Entry into www.spiked-online.com debate: The future of energy.
13 February 2007
Underpinning the current debate concerning energy useage is the contemporary notion that our activities harm the planet. In theory this extends to all our activities and, to some, our very existence. The late Tony Banks MP referred to humans as ‘the most obscene, perverted, cruel, uncivilised and lethal species ever to inhabit the planet’. Why we elect such politicians to represent us is beyond me. Perhaps that is a matter for further discussion.
I think humanity’s impact on the planet is overstated. Yes we do affect nature. However, the planet is constantly changing - Scotland was apparently once on the equator and underwater. Any mining or quarrying exposes layer after layer of previous life. Doubtless every square inch of the planet could tell the tale of its existence.
The current Western outlook, however, does not appreciate this, seeing the world as bound in equilibrium and only upset by our activities - but this is untrue. Many things affected the planet long before we stood up. On a naturally changing planet and one that is likely to experience vast changes irrespective of our presence, should we opt for a harmonious relationship with the elements or seek to make things more habitable for the only known being that can make any constructive difference?
I’m enchanted by the idea of free power in solar, geothermal heat pumps or wind power and better insulation and building materials. These things are all useful to a degree. But they are no more of a panacea than recycling our rubbish. This approach will not mean mankind lives comfortably and prospers over time.
The planet will eventually die out anyway - and what then? Does all of humanity go with it safe in the knowledge that at least we did no harm? Or do we get a grip and build on the endeavours of our forebears and develop means to cope in any circumstances? Our future descendants may naturally face greater environmental hazards than we now know; surely they would be in a better position to deal with things with an abundance of energy too cheap to meter?
