Advancing technology is most likely the main solution
as I don't see folks giving up things like their automobiles.
Even most folks in the third world seem to aspire
to drive. Only a smaller number of people, like me, prefer
car free living. This means the main solutions to climate
change are things like solar energy, hydrogen fuel and so
forth. Slowing down the rat race is part of the solution, but I'll
admit that technology is most likely the main answer.
Still, I'm
a fan of reducing consumption. Slowing down and most
importantly curbing population growth. Progressive
sexual politics, such as gay rights and feminism, play an important
role in a sustainable future.
Quality of life needs to be the bottom
line. This doesn't just mean better technology and more
prosperity. It also includes things like more time. For
instance, a shorter workweek could be seen as a step forward
by allowing parents to have more time with their kids. People
would benefit with more time for volunteering and community; basically
less frazzled lives.
I think both technology and quality
of life solutions can work together for a better future. In
technology we have gone from the high space and energy requirements
of vacuum tubes to less consumptive transistors. Why can't
our cultural life and economics do this as well?
Sunset along South Bay Trail,
Bellingham.
My card from around 1990.
Ad space.
Seattle Roofing
