Economy vs Environment: The battle for the Future! Tuesday, January 27, 2009

All eyes have been on the US this week as the new administration take possession of the keys to the Oval Office. Change was promised but will it be delivered? However, back here in the UK another story has also been bubbling away, coming to a head on Friday when it was announced that our economy is officially in Recession.

Cantankerous Frank ¦ Mark Roberts

So where now?

Over the past few weeks there have been a whole host of articles/ blogs speculating on how President Obama will tackle the issue of climate change and the environment. I, like many, was disappointed that it was not mentioned in his inauguration speech last Tuesday, but the signs suggest it is still one of his top priorities.

It was in this vein that I read Peter Seligmann’s editorial piece for the BBC Setting out Obama’s Green Agenda.

The piece itself was nothing different from what I had read before – a good synopsis of the issues facing our community, but nothing to blog about specifically. However, a reader’s comment flagged up an issue which I’ve touched upon before. In such uncertain times, which should prevail – the Economy or the Environment?

“…The time to fix the environment was when we were flush (under Clinton and Bush), not now. It’ll, really, never be now and y’all should quit your whining.”

Brendan Steuble, Gainesville, VA, USA

For years politicians have been promising action on the environment, promising to create sustainable fuel alternatives and cutting carbon emissions. Now however the time for promises is over, action is required, and oh look – it’s an untapped industry to boot!

In his Pre-Budget Report, Alistair Campbell set out a strategy which would create jobs and help the UK reach its environmental targets. If you’ll excuse the cliche, it was a case of killing 2 birds with one stone. But it would seem that those on the other side of the pond, have had similar ideas.

In the month’s since his election, Barack Obama has often spoken of taking America in a new direction. There has been talk of an “age of responsibility” and a team of environmental heavyweights has been established help do just that. But in a country where oil tycoons weild so much power, can the future really be green? Or will it be yet another case of greenwash?

The word “economy” popped up throughout the list of the previous White House’s environmental “achievements.” They were at least honest enough to admit that the environement was an issue only when economically expedient.  And as much as I would love to believe that the move towards a more greener and responsible society is the result of some sort of ecological epiphany, I can’t. In answer to Brendan, yes the time to fix the environment was when we were flush, but where was the political motivation? For all our claims of enlightenment, Western society is incredibly short sighted.

But at the end of the day, it is better that something is being done. What’s the point of rebuilding the economy if the planet we live on is falling down around our ears?

Cantankerous Frank ¦ Mark Roberts

N.B. Brendan,  I don’t whine.  I may well object, remonstrate and criticise but please don’t confuse these with the actions of a 2 year old having a tantrum.