MICHIGAN 100% RENEWABLE: CLIMATE, JOBS, AND JUSTICE
For a stable climate, scientists agree we need to shift to 100% renewable energy (RE) by 2050, and cut emissions 45% by 2030.[1] If done in a way that centers equity, this will bring many benefits, saving lives, making healthier communities for our families, boosting local economies, creating jobs, and saving money.
MICHIGAN SHOULD LEAD
Many cities and 13 U.S. states and territories now have 100% RE goals for electricity, and several have carbon neutral goals that cover all sources of energy - electricity, buildings, and transportation. Michigan should be among the states leading our nation to the clean energy future we need. Tell Governor Whitmer you support 100% clean energy!
Table created by: Greentech Media
100% IS ACHIEVABLE
Research shows 100% renewable energy is achievable for the entire U.S. right now, and will just become easier as storage and other technologies improve. Some cities and nations around the world are already meeting their goals. Renewables and efficiency now cost less than any other energy source in Michigan,[2] and are expanding rapidly, with large solar arrays now being built in Cadillac, Grand Rapids, East Lansing and other parts of the state.
100% CAN IMPROVE HEALTH & CREATE JOBS
Powering our state with 100% renewable energy for all our energy needs would save Michigan families over $150 in energy costs and $2,000 in health care costs every year, according to Stanford University research.[3] It would reduce the air pollution that triggers asthma attacks and respiratory illnesses, improving quality of life and saving lives.
Clean energy also creates good-paying local jobs and makes local economies more resilient. The U.S. solar industry employs over 260,000 people and solar jobs grew 17 times faster than the overall economy in 2016.[4] And wind energy has led to millions of dollars for rural landowners in some rural Michigan counties.[5] 100% RE is good for communities and is good for Michigan!
Sources:
[3] Stanford University research: http://thesolutionsproject.org/infographic/#mi
[4] The Solar Foundation: http://www.thesolarfoundation.org/solar-accounts-1-50-new-u-s-jobs-2016/
[5] http://midwestenergynews.com/2016/04/12/report-rural-michigan-landowners-net-millions-from-wind-farms/
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Also, If we are going to be really serious about reducing the impact of climate change, we MUST get our world governments to abandon their geo-engineering and weather modification programs and technologies. These practicies are dangerous and are only adding to severe weather incidents. We must realize that in harming the enviroment, we harm ourselves and our future. We are all connected. Separation is an illusion. No amount of money or power will fill the void of trying to sustain that illusion, it only deepens the cavern.