an air conditioner. Maximising the exposure of living room areas to the north so as to receive maximum winter sun and minimum summer sun (if the eaves+gutters are right). These are basics which will not change. Similarly with exchanging incandescent or fluorescent lights for Light-Emitting-Diode (LED) lights.
I have read several analysts say that new solar and new wind are both more affordable than new coal and new nuclear. The enormous potential of the sun to meet our energy needs has been known to us for a long time. I believe it needs public funding because sunlight is not possessible or saleable like fossil fuels are.
We are at a turning point in human history and the content above is just the beginning. We can be the people who are looked upon and regarded as the ones who met the greatest challenges humanity has faced. It is exciting; it is also critical.
Tom Livanos.
tom.369@hotmail.com