The 4-for-2 C Scenario:
- Increase energy efficiency
- Limit emissions from coal-fired power plants
- Reduce leakage of methane from oil and gas production
- Cut subsidies for fossil fuels
These four energy policies were selected by the International Energy Agency (IEA) that would reduce emissions significantly and "keep climate goals alive without harming economic growth."
There is a new record high for the amount of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions - 31.6 gigatonnes!! Due to the energy-related green house gas emissions, "projected temperature rise is approaching threshold where the consequences would be truly dire."
It has come to a point in time where the only viable option is to take action. It might be expensive, and it might be a step-by-step, slow process, but small steps towards this goal could make all the difference.
These four policies are a start. One problem that I see is that they are very broad. Not only should these be governmental policies but they should be policies put in place for the general public as well. There are many ways that individuals can increase energy efficiency - Puget Sound Energy provides a "go green" service, as we learned in class. Individuals need to take the small steps like replacing their light bulbs with LED, not leaving the TV or Radio on during dinner because they enjoy the "background noise," using recycled energy to power their homes and having any extra energy return to "the grid." These are only a few of many examples.
Instead of limiting emissions from coal-fired power plants, we should get rid of coal-fired power plants altogether. I realize that this is an extremely unrealistic possibility and that limiting the emissions is the first step in the process. If this is the new policy, then the coal train should definitely be prohibited from coming through Bellingham, shouldn't it?
Sources:
Statement from Washington D.C. (from October 8, 2013)
4 Energy Policies: (from June 10, 2013)
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