Recently, an increasingly large number of reports have been sent out alerting all nations of major changes in the earth due to climate change. The warning signs from some of the most well known researchers and scientists are clear, and their evidence cannot be denied; rapidly raising global temperatures are among us and are steadily increasing without bounds. It is proven that if we are to save the well-being of the earth, our economy, and our lives from future catastrophes, then the average global temperature rises must not raise above 2°C. This is a far, yet attainable, stretch for us all if we take drastic action immediately.
One of the largest contributors to this global climate increase is undoubtedly the fossil fuel industry. This booming sector is changing the weather around the world, promoting natural disasters, taking part in much of the world's water loss, and even causing a loss of land as a result of the increased sea levels. According to the World Bank and PricewaterhouseCoopers, if changes are not made, then global temperatures will raise to over 4°C, while the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a tremendous 6°C increase. Science demands a change now. The World Bank report "Turn Down the Heat", which closely examines global climate change on a detailed scale, as well as Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, founding Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, both stated in confidence, "The difference between [2C and 4°C] is human civilization. Even a 2°C rise will cause major dislocations for civilization."
To reach this goal of staying below 2°C of global increase in temperature, an estimated amount of only 565 more gigatons of CO2 should be emitted within the next thirty years. However, at the current rate, fossil fuel industries are actually expected to increase CO2 rates by 5 times more than the safe amount. To prevent more impending disasters from occurring, changes must be made, but large-scale changes within highly demanding industries in the near future may be slim. Perhaps it is rather time to set numerous microscopic changes around our nation, starting with buildings (i.e. hotels, senior care homes, and more). By switching to more efficient and profitable energy systems, such as Combined Heat and Power (CHP), which generates energy and power from one single fuel source, not only will companies have a quick pay back within 5 years, but they can collectively save 1% of the U.S.'s energy use by 2020.
Do you think that large and immediate changes in the fossil fuel industry can ever happen given the demands of the world? If not, what are some alternative solutions? Even with guaranteed payback and increased benefits, why are buildings and companies hesitant to make changes in infrastructure?
What are some successful energy-saving retrofit projects today? What are the investments and payback you receive when you take on CHP? To learn more about WinWerks project development for cogeneration technology, please visit: www.winwerksipd.com.