The Environment and The Economy

As a major supporter of "the environment first," I may return to the environment a few times. By "the environment first," I mean that environmental issues are the most pressing and important issues because they will effect everyone. As the most politically and economically powerful nation on the planet, it is our duty to make sure we stand out as a role model on environmental policy. Sadly, we do not even approach this standard.

An unfortunate fact of American government is that the wealthy control much of the actual decision making. Though a poor man has as much voting decision as Bill Gates, what the candidate running for office will undoubtedly be wealthy enough to actually run for office. As stated previously, this is a grievous flaw that must be changed. However, money also brings power in the form of lobbying government. A general citizen cannot simply approach their local senator or congressperson. They must visit them in their office, possibly in Washington. The average citizen may not know who his or her congressperson/senators are, and cannot possibly reach them easily. But a certain class of citizens can.

Wealthy CEOs, chairmen, businessman, presidents, and et cetera. The majority of economic politics today is shaped by corporations. And here lies the threat to the environment.

Economics 101 teaches the law of the market system. If I need widgets, and Corporation X sells widgets for $10, then I believe that a widget is worth more than ten bucks, and Corporation X believes it's worth less than ten bucks. However, the market system cannot prevent if these widgets cause toxins to enter the ocean. And preventing these toxins from entering the ocean would raise the price of widgets, causing the consumer to believe widgets are worth less than ten bucks, and possibly not purchase widgets from Corporation X. In real terms, this means corporations do not wish to prevent harm to the environment because it would change their bottom line, or remove their business all together. As stated in previous posts, a billion dollars is worth saving the world. The loss of your job or company is worth saving the world, as well.

But which companies are blocking environmental reform the most? The same ones that cause it. They go by the names of Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron, and many others. The major oil companies, the most powerful organizations in the world, are pleading for their utter survival. And politicians are buying it.

Disgusting. Utterly disgusting.

It's time to make sure the only ones who make government decisions aren't politicians and corporate lobbyists. United States senators and congresspersons should offer easy to access sites to post possible laws and issues. A good webmaster can make sure no death threats or hate mail is posted.

That's enough criticism. Since their power is going to be removed anyway, let's get a possible glimpse of what that could look like.

I personally support the idea of gradual conversion. Alternative energy sources (i.e. nuclear, solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal) should be brought up to 50%. After this point, fossil fuel sources should be dropped, gradually, about 5%-10% per year, to 0. As this occurs, alternatives should raised to 100%. The process should take approximately 20 years (10 for the first 50% rise, 10 for the next 50% rise). Similar ideas could be performed with vehicles.

Hopefully, these ideas will be put into effect. It's time for change.