Great post and comments by all - it is important to feel those emotions of frustration and anger and disappointment in our leaders/processes. This is what drives us to innovate and ultimately empower ourselves and others to survive. The ‘Reduce’ philosophy/way of life will become increasingly necessary in our society, but it means a massive culture change which won’t happen overnight (despite how urgent the issue is…).

I applaud that young person who asked the hard question of us off-setting, because it opens up debate about the massive changes in ‘world-view’ that we need. Keep on going guys!

Large companies are setting examples. Take google for instance. Link. These things are still a choice. Massive profits mean massive opportunities to make such choices. I could be wrong?

Carla,

That sucks about research funding. I have often suggested that a more organised ‘left’ could be funding it’s own research and development.

Andrew, my friend. Me thinks that you have more time to think with than me

Not only is this mentality pervasive it will continue to be so while economic bottom lines are the prominent discourse in society - in both business but also, as in my case, in the research funding environment! I find this particularly worrying as research programmes are being set to find better ways to place the ambulance, with respect to economic bottom lines, rather than looking at (and changing) the structures and processes which are at the root of the problem… Sigh ….

Some firms, notably the really big ones, will find it difficult in many areas to achieve a reduction in emissions. If they can’t do it in person, they can at least set aside some cash to purchase “carbon credits” which enable others to make the reductions for them by proxy.

It’s not wholly satisfactory, for sure, but it’s still better than a slap in the face with a wet fish.