to also embrace electrification in transportation, household appliances and other areas. To reap the most from all this clean energy now available on the grid, it’s essential for the U.S. Such an approach also provides an economic buffer against regional energy price fluctuations, creating a more stable and resilient energy system. By creating interconnected regional grids, we can ensure that renewable energy is consistently distributed across the country. When the wind doesn’t blow in Texas, the sun might be shining in Arizona. Take our fragmented power grid for example. And plenty of roadblocks remain, from localized resistance stemming from misconceptions about renewables to a patchwork of disparate state permitting processes and lack of a unified power grid. must accelerate renewable energy deployment by at least two to three times to realize our decarbonization aspirations. Global renewable capacity is growing, to be sure, but not nearly fast enough. Last year’s passage of the critical Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has already ushered in $278 billion of new investments in renewable energy, nearly doubling manufacturing of electric vehicles and clean energy components and generating more than 170,000 new jobs. What’s more, research shows that every dollar channeled into renewables yields three times the job opportunities compared to the fossil fuel sector. Solar and wind energy costs have dramatically decreased over the past decade, making them both affordable and scalable. To sway them, our energy transition narrative must highlight the broader benefits: job opportunities, health improvements and energy security.įortunately, when it comes to economic benefits, proponents of renewable energy have a powerful story to share. But that means a solid majority still envisions a future where fossil fuels coexist with renewables. The younger generation is more supportive, with 42 percent in favor of decarbonization. adults advocate for completely transitioning away from fossil fuels. can and must lead the way.īut first, we need to win hearts and minds. And as the second-largest annual emitter after China, and historically the largest cumulative contributor, the U.S. Our path is clear: We need to quickly pivot and make renewable energy the mainstay, not the alternative. By comparison, in 2022, renewable energy from sources like wind and solar prevented 600 million tons of carbon emissions. Fossil-fueled power plants are responsible for some 40 percent of all carbon dioxide pollution.
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