Energy is essential to addressing the climate change problem and securing a brighter environmental future.
When we generate energy by burning fossil fuels for power and heat, we release greenhouse gasses that blanket the Earth and trap heat from the sun. Coal, oil, and gas, among other fossil fuels, are responsible for the vast majority (over 75%) of all greenhouse gas emissions and (almost) all carbon dioxide emissions in the world.
The scientific consensus is undeniable: emissions must be cut by nearly half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 if we are to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. In order toget there, we must wean ourselves off fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy sources that are also clean, easily available, cheap, long-lasting, and dependable.
Renewable energy sources, such as the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the earth, are constantly supplied by nature and produce minimal greenhouse gases and air pollution. Today, more than 80% of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels, but renewables are quickly gaining popularity. Today, renewable energy accounts for about 29% of all electricity generated.
The concept of renewable energy sources has never been more popular, or more pivotal, than it is right now. The need for more renewable energy sources is becoming increasingly apparent to governments, organizations, enterprises, and individuals around the world. To assure a secure environmental future, organizations are establishing, and committees are forming to devise strategies. One such company is SmartPower Inc., founded by Brian F. Keane, formerly the director of external affairs at the Conservation Law Foundation (1998-2002).
Keane has worked in government as a legislative assistant for Congressman Les Aspin and as an aide for Congressman Joe Moakley, and as a presidential campaign advisor for the late Senator Paul Tsongas. He holdsextensive experience in politics and thus knew how to make people recognize the relevance of various issues. Keane, who has dedicated his life promoting clean energy and energy efficiency, observed that while many people had faith in renewable sources of power, few had really begun using them in their own houses. “Our argument at SmartPower was that if only a tiny percentage were buying a $50,000 (green) product then we must be selling it wrong!” stated Keane in a Forbes Interview. Keane was adamant about exploring new techniques to make energy-saving products more ubiquitous. In no time at all, he had figured out the secret and pinpointed the holes in the promotion of eco-friendly goods.
Keane was recognized as “CEO of the Year” by Corporate LiveWire in 2016, and co-founded the sustainability-focused business WeeGreen in 2017. WeeGreen is an online hub that connects consumers with businesses selling eco-friendly products from all over the world through an integrated digital marketplace and marketing services.
The Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy have awarded Keane with the prestigious Green Power Pilot Award in recognition of his extensive work toward a brighter future. Unlike some of his friends, Keane understands that not all previous generations were wasteful with their wealth. Thus, he makes an effort to get in touch with individuals through both traditional and alternative means.
At the University of St. Gallen in 2016 and 2017, Keane was a guest speaker at workshops titled “Winning the Solar Customer- The Power of Aesthetics and Peer Effects for Successful PV Marketing and Sales.” As a published author, his work has appeared in media outlets such as HuffPost, Politico, MotherEarthNews, and InsideSources. He has been featured in podcasts for the New York Times and Forbes, among others. He is a regular panelist on White House Chronicle, a weekly public affairs television show broadcast on over 200 PBS stations and Sirius/XM radio.
People like Keane, who serves as President of SmartPower and CEO of WeeGreen, have been at the vanguard of the fight against climate change, raising awareness and laying the groundwork for an energy-efficient future.
Renewable solutions hold great potential for the future, both in terms of the clean (zero emissions) energy they create and the positive effects they can have on local economies.Most people agree that wind and solar power are the best choices for a clean, long-term energy source. In comparison to fossil fuels, they cause far less harm to the local ecosystem and can be produced at a considerably lower cost.
