“Climate change is a huge challenge, but it can be brought in line if governments, businesses and individuals work together.”
Richard Branson
It’s been pretty gray and gloomy around here recently. How about a ray of sunshine? This time of year we could all use an extra dose of vitamin D. This is a hopeful story about sunshine and salaries
One argument you may hear against moving to renewable energy is we will ruin our economy. But on the opposite extreme, people say we are doomed unless we make the most draconian changes. I would like to propose that neither is true.
Win-win scenarios
There are endless win-win scenarios. In other words, there is lot to be hopeful for, and even excited about. Here is one example to give you an idea…I love this story.
In 2017, a school district in Batesville, Arkansas was strapped for cash. Among other things, teacher retention was a major problem – they just didn’t have the money to pay enough. Sound familiar?
An energy audit showed they could save 2.4 million dollars in energy costs over 20 years if they made some changes. So they took the plunge – installing 1,400 solar panels, and updating lighting, HVAC systems, and windows.
Because of these changes, within three years they went from a 250 thousand dollar budget deficit to a 1.8 million dollar surplus. Here’s the best part…guess what they did with some of their extra cash? Gave all their teachers a raise. Talk about a win-win!
Endless possibilities
Today, only 16% of US school districts are using solar. But after seeing the success in Batesville, school districts all around them started jumping in. Imagine the possibilities if systems replicate this around the country. Then think about more businesses getting on board too. For example, here is a cool proposal – covering the parking lots of large shopping centers with solar panels.
What can you do?
Do you ever wonder whether you could possibly make an impact on a problem this big? You can. There are lots of ideas, and I plan to share some along the way. For instance, consider this – do you have influence in a school or business? If you do, an energy audit might be a place to start.
Let’s do something about climate change. Learn about it. Think about it. Talk about it.