Update from the Director

Spring is finally here! Our record-breaking snowfall in the Washington, DC, area made it easy to see the devastating economic impact of extreme weather events on local government budgets, retailers and so many businesses and their employees. Scientists remind us that increased frequency of extreme weather events is, unfortunately, part of our changing climate. This has been occurring against a backdrop of noisy Congressional and international discussions about how to address climate change.

The Copenhagen climate negotiations in December did move the ball forward. Not only were more than 100 heads of state present, a testament to the seriousness of the issue, but key developing countries came forward with the United States to establish an Accord for action. While many in Congress had indicated that any U.S. commitments should be predicated upon action by China, that breakthrough did come. While China has become the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, it also has become the world’s largest manufacturer of wind and solar technologies. U.S. failure to address climate change now means we must make up for lost time to ensure our economic competitiveness in the fast-growing arena of clean energy technologies.

EESI’s briefings have brought forward new reports that help policymakers discern the economic impacts and benefits of high efficiency and low/no carbon energy technologies -- and the policies that can accelerate the use of these technologies. While covering many topics, our briefings are all inter-connected -- we look at everything through a greenhouse lens and we look for synergies. How can we address sustainable economic development, energy security, public health, and environmental protection all at the same time? This approach not only is common sense for our complex world, but it is endlessly fascinating. Stay tuned -- there are so many opportunities for us to work on together.

Carol Werner
Executive Director

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