Renewables and the environment

This summer, global warming seems more real to the citizens of California, due to the massive wildfires affecting the state. Climate patterns are changing, in California and across the planet. Since the mid 20th century, climate scientists have tracked these climate changes and attributed them mostly to human activity on the planet. Burning fossil fuels has resulted in dramatically increased levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In California, much of the state’s energy continues to come from our dependence on fossil fuels like natural gas and oil. When fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases, such as methane, are also released during fossil fuel extraction and transportation. Carbon dioxide isn’t harmful at natural levels, but too much of it can act like a layer of plastic wrap around the Earth that lets in heat from the sun but doesn’t let it escape. In that situation, the atmosphere acts like a greenhouse, which is why these emissions are called greenhouse gases. In the future, scientists expect more frequent and longer heat waves, and drier summers. Smog forms faster in warmer weather, creating a health hazard for all of us, especially infants, children and the elderly.

Keeping California Golden

California remains perhaps the most geologically diverse state in the union with oceans, deserts, forests, and the most farmland in American. But the California we love is threatened. Climate change is already contributing to increased air pollution, deforestation, ocean acidification, catastrophic wildfires, droughts, heat waves and sea-level rise, which threaten our future. Scientists and other experts agree that we need to cut carbon pollution if we are to avoid the worst effects of global warming, and there’s no time to waste. We have to work together to make real, substantive changes to protect what we have today and preserve our natural resources for the future.

The way to a clean energy future

So how do we achieve such an ambitious goal? It will take effort from every Californian and company doing business in the state. We all need to play a part in increasing energy efficiency, embracing clean energy sources and supporting clean technology. In achieving these goals, we’ll also enjoy the benefits of a clean-energy future. Besides fighting the effects of climate change, our collective efforts can help our local economy by keeping clean-energy investments, jobs, and innovation in California.There are things each of us can do to minimize our environmental impact. In California, our biggest areas of individual impact are related to reducing our energy use in homes, cars, and businesses.

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Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.