Re-Externalizing the Externals

Marc Roberts

Gravy Strip 

Click for full view Courtesy: Throbgoblins

There is evidence everywhere: firms that once trumpeted sustainability initiatives are now talking only about "profitable growth", "staff retention" and "customer focus", while oil companies have begun digging up tar sands – which produce three times more CO2 than crude oil – to increase supply. Those who oppose the new Manchester congestion charge say the introduction of the scheme when roads are being blockaded by petrol-price protesters is "an act of political suicide".

There has been, in the words of the leading Oxford economist Professor Dieter Helm, a "shift back to the safe territory of concrete and jobs". Despite politicians' continuing green rhetoric, he adds, "it is a sad fact that the environment is one of the first things to suffer" when it comes to actual policy as we tighten our belts in the face of a looming economic slowdown. - The Independent

Add a comment
  • to get your picture next to your comment (not a member yet?).
  • (hint: logged in Celsias members don't have to fill in this)
  • Posted on July 1, 2008. Listed in:

    See other articles written by Marc »


    Pledge to do these related actions

    Find (and lower) your carbon footprint, 199°

    Inevitably, in going about our daily lives, each of us contributes to the greenhouse gas ...

    Put up a bird nesting box, 71°

    Birds, especially species which rely on cavities in trees for nesting, are dwindling because of ...

    Support your local farmers' market, 568°

    Locally-grown produce can reduce the amount of energy required to grow and transport the food ...

    Follow these related projects

    TRANSITION OREGON

    OREGON, United States

    Media information on line

    Melbourne, Australia

    Featured Companies & Orgs