Improving Humanity

I'm sold. It takes a little while to convince a skeptic, but I admit that Global Warming is probably caused by humans. Let me preface all of this by first stating that the solutions presented as means to combat global warming have all been crap up to this point. Over the next few years more consumer solutions will be cropping up to provide reasonable alternatives to not only CO2 producing energy sources, but the energy market in general. From personal wind generators to more affordable and efficient photovoltaic systems. The cheapest consumer solution is a switch to nuclear power, with additional research and investments for low waste nuclear energy in the form of fast breeder reactors. I don't think commoditized renewable energy is cheap enough nor neutral enough to the environment to provide a permanent solution. From the disruption of life in Hydroelectric dams to the huge mineral and agricultural costs of short term biomass fuels (Ethanol, Biodiesel). Short term biomass fuels can provide a needed relief from the oil based economy but its not going to save the environment. The land needed, mineral depletion of crop lands, and deforestation necessary to accomodate the increased farm land would serve more to harm the environment than it would to curb our positive output of CO2.

I fail to understand the continued hatred of all things nuclear. Actual I do understand it. It has more to do with the Incredible Hulk than Chernobyl. Sort of like how Al Gore has more to do with Global warming information than the smartest at NASA. Barring nuclear use, it will soon come time to put your money where your mouth is. Time for all the Kyoto protocol adherants to invest in personal photovoltaics for your home. If you can't afford it, what makes you think the rest of us can afford such a large economic shift?

I came across an article on the BBC news website that pinpoints some of my thoughts related to global warming and global warming solutions.

Sometimes, simple ideas are the best ones. And what could be simpler than prioritisation? Nobody can do everything at once. We prioritise in our private lives every day. When we budget. When we plan our day. Businesspeople have to juggle competing demands; so do politicians.

Yet, when it comes to global issues - the biggest challenges facing the planet - we don't prioritise very well. The media's shifting spotlight often dictates what is most deserving of our attention.

We hear experts warn us about global warming, others tell us about HIV/Aids or about the tragedy of children missing out on education.

In an ideal world, we'd have the resources and ability to fix all the world's biggest challenges at once. Unfortunately, we don't live in that world.

Click here to read the rest of the article at bbc.co.uk.

Oh and thanks to Andrew for providing a jumping-off point.