Our Success in Clean Energy Is a Function of Our Values

Frequent commenter Don Harmon writes:

How come there are giant hit shows on American TV where all the energy is focused on giving a kid a chance to become the next “American Idol” and there are NO shows on American TV about giving a kid a chance to become employed in the Clean Energy field? When you figure that one out, you will have your answer about America’s future in the next decade as far as holding its own as a super power.

This is precisely correct, Don. When my friend Wally Rippel speaks in public, he often asks the audience to name a famous movie star, then a famous athlete, a famous criminal, and a famous singer. Hands spring up all over the room. Finally, he asks for the name of a famous scientist, and watches as the room fidgets nervously. There, he explains, is where our future lies. Until we value our scientists as much as we value our pop stars, we’re doomed to become a third-rate power.