http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Logo_250X250.jpg http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Background_1024X576.jpg http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Banner_686X60.jpg http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Half-Banner_234X60.jpg http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Logo_250X250 http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Logo-Watermark_250X250.jpg http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Background_1024X576.jpg http://www.bigthink.com/adobe/Half-Banner-ALT_234X60.jpg Bigthink http://www.bigthink.com/feed/rss/comment/idea/9983 Sun, 20 Jul 2008 02:21:41 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/9983 OldSchoolRight has a point, and I'm also a government out of my life type. I just think that we've reached a tipping point with the environment, and while the market needs to make green technologies move, it will likely spend too much time trying to corner too many renewable energy markets and spreading capital too thin for too long. What we need is a definitive study of available options and a government solution that can dedicate as much capital and resources to the most viable option. The solution is going to require a massive, worldwide effort and the sacrifice of nations and citizens of the world. The market doesn't see this reality and won't express it until it's too late. Bigthink Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:10:06 +0100 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/9983/#15200 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/9983 So glad to see you guys are doing an "earth week". I agree with the below comments, but am sure I will have more to say. You guys should interview Majora Carter of the Sustainable South Bronx. She's got amazing things to say on the environment. You're in NYC right? Should be easy to get her. Bigthink Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:32:58 +0100 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/9983/#15198 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/9983 While I agree that something needs to be done about the environment, I'm not sure its the responsibility of the government. I am a government out of my life type of guy. I've run a small company for 15 years and I have to say that while the government tries to help when it comes to regulation, it more often does more harm then good. Regulations are outdated by the time they are put in to effect and I often spend more time and money trying to keep up with new regulations than progressive business practice. I agree with Don that its up to individuals to do something. Look at Richard Branson on this site, HUGE business, but he made the incentive himself. I'd like to see more businesses doing that. Bigthink Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:18:51 +0100 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/9983/#15197 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/9983 I pretty much have nothing more to add to what Hugh and Swedish Chef have said. I think its going to take government action to get people to move. The only think I might say, is that ultimately, it is the individual, the consumer that has the most power to be discriminating in what they purchase, use, throw out etc....The individual can change how businesses practice and what laws the government passes. Bigthink Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:15:58 +0100 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/9983/#15196 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/9983 Absolutely. The US has a unique opportunity to lead in this. While the economy is tanking, why not create a "new deal" like program to give people "green jobs" and let the US lead the world in technological innovation/leadership for this century. Its going to take at least 50-100 years to wean ourselves off oil, why not jump start it? Businesses can start thinking about this now, but really, I think it is going to take a government program to provide incentives for individuals to do this. Bigthink Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:06:45 +0100 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/9983/#15195 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/9983 I definitely think the government needs to take the lead, and make energy independence the "moon shot" of our generation. The market can help, but the process needs to start with policy. Ideas like ethanol are interesting, but how much land and corn can we afford to dedicate to it? This is the kind of question that the government can answer. The nations of the world do need to join forces, but if China isn't on board, it will be an uphill struggle. We need a president willing to sign treaties and build bridges to make it happen. Look at the strides France has made with nuclear technology, or Brazil with bio-fuel, and you'll see the benefits of government initiative and forethought. Paying for it will take leadership and a willingness to tell people the bad news, that they will need to sacrifice today to ensure a brighter future tomorrow. Bigthink Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:36:02 +0100 http://www.bigthink.com/science-technology/the-environment/9983/#15109