In search of the ideal light bulb

For all the high-level conversation about climate action, much progress, or lack of it, will turn on the lowly light bulb. California officials have encouraged the public to install solar panels, buy energy-saving appliances, and drive hybrid and electric vehicles, all for the good. But for all the successes, authorities have not done a great job telling us which light bulbs to screw in. They foisted compact fluorescent bulbs on the unsuspecting but ecologically earnest public during the energy crisis in 2000 and 2001. With rebates, they persuaded many of us that the oddly shaped bulbs were worth the extra cost because of energy savings.