As I am finishing up my degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Business, I am constantly reading about all of the cultural, social, and economic factors that have led us to our current global environment. Most of the academic literature regarding the human relationship with the environment is dense, complicated, and somewhat uncertain about our ability to live within the boundaries of our planets resources.
If there is anything I have learned from my time at USC, and my adventures in the world of academia, it is that there is always trade offs. There is no golden ticket. The other key take away is that Demand is the true driver of change.
While the environmental movement may currently be experiencing setbacks with the poor economy, stalled climate legislation, and banned PETA adds, there are signs that things are beginning to improve. The amount of public awareness about the "green" movement has astronomically increased in the past few years. Even if the majority of our population is not actually making meaningful environmentally friendly changes in their lives, they are at least thinking about these issues. As the public democratically chooses to demand more "green" products and solutions, the environmental movement will only continue to grow.
I came across a great video about the future of transportation and specifically the current trends in electric vehicles. I appreciate this video because it goes beyond a single compartmentalized view of environmental issues. It ties everything together in a positive, realistic, and inspirational message.
NOTE:
After watching the video twice, I do have one major critique: Technology alone will not solve all our problems. While it may be hard to accept, lifestyle changes to reduce/minimize our ecological footprint will be required to build a truly sustainable and harmonious relationship with our planet. Technology is just one tool that needs to be viewed in the greater context of reduction in consumption, education, and global sustainable development.
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