Alternative energy is not the only way to lower emissions. human behaviour is number one!
What conclusions to draw from this?
First greenhouse gas levels in the Earth’s atmosphere are a direct result of human activity. Second, humanity has it fully in its power to lower greenhouse gas levels globally. Third, it’s a choice between consumerism or living within limits.
Worldwide Dutch company Shell lowered its emissions by 8.5%. Main reason? Oil production problems, notably in Nigeria. A fertilizer company, DSM, was able to lower its emissions by 21% through application of laughing gas removal technology.
Impressive achievements. Promises of being able to live with effects of global warming.
The Dutch Plan Bureau for Environment states that the economic crisis will help The Netherlands meet its Kyoto target. This target is 6% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions relevant to 1990 levels, by 2012. It fears that a 20% reduction by 2020 will be more difficult to achieve.
We might conclude that for the Earth’s sake, the economic crisis should continue. And by the time this crisis is over, we might have had enough of a prod in the back of climate change effects, to start doing things differently.
Like, consuming necessary things, according to real needs. And real needs will be better assessed by living for the common good, rather than for “number one.”
Sources:
http://www.volkskrant.nl/economie/article1246730.ece/Recessie_levert_schonere_lucht_op
