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Hawaii makes 100% renewable energy pledge

Monday, January 9th, 2012 By Alex Blackburne

Hawaii should “aim and commit to being 100% renewable” says the US island state’s mayor. Alex Blackburne looks at whether this target is attainable.

In a country riddled with climate change sceptics, the US state of Hawaii has taken its first steps into becoming 100% renewable.

Mirroring the pledges of European nations, Denmark, Germany and Scotland, the state’s mayor has targeted wholesale switches to clean energy.

“Federal, state, county, community, we’re all in this together“, Billy Kenoi said on his website.

“We all recognise our commitment to our children and future generations and the quality of life on Hawaii Island.”

A Geothermal Working Group has been set up with a plan to harness vital energy from the island’s plentiful volcanoes. Wind and solar potentials are massive, too.

It’s not easy for the island, though. When it comes to global warming, it’s part of a country rife with naysayers and deniers.

This very interesting video from The Climate Desk shows examples of denial, hypocrisy and scepticism from some high-profile

Republicans within the US Government, ahead of the 2012 presidential election.

But with reams of potential solar, wind and geothermal projects currently just mere twinkles in Hawaii’s eye, waiting to be unleashed, the youngest US state might just become the country’s renewable energy pioneer.  

If you would like to help push the UK up the renewable energy rankings, you can. Contact Good Energy and they’ll show you how.