My name is Grant Glazer, Bronfman 2012. I live in Brooklyn, NY and work for MN8 Energy, a company that develops and operates large-scale solar projects and clean energy solutions.
In college, I wanted to study climate change. It didn’t take long to realize that if you care about climate change, you need to care about reducing carbon emissions, which means you should care about renewable energy. That’s when I pivoted to engineering to be a part of building solutions.
After working for a research non-profit, where my focus was on reducing carbon emissions in the power sector, I transitioned to the private sector, where my role is to help develop and operate cost-competitive, carbon-free energy projects across the U.S. As I see it, for the energy transition—from using fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable energy sources—to succeed, companies like mine must thrive.
Effective policymaking and advocacy require effort from many actors and a broad spectrum of approaches. On one end are groups that use techniques like “naming and shaming,” running public campaigns to raise awareness of the terrible things happening, and demanding actions by companies and governments. On the other end are lobbying organizations, less adversarial non-profits, or even companies themselves, working directly with decision-makers to offer solutions to the pressures they face. I believe it takes the entire chorus of voices across the full spectrum to drive successful action on any issue. Rarely are people effective in bringing about change if they only approach it with torches and pitchforks. However, people also rarely find time on the agenda for the industry collaborators unless there are torches and pitchforks! So, I think you need both—and everything in between.
It can be challenging to be optimistic about the energy transition in today’s political climate. It’s clear that not everyone is motivated by climate change. However, economic factors like cost, jobs, and energy security—such as reducing our dependency on imported fuels and materials—have broad appeal. At the end of the day, both parties are economically motivated, and there are strong arguments for continuing to develop renewable energy and carbon-free electricity. Oil and gas prices are highly susceptible to global conflicts and demand, while the wind blows and the sun shines everywhere in the U.S. Many policies that encourage the development of renewables are likely resilient to changes in government. Still, much of the growth in renewable energy is driven by state and local action, as well as private sector efforts from companies with strong climate goals. Ten years ago, no one thought wind and solar would compete with coal and gas in wholesale power markets, but today they are the cheapest sources of new energy.
The two biggest issues we’re now not only talking about but also writing policy for—issues that weren’t on the agenda just a few years ago—are climate change and the health impacts of fossil fuel-emitting technology. First, climate change is firmly established in the cultural zeitgeist; both the left and the right now accept that it’s happening and has real consequences. This wasn’t the case when I was a Bronfman fellow. States are now passing laws that require their grid mixes to be carbon-free by 2040 or 2050, which is a huge step forward. Second, there’s growing awareness of the impacts of fossil fuel-based technologies, whether power plants, cars, or buses, on human health. Last year, gas stoves made headlines for their harmful effects on both health and climate. This awareness was sparked by naming-and-shaming campaigns led by environmental groups, and now, technology providers offering efficient, lower-cost electric or induction cooking solutions are becoming the norm in new buildings in some states.
I believe progress on the climate front has to involve government. It’s incredibly difficult for individuals to change the grid mix that serves them since they’re so far removed from that process. So, the number one thing I believe people can do to impact climate change is vote—vote for leaders who will take action on climate. Of course, voting only happens every few years, but in the meantime, I think it’s important to make a practice of staying informed. Take time to read, learn, have conversations about issues that matter to you or to others. Keep climate, energy, and the environment top of mind. Consider our impact on the environment—whether through land use, water consumption, or the materials we buy as consumers.
For instance, here are three ways I’ve been thinking about reducing my personal carbon footprint, which might inspire others to do the same: First, change how you eat by consuming less carbon-intensive foods—eat more of a vegetarian diet and choose locally sourced options. Secondly, change how you travel by flying less, using public transit, and considering alternative modes of transportation, like biking. Lastly, change how you use electricity: This one’s a bit of a wildcard, but in developed countries with an established grid, we’ll ensure a reliable electric grid with abundant wind and solar power through “demand-side management.” This means installing energy-efficient appliances and modifying our behavior to avoid using energy when the grid is under strain. Instead, use electricity when it’s cleanest and most affordable. For example, pre-cool your home during the day when the sun is generating the most energy, instead of waiting until peak hours like 5 or 7 p.m. when energy costs are higher. If your utility offers these options, I encourage you to sign up and be part of the leading edge of innovation.
Despite the challenges we face, I’m optimistic about the future. I think places like Australia, which generates nearly 40% of its electricity from wind and solar, are a bright light in the broader landscape of the energy transition. The U.S., where that number is just 14%, is still figuring it out, but we essentially have half of the the roadmap for how to transition our grid affordably and reliably, and that’s amazing. Other sectors of the economy still need to catch up, especially transportation, but if we solve this for the power sector, I’m optimistic we’ll get there too.