2008

2008 may turn out to be a good year for the environment. Thanks to sky-high oil prices followed by a financial crash, many people have decided to drive less and fly less. They are also traveling less and spending less. All of that is really great news for our survival on the planet.

To recant an old phrase with a new meaning, when it comes to pollution and destroying habitats: it's the economy, stupid. What is wrong is not oil, inefficient light bulbs, oversized SUV's, global warming, etc. What is wrong, plain and simple, is too many people using too many resources.

Since 2/3's of our economy is in consumer spending, and 90% of that spending ends up in the trash within 6 months, it should be rather clear that we need to change our ways. It should also be clear that this cannot be done without "damage" to the economy. What we affectionately call the economy is really a huge churning waste generator.

We need to reduce our spending and consumption rather dramatically if we are to stand a chance of surviving for much longer on this planet. "Much longer" could be as short as 50 years but it may well be 500 to 1,000. If you think that is absurd, just remember that 1,000 years isn't all that long in the scheme of things. I doubt that it will take that long though. All future predictions are fraught with error so we need a bit of a fudge factor. A couple 100 years is in the noise, when it comes to planetary events.

So, even though you may feel 2008 was an annus horribilis, look at the bright side. At least we are on the right track to saving our existence. Happy New Year.