Hey folks,
Can you name a creature that changes its colour faster than a chameleon? Let me tell you. A human being. The colour of our skin may remain the
same during our lifetime, but the mind? Nothing in this world changes faster! If you don’t believe me, just take a look at the way we have shifted
gears on the energy-use front during the past couple of months! In July 2008, the entire global community was screaming in outrage about the oil
prices that had shot up to an all-time high. Governments (particularly in the US and Europe) were agonising over the enormous costs of importing
more and more oil to satisfy their seemingly insatiable population. Did anyone suggest using less to curb demands; or opting for renewable,
climate-friendly alternatives? There were murmurs… nothing more.
But now the tide has turned, and how! For the first time is 20 years, a US energy agency forecasts zero growth in petroleum consumption in the
next two decades, and a surge in sales of renewable fuel-run vehicles! In Europe, governments are coming up with legislation to encourage use
of wind and solar power. Why have they changed their minds? Not because they are more climate conscious now, but because they are
desperately fighting recession.
Why can’t we change our minds at the right time? For the right reasons.
– Pandit Gobar Ganesh
E-mail:
panditji@cseindia.org
|
