Transitioning to a renewable energy future

Welcome to another fortnightly edition of SnippETS.

We have another mix of articles examining developments in the transition to a renewable energy future, which is actually the pathway to an optimal economic outcome. This optimal outcome entails aggressively slashing emissions by 90% in the next couple of years and using a global carbon price of $250/tonne as a fiscal motivator.

In many ways the US is already on this journey with the EPA requiring more than half of new cars sold in the US to be electric by 2030 and up to 67% by 2032. To support this rapid transition, the US is rolling out a $7.5B national network of 500,000 electric chargers (they have 130,000 now) and working with retailers such as Walmart to achieve this.

The transition however won’t just be technologically driven and will need to embrace the centuries of knowledge and custom available through Indigenous communities who understand their natural assets well from the many years of cohabiting with it. Working and collaborating with the indigenous communities will also have to be done respectfully and honestly if we are to gain the best outcomes.

Working with nature in general will also be critical on our transition, and rewilding our rural and urban settings with trees and animals such as beaver, wolves, buffalo/bison and even mussels will benefit all. Increased biodiversity will be key to a healthier environment.

We first look at an article that suggests taking aggressive action early on climate change will lead to greater economic growth down the line. Forget the notion that climate action is bad for the economy – cutting emissions by about 90% and limiting warming to 1.5C would be the optimal economic outcome. Integrating climate action into economic policy and investing based on global carbon price of about $250/tonne will be key for any country that wants to survive through the impacts of climate change. Read more...

Capping temperature increases is common rhetoric when it comes to combating climate change, but we also could consider capping sea level rise at 1.5 meters above pre-industrial levels. A cap on sea level rise would require a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but has the advantage of being a more visible metric to much of the public. It is easier to see a creeping sea level rise based on its imprint on coastal infrastructure, than to ‘see’ temperature rises, making it much more graphic. Read more....

The global shift to renewable energy is accelerating, with wind and solar now cheaper than fossil fuels in most countries. The report highlights the rapid pace of investment in renewable energy and predicts that wind and solar will be the dominant sources of new power generation over the next decade. Fossil fuels are likely to remain part of the energy mix for some time, but the report suggests that their use will be increasingly limited as the transition to renewable energy further accelerates. Read more....

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer has announced plans to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for use by any EV owner at over 100 stores in the US. With Walmart having a store within 10 miles of 90% of the US population, this is likely to assuage EV owner fears over range anxiety. This is part of Walmart's goal to achieve zero emissions across its global operations by 2040 and part of a $7.5B scheme to build a national network of 500,000 charging stations by 2030. Read more....

We now examine some articles that highlight the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge in Western science. Indigenous populations have long histories of living with and a part of nature, giving Western scientists methods of devising climate action strategies. However, this article argues that without meaningful collaboration between Western and Indigenous populations, that the use of Indigenous knowledge can be tokenistic, extractive, and harmful. Closer to home, scientists in New Zealand should work in partnership with Māori and meaningfully acknowledge Māori values and knowledge in their work in climate action. Read more....

By working with Indigenous populations on sustainable solutions, countries can also strengthen their economies in a sustainable manner. This article highlights how companies in Brazil are looking to Indigenous knowledge to find ways to redirect investment to sustainable forest businesses (such as chocolate and acai production) to strengthen their bioeconomy. By proactively developing and strengthening their bioeconomy, Brazil can protect its forests while boosting its economy and channeling cash to communities with a stake in keeping nature intact. Read more....

Indigenous knowledge also offers new methodologies for protecting our environment. Specifically, how Indigenous populations use wildlife as bio-indicators of environmental health. In Brazil, the Guarani Mbya people have been using bees to monitor and restore the Atlantic Forest, whilst selling bee products as a source of income. This article highlights their efforts, but also the need for further government assistance and calls for meaningful recognition and ownership of indigenous land, as the Indigenous populations of Brazil are directly impacted by deforestation and climate change. Read more....

Rewilding’ parts of the planet could have big climate benefits, with targeted “rewilding” zones to speed up biological carbon pumps that remove and sequester carbon dioxide. A study of marine life and land-based species such as wolves, musk oxen, African forest elephants and American bison, or groups of species, that accelerate the carbon cycle, could collectively, facilitate the additional capture of almost 500 gigatons of CO2 by 2100. Restoring ecosystems and having things like no fishing zones in marine reserves, could also bring big benefits. Read more....

Rewilding cities can also have big benefits, with London leading the way. Citizen Zoo, a conservation group is committed to returning wildlife that once flourished. The group works with the Beaver Trust to identify potential sites to reintroduce beavers and other animals to London. Beavers can reduce flood risks and improve water quality. With 4.2 billion people expected to live in cities by 2050, rewilding is for urban and rural areas alike. More resilient cities with more green spaces will make for more liveable city environments. Read more....

Every creature has a part to play in making the world a better place. Even the humble mussel. Mussels are gaining a reputation for being ecosystem engineers and can restore habits such as marshes and wetlands. This means that they directly or indirectly drive habitat construction and control the availability of resources to other organisms. Mussels are good water quality indicators because they keep the water clean by absorbing heavy metals and filtering silt and particulates and thus great bio-indicators when monitoring the health of aquatic environments. Read more....