I was reading the news about climate change as I frequently do. An AP piece about an increased level of US Chinese cooperation on fighting Climate Change titled Obama's unlikely climate change partner: China The article was interesting and informative, then I came to this word that jumped out at me:
By Josh Leaderman
China's environmental imperatives are clear: suffocating smog in Beijing, rising sea levels and polluted water and soil that can stifle development. Already vying with the U.S. as the world's largest manufacturer, China looks at policies that constrain industry growth differently than other, largely agricultural developing nations in Africa or Asia.
Beijing may also see renewable and clean energy as a growing global fad and want to ensure they're not left out. In 2010, China's government spent more than $30 billion subsidizing its solar panel industry, U.S. energy officials said. And the U.S. shale natural gas boom is attracting major Chinese investment, too.
Fad. noun
a temporary fashion, notion, manner of conduct
Dictionary.com Unabridged
There is nothing temporary about an economy relying on sustainable clean energy.
Temporary however IS an accurate description of an economy dependent on unsustainable dirty energy.
Burning enormous quantities of oil and coal are the real fads. The oil and coal fad is coming to its conclusion. Its not a fashion choice, its an essential choice of our civilization's continued survival.
Sustainability not a fad.