The Global Climate Crisis What We Can Do

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Annual_Average_Temperature_Map.jpg

As I am sure you are aware, the world has turned its attention to the UN Climate Conference (COP26)
in Glasgow these past weeks where world leaders are sharing progress on their climate
commitments and discussing what must be accomplished to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

It is now clear if we are to stop the irreparable destruction of our surroundings and natural
environments, the time for half measures, concessions, and outdated targets are over. As Barrack
Obama said in Glasgow, "We can't afford to stay where we are. The world has to step up and it has
to step up now," he said. "There are times when I am doubtful that humanity can get its act together
before it's too late.” Truly, forward is the only way to go.

Today, and in the foreseeable future, we are in the race of our lifetimes: the race against the climate
clock ticks faster with every ton of greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted into our atmosphere. Carbon
dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities and therefore the
climate’s worst enemy. Goals will not be met unless the attitude is developed that we are all part of
the problem and must do our collective part, yes, each of us.

The only way we will deal with the global climate crisis is by focusing on its main contributor: energy
production and energy use, which represent 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. We all must
be focused on transforming how we produce and use energy. The goal is simple.

Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet, getting to net-zero will be an immense challenge. It means
transforming virtually every activity in modern life and every major sector of the economy: electricity,
buildings, manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture.

If we all act together today, we can mitigate and even prevent the worst effects of climate change.
Now is the time to step up and help protect life on this planet as we know it by using all the creativity
and determination possible.
 The question is, can people rise to this
challenge? I would never have thought we
would have ever joined globally and collectively
to fight for anything. Then with Covid,
individuals, states, provinces, countries,
governments, industries, all came together to
fight this pandemic. Ok, we are not there as yet,
and many mistakes have been made, but we
have learned immensely from this.

It’s time to get together once again, in an even

more dreadful scenario, the ruin of life as we
know it on OUR Planet. Can our world rise to
this challenge? Yes, we can!

Energy Efficiency
It is estimated that around 55% of CO2 reductions are linked to individual choices.¹ It is time to take
responsibility and review all we can do to stop wasting and start conserving energy. Energy not used
is energy saved. Not using energy makes the transition to clean, renewable energy infrastructure
easier.

What is energy efficiency?

Simply put, energy efficiency means using less energy to get the same job done – and in the
process, cutting energy bills and reducing pollution. Increasing efficiency provides multiple
benefits for households, businesses, and the environment. For example, adding insulation
improves both its efficiency and comfort. Increasing the efficiency of a manufacturing or
process plant enhances competitiveness by reducing costs. And by lowering energy use, all
forms of energy efficiency will cut greenhouse gas emissions.

In this series of articles, we will develop the concept of how we can make our environment cleaner
by conserving energy. Beginning with us at home, our office, then moving into manufacturing and
industrial energy-efficient applications.

The first step in energy-efficient actions is measurement. You have to know where you are
in order to do something.

Before beginning any retrofits, it is best to first know where the energy is being lost. Just telling
people that there are problems…somewhere… does not gain much interest. But showing proof with
an image they become interested. You have heard the adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words”.
The Nondestructive Test instrumentation that does the best job of clearly, simply, and remotely
identifying energy gain or loss is Infrared Thermography. Thermal images are used to clearly identify
energy waste and identify upgrade opportunities.
 Global Energy End-Use
Sectors
This thermal anomaly on transmission
line causing additional electrical energy
waste and additional GHG emissions.
Industry
25.2
(36%)

Electric motors consume over 45% of

the world’s electricity. Therefore, the
motor efficiency is paramount.

Electrical system
Transportation energy losses 23.2
24.3 (65%)
(35%)
Vehicle diagnosed with overheating
fuse box. Not repaired and fire ensued.

Electricity retail
sales 12.5 (35%)
Residential
11.5 (17%)

Interior house image clearly showing

excessive energy losses in the walls and
gains in the house roof.

Commercial
8.7 (12%)

Total Energy Use=

69.7
External Image showing which buildings
have excessive energy losses
Quadrillion Btu
There are many additional examples within the above sectors and subsectors this will be developed
in subsequent articles and blogs.

In conclusion, COP26 was the biggest and most important climate-related conference on the planet.
It has clearly shown us the clock is ticking on our planet as we know it. Now is the time to act, we
are in the fight of our lives, and this fight must be won. This time we all must take responsibility and
bold actions- not gradual changes- to do all we can do to stop wasting and start conserving energy.
Failure to address the climate crisis at the scale and speed necessary threatens the future of
humanity. We can never give up. Never retreat.

The measure of a man is what he does with power — Plato

InfraRon
www.infraredinstitute.com

1. https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050