The final notes of the anthem, “CEEP it Clean,” dissolved into the breeze as the speaker stepped up to the podium. “Welcome, welcome to the 2024 Clean Energy & Efficiency Providers (CEEP) Technical College Commencement,” the school president proclaimed. The usual round of recognitions and Thank Yous followed. Then his demeanor turned solemn as he continued.
“Graduates, as you embark on your new careers, there’s no hiding from the effects of a warming planet. Last winter was the warmest one our country has ever experienced - more than 5 degrees above average. Weather and climate disaster costs continue to grow. From 1980–2023 the annual average number of weather or climate disasters has been 8.5 events per year. During the most recent 5 years (2019–2023) there have been over 20 events every year. In 2023 alone the U.S. experienced 28 separate $1 billion or more such events costing $92.9 billion in all. Clearly, we can’t afford to continue on this trajectory. Each of you will play a critical role in helping turn that trajectory toward a less costly, cleaner future.
“You’ll help lead the change that’s already begun. High-tech efficiency upgrades are reducing energy usage. Generous federal, state and foundation grants worth hundreds of millions of dollars support these upgrades. Solar is growing dramatically. Last year, solar was the fastest-growing power source in the U.S. A record 31 gigawatts of solar energy was installed – a 55% increase from 2022. Solar represented half of all new utility-scale generating capacity. Battery storage also grew substantially in 2023 and is expected to double in 2024. Wind energy grew more modestly but nevertheless represents about 11% of electrical generation. Taken together, clean renewable energy powers about 25% of our country, a good start but certainly not enough.
“The choice is clear. We can either pay for increasingly expensive storm damage control, or we can invest in a clean energy future. Here at CEEP we’ve chosen to invest in this fine group of graduates and the future they’ll help us build.
“Today’s commencement ceremony marks a conclusion. But the word ‘commence’ signals a new beginning. So let each of us commence with a renewed commitment to help create a clean future. There’s really no choice but to do so. Because this is the only home we’ll ever know. It’s where we’re all forever… Earthbound.”
“Graduates, as you embark on your new careers, there’s no hiding from the effects of a warming planet. Last winter was the warmest one our country has ever experienced - more than 5 degrees above average. Weather and climate disaster costs continue to grow. From 1980–2023 the annual average number of weather or climate disasters has been 8.5 events per year. During the most recent 5 years (2019–2023) there have been over 20 events every year. In 2023 alone the U.S. experienced 28 separate $1 billion or more such events costing $92.9 billion in all. Clearly, we can’t afford to continue on this trajectory. Each of you will play a critical role in helping turn that trajectory toward a less costly, cleaner future.
“You’ll help lead the change that’s already begun. High-tech efficiency upgrades are reducing energy usage. Generous federal, state and foundation grants worth hundreds of millions of dollars support these upgrades. Solar is growing dramatically. Last year, solar was the fastest-growing power source in the U.S. A record 31 gigawatts of solar energy was installed – a 55% increase from 2022. Solar represented half of all new utility-scale generating capacity. Battery storage also grew substantially in 2023 and is expected to double in 2024. Wind energy grew more modestly but nevertheless represents about 11% of electrical generation. Taken together, clean renewable energy powers about 25% of our country, a good start but certainly not enough.
“The choice is clear. We can either pay for increasingly expensive storm damage control, or we can invest in a clean energy future. Here at CEEP we’ve chosen to invest in this fine group of graduates and the future they’ll help us build.
“Today’s commencement ceremony marks a conclusion. But the word ‘commence’ signals a new beginning. So let each of us commence with a renewed commitment to help create a clean future. There’s really no choice but to do so. Because this is the only home we’ll ever know. It’s where we’re all forever… Earthbound.”
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