In the German alphabet, the words Future (Zukunft) and Waste (Verschwendung) are at the end. I wonder if that is the reason why nobody really seems to be willing to deal with those topics?
Personally, I am convinced that the future is important. And that the planet earth – which currently is our only future – is massively in danger. And that things might happen pretty fast. And that we therefore must start immediately and stop the destruction of our planet. We have to limit the climate catastrohpe, along with other damage that has nothing to do with the climate, and try to repair what harm has already been done. It is a question of reason and morality.
We have to reduce energy production through burning fossile raw materials to ZERO. I am sure we will need modern technology to achieve this. Without it, there is absolutely no chance. That is why I am in favour of wind energy, desertec and the like.
But I am just as certain that this alone will not be enough. Perhaps we have to stop the gigantic waste of resources that happens on a daily basis at all levels. Above all, it means that we will have to forego a lot. If we do nothing, we will be forced to forego very much. The process might be less painfull if we are prepared to change what is habitually going on in our society. Regardless of the fact that it is already 5 past 12, instead of 5 to 12!
Our social interactions, the way we keep house and enjoy ourselves, our basic assumptions and values: everything must be subjected to radical reform. A change in our lives that sounds unbelievable will be necessary. Yet this change can lead us towards a future that is quite lovable. To be sure, everything will be quite different from what we are used to now. There will be many seemingly grave constraints, but they need not necessarily be bad. In fact, they might even make us a little happier and more content.
Consequently, I will now start a new series – similar to “What Annoys Me“. In an unforced way, I will give examples of waste that is totally senseless and that is really painful for me to witness.
RMD
(Translated by EG)
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