In Search of Sustainability: Technology Is the Easy Part
In the eight years since we kicked off 2GreenEnergy, many readers have noticed a shift in focus, namely, fewer posts of technology and more on the politics that surround global sustainability. There’s exactly one reason for this, and it’s summed up beautifully on the left by Gus Speth, American environmental lawyer and advocate.
Craig,
It’s very hard to reply without ruffling feathers and risking causing offense, but here goes…
Gus Speth American is environmental lawyer and, like yourself, an advocate.
Therein lies the dilemma. Naturally, Gus Speth can’t correctly diagnose a solution for a problem when he himself is the problem !
The turn of the century saw the rise of a huge environmental movement which rapidly became a home for leftist ideologues and fellow travelers.
Simultaneously with the politicization of environmentalism,came increasing numbers of “professional” eco- scientists, media, lawyers, academics, advocates etc, all with a vested stake in obtaining massive public funding and committed to all kinds of social engineering.
The discovery that the general public quickly grew tired of these self appointed fanatics and moved on, has led to an out outpouring of rage and frustration, especially from advocates etc.
What Gus Seth is really expressing is frustration at discovering people no longer agree with his definition, vision, ideology or political beliefs.
In his frustration he lashes out, describing those don’t share his politics as “selfish, greedy and apathetic”. It tough when others no longer want to play your game, but resorting to bitterness and abuse is just counter-productive.
I regard myself as a modestly successful practical environmentalist. I’m spent the last twenty years as an investor and early adopter of environmentally beneficial and clean(er) technology.
On arrival back in the Australian spring, I was startled to be warned by a bevy of ‘scientists’ of international repute with media in hyper-drive and my leftist state government in a state of panic !
Why ? Well, like the other 5 million inhabitants of my region I was solemnly informed that as a result of ‘climate change’, Armageddon in the form of a massive deluge of rain, hail and raging storms, the like of which had never be seem before, was about to devastate my city and surrounding areas.
Those who expressed doubt were silenced by the voice of scientific consensus and called “selfish, greedy and apathetic etc”.
Naturally, it was somewhat disconcerting when this cataclysmic event turned to be no more than the usual light spring rain before the summer. Even more disconcerting was the ‘scientific’ explanation as to how climate change had prevented the storm !
Joe Public remains very interested and committed to clean(er) technology, he just doesn’t want to subscribe to a confused leftist political ideology morphing into a quasi-religion.
That might be hard for you to understand, but then that’s your problem, not Joe Public’s.
“It’s very hard to reply without ruffling feathers and risking causing offense, but here goes..” Give us a break. As if there’s another reason you’re here. What’s your motivation? Who pays you? Who knows, when you’re too cowed to use your real name. I’m Craig Shields, and, unlike you, I proudly stand behind my ideas.
Craig,
What an extraordinary outburst !
If you pose a question you must accept others may reply with an answer or opinion that doesn’t suit your beliefs. That’s the point of discussion and debate, it’s a learning process, not a group of sycophants agreeing with their Guru.
Of course you are fully entitled to ” proudly stand behind your ideas “. You wouldn’t be the man of integrity we know you to be if you didn’t :). But does that mean your ideas are infallible and beyond dissent ?
Unlike you, my position and profession means I’m obliged to remain anonymous when speaking freely on public forums. The internet allows me the luxury of participating in discussions and debates without having to worry about ethical and legal restrictions. (that doesn’t mean I’m unethical :))
I’m certainly not ‘cowed’, or paid for my forum contributions (I can’t think of anyone who would pay me!But I’m certainly open to offers)
My concern is your voice as an advocate for clean technology and practical environmental issues is being dimmed by your self-confessed increasing obsession with extraneous, and often bitter political conflicts.
Of course you’re entitled to your political beliefs, but what if by concentrating on political issues,your effectiveness as an advocate for clean tech and other environmental issues is reduced ?
There are thousands of professional political advocates and commentators all screaming “Hooray for my side”. A vast mind-numbing cacophony. I would suggest the world needs less of these commentators and more thoughtful, practical “Clean Tech’ advocates, enthusing about advances in environmental technology.
The current administration will pass by just as the latest fad or ‘crusade’ will be yesterdays fish wrapper. Extremism never lasts. Hype and frenzy grows wearisome and eventually exhausts itself.
Today I attended a demonstration by a group on New Zealand scientists who have developed a brilliant new method of economically reducing the number of male calves born to dairy cows.
The savings to the Dairy industry and the ability to increase milk powder (baby formula) production at a much lower cost is a huge boon to the industry, health and prosperity.
The environmental benefits are also considerable as methane emission from these livestock will be reduced by 95%.
As the level of political debate deteriorates to puerile brawling, don’t you find comfort in the advances by Dr Brett Ogilvie and his team at Engender Technologies, and thousands like him across the planet are dedicated to introducing the exciting new technologies that will have profound effects on the way generations live, long after all the current political screaming and divisiveness is forgotten ?
In the valley where I farm in Australia, the impact of the PRC no longer buying our recycled rubbish will have a decidedly negative impact on recycling and our community. Not as great as in the cities, but an environmental and economic impact just the same. My neighbors and I could rely upon political agitation to force a “government” led ‘solution’ or we can solve the problem ourselves with innovative technology. Once we solve the problem at a local level, we can lead by example.
Anyway, that’s just my opinion.