New Jersey is facing a range of troubles, from surging food prices to infrastructure decline. When it comes to climate change, Montclair State University highlights a range of problems, too, from the buildup of cyanobacteria in New Jersey waters, increasingly hot summers, and increased numbers of floods. What control the state and government have over this is debatable but, as always, individual citizens can do a lot to get involved and improve the natural environment in New Jersey, and, in the process, quality of life.
Improving housing
A lot of New Jersey’s housing stock is out-of-date, and that makes it a liability when it comes to climate change. That’s true whether considering energy efficiency, as old, poorly insulated homes create extra emission demand; or in terms of flood preparedness, another area where New Jersey homes fail. The state government has already taken steps to address this; NJ.com reports that $87 million has been put into place for homes to improve insulation. However, private home owners can undertake sustainable renovations, from insulation and sealing through to rainwater collection tanks, in order to help. Furthermore, these adaptations can add up to 10% to the property value.
Changing water quality
Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, is building up in bodies of water across the state. This is due partly to pollution, but also due to increasing temperatures, with the cyanobacteria flourishing within according to NJ.gov. Again, the main step that homeowners can take is to reduce their emissions, in the process reducing pollution and tackling climate change. Better water quality means safer water, too, which is something that every homeowner can get behind, and will create sustainable water supplies.
Generating and producing energy
One of the ultimate endgames of tackling climate change is the complete reduction of fossil fuels in energy generation, and the 100% use of renewable energies. Princeton have been establishing plans to start making emissions-free electricity across the state, and this at least partly involves homeowners. There is considerable power-generating potential in the state through solar panels, and installation on the home can be an effective way to reduce energy overheads and contribute to climate goals.
While there is a question to be asked over state over-extension in climate change management, there is no question that improving the natural environment can help quality of life. Homeowners have the opportunity to contribute to that, making progress in a way that promotes the free market.
How about just opening up the Keystone XL pipeline and the Alaska piplines to FULL capacity and releasing all of the drilling permits that are being held hostage by the Biden administration.
Problem Solved.