BY DAVID HUBOI
In today’s stagnant economy with runaway inflation we realize that when prices are high consumer confidence erodes and we stop buying. When we stop buying companies stop hiring.
We also realize that the production of goods and services rely on the consumption of fuel produced from finite fossils connected to an antiquated overstressed power grid. When energy cost goes up prices go up. We find ourselves in a situation that we cannot drill ourselves out.
The solution to low consumer cost and protect the health of our citizens is to increase the supply of energy in a cost-effective manner that is easier on the environment.
This is a solution that beckons vision, change and innovation and opens up a school of thought is growing and emerging. Some refer to it as green wave – a new chapter in the story of civilization.
Yes, the answer lies in the infinite, free, eternal and clean forms of energy – the sun, wind, tides and thermal.
On beautiful days like today I enjoy taking my dog Cleo for long walks on my lunch hour. As I gaze on the beautiful sun lit hills I recall reading that enough solar energy falls on the earth to power all of human civilization for a year.
Systems based on sun and wind are far easier to deploy than power plants of today and with far less environmental consequence than present technology that belches out 26 billion tons of carbon monoxide every year.
The green wave means new jobs. In 2006 renewable energy technologies generated 8.5 million new jobs, nearly $970 billion in revenue.
What kind of jobs? Everything from knowing how to use a caulking gun to fixing hybrid cars, planting trees, organic farming, recycling, water conservation, research and technology.
How can our community benefit? We can benefit by formulating resolutions, developing incentives and strategies to attract and create jobs, to train and educate our youth and see that it is included in classrooms so we can plan for the future.
We can be resilient, adapt, change, realign priorities and be a part of this growing trend so that, above all, when we rely on this resource, we can go local.
We have a trade show called Eco-nomics coming up May 14 at the Veterans Memorial Building. Councilman Victor Gomez and I thank you for your efforts and participation on the committee. The show features local businesses some of which are green, job consultation, presentations, displays, fun for the kids, maybe a green art show, entertainment and activities for all. Thanks so much. I’ll see you at the show.
David Huboi is a local architect and a Hollister resident.
