There seems to be a clamor for green energy – and green energy products – like never before. Whereas traditionally fossil fuels have kept our nations running and have been the big players in the energy market, there has definitely been a shift in the past few years towards more renewable energy solutions.
There are a lot of good reasons why this is the case but there is still a powerful portion of the energy industry lobbying for the established industries – such as coal, oil and natural gas – which has attempted to tell a different story to the general public.
The future
Although climate change is just about universally acknowledged, the subject has become a partisan issue in many countries – especially in the US. So, it really depends on who you vote for as to whether you believe that we should shifting our energy focus to renewables or not.
The fact that new energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro are cheaper in the long run – and that they will combat the very real problem of pollution across the globe – is rubbished if you happen to follow a particular political party. With a lot of money behind them, the old fossil fuel industries are still able to hold sway with many governments.
Changing hearts and minds
To be successful in continuing the trend for renewable energy and the promotion of green products the industries themselves must put forward their case in a more forceful manner. There is already a groundswell of opinion forcing existing industries to commit further to a greener future but it is exactly the people who are the most entrenched in their pro fossil fuel beliefs who need to be convinced the most. And effective marketing is the key here.
You are probably aware of the fossil fuel message thanks to those industries’ wealthy backers and aggressive marketing. It is not just a pro fossil fuel message that is put over – but an anti-green energy agenda as well. That has been very successful in shaping the way that a lot of people think. But with better marketing the renewable energy industries can shift that tide.
Social media
The boom in social media over the past decade has been phenomenal. But those advocating green energy should not believe that they have sole proprietorship over these channels. You will be familiar with the cry of ‘fake news’ every time a climate change activist attempts to get their message across. This needs to change and an honest conversation must be had.
It has been noticeable that the green energy industry has been particularly poor in its use of social media. It seems strange that the entire business world recognizes that social media can boost sales and change the thought process, but renewable industry companies have been slow to utilise this weapon. It seems they believe that their businesses will not be affected that much if they don’t use social media – as if you won’t buy their product. However, it is the engagement that is needed. Social media is built for a two-way relationship and at the moment green energy companies are not using that tool nearly as well as they might.
How to change the market
For the first time last year 10% of the US energy market was taken up by renewable energy. That may not seem like much but it is definitely a swing in the right direction. One way of increasing that market share is to increase funding to give the companies more of a chance. The same way that emerging countries and larger nations such as India and China have funded renewables should be replicated globally to have a more forceful impact.
Research is also key. Jan Berkowitz has played a key role in looking at wastewater biotechnology and has set up a number of commercial facilities in the United States, South America and Europe. As this research is carried out – and these kinds of findings are implemented – the results should be better advertised to get the message across to the public.
Sales of electric vehicles and the lower ongoing cost of solar, hydro and wind power facilities have leapt up over the past few years and some of your neighbors have probably already changed the way they pay for their energy. With a system of e-certification and acknowledged green credentials your most skeptical of friends could be persuaded as well.
A better world
In the end it may be as simple as the price drops that you will already be able to see that will be the reason why green energy becomes more commonly used. It is a fact that fossil fuels have almost run their course – as well as having polluted the planet. Now is the time for an alternative message to be heard and an alternative strategy to be employed.
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