When we think about climate change and emissions, a lot of us are likely to think first of things like driving and air travel. We’re probably less likely to think of our home- and workplace-based energy used. As it turns out, the natural gas we use to heat our homes, warm our water, and cook our food adds up quite a bit: Experts say that natural gas use in buildings accounts for around 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Which is why a growing chorus of voices is calling for transitioning buildings off of natural gas in favor of electrification.
This summer, Berkeley became a trailblazer on the issue, banning natural gas hookups in new low-rise buildings, a first-of-its kind ban in the US. And other cities across California may soon follow.
Terra Verde host and Earth Island Journal Managing Editor Zoe Loftus-Farren talks with Panama Bartholomy, Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition, and Bruce Nilles, Managing Director of the Rocky Mountain Institute, about how our buildings contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, the health and equity issues surrounding natural gas use in our homes, and why the Berkeley ban is a big deal.