The Obama administration will be inheriting a
mountain of challenges this month: two wars, Middle East conflict, growing budget deficits, economic recession, rising unemployment, oil dependence, climate change, to mention a few. It’s clear that the economy will take priority and leading
economists concur that a massive stimulus is required to put people
back to work and re-energize the economy.
Our suggestion – focusing on renewable energy will deliver multiple benefits that are long-lasting.
First, the proposed stimulus will put hundreds of thousands of people to work: installing solar panels, insulating buildings, extending electric grids, manufacturing and erecting wind turbines. Out-of-work construction workers can readily learn and earn in the green building sector.
Second, renewable energy is domestic, which
means that you keep your money circulating within your country,
instead of buying fossil fuels from a foreign nation (that may not even
like you). That helps reduce a negative trade balance. In the US,
oil imports now account for $700 billion going overseas annually.
Third, solar, wind, geothermal, hydro and ocean energies produce no greenhouse gas emissions – thus reducing atmospheric CO2 which is the primary greenhouse gas.
These three relations can be true for all nations – not just the United States. New York Times author, Tom Friedman calls for an “Earth Race”, which challenges the US and China to outcompete each other in green technology development. In this international competition we all win!
GENI had our most effective year in 2008. Enclosed is a
summary of our major milestones accomplished by a small staff and many
volunteers and interns. When you invest in GENI, this is what we do to
leverage the impact. I want to thank you for supporting this work – making our world a better place for all.
In partnership for the planet,
