Tuesday, May 29, 2007 4:52 PM CDT
Speaker: Small business can help slow global warming
By BILL LAIR, Managing Editor
blair@jg-tc.com
TODAY: CHARLESTON -- Higher energy costs may inspire people to cut back on production of greenhouse gases whether or not they believe in global warming.
William Sullivan, associate professor of natural resources and environment at the University of Illinois, spoke to the Charleston Rotary Club Tuesday about global warming’s effect on the business community.
Sullivan said rising temperatures are in large part a result of increased use of fossil fuels, which results in more carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.
He said 11 of the 20 hottest years on record have occurred in the past 20 years with 2006 being the hottest year in recorded history.
While the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has fluctuated naturally for 400,000 years, Sullivan said, the amount of carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere is expected to more than double this century if usage stays like it is today.
“By the year 2095, Illinois temperatures will be like those of East Texas today,” Sullivan said.
He offered three ways that small businesses could help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide produced:
- Decrease waste
- Increase energy efficiency
- Use renewable fuels
“With the escalation in prices of electric rates and gasoline, learning how to conserve is a big factor for a successful small business strategy,” said Diane Hoadley, president of the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors. She also is dean of the Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences.
“It definitely was very interesting,” she said.
She said Sullivan provided information that could benefit small business owners.
“Most (business owners) have altruistic motives,” she said. “But if they’re not making a profit, they’re out of work.”
She said Sullivan understood the concept of investment and payback.
Sullivan mentioned a person who owned seven Subway sandwich stores who installed energy-efficient lighting, air-conditioning, ceiling fans and ice makers.
“He reduced his energy bills by $20,000, his investment was paid back in three years and he cut his carbon dioxide emissions by 350,000 pounds a year,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan also said the proposed FutureGen power plant, in which carbon dioxide from coal burning would be sequestered underground is the kind of aggressive action that the country needs to take to reduce emissions.
Contact Lair at blair@jg-tc.com or 238-6865
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