Welcome to 2012 - What Do We Need To Be Doing?

Well, 2012 is just around the corner, there are 7 Billion people and I'm not sure our Leaders actually understand the meaning of the word sustainable?

It's interesting that in Western Europe, and to a certain extent, North America, the current economic woes are supposed to be banished by "growth".

But this isn't sustainable; however, like it or not Economics now underpins the human race, but the significant element missing from the current version of Economics is the Environment.

Of course, it's not actually missing; we are choosing to ignore it, either through ignorance and/or expediency. And that includes me!

Personally I put the blame for this squarely onto the Economist fraternity, who should be advising our Leaders that Economics is holistic and that the Environmental element cannot be completely avoided, although as we know, it can be ignored.... for a while.

So my Mission is to inform as many people as possible that we need to factor in remediation whenever human activity has an impact on the Environment; not as an afterthought when it's potentially too late.

Fortunately, basic Economics provides the best solution..

Take the fossil-fuel electricity generation business, which puts millions of tonnes of pollutants into the environment....

The cost of removing these pollutants, in order to maintain a "neutral environment", must be included in the cost of the fuel.

Which today, would mean that fossil fuels should be very very expensive.

This simple economic principle seems to cause many people to get alarmed and fret about the cost of petrol/gasoline, electricity etc. Which is partly where the politics comes in and makes a mess...

Sadly, with Economic Growth being the predominant focus and the population growing at the rate it is; Politics is likely to become increasingly dysfunctional, which is why it is very important for Scientists & Economists to agree that all our activities need to be implemented within a global, holistic framework, meaning..

Economics Must Include the Environment
Politicians need to understand this simple principle and then legislate accordingly.

For example:
Globally, within 5 years, the cost of removing pollution from fossil-fuel burning engines must be included into the cost of the fuel AND this cost will be made available to (new) pollution remediation industries.

In this way, simple Economics will give rise to less environmentally polluting processes and energy sources, whilst moderating the Environmental impact using the pollution taxes.

That's a Win-Win and it doesn't need an unrealistic change in our current usage of products, energy, or lifestyle.

There will be millions of people who will disagree with this and trot out the usual: "It can't be done", or "It won't work".

I've seen quite a few esteemed science folk advising Politicians on what can be "politically" achieved, i.e. without risking being voted out at the next election (this is very bad science in my view, and may well explain why we in this mess).

It can be done and the more people discussing the simple "Economics Must Include the Environment" message; the more chance that Politicians will come to understand this is a "no-brainer" which everybody, once they understand it; will support.

Help spread the simple message....

Hopefully people in Pakistan, Thailand, Bangladesh and all others living in low-lying or recently flooded areas can help to get this message broadcast and understood?

Best Wishes for 2012