Letter: Germany’s Energy Revolution

To the Editor:

The lethal ferocity of Hurricane Sandy has been attributed to global warming. And climate scientists agree that our wanton use of fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, gas) has made a destructive contribution. Yet in our nation, environmental, economic and political concerns seem adversely entangled.

The scene is different elsewhere. Bob Walker, director of Vermont’s Sustainable Energy Resource Group, and Margaret Cheney, Vermont House member from Norwich, will report on their recent observations in Germany on Thursday, Nov. 29, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. at the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich. Admission is free.

In Germany, the economy is not harmed by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (such as those produced by burning fossil fuels). To the contrary, renewable energy constitutes a driving force in German industry, creating thousands of new jobs. While nuclear energy is being phased out (spurred by the tragedy of Fukushima), energy security is assured as technologically advanced renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass are reducing Germany’s dependence on foreign oil.

The German population supports the energy revolution, including the Transatlantic Climate Bridge Initiative. This supports those working to address the challenges of sustainability, energy security and economic growth at the local, state and federal levels in the U.S. and Germany.

Audrey McCollum