Read “The Climate for Change” on NYT

Al Gore published a new article on November 9th for the New York Times. It’s called “The Climate for Change,” and I think it’s an important read for all of us.

“The Climate for Change”

Towards the beginning of his two-page opinion article, Gore makes this powerful statement about the relationship between the climate, the economy, and energy security:

“Here is the good news: the bold steps that are needed to solve the climate crisis are exactly the same steps that ought to be taken in order to solve the economic crisis and the energy security crisis.”

The bulk of the article provides a five-step plan for the U.S. to gain 100% energy independence in ten years by producing ALL our own carbon-free energy. Gore says this plan will help solve the climate crisis, solve the economic crisis, and provide us with millions of new jobs right at home. Here’s a little summary of each of those steps.

1. Invest now in incentives for new solar thermal plants, wind farms, and advanced plants in geothermal hot spots
2. Build a modern, unified national smart grid to carry renewable electricity from rural areas to cities using “high-voltage, low-loss underground lines”
3. Help the U.S. auto industry convert to plug-in hybrids
4. Provide quality insulation and energy-efficient lighting and windows for buildings nationwide
5. Put a price on carbon dioxide emissions and replace the Kyoto treaty with a better treaty that limits emissions and urges nations to work together on reducing global warming, especially deforestation

Take some time to read the article this week and share with others.