Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. president, passed away at the age of 100. He is best known for his groundbreaking initiative of installing thermal solar panels on the White House roof in 1979.
Following Carter’s death, numerous obituaries celebrated not just his Nobel Prize-winning diplomacy but also his commitment to environmental issues. In stark contrast to modern leaders, Carter championed green initiatives and advanced environmental policies long before they became mainstream concerns.
Carter’s presidency (1977-1981) was marked by a commitment to sustainability, highlighted by his installation of solar panels, which were unfortunately removed during renovations in the mid-1980s under the Reagan administration. However, his legacy of promoting clean energy and conservation has had lasting impacts.
The Pioneer of Comprehensive Energy Policy
When Jimmy Carter took office, the world was still grappling with the aftermath of the 1973 oil embargo made worse by the Iranian Revolution in 1979, which significantly disrupted oil production. This led Carter to create what biographer Jonathan Alter described as “the nation’s first comprehensive energy policy”.
This forward-thinking plan aimed for renewable energy sources to contribute 20% of the nation’s energy by 2000—an ambitious target that America has only recently started to approach. Carter’s iconic 1977 address to the nation showcased his commitment as he urged citizens to conserve energy, famously recommending they lower their thermostats while wearing cardigans.
He also established the U.S. Department of Energy, which has since conducted vital research into sustainable fuels, including initiatives to advance nuclear power as a sustainable energy source for the future.
Safeguarding Alaska’s Wilderness
Carter made significant contributions to environmental conservation, particularly in Alaska, where he enacted measures to protect vast areas from oil and gas exploitation. He designated 56 million acres as federally protected land, significantly expanding the reach of the National Park Service.
The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980 ensured the preservation of ecosystems while safeguarding hunting and fishing rights for Alaskan natives. Carter publicly deemed this legislation one of the most remarkable conservation achievements in U.S. history.
Champion of Solar Energy
Though Carter also promoted coal during his presidency, these actions are sometimes critiqued by modern environmental advocates. At the time, the environmental impacts of fossil fuels were not fully understood, and he saw coal as key to reducing dependance on foreign oil.
Nonetheless, Carter wasn’t just focused on fossil fuels. He passionately advocated the development of solar energy, viewing it as essential for a sustainable future. He described his solar energy strategy as “as significant as exploring new frontiers or building America’s industrial might.” His vision included a substantial investment in renewable energy and tax incentives for solar innovations.
Even beyond his presidency, Carter was an advocate for solar energy, overseeing the installation of thousands of photovoltaic panels in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, generating sufficient energy to power half the community.
Reflecting on his commitment to renewable energy, Carter stated during the dedication of the White House solar panels, “A generation from now, this solar heater can either be a curiosity, a museum piece, or it can be part of one of the greatest adventures ever undertaken by the American people.”
Photo credit & article inspired by: Euronews
