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Timothy A. Simon
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Green
Perspectives
Curbing Global Warming
By Unleashing Student Energy
by
Timothy A. Simon
Commissioner, California Public Utilities Commission
The possibility that human activities could change Earth's climate, with
disastrous social and economic consequences, has emerged as the greatest
challenge of this new century.
Under the leadership of Governor Schwarzenegger, California is setting the
pace for our nation's response to this challenge.
Unlike those who suggest that serious attempts to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions will hurt the economy, the Governor sees a new "Gold Rush" for
the state – an unprecedented opportunity to build a vital new economy
based on products and services that can meet the needs of society without
endangering its future.
Our investment community agrees, and its visionaries have declared that
"green technology" – from clean, renewable energy to new approaches to the
design of our homes, offices and communities – will power the 21st century
economy.
It is likely that the majority of those whose help we need to accomplish
this transformation are unaware of the events unfolding around them – or
their tremendous potential to make a difference in the lives of millions.
These individuals are the students in California's schools, the essential
building blocks of our new "green workforce."
Rarely in our history has it been more important for our schools to
operate, and to educate, with real awareness of society's needs. We are in
a transitional period that will end with an economy, a workplace and a
culture that are very different from what has come before.
If we manage the transition well, the differences will be positive: cleaner air, healthier more productive workplaces, improved transportation
systems, and communities that satisfy basic human needs as much as they do
the needs of commerce.
A haphazard, half-hearted approach could lead to a much different kind of
future, one in which the flaws and injustices of our current culture are
magnified and increasing numbers of men and women find themselves without
access to essential resources.
It is our responsibility to ensure that this transition is productive and
creative, that it provides increasing numbers of Californians with work
that is financially and environmentally rewarding. This is the scenario
the Governor proposes, and I strongly support his vision.
The range of needs is great, and it is important that the diversity of
opportunity is shared among California's diverse community of students.
Social equity is one of the cornerstones of sustainability. Lifting up
larger and larger numbers of students who are currently at risk and
preparing them for careers that allow them to greatly improve their own
quality of life – while improving conditions for society at large – is
profoundly sustainable.
As an important step in this direction, on January 14, 2008, I will be
spearheading a conference in conjunction with the Willie L. Brown Jr.
Institute on Politics and Public Service titled "Advancing the New Energy
Economy in California."
This conference will bring together investors, political leaders,
educators, industry experts, and labor leaders to advance long-term
investment, financial growth, and job creation within the green technology
sector. Key figures will articulate the challenges and solution strategies
for a diversified, continuous expansion of green business and technology in
California.
This conference is not intended to be a one-day event, but rather the
beginning of a dialogue to bridge the gap between the investor community
and the green economy workforce to ensure that all communities can benefit
from these new economic development opportunities.
This dialogue must also include those in the educational community, from
students and teachers to administrators. The talent and experience that
exists in this sector is essential to a successful evolution of our
economy.
We have the power to create an educational surge that can match the United
States' response to Sputnik. I urge you to become involved in this work,
and I look forward to working with Green Technology to engage educators in
it. We have the means to ensure that our state – and our planet – can
remain productive and welcoming for future generations.
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