Environment Committee - What's new(s)?
The district 6330 Environment Committee has been active in the past 2 years in providing solutions we can all do to combat Climate change.
Number 1 and 2 in no particular order include Plant Rich diets and Food Waste solutions.
The Planetary Diet will allow us to feed the world and its population increase to 10 billion by 2050. Imagine a world without food insecurity or starvation. Our present food system is failing us with 3 billion people with food insecurity, one billion including children who are starving and one in 4 who are overweight. Imagine its effect on inequality in Developing Countries who bear the brunt of this problem. And the Planetary diet is applicable to all cultures while reducing green house gases and improving biodiversity. But wait there is more. It also reduces chronic illness by over 20 %. This includes diseases such as heart, stroke, diabetes and other inflammatory conditions and even dementia. And its doable because some meat products are allowed. Imagine adding 10 quality years to your life. Its veracity is backed by a very large and impressive study called the Eat Lancet Study
Following on the heels of that is Food Waste. We waste 30 to 40% of our food for many reasons. We know we can reduce that in half with a few easy steps. And the savings in resources and GHGs is probably almost equivalent to that of the Planetary Diet.
Plastic pollution is another way we can effect change. Not only is it polluting everything on our planet but it is a petroleum product as well. Single use plastic is the most troublesome and the easiest to reduce in our lives. Again, the micro and nano plastics are also affecting our health in serious ways and are in everything we eat, breath, and drink and even cook with. And they are forever products which continue to accumulate in our environment.
Believe or not we in N A are falling behind in converting to renewables and clean energy. China, Europe and even Africa are advancing in cost effective renewables and an inevitable future. And our energy requirements are expected to double by 2050 related to population increase and AI.
Each of us can become more energy efficient. Heat pumps and EV cars are the future. Why wait!. With the cost of fossil fuels and its uncertain future with the politics and conflict of our times in make financial sense. Below ate some facts to consider moving forward.
Facts about Heat Pumps you may not know!
Heat pumps are the future of heating..
They save the environment especially with cleaner energy grids.
They provide more even heat for more comfortable heating and air conditioning and provide both functions.
They must be expertly sized for your house and duct system.
Ductless heat pumps are also available.
Cold conditions down to – 20 degrees C allow new heat pumps to function adequately with preferably electric back up for more.extremes as opposed to natural gas.
Expense wise they are only marginally more expensive than natural gas and, in some cases, cheaper.
Suppliers tend to steer you to traditional furnace systems due to lack of knowledge and impetus to change old ways so misinformation or lack of is prevalent.
Testimonials attest to the preferred comfort and more even heat and air-conditioning heat pumps provide and satisfaction level are high.
You need an expert to advise re your energy and electric panel adequacy for heat pump conversion and upgrades may be needed.
Facts about EV cars
EV cars are the future of transportation and climate change solutions.
They are outnumbering sales in Europe and Asia and already account for 50% in cars in those countries.
With certain energy arrangements with your provider, they can be 10Xs cheaper than fossil fuels.
Upfront costs are paid for in the first 2 to 3 years of service and will decrease as more renewables and clean energy becomes available.
Long range anxiety is now not a concern as car batteries have up to 800 km in range and fast chargers are increasing in numbers with some new ultra fast charging in 5 to 10 minutes.
Batteries last for 10+ years with few failing and some have gone in excess of 500,000 kms.
Battery costs have reduced by up to 70% and can be recycled up to 95% of components and is now cheaper than mining.
Battery fires are much less common than with gas cars.
Energy conversion is 80% compared to 30% for gas cars.
Very little service is required over their lifetime.
It is a very effective solution for climate change and future transportation.
The batteries in cars of the future will have bi directional charging allowing you to supply your basic household needs for up to 1 wk. for power outages.
There are rebates of up to $5000 for Canadian made cars and foreign made cars under $50,000.
There are around 50 EV car models available in Canada including SUVs to suit all needs.
Hybrids are around 20% more efficient than regular gas cars but are considered an interim solution.
In summary, as Rotarians we can all do a lot more and be leaders in our community for change and provide Service Above Self to the planet.