Posted: April 18, 2021 / 08:48 PM CDT / Updated: Apr 18, 2021 / 09:46 PM CDT
Illinois is now ranked 17th in solar energy production, up from placing 33rd three years ago.
As the state moves up to produce greener energy, the US continues its efforts to persuade other major countries to curb greenhouse gas emissions. In South Korea, this weekend, U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry met with world leaders as the country prepares to host a virtual climate summit starting on Earth Day, April 22nd.
“We hope to raise ambition among all nations over the coming months,” he said.
The Biden administration, reversing the course of U.S. policy over the past four years on climate, is pushing toward green energy production and jobs on an accelerated timeline.
“This is not based on politics,” Biden said. “This is not about ideology. This is not a great power contest. This has to do with science and what science is telling us we are doing on our planet. “
Locally, customers, such as Headline Solar, have seen a rapid increase in customers installing solar panels.
By 2050, Illinois would use only renewable energy under bill
“The trend is moving towards renewable energy and that is the only way to save the planet,” said Kevin Gillespie, of Headline Solar.
While critics say it does little to reduce pollution in the end, advocates say it is better in the long run for the environment and the budget, as government rebates help offset costs.
“Savings, financial savings are what motivate it the most,” Gillespie said.
He says solar and wind farms, some in Illinois, are increasing in size and energy production, as fossil fuel plants are taken offline. Some of them like the change in the early 20th century, as the t model rose, the smithy work was abolished. The White House virtual summit, which will be streamed online, will call on major countries to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
“There are many industrialized countries that are contributing to this challenge. 20 nations, all of which are invited to President Biden’s summit, are responsible for about 81% of all emissions. So to solve this problem, those 20 countries need to be at the forefront. “