2024: A Year of Climate Action and Optimism
TL/DR –
The article emphasizes that climate change is a human-caused problem that requires human-created solutions, pointing to several positive developments in clean energy and climate legislation. For instance, since the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, 251 new clean-energy projects have been launched in 40 states, with over $100 billion invested and over 90,000 new jobs created, while China and India are surpassing their renewable energy targets. Moreover, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is growing rather than decreasing, with one in five cars sold now being electric, and new climate legislation continues to be introduced, while solar installation rates have been rising rapidly around the globe.
Positive Climate News to Counter the Despair: Climate Change is Not Unstoppable
Contrary to what negative news headlines may suggest, climate change is a human-caused problem with human-created solutions. Behind the alarming headlines, the world is quietly transitioning. The shift towards cleaner power generation methods is lowering energy costs, generating jobs, improving air quality, and bolstering America’s energy independence.
Optimism is warranted as we transition into 2024, even though there’s still significant work left. Since the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, 251 new clean-energy projects have emerged across 40 states, with more than $100 billion invested and over 90,000 jobs created. Additionally, CS Wind’s $200 million expansion will generate 850 new jobs in Pueblo.
Contrary to popular belief, India and China are making strides in emissions reductions. India is focusing on growing renewables, which have surged by 12% annually since 2018. Meanwhile, China is exceeding its renewable energy goals five years ahead of schedule and plans to double its existing wind and solar capacity by 2025.
The electric vehicle (EV) market is also thriving, debunking misconceptions of its decline. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that EV sales are on the rise, charging infrastructures are sufficient, and consumer interest is growing. Furthermore, most EVs have a lower cost of ownership compared to traditional vehicles.
Despite its reputation, Congress has passed several pieces of climate legislation, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and recently introduced bills like the Energy Innovation Act and the Foreign Pollution Fee Act.
The world has installed more solar energy production in the past three years than from inception until 2020. This trend is projected to double over the next three years due to global investment of $1 billion daily in solar energy deployment.
Accelerating Climate Action in 2024: Your Role
Individuals can contribute to climate change solutions through various actions. Voting for climate-friendly candidates, talking to elected officials about climate change, and discussing climate solutions with friends and family are all significant steps.
Supporting groups that work towards large-scale climate solutions either through donations or volunteering can also have an impact. In 2024, consider purchasing an electric vehicle to take advantage of the new instant tax credit, or replace an old furnace or swamp cooler with an efficient heat pump. Opt for biking or walking over driving.
Both small individual actions and advocacy for larger solutions can contribute to our clean-energy future. Here’s to a 2024 filled with increased climate action and optimism!
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