California falling Short on Climate Protection
Transportation still exceeds greenhouse gas limits
CaliforniaGeo 11-28-18
California’s dedication to all things green by statute and regulatory policy has been a multi-decade effort but it is faltering. A November report by the California Air Resources Board cites the assessment that greenhouse gas reductions are not on track to meet established goals.
The state’s landmark AB 32 in 2006 for greenhouse gas reduction was followed by SB 575, called The Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act, requiring progress reports, every four years. The 2018 report illustrates that reduction goals for 2020 will not be achieved. Transportation continues producing its lion’s share of emissions and the recent increase in miles driven by state residents is problematic.
Along with the required quadrennial reports, each of the state’s air quality management districts have been tasked with producing a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) meant to curb emissions from driving, thus improving local air quality and lowering health costs related to respiratory difficulties.
If the transportation sector of our civilization refuses to change there is another sector which accounts for over 20% of our emissions than can pick up some of the slack. Geo heat pumps connect to the earth and tap a perpetual thermal battery that can provide heat for space and hot water, and also remove unwanted heat during hot weather—all on less electrical power than standard mechanical equipment.
The 2014 Honda Smart House was designed to incorporate a geo heat pump, and its carbonless zero net energy design has been duplicated nearby in a multi-residential building called Parkview Place. Both use off-the-shelf technology, and the Smart House was designed to supply an electric vehicle with all the charging it needs.
CaliforniaGeo invites you to help us spread the message that green is closer than many people think and that thermal connections to the earth could help our progress to save it.