Interview with Benji Backer: The Conservative Environmentalist
Introduction
Chamber Business News recently interviewed Benji Backer, the founder of the American Conservation Coalition and author of the book “The Conservative Environmentalist: Common Sense Solutions for a Sustainable Future.” This report highlights key points from the interview.
About the Book
In his book, Backer shares insights from his seven years of traveling to various communities, both rural and urban, to address environmental challenges. The book emphasizes the need for an alternative approach to environmental action and outlines common-sense solutions that can be implemented immediately. Backer calls on leaders to adopt this approach to protect the environment.
Importance of Small Wins
Backer emphasizes the importance of incrementalism in solving environmental challenges. He believes that overhauling people’s lives is not a sustainable approach and that solutions should focus on lowering costs, increasing efficiency, and improving people’s lives. He acknowledges that the United States has made progress in reducing carbon emissions but emphasizes the need for further action.
The Role of Government in the New Green Economy
Backer argues that while the government plays a crucial role in environmental solutions, it can also hinder progress through excessive regulations. He advocates for a balanced approach that incentivizes sustainable business practices rather than prohibiting unsustainable ones. He cites examples from other countries, such as Europe, where forest management and clean energy deployment have been successful.
Nuclear and Natural Gas in a Clean Energy Future
Backer believes that nuclear and natural gas are essential for a clean energy future. He highlights the need for reliable, base load power that is not dependent on weather conditions. He argues that natural gas, when replacing coal, significantly reduces emissions. He acknowledges opposition to these energy sources but attributes it to ignorance and misinformation.
Tradeoffs in Industries like Mining and Drilling
Backer acknowledges the tradeoffs involved in industries like mining and drilling. He believes that with the current population and demand for resources, it is necessary to extract from the environment. However, he emphasizes the importance of high standards, protecting untouched areas, and developing technologies to minimize environmental impact.
Policymaking and Cross-Partisan Collaboration
Backer calls for bipartisan collaboration in policymaking. He criticizes the partisan nature of environmental issues and urges elected leaders to work together to find solutions. He believes that the success of his organization and movement lies in achieving cross-partisan collaboration on environmental issues.
Achieving Goals
Backer states that the organization’s goals will be achieved when there is a return to cross-partisan collaboration on the environment. He believes that nature is nonpartisan and calls on all individuals, regardless of political ideology, to unite and fight for environmental principles. He envisions a new environmental movement that transcends cultural divisions and leads to effective policy changes.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added
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SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards
- Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
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SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests
- Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management
Analysis
The article addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their corresponding targets and indicators:
1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
The article discusses the importance of natural gas and nuclear energy as part of a clean energy future. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The specific target mentioned in the article is Target 7.2, which focuses on increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The indicator related to this target is Indicator 7.2.1, which measures the renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article emphasizes the need for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological growth to address environmental challenges. This aligns with SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. The specific target mentioned in the article is Target 9.4, which focuses on upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable. The indicator related to this target is Indicator 9.4.1, which measures CO2 emissions per unit of value added.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the importance of reducing carbon emissions and moving in the right direction towards climate action. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The specific target mentioned in the article is Target 13.1, which focuses on strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards. The indicator related to this target is Indicator 13.1.1, which measures the number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
The article mentions the need to prioritize protecting the environment and creating technologies to minimize the impact of mining and drilling. This aligns with SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss. The specific target mentioned in the article is Target 15.2, which focuses on promoting the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests. The indicator related to this target is Indicator 15.2.1, which measures progress towards sustainable forest management.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards | Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests | Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: chamberbusinessnews.com
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