It came as no surprise to read the article in Wednesday’s Tennessean regarding the risk posed by newly minted Republican-dominated government at both state and federal levels to continued progress in developing “green jobs” and a stronger economy based on clean, renewable energy.. For those like Rep. Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin, who are unwilling or unable to accept the consensus of the international scientific community on the nature and reality of climate change as a cause for concern, let’s just take that right off the table and reframe the discussion on why this country needs clean, renewable energy right now.
Let’s talk about dramatically increased asthma rates in children, as a result of the huge quantities of toxic waste dumped into our air every day from the burning of coal. Let’s talk about “mountain-top removal” mining, and the destruction of our American heritage of mountains, wildlife and biodiversity for the short-term profits of coal companies, or the loss of thousands of streams and waterways from the massive dumping of toxic waste and debris into valleys below these mining sites, or the ash and sludge created at the utility plants in the burning of coal, such as that which escaped it’s containment in Harriman, TN last December to wreak havoc on hundreds of acres of land, houses, property and portions of the Emory and Clinch Rivers.
Let’s talk about the myth of “clean coal”, dependent upon a technology called carbon-sequestration, which is still probably decades from being proven safe and therefore does NOT currently exist as a viable mainstream option, despite artificial claims to the contrary.
Then there’s the continued, serious risk to our national security posed by the importation of large quantities of oil from the middle east, or the fact that global oil production is already at or beyond the peak from which a gap between decreasing supply and increasing demand will create an unstable market and ever-increasing costs for energy, gasoline and other products or services derived from these sources (like most of our industrialized food supply, for one).
But, even more importantly, let’s discuss the enormous potential of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and “second generation” biofuels to completely reinvigorate our economy, creating many thousands of new jobs in Tennessee and throughout the country while ensuring that the United States can remain competitive in the global marketplace for these technologies of the future.
If we even took a small fraction of the subsidies our government continues to grant to coal and oil companies in maintaining the status quo, and reinvested it in renewable energy incentives, research and development, the sky is the limit on what we might achieve. On the other hand, if we allow our senators and congressman to attempt to repeal environmental protections, to undo progress already achieved, to stall and delay on supporting a national renewable energy standard or to reject increased funding and development of these clean energy technologies that are already defining the global marketplace and will continue to do so at a steadily accelerating pace, we will ultimately be the greatest losers of all.
Pay attention, America – your future is at stake.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Seizing an Evolutionary Moment
Written June 15th, 2010
As I write these words, a singular tragedy continues to unfold, as it has done now for over two months. Unparalleled in the scope of it’s devastation, it fouls the vibrant and vital waters of the Gulf of Mexico, poisons the life therein, stains and chokes endless miles of shoreline, wetlands and marshes leaving birds, fish and countless other species to struggle and die in it’s toxic wake, and destroys the livelihoods of countless fishermen and tradesmiths of the tourism industries along the coast of Louisiana and beyond.
For those of us not unlucky enough to be experiencing it’s effects first-hand, the impact is profound nonetheless. There is a sense of helplessness and outrage as we stand by, viewing daily pictures of oil-coated pelicans and wondering how a corporate giant like BP is somehow given “rubber-stamp” approval to proceed with deep-sea drilling - one of the most inarguably dangerous fuel extraction methods that exists – without massive oversight by the Minerals Management Services, a U. S. government regulatory agency designed at least in part to enforce equipment safety standards, best practices and emergency preparedness in such operations for the protection of all. In the case of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion on April 20th, 2010, which killed 11 people, injured others and caused massive breaks in pipelines from wells a mile below the water’s surface which continue to spew sludgy crude oil at a rate far greater than any attempt thus far to capture it, all of these were blatantly lacking.
As we have now discovered, there is documented evidence to suggest not only that the MMS was complicit in allowing their buddies at BP to proceed without such scrutiny, but that corners were cut by BP operations management, knowingly and against the recommendations of multiple on-site engineers, that greatly increased the risk for such a calamity as that which we are now experiencing. No doubt there are further revelations of this kind waiting to be uncovered as both independent and official investigations continue. Therein lies the greatest tragedy of all; that - but for human folly, greed and failed vision - all of these far-reaching, irremediable consequences, as well as those yet to unfold, may have been avoided.
For most of us, this also provides clear proof of two key concepts:
First, that bold action toward a strong national clean energy policy - one which no longer rewards the coal and oil industries with massive tax breaks and government subsidies for compromising our national security, destabilizing the planet, polluting the air and water, compromising human health, accelerating the pace of climate change, suppressing innovation, stifling new markets and stopping the creation of countless new jobs in those markets - is truly what we now need and must DEMAND from our leaders as a major priority. Just imagine the possibilities of reform if, for instance, such mind-bending sums of money could be reallocated toward funding and incentives for industries, businesses, education and research that would greatly accelerate the changes we so desperately need. Whether in the realm of solar, wind, hydropower, advanced biofuels, or some technology not yet discovered or brought to the mainstream, the possibilities lay before us, “shining like a new dime”.
Second, we must acknowledge that our own continued complicity - and complacency – with an ultra-American, hyper-individualized, consumer-driven and ultimately unsustainable lifestyle that celebrates waste and reinforces our dependence on fossil fuels is absolutely something we can - and MUST - learn to modify. If we support clean energy reform ideologically, but do not look at our own consumption habits as a key component of that reform, we achieve nothing but to perpetuate the status quo. Whether at the gas pump or the grocery store, we cast our votes each and every day for the kind of future we REALLY want to create. There is so much we can do that requires minimal “sacrifice”, and actually improves our total health and well-being by restoring us to a more balanced awareness of, and sacred connection to, our place within the larger dance of life.
My prayer, dear reader, is that by the time you see these words, an effective “tourniquet” will have been found to stop the gaping wounds we all helped to create in the Gulf. But real healing will only begin when - and if - we acknowledge the larger implications of the damage done in choosing the road ahead.
As I write these words, a singular tragedy continues to unfold, as it has done now for over two months. Unparalleled in the scope of it’s devastation, it fouls the vibrant and vital waters of the Gulf of Mexico, poisons the life therein, stains and chokes endless miles of shoreline, wetlands and marshes leaving birds, fish and countless other species to struggle and die in it’s toxic wake, and destroys the livelihoods of countless fishermen and tradesmiths of the tourism industries along the coast of Louisiana and beyond.
For those of us not unlucky enough to be experiencing it’s effects first-hand, the impact is profound nonetheless. There is a sense of helplessness and outrage as we stand by, viewing daily pictures of oil-coated pelicans and wondering how a corporate giant like BP is somehow given “rubber-stamp” approval to proceed with deep-sea drilling - one of the most inarguably dangerous fuel extraction methods that exists – without massive oversight by the Minerals Management Services, a U. S. government regulatory agency designed at least in part to enforce equipment safety standards, best practices and emergency preparedness in such operations for the protection of all. In the case of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion on April 20th, 2010, which killed 11 people, injured others and caused massive breaks in pipelines from wells a mile below the water’s surface which continue to spew sludgy crude oil at a rate far greater than any attempt thus far to capture it, all of these were blatantly lacking.
As we have now discovered, there is documented evidence to suggest not only that the MMS was complicit in allowing their buddies at BP to proceed without such scrutiny, but that corners were cut by BP operations management, knowingly and against the recommendations of multiple on-site engineers, that greatly increased the risk for such a calamity as that which we are now experiencing. No doubt there are further revelations of this kind waiting to be uncovered as both independent and official investigations continue. Therein lies the greatest tragedy of all; that - but for human folly, greed and failed vision - all of these far-reaching, irremediable consequences, as well as those yet to unfold, may have been avoided.
For most of us, this also provides clear proof of two key concepts:
First, that bold action toward a strong national clean energy policy - one which no longer rewards the coal and oil industries with massive tax breaks and government subsidies for compromising our national security, destabilizing the planet, polluting the air and water, compromising human health, accelerating the pace of climate change, suppressing innovation, stifling new markets and stopping the creation of countless new jobs in those markets - is truly what we now need and must DEMAND from our leaders as a major priority. Just imagine the possibilities of reform if, for instance, such mind-bending sums of money could be reallocated toward funding and incentives for industries, businesses, education and research that would greatly accelerate the changes we so desperately need. Whether in the realm of solar, wind, hydropower, advanced biofuels, or some technology not yet discovered or brought to the mainstream, the possibilities lay before us, “shining like a new dime”.
Second, we must acknowledge that our own continued complicity - and complacency – with an ultra-American, hyper-individualized, consumer-driven and ultimately unsustainable lifestyle that celebrates waste and reinforces our dependence on fossil fuels is absolutely something we can - and MUST - learn to modify. If we support clean energy reform ideologically, but do not look at our own consumption habits as a key component of that reform, we achieve nothing but to perpetuate the status quo. Whether at the gas pump or the grocery store, we cast our votes each and every day for the kind of future we REALLY want to create. There is so much we can do that requires minimal “sacrifice”, and actually improves our total health and well-being by restoring us to a more balanced awareness of, and sacred connection to, our place within the larger dance of life.
My prayer, dear reader, is that by the time you see these words, an effective “tourniquet” will have been found to stop the gaping wounds we all helped to create in the Gulf. But real healing will only begin when - and if - we acknowledge the larger implications of the damage done in choosing the road ahead.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
What Now?
As I sip my tea this morning, I'm contemplating the recent Supreme Court ruling that the government may not ban political spending by corporations in candidate elections, which, alongside the fact that a bill has recently been introduced in the TN Legislature (House Bill 0614) which is designed to delay the enactment of the Tennessee Voter Confidence Act and gut the audit provisions by prohibiting the implementation of new voting machines that leave a paper trail, most certainly tolls a further death knell to the survival of fair and uncorrupted elections, and ultimately to our democracy (with a small "d"). It's a sad moment when you realize that a great many of your elected leaders, and 5 out of 9 Supreme Court Judges, feel greater concern for the welfare and well-being of the richest corporate entities in the world, and their insidious and destructive influence on our ability to choose whom we wish to represent us based on factual data rather than lies, distortions and deliberate misinformation, than they do for the American people - or at least those of us who do not constitute the wealthiest 5%.
At the same time, the market is flooded with books and articles predicting the imminent collapse of our ecological, social and economic systems as a natural outcome of over-consumption, ever-increasing debt, exponential population growth, pollution and deforestation, species extinction and habitat loss, ecosystem disruption, mass depletion of essential resources such as water and petroleum (not to mention arable land, living soil, natural gas, essential minerals such as iron ore, and much more), and of course good old climate change, bringing an assortment of goodies our way including ocean acidification, sea-level rise and plankton die-off, erratic weather patterns, flooding and desertification... the list goes on and on.
These are not cheerful subjects to contemplate - yet contemplate them we must, if we are to find some way of creating the changes necessary to avert worst case scenarios and begin in earnest to descend the slippery slope of our addiction to... basically everything. Does this mean we need to work entirely outside existing, established structures and paradigms in order to do so? Is capitalism, with it's insistent mantra of perpetual growth on a finite planet, now revealing it's identity as a system that has become utterly obsolete - despite outraged protests to the contrary, shouted mainly from the corporate-worshipping political Right? Is it even realistic to imagine there is anything to be done in such a well-rounded predicament but to sigh and capitulate, allowing the numbness of denial to wash over us once again and temporarily quell the growing sense of helplessness? Quitting IS, in fact, an option - but it's not nearly as compelling as the struggle to awaken to a deeper meaning, a deeper - and perhaps radically altered - understanding of our place in the world. I think I'll stick around and see what happens next.
At the same time, the market is flooded with books and articles predicting the imminent collapse of our ecological, social and economic systems as a natural outcome of over-consumption, ever-increasing debt, exponential population growth, pollution and deforestation, species extinction and habitat loss, ecosystem disruption, mass depletion of essential resources such as water and petroleum (not to mention arable land, living soil, natural gas, essential minerals such as iron ore, and much more), and of course good old climate change, bringing an assortment of goodies our way including ocean acidification, sea-level rise and plankton die-off, erratic weather patterns, flooding and desertification... the list goes on and on.
These are not cheerful subjects to contemplate - yet contemplate them we must, if we are to find some way of creating the changes necessary to avert worst case scenarios and begin in earnest to descend the slippery slope of our addiction to... basically everything. Does this mean we need to work entirely outside existing, established structures and paradigms in order to do so? Is capitalism, with it's insistent mantra of perpetual growth on a finite planet, now revealing it's identity as a system that has become utterly obsolete - despite outraged protests to the contrary, shouted mainly from the corporate-worshipping political Right? Is it even realistic to imagine there is anything to be done in such a well-rounded predicament but to sigh and capitulate, allowing the numbness of denial to wash over us once again and temporarily quell the growing sense of helplessness? Quitting IS, in fact, an option - but it's not nearly as compelling as the struggle to awaken to a deeper meaning, a deeper - and perhaps radically altered - understanding of our place in the world. I think I'll stick around and see what happens next.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Weeds, winter gardens and “Garbage Dreams”…
What a day! I spent a lovely, crisp morning learning about wild edibles and the fine art of winter gardening from Cindy Moonrose (a recent guest on our show). I was one of a group of eight enthusiastic “students”, wandering from garden to garden on a patch of the beautiful 27 acre homestead Cindy shares with husband Martin (also an avid gardener and ecologist) in west Nashville, and learning so much from her expertise, gained through years of applied study. Fun, exhilarating and very worthwhile for the aspiring gardener like me!
This afternoon I attended a viewing of a powerful documentary at the Nashville Public Library, as part of their “Independent Lens” series, a collection of independently created documentaries shown weekly on PBS subsidiaries around the country (here in Nashville it’s NPT / channel 8, Tuesdays at 9pm) covering a wide array of subject matter and focused on people, communities and issues often overlooked by more mainstream films and media.
“Garbage Dreams” tells the story of the Zaballeen, the poorest class of people living on the edge of Cairo, Egypt who have made their living almost exclusively from the collection and recycling of Cairo’s garbage for over 100 years. Now their only livelihood is being eroded as Cairo’s government has contracted with foreign companies to fulfill this job; companies with far more revenue, technology and equipment than that of the Zaballeen, whose population of 60,000 is largely uneducated and illiterate. The documentary depicts their struggle to be recognized and valued by Cairo residents and government officials for their superior experience and handling of the waste (80% is separated by hand for recycling by the Zaballeen, as opposed to the foreign companies’ recycling rate of only 20%), as seen through the eyes of three young men; Adahm, Osama, and Nabil. Each of these teenagers must choose their response to the crisis being faced by their people, and the realization that the only way of life they’ve ever known is slipping away.
The viewer is also confronted with a stark depiction of a people whose level of poverty and exposure to health risks and disease through the direct handling of garbage would seem intolerable to most. Even young children wade routinely through this sea of debris that fills every corner of their neighborhoods, and begin working with it at an age that would surely seem a violation of child labor laws in order to help support the family. Yet despite these grim realities, there is a strong sense of community, of faith, and even of happiness among the Zaballeen people. This is exemplified beautifully in the passionate spirit of one woman, a caring social worker in her community and a tireless champion and advocate for the rights and dignity of her people.
I was deeply moved by the plight of these people, by their meager existence and their amazing will to survive. While not as blatantly devastating as the recent earthquake in Haiti and the untold suffering and loss of life there, I was reminded, as I was with the stories of Haitians young and old who remained trapped under rubble for days and still managed to smile and give thanks to God when rescued, of the power of the human spirit to overcome seemingly impossible odds and still find life, love and gratitude. Despite the presence of darkness, one is humbled and inspired by the light.
This afternoon I attended a viewing of a powerful documentary at the Nashville Public Library, as part of their “Independent Lens” series, a collection of independently created documentaries shown weekly on PBS subsidiaries around the country (here in Nashville it’s NPT / channel 8, Tuesdays at 9pm) covering a wide array of subject matter and focused on people, communities and issues often overlooked by more mainstream films and media.
“Garbage Dreams” tells the story of the Zaballeen, the poorest class of people living on the edge of Cairo, Egypt who have made their living almost exclusively from the collection and recycling of Cairo’s garbage for over 100 years. Now their only livelihood is being eroded as Cairo’s government has contracted with foreign companies to fulfill this job; companies with far more revenue, technology and equipment than that of the Zaballeen, whose population of 60,000 is largely uneducated and illiterate. The documentary depicts their struggle to be recognized and valued by Cairo residents and government officials for their superior experience and handling of the waste (80% is separated by hand for recycling by the Zaballeen, as opposed to the foreign companies’ recycling rate of only 20%), as seen through the eyes of three young men; Adahm, Osama, and Nabil. Each of these teenagers must choose their response to the crisis being faced by their people, and the realization that the only way of life they’ve ever known is slipping away.
The viewer is also confronted with a stark depiction of a people whose level of poverty and exposure to health risks and disease through the direct handling of garbage would seem intolerable to most. Even young children wade routinely through this sea of debris that fills every corner of their neighborhoods, and begin working with it at an age that would surely seem a violation of child labor laws in order to help support the family. Yet despite these grim realities, there is a strong sense of community, of faith, and even of happiness among the Zaballeen people. This is exemplified beautifully in the passionate spirit of one woman, a caring social worker in her community and a tireless champion and advocate for the rights and dignity of her people.
I was deeply moved by the plight of these people, by their meager existence and their amazing will to survive. While not as blatantly devastating as the recent earthquake in Haiti and the untold suffering and loss of life there, I was reminded, as I was with the stories of Haitians young and old who remained trapped under rubble for days and still managed to smile and give thanks to God when rescued, of the power of the human spirit to overcome seemingly impossible odds and still find life, love and gratitude. Despite the presence of darkness, one is humbled and inspired by the light.
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