Oct 07 2009
Forward Thinking
I recently read an article in Scientific American titled “Squeezing More Oil from the Ground.” Since Leonardo Maugeri, an Italian oil executive, wrote the piece, I approached it with great skepticism. But Maugeri convinced me that another hundred year’s worth of oil can be extracted from the earth, using secondary and tertiary recovery methods. Resourceful fellows, these oil barons. As global demand increases and the price of oil rises, they’ll simply inject water, gas or thinning agents into the ground to push more oil to the surface. So we don’t have to give up our gas-guzzling trucks and cars anytime soon. That is, if global warming isn’t factored into the discussion.
Here in Vermont, we’re trying to decide whether or not to extend the license for our nuclear plant another twenty years, despite the fact that there’s been trouble with the cooling towers. Those in favor of the extension argue that the cost of decommissioning the plant exceeds the funds allocated, so electric rates would have to go up to cover the difference. What do you think? How many things can you find wrong with this picture?
Meanwhile, a local newspaper is running a “green” section in its Sunday edition, celebrating the many different ways that individuals, cooperatives and small businesses are making the world a better place with their eco-conscious activities. Rarely is there any talk about what large, “clean tech” corporations are doing, thus perpetuating the myth that the world’s environmental problems can only be solved by feel-good, grassroots organizations.
A year ago, the OPEC nations figured out that Westerners won’t grouse about the price of oil if it hovers around $70 a barrel, so now they are managing their supplies accordingly. As long as the global recession persists, supply will continue outstripping demand. Are we to assume that things will always be this way?
I could give more examples but this will do. There is much talk in business circles these days about “forward thinking,” with all eyes towards productivity and profit, yet rarely is there any discussion beyond that. In non-business circles, utopian dreams take the place of forward thinking, and people cultivate beliefs that business and government aren’t necessary, or that government can fix what business breaks. Either way, they are sure to be disappointed.
When I step out of the woods, turning my attention away from mud, aching joints and biting flies, and towards what I find in the newspaper, I am amazed by the absurdity of it all. The one constant in all the misery that humankind creates for itself is an utter lack of insight. Forward thinking doesn’t really exist – at least not in any meaningful sense. So please excuse me for not taking a stand the next time some hot topic is being discussed. It seems to me that, more often than not, we are having the wrong conversation.
No responses yet
