SUSTAINABILITY
Change , however , is always a challenge . And to achieve such a significant change will undoubtedly require a fresh mind-set for everyone – from individual level , through energy and utility companies to government , regulatory bodies and policy makers . “ When we see many stakeholders – community members , elected officials , utility companies , business leaders – come together , that ’ s when change becomes inevitable ,” Van Horn states .
Trump vs Renewables In the US , however , proponents of renewable energy are currently facing the challenge of a Trump presidency . The US president famously withdrew the country from the Paris Agreement , a deal uniting the world ’ s nations in the fight against climate change .
Fortunately , in terms of progress , it ’ s a change in policy that has not impacted the growth of renewable energies as negatively as it could have . “ In Trump ’ s Paris withdrawal speech , he stated : ‘ I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh , not Paris ’,” says Van Horn . “ Immediately after , Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto fired back with a response that Pittsburgh is in fact committed to the Paris Agreement and will move to 100 % renewable energy .”
Further , after that policy shift by Trump , more than 7,400 cities worldwide joined forces in pledging to a renewable future . “ Thousands of businesses , states and cities stood up to Trump after his announcement , demonstrating that the action we need globally is being led locally ,” Van
44 April 2018