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Living in the future

By John Töns - posted Tuesday, 20 May 2008


Of course there are those who argue that climate change is simply a myth, peddled by those dangerous, subversives: those environmental terrorists. But even they would surely concede that the resources on which our 21st century lifestyle is based are finite? Surely they would recognise that it would be in our interests to move towards a zero carbon environment that endeavours to mimic the natural world of growth, decline, decay and renewal?

Possibly I am asking too much, for there is simply too much at stake - the short term profits of those corporate giants that are addicted to maintaining the illusion of an infinite resource boom against the long term interests of the planet.

Our real challenge lies in developing a 21st century lifestyle that enables us to cope with global warming in a sustainable manner. While one can develop sound ethical arguments for sustainable development for those not persuaded by the ethics we can appeal to self interest - sustainability is also about ensuring that there is a future in which we may live.

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So, are there any off the shelf strategies that will enable us to live in a sustainable future? Here are some ideas:

All businesses need to reduce their energy usage by 20 per cent a year for the next five years. (In otherwords by 66 per cent over a five-year period.) Every target reached will attract a significant tax break - the size of the tax break would be determined by charging a substantial penalty to those businesses that fail to meet the target.

Impossible, I hear. Yet those efficiencies can be achieved with current technology. What is more, even without any tax incentives, the savings alone will more than cover the cost of implementation. (Instead of tax breaks the government could offer interest free loans to cover the cost of implementation to be paid for out of the savings achieved over a five-year period - on that basis the saving is cost neutral.)

All consumer durables would be sold on a lease and return basis. What this means is that when you buy a fridge the manufacturer of the fridge retains responsibility for the repair of the fridge, for its lifetime. And at the end of its useful life the manufacturer must take the fridge back.

How will this help? It will mean that manufacturers can plan accurately how many fridges they need to produce, but it will also mean that they will be encouraged to build consumables out of materials that are recyclable thus reducing the overall strain on the environment. (Too hard? Well Germany is already doing this.)

No doubt there are other ideas out there - so let’s start sharing them. Let’s not waste any more energy talking to those who are convinced that global warming and environmental degradation are dangerous myths. Instead, we should pour our energies into describing the vision of the sort of world we can begin to build now. Leave the nay sayers to mutter to themselves for they are unassailable in their ignorance and given that ignorance is bliss why should we deny them that bliss?

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So add your ideas, your knowledge, whether it is a solar powered car or a new way of organising our lives. It is time we start sharing our solutions.

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About the Author

John Töns is President of the Zero Carbon Network a network established to promote clear thinking about the issues associated with climate change. In addition to operating the only zero carbon boarding kennels in South Australia he is also completing a PhD at Flinders University in the area of Global Justice. John is a founding member of a new political party Stop Population Growth Now.

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