Here is a very thought provoking story, “What if Climate Change is Not an Energy Problem?”.  Alex’s basic premise is that while burning fossil fuels greatly contributes to greenhouse gases, our consumption habits can have an even greater impact.  So just switching to alternative energy without increasing conservation will have much less of an impact on the environment

He raises three important considerations

1. Whether we use the energy we create
2. How we use it
3. How we live

The first point describes the waste in many of our current energy systems.  Not all energy that is generated is consumed; much of it is lost in the process and distribution.  The second point addresses how our current inefficiencies are wasting large amounts of energy.  Point three goes to the heart of the problem with over consumption.  We can all have an immediate impact by just increasing our conservation efforts.

I strongly agree with the basic premise of this article and applaud Alex for presenting this idea.  Regarding suburban sprawl, I don’t think we can undo our current housing situation.  Smart construction and compact communities are great for some, but not for all.  I live in a quiet neighborhood and consider our suburban setting a wonderful enviroment for raising children.

Pay4Rides would directly address 2 of the 3 major points in this article.  It is up to the energy producers to gain more efficiency in their production process, but we can help elsewhere.  How we use energy could be greatly improved by tapping into unused passenger capacity with many of today’s single occupancy drivers.  How we live could be enhanced by people working together to better utilize our existing resources.  As we go into the New Year and people start diets, remember that it is always easier to just eat less than it is to burn extra calories.  The same could be said for energy, consume less and conserve more.  The choice is yours.

photo credit: woodleywonderworks

The recent steep price drop in gasoline means that traveling by car is now a bargain compared to other transportation options.  This is causing many people to stay closer to home this holiday season.

According to the Huffington Post, a reduction in travel makes for a Greener Thanksgiving.  They reference numbers from AAA to back up their story:

“AAA reports that for the first time in six years, fewer Americans will head out for the holiday to celebrate with family and friends. In fact, AAA says that 1.4 percent fewer travelers will travel during this time, and 7.2 percent less people plan to use airlines.”

The day before Thanksgiving is normally one of the busiest travel days of the year, but the numbers are clearly down.  This is definitely good news for the environment.

An additional benefit to a decrease in the number of airline passengers is a reduction in flight delays.  So the people who do need to fly are getting through the airports quicker.  All of this reinforces the core idea of Passenger Energy that conservation is the most effective source of renewable energy.

photo credit: jwalsh

On the eve of this year’s election, you hear a lot about the candidates’ energy plans.  Both McCain and Obama talk about clean coal, off shore drilling and nuclear options.  What you do not hear enough of is conservation.

Conservation is the best way to reduce our demand for foreign oil.  No matter who you vote for tomorrow, we must ensure our next president makes developing alternative energy solutions a priority while cutting our consumption levels.

photo credit: Svadilfari