November 27, 2002

Must we accept climate change — and adapt to it?

Dear GENI friend,

When tackling the big issues of our time, it seems that we move backwards and forwards at the same time. While one sector says that we must accept the consequences of climate change, another sector seeks to deliver pollution-free energy. Who will win this global tug of war?

There are many powerful interests in the global CO₂ debate, and it seems that our policy-makers have conceded that emissions will rise and that all nations will have to prepare it's citizens. The recent meeting in New Delhi, India essentially stated that we are unable to alter the course we are on. Personally, it makes me sick to see this resignation by our leadership.

On the other hand, the UN Environmental Program (UNEP), the Global Environmental Facility of the World Bank and the U.S. National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) have joined to identify the optimal wind and solar energy sites in a dozen developing nations. GENI has been pushing this initiative for years with both UNEP and NREL, and these resource assessments are being featured at our panel sessions at the IEEE Power Engineering Society meetings. We are showing that renewable energy is plentiful and cost-competitive today.

You have helped us in this fight — the striving for solutions vs. throwing in the towel. If we win, the world will be cleaner and more prosperous for all. If we lose, more pollution and economic dislocations are certain. Please look and see what's important to you as we close 2002 — and consider a renewed pledge for the coming year. We will invest it on the winning side.

In partnership for the planet,

Peter Meisen

p.s. Please pledge or contribute with an amount equal to your vision for world. Use the online Contribution Form. You can support through donations-in-kind, stock transfers, real estate or bequests.