SEP 27

It is true that technology is difficult to get back into the bag, but it's also true that technology is hard to pull out of the bag if the costs of that technology are such that a majority of potential users can't justify the expense with regard to everyday expenditures. You must remember we are the most in debt nation in the world (there's something to be proud of) and many people can't justify spending money on a lot of different technologies.

The second difficulty of pulling the technology out of the bag is availability. We all know that supply and demand (cost) go hand in hand. If technology isn't readily available for the end user, it's not going to be cheap, in which case most won't adopt the technology. If these systems aren't available in places the majority of consumers shop, adoption of this technology will remain fringe.

Lastly, there comes the inconvenient fact that if someone NEEDS something, it inherently costs more than if it's merely a "want". One only has to look at the technology that is Oncology to see where prices soar to levels unimaginable simply because the technology provider knows what happens when their product isn't used.

Solar power systems for houses are a great idea, but they won't change the world until you can go down to your local mall, Target, or some other middle-of-the-road store and buy a kit for your house that a Junior in high school can setup without the assistance of an outside party. This ensures that the average person can install everything they need on their own, in a timely manner, with relative ease, while keeping costs to a level where the average person will adopt it.

As it stands today, current technology fails to properly address these issues. Thus, the coal fired power plants.

Technology and personal action are important tools, but they aren't inexorable forces. The only way it's possible to keep technology "in the bag", is through legislation. You might get away with personal action for a very short period, but it won't last as the other half (or really other 4/5ths) go their way.

The only way to steer technology, personal actions, corporate actions and investment is through legislation, preferabbly global, though national would be a good start.

The most broad, fair and obvious mechanism is carbon economics. Good people and actions cost less, bad costs more. Simple. To me, how you spend the money is not half as important as the steering force it has. I have my opinion on what's best, but I'll support just about anything. Research, lower income taxes, national health care... I'll compromise on whatever has the most political support.

technology is not enough. Vested interests are quite powerful enough to block the best technology. You would be surprised how quickly governments can legislate when they are doing it as a favour to their industrial pals (Oil any one?).
Regards
Steve

first thing to do is figure out a perfect sustainble way of life for humans and the world that just makes undeniable sense, then write a book about it and spread the word. the good news is that the first parts already done for you! its called ishmael, its by daniel quinn, and if youve heard about it, ill bet just about anything it was by word of mouth. read it, love it, digest it, internalize it. and then, spread it. however and wherever you can. namaste

California has done both: It banned Utilities companies from renewing energy contracts from buying from coal plants, mainly Utah. It also creative incentives for the Uility companies to achieve a 20% of their electricity through alternative energies by 2010.