The estimable Bart A.'s Energy Bulletin unearths yet another gem amidst the rising tide of dreck pouring out of the Series of Tubes: A must read interview with George Monbiot.
Well-grounded fear of flying
Monbiot says what needs saying 1
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Posted 1:12 AM on 11 Apr 2007
by JMG -
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Let’s live on the planet as if we intend to stay.
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Junkk Male2 Posted 5:58 pm
10 Apr 2007
'Re: the unearthed 'exclusive' in little-known publication Newsweek.
Noted enviro-writer Mr. Monbiot's plan is certainly 'a' plan, if honestly described by him as being based on 'inexact science', with a few of his 'rough estimates' lobbed in, with the odd 'guess'. I just hope the deniers don't see that little lot as an opportunity for robust rebuttal.
Beyond offering such unwelcome ammo to the 'do nothing' camp, I'm not sure quite how practical this plan is. But then you don't sell many books or get invited to many interviews based on the politics of compromise. News media like to drive ratings first, not inform, and the best way is to pop a couple of pit bulls from opposing camps in the ring and let the games begin. Let's see what big-oil funded shock-jock they can wheel out to say anything that hasn't been countered a million times before.
I'm sure a lot more will read and respond to the magazine (me, I am happy to get it online), but to add to the mighty one views (rating 0.5) at my time of reading the linked piece, and having read a lot of Mr. M's thoughts before, to be charitable and acknowledge the breadth of his knowledge in this arena it seemed to suffer from some rather drastic editing.
I can't recall quite how he promoted his book, Heat (available in all good bookstores at a very reasonable price), or gets to and from his many commitments without the need for personal transport, but as Frank Drebin says, that is not important right now. I am sure getting paid to do his job travelling about is more important than many other folk with careers and families to support.
As for trading the eco-consequences of such travel, is this just between rich folk, or does the population of the globe get to play too?
Per Mr. Cameron's (our Leader of the Opposition here in the UK) notion, I'm guessing a few hundred thousand Kalahari bushmen are ready to let you get to the Earth Aid concert in a private 737, with on board LPG Humvee, based on their allocation. With about 5.5 billion more folk waiting in line.
Green Air - Flying the Sanctimonious, Irony-free Skies'
Do before you talk. Then share. If it's also fun and inspiring, people will want to read more. They may even be inspired follow your example.
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