The science of climate change is in disarray.
Controversies surrounding a leak of e-mails from leading scientists suggest their years of work was more about manipulating 
data to save their jobs than seeking truth through research. (Although the London-based Guardian newspaper published a lengthy article after examining all e-mails, and concluded they were taken completely out of context and opined the scientists did nothing to manipulate data.)
And a recent article in the Wall Street Journal says the climate change camp is facing another challenge as the conduct of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has been questioned, and its chairman, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, has been called to resign.
We have recognized the recent controversies surrounding climate change, but what rises above the debate is the fact that by deploying energy-efficient technologies, companies are reducing their energy consumption and reducing their costs — saving money they can carry through to their bottom line.
And saving money in this economy is a good thing.
Furthermore, what can’t be disputed is that the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity creates toxic gases like carbon dioxide, mercury, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. The release of these toxins into the atmosphere could cause problems for our children and grandchildren.
For example, the toxicity of carbon dioxide has been recognized by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, which recommends healthy adults shouldn’t be exposed to more than 5,000 parts per million, or 0.5 percent. The maximum safe level for infants, children and the elderly is significantly less.
Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of carbon dioxide can cause drowsiness, headache, dim vision, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness, and, in extreme cases, death.
Whether you believe that these toxic gases contribute to climate change, you can’t dispute that reducing the amount of these emissions in the atmosphere is a good thing. And by using less electricity, you’ll help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere since the fossil-fuel power plant won’t have to generate as much electricity for your operations.
Rather than dwelling on whether the science of climate change makes sense, realize that energy-efficiency makes dollars and cents.
Tags: Climate Change, Energy Efficiency, fossil fuel, greenhouse gas
