The Short List of Climate Actions That Will Work - CleanTechnica

The article summarizes a presentation by Michael Barnard at the University of Twente’s Climate Event, focusing on effective climate actions amidst widespread noise and distractions in the climate space. Barnard emphasizes the critical importance of electrifying everything as a foundational step in the energy transition. Using Sankey diagrams developed for the Netherlands, he highlights the large proportion of energy currently lost as waste heat when burning fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. Electrification, particularly of ground transportation, can drastically reduce this rejected energy—from about 80% waste down to roughly 15%—by directly powering energy services such as vehicles, industry, and buildings with renewable electricity. This approach is far more efficient than converting electricity into hydrogen or synthetic fuels, which incurs additional energy losses and necessitates greater renewable capacity. Barnard also advocates for overbuilding renewable energy generation, such as wind and solar farms, to ensure a reliable and sufficient supply of clean electricity. By focusing on direct renewable electricity use and minimizing energy conversions, economies can maintain steady