Two Degrees Make a Difference, Will You?

The scientific and environmental community largely agree that climate change is the most pressing environmental issue facing the planet.  Some companies, like BrightSource, are hard at work designing and deploying technologies that reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and avoid the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to a changing climate. 

Other organizations are addressing the challenge by educating Americans and world citizens about climate change.  One organization that we really admire is the Alliance for Climate Education (ACE), a group that educates America’s elementary school students on climate change.  In fact, we like ACE so much that we’ve partnered with them on a Facebook education campaign.

During the month of September, we have committed to giving ACE $1 up to a total of $2500 for every new “like” on the BrightSource Facebook page. 

Here are some examples of the types of things that we have learned from ACE:

Though a degree doesn’t seem much to the human body, it’s a huge change for the planet. In fact, a global temperature increase of 2°Celsius would leave the Earth warmer than it has been in millions of years. Even a “moderate” warming of 2°C stands a strong chance of provoking droughts, wildfires and storms that could challenge even the most advanced society. In 2009, the 2°C threshold was internationally recognized by over 100 countries in the United Nations’ Copenhagen Accord.

Warming of the planet will have severe impacts on our oceans and other delicate ecosystems. The oceans absorb carbon dioxide, causing seawater to be 30% more acidic than it was in pre-industrial times. For many countries, the thermal stress of climate change will be devastating, threatening food supplies on land and sea.

Many small island nations would be severely affected by sea level increases and some may disappear entirely. The Alliance for Small Island States have joined the some of the Least Developed Countries in calling for a much lower temperature threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius as adverse impacts are already being felt and further increases will only accelerate the impacts already occurring on the most vulnerable countries.

Though climate change is a dire situation, there is hope. Limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius and subsequent temperature reductions could halve the expected sea-level rise by 2300, compared to a 2-degree scenario. If the world begins reducing CO₂ emissions by 6 percent a year starting in 2012, atmospheric levels are expected to return to pre-industrial “safe” level of 350 ppm. If we wait until 2020 to begin, it will need to reduce CO₂ by 15 percent a year to reach that level. 

While building utility-scale solar projects, like our Ivanpah facility, is an effective way to address climate change at scale, ACE has identified areas in our everyday lives to make a meaningful impact on climate change.  Called the “Do One Thing Campaign,” here are a few examples related to energy use:

• Change light bulbs to efficient bulbs
• Unplug electronics you aren’t using
• Install solar panels on your roof
• Seal ducts and air leaks in your home with spray foam insulation
• Set your water heater to a maximum of 125°F
• Air dry dishes and clothes
• Install a programmable thermostat to monitor and regulate temperature