”There are times in the history of our nation when our very way of life depends upon dispelling illusions and awakening to the challenge of a present danger. In such moments, we are called upon to move quickly and boldly to shake off complacency, throw aside old habits and rise, clear-eyed and alert, to the necessity of big changes. Those who, for whatever reason, refuse to do their part must either be persuaded to join the effort or asked to step aside. This is such a moment. The survival of the United States of America as we know it is at risk. And even more — if more should be required — the future of human civilization is at stake.”

Two weeks ago, Al Gore spoke those words and called for ”our nation to commit to producing 100 percent of our electricity from renewable energy and truly clean carbon-free sources within ten years.”

Parts of Gore’s speech are quoted here. Read or watch it all at www.wecansolveit.org/content/pages/304.

Our economy, gas prices, electricity rates, jobs, mortgages, banks, auto companies — so much seems to be going wrong. ”The climate crisis, in particular, is getting a lot worse — much more quickly than predicted,” said Gore.

Ice caps and glaciers are melting at alarming rates; military intelligence experts warn of national security implications of the crisis; others warn of possible national security threats triggered by losing access to foreign oil; and tornadoes, droughts, floods, and fires are rising in number and severity.

”Yet when we look at…these seemingly intractable challenges,” said Gore, ”…we can see the common thread running through them, deeply ironic in its simplicity: our dangerous over-reliance on carbon-based fuels is at the core of all three of these challenges — the economic, environmental, and national security crises.”

Gore convened discussions with engineers, scientists, and CEOs in which ”one thing has become abundantly clear: …the real solutions to the climate crisis are the very same measures needed to renew our economy and escape the trap of ever-rising energy prices. Moreover, they are also the very same solutions we need to guarantee our national security without having to go to war in the Persian Gulf.”

Advances in solar, wind, and geothermal power have made renewables capable of furnishing all electricity for America. We cannot drill or mine our way out of this situation. China, India, and other quickly-developing countries are increasingly prosperous. Their citizens are emulating American consumers’ automobile lust. Considering that China’s rate of vehicle ownership is only one per 100 people and the U.S. rate is 78 per 100, China’s consumption can increase enormously. China is a massive competitor for the world’s oil.

Transportation will grow faster than other energy-demand sectors. Increasing demand for private vehicles is one reason. Another: Growing world economies will stimulate demand for commercial transportation, using even more energy than personal vehicles.

ExxonMobil anticipates demand for oil and liquid fuels to be 35 percent higher in 2030 than in 2005, largely because of transportation growth.

According to ExxonMobil, ”meeting this demand won’t be easy. We’ll need to invest billions of dollars, gain access to new energy supplies, and continue to advance technology and free trade. We’ll also need to use energy as efficiently as possible.”

And Gore, ”the exploding demand for oil, especially in places like China, is overwhelming the rate of new discoveries by so much that oil prices are almost certain to continue upward over time… And politicians cannot bring gasoline prices down in the short term.”

How do we create a sustainable transit system within this ambitious ten-year goal? We clamor for America’s auto makers to manufacture plug-in electric cars and then buy them when they come to market. At the same time, we demand that our electricity come from renewable energy, and install independent renewable systems where possible. And no commitment is more essential than to work much harder at conservation and efficiency throughout society.

We switch to fuel-efficient vehicles now, and drive much less often; some even give up cars. We use feet, bikes, and mass transit systems more often.

As mentioned in the July 3 column, we have two transit services in Monona — the Monona Express and the Monona Lift. The buses are only partially full and filling them benefits us: The fares go into city coffers, and if we prove a willingness to use the limited mass transit we have, it helps justify future service expansion.

I believe more of us would use these services if they were understood. The Mass Transit Commission is working to improve the marketing of the services, including a clearer schedule and new maps posted to the city’s website. The Commission plans a fall tour of the transit routes and is working to link with Madison Metro. Quoting Alder Doug Wood, ”Alders Speight and Miller are breathing life into the Transit Commission.”

What else can we do locally? Let our Alders and Mayor know our needs — from transit systems to renewable energy solutions. We can’t expect the cutting edge of political inventiveness without being an engaged populace. We must do our part. Let’s all be squeaky wheels, making a bit of noise to get a lot of action.