“In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”
Mark Zuckerberg
If you read about climate change solutions, you are bound to run into this phrase a lot: electrify everything. OK, but first, why? And then, how?
Why electrify everything?
Our lives have been powered mostly by fossil fuels. But these fuels release heat-trapping gases into our atmosphere. This is causing the average surface temperature to increase – a.k.a. climate change. Shifting to clean energy is the solution.
This transition is underway, but our daily lives still rely on fossil fuels. Most of our cars, heating and cooling, appliances, etc. run on gas or oil. As more of our energy supply becomes renewable, we will also need to electrify our homes.
There are lots of benefits. When we electrify our lives we will:
- Release less fossil fuel into the atmosphere
- Breathe cleaner air
- Save money
- Create jobs
- Increase our energy independence
- Preserve a livable world for future generations
How do we electrify everything?
In general, consumers can’t choose where our power comes from (supply side). But we can make choices about the machines we use (demand side). Starting next year there will be tax incentives in place for many Americans to purchase electric cars, heat pumps, and other electric appliances. More to come on these topics.
I’m not suggesting everyone should run out today and buy an EV, induction stove, and lawn mower. But now is a great time for us to start thinking about electric options so we can make informed decisions when it’s time to replace these things.
Rewiring America is a nonprofit focused on making electrification “simple, measurable, and inevitable.” Their site is an excellent place to learn how to electrify your home. Regeneration is another organization with helpful information.
What can we do?
- Educate ourselves about our options
- When it’s time to replace an appliance or car, consider electric
- Talk to friends and family about what we learn
Let’s do something about climate change. Learn about it. Think about it. Talk about it.