“ We can minimize the change and save trillions of dollars and untold human suffering,” he says.“ At the end of the day, the climate doesn’ t care about the pseudo-debate about its causes or how many scientists do or do not agree. The ice doesn’ t care who is in the White House or who controls the Congress. It just melts.”
Assessing the Human Cost
While threats to security and physical infrastructure are pressing and motivating, just as great are the threats to human and business infrastructure in the shape of jobs in the energy sector— especially in the Mountain State.
Curry and Moore presented a different set of suggestions at the panel in terms of what is most important for West Virginia and the country in reacting to climate change. While they agree that surface temperatures have increased, humans are adding CO 2 to the atmosphere and CO 2 and other greenhouse gases have a warming effect on the planet, they do not think this warming has been dominated by human causes or that it is detrimental to human life. Curry believes that working to lower or eliminate CO 2 emissions will result in minimal changes to the overall temperature and come at a high cost, both in terms of funding and human capital.
“ What makes the most sense to me is climate pragmatism,” she says.“ Climate pragmatism has three pillars: accelerate energy innovation, build resilience to extreme weather and no-regrets pollution reduction. These policies provide nearterm socioeconomic and environmental benefits and have justifications independent of mitigation and adaptation.”
Curry believes this approach is best because it does not require an agreement on climate science or risks of uncontrolled greenhouse gases and focuses on resilience, keeping economies strong and ensuring everyone has access to energy. It also avoids political gridlock and costly policies.
According to Moore, well over 80 percent of the world’ s energy comes from fossil fuels, including coal and oil and natural gas, West Virginia’ s most abundant natural resources. He says cutting out these energy sources would destroy human civilization. Other countries seem to be onboard with this line of thinking, as there are currently 1,600 new coal-fired plants under construction or planned in 62 countries across the globe.
“ The fact is, fossil fuels are 100 percent organic, as in the scientific definition of organic,” says Moore.“ They are produced with 100 percent solar energy, and they are a product of life. They produce the two most important foods for life when they’ re burned— CO 2 and water— and they are the largest storage battery of energy on this planet. So I say celebrate
CO 2
. It is the most life-giving substance, along with water, on this planet, and it’ s doing the world a lot of good.”
For over 150 years, West Virginia’ s mountains have been a fortress, protecting the state— and at times, isolating it— from what often seem like outside concerns. The Mountain State is now facing a critical choice: address a crumbling infrastructure in light of increased floods and storms or protect jobs and sustain affordable energy for people around the world. Perhaps the answer lies in the stewardship of both— balancing the needs of the people with caring for the state’ s incredible natural beauty. Mountaineers have always been dedicated to protecting the people and the place they love. In this case, only time will tell. • in • fra • struc • ture, noun( in-fruh-struhk-cher) [ plural: infrastructures ]
1. the relationships established to create a community and focus on the needs of businesses and families
Poca Valley Bank( PVB), founded in Walton, WV, on the banks of the Pocatalico River, was initially opened in 1908 to assist with the rapid advancement of oil and gas operations in Roane County. The mighty Pocatalico River was used to transport supplies and products to other locations. During its 110 years in business, PVB has provided financial services to businesses, organizations, families and individuals.
The bank currently has seven branches serving the communities and surrounding areas of Clendenin, Elkview, Poca, Sissonville, Spencer, Walton and Winfield. As a community bank, PVB specializes in helping people grow their business or personal finances. With a wide variety of product offerings ranging from student savings and checking accounts to big commercial loans for the building of new operational facilities for companies, PVB can meet all of your financial needs.
At PVB, we love building relationships with our customers and knowing you by name— not just a number. If you are in the mindset to change your financial infrastructure, PVB is a great place to start. From assisting you with your personal financial infrastructure to helping you build the correct infrastructure for your home or business, our friendly employees are eager to assist you.
Stop by a PVB location near you or visit us online at www. pocavalleybank. com. You may also call us at 844-PVBANK1( 782-2651).
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