ALASKA
With fuel and energy prices rapidly on the rise, Alaskans are hurting. Our reliance on fossil energy is not only augmenting global warming, it is affecting our economy. But if we act now, we can reverse this trend and boost Alaska’s economy! With a $300 billion investment over ten years, the US economy will see 3.3 million new jobs and a $1.4 trillion GDP gain, along with $284 billion in net energy cost savings. (i)
In addition to economic impacts, climate change has a wide array of other impacts for Alaskans, including an increase in mosquito-borne diseases and decreased drinking water supplies.
Alaska gets a sizeable portion of its energy from non-renewable sources. But we can create jobs by increasing renewable electricity resources. (ii)
All we need is strong, effective leadership to get us started.
SOURCES:
i. http://www.apolloalliance.org/downloads/resources_ApolloReport_022404_122748.pdf