renewable Energy Options for haida gwaii
There is no quick or easy solution to our diesel problems, and all energy sources have impacts. When compared to coal, diesel or natural gas, renewable energy sources produce less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Even when including manufacturing, installation, operation, and decommissioning of renewable energy projects, emissions are much less than fossil fuels. Supporting energy projects and companies that are dedicated to human and environmental justice, and actively work to reduce their impact can support better balance.
As individuals we can reduce energy consumption in our homes (and save money) with basic measures, such as ensuring our homes are well insulated, reducing air leaks, replacing old windows and doors, and installing energy efficient appliances and heat sources. We can also become more independent by growing and harvesting our own food, and supporting local food producers.
Most importantly, we can continue to work together to strengthen Haida Gwaii’s commitment to energy sovereignty. The best way to transform the Islands’ electrical systems and reduce our impacts through reduce greenhouse gas emissions is investing in a variety of small-scale renewable energy projects and significantly reducing the amount of energy Haida Gwaii consumes. With local decision-making and ownership, we can build a series of smaller projects that meet our needs and uphold our values.
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References
Renewable Energy Organizations
Indigenous Clean Energy <indigenouscleanenergy.com>
Clean Energy BC <cleanenergybc.org>
Clean Energy Canada <cleanenergycanada.org>
Government Sites
UN
Renewable Energy, UN Climate Technology Centre and Network <www.ctc-n.org/technology-sectors/ renewable- energy?f%5B0%5D=taxonomy_ter m_page_content_type_facets%3Ate chnologies&page=0>
Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2011). <ipcc.ch/report/renewable-energy- sources-and-climate-change- mitigation>
Canada
Renewable Energy, Natural Resources Canada <www.nrcan.gc.ca/our-natural- resources/energy-sources- distribution/renewable-energy/ about-renewable-energy/7295>
BC
Electricity and Alternative Energy <www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/ industry/electricity-alternative- energy>
Ethical Solar
Solar PV Panels. Ethical Consumer <www.ethicalconsumer.org/energy/ shopping-guide/solar-pv-panels>
Solar ScoreCard <www.solarscorecard.com>
Articles
Geothermal Energy as an Indigenous Alternative Energy Source in BC. Kunkel, Titi & Ghomshei, Mory & Ellis, Robert. Journal of Ecosystems & Management V13, N2. (2012). <www.researchgate.net/publication/ 277217957_Geothermal_Energy_a s_an_Indigenous_Alternative_Ener gy_Source_in_BC>
Benefits of Renewable Energy Use, Union of Concerned Scientists. Accessed July 2021. <www.ucsusa.org/clean-energy/ renewable-energy/public-benefits-of- renewable-power#globalwarming>