A lot of people think that renewable energy may be a distant pipe dream looking at our society today.  Cars, trucks, and other vehicles constantly burn fossil fuels and pump out harmful gases into the atmosphere.  Electricity is still mostly produced from burning coal and other non-renewable sources.  Our energy sources are far from sustainable.

However, a lot of experts say that a sustainable society isn’t far off.  Some civil engineers and city planners have speculated that the United States could convert their infrastructure to be able to gather the vast majority of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030.  Canada, after all, has already achieved this feat.  Canada now uses wind turbines, hydroelectric generators, and other renewable sources to achieve over a 60% rate of renewable electricity generation.

Those same experts say that even in metropolitan areas that aren’t thought of as “windy areas” could be completely self-sustaining in the coming decades through wind turbines alone.  The United States does not need to wait to start making the switch.

Many European countries have been very successful in reducing fossil fuel consumption through the use of financial incentives.  Germany, for example, incentivizes both individuals and businesses for reducing their carbon footprint and fuel use.

With a concerted effort, it is possible by 2030 that the only use for natural gas and other fossil fuels in electricity production is in case of emergency.  It goes to show that taking steps towards being sustainable CAN make an impact, and WILL in your lifetime.

-David Zindler