UMass researchers determined that the solar project proposed for the town of Amherst would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save the town millions of dollars over a 20-year period. However, these benefits come with a downside, a decline in the value of nearby homes and compromises to existing ecosystems.
It is natural for residents to protect their communities’ quality of life, whether to maintain local aesthetics or their homes’ real estate values. This individual concern should also involve an assessment of a community’s and neighboring communities’ physical environment.
Amherst would be well served by making every attempt to make this solar project a reality, despite the costs. The bigger picture of the devastating impact of climate change demands that communities find ways to support expansion of renewable energy. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has explained that unless we can cut emissions in half by 2030, even the limited targets we set will go by the board.
The costs associated with this project to individual property owners can be mitigated, and long-term, solar energy will be lower cost than fossil fuels. The tactic often used to respond to renewable energy proposals, delay it until it goes away, is in effect a form of climate denial. When you’re in an emergency, acting at least gives you a chance; not acting guarantees an outcome, and not a good one.
Marvin Berkowitz
Needham