Why are we so worried about what the world will look like in 2050?
In that year, this pundit will be 102 years old and most likely dead. While not denying that our stewardship of the planet is an obligation, perhaps our focus is misplaced. Climate Change, Climate Change, Climate Change has become the mantra for many. But what about environmental damage done in the present?
This author moved to Houston, TX in 1978. For the next few years, you could smell the chemicals emitted from the refining and petrochemical sectors from the so-called ‘Ship Channel.’ Later, the odor dissipated as the environment was remediated. Similarly, during that period the smog was so thick in the greater Los Angeles area that one could not see the mountains to the east. That geography is now better as well.
At least in the United States, we have shown that we can clean and sustain a decent environment. Yet society is focused on a global long-term problem that by some accounts is not solvable. Certainly as long as Asia continues its current energy practices.
Almost Half a Century Later
Now we sit at the precipice of the greatest environmental challenge since Love Canal (circa 1978), yet by all accounts “it is no big deal.” Except to those living in and around East Palestine, Ohio.
2050 is only 27 years away and we are told (2019) the world as we know it will end in less than 12 years unless draconian climate steps are taken. Call me a skeptic, but if we have not been able to stop local manmade environmental disasters, what makes us think we can fix the global climate?
What Steps are You and Your Organization Taking to Fix the Here and Now?
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The author’s credentials in this field are available on his LinkedIn page. Moreover, Dr. Shemwell is a coauthor for an in press book (to be released in Spring 2023) titled, “Smart Manufacturing: Integrating Transformational Technologies for Competitiveness and Sustainability.” His focus is on Operational Technologies.
“People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.” (Martin Luther King speech at Cornell College, 1962). For more information on Cross Cultural Engagement, check out our Cross Cultural Serious Game. You can contact this author as well.
For more information regarding climate change models, check out Bjorn Lomborg ands his latest book, False Alarm: How Climate Change Panic Costs Us Trillions, Hurts the Poor, and Fails to Fix the Planet.
Regarding the economics of Climate Change, check out our recent blog, Crippling Green.
For those start-up firms addressing energy (including renewables) challenges, the author can put you in touch with Global Energy Mentors which provide no-cost mentoring services from energy experts. If interested, check it out and give me a shout.