By taking these steps, our energy dollars will create the solution: a new clean energy system that powers the world without carbon emissions. The alternative? Keep paying for dirty energy that is the source of the problem. Below, we spell out why these steps are so important and how you can join the clean energy movement.The big picture: Most global carbon emissions come from our energy system.
So, the challenge of our time, and perhaps the biggest challenge humanity has ever faced, is how to transition our energy systems from fossil fuels to renewables, and to “electrify everything” as quickly as possible. The electricity to power a typical home will produce 3–5 tons of carbon emissions, but it is possible to get 100% clean renewable electricity today and save money on electric bills.. Most homes produce 3-5 tons of carbon emissions per year just from the electricity we consume. Many states have enacted laws to clean up the grid, but you don’t have to wait for clean energy.
Natural gas is methane — a potent greenhouse gas. Burning methane is a leading source of air pollution and produces one quarter of the carbon emissions in this country. The gas utilities heavily advertise so-called “renewable natural gas” — but experts agree this expensive technology cannot meaningfully reduce carbon emissions. The best thing we can all do is get off the gas completely and as soon as possible.
Electric heat pump water heaters are the most energy efficient, the lowest cost to operate, and will avoid 1-3 tons of carbon emissions per year when they are powered with clean electricity. Heat pumps can also replace gas furnaces to heat and cool your home and avoid an additional 4–8 tons per year.
An electric car will travel over 4 times farther than a similar-sized gasoline-powered car for the same fuel cost. An EV charged with renewable electricity produces zero emissions compared to 4–8 tons of carbon emissions per year for a gas car.We count on our automobiles to get us into the outdoors. But a typical car will produce 4–8 tons of heat-trapping emissions every year.