It has become common knowledge that global warming is one of the bigger dilemmas in the world. Ocean levels are rising. Polar bears are dying. Antarctica is smaller. Not to mention summer is getting hotter and hotter. With numerous natural disasters lurking in every corner people are beginning to question the fate of our Earth.
Researchers in the science community across the globe have agreed with the rising temperatures our world could take a turn for the worse. Less fresh water, disappearance of coastal cities, and a larger presence of deadly diseases. When presented with all the facts, one would think our immediate thought would be to adjust the way we live for the better. After all, we like existing don't we? But over the years, it has proven that it's not that simple to change our way of living.
The simplest solution lies in the use of renewable energy. Renewable energy exists in many forms like solar power, hydro-power, wind power, geothermal power. Researchers and engineers have done incredible jobs by making energy powered cars to replace of gas guzzling vehicles. There are also rooftop solar panels you can place on top of your house if you save enough money to afford it.
Governments have been slowly coming on board with the movement by placing energy policies to combat the staggeringly high usage of fossil fuels. Ultimately, though, the decision of our future lies in the hands of the people. That is why a huge thank you needs to go out to the state of Oregon.
Out of all 50 states, Oregon has been the most successful in using renewable energy. As of April 2017, the state has acquired 49 percent of it's energy from renewable resources. All types of renewable energy is used from city to city. Over 34,000 homes have solar panel roofs.
And since more people are buying them the cost is cheaper than in other states of the U.S. Similar to other states, their government also gives a 30% tax credit of the cost to set up the panels.Besides solar, Oregon's 27 hydroelectric plants account for 42.8% of its energy use. 5.2% comes from wind power and to top it all off, only 33% comes from coal. To put that into perspective, 85% of Indiana's energy derives from coal and as of 2016, only 6% of energy came from renewable resources. Moreover, the city of Portland is so remarkably motivated that they have a goal to use only 100% clean energy by 2050.
After all those percentages, it's clear that Oregon is not only a beautiful state but also a great example to the remaining 49 of us. A transition isn't easy, but it's clear one has to be made in order to preserve the place we call home. With Oregon on top of its game, they show it's possible to change the way we live for the betterment of our future.
So one last time, a big thank you to the beaver state for all it's efforts and advancements towards a cleaner and sustainable future.
