The choice is difficult: plan ahead for sustainable energy policies that benefit all of us in the long run, or provide needed jobs now?
When things are going fine economically, people tend to prioritize environmental initiatives. But once it gets economically tougher, the green initiatives tend to go out the window.
Witness Australia, where a few years back the people voted climate change as a top concern. But now, with Australia facing rising interest rates and job loss, the top priority is now saving jobs. Fighting climate change has fallen to seventh in public opinion polls.
Still, Australia, the hottest driest continent on Earth, is committed to cutting carbon emissions by 5% by 2020.
If there is strong international support, the Australian government would like to increase it to 25%.
Australia is the world’s biggest coal exporter, and plays a key role in coal-fired energy production. Any move they make will be huge.
It’s the short-term view that will keep on destroying the environment. And when we say environment, we are talking about our planet. Our rivers, lakes, oceans, air, wildlife, - we are its caretakers. We owe something to all who will pass through in the future, including our children, our children’s children, and on forever.
Only by taking a long-term view can we change the destructive path we now tread. The end result of our human economy is waste, poison, chemicals, and garbage.
Looking down the road we can see the huge mess we’ll eventually all choke on.
The Green Man Blog is written to spread environmental awareness and appreciation of the natural world around us. Thank you for visiting! Stay green, support the organic movement, and be sure to visit www.greenmantshirts.com or www.robjuszak.com for the best in organic cotton and bamboo t shirts!
