Quote:
Originally Posted by Zylark
We agree totally. Our actions do have an impact on nature, and we really need to reduce this to the bare minimum that is pragmatic and feasible. One of the requirements and cornerstones for a sustainable development really.
I'm no big fan of consumerism, and certainly not neo-liberalism and global unrestricted capitalism. One easy step to a significant reduction of emissions for example would be to reintroduce tariffs to equalize the cost of import produce (from low labor cost countries) and locally made equivalents. And introduce taxes on international moneytransfers. Overnight you'd stop industrial out-sourcing and a sizeable chunk of global transport whilst revitalizing local industry.
Item two, would be to plug everone into a clean powergrid. Utilizing thorium based (and safe, non-weaponsgrade fuel byproducts to boot) nuclear reactors in the thousands. A totally necessary step if we want to make fossil fueled cars and other transport be a thing of the past and close down seriously polluting fossil-fueled powerplants. Hydroelectric power development is also a great source of energy. Wind and solarpower is rather too unstable in most places on earth unfortunately. But carpeting vast areas of desert with solar powerplants is a feasible option.
Thirdly is industries duty to follow the entire lifecycle of their products. From it rolled out of the factory, via the consumer to recycling. That would emphasize the need to design products with recycling in mind, making the process easier and more efficient.
And there is tons more that could be done.
Some would require a change in our current culture (not necessarily a degradation, but a change nonetheless), but if it helps the enviroment and also shrinks the gap between the rich and poor nations, I won't complain. Not that I'm all that obsessed by consumerism in the first place. I hate shopping for anything else than electronics and food/beer 
Oh, and I'm male btw  |
Ah, in that case, I do believe I misunderstood and paid a bit too much attention to the focal point of what you said, that being the future problems needing research, and not enough attention to the not-as-stressed concerns for our current situation. Upon review, I realize you did actually state possible ways to help our current situation, and I sort of passed oer them in my mind.
Also, nothing but excellent ideas and statemets in this post!! I don't think I've ever heard of more do-able ideas in any research I've done (which,I guiltily admit, isn't much). I agree with you completely in that case, and am more than anxious to see the changes you've proposed take place! Haha