Description

Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast

Episode 204

What Can We Do to Phase Out Fossil Fuels?

We already know that our planet is in trouble due to the indiscriminate burning of fossil fuels. Climate change is obvious. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Due to warming temperatures Arctic regions are now greening. Shifts in rainfall is even greening massive areas of the Sahara Dessert.

The answer to all of this is simple. Stop burning fossil fuels. But the implementation of that strategy has far reaching effects on every aspect of our lives and that makes a lot of people very uncomfortable.

But despite knowing what we need to do, the production and use of fossil fuels in still on the rise. Why is that and what can we do as individuals?

So join me for episode 204 What Can We Do to Phase Out Fossil Fuels?

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E204 What Can We Do to Phase Out Fossil Fuels?

What I want to do in this episode is to examine why we are seeing increased production of fossil fuels even though we know that is the wrong thing to do for the planet and our climate. In the face of massive expansion of renewable energy sources we are still seeing growth in fossil fuel production. Why is that happening? What are the drivers behind that and what can we do as individuals to make a difference?

But before we get started with that, let’s talk about two things.

The sustainability question of the week

Explain the concept of a circular economy.

Good news story of the week

The good news for this week comes out of Australia. The Australian government has made a commitment to protect nearly 52% of its oceans. Over 10,000 square miles of additional protected area will be added to the Heard and McDonald Islands. Coupled with additional expansions of existing marine sanctuaries, this puts Australia on course to protect 52% of its ocean territory which if more than any other nation.

Under these new plans, the total protected area with roughly equal the size of the country of Italy. The current prime minister is seeking to establish a new environmental protection agency as well as set a high bar for the country’s commitments to an international philosophy of conservation governance.

So, it appears that Australia has set a new global standard for environmental protection, which is course is the way we will save this planet.

So, let’s now move on to this week’s episode.

It should be no surprise at this point that human activity has literally altered our climate on a global scale. Throughout the millennia, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have fluctuated to some degree but have been basically stable. That of course changed with the use of fossil fuels.

Coal was likely first used by ancient civilizations. But it’s use exploded in the 1700s in Britain due to a population boom and the invention of the steam engine. Coal production dramatically increased and humanity started the transition to a fossil fuel economy.

Prior to the industrial Revolution, CO2 levels were consistently around 280 ppm throughout 6000 years of human civilization. Average global CO2 concentrations are now at 417 ppm, which reflects an approximate 49% increase.

Certainly all of us at this point should be familiar with the term greenhouse effect. It is what keeps the Earth warm enough for us to live here. However, as we load the atmosphere with greenhouse gases, the surface temperature of the Earth continues to warm above what is natural.

The increase in global temperature of about 1 degree Celsius over the past 150 years is almost entirely due to human activities. The most significant factor of course has been the exponential increase in the atmospheric concentrations of CO2 due to the burning of fossil fuels. But another contributing factor has been large-scale tropical deforestation which decrease’s our climate capacity for photosynthesis which removes CO2 from the atmosphere.

On one hand it is wonderful that we have made such fantastic progress which has changed the course of humanity and given us a better standard of living. On the other hand unless we stop what we are doing the course of humanity is going to be changed once again and not in a good way. 

You would think the answer would be simple. Stop what we are going. But we keep doing it. Despite all that we know at this point, why is the production of fossil fuels at an all time high

Fossil Fuel Production Rises

One thing to understand here is there are many factors that influence the global energy market. There is no escaping the fact that we now live in a global community. Energy prices are thus affected by that market. This is the very reason that some smaller countries had the forethought enough to build an energy independent country decades ago.

Why fossil fuel production is increasing:

•   Increasing demand: Despite the rapid growth in the renewable energy sources fossil fuels are still the dominant energy source on a global basis. This demand is driven by several factors:

•   Electricity generation: Natural gas prices are expected to increase, reducing natural gas consumption for electricity generation, which tends to prop up the global coal market.
•   Industrial processes: Fossil fuels are used as feedstocks for plastics and ammonia production, coal is used as a reductant in ironmaking, and non-energy fuels are used directly for various industrial purposes.

•   Economic factors: Coal production increased in 2021 and 2022 due to rising natural gas prices, making coal more economical for use in electric power generation compared to natural gas. Additionally, strong economic growth in countries such as India and China has driven increased coal demand for electricity generation and industrial processes. According the International Energy Agency, coal production and consumption is expected to bounce back to an all-time high.

•   Shifts in energy mix: Although renewables are increasing, fossil fuels continue to dominate the U.S. energy mix, with coal consumption declining but still accounting for a significant share

•   Sectoral trends: Fossil fuel use in buildings is likely to fall through mid-century due to efficiency improvements and increasing electrification, but industrial sectors like cement, plastics, and iron and steel may continue to rely on fossil fuels or even increase their demand.

•   Growing global energy demand: The International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that global energy demand will continue to rise, driven by a growing population and expanding economies, particularly in Asia. This increased demand is met primarily by fossil fuels.

•   Lack of rapid transition to renewables: While renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are growing, the pace of transition is not fast enough to offset the increasing demand for energy. As a result, fossil fuels continue to dominate the energy market.

•   Inefficient energy use: Efficiency improvements which reduce energy usage are not happening quickly enough to reduce demand for fossil fuels. This means that energy is being wasted, and fossil fuels are being used to compensate for inefficiencies.

•   Rise of SUVs and larger vehicles: The increasing popularity of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and larger vehicles is contributing to higher demand for fossil fuels, as these vehicles are less energy-efficient than smaller cars. Additionally transportation infrastructure and urban planning decisions have contributed to the increased demand for SUVs and larger vehicles.

•   Government and corporate commitments to fossil fuels: Some governments and companies are committing to increasing fossil fuel production and use, despite the need to reduce emissions, as part of their “energy transition” strategies. This includes relying on unproven and potentially hazardous carbon removal technologies.

•   Fossil fuel industry lobbying and influence: The fossil fuel industry’s significant lobbying and influence is a hinderance to the transition to cleaner energy sources and slowing the decline of fossil fuel use.

•   Subsidies: Governments provide significant subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, estimated to be $7 trillion globally in 2022, making it more economically viable relative to renewable energy. These subsidies include tax breaks, low-interest loans, and direct financial support.

•   Existing infrastructure: The extensive infrastructure already in place for fossil fuels, such as pipelines, refineries, and transportation networks, provides a significant advantage over renewable energy, which requires new infrastructure investments.

•   Job creation and economic growth: The fossil fuel industry employs millions of people worldwide, and governments tend to prioritize job creation and economic growth over the transition to renewable energy.

•   Short-term cost benefits: Fossil fuels are often cheaper to produce and consume in the short term, making them more attractive to governments and corporations focused on immediate economic gains.

•   Regulatory barriers: Renewable energy projects often face regulatory hurdles, such as permitting requirements and siting challenges, which can increase costs and delay implementation.

•   Market dominance: Fossil fuels have dominated the energy market for decades, and many corporations are hesitant to abandon their existing business models and investments in the fossil fuel market.

As you can see from this there are a lot of significant things that come into play as far as a transition to renewables. Consequently it is not as simple as just turning off the light.

So here is the good news

It is quite evident at this point that renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind power, have become increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels. There are a number of reasons for that:

•  Renewable energy sources don’t require fuel, which eliminates fuel costs.
•  The cost of solar and wind power has been trending downward for decades, making them cheaper than fossil fuels in many situations.
•  A recent study predicts that renewable technologies will across the board become cheaper than fossil fuels within the next decade.
•  In some cases, harnessing renewable energy is already cheaper than building new fossil-fueled plants.
•  Government subsidies for fossil fuels are being phased out, making renewable energy more competitive with fossil fuels.

Challenges and Barriers

While this may all sound great, there are some very specific challenges and barriers to the adoption of renewable energy.

•   Regulatory Uncertainty: Lack of clear and consistent regulations can create uncertainty about the renewable energy market thus hindering investment and development in renewable energy.
•   Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Continued subsidies for fossil fuels distort the market, making it difficult for renewable energy to compete with traditional sources. Most people don’t realize this but on a global scale, governments subsidize the fossil fuel market to the tune of $7 trillion dollars annually. In the US alone, those subsidies are around $41 billion. Various literature sources stated that without these subsidies, the cost of gasoline in the U.S. would be between $8-12 per gallon.
•   Grid Integration: Integrating renewable energy into the grid can be challenging, requiring significant infrastructure upgrades. The good news is that decommissioned fossil fuel plants could be used to integrate renewable energy because the infrastructure is already in place.
•   Cost Barriers: High upfront costs can hinder the adoption of certain renewable energy technologies.

Furthermore, government policies and regulations have a significant impact on the competitiveness of renewable energy versus fossil fuels. For example, some of the things that favor renewable energy are:

•   Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS): Mandatory RPS policies, implemented by states and countries, drive demand for renewable energy, making it more competitive. By setting targets for renewable energy generation, RPS policies create a market incentive for developers and utilities to invest in renewables.
•   Tax Credits and Incentives: Federal and state-level tax credits, grants, and loans have historically supported the development of renewable energy projects, reducing their costs and increasing competitiveness. However, the phase-out of these incentives has led to a decline in new project deployments.
•   Net Metering: Net metering policies allow households and businesses to generate their own renewable energy and sell excess back to the grid. This policy promotes decentralized renewable energy production, increasing competition with fossil fuels.
•   Carbon Pricing: Implementing carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems, increases the cost of fossil fuels and makes renewable energy more competitive. This policy encourages a shift towards low-carbon energy sources.
•   Grid Connection and Interconnection: Stringent grid connection and interconnection requirements can hinder the development of renewable energy projects, particularly for smaller-scale or distributed generation. Simplifying these processes can improve competitiveness.
•   Permitting and Zoning: Streamlined permitting and zoning processes can reduce project development costs and timelines, making renewable energy more competitive.
•   International Agreements: Global agreements, such as the Paris Accord, set ambitious renewable energy targets and encourage countries to transition away from fossil fuels, creating a competitive environment for renewable energy.

But despite these challenges and barriers it is possible to run the entire planet on renewable energy with the technology we presently have in place.  We don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

In fact there are actually plenty of things we can do as individuals to support the phasing out of fossil fuels.

Supporting Fossil Fuel Phase-out

As individuals, we can contribute to the phase-out of fossil fuels by adopting sustainable habits and advocating for policy changes. Here are some concrete steps:

•   Reduce Energy Consumption
•   Use energy-efficient appliances and lighting
•   Insulate homes and buildings to minimize heating and cooling needs
•   Adjust thermostat settings and use passive heating/cooling methods
•  Change all of your lighting to LEDs
•  The rationale here is that the greenest energy is the energy you never use.

•  Weatherize your home: Seal air leaks, install insulation, and upgrade windows to reduce energy consumption and minimize the need for fossil fuels for heating and cooling.

•  Use passive design: Design your home or building with natural ventilation, shading, and insulation to reduce the need for mechanical cooling and heating.

•   Transition to Renewable Energy
•   Install solar panels or invest in community solar programs
•   Consider wind or geothermal energy options if that is available depending on where you live.
•   Support policies promoting renewable energy development

•   Electrify Transportation
•   Choose electric or hybrid vehicles for personal use if that is within your budget.
•   Encourage employers to offer electric vehicle charging infrastructure
•   Support public transportation and non-motorized transportation options
•  Use public transportation once a week.

Lifestyle Changes

•   Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimize waste, reuse items when possible, and recycle to reduce the demand for fossil fuels in the production and transportation of new materials. Minimize and even eliminate the use of plastic products. Eliminate the consumption of single-use plastics. Start composting to reduce what you send to the landfill.

•   Eat a plant-based diet: Choose a diet rich in plant-based foods to reduce the carbon footprint of food production and transportation. Animal agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions; reducing meat consumption can make a difference. Take the time to educate yourself and explore alternatives.

•   Advocate for Policy Change
•   Contact representatives and express support for fossil fuel phase-out policies
•   Participate in climate protests and awareness campaigns
•   Educate friends and family about the importance of fossil fuel phase-out

•   Invest in Sustainable Infrastructure
•   Support companies developing sustainable infrastructure, such as green buildings and renewable energy projects
•   Encourage policymakers to invest in sustainable infrastructure

•   Support Fossil Fuel Divestment
•   Encourage institutions and individuals to divest from fossil fuel companies
•   Support organizations promoting fossil fuel divestment and sustainable investing

Consumer Choices

•   Choose sustainable products: Opt for products with minimal packaging, made from sustainable materials, and produced with renewable energy.
•   Avoid fossil fuel-based products: Refrain from purchasing products that rely on fossil fuels, such as those made from petrochemicals.
•  Educate Yourself
•   Stay informed about climate change and fossil fuel phase-out efforts
•   Share knowledge with others and encourage collective action

•   Support Climate-Friendly Businesses
•   Choose businesses with sustainable practices and renewable energy commitments
•   Encourage companies to adopt climate-friendly policies and practices

Collective Impact

While individual actions are crucial, collective action can drive more significant change. By working together as a community we can:

•  Influence policy decisions and advocate for fossil fuel phase-out legislation
•  Support businesses and organizations committed to sustainability
•  Create a cultural shift towards climate awareness and action

The bottom line here is that there are many factors that come into play in the global energy market. Additionally there are numerous competing interests that hinder any significant progress. A perfect example is that scientists, diplomats, researchers, politicians, and numerous individuals knew for decades that we were causing changes to our climate. There was a time when we actually could have stopped it. But we didn’t.

Now our best hope is to phase out the use of fossil fuels but once again who knows if that will ever happen in time to make a meaningful difference with the climate change we are experiencing now. NASA scientists have already stated that climate change is happening now, will worsen in the decades to come and the resolution of this will not happen in the lifetime of anyone alive today. Once excess CO2 is introduced into the atmosphere, it persists for somewhere between 300 to 1,000 years. Consequently, as human activity changes the atmosphere those changes will endure on the timescale of many human lives.

But instead of waiting for big business and big government to do something there are numerous things we can do as individuals to make a difference.

Sustainability question of the week

Explain the concept of a circular economy

A circular economy is a model of production and consumption that involves reusing, refurbishing, recycling, sharing and leasing so that existing products are used as long as possible. Because of this, the lifecycle of every product is extended and we minimize waste production and the use of additional resources.

I installed a full solar array at the cabin 9 years ago. It has been a very dependable and reliable system. Based on what friends of mine were paying for electricity, my investment in solar paid for itself in two years.

Additionally, there are numerous other things we do to manage the off grid lifestyle. I truly realize that this is not for everyone but our environmental impact is 80% less than most people that we know. And we are not missing out on anything.

If you have been following me for awhile you know very well that I grew up with two working farms in the family. We raised numerous animals for meat and always had a large garden. Needless to say, our diet was mostly based on animal protein. Even now at the homestead we raise chickens and turkeys for meat and eggs.

Despite the many years I’ve been at the homestead I am still learning. I also realize that there are things I can change about my present lifestyle to make it more environmentally friendly. One of the biggest things that Annette and I are doing is going meatless two days a week. Neither one of us have the desire to be a vegetarian but going meatless two days a week makes a significant impact. And if everyone decided to do that one simple thing, we would literally change the global food market. Collective effort makes a difference

Our Earth and the atmosphere we have is resilient in so many ways. But we humans are not. We all know that we need to phase out the use of fossil fuels. But if the government banned the use of fossil fuels tomorrow our entire economy and lifestyles would literally fall apart. So it is not as simple as it seems. It is not as simple as turning off the light.

But at the end of the day there are a lot of things we can do as individuals to help phase out the use of fossil fuels. You just have to be willing to change. Yes there will be challenges and limitations to overcome. But all present evidence suggests that renewable energy is making a difference and it is possible to completely phase out the use of fossil fuels. If we do not, we will see yet another major transition in human history and this time it may not be a good one.

Remember, every single thing we do has some sort of impact. Collectively changing what we do we have an enormous impact that benefits the planet and benefits our future here on Earth.