TED: A faster way to get to a clean energy future | Ramez Naam

The video discusses the rapid decline in clean energy costs, particularly solar, and the underestimated growth of clean energy technologies. It highlights the need for grid expansion and overcoming barriers like permitting and NIMBYism. The video emphasizes the economic advantage of clean energy over fossil fuels and the importance of policy support, using Texas as a case study. It concludes with a call to action for easier permitting to accelerate clean energy deployment.

What was the cost of solar power per watt in 1975?

• $100

• $50

• $1

• $10

By how much did the cost of solar power decline by 2020?

• 1000-fold

• 100-fold

• 500-fold

• 200-fold

Which clean energy technology has seen a similar cost decline to solar?

• Geothermal

• Nuclear

• Wind

• Hydropower

What is a major benefit of a continent-sized grid for clean energy?

• Improved reliability and lower emissions

• Higher energy costs

• Increased fossil fuel use

• Reduced energy demand

What is a common complaint about renewable energy infrastructure?

• It is not scalable

• It is too expensive

• It takes up too much land

• It is unreliable

Which state in the US has the most combined solar and wind power?

• Texas

• Florida

• California

• New York

What factor contributes to Texas's success in deploying clean energy?

• Abundant fossil fuels

• Strict climate policies

• High energy prices

• Open electricity market

What was a significant legislative action in the US in 2022 related to clean energy?

• The Renewable Energy Act

• The Inflation Reduction Act

• The Clean Air Act

• The Green New Deal

What is a potential consequence of not improving transmission capabilities in the US?

• Decreased energy demand

• Missed carbon emission reductions

• Higher energy costs

• Increased fossil fuel use

What is the speaker's main call to action for accelerating the clean energy transition?

• Invest in nuclear power

• Reduce energy consumption

• Make permitting easier

• Increase fossil fuel production