Las Vegas Review-Journal

We have grown up in the age of oil or, more precisely, fossil fuels -- oil, coal and natural gas. There has been some nuclear thrown into the mix, but for all practical purposes, burning carbon has been our E-ticket ride into modern society. Even with Hoover Dam in close proximity, only a tiny fraction of our energy comes from hydro power.

The United States' consumption of nonrenewable energy has been anything but slow. In fact, it is accelerating. With only 5 percent of the world's population, the U.S. creates more than 25 percent of global greenhouse gasses. Despite our federal government's lack of real action on this issue, countries in Europe and elsewhere are taking solid steps to turn this around.

For example, major incentives for renewable energy in Germany have created an incredible burst of economic activity in the solar energy market. Japan, also, has implemented strong incentives and is moving rapidly toward energy self-sufficiency.

There is a much greater sense of urgency about climate change in these countries -- among citizens, as well as a growing number of politicians. Public demonstrations relating to climate change are growing as seen with the tens of thousands of people who recently gathered in Trafalgar Square in London to call for those who fail to reduce their carbon emissions to be held accountable for the damaging effects they are having on all of us. Liability is becoming an issue.

In response, the United Kingdom is planning several initiatives. One such plan calls for all new housing to be carbon neutral (net zero energy use) within the next 10 years, with government-funded projects leading the way. Other ideas being discussed include carbon trading and carbon quotas. These market-based incentives would reward those who generate less CO2 by allowing them to sell carbon credits to others who have not.

As awareness about the effects of energy use grows, these changes are inevitable. The real question is, will we choose to respond quickly enough to avert runaway climate change?

Beyond a certain threshold, we risk an unstoppable chain reaction that will likely inflict major permanent damage on our global biosphere (including our economy, for those who think it is somehow separate).

At the recent Greenbuild conference in Denver, the emphasis was on rapid and substantial implementation of energy efficiency and renewables. Scientific evidence indicates that we may have less than a decade to achieve this. The best news is that it is not too late.

Most government officials are aware of these issues but are often constrained by the system, brief term lengths and voter apathy. As citizens, we must demand forward-thinking policies and incentives to accelerate the transition toward sustainability. But there are other factors that will drive change as well.

As we become aware of the effects of CO2 emissions, activities that were once considered normal are becoming less acceptable. A moral responsibility lies with all of us. Corporations cannot afford to ignore these facts and many are already scrambling to reduce their carbon footprint and the associated liability.

The most progressive companies will benefit greatly from the coming carbon-based shift by positioning themselves now. Through combinations of efficiency, green building, renewable energy and other means, they will be the ones with an excess of increasingly valuable carbon credits. Rather than having to pay penalties or play catch-up, they will lead the way and benefit financially as a result.

To help protect our economic engine in Nevada, we should be looking for every possible means to get ahead of the curve on carbon credits. Imagine casinos and other major businesses investing heavily in renewable energy systems -- both on and off property -- that could provide them with a surplus of carbon credits. These could be used to attract customers who, under a carbon quota system, may not be able to afford the extra credits it will take to drive or fly to Las Vegas.

The local abundance of solar energy is becoming increasingly important to our long-term economic viability. Green living can result in lasting abundance for us all.

Steve Rypka is a green living consultant and president of GreenDream Enterprises, specializing in renewable energy, green building, alternative transportation and lifestyle choices for both residential and commercial clients. The company is committed to helping people live lighter on the planet. Steve can be reached via e-mail at steve@greendream.biz or at www.greendream.biz.