"The cumulative scientific evidence is unequivocal: Climate change is a threat to human well-being and planetary health. Any further delay in concerted anticipatory global action on adaptation and mitigation will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a livable and sustainable future for all. That’s from the latest United Nation’s climate change report, just out in late February.
While it’s increasingly clear that the need for climate action is urgent, it can be hard for an individual to know where to start. In this column we are featuring specific actions you can take, written by Deborah Williams, UCSB lecturer in environmental studies,
Individual action includes advancing the use of solar power in our community.
Residential energy use generates about 20% of our nation’s greenhouse gases. These emissions would rank 6th highest in the world, similar to all of Brazil’s emissions, and greater than Germany’s emissions.
As the U.S. Department of Energy points out, “each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar that is generated will substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions like CO2, as well as other dangerous pollutants such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Solar also reduces water consumption and withdrawal.”
~ Homeowners (house or condo): Install solar panels or expand your solar panels. (Note: According to California law, condo associations or HOAs cannot prohibit the installation).
Options include working directly with solar panel providers and, depending on the company, obtain solar power through an outright purchase, a loan, monthly lease, or a full lease. To find lists of some solar companies, you can search for installers on yelp, or consumer affairs or www.solarreviews.com
You may also learn about solar plus battery opportunities in our region. It is good to get at least two or three quotes from vendors but here’s a club link: www.swellenergy.com/sierraclub
~ Renters can generate some of your own solar power through a portable solar charger here.
Talk with your landlord and urge them to install solar. Find some options and talking points here.
~ Workplace Advocacy: As an employee, officer, or board member you can encourage your company to install solar on its building. Make a case to the owner to do it. Here are 11 very good reasons to use solar energy for commercial buildings.
If you work for a nonprofit working for social good, contact CEC’s Solarize program to find out how you can get an excellent solar energy system, with no upfront costs.
~ Community Advocacy: As a resident, your voice matters. The California Public Utility Commission is considering revising the Net Energy Metering program in a way that would make rooftop solar much more expensive.
You can phone the governor 916-445-2841 (M-F 9 am to 5 pm only) and leave a message telling him to ensure the PUC properly values and support MORE rooftop solar and electric system resiliency. Or go here to leave a written comment to the Governor (subject is ‘Public Utilities Commission’).
At the city, county, state and national levels there are opportunities to support more distributed solar funding, higher community solar goals, additional solar programs, and new or expanded solar installations (such as in our public schools and government buildings). Look out for advocacy opportunities regarding solar – and make your voice heard by writing letters, making comments and/or testifying.
Additional motivational thoughts:
~ Solar panels are a beautiful addition to a home, because they clearly communicate a meaningful commitment to the environment and future generations. They also protect against rising energy costs, increase property values, earn a great rate of return, enhance U.S. energy independence, create local jobs and help our local economy.
~ The average residential solar system eliminates 3 to 4 tons of carbon emissions annually.
~ Across the nation, there are over 2 million solar installations, twice as many as there were only three years ago.
