Have you experienced a change in climate?
The climate is not changing, it has changed. Every year, climate change is worsening. National and international efforts to mitigate it are insufficient. The rate of global warming (climate change) and associated events like rising sea levels, heatwaves, cyclones, floods, droughts, forest fires are ever-increasing, resulting in ever-increasing troubles for humans.
Why has the climate changed?
Modern human life is driven by energy. Over 80% of the world's energy requirements are fulfilled through use of carbon-based fuels like coal, oil and gas. These fuels are made out of carbon and use in the form of petrol, diesel, LPG, cement, materials, products results in CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions. These greenhouse gases are causing heating of the planet, which has changed the climate.
Who is responsible for climate change?
Every use of energy (petrol, diesel, LPG, electricity) and material (cloths, toothpaste, furniture, cement, etc) contributes to climate change, and therefore, every person, irrespective of rich or poor, American or Indian, contributes to global warming climate change.
When to start climate corrective actions?
Now, immediately. According to scientists, we must limit global warming to less than 1.5℃ mark ideally or maximum of 2℃. Beyond this climate change will become irreversible, and corrective actions will be ineffective. More floods, more droughts, more forest fires, more heat waves and more troubles to humans will become a norm. It is now or never kind of a situation. As per the world climate clock, only 6 to 7 years are left before the global temperature touches the 1.5℃ mark. Act now!
What can an individual do?
Every individual is contributing to climate change therefore every individual must take part in corrective actions. The efforts for mitigating climate change cannot be restricted to just governments or organizations. Each individual should become fully aware of the dangers of climate change and then start taking actions immediately.
Why Energy Literacy?
Energy is the main culprit of climate change because more than 80% that we use comes from coal, oil and gas. It is important to know the basics about energy usage and its negative impact on the environment. Similar to needing a driving license to drive a vehicle, Energy Literacy is like a license to use energy. Without this license we are ignorant and causing harm to ourselves and putting the lives of the young generation at a great risk. Therefore Energy Literacy is first step towards climate correction.
What is Energy Literacy Training?
Energy Literacy Training includes the understanding of energy generation, its consumption, its use, misuse and inefficient use, opportunities to conserve energy and generate clean energy. It includes 12 modules of 15 minutes each. The training can be taken in online as well as off-line mode. Each module is enjoyable and engages with participants by means of examples, exercises and simple multiple choice questions. Each training module is divided into four sections or four “E”s, as listed below:
- Section - 1: Establishing the concept of a given module (5 to 8 min)
- Section - 2: Example to clarify the module concept (3 to 4 min)
- Section - 3: Exercise for strengthening the grasping of concept (2 to 3 min)
- Section - 4: Examination to check the understanding of the concept, 5 multiple choice questions (MCQ) (2-3 mins)
Energy Literacy Training would help individuals as well as institutions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 7, 12 and 13.
Who should become Energy Literate?
Anyone and everyone who uses energy should become Energy Literate. In the modern world, everyone, rich or poor, young or old, American, African or Indian is a user of energy. Therefore everyone should become Energy Literate. Schools, Colleges, Industry, Society, NGOs, Government Organizations, Spiritual Organizations, everyone, needs to ensure that their people are Energy Literate!
Outcome of Energy Literacy Training
Having gone through Energy Literacy Training, a person is expected to become energy sensitive and knowledgeable about
- How much energy is being used?
- From where the energy is coming from?
- What is his/her carbon footprint?
- What are the impacts of energy use on the environment?
- What are alternatives?
- What is the best approach for energy generation and consumption?
- What would be the size of the solar system for fulfilling their own needs?, etc
Benefit of Energy Literacy Training - saving money and environment
The training makes users of energy a sensitive user. Without putting notices to appeal ‘save electricity’ reduction in electricity consumption by home and organizations is seen. For example, after imparting Energy Literacy Training to their employees, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) , the regulating body of Government of India, started saving about 20,000 to 22,000 units of electricity every month. It is seen that an Energy Literate user uses energy more carefully. It results in reduced energy usage and therefore not only helps in saving electricity bills but also reduces carbon emission. Each unit of electricity saved is saving about 1000 grams of CO2 emission.