Comments on: The Right Stuff

By: Ruth

Ruth — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:25:13 +0000

My inner cynic sez: it’ll be interesting to see how both (every?) side plays the “disadvantaged communities” card. The VD Hansons say we need more oil to save poor people from the carbon-policy-wielding environmentalists. The progressives say we need more policy to save poor people from high energy bills in a carbon-constrained economy. My side, of course, is right….

By: Diana

Diana — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:31:32 +0000

Excellent point Veronica. I didn’t mean to say that no one is talking about the social justice side of energy policy. But it’s something I hope we’ll all hear more about as energy policy is debated in the mainstream media over the coming months and years. And unfortunately, the thing that has caught the attention of politicians and pundits is not the urgency of global warming, but the burden of high gas prices. To counter this, I think that clean energy advocates have to be extra proactive about acknowledging the potential challenges of this balance and offering actionable solutions.

I also agree that green jobs are going to be hugely important. But unless we can specify exactly what eco-job is going to be opening up down the street from an unemployed autoworker, it can be difficult for people to wrap their heads around, especially when they are faced with more pressing problems.

I’m not trying to be pessimistic, and I hope I don’t sound too down on our clean energy prospects. On the contrary, I think that there are great things in store for the green movement in the very near future. However, in order to get there, we need to ask and have answers for the tough questions. This will make these solutions more politically as well as practically feasible.

By: Veronica G.

Veronica G. — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:26:02 +0000

This isn’t the first time people have thought about the balance between progressive environmentalism and social justice. At least in Minnesota it hasn’t. Organizations like EJAM (Environmental Advocates of Minnesota) work hard to create a balance between the two. Also, community organizations like The Phillips Energy Co-op work hard to inform disadvantaged citizens about how energy efficiency can also mean economic savings. I think people are starting to understand the connection between environmentalism and economics. Eco-jobs, though you may feel a bit cynical, will transform the way people work; even today, green career coaches, specialists, and training exist. So, instead of being so pessimistic, let’s get “The Right Stuff” going!