Public interest in, and awareness of, global warming is spurring policy action at the federal and state level. A prime example is Minnesota’s Renewable Energy Standard legislation requiring 25% of Minnesota’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020, which went to Governor Pawlenty yesterday for his expected signature. These policy initiatives are a welcome change, and will spur significant development of wind and other renewable energy resources in Minnesota (including the Northfield area!)
Stabilizing the concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and preventing runaway global climate chaos, will require on the order of an 80% reduction (according to reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) from current rates of global emissions (primarily resulting from combustion of fossil fuels). While this level of reduction will take many years of concerted effort internationally, there are simple ways for individuals to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions right now. Many of them are easy and no-cost or low-cost.
I’ve summarized a few suggestions in the areas of building energy efficiency and transportation on this web site. There is also an organized statewide campaign to encourage people to reduce their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Check out the Minnesota Energy Challenge, and take the challenge today!