About a month ago, world leaders signed an agreement to reduce carbon emissions, now that the price of oil collapsed, the global commitment to renewable energy sources faces its first big test. This is giving people the idea that why go electric if oil is becoming so cheap but this is not a good way to look at it. The Obama administration has mandated that automakers nearly double the fuel economy by 2025 and our showing no signs of backing off. As important as I think this is, I feel as if that is maybe a little too much to as in such a short period of time. That is less that 10 years away. We are really going to have to make substantial progress in that time. China is taking steps to make sure oil does not reach under $30.00 a barrel.
Reducing global emissions is going to be challenging with these prices becoming low. Not just oil but gas prices now are under $2.00 a gallon in most places. Governments have to resist these lures of cheap fossil fuels and instead encourage or even require the use of zero carbon energy sources. These policies clearly are going to be unpopular as traditional fuels become more affordable. These policies can also be expensive. As of now, the worlds two largest energy consumers, the United States and China are staying strong with staying the course of pushing towards a cleaner future. This shows their seriousness towards the issue by resisting these cheap prices. This is giving us an optimistic view of the future.
Top officials agree that is will not be a set back to us and that the future looks bright. Utility scale solar power generation is expected to increase by 45% by 2017 according to the energy department. Basically, all countries have to stay strong throughout times of drops in oil and gas prices. These drops will happen throughout time but if we all keep on the path to the common goal of a cleaner future with renewable resources, we can do it. This is a very important issue and I think for the most part, we are doing a very good job.
References:
Krauss, Clifford, and Diane Cardwell. “Climate Deal’s First Big Hurdle: The Draw of Cheap Oil.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 25 Jan. 2016. Web. 31 Jan. 2016.