Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The Ecology of Dialogue


Throughout my environmental studies education at the U, I think the single most important concept I have learned is that everything is interconnected. That is the heart of ecology, which is the heartbeat of the relationships between all life on our planet (forgive my lack of a source for that one). Due to these complex connections, one action can have serious effects on something that seems completely unrelated. Therefore, in addressing ecological issues, there is a dire need for balance and consideration of all entities affected by our actions. A watered-down example of this would be initial habitat destruction associated with coal mining, followed by air and water pollution caused by coal-burning, which spreads the impact of that mine much further than the excavation site.

However, these entities not only include the animal populations and habitats damaged by the human hunt for resources, but the people themselves that are driven by the valid need for them. As much as I and others would love to see all land on the planet whole and untouched, that is not an entirely realistic option. We need to protect the planet, but are also by default obligated to sustain our own species. It is up to us to use the gifts of our environment responsibly, and find that balance.

In order to do that, we must communicate. In regard to the specific task at hand, reinventing energy, consumers, utility companies, representatives at different governmental levels and environmental agencies need to work together. Each must provide their own insights to create a balanced solution that accommodates the energy demands of our society while still complying with regulations and the ethical treatment of ecosystems.

Of course, this is easier said than done. That's why the Utah Museum of Natural History has assembled the upcoming panel of speakers with a diverse range of expertise. We will hear from people working for clean energy at the city, county, and state levels, as well as Piper Rhodes of Rio Tinto and Sarah Wright of Utah Clean Energy. By creating dialogue between these people as well as the attendees (you), we can hear different answers to difficult questions, and use this mixture of ideas to create solutions that benefit both people and the environment.

An example of a successful outcome of this cooperation is highlighted in this article from a few years ago. Salt Lake City received federal funding for large-scale solar power implementation project. The “Solar Salt Lake Project” between Salt Lake City and County, as well as Kennecott land, which owns a large portion of Salt Lake Valley’s developable land. In addition, Utah Clean Energy manages the project by sorting out the technical details, and Rocky Mountain Power also provides funding. If all goes well, 10,000 solar systems will be installed in the Salt Lake Valley by 2015.

This is just one project of the many that are required to produce significant progress toward halting and reversing the environmental damage of fossil energy. Through further dialogue, teamwork, innovation, and combinations of expertise, we will continue to make changes and create the balance of a more ecological way of living and working. It’s not just up to the pros, either. The point of the community panel is to create connections between these experts and you, the people who need energy. If you need clarification or are frustrated with the pace of new energy development (I know I am), come and voice those concerns. If you are just awed by the power of the sun, that’s cool too! We need to hear from everyone, because we are all affected in one way or another.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Springing to Action


At this point in the game, I am pretty sure that we can save the world. It might just be the warm weather and budding flowers sending a breeze of optimism through my heart, but I think that we have been presented with a powerful set of tools with which to combat climate change through the reinvention of energy. The first three lectures of The Nature of Things series have provided a clear picture of what needs to be done, and what is happening right now. The new technology presented by Jeff Muhs, Fred Krupp's success stories, and the challenges and innovative solutions that Jonathan Hoekstra discussed have collectively painted a landscape of hope that will soon be free of fossil-based fuel.

I think we can all agree that actual implementation of renewable energy is often frustratingly evasive. We have been provided with the knowledge of what's out there, but we want it right here, too. To balance out the big picture with things we can do in our own lives, The Nature of Things will next feature a panel of energy leaders that specialize in making a difference in our own state of Utah. They will answer questions specific to our unique location, so that we can work together to make progress in our own communities, and by extension, the world at large. The panelists will provide a range of perspectives and a breadth of information about changes being implemented in Utah. For example, they will provide insight concerning where specifically to focus our efforts while building a clean energy economy in Utah, the most promising clean energy projects in Utah right now, and the most important ways that we as private citizens can contribute to clean energy development. The panelists also represent a range of scales, from city to county to state levels, as well as outside organizations such as PacifiCorp and Rio Tinto.

I hope that this panel discussion will give us an even better idea of how to adjust our own behaviors to help keep the ball rolling towards further implementation of clean energy. If we set an example in our own community, others will see the light as well (pun intended). And as long as spring is in the air, I will continue to be cheery and optimistic, and tell you to join the discussion if you're interested in saving the world.