To Our Leaders: Give Us 100% Clean Electricity in 10 Years
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Americans, addicted to oil and quick fixes, embrace a man and a mantra; yet, most are unwilling to envelop themselves in a cause. The public appreciates the need for clean energy. Accolades are bestowed upon the former Vice President, author, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and environmentalist Albert Gore for the work he has done to inform us of an inconvenient truth. Nonetheless, as knowledgeable as the public may be, nothing truly changes.
Intellectually, nearly everyone accepts what a myriad of experts emphasize. The planet is in peril. However, emotionally, few internalize the urgency of what must be a global priority. There is a problem. We cannot wait to employ solutions.
Nonetheless, for the most part, the masses delay. We, the people, pour our bodies into gasoline guzzlers we call cars. We cry out loudly when the price of fossil fuels climbs. Millions moan and groan at the thought of being without a vehicle or petroleum based plastic bags, bottles, or other commodities that produce pollution. We, revel at the possibility that we might own the latest or greatest gadget. A new widget is welcomed into our homes. While the populace complains that today, products have a built in obsolescence, people prefer to trash what is no longer new. For the most part, we are a population of consumers content with what we have. Countless have emotionally closed the door on doing what needs to be done to save the planet.
Land is filled with what was once shiny and sensational. Previously prized possessions are stored in garages and lockers far from the owners who loved these trinkets long ago. Backyards, boulevards, and beaches are strewn with what was valuable way back when. Shores and seas are saturated with treasures now declared garbage. The atmosphere is clogged with chemicals used to produce these favorite assets. Everywhere we turn, there is evidence that mankind has hurt Mother Earth; although a few still claim, humans do not transform the habitat. The devout have faith only the Almighty can alter what is.
These individuals and those who do not share such conviction offer excuses. They may say man is but a speck in the universe and on this planet. Humans have dominion. A single layperson or scientist might suggest these seeming contrary statements concurrently. A solitary sole, so certain that consumption is good, may not perceive the cognitive dissonance that commands him, or her. Few authentically consider the principles of cause and effect.
Most of us just cruise through life. Persons imagine that cannot change what is.
We have all heard the pretext for what might be labeled laissez-faire, a lack of belief in the ability of one little being, or laziness. People profess; economic prosperity and personal freedoms need to be sustained. "Free enterprise will take care of all ills." Supply-and-demand governs the market effectively. If the public wanted renewable energy, certainly entrepreneurs would manufacture products to meet the exigency. Those who prefer a profit-driven system say, man must be able to produce, and even a tree-hugger would agree. A creative productive populace can solve any problem.
However, those whose heart resides with Mother Nature do not think it wise to fabricate what will mar the milieu. Yet, these persons rarely accomplish much to encourage environmental practices. Ecologists frequently bemoan, the people have no political power. Common folks cannot make true change. Big Businesses must provide the means. Helpless and humbled conservationists howl, we cannot cure the climate crisis. We have no clout.
Few, among the masses acknowledge that the people are the power. We have the energy. If the average Joe and Jane enthusiastically, with eager fervor, and a commitment to clean energy insist that our Representatives free us from the constraints of fossil fuels, they will. Their livelihood and lives, just as ours, depends on renewable sources for propulsion and production. When the masses are resolute, Congress, and corporations, respond.
Purposeful people can move manufacturers. If the whole of the people adamantly avow and act on a promise not to purchase merchandise manufactured in a manner that is perilous to the planet, much will be done. A dedicated population has the power to solve an energy crisis and a climate catastrophe. Together, we can overcome what has been a tremendous obstacle. United, we need not be a culture critically void of dynamic concern. We the people can free ourselves from the restraints that bind us. We need not rely on a man or a mantra. We can solve it all, if each of us begins with me.
Please sign petitions. Write to Congresspersons and Chief Executive Officers. Purchase no wares that pollute. Participate not in political actions that advocate policies that add to the concern for climate crisis. Speak out and act in accordance to your environmentally friendly beliefs. I, we thank you.
We Can Solve the Climate Crisis Together . . .