Thinking Green

Some believe the planetary crisis that we face could have potentially civilization-altering consequences.  Most Scientists around the globe warn that the world has a decade at most to reverse the growth in greenhouse gas emissions, or risk catastrophic climate change. Some scientists, though not all believe, feel that the future of human civilization is at stake. Few even think that maybe we've already run out of time and we just don't know it yet.

Personal solutions to global warming like changing a light bulb, driving a hybrid, better insulation and even recycling are not enough to put even a dent into the reduction of green house gasses needed to solve this crisis. There is an estimated rate of about 70 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions released a day. Personal commitment helps, but industrialized nations need to act quickly to steer the world towards a cleaner, cleverer and more competitive energy conscious tomorrow. Global policies have to change.

Investment in solar, wind, nuclear as well as maximizing energy efficiency would slow gas emissions as well as increase economic growth. Implanting carbon capture and storage for existing fossil fuels, retrofitting buildings to be more green, expanding mass transit, freight rail, green construction, a smarter electrical grid, advanced biofuels, electric cars and carbon-free renewables like geothermal are just a few markets that could help revive the U.S. and Global economy and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs while saving the environment. We must require innovation, funding and sacrifice at every level of society to achieve green success.

In the next several years, the potential for “green” collar jobs from firms and organizations to create a new job sector with the sole purpose to improve environmental quality through products and services will be the largest movement of its kind. The new industries that small businesses will embark on will consist of zero waste, energy conservation, solar power, green construction and an assortment of other green expansion programs that will increase rapidly. Experts say that the “green” market for everything from organic cleaning products to green landscaping, hybrid cars and eco-tourism will grow at least by 10% annually. It is projected that the consumer will pay up to 15% for new and innovative green products and services.

Remember, the green recovery begins with you. Support businesses that that provide eco-friendly products and services that better the environment. Contact your elected officials and voice your concern for more eco-friendlier practices. Together everyone must do their part and continue to reduce, reuse, and recycle in our daily lives.  This emerging “green” economy will start with everyday citizens who will commit to pioneering in the “green” movement and support policies designed to improve environmental restoration and quality.