Quote:
Originally Posted by Cowperson
For environmentalists, the trick they have a hard time with is working towards a goal within the confines of human nature . . . .
Assuming the common human, yes, the selfish, self-absorbed human who loves more and not less, regardless of culture, will gladly live like a monk, versus their previous lifestyle, simply because he/she is educated on a particular environmental issue is a loser strategy most of the time.
Figure out a way to give the common self-absorbed human more in an environmentally friendly way - including a big honking SUV - at the same or lesser cost than a destructive lifestyle and environmentalists will have something they can push.
Otherwise, all we know about human nature suggests we'll all just continue to march towards the abyss, doing the easy work of procrastinating while letting the guy next door do the worrying.
It will also be interesting to see what happens in 2009 when China, not America, will be the largest CO2 emmitter on the planet.
Cowperson
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What we need is another John F. Kennedy, someone that will challenge America and have them end the dependency on fossil fuels and the carbon economy. Where America goes, the world follows (for now). If America could kick the oil habit, the rest of the world would certainly attempt to do the same. There are all sorts of solutions that could be implemented.
With the right leadership, roof top high efficiency solar panels could become a main staple in homes across America. Household waste plants could generate the energy required to heat and light the dwellings. Electric cars are a very viable solution for most people today. If America were serious about getting off of fossil fuels they would offer dollar for dollar tax credits for implementation of solutions just like this. If the American government were to do just this, I would jump right on board and invest in these technologies today and I know many other people that would do the same. Costs and government regulations prevent the people from doing many of these things right now. The tide must turn and make it not only possible, but advantageous for people to make investments.