This article appeared in OTE’s November 2016 newsletter. Go here to read the full newsletter.
By Jeremy P. Feakins, OTE's Chairman and CEO
“In every deliberation, we must consider the impact on the seventh generation.” – derived from the Constitution of the Iroquois Nation
Monster storms. Drought. Water shortages. Rising sea levels. Brush fires. Destroyed homes and habitats. Disappearing islands.
These are just some of the problems caused by climate change, a byproduct of centuries of fossil fuel usage. The problems multiply. Climate change causes lack of rain. Lack of rain affects not only access to drinking water, but also destroys agriculture. Lack of food and water generate rising tensions in the most-affected areas of the world. Add to this the health conditions caused by pollution, and you have a worldwide crisis in process.
Energy, water, food, and security are the most basic needs for humanity. By 2030, 1.1 billion more people will live on Earth — bringing the total to about 8.5 billion. Most of them will arrive in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, exacerbating pollution and resource shortage. The demand for economic opportunities associated with these needs is already rapidly expanding as the world’s population exponentially grows.
To quote Edmund Burke, “Never, no, never, did nature say one thing and wisdom say another.” But, is it possible to provide for an exploding population in a sustainable way?
I am committed to helping people in tropical and subtropical regions of the world achieve life-sustaining independence. I have a clear and compelling vision to empower millions of these global citizens by bringing renewable energy and fresh water to them with a spirit of ethical and compassionate business practices.
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a proven technology that can produce electricity and fresh drinking water for millions of people across the globe – without the use of fossil fuels.
For the last six years, as an Investor and the Chairman of the Board for Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation, I have led a successful mission to bring OTEC technology to market. The Company now has nine renewable energy projects around the world in various stages of development. Two projects, one in The Bahamas and the other in the US Virgin Islands, have received approvals in those countries and are moving forward.
OTEC will help preserve our environment for present and future generations by:
- Greatly reducing demand for fossil fuels in many regions of the world, consequently tempering volatile and C02-emitting global oil whose associated profits in some cases help fund hostile elements;
- Relieving drinking water shortages in some poverty-stricken nations that are otherwise at significant risk of violence and conflict arising from competition for dwindling fresh water supplies; and,
- Providing proven economic development opportunities for the poorest nations with high rates of poverty and instability, mostly situated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
A separate development company has now been established to prove how OTEC can support environmentally sound and sustainable communities (EcoVillage). OTEC will produce all the electricity and the water. No fossil fuels are allowed at EcoVillage. Where possible, all building materials are sustainably sourced. The first project is in the planning and development phases.
I enthusiastically invite you to join me as part of this inspiring vision and the reality it has already launched: a reality in which we will provide humanitarian benefits to millions of people worldwide.
In the words of James Allen: “For as a man dreams, so shall he become.”
Jeremy P. Feakins is OTE’s Chairman and CEO. For more of his thoughts on entrepreneurship, environmentalism, and more, read his blog, or check him out on Twitter or Facebook.
This article appeared in OTE’s November 2016 newsletter. Go here to read the full newsletter.
