As a small, vulnerable Island community, it is imperative that we commit to being world leaders when it comes to emissions production and reducing our energy consumption. This is why the Government has adopted a goal of reducing emissions to less than 1 metric tonne CO2 equivalent per capita per year by 2050. As this final article on the Energy White Paper highlights, it is only through your support that this goal can be achieved.As a modern society we are dependent upon energy for every part of our lives, from waking up in the morning to the sound of an alarm clock or cell phone, to the hot shower before bed. Despite this intricate role that energy plays in our lives, we often take this luxury for granted and do not consider the costs involved.The cost of goods is directly linked to the cost of energy, so as the price of electricity increases, the amount it costs to eat in a restaurant will increase and, as fuel prices increase, so will your grocery bill. There are few aspects of modern life that don’t rely on some form of energy.Many facets of the energy sector were developed during a time when energy was cheap, widely available and the environmental impacts of its use were not fully understood. As a result, existing laws do not provide the Government with the authority necessary for Bermuda to reach the targets outlined in the Energy White Paper.However, a solid legislative and regulatory foundation for Bermuda’s future energy plan is essential to meet the goals of this Paper. As a result, energy users will have increased protection through legislation, which will regulate electricity rates and develop a quality of service standard for power producers.Other potential outcomes of the Energy White Paper may include greater energy security through an increase in the diversity of the energy supply. It would also allow for the inclusion and proper compensation of renewable energy sources in Bermuda’s energy grid.Energy efficiency and renewable energy have the potential to create jobs as well as to potentially save the jobs of Bermudians, whose businesses adapt to the changing economic and energy climates through continued innovation. The businesses and households that can reduce energy costs will prosper.As stated in the Energy White Paper, “We must quickly abandon the urge of jumping to identify problems we will face in meeting our goals and instead we must view each problem as a challenge, become innovative and search for solutions.”The economy, the environment and energy are all interconnected; this is why the Energy White Paper and Bermuda’s energy policies are so crucial. As has been proven in the past the Government cannot force the change, it must come from the people. Without the support of all Bermudians, we shall not succeed in our goals.Public opinion and demonstration can drive legislation. And everyone knows that laws are more effective when they agree with society’s sense of right and wrong. With the support of both the public and the business sector, the Energy White Paper may create an entrepreneurial culture that could lead to new markets and an increase in jobs.We would like to leave you with a quote from the Energy White Paper:“The Government will do its part by continuing to work with the private sector and non-governmental organisations as the policies outlined in this paper are implemented. Individuals and communities must also mobilise themselves to become more energy efficient and to harvest indigenous renewable energy resources. Working together with a shared vision will ensure progress is made for the benefit of Bermuda, her people and the natural environment on which we all depend. I encourage the entire community to take any steps necessary to decrease our fossil fuel consumption and thereby join this transition.”We encourage you to read the Energy White Paper, which is available online at www.energy.gov.bm. A hard copy is available at the Bermuda National Library.