I want Ontario to commit to…

I want Ontario to commit to 100% renewable energy by 2050.  The first reason is because we have to. Climate change is taking place at a faster rate than thought a few years ago.  It also can be done.  Many communities have already committed to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050 and so can Ontario afford to do so.  Already 25% of our energy comes from renewable sources, and government studies show that we have the technical potential to reduce our electricity demands by half before 2040.  It appears that our biggest obstacle is our reliance on nuclear energy, simply because we have committed deeply to it and are hesitant to let it go, even though it has been very expensive and subjects us to a lot of risk.  The true cost of nuclear power has never been assessed.  How can we asses the cost of a nuclear disaster?  Even without a nuclear disaster, there's nuclear waste. On the other hand, renewable energy can develop within the local community,  by the local community and provide local development and jobs, without the risks of nuclear power and the side effects of fossil fuels.  Other communities - national, regional and local - have committed to 100% renewable energy by 2050 or earlier and are encouraging innovation.  The government of Ontario can encourage innovation in many ways:  housing standards, public transportation, urban development and protection of green spaces, sharing economy, and in many other ways.  Individuals and groups can only do so much, but with the assistance of a provincial commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2050, and the assistance that comes along with it, will empower citizens to achieve the achievable.

We need to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050, we can and we owe to the coming generations of all living organisms.  There is no reason and no forgiveness for not doing so.

[Original Comment ID: 207064]