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Climate Change—A New Driver of Innovation?

PE Angus M Robinson – Rotary eClub One

Evidence the recent gathering in Bali, Indonesia, climate change has been very much in the minds of our political leaders recently.

But what does this mean for Rotarians worldwide? Yes, climate change is occurring, and irrespective of what is causing it (in other words, global warming with or without human involvement), governments around the world are responding by implementing measures to lessen the amount of greenhouse gases (principally carbon dioxide) which results from the combustion of our carbon rich fuels such as coal through electricity generation.

And yet, this is occurring at a time when the amount of electricity being produced in both developed and developing countries is rising as consumers turn increasingly to more consumer electronics devices and to more and larger home appliances. A recent survey in the US has concluded that the average number of consumer electronics devices in the home totals 25, and many of these are wired into the domestic power reticulation system.

The increasing pervasiveness of split system air conditioners into homes is an increasing sign of affluence. Once the province of office buildings, consumers are now looking for the same environmental conditions wherever they work, drive or relax. And the result is that the ‘environmental impact footprint’ attributed to not only individuals, but also households, is rapidly increasing, a situation exacerbated by another dynamic – that is, the number of occupants per household is decreasing.

This is happening at a time when global energy costs are increasing, and energy producing nations such as the US, Australia and Canada will not be quarantined from this trend, irrespective of how much ‘cheap’ energy resources, such as coal, are available locally.

Governments need to work with industry to develop policies that reduce the demand for energy, not just focus alone on energy supply issues such as alternative sources (i.e. the ‘energy supply’ side of the equation). So, how can the Rotarian consumer ‘at home’ make a contribution to reducing the energy demand imperative?

For a start, every Rotarian can make a deliberate and conscious effort to consume less electricity. A commitment to purchasing energy efficient appliances and lighting and a commitment to eliminate standby functions on consumer electronics devices such as televisions, digital players and the like are two practical and easy strategies for making a difference. Currently some appliances use up to 25 watts for their standby mode. In addition, around 10 per cent of all energy used by western households is thought to relate to standby power. This equates to 750kg of greenhouse gas per household each year. Standby power consumption is increasing as electronic equipment, including computers and home entertainment systems and consumer electronics devices proliferate.

Investments in energy efficient treatments for existing and new homes are other effective measures. ‘Smart’ electricity meters are now on the market, which enable consumers to determine when they can use appliances to benefit from ‘time of use’ pricing schemes offering lower rates for off-peak and shoulder periods as an alternative to current flat tariff arrangements. Being an ‘energy efficient’ advocate and practitioner can enable every Rotarian to personally address the climate change challenge and reduce energy demand.

Rotarians can also commit to purchasing ‘green energy from utilities, thus providing a financial incentive for diversification in energy supply from renewable energy sources such as wind, bio-mass and solar.

Where governments are now offering financial incentives to off-set purchase costs, Rotarians can convert to solar heating, or convert from older style, less efficient electric hot-water services to newer, far more efficient, energy-pump and/or natural gas-fired units. And when purchasing new white-goods appliances, Rotarians can elect to buy only the most energy-efficient units as identified by government-supported energy-rating schemes e.g ‘energy star’.

Whilst global appliance and lighting manufacturers are committed to designing and making equipment which can facilitate the above-mentioned imperatives, there needs to be a substantial shift in thinking to maximise the benefits available through addressing energy demand rather than energy supply.

We all need to understand that a commitment to addressing the climate change challenge is a shared supply chain responsibility, from electricity generation all the way through to the consumer, with all participants in that supply chain making every effort to reduce energy demand.

All these elements make up a very complex picture that calls for national approaches to the sustainable energy debate.

A wide range of technologies will help, but the key to their successful uptake will be the extent to which the ‘winners’ among them can be commercialised. This will require a coherent national framework, country by country, to acquire appropriate low-emission technology options within the context of competitive energy markets. Some would argue that current energy markets cannot sustain the necessary commercialisation of these new technologies because of massive distortions that in effect hand some companies a subsidy by making carbon pollution free while others have to ‘pick up the tab.’

Notwithstanding any of these contrasting views, governments should act soon to introduce a national pathway, dare we suggest a ‘roadmap’, towards future reduction of harmful emissions, while at the same time steering a substantial shift in thinking to maximise the benefits of reduced energy demand. And concerned Rotarians globally can be at the vanguard of this change by advocating and demonstrating action!

Perhaps, along the way we will see new ideas and new attitudes emerge – conceivably as a new driver of innovation globally!