On one level I don’t care about global warming, because it doesn’t matter. On the other, I know it is an incredibly important concern, one that may have drastic effects on society. However, because it has become politicized and polarized, I have steered clear of it. I am a science teacher, but not entirely a scientist in the traditional white lab coat sense of the word. I like to stick to the verifiable and the quantifiable. I do not pretend to know all of the data surrounding global warming – from both sides of the argument – and do not have the background of a debater to refute seemingly specious arguments that “deniers” or skeptics make. Skepticism is one of the fundamental “Habits of Mind” for scientists (along with the incredibly important habits of “tolerating uncertainty”, maintaining “openness to new ideas”, and exhibiting “intellectual honesty”). The latter of which may have been violated in last year’s debate over hacked emails from East Anglia University’s Climate Research Unit in England. However, there is a point at which healthy skepticism may be overtaken by radicalism.
What I do care about – which should be readily apparent for those that read my posts – is ushering in an era of sustainable development. We MUST use resources wisely. This is especially true of non-renewable resources. The rampant consumption and population explosion of the post-industrial era is by definition unsustainable. Looking to nature for answers may be the best option for survival and potential prosperity. I do not believe in doom and gloom prophecies, rather, I find them to be counter-productive. What I do believe in, however, is working toward a common goal: sustainable development. For me, 2nd Green Revolution represents one facet of that goal; namely, trying to spread the word about companies, products, and projects in clean energy and sustainability.
The time has come to move past moot debate and into the all important phases of developing a regenerative economy. Continuing to consume finite resources does not represent a sustainable pathway. Instead, let’s work together to find a way forward. Join us for the second green revolution.
[image credit]
Posted in 
Tags: 
