Green Yachts is dedicated to advocating, selling and servicing electric boats. We believe it is the future of boating because electric motors are less maintenance, easier to maneuver, quieter and longer lasting.
However, this blog is about an existential reason that supersedes all of the above benefits on why all sailors should go electric.
Our oceans need us to.
Currently in September 2020, Bermuda is being hit by two hurricanes, Paulette and Teddy. Bermuda was hit by Hurricane Humberto in 2019. That is three hurricanes in two years and represents continued accelerating frequency of hurricanes hitting Bermuda. Hurricane Nicole in 2016, Hurricane Joaquin in 2015, and Hurricane Fay in 2014 represent a once per year trend. In 2012, Hurricane Rafael hit Bermuda following Hurricane Igor in 2010, Hurricane Bill in 2009 and Hurricane Florence in 2006 represent roughly a hurricane every two years. Hurricane Fabian in 2003, Hurricane Gert in 1999, Hurricane Felix in 1995, 1989 Hurricane Dean, Hurricane Emily in 1987 and 1982 Hurricane Debby represent a once in every four year hurricane pattern as do the three hurricanes, Fay, Alice and an unnamed one from the 70s. In the 50s and 60s, only two hurricanes, Edna and Arlene, pass within 50 miles of Bermuda.
If we take a step back and look at these decade level changes in hurricane frequency, it should alarm us about the reality of global warming.
And, then look at the volume and intensity of storms in 2020. As of September 14th, 2020 has had 20 named storms, where as the average over the past 30 years is 7.1 with 7 hurricanes compared to an average of 3.4. Hurricane Katrina devasted New Orleans in 2005 as the storm of the century, but Sally has higher water surging and could do more damage.
Are we just willing to accept that more deadly hurricanes are the norm???
We should not. And, we should not throw our arms in the air and say it is beyond our control, because it isn’t. Scientists have “high confidence” that rising global temperatures including ocean temperatures as well as rising sea levels mean more storm surge and rainfall during storms, which contributes to the increasingly number and intensity of storms that we have seen over the past couple decades and which 2020 is making glaringly obvious for all of us to reckon with.
It is hard to think about what each of us can do to contribute to safer oceans and a healthier planet. We should each take steps to reduce our contributions to global warming by driving electric cars, using green energy sources at our residences including solar and using electric boats. Recreational boaters create more global warming emissions than all of the cargo ships all over the globe. We must reduce our contribution to global warming by choosing to use boats with electric motors instead of diesel or gas engines. Change isn’t always easy, but better boating and a cleaner planet are the reward for boaters who chose to join us in ushering in the future of boating that is electric!