We shed our ties to oil-rich dictators as we wean ourselves off fossil fuels
Right here’s the inconvenient reality: Increased gasoline costs are precisely what we want proper now. Let’s assume that the value will proceed to climb over time, after which make selections accordingly about what and whether or not to drive, and the place and how one can stay.
We drive non-public vehicles and care in regards to the “worth on the pump” as a result of the infrastructure tells us to. As financial beings, we’re not incorrect to take action. However as civic actors, all of us have an obligation to assist measures to alter that infrastructure and wean ourselves off fossil fuels as quickly as attainable.
This can gradual local weather change and insulate us from the whiplash worth fluctuations that roil world markets. It is going to make us extra economically resilient and fewer susceptible to the whims of oil-rich dictators.
This might be difficult for many of us (and particularly so for some), and we’re already seeing how politically awkward will probably be. However at this level, do we actually have every other alternative?
Adam Auster
Arlington
Our vitality disaster makes case for renewables
With inflation at excessive highs and President Biden’s govt order to ban Russian imports of oil, gasoline, and coal, the fee on the gasoline pump and on our utilities payments might be excessive. However we’re at a crucial juncture to discover alternate options that won’t solely save us cash however may even work to fight local weather change and its impression on nature.
This newest vitality disaster helps make the case for renewables, however we have to look past the quick time period to give attention to systemic change and investments. In line with the US Power Data Administration, at this time renewables account for about 22 % of all electrical energy technology. In Massachusetts, that quantity is as much as round 30 %. The pattern of getting extra renewable vitality on the grid will proceed.
The local weather and clear vitality framework that emerged from discussions on the Construct Again Higher Invoice late final 12 months included insurance policies that might make significant progress towards our local weather targets and unlock the promise of modern, cleaner industries and the roles that include them. That is the time to double down on our dedication to finish our dependence on fossil fuels and obtain our net-zero carbon future.
Deb Markowitz
Massachusetts state director
The Nature Conservancy
Boston
A stand towards tyranny
Brava to Renée Graham! Together with her March 13 Concepts column (“Fuel for $5 a gallon? That’s a small price to save lots of a democracy.”), she has put into phrases what has been churning inside me for days. And we are able to work out a means to assist present $5 gasoline to these whose budgets can’t afford it.
Joan Bernstein
Brewster