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.