Can sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand? Secretary Moniz has the answer.

I am impressed that the DOE under Sec. Moniz is pursuing development - through grants, awards and collaborative efforts - of all different types of renewable energy generation as well as more efficient use of fossil fuels. This holistic approach to fighting climate change is infinitely better than putting all of our eggs in the solar/wind energy basket like so many environmentalists seem to do these days.

I was unable to attend the call live, but just listened to it. I'm surprised no one asked about the recent rash of state laws that are banning living off the grid (including things like outlawing the collection of rainwater) thereby legally binding people to utility and water companies even as off-the-grid options are better than ever and, in some ways, one of the better hopes for mitigating climate damage. Why are states outlawing living off the grid? What can we as citizens do about it/how can we fight back?

It is very encouraging that steps are being taken, however, I would like to add that awareness in society is limited. What the audio does not state is that we need energy, and we are not going to get away without energy, so is there a way to conserve energy by not using it? What we need to do is bring the consumption of energy to the minimum by reducing what we use. We need to talk more about reducing the consumption rate.

Please acknowledge Megan's message. Some of us live in states that are governed by ALEC with power companies that push legislation to do everything they can to stop homeowners from doing things such as putting solar panels on their roofs. These groups claims are only that they do not want to accept the return of power to the grid, but the laws tend to be written so that it is illegal to have any solar at all even if you have you own battery storage. I actually had not heard about legislating prohibiting catching your rain water. These things should absolutely ruled out by the federal government. In other words, the federal government must find a way to help citizens with issues concerning our rights to manage out own energy systems.

"Can sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand? Secretary Moniz has the answer."

Personally, I completely agree with the secretary. Thank you for this complete article.

You have written a wonderful piece that does not address the real problem facing our future. Unbridled population growth worldwide is, and will be, the biggest human challenge in the future.

Yes, but i agree with Diane that the solution is the relationship between humans and environments. We cannot produce food for nearly 10 billion without taking into account how it will affect the environment. And we cannot continue to pollute the environment without considering how it will affect people who must eat.