Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast
Episode 250
The Top 15 Environmental Concerns: Reducing Our Dependence on Fossil Fuels
As you could likely guess, there is a whole list of environmental concerns that we are face with in our modern world. When you look at this list, it is easy to see why people are completely overwhelmed and feel as if their individual action makes no difference.
At the top of that list is our dependence on fossil fuels. That dependence is directly related to why our ice caps are melting. But, as with most things, there is something we can actually do about it. It may require some modifications to your lifestyle, and perhaps a transition to renewable energy, but it is entirely possible. That is how we go from doom to empowerment. It is truly worth the effort. So join me for episode 250 which focuses on reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E250 which is part two in a series of episodes where I am focusing on the top 15 environmental concerns of our time. This episode focuses on how to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
The Rejuvenation of the Chicago River
It should not be a surprise that the rivers that flow through our major cities are some of the most polluted waters in the world. A combination of dumping and pollute decade after decade results is water that is virtually lifeless and far too polluted for swimming or any other activity. But, following the passage of the 1972 Clean Water Act, things began to change and the Chicago River is a prime example.
Before the development of the railway systems, commercial goods had to arrive into major cities by boat or barge. In order to accommodate this, engineers designed canals which required dredging up the river bed and lining it with steel panels and concrete. Virtually overnight, the plants and wildlife that depended on the river bank were eliminated. On top of that the river was basically used as a dumping ground and sewage disposal system which resulted in massive algae blooms which further choked off the local ecosystem.
But a number of initiatives and civic investments have changed all of that. Storm water management and sewage storage systems were modernized to prevent runoff. An eco-park was designed to support local plant and wildlife species. Instead of 5 species of fish there are now 77 species living in the Chicago River as well as turtles and fresh water mussels. Instead of a stinking, toxic river, it is now a pleasant place to walk and spend some time.
Various aspects of this project started back in 1972. This is a prime example of how we can reverse some of our environment damage if we put our minds and our money in the right place.
Now, let’s move on to this week’s episode.
I remember when I was around nine or ten years old I had a nice little yard maintenance business that provided me with a fair amount of extra money. At the time I was too young to drive so when I need gasoline for the lawn mower, I would hook the gas tank to the handle bars of my bicycle and off I would go to the gas station. I remember spending less than 50 cents to fill my tank. That was enough gasoline to last me a couple of months. The point being is that my bicycle was my only means of transportation and it cost me nothing to maintain it because it was powered by my legs.
In my early teens I first starting hearing about climate change. At the time, I thought it was a rather novel, and perhaps improbable scenario, that human activity could possibly change the climate of an entire planet. But here we are 50 years later and I am realizing just how naive I was at the time.
Presently it is our dependence on fossil fuels that is one of the top 15 environmental concerns of our time. That being said, I always look at situations such as this and like to ask “How did we get here?” If the use of fossil fuels is so detrimental to the health of our planet, and perhaps the future of humanity, why are we still dependent on this energy source?
Dependence on Fossil Fuels
1. Historical Development
2. Energy Density & Reliability
3. Infrastructure Lock-In
4. Economic & Political Power
5. Consumer Lifestyle & Convenience
6. Slow Transition to Alternatives
✅ In short: Fossil fuels dominate as our primary energy source because they have always been the easiest, cheapest, and most powerful source of energy when we built modern society. That “lock-in” effect makes change difficult, even though practical alternatives now exist. Even though we have the ability to power the entire planet on renewable energy, will still rely on fossil fuels. Additionally, the transition to all renewables would require changes in our lifestyles and people are hesitant to sacrifice, or maybe even give up how they presently live.
🌍 How We Can Reduce Our Dependence on Fossil Fuels
1. Why We Must Reduce Dependence
2. Key Solutions
I think it is rather obvious that the key solution to our predicament is to transition to renewable energy simply because the resource base is abundant.
A. The Resource Base is Abundant
B. Technology is Mature and Getting Cheaper
C. Integration is Achievable
Integration of renewable energy is achievable. Although I will admit that is not without some challenges. But such an energy transition creates:
3. Making the Transition?
Now the first thing I want to mention is likely going to make you roll your eyes. But I am going to mention it anyway. Obviously if we are going to make a complete transition to renewable energy in many ways it is going to have to be from the top down. This means systemic and policy changes, which of course translate into government intervention.
We know that we can’t wait for government officials to get finished with their eternal board meeting. But, there are things that could happen.
-Incentives for renewable energy
-Carbon taxes
-Incentive and EVs
-Ending incentives that favor fossil fuels
-Investments in renewable infrastructure, which will have to be massive
-Legislation that supports clean energy targets
-Investments to improve public transportation
Now if you think this is not possible, let’s look at some real world examples.
The examples above clearly show renewable energy is possible to scale up and run an entire country. So, it is possible to change our energy future. That of course will require the cooperation of big business and big government.
While all of that sounds great, let’s make it a bit more personal. While we are waiting for the major powers to actually do something productive, I am going to give you an action plan for how you can make that transition for yourself.
Every little thing we do not only makes a difference but also serves as a means to inspire someone else to make changes as well. So, let’s dive into a simple plan where you can make a slow transition to renewable energy over a period of a couple of years.
C.🌞⚡ Step-by-Step Action Plan to Go Renewable
1) Set your goal and baseline (today)
2) Cut wasted energy first (week 1–4)
Efficiency is the cheapest “renewable energy source.” What this means is that the greenest energy is the energy you never use.
3) Switch your electricity to clean sources (week 1–6)
Pick the best path available to you:
4) Electrify what you can, in the right order (months 2–24)
Electrification lets your home run on clean power as the grid decarbonizes.
5) Add load flexibility (months 2–12)
Make your demand match clean supply.
6) Storage and resilience (optional, months 6–24)
7) Finance it smartly (any time)
8) Choose cleaner companies and money
9) Advocate where you live and work
10) Make it stick (every month)
Now, the transcript for episode is more or less in an outline format. Consequently, you can download it and use it a guide to reducing your dependence on fossil fuels.
While this is sort of a general overview, some changes that you can make are much easier than others. Some changes have a greater impact that others. Things such as reducing the use of your automobile, conserving energy at home, doing a home energy audit, changing over to LED lighting are examples that have minimal impact on your lifestyle. Other things such as installing solar, even a small array, are a much bigger commitment.
But there is one other thing that is especially powerful in reducing our impact on the planet and that is changing the way we eat. By far, the way we eat and how our food is produced has a significant environmental impact. Changing our diets to more plant-based proteins, and cutting back on the amount of animal based protein we consume will have a significant impact.
For example, a comprehensive analysis found that vegan diets result in 75% less climate-heating emissions, water pollution, and land use compared to diets consuming over 100 grams of meat daily. And just to give you a visual idea, 100 grams of meat is about the size of the palm of your hand or roughly the size of a deck of cards.
At any rate, this shift could reduce global food-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to 68% within 15 years, significantly limiting global warming.
Now, you must know I have no desire to be a vegan or a vegetarian. However, I am slowly transitioning to a plant based diet, which means I am eating a lot more fruits and vegetables and plant based proteins and cutting back significantly on animal based proteins.
But, as I said, there are a significant number of things all of us can do to change our lifestyles to something that is more planet friendly. The end result is cleaner air, healthier communities, stable energy prices and a more sustainable and resilient future.
Fossil fuels have been the mainstay of our energy for many years. We have known for nearly 150 years that the burning of fossil fuels would warm our climate. Yet we have done nothing. Whether you realize it or not, our dependence on fossil fuels is not inevitable-it’s a choice.
Of the top 15 environmental concerns that we are faced with today, our dependence on fossil fuels is, in my opinion, one of the most difficult things we are going to have to deal with because it is so entrenched in our society. It is doable, but it will have an affect on almost every aspect of our lives. Regardless, if we don’t change how we are living, we will sooner or later deal with the consequences.
But, to wrap up this episode, here is a fast 90-Day Sprint toward reducing you dependence on fossil fuels.
Fast-Start 90-Day Sprint
Week 1–2
Week 3–4
Month 2
Month 3
So, as you can see, our dependence on fossil fuels is not inevitable. It is a choice. And for now you actually have the choice to live how you want. What I would suggest is that you get ahead of the game and make some positive sustainable changes in your lifestyle while you still have that choice. Don’t let anyone make that choice for you because that may be what happens at some point in the future. At the end of the day, your choices do make a difference. Together we can build a cleaner, stronger, resilient and sustainable future.
