The massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, now the worst in U.S. history, has refocused the nation’s attention on our addiction to carbon-based fuels. Congress has attempted to pass a comprehensive energy plan that would encourage the adoption of green technology, but little progress has been made.
Perhaps the island of Samso, population 4,000, could provide inspiration. The Danish island won a national contest in 1998 with an audacious bid to switch completely to renewable energy. And in just ten years, Samso achieved its goal. Residents now use wind, sun and even rapeseed oil to power their cars and homes.
John Larson traveled to Samso to find out how they succeeded, and how the U.S. might follow their lead.
