Top Ten Countdown
Reason 10 -
• Environmental Justice
Plusses
The poor can breathe clean air and not be forced to live in toxic zones. This is a right.
Who Gains?
The poor of any country living near
coal plants and other forms of pollution
Who Suffers?
The fossil fuel industry, its stock holders and politicians who thrive on our addiction to fossil fues
Reason 9 - Fossil fuels and
nuclear
materials are • finite
Plusses
Don’t have to worry about running out, orpaying higher costs to explore for hard to reach supplies
Who Gains?
Tourism industry, workers exposed to the dangers of fuel exploration
Who Suffers?
The fossil fuel industry, its stock holders and politicians who thrive on our addiction to fossil fuels
Reason 8 - • Corruption
surrounds fossil fuel production
Plusses
Dictators and politicians could no longer be corrupted by cooperating with fossil fuel industry.
Who Gains?
All but those benefiting from sweetheart deals
Who Suffers?
Ok. We think you get the message.
Reason 7 - • Accidental Dangers
Plusses
Accidents in nuclear plants, oil drilling, coal mining, gas fracking and transporting would be eliminated
Who Gains?
Residents of areas where accidents are likely to happen
Who Suffers?
Ok. We think you get the message.
Reason 6 - • Homeland Security
Plusses
No longer having to defend the oil supply with blood and treasure that we can ill-afford
Who Gains?
Military personnel and their families, US taxpayers, war victims
Who Suffers?
Ok. We think you get the message.
Reason 5 - • Food contamination
(Pollution: Air, drinking water), wildlife resources)
Plusses
Renewables do not pollute. Not true for any fossil fuels.
Who Gains?
People who breathe, drink water, consume seafood (We believe that includes everyone)
Who Suffers?
Ok. We think you get the message.
Reason 4 - • Price
Plusses
As economies of scale kick in, and advances in technology increase, renewable energy will be a bargain compared with fossil fuels. Green buildings cost less than conventionally-built ones over time.
Who Gains?
Consumers
Who Suffers?
Ok. We think you get the message.
Reason 3 - • Jobs
Plusses
Renewable energy production, and application can be done competitively in the United States. Installations cannot be outsourced.
Who Gains?
Workers seeking decent paying jobs
Who Suffers?
Ok. We think you get the message.
Reason 2 - • Health
The cost of a contaminated environment is never included in the projected cost of coal, oil, and now gas.
Who Gains?
People who want themselves and children to enjoy good health
Who Suffers?
Ok. We think you get the message.
Reason 1 (Drum Roll Please!)-
• Setting an Example for the world,
and taking a
leadership position
Plusses
If we want China and India to adopt a Kyoto-style protocol, we must act first.
Who Gains?
Everyone except -you guessed it