How to electrify the grid to a point where it’s not emitting carbon

Some scientists say our time for switching to a carbon neutral world is running out. They note that if we don’t transition fast enough, we won’t stop the world from warming by two or even three degrees.

At the same time, some environmentalists say everything needed to prevent more warming is already here with us. The technology is available to harness energy from the sun, wind and water. Some scholars say it’s only America’s politics that are getting in the way.

“When you look at the U.S. economy overall, about 90% of our emissions come from the generation and consumption of energy.” — Ari Matusiak, Rewiring America

Listen: Objects and tools that we need to electrify in order to eliminate carbon emissions.

Guest

Ari Matusiak is the CEO and co-founder of Rewiring America, a nonprofit focused on electrifying America’s grid. He says we need to electrify our grid and replace old technologies with clean energy replacements, like switching out a furnace for a heat pump.

“When you look at the U.S. economy overall, about 90% of our emissions come from the generation and consumption of energy,” Matusiak says. “Yes, the cows are an important part of it, but, really, the vast vast majority of our emissions come from energy generation and consumption.”