Debates & Discussions

DEBATES:

This 'House' believes that:

1. … no real progress will be made on reducing the environmental impacts of individuals and societies until and unless draconian laws and economic measures are taken to force the issue on business and the individual. [The World Commission on Environment and Development and it's groundbreaking report: 'Our Common Future' / 'Notre Avenir à Tous' was produced over 25 years ago – the world has talked a lot but society is not sufficiently engaged… it's time for a new approach]
2. ... [………] engineering is principally a force which works against the environment as it produces products which, when consumed / used create enormous negative impacts. [Planes, cars….photocopiers & PCs etc etc]

DISCUSSIONS:

• With petrol prices 'going through the roof', supplies running out, increasing demand and the concomitant impact of CO2 on the environment, will we see Hydrogen Fuel Cells powering our cars in the next few years? Is the technology ready?  Will the power of the petrol producers and the automobile industry forestall this pollution-free transport possibility? [See 'How Stuff Works' on fuel cells… and Fuel Cell Vehicles.]
•  
• Which renewable energy technology has the greatest potential in terms of:
  • ability to develop and deliver the most cost-efficient energy?
  • ability to contribute the most significant proportion of forecast energy needs?
  • See the following articles:
    • article citing 'experts' in the Wall St. Jnl.
      
    • Alternative Energies debate
    • The Union of Concerned Scientists – a sane voice in the wilderness?
    • Tidal energy project
    • Windpower.net
    • The Energy-saving Trust: independent UK body which not only compares and contrasts all available remenable energy options, it helps consumers to link up with suppliers.
    • Nuclear fusion…. did you know France is in the lead and that a World project is underway here?
    •  
• In Fribourg, just over the border there are two communities (Vauban being one) each of about 20,000 people who live a virtually CO2 -free life and produce their own electricity and sell the surplus to the national grid. The race is on for Fribourg to extend this to the entire city.  Why is it that here in France we are 'so near – yet so far' away from such a 'green' undertaking?  Is it to do with the science or maybe culture… political will, societal lack of commitment… failure of vision?
  • review of Vauban
  • Vauban's site in English