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“Do you think this disaster – however unfortunate – is part of the price we must pay to continue to pursue our current energy policy which relies predominately on oil and fossil fuels? – Or – Does this disaster signal that we must immediately discard fossil fuels in favor of developing an entirely new, domestic energy market based on renewable sources like wind and solar – even if it means we must endure a good deal of economic disruption and upheaval in the short term? In short, do you think it is possible to make this difficult shift in policy before we’ve irreparably harmed the global environment or do you feel that we cannot afford to change our energy policies and must focus instead on making the best of the fossil-fuel driven economic situation?”It should be interesting to see how your responses stack up.
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I have such a sense of hopelessness because, in spite of what anyone might want, the powers that be with the big money and influence will be the decision makers, making decisions based on whether or not it will enrich them and their concern won’t be anything outside of that! Try to recall things unfolding in any other fashion than that in recent times – or ever, actually!
Looking at alternative energy sources is unavoidable in my opinion, but in addition we need to reduce our level of energy consumption. I do get overwhelmed and feel helpless when I look at the big picture, but what helps me is to break it down into small steps and see how I can personally make a difference. For me the #1 change is being resourceful. I bring my own bags when I go shopping, have reusable lunch containers and bottles, ride my bicycle or public transportation. These are little things, but if everybody pitches in a little bit, it will make a huge change.
Alternative energy sources should be explored and developed without a doubt. However, we are still a long way off from having something that could actually replace the way we fuel our cars, planes and ships. Financial incentives should be employed for those that develop viable alternative energy sources. In terms of economic upheaval, I would say that we have to be careful that we don’t hurt the people of lesser means when formulating a strategy. Making policies that prevent businesses from being able to hire, or drive up the cost of basic goods and services is counterproductive. In other words, I would advocate a postions that rewards innovation without punishing those who innocent victims of the status quo.
This oil spill is such a tragic event that is happening right now. The outcome and aftermath of it all will affect the entire world, is a horrible disaster to our ecosystem. In my personal opinion, I feel that not much people are realizing the disastrous chain of events that will follow this oil spill. Also, all of the animals that have been affected by a humans huge mistake. There is so much more people could be doing to help but our government took their time. I do find it pretty amazing that an actor, Kevin Costner, is the person that has created a machine to help make things better. I hope that we can have this cleaned up soon because it has been going on way too long.