Donald Trump urged to ditch his climate change denial by 630 major firms who warn it 'puts American prosperity at risk' | The Independent
I think it's becoming increasingly clear that the only way that policies that combat climate change will be implemented if they have a strong economic foundation. As much as people like to bash it, 2016 was a good year for renewable energy. In many countries around the world it contributed to the majority of energy on their grid, and in some countries it was cheaper per kWh than fossil fuels.
If we can focus on the economics of renewables, we have a real chance to push them through in todays pro-corporate political environment. Politically/scientifically, the sides have been set. No matter what the science says, people are always going to throw their hands in the air and say it's no big deal. People have shown they won't change their minds, but if the economic case can be made, then people have to stop and listen because the profit margin will follow. If politicians are still plugging fossil fuels
after the economics lean in favor of renewables, then ties to fossil fuel lobbyists would have to be investigated.
Such a push to make green energy cheaper has only be done so far on a small scale or in ideal environments. So it
would require subsidies in order to accelerate it. But it's an investment. Many companies take a hit on R&D to ensure more profits in the future. It saves money in the long term, and it also helps combat cc, a win win. This letter from 630 companies is a great first step towards achieving this. It is a sign that successful companies and top investors
do believe that renewables have a profitable future, even if many politicians don't believe it right now. I'm hoping this provides something that Trump just can't deny/ignore.
