Introduction
Climate change, pollution, resource wars, economic growth, and the basic functions of daily life all revolve around how energy is produced and consumed. By the turn of this new century the impacts of the previous century's growing dependence on and abuse of fossil fuels finally started to enter into the public conscience. However you may view and explain the causes or consequences, there is widespread recongition of the need for new solutions, of moving towards ways of life based on renewable, clean and "sustainable energy." Easy to say but what does this really mean?
While most people recognize the extreme importance of the "energy
problem" in America and the world, there are huge disagreements about
the solutions. Clearly, the world and especially the United States is
addicted to fossil fuels. What
is are the impacts and nature of this dependence? What are our alternative
options? As those running for office debate their plans, the rest of the
country must inform itself and decide what kind of national as well as
local strategies need to be put into place and practiced in order to avert
the serious dangers of neglect and abuse.
One of the purposes of this guide is to help citizens explore available facts and opinions of viable alternatives and attempt to answer the question "what is sustainable energy?" It is to help those taking the first of the 5-Step Citizens Action Plan on Climate and Energy -- to inform and educate ourselves about the impacts and implications of energy production/consumption practices and policies.
Most agree on the need to promote renewable energy -- yet often disagree on the definition of what is "renewable." Some think nuclear power is a renewable energy source, while others object. Some believe biofuels is a key to the future, while others see misleading scams. Some believe that all energy options should be included in the final mix of national energy policies. Others believe only certain technologies and approaches, including changing habits and lifestyles, will serve the future's needs. 
Who is right? How to decide on what is the right strategy for our country to follow and our policymakers to embrace? Where do the candidates stand?
The following pages offer some resources in making our way through this technically and politically complex set of alternatives in the quest of developing and implementing sustainable energy strategy at both the national, state, local and household levels.
Note: This Guide is being launched in October 2008 in conjunction with the Earth Charter Community Summits as an open-ended, work-in-progress, to help concerned citizens identify and assess the resources and information available addressing today's energy and climate challenge.
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