Doing the Math to Prevent Dangerous Climate Change
Even if we imagine strong efficiency measures and smart technology switches, we should not kid ourselves about the scale of the energy challenge which would remain. We need an energy plan that adds up. It is not going to be easy, but it is possible.
Peak Oil: A Dark Look Into Our Future
Blind Spot is a documentary that illustrates the current energy crisis that our way of life is facing. Whatever the measures of greed, wishful thinking, neglect or ignorance, we have put ourselves at a crossroad which offers two paths, both with dire consequences. If we continue to burn fossil fuels we will choke the life out of the planet and if we don’t our way of life will collapse.
Columnist Ray Grigg: Need for energy fostering environmental destruction
We need more electricity to keep our high energy lifestyle functioning, and more oil to keep our transportation systems moving. We need more land to feed our growing populations, more oceans to supply our fish, more resources to fuel our industries, and more consumption to satisfy our corporations. So we can always find the justification for destroying something we haven’t yet ruined.
Professor Andrew Weaver: Will Environmentalists Stand With Science?
Environmental organizations and citizen groups will have to work constructively to support emissions-free energy options. Modern society has no choice but to move toward carbon neutrality if we hope to preserve our well-being. Emissions-free energy production is the only means of getting there.
Van Jones: Ditch Green Elitism
The vital point of Van Jones’ message is inclusion. Exclusivity has crept into the green movement because fear has long been the normal mode for humans faced with change. Video of Jones speaking at Power Shift 2009 Youth Conference.
Today’s Hot Topic: Solar Power (two articles from BC-SEA)
Guy Dauncey of BC-SEA recited a list of recommendations to boost solar hot water installation in the province. He said these systems should be a requirement for new buildings and individuals should receive a 100 per cent tax credit towards them. Dauncey also called for standardized training for solar installation in colleges and apprenticeship programs.
Unlimited growth on a planet with finite resources must end
The economic crisis could be “just the thing” to galvanise governments into making the deep radical changes to set the world’s economies on a more environmentally sustainable track, he added. Mr de Boer, who heads negotiations within the UN climate convention, said developments in Beijing and Washington were signs that governments were using the economic troubles as a window of opportunity for reforming their economies.
Obama and Coal
The support for coal from Obama and politicians who are otherwise liberal- or progressive-minded is primarily a political response. It’s because they’re afraid of being targeted by the coal lobby. During first 100 days of the Obama administration people and groups around the country are urged to join or initiate an action which highlights the power past coal message. See the Power Past Coal website.
