Energy conservation day

Besides some progress on an adaptation fund to help developing nations, the Poznan meet on climate change has not achieved much. National delegates pointed fingers at each other and called alternately for collective action or equitable rights.

Expectedly so. Because this was more of a political gathering, and as Al Gore notes, climate change is not a political issue as it is an ethical or moral one. In his words, whether we act or not will decide whether human civilisation will survive or not.

It is therefore an imperative for every one of us to act and call upon our governments to behave in a responsible manner. And this is happening in small, but many places. But perhaps is not enough.

Hansen predicts we will have to bring down emissions to 350 ppm while current figures are already 385. This will require a 5 percent cut every year till 2050. Is it possible?

Some like Hansen And Gore believe it can be done with existing technologies, others are doubtful. Nobel physicist Steve Chu has pointed out to the need to develop newer technologies even as he believes that 500 ppm will be the achievable figure.

But technology aside, there are experts who believe energy efficiency alone can bring emissions down substantially. The die-hards go one step ahead and talk of energy conservation, or plugging wasteful energy practices and devices.

Can we do it? We can. Will we? That is the doubtful question.

It is easy to convince people to take any action if there is a reward attached to it. Something as long-term as 'saving the planet for future generations' doesn't hold much promise to many. Between a choice of buying the latest fuel-guzzling trendy car or saving the resources for the next generation, how many will select the latter? Hardly any.

Finally, whether one believes in climate change or not, there is no escape from the truth that resources are limited (but 'enough to cater to our needs, not greed') while human population and its wants are unlimited. Our material desires cannot be fulfilled for too long. Is it better to minimise consumption and save for tomorrow, or be a glutton today and starve tomorrow? Today is a good day to start, being Energy Conservation Day.

Our politicians seem to miss the point everytime. It is up to us to make them think. Can we? Will we?

Post in your comments on what needs to be done to save the human race. Because in the long run, the planet will survive, but we won't.