Category: Governance

Heat & Drought

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By now, most of us are aware of global warming and the weather problems that it has created. One of the most severe problems that the combination of heat and drought create is loss of crops.  In history, we’ve had previous civilizations that have thrived, then lost their ability to provide food for their population … and vanished.  Now and then, archeologists uncover some of these abandoned cities and are often marveled by the sophistication of their understanding of astronomy, mathematics, etc. … Keep reading

Gutting Net Metering

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I think we forget that utility companies are private, for-profit organizations that are given permission to have a monopoly if they’re willing be overseen by a utility commission charged with ensuring benefit for the public.  When we, as individuals, generate our own power, it reduces the income enjoyed by the electric utilities.  So, they’ll pay lip service to sustainability with a few wind machines or a small solar farm … which they photograph and publicize so they’ll look like they really care about sustainability … but, bottom line, profit is still their goal.… Keep reading

Charlie Chaplin & Sustainability

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I recently happened to see “The Great Dictator,” a brilliant film Charlie Chaplin created in 1940. His ending speech really sat me back, and seemed as relevant now as it was then.  So … here’s a variation of my usual blog.  I’ll post excerpts from his speech, then two articles about current events that exemplify the excerpts.  If you wish to see the segment from the film … https://www.charliechaplin.com/en/articles/29-the-final-speech-from-the-great-dictator-

Afterwards, I’ll add comments about how that might apply to each of us, in terms of greater sustainability.… Keep reading

New Zealand Passes Zero Carbon Bill

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Leaders provide a model that others can copy and improve upon. Finally, one nation has formally passed a zero-carbon bill that will, by law, move its population into a sustainable lifestyle.  Here’s an article reporting about that law and some of its spin-offs. If you’ve visited New Zealand, you know that it’s beautiful, and that their people value the beauty and richness of their environment.  They live with Earth, yet sacrifice nothing in terms of their lifestyle.

Then … I’ll add suggestions about what we can do if our country has no such “official legislation.”… Keep reading

Beyond Wind Power

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Here’s an excellent example of a community not only turning to sustainable power, but also enhancing life quality their region in the process.

•      •      •      •     •      •      •      •

Scottish wind powers housebuilding

in groundbreaking joint venture

 

Housing association invests in electricity-generating

turbines that will fund affordable homes in rural Scotland

 

Peter Hetherington

19 April 2017

 

Amid the rolling hills and woodland pastures of south-east Scotland, a wind of change is blowing through communities where low wages and casual work sit uneasily alongside the popular image of timeless market towns and pretty coastal villages.… Keep reading