AMG Approach for Overcoming the Climate Crisis

Climate is not changing, rather it has already changed. The increased frequency and intensity

of extreme weather events witnessed globally, for instance, severe draughts followed by

catastrophic floods in Pakistan, the worst recorded draught in Europe in five centuries, the

raging forest fires in Canada, and 3rd July 2023 being the hottest recorded day globally are

manifestations of the phenomena of climate change. While the impressive progress made by

humanity since Industrial revolution brought several conveniences to our lives, albeit, at

significant environmental costs. The IPCC in its plenary report notes that the global

temperature has increased by 1.1 degree Celsius since industrial revolution and the pace of

climate change is accelerating. Given the adverse effects of climate change on several aspects

of human life, urgent actions for tackling it become necessary. In this regard, micro-level

individual actions complementing macro-level policy initiatives offer a great potential.

Energy production and consumption contributing about of global greenhouse gas (GHG) is a

major driving force behind climate change. Fossil fuels contribute a significant share of

current global energy production. As populous developing countries like India progress

economically and aim to improve living conditions of their citizens, energy production and

consumption is bound to increase further worsening the pressing issue of climate change.

Therefore, finding lesser polluting alternatives with lower environmental footprint becomes

imperative.

Adopting and popularizing AMG (Avoid-Minimize-Generate) approach offer an environment

friendly alternative to the current environment harming approach to energy production and

consumption. Resting on the premise that prevention in itself is better than cure and inspired

by Gandhian ideals, this new approach calls for complete avoidance of the excess usage of

power. Gandhi’s way of life provides a suitable aspirational point for such an endeavour.

Despite the abundance of solar power, the medium through which it is harnessed requires
production of certain implements which could potentially be produced locally. At present

these are mass manufactured in distant regions where raw materials are easily available. For

instance, silicon-based solar panels require silicon crystal and silicon wafer, from which a

solar cell is fabricated. To produce a solar module, glass, an aluminium frame, and polymer

sheets are required. Then, galvanised iron is needed to build a structure for mounting solar

panels. To process or transport the power generated by solar panels, wires and power

electronics are required. In order to store energy, one requires batteries. At the end of their

useful lives, all materials that require additional energy must be recycled. This generates

additional environmental damage. Hence, avoiding or not using any energy as much as

possible is the greatest choice for climate change mitigation. Alternatively traditional

knowledge and sustainable solutions in the market could be used which does not consume

energy as conventional appliances and means would do. Such solutions should also traverse

other sectors of the economy such as architecture, construction and mobility.

The second aspect of the AMG approach which is already in practice is the deployment of

energy efficient technologies. This helps in minimising electricity consumption for a

particular operation by utilising energy-efficient appliances. At this stage, one should replace

less efficient appliances with more efficient appliances in order to reduce electricity use. For

instance, using energy-efficient lighting can help us reduce our electricity consumption.

LEDs are more energy-efficient than fluorescent lights. A typical commercial CFL bulb emits

50 to 60 lumens per watt, but a commercial LED bulb emits 110 to 120 lumens per watt. It

means that for the same light output, LEDs require only half the amount of electricity. A 10

Watt LED would produce the same amount of light as a 20-Watt CFL lamp. Similarly, by

replacing conventional tube lights with energy-efficient LED tube lights, one can save around

fifty percent of the electricity, which corresponds to a 50 percent reduction in CO 2 emissions.

Another example would be the use of energy-efficient motors in motor-powered appliances

that typically utilise induction motors. Fans, water pumps, compressor pumps, etc., are

available with DC motors in place of induction motors, resulting in a large decrease in energy

usage. The BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) of the Government of India recommends

using appliances with a higher star rating when it comes to white goods. For instance, five

stars rated 190L refrigerator saves 59 percent more energy than a one star rated equipment.

Similarly, a 1.5-ton air conditioner with five stars rating uses approximately 23% less

electricity than a one-star equipment. The new inverter AC technology reduces electricity

consumption by 30 to 35 percent compared to conventional AC. Modern DC compressor

pumps are likewise energy-efficient, so one can use energy-efficient freezers or air

conditioners that run directly on DC electricity (i.e., solar) to conserve energy.

Following the avoid and minimise procedures, the final step in building Energy Swaraj would

be to create energy locally based on demand. Once excess energy consumption has been

avoided and the remainder has been reduced, the remaining electricity demand may be

generated locally utilizing solar power. Given the higher initial capital costs, this may

necessitate state support in the form of subsidies, assistance in acquiring components, and

training of the local community in its use and maintenance. Energy Swaraj is energy

independence; in a contemporary world afflicted by climate change and energy stress

resulting from the interdependence of nations on energy, Energy Swaraj would be a potent

tool for creating a sustainable society.