Economic Superiority of Renewable Energy Integration for Human Survival

The view of the environment has always been viewed as less important than that of the view of the national and global economy. When there are no jobs, caring for planet becomes a much lower priority in the political agenda. The economy and environment are not two separate topics, but two systems that are connected to each other. Resources on the planet are being depleted by our current way of thinking and acting. While this may support our current lifestyle, it is at the expense of future generations. The human mind is not adequately equipped to think for the long term survival of the species. This makes it impossible to comprehend the need to create changes now that will last long after we are gone. A paradigm shift in how the economy and environment interact is needed for the future generations survival.

The largest and most powerful group in world economy is the energy business. Those with the power will always be opposed to losing power. This will happen even if they are losing power for the good of humanity. In the future, when the resources they use to obtain their power are all used up, those in power will lose their power. The current model of the economy using nonrenewable resources is trapped by its own dwindling energy supply chain. The fossil fuel energy reserves are located in a limited number of places on our planet. This causes long supply chains that require more and more energy and resources to get the energy to where it is being used.

As the population increases so will the global economy. With the growth of the economy it is important that it changes in a way that neither destroys the environment, nor continues to deplete the planet's natural resources.

Much of the opposition to renewable energy comes from the current energy suppliers. Energy companies are accustomed to strict competition among each other. What is becoming more common is that different energy suppliers are coming together to battle the new threat of renewable energy instead of competing with each other. Energy companies are fighting for survival. A new way of thinking must be used so that energy companies can change and survive. In nature, everything must adapt to survive. The same is true with business.

Renewable energy has three main benefits. It will help support economic growth, help curb human-caused global warming, and will be an escape from dependence on imported fuels. Some possibilities of domestically available energy is from solar, wind, hydraulic, and geothermal resources. These resources can be found in every country on the planet.

Renewable energy investments in other countries on the planet have paid off generously. Some of the benefits from the renewable resources of solar, wind, and hydraulically produced electricity are as follows:

• domestically available, no need to import energy
• creates new jobs by producing own plants
• increasing productivity by avoiding commercial fuel costs
• increasing productivity by having fewer conversion steps
• avoiding infrastructure costs (transmission, transportation, distribution)
• promoting decentralized economic forms (agriculture, skilled crafts)
• promoting growth through private investment, spreading ownership
• reducing climate damage
• reducing health damage
• safeguarding water

Currently there is money being invested in renewable energy. This amount will continue to increase as the climate changes. Inconsistent oil prices, the diminishing supply of fossil fuels and increasing government support, are influencing the increase in renewable energy legislation, incentives and commercialization.

We live in a democratic society. Public debate is needed to determine the common good. With public debate, we gain awareness of other viewpoints. During this time of economic and environmental change it is important that those debating work together to carefully examine each other's views. By examining other people's views people become more enlightened of their own opinions.

The next transition of the economy will require the poorest people of the world organizing and mobilizing to create greater economic and political power. The poorest people of the world have been the ones at the bottom of the political landscape. When poor people can start to produce their own energy, they will start to gain power. The shift in power will create a better economy that will help everyone.

Another frequent criticism against renewable energy is its inability to succeed without government subsidies. Since the government currently has the power, it is hard to understand why the governments would want to subsidize an industry that would shift power. For the governments to survive, there will need to be a gradual shift toward renewable energy resources. They will need to be part of this change to remain in power.

Another concern from the conservatives that oppose the changes to a more green economy is that when people in manufacturing lose their jobs they will eventually find something else at lower wages. This is not always the case. There will be some very high paying jobs in a green economy. Employees need to change also to keep up with the changes in the work environment. It will not matter what industry someone works in. If they don't continue to change and improve they will find themselves with a decline in pay and the possibility of ending up in the unemployment lines.

Fighting global warming and creating jobs need to be viewed as two parts of the same problem. There are many different issues within the problem with a multiple number of solutions. There is not a single easy answer that can be applied to all of the issues. A much broader view of all of the issues will help keep the environment and economy viewed as one. The environmental economy as a whole will bring positive changes for our future generations.

 

Eric Uldrick 

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