2044 / 45 – Teacher Lesson Plan Book – Summer School

                      Course Title – “America’s Energy Renaissance 2010 – 2030” 

                                             Today’s lesson – Pop Quiz

1. In the 18 month period from Jan.  2012 through June 2014 how many solar panels were installed in the U.S.?

        A. A baker’s dozen

        B. More than in the previous 30 years combined

        C. A gazillion

2.  In 2013 which U.S. industry employed a.) 89,838 workers?  And which employed

        b.) 57,860 MORE workers (147,698 total)?
            Choose from:  Banjo tuning, solar energy, moustache wax application and repair, coal production/generation, gym locker fumigation services

3. From 2008 to 2014 what item’s cost dropped 75%?

            A. Boxer shorts

            B. Vintage 8-track audiotapes

            C. Solar panels

4. In 2012 what was America’s largest source (43%) of all new electrical capacity?

            A. Hamster wheels

            B. Wind turbines

            C. Humongous twisted rubber bands

5. In 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, what types of jobs grew at 4 times the rate of the rest of the economy?
            Choose from: parsnip and peapod packing, frog leg de-boning, alternative energy installation and energy efficiency/conservation

6. Short Answer – Why was a 2014 article posted in Renewable Energy World. Com entitled “A Requiem for Today’s Grid”?

KEY – 1. B    2. a.) Coal   b.)Solar   3. C    4. B   5. Alt. energy / efficiencies

6.  From 2010 to 2030, what’s known as distributive energy sources (local, community and privately owned solar and wind) expanded rapidly.   That, along with accelerated energy efficiencies, transformed electrical energy distribution causing the demise of the centralized electrical grid.  People found that new electricity sources and increased efficiencies were less expensive and more reliable than the centralized electricity generation system of the 20th century.  

This is similar to what happened in telecommunications.  “Ma Bell” and AT & T once monopolized the telecommunication market.  Their domination ended as new technologies (cell phones etc.) emerged.  Likewise, cheaper more efficient energy technologies made centralized electrical power distribution outdated in the early 21st century.  Cleaner energy sources also lessened pollution and helped reduce atmospheric warming.  Consumers saved money and the environment was protected.  And none too soon because after all, this is our only home.  We are forever…Earthbound

        Some things just seem to go together – bacon & eggs, stars & stripes, Ernie & Bert.  Two concepts that many assume don’t complement each other turn out to actually meld together like peaches & cream. Many assume that any serious attempt to address global warming will inevitably be paired with high costs, depressed economic growth, and job loss.  Remarkably, a recent report by Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI) found the OPPOSITE to be true.

        REMI is a highly respected research group that serves clients like Price Waterhouse Coopers, the Nuclear Energy Institute, the National Federation of Independent Business and the American Gas Association.  REMI ran a 20-year analysis that examined a steadily rising fee on carbon pollution that returns 100% of revenues back to American households as a monthly dividend. 

        The startling results of the analysis found that over 20 years such a policy would have the following beneficial effects as compared to not implementing the policy:

·      Add an additional 2.8 million jobs to the economy

·      Grow the GDP by an additional $1.38 trillion

·      Save 227,000 American lives because of cleaner air

·      Cut CO2 emissions to 50% of 1990 levels

·      Raise the average American family’s annual income, even accounting for the cost of living  

        Amazingly, this analysis shows that even if a carbon fee and dividend policy had no positive environmental effect it would be a wise policy solely for the purpose of stimulating economic growth.  How does it do that?  It charges some of the richest corporations in the world for the pollution they emit into our air and then puts that money into families' pockets where it will be spent.  The study found that labor-intensive industries like retail, services and healthcare would do especially well.  Construction, auto manufacturing, and real estate also show more economic growth with this policy than without it.

        Addressing global warming and growing the economy is not a cats & dogs mix after all; they actually go hand in hand.  We have every reason to encourage our Members of Congress to enact carbon fee and dividend legislation, and quickly.  Not only will it grow our economy, but it will also help stabilize our climate.  We can embrace both environmental peace and economic prosperity.  And we must because this is the only home we’ll ever know.  We are forever…Earthbound.

The fledgling downy woodpecker had apparently hit one of our windows, and he sat stunned under the bird feeder - easy prey.  So we gathered him up and made a temporary shelter out of an old fish tank.  With suet, seed and shelter to sustain him, “Mr. D” began his recovery.  By the third morning he was hopping about in a lively manner.   Supplied with a perch, he hopped out.  After a few clumsy attempts, Mr. D took flight.

That evening, the passing of my friend’s father, Sam, prompted a trip to his visitation.  The solemn setting, the collection of photographs and memorabilia, and the gathering of friends gave strength to the family and sustained them as they mourned their loss.

Like his ancestors and descendants Sam farmed in Iowa County.  It’s unlikely that he ever used words like “sustainability” or “permaculture.”  Yet it’s clear by his legacy of outstanding children and grandchildren that Sam lived by the principles characteristic of those concepts.  Permaculture, like some Native American cultures, speaks of using the land with the well being of seven future generations in mind.  Although he may not have articulated it, that’s what Sam did as he cared for the land and resources on his farm.  While driving home on the back roads past well-kept fields, pastures and wood lots of our county it was evident to me that Sam was not alone in his stewardship.

The challenge and urgency of maintaining a sustainable environment increases daily.  When Sam was born the earth held just over 2 billion people.  Today we’re at 7.2 billion and rising quickly.  Ten Thousand year old aquifers are being drained, ancient topsoil is being eroded, and the climate has been disrupted.  The knowledge and leadership of wise Wisconsin landholders will be critical in teaching the wider world how to preserve resources for generations to come.

At dusk we were surprised and delighted to find that Mr. D had voluntarily returned to his fish tank for shelter and a meal.  Like Sam’s family he needed a little something extra to sustain him during a difficult time.  The next morning we watched him fly off for the last time into the wider world that will provide him with healthy food, clean water, and shelter as it must for us and our descendants for generations to come because we are all forever…Earthbound.