More Profit with Less Carbon
Fossil fuel consumption is a major concern when considering the economic stability of our planet. In light of a limited supply and an increasing demand for oil, our society has begun to look for alternative energy sources. According to Lovins, alternative energy sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal, show that alternative sources are more efficient in terms of the amount of energy gained for the amount of resources put in. Furthermore, alternative sources often cost the same as, or less than, oil produced energy. Also, designing a system to conserve energy is more productive and efficient when every part of the structure is considered. For example, and entire building can be updated to conserve more energy through the addition of insulation, new windows with tinted glass and multiple panes to allow heat in or keep it out, and the implementation of solar panels on the roof.
However, while buildings have seen significant advances, an area that still needs improvements is automobiles. Vehicles, because of their size and heavy materials, are very inefficient. This inefficiency is mainly the result of peoples’ unwillingness to change, the lack of recognition of benefits that such alternative sources provide, and the insecurities surrounding smaller and lighter vehicles. Therefore, since the benefits of alternative sources outweigh the cost of implementation, why haven’t more companies begun to use these sources?
As shown in “The Age of Stupid”, society is greatly influenced by the voices of major corporations. Oil and gas companies are not going to promote alternative energy sources, or the research for such sources, because it may lead to a shift in the demand for their products. Also, through lack of information, the public is often uninformed about the benefits of alternative energy. Start-up costs for individuals to change from oil or gas heating to solar panels and wind turbines may blind them to the long-term stability and efficiency of wind or solar power.
Furthermore, the public can be made more aware of new technologies and alternative sources by the action of the government. Since Manitoba Hydro is a public utility, it would only make sense for the government to wish to make it a more profitable business. After all, it would save them the costs associated with the coal used to generate almost one quarter of the province’s energy.
However, it is easy to recognize that the government may be leery to switch energy sources for several reasons. First, the company has been run the same way for about one hundred years. Since the outcome has been good, why change a good thing? Next, because of the influences of corporations involved with fossil fuels, the government may hesitate to change energy sources in case this supply of coal would not remain as a back-up should the alternative source of energy tried fail. Lastly, alternative energy sources must be researched so that they can be implemented in a way that is most successful. This research would require funds to find appropriate locations, to try wind turbines or solar panels, to change old systems over to the new ones, and to continue to monitor this new system to see what changes may be necessary for the future. Because the funds must come from the public through taxes or an investor, both may be influenced again by the oil and gas corporations. Supporting a project that goes against these corporations could make the investor unfavourable in the eyes of other corporations in society, thus degrading that investor’s reputation. The public may protest such a change should their taxes increase or funding be cut from important programs.
Easton T. Classic edition sources: environmental studies. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2009. pp. 65-9.
