Individual energy savings can translate into large changes in combined oil and gas demand with almost immediate results
A few simple changes in our individual and daily behavior can have a great impact on the life of all; but it is necessary to know what the meaning of these changes is and to apply them consistently. During the pandemic, in a great act of solidarity and sacrifice for the common good, we showed that we could radically change our way of life and our habits to protect the health and life of family members, neighbors and, in general, the entire population.
The war in Ukraine and its consequences for Europe confront us with new challenges, when we had barely left behind the worst of the covid-19 pandemic. We want to cut all ties with the aggressor country, including economic relations that provide income to finance the war. The European Union buys from Russia more than 40% of its gas needs and more than 25% of its oil needs. Stopping using this amount of energy from one day to the next is not realistic, neither for our industry nor for our homes, but it is possible to do without, between now and 2027, a large part and replace the rest with alternative sources. However, this change once again demands the solidarity and commitment of Europeans, and also, among them, of the 50 million Spaniards. Our contribution is therefore of great importance.
Individual energy savings can cumulatively translate into large changes in the combined demand for gas and oil with almost immediate results, and without the need to build new infrastructure to change the energy supply, which would take years before we could achieve concrete results. . Therefore, it is necessary to act collectively and in solidarity, changing our habits and routines. If we are convinced that these changes are important because they can help end the war and at the same time make our continent more resilient and sustainable, it will be easier and more natural to apply and maintain them over time. It is estimated that a small commitment on the part of each citizen can save up to 5% of gas and oil consumption in the EU.
Our effort to save energy will also accelerate the green transition of our economies and societies, contributing to the fight against climate change. We have reached a point in the development of our civilization where the environment can hardly withstand the impact of human activity any longer. We are obliged to act, for future generations and to save the planet. The reasonable use of energy and the faster deployment of renewable energy sources is key to reducing the impact we cause every day on the climate with the emission of greenhouse gases. There are many sectors that have reduced their emissions and improved their energy efficiency, but there are others, such as transport or the energy we consume in our homes, that can contribute more to such a reduction.
To change our daily routines, such as commuting to work or school, or the use of air conditioning in our homes and offices, we need to change our mentality. We have to understand how important individual commitment is, even if this means a little less comfort for us, because, collectively, it can have tangible effects: cleaner air, a greener and healthier environment, fewer unbearable heat waves, fewer floods and fires. forestry. And also less imported fossil fuels from Russia and therefore less funds to finance the war.
Clearly, in order to use cars less, we need efficient and cheap public transport, good pedestrian infrastructure and a larger network of cycle paths. In addition, in order to use heating and cooling systems more rationally, we need to better insulate our houses and increase their energy efficiency. In order to improve the transport infrastructure and the energy efficiency of our homes, the European Commission finances, through various funds (for example, the NextGenerationEU fund or the cohesion fund), the renovation of buildings or railway infrastructure. To reduce electricity consumption it is also important, although it may seem trivial, to use appliances less frequently, for example, running the washing machine or dishwasher only when they are full and avoiding drying clothes in electric dryers.
And we must not forget that all this effort will also help us lower our electricity bill and fuel costs. The European Commission and central and regional governments are launching information and awareness campaigns to encourage consumers and businesses to contribute to energy efficiency. These campaigns will also serve to educate and show solutions and measures that facilitate energy saving. Many of us are not aware of how easy it can be to use energy more efficiently and sparingly.
We are privileged because we live in a safe and democratic European country that belongs to a developed continent, where, despite the problems, freedoms and human rights are not questioned and opportunities for individual progress are offered. Being aware of this privilege should make us more responsible and oblige us to set an example in the fight against current crises.
Saving energy in our environment will be one more step to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people and to make a small but important contribution to the fight for our planet.
#act #solidarity #maturity