In order to create energy, a fuel source is needed. The energy we use to power our cars and homes is created through the burning of fossil fuels (the majority of it, at least: In 2020, the share of renewables in global electricity generation jumped to 29%). Whether it’s coal, oil, natural gas, wood or one of the many other substances we take from the earth to create power, we are emitting pollution. At the end of the day, our energy usage is directly contributing to climate change, pumping the atmosphere full of CO2 gas and directly affecting the balance of our planet. Temperatures are hotter and weather more unstable.
One result? Energy insecurity. More energy is needed to heat and cool homes, and extreme weather puts an even greater strain on our existing systems. More and more people are unable to afford their energy bills and are, as a result, living without reliable energy sources. It’s a cycle, and a bad one.
In fact, the World Meteorological Organization puts it best when they say, “The intertwined energy and climate crises have dramatically exposed the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of an economic system heavily reliant on fossil fuels.”
So, what can we do about it? And how can we meet the increasing demands of a growing global population while still somehow meeting net-zero goals?
Let’s talk about it.
The world is still reeling from supply chain backups caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, something that began three years ago. That’s a substantial recovery period—one that hasn’t even ended yet. Supply chain is an intrinsic part of the economy, one that affects how we access goods and services, and energy is no exception.
Calculating your home’s energy usage may seem like it’s a relatively straightforward process. You look at your energy bill, calculate how much power you’re using at home, and voila – you know the impact you have. Unfortunately, it’s not so simple. Things get complicated when you begin to calculate the additional carbon footprint of the supply chain. How did that energy get to your home? What about the energy needed for the other products and services (like water, gas, and Amazon packages) brought to your home every day?
According to the European Environment Agency, energy generation in Europe is responsible for around 40% of all emissions. In the United States, 20% of emissions are due to residential energy alone. Together, Latin America and the Caribbean contribute less than 10% to global emissions (most of this coming from the energy sector). The rapid growth of economies throughout Asia-Pacific led to a 52% contribution to global emissions in 2020.
When we calculate indirect emissions caused by the supply chains involved in the consumption of all products and services, these numbers understandably skyrocket. In fact, “the total carbon footprint of households rises to 60% of global emissions on average, with variations from 40% in Japan or China to 80% in the [United States]” (OpenMind BBVA).
To power our lives, a lot of energy is needed, and we need to be smarter about how we access and utilize this power. But how?
To make a positive change, we first have to understand our current circumstances. How much energy do you use in a day? A month? Calculate your own individual carbon footprint and the footprint of your home. What about your office? Your company?
Once you have these answers, you can begin taking action to reduce the size of your footprint.
Need suggestions and motivation? Consider joining the United Nation’s Act Now campaign. Learn how you, as an individual, can be bold and make a difference for the planet.
Renewable energy generates electricity without the negative effects of fossil fuels. Solar and wind energy are the most common, but other forms like hydroelectric (water) and geothermal (heat) are also used in various contexts and locations around the world. By prioritizing renewable energy, we reduce our alliance on fossil fuels.
It’s not a new idea. You’ve heard it before. But what can you do at home?
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Regenerative agriculture is the practice of enriching the land through farming and other agricultural practices; an effort that has been led by Indigenous Communities for thousands of years. Rather than stripping the ground of its nutrients, regenerative practices add to the health and strength of the soil and the overall ecosystem. In essence, it’s a decolonization of agriculture. 1“Regenerative Agriculture 101,” Natural Resources Defense Council ≫; “Native Growers Decolonize Regenerative Agriculture,” Green America ≫
Regenerative agriculture, as noted by One Earth, is “a pathway to an abundant and resilient future . . . shifting from the narrative of human dominion to one of healing our relationship with the Earth.” As a result, farms become more resistant to climate-related threats such as drought, flooding, and extreme shifts in temperature.2“Regenerative Agriculture and Food Systems,” One Earth ≫
Sustainable agriculture is the final step toward achieving regenerative agriculture. This is accomplished, in part, through the introduction of practices to improve environmental health, reduce the use of freshwater and harmful pesticides, and improve carbon storage in the soil.