Guest Column: The Market Doesn’t Care What 30 Wyoming Legislators Think About Climate Change
Guest Column: The Market Doesn't Care What 30 Wyoming ... Cowboy State Daily
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Protecting Jobs and Well-being in Wyoming
The primary responsibility of Wyoming’s legislators is to protect the jobs and well-being of the state’s voters. In today’s age of social media and constant news coverage, it is unfortunate that name-calling and posturing often take precedence over this important task. However, it is crucial to prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in order to address the pressing issues facing Wyoming.
Legislators’ Focus on Climate Change Debate
Recently, thirty legislators in Wyoming have taken the lead in positioning themselves as the “most conservative” by attacking the Governor for speaking to an anti-carbon crowd. They are demanding a debate with the Governor on the existence of climate change. While their personal beliefs on anthropogenic climate change may vary, it is important to recognize that the opinions of energy consumers hold more weight. If buyers perceive Wyoming’s energy products as harmful to the planet, they will seek alternative options.
Decline in Coal Industry and Economic Impact
The decline in Wyoming’s coal industry is evident. The peak generation capacity from coal-fired power in 2011 was 318 GW, but by 2023, it had decreased to 184 GW. This decline has had a significant impact on Campbell County’s gross domestic product, which decreased from $7.8 billion to $5.2 billion during the same period. It is important to note that this decline occurred during both the Trump and Biden administrations, indicating a shift in energy consumer preferences towards more expensive energy sources.
The market perception of coal’s environmental impact is a key factor driving this decline. If consumers believe that coal is damaging to the environment, they will choose alternative energy sources. It is crucial for Wyoming’s legislators to understand and address these concerns.
Protecting the Coal Industry
To protect Wyoming’s coal industry, two strategies can be pursued:
- Convincing energy consumers that man-made climate change is a misconception or a deliberate deception. However, the track record of those who deny climate change has been ineffective in persuading consumers. The decline in coal production continues, and more individuals are embracing renewable energy options.
- Changing the product by implementing carbon capture and sequestration technologies. By removing carbon emissions from the air and storing them underground, coal, oil, and gas become more marketable. This approach may require federal subsidies to make it financially viable.
It is essential to recognize that Wyoming’s fossil fuels must compete with subsidized renewable energy sources. To ensure the survival of the coal industry and protect jobs, legislators must prioritize finding solutions that align with the SDGs and address consumer concerns.
Focus on Jobs and Quality of Life
The primary focus of Wyoming’s legislature should be on protecting and enhancing the well-being of its citizens. This includes ensuring access to good jobs, providing opportunities for a good quality of life, and supporting families in feeding and housing themselves.
If legislators are not committed to preserving coal jobs and finding innovative solutions, they should reconsider their positions. It is not productive for thirty individuals to cling to a sinking ship’s mast and deny the reality of the situation. The decline in power generation statistics speaks for itself
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
- Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age, and persons with disabilities
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SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
– Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions or implies the following indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.
– Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age, and persons with disabilities.
– Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age, and persons with disabilities |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cowboystatedaily.com
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