Suddenly realizing that there is at least a changing climate, perhaps even a looming global emergency, but no, not a crisis, never that, all sorts of reverse and rear end lights are mouthing on about some need for clean electrical energy.

Suddenly, a limit to growth has materialized, the Bruntland report talking a step closer to becoming acceptable. Oil will run out, coal is filling the atmosphere with carbon, we need nuclear power to prop up our profligate wasteful consumption cry these former deniers.

But instead of saying directly that they want nuclear power these backlights say all they want is a little debate, emotion removed of course. We need to do something so let’s have some useless gibber.

Limits to Growth raised issues about sustainability in the 1970s, climatologists raised questions about the climate in the 1980’s [Nunez 1988], environmentalists and ecologists have been concerned about the human impact on their life support systems through consumption since the 1970’s and these debates have continued since, a global movement spawning political parties.

The reverse and rear end lights were their staunch opponents, declaring us doom and nay sayers, technology would save us, it would never happen and the final defence, we were mad, deep dark green leading straight back to the caves. These troglodytes would know all about that.

Happy am I that they have come to glimpse a little light, even if it is driven by a venal desire to sell uranium to our former enemies or find an excuse to use it here. They certainly don’t want to change anything, a sure recipe for hard times if not failure for all of us.

I have written before about the best available technology not entailing economic cost [BATNEEC] and it seems the idea of BOAKYAG is coming home to roost. Whole forest could be consumed on thesis’s about the reason for placing the head where the sun don’t shine in the hope that the issues that loom can be ignored.

We have water heated by electricity where were it heated by the sun perhaps 35% of the current electricity generating capacity would be released, either to be used to meet growing demand or retired. It is probably impossible to get the whole 40%.

Good house design might reduce energy use for heating and cooling by a further 15%. Instead we have inappropriate McMansions cluttering the countryside, an expression of ego, not thought.
Humble water tank

Who knows what the result of environmentally thoughtful urban design or the provision of adequate public transport might do in other areas of greenhouse gas production not the result of coal fired electricity generation. 

What would be the results for any city in Australia if the humble water tank remained attached to the roof catchment. Rainwater to flush, wash the car or water the garden. The current levels of atmospheric fallout may prevent use as potable water without treatment.

Its beyond time to tinker at the edges of design. Adopt a systemic approach to sustainability, our cities and towns cry out for better design that consumes less energy and produces less waste.

Here is the challenge for legislators, not leading an unnecessary debate. The issue of safe storage of nuclear waste needs to be resolved before we can even consider if there is a system of safe ways to operate a nuclear reactor for peaceful purposes.

The hypocrital Carr wants a debate about nuclear power but knows that supporting a nuclear waste dump in NSW would be political suicide. I hope that new found acolyte of the nuclear industry, former MD Brendan Nelson, offers his electorate for voluntary compulsory radiation therapy and terminates his career as father of the nation.

Leading in the areas of designing clean and sustainable developments would give Australia the potential for the export of intellectual property and manufactures besides reducing our impact on greenhouse. This should govern everything we do, transforming our economy and so its chances of surviving the coming shocks as atmospheric carbon continues to raise temperatures and extend droughts and floods.

It’s a pity that those who have suddenly come to this position of seers wasted so much dilly dallying about with wishy washy programs more suited to maintaining the status quo for vested interests.

Rather that fall for the messages of these converts from untrammeled materialism and conspicuous consumption, those who have had a consistent message about the need for action to convert our society and economy to sustain the environment that supports us should be given the support of more in the community, not just for being right but also for being foresighted. 

phill Parsons  notes Premier Rann’s [SA] recent actions and congratulates him on his first faltering steps to a sustainable economy. He commends his water heating initiative to Queensland’s Premier Beattie to extend the value of the state’s coal fields from the current 300 year projection to 405. The struggle of ideas to save the future will not be an easy task, deniers of the clearest evidence will abound, protecting dated ideas and special interests, apparently unable to draw their own conclusions. In the short term, Labor going down the nuclear path will sorely test the principles of the Member for Kingsford-Smith, as must his leader’s abandonment of Tasmania’s high conservation value forests. The pay and perks will have to be good to keep him, perhaps elevation to the front in the reshuffle coming before October, it’s that or the 3 term strategy for big Kim.

And,

She’ll be right

Remember the time following the terrorists destruction of the twin towers of the World Trade Center and the resultant promise to upgrade Australia’s security.