The cost of carbon-based fossil fuels is on an incline. Anyone who opens a monthly utility bill can attest to this. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, are on an opposite trajectory.

This is great news for the climate, but advocates such as Davia Rivka emphasize the need to speed up the transition to clean energy.

“There is a point of no return [in climate change] equivalent to falling off a cliff—where nothing we do will reverse the momentum. We are perilously close to that point.”

Davia is a climate change activist, author and blogger. She volunteers with Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL), a bipartisan organization combating climate change. CCL’s objective is promoting legislation for a fee on carbon. Dividends from the proposed fee would return directly to American households on a monthly basis.

Davia and more than 100,000 other volunteers inform, educate and serve as resources for members of Congress. She started working with CCL in 2010, when it was a small organization with only a few chapters across the country. It now operates on an international level.

Activist and Climate Change Author

Davia wrote Up to Something Big, a book containing seven building blocks for people to take initiative and make a positive impact on the world. It’s a collection of inspiring stories about people taking action through socially conscious organizations.

She’s currently writing her second book, which is more about her personal journey. When asked about her growth over the course of that journey she says,

“I continue to become more vocal about why it matters to speak up. My strength is in inspiring and connecting people. I’ve become more vulnerable and more willing to show my own fear, frustration and confusion.”

Climate Change: How We Talk vs. How We Act

Some of her top reasons for advocacy are well-known climate impact issues including extreme heat, cold and other detrimental weather events. These holistic issues will cause food shortages and unlivable temperatures.

What upsets her most, however, is our inability to work together.

“Too many don’t see how we are all part of the same web. When it goes down, we all go down.”

Last year, CCL volunteers met with over 500 congressional offices. During her time with CCL, conversations have moved from whether or not climate change is real, to how we solve it. That’s definite progress.

A major step forward is the formation of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus in 2016. A Republican and a Democrat must join the caucus together in order to maintain its bipartisan nature. There are currently 86 members on the caucus. In Davia’s words, “That represents, excuse the pun, a major sea change.”

One of the most interesting roadblocks she’s found in lobbying for a carbon fee has been a sense of abdication from some Democrats.

“People often think it must be really hard to work with Republicans and not as hard to work with Democrats. But often Democrats will say they can’t do anything because they can’t get the Republicans to do anything. It’s a convenience factor. They point a finger and place blame on someone else instead of stepping forward themselves.”

How Does Solar Fit the Climate Change and Carbon Fee Model?

The proposed carbon fee would accelerate the already rising costs of carbon-based fuels (oil, coal and gas) and further incentivize investment in solar and other renewables. Carbon-based fuels (oil, coal and gas) would be more expensive and all citizens receive the dividends. Investing in clean energy would reduce living expenses even more dramatically than now.

The fee creates more thrust to drive solar forward, making them even more cost competitive, and clean up the world.

Getting Over Fear of “The Other”

How do we get past our resentment toward “the other” and move forward on big important problems like climate change?

Davia believes in sitting down and listening to the fears and frustrations of people with opposing opinions to “see if anything opens up.”

“To get beyond “other” it takes work, listening, checking in on my own stereotypes and prejudices. It’s not easy, but it’s important.”

Citizens’ Climate Lobby builds influence by working with the media, community leaders, and faith-based organizations. CCL is designed to develop and build leadership in its volunteers. If you’re interested in learning more or volunteering, please visit the CCL website.

Read more about Davia, subscribe to her blog and check out her book today at DaviaRivka.com.

Technological advancements mean that solar panels are everywhere these days. We’ve seen solar backpacks, windows, and electric air taxis. Now solar panels are even beneath your feet.

Once just a fantasy, the last 5 years have seen the Dutch create a solar bike path and the French pave a solar road. Now China, which has the biggest solar market in the world, is rolling out its own solar freeway.

China’s energy landscape is mixed. The country produces more carbon dioxide and consumes more coal than any other nation. However, like India, China is aggressively pursuing clean energy.

In fact, China is the world’s largest producer of solar energy. Some citizens have pushed the government to address the pollution problem that drastically affects their quality of life. The Chinese government also recognizes clean energy as a necessary component of meeting their growing population increasing demand for electricity.

There is also great economic promise in the clean energy industry – beyond the potential for cheap electricity. Getting a head start in renewable energy technology could eventually allow China to dominate the industry.

China Unveils it’s First Solar Roadway

Solar roads are a more recent addition to China’s deep dive into clean energy. The country’s first solar road is located in Jinan, the capital of Shandong, and runs for six-tenths of a mile. The road covers 63,200 square feet with three layers, including a top clear concrete layer, a middle solar panel, and a bottom layer of insulation. The road will generate an estimated 1 million kWh of electricity annually

The idea of a solar roadway has captured the imagination of many, though some believe it’s better left imagined than implemented. A few months ago, Slate published a piece titled “What Is the Point of a Solar Road?” The article noted the high cost, low efficiency, and potential for unsafe road conditions that can accompany solar roads. However, none of the aforementioned roadblocks proved to be major roadblocks in China’s pursuit of a solar freeway.

Solar Roads vs. Regular Roads

While prices have decreased recently, solar roads do have a greater upfront cost than traditional roads. However, the project designers hope that solar roads’ durability will make repaving projects – which are traditionally required every couple of years – unnecessary. Lights in the top panel can be changed to indicate different driving signs and electric heating strips can melt snow.

As far as vehicle traction issues go, Professors Zhang Hongchao, an engineering professor involved in China’s solar freeway project, believes the roads are completely safe. The surface layer uses a plastic-like substance that actually has more friction than traditional roads.

Solar Roads vs. Regular Solar Panels

Solar roads are less efficient than optimally positioned panels, with only about half of traditional output due to cars blocking out sunlight. However, there is abundant road space available and solar roads are merely one facet of the country’s multidimensional clean energy plan.

Solar Roadways in the United States?

While China, France, and the Netherlands have led the way, the United States is not far behind. The American company Solar Roadways has already completed two funding contracts with the U.S. Department of Transportation after getting its start through crowdfunding.

In 2016, Solar Roadways collaborated with the state of Missouri to install hexagonal solar panels on the state’s welcome center walkway. The State said they would consider transforming part of Route 66 into a solar roadway. According to Missouri DOT assistant district engineer Tom Blair, “If their version of the future is realistic, if we can make that happen, then roadways can begin paying for themselves.”