mckinsey and greenhouse gases

Today, McKinsey issued a report showing how the US could reduce greenhouse emissions in 2030 by 3.0 to 4.5 gigatons of CO2-equivalent using "tested approaches and high-potential emerging technologies." What that research-speak really means is that we could easily reduce our emissions significantly by just applying what we already know. Furthermore, the extensive research shows that the country would incur minimal costs to do so and in the long run it would save money too. I wonder how much people paid to get to these mostly common sense conclusions. I offer you my free advice.

Before I delve into the conclusions let me cite some rather frightening facts that were also in the report. The US government projects that annual greenhouse gases would rise from 7.2 gigatons in 2005 to 9.7 gigatons in 2030, an increase of 35%. And this would be due to three factors: a continued expansion of the US economy, a rapid growth in buildings, appliances, and transportation, driven by a population increase of 70 million and rising consumption; and finally an increased use of carbon-based power in electricity generation (read dirty coal).

And to add icing to the cake, the growth in emissions would be accompanied by a decrease in the carbon absorption by forests and agricultural lands. It would decline from 1.1 gigatons in 2005 to 1.0 gigatons in 2030. This is what the government thinks. The current government that is, one that isn't shy of adjusting a few numbers here and there if it suits their purpose. They don't have to worry about re-election. It seems they don't worry about what comes after them in any case.

Here is what we can do:

1. We can improve the energy efficiency in buildings and appliances for 710 to 870 megatons. This includes such no-brainers as lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, insulation, etc.

2. Increase the fuel efficiency of transportation for 340 to 660 megatons. It includes lightweighting, diesel use, turbocharging, etc.

3. Various options in the energy-intensive portions of industry for 620 to 770 megatons. These too are efficiency in heating, cooling, power, etc.

4. Expanding and enhancing carbon sinks, for 440 to 590 megatons. Here we increase forest stock, improve soil management, etc.

5. Reducing the carbon efficiency of electric power generation for 800 to 1,570 megatons. Here we can switch to nuclear, wind and solar generation, and clean up our coal plants.

I just want to add some free advice here. No need to pay me high "research costs." These will help immediately and will save you money. Not only that, they make sense and they will improve your health as well. Think of the billions we will spend "curing" heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Plus you will feel better. It is all related really.

1. Turn off your lights. You don't really need to buy CFLs. You can just turn off your lights when you don't need them and leave all other lights off too. You can turn down your thermostat and wear a sweater. You can stop heating and cooling your entire house. You definitely want to stop heating and cooling it when you aren't there. You can buy a smaller house when you are in the market. It may also help your credit rating.

2. Stop buying bulky, impractical and oversized cars. Stop driving unless you have to. Buy a bike and cycle. Walk. Have your kids walk to school. Walk with them. Remove all the unnecessary weight from your car. Empty the trunk, throw out the "entertainment system," etc. You don't need to turn your car into a living room. If you do, you are spending too much time there. Walking maybe faster. Also buy local. Don't buy cheap imports and don't buy food that was grown elsewhere. Then you can save even more. You won't need vitamins, supplements, and other pharma junk.

3. Turn off the lights and your computer at work. Turn off all the stuff you don't need when you leave. Stop printing and copying unless you have to. Save paper.

4. Plant a tree. Remove your lawn. Throw out your lawn mower. Forget the fertilizer. Stop wasting water. It needs to pumped to your house. It is heavy. It uses tons of energy and produces tons of greenhouse gases. If you want to grow anything, grow vegetables and fruits. They taste better than the ones you can buy, they are healthier, and you get a workout taking care of them.

5. Electricity is very dirty. Especially in the South, where coal dominates. Use less of it. Throw out your power tools and get a workout. It will help your heart. You will feel better. You will be healthier. Remove all chargers from outlets unless you need them. Stop buying electric gadgets.

In essence, it is time to downsize. Downsize your girth, your house, your car. And don't think of it as stepping back. Because it isn't. You will be better off. You won't have to work two jobs to keep up on all your payments. You won't have to worry about saving enough for retirement. You will be healthier, feel better, and live longer.