MGPC Sustainability Blog

So, Mr. Gore really stuck his neck out in a world of modest “20% by 2020″ and “50% by 2050″ goals for carbon-dioxide emissions by challenging the United States to generate 100% of its electricity carbon-free in 10 years!

I wholeheartedly applaud Mr. Gore’s courage! Without debating global warming, we can make a long list of benefits to our nation and the world from such a project, including increased economic competitiveness.

Not only do I believe that such a project is technically possible, since there are ways to overcome the “availability” issues with daytime-only solar and geographically sensitive wind power, but it appears that the right set of technologies are about to mature to make it cost-effective (search for “solar” on this blog for some examples.) Add geothermal, tide and wave generation and energy storage technologies such as water pumps and we have a complete solution. We can close the gap with that dirty word “conservation” and we can do it painlessly. We have already showed you that you do not have to turn down your air conditioner in order to save 30-50% on air conditioning power consumption! (Search this blog for “air conditioner”.)

The ultra-conservatives out there might get upset by such a challenge, claiming that government intervention is necessary to make this work, but take a look at the technologies listed on our main website: Maryland Green Power Co. All of them are sold with the promised of 25% Return on Investment. Does that sound like it needs a government subsidy or can it stand on its own? Remember, the 25% is guaranteed by a money-back promise. Try to find that on the stock market!

Therefore, I am one-upping Mr. Gore’s challenge by asking the business community to do achieve this goal voluntarily! Let profit-motive be the incentive for us to go green, if conscience is not enough of a stimulus.

From Al Gore’s blog:

There are times in the history of our nation when our very way of life depends upon dispelling illusions and awakening to the challenge of a present danger. In such moments, we are called upon to move quickly and boldly to shake off complacency, throw aside old habits and rise, clear-eyed and alert, to the necessity of big changes. Those who, for whatever reason, refuse to do their part must either be persuaded to join the effort or asked to step aside. This is such a moment. The survival of the United States of America as we know it is at risk. And even more - if more should be required - the future of human civilization is at stake.

I agree.

Now, I dare you to give me some arguments why this won’t work…