Departments

Climate Change Task Force- Sustainability Series:

How We Can Help Combat the Climate Crisis.

Submitted by James Douglas

Indigenous people worldwide have believed in the philosophy of “sustainability” for generations. This way of thinking about preserving the environment for future generations, like the Seventh Generation Principle for Iroquois nations, is gaining momentum in regards to the changing climate and the threats it presents. Nations around the world are attempting to solve problems such as rising global temperatures, energy shortages, diminished natural resources, frequency and severity of storm events, and the general deterioration of the environment. Indigenous communities play a vital role as they provide a unique perspective on the land, water, plants, animals, and relationship with the environment.

With that in mind, the Climate Change Taskforce will highlight some examples of sustainable development and share some tips on what you can do to become more sustainable. This issue will focus on renewable energy as Seneca Energy has hit a milestone of generating 20 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy via their solar and wind turbine projects. The benefits of renewable energy projects like these include:

  • Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and other finite resources.
  • Generating energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces some types of air pollution.
  • Economic benefits such as creating jobs in a forward-looking industry and more stable, low-cost energy options.
  • Independence from the national grid and the reliability of having a local electricity source.
  • Vast amounts of energy to harness from the sun and wind.

While it takes a large amount of planning and resources for projects like these to come to fruition, you can still do your part to become more sustainable and reduce your energy consumption.

Joining a community solar or wind project is an easy way to utilize renewable energy. You can contact your energy provider and ask them about changing your electricity source to solar and/or wind. Investing in solar panels is another way of becoming more energy-independent and sustainable at the same time. There are many programs and incentives to take advantage of when adding solar panels to your home. Lastly, and most importantly, you can do your part by using less energy. Unplug devices you are not using, install energy efficient windows, turn lights off when you leave the room, convert to LED lighting, and buy energy efficient appliances to conserve electricity and lower your energy bills.

Wind turbine – Cattaraugus Territory