Lexington, KY - As Business Lexington goes to press, world leaders are busy trying to give the appearance of progress at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. The conference won't be over until December 18, but it's already clear that the real results of the conference can be summed up in two words: "You first."
"You first" means no country is willing to make the first substantial economic concession on addressing climate change. Reducing carbon emissions - universally recognized as the driver of climate change - means slowing the rate of economic growth, at least with existing technology and market conditions. The United States won't commit to a binding system of reducing carbon emissions unless virtually all other countries do so as well. China and India talk a lot about "per capita" emission reductions - a much easier goal to meet when you have more than a billion people - but ultimately they're not going to move first either. European countries like Germany, which will meet pre-existing (yet uninspiring) carbon reduction goals through their own "cap-and-trade" system, won't commit to giving poorer countries resources to buy clean technology unless other countries join them first.
Of course, virtually every world leader is talking tough in the absence of action. German Chancellor Merkel wants countries to set binding limits on carbon emissions. Every industrialized nation except one - ours - has set carbon emission goals. Even President Obama talks the talk on climate change; "Difficulty is no excuse for complacency, unease is no excuse for inaction," he said at the United Nations in September.
On the issue of climate change, many Kentuckians are feeling very little complacency but quite a bit of unease. Coal is king here. It powers virtually all of Kentucky and sustains more than a few livelihoods. More than a few Kentuckians are wondering what happens to them if the rest of the world decides to go green. In this sense, Kentuckians have quite a lot in common with rural workers in countries like India or China - places with ample coal reserves and lots of room for economic growth. This unease has prompted many political leaders to do what they do best - nothing.
Unfortunately, the "do nothing" option really isn't a long-term solution. Despite what you might hear on talk radio, the science on climate change is rock solid, and the economic repercussions of inaction are undeniable. In the wake of this "you first" summit, Kentuckians can actually help the world's leaders regroup and show real leadership. Here's how.
First, Kentuckians must insist that their leaders stop denying or confusing the science around climate change. The debate over whether climate change exists or whether it's manmade is over. The debate about what to do next has begun. In the international arena, those who still want to discuss existence or cause have no credibility. You can be pro-coal AND pro-science. You just have to accept the truth about both.
Second, Kentuckians must become relentless advocates for new technologies and conserving energy. "Clean coal" doesn't exist yet, but the efforts to develop it should be fast-tracked, and Kentucky should lead the way. In the meantime, in 2010 Kentuckians should take advantage of an Energy Star Rebate provision included in the economic stimulus law passed shortly after President Obama took office. Much like the "cash for clunkers" program, consumers can turn in old, inefficient home appliances and get a rebate on efficient, Energy-Star-compliant appliances. Federal tax credits for energy efficiency improvements are also available for weatherizing doors and windows, better HVAC systems and so on. After all, Kentuckians pay their fair share of taxes; why shouldn't they get their fair share of tax breaks?
Finally, Kentuckians must realize that they can be pro-coal AND pro-renewables. No, we won't be replacing the massive amount of energy coal generates with windmills and solar panels anytime soon. And yes, coal is intrinsically linked to Kentucky's history and culture. But these "alternative" forms of energy represent the future of our economy and can generate thousands of new high-wage jobs. Kentuckians can prepare their children to step into these jobs by making sure the math and science programs in the commonwealth's schools improve dramatically over the next few years. They can profit from the green economy simply by investing in the alternative energy technology companies that have the most promise. The costs of solar and wind power are decreasing - why shouldn't Kentuckians profit from this?
In the absence of a technological breakthrough, Kentuckians must realize that as the issue of climate change grows more urgent, the world will use less coal. If politicians wait much longer to address the issue constructively, the transition away from coal will be abrupt and difficult for Kentucky. By accepting the facts about climate change, and by preparing their children, their homes, and their portfolios for the new energy economy, Kentuckians can turn a potential disaster into a profit windfall.
David Wescott directs the social media team at APCO Worldwide, a global public affairs firm. He is the author of It's Not a Lecture, a blog that examines communications and technology, and a contributor to Earth & Industry, a blog that focuses on energy and business.