17 April 2006

Why we aren't greener

The major green movement is for the increased use of renewable energy and increasing efficiency of use. Why don't we use more renewable energy? Simply because it is not yet cost effective to do so. Energy companies, like all others, operator for profit. So long as other sources are readily available and governments do not artificially affect prices, current production means are cheaper. Why don't we increase efficiency? Largely for the same reasons. The alternatives are simply to costly. We could buy hybrid cars, but they just cost too much right now. We could turn down our thermostats, but we can afford to keep them high. The same applies for industry as for individuals.

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