Sustainable Development

The report considers sustainable development as a key concept in the fight against emissions. Items that fall under the umbrella of “sustainable development” may surprise most people. For example:

“There is growing evidence that decisions about macroeconomic policy, agricultural policy, multilateral development bank lending, insurance practices, electricity market reform, energy security and forest conservation, for example, which are often treated as being apart from climate policy, can significantly reduce emissions.”

Social and Economic Feasibility

The report also stresses that implementation of sustainable development can occur in a socially and economically feasible manner.

“Reducing both loss of natural habitat and deforestation can have significant biodiversity, soil and water conservation benefits, and can be implemented in a socially and economically sustainable manner. Forestation and bioenergy plantations can lead to restoration of degraded land, manage water runoff, retain soil carbon and benefit rural economies, but could compete with land for food production and may be negative for biodiversity, if not properly designed.”

American Energy Use

But the United States has a long way to go. It must dig out of the hole it dug for itself over the past 50 years. Over that period, the U.S. thinned its mass-transit infrastructure for the benefit of the auto industry and become heavily dependant on cheap imported fossil fuels. The U.S. is now heavily auto-dependant compared to other countries. Thanks to urban sprawl and cheap gasoline, the average commute for Americans is now 16 miles, or 26 minutes. Luckily the government is no longer in denial of America’s dangerous land use patterns and recognizes not only the environmental implications of gluttonous energy use, but also the national security implications.

According to the Annual Energy Overview published by the Department of Energy, in 2005 renewable energy use (which includes hydro-power) comprised a measly 6% of the total U.S. consumption. 2005 DOE Energy Overview. Nuclear accounted for 8%. Finally 84% of America’s energy needs were satisfied via fossil fuels.

Nuclear: the New Green

Nuclear energy is making a comeback. The IPCC report characterized nuclear as a “key mitigation technology.” The Bush Administration is already on board. Although nuclear’s image suffered due to bad P.R. in the 70’s and 80’s, nuclear technology is now safer, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly than ever before. American must embrace it in order to reduce its reliance on foreign energy sources. Most environmentalists have recently bought tickets on the nuclear express.

Do Something

Regardless of your position on global warming, there are many good reasons for America to reduce its dependence on fossil and foreign fuels. You can help. Try to reduce your carbon footprint by using less energy at home, moving closer to your work, taking mass transit, buying local, and supporting nuclear energy. All of America must support energy efficiency to achieve energy and environmental security.