Power Shift[ing] the Focus to Technological Based Solutions

Will technology save us? Why, or why not? What does that even MEAN, in environmental terms?
In light of the two recent events in Washington this weekend, Power Shift '09 and the "first mass civil disobedience against global warming in this country," I think that many would agree that technology can be used to save us, but it has also been the major vehicle for destroying us.

In terms of Power Shift '09, swarms of young people, ages 18 to 26 have gathered in Washington, DC for a four day convention on climate change and developing solutions to make our nation have a green economy. The pressure younger generations put on politicians will ultimately be reflected in the amount of green jobs, decreases in emissions, and removal of coal as a source of fuel from our society. These college-age students realize that technology is what may save us. For example, civil engineering students are putting pressure on colleges and Congresspeople to introduce "environmentally friendly building techniques " and "science-based reductions in carbon emissions" to their college curriculum. At Power Shift '09, participants were able to attend a workshop "about integrating the topic of energy efficiency into educational lesson plans." Seems like we're already on our way... we just need to get politicians on board.

Additionally, the protest yesterday, not on the national mall, in front of the Capitol, or at the White House, but in front of the Capitol Hill Power Plant, represented our need to find clean technology solutions to our use of coal for energy. After passing the "Green the Capitol program" in June 2007, the Capitol has taken many steps forward. Hybrid Zipcars, 100% post-consumer recycled paper, biodegradable plates in the cafeterias, and locally grown food-- these all represent successes in technological changes. And these changes will help to save us. Even if the Capitol still needs to work on its largest issue, continuing to use energy from coal burning in the local Power Plant.

What this means in environmental terms? We can use technology to correct our problems. However, we have many of the solutions, but it is going to take massive amounts of pressure on our government to pass legislation and get them to understand that the monetary cost of converting power plants from coal to electric energy, (or even better... to solar and wind power) will be over weighed to the cost placed on our physical health, environmental health, and the monetary cost of both in the future.

If technology doesn't save us, what will?