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Thursday, December 1, 2011

California Carbon Emission Reduction

A recent article examines the future of the energy crisis in the state of California. After a target mandated by the state executive order was passed, they article asks the question “Where will a day in the life of a Californian be like in 40 years?” Remaining optimistic, it could be possible that “a person could wake up in a net-zero energy home, commute to work in a battery-powered car, work in an office with smart windows and solar panels, then return home and plug in her car to a carbon-free grid.” The article does a good job of breaking down the ideal plan into three main categories of focus – The first being the need to focus on energy efficiency within the building sector of the state. The article notes that scientists found the largest portion of greenhouse gas emissions came from poor energy efficiency in building shell, HVAC systems, lighting and appliances. The next category focuses on the need to decarbonize electricity generation. The article suggests that to make the needed 27% reduction in emissions, they would need to make the switch to energy generation technology such as renewable energy, and carbon capture and storage technology.

 The final step involves making a large shift to electric energy in the areas of cars. Space and water heaters, and industrial processes that require excess fuel consumption and deplete natural gas resources the most.  While the state certainly has a lot of obstacles in the way of making the complete transition into energy efficiency, it has the benefit of burgeoning technological advances in the realm of sustainable energy sciences. However, scientists say that “it isn't a matter of technology alone. R&D, investment, infrastructure planning, incentives for businesses, even behavior changes, all have to work in tandem. This requires policy, and society needs to be behind it."


 - Allison Berg

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