So I guess today is blog action day where people are supposed to talk about one topic. That topic is “the environment”
For me, “the environment” has a very political connotation. If the topic would have been “nature” or “wilderness” or “outdoors”, I could have talked about my wonderful reverence for earth and the unbelievable beauty of this planet…but instead it makes me think of “global warming” and Al Gore’s nobel prize, which I’m sure will get mentioned in nearly every blog on this topic.
Perhaps, I’m somewhat conflicted on this topic. On one hand I love being outside and cherish the natural wonders of this world, on the other, the whole thing reeks of political propaganda and sensationalism.
I’ve never gone straight to any sources to check the facts….but I have no reason to disbelieve the status quo. I bet there is global warming, and it has been, to some extent, caused by humans….nonetheless, I feel it is all hyperbole, and I don’t like this rush for political action.
From the little bits I’ve gathered about this topic, it sounds like there is still a lot of uncertainty about what the implications of global warming could be. So how can we implement public policies that could have a significant effect on the economy, if we are not even sure what the problem or solution is?
My radical (maybe naive) opinion is to let scientists, engineers, and businesses figure it out in a free market. Don’t subsidize ethanol or oil companies. Don’t impose regulations on businesses or products. Let the market duke it out and see what comes out on top. Let people invest in the research they feel is the most promising. Don’t let the government decide how the money should be allocated….How are bureaucrats in Washington with lobbyist interests breathing down there necks supposed to decide for us what research is valuable and which is not?
If we impose carbon restrictions on cars and companies, what effect will it have on those companies bottom lines? If the cost is great, where will they make cuts….Research and Development? Raise the prices of the products?
I personally believe the human mind is our most valuable (arguably the only) natural resource, and this is what will solve our energy problems. And the best way for the human mind to operate is freely and openly….where companies can invest in Research and Development…rather than trying to conform to some regulation that may or may not have a significant effect.
