VECAN’s Annual Community Energy & Climate Action Conference Saturday
Vermont Business Magazine 2016 is on track to beat 2015 as the hottest year on record, according the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations agency specializing in weather and climate. This would mean 16 of the 17 hottest years on record have come since 2000. In Vermont, global warming is already affecting the state, as we experienced with one of the worst winters in the state’s history last year and with current drought conditions persisting throughout the state.
Action and innovation on clean energy and climate change – now, more than ever – must happen at the local and state level. To that end, there is a fantastic opportunity for Vermonters interested in participating in and benefiting from the ongoing transition to a clean energy economy at the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network’s (VECAN) December 3rd conference. Hundreds of Vermonters have already registered and more are encouraged to register online by December 1st at http://bit.ly/vecan2016.
Motivated by climate change, energy independence and more, many Vermont communities have been advancing efforts to help people use less energy – and transition off of dirty fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable resources. The state still has a long way to go to meet its statutory greenhouse gas emission reduction goals – and its 90 percent renewable by 2050 goal.
Søren Hermansen. VECAN courtesy photo.
This Saturday, an international renewable energy expert who successfully led his community through a clean energy transition will keynote VECAN’s annual conference. Søren Hermansen was a driving force behind the rural, conservative island of Samso, Denmark achieving a 100 percent renewable electric grid and energy independence. As a result, in 2008 Time Magazine recognized Hermansen as a Hero of the Environment. On Saturday, Soren will share the story of Samso’s local-led, clean energy revolution, and the strategies Vermont communities and the state could embrace to make that happen here.
The VECAN Conference will be held December 3, 2016 from 9 am to 4:30 pm at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee. For information and to register, go to bit.ly/vecan2016.
The cost for the day is $45 and includes inspiring opening remarks, 14 workshops, a “Moth” radio hour-style storytelling session and amazing food – including a light breakfast, largely local lunch and end-of-the-day apps and a cash bar.
If you can come, please consider carpooling. Coordinate a ride or offer to drive at http://bit.ly/VECANCarpool