Question

Question #1: "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity" Albert Einstein (Scientist) The United States is considered one of the leaders in energy management and technology. However, we have a long way to go before we are in a good position to declare a victory of the energy crisis. Using the website, listed below, as a starting point discuss what you feel the United States should set as renewable energy goal and how we should be begin to attain that goal. Please feel free to do research if necessary but please remember citations. YOU MAY NEED TO CUT AND PASTE THIS LINK AND NOT CLICK ON IT. I am unsure why it doesn't work as a hyperlink.

Answer 1

Renewable energy:Renewable energy is any energy source that is naturally replenished — those derived from the sun, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal

Challenges we might face to achieve sustainable energy

1.Path Dependence

2.Financial Obstacles

3.Pricing and regulatory policies and practices

4.Business models

Affordable and reliable modern energy for all by 2030 is achievable.

To achieve it, together we must:

1. Adopt a clear statement that modern energy access is a political priority
2. Mobilise additional public and private investment in universal access

3. Encourage national governments to adopt strong governance and regulatory frameworks and invest in internal capacity building

Commitments that create the Sustainable Energy Future we want

What is a Commitment to Action?

Commitments can take many forms, but should be measurable and should help move the world toward achieving sustainable energy for all 2030.

Who needs to commit?

•Governments

•Private Sector

•Civil Society

1.Governments

ACTION:

Governments and international institutions can develop national energy plans and targets, provide financial support, and remove unproductive tariffs and subsidies

MESSAGES:

Access: Delivering sustainable energy access will strengthen social and economic development.

Efficiency: In a time of economic difficulty, energy efficiency makes financial sense.

Renewables: The cost of climate change is greater than the cost of providing renewable energy. By championing renewable options, countries can build more resilient, competitive economies.

Examples of actions to drive change

Access:Strengthening energy policies and/or institutions and integrate energy access into broader government strategies.

Efficiency:Adopting government policies to reduce impediments to energy-efficient practices.

Renewables:Adopting government policies to promote investment, manage risk, and reduce impediments to adopting renewable energy.

2.Private Sector

ACTION:

Companies can make their operations and supply chains more energy efficient and form public-private partnerships to expand sustainable energy products and services

MESSAGES:

Access: Delivering sustainable energy provides new opportunities for entrepreneurship and growth during the economic downturn.

Efficiency: Increase your competitive advantage by becoming more energy efficient.

Renewables: Green growth provides a real market opportunity – capitalise on global demand for renewable energy.

Examples of actions to drive change

Access:Forging innovative public-private partnerships and developing new business models.

Efficiency:Developing new financing partnerships to de-risk private investment in developing countries

Renewables:Creating business incentives for innovation in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

3.Civil Society

ACTION:

Civil society groups can train people, conduct advocacy, offer technical expertise and encourage transparency.

MESSAGES:

Access: Development is not possible without energy access. Sustainable development is not possible without sustainable energy access.

Efficiency: The future of people and planet depends on a step-change in our energy usage.

Renewables: Increasing the share of energy from renewables is common sense. It will improve quality of life for all citizens, create local jobs and improve energy security while protecting the environment

Examples of actions to drive change

Access:Scaling up existing renewable projects.

Efficiency:Installing a broad range of technical solutions and energy sources.

Renewables:Creating new low-cost and reliable technology solutions