A recent opinion asked for feasible ideas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reverse global warming is contained in the book “Drawdown” by Paul Hawken. It contains 80 commonly available, economically viable, scientifically valid no-regret solutions with relatively short payback periods. Estimated worldwide cost for all 80 solutions: $27 trillion; estimated savings: $74 trillion.

The solution with the greatest impact is refrigerant management. The hydrofluorocarbons contained in today’s cooling systems have up to 9,000 times the warming effect of CO2. These must be disposed of properly at the end of cooling system lifetimes. All we have to do is use trained technicians.

Eight of the top 20 solutions address food production, handling, waste and diets – and account for 25% of the total impact of all 80 solutions combined. Five of the top 20 solutions relate to renewable energy production and account for 17% of the total impact of all 80 solutions.

If one can afford an electric vehicle, electricity/fuel cost can be just 2.5 cents per mile. Offsetting one’s carbon footprint is possible, and not too expensive. Check out “Trees for the Future,” and the Avista “Buck A Block” program.

Del Nord

Spokane Valley