Renewable Energy
Wind, solar, water, biofuels, biomass and geothermal are renewable energy sources which are plentiful in some parts of the world and could replace the fossil fuels which are currently being used.

The below chart shows the decrease in carbon emissions that could happen through the use of renewable sources by 2030. The largest difference could be made simply by increasing energy efficiency which each of us can practice in a multitude of ways.

CAPTION: This graph (using the mid-range values of estimates) shows seven "wedges" representing (from the top down) the U.S. carbon displacement potentials by 2030 (the target year for this study) for energy efficiency, wind power, biofuels, biomass, photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, and geothermal power. Also shown are the paths needed to achieve 60% and 80% reductions below today’s emissions by mid-century—the target range given by many scientists. Energy efficiency measures alone have the potential to keep our nation’s carbon emissions roughly constant over the next 24 years as our economy grows. The various renewable technologies have the potential to make the deep cuts below today’s emissions that scientists believe are needed. (Used with permission from the American Solar Energy Society.)

 

The following links will help you learn more about energy efficiency and renewable energy as well as the goals of Ohio, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.

• Tackling Climate Change in the U.S. - Potential Carbon Emissions Reduction from Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by 2030
  (Roadmap unveiled by the American Solar Energy Society for dramatically reducing the nation's global warming emissions.)

• Ohio passes legislature requiring 12.5% of Ohio's energy must come from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2025.

• By 2012, the Colorado state government plans to reduce energy use by 20%, reduce paper use by 20%, reduce water consumption by 10%, and reduce the vehicle petroleum consumption by 25%.

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