Further Action

In his piece, Michael Maniates hits the proverbial nail on the head. I believe that he is absolutely correct in his criticism of the mainstream belief that modest changes in consumer choices is sufficient to reduce the environmental impact of our way of life in the country to a level that is sustainable. Clearly, just picking the low-hanging fruit when it comes to consumption habits in this country is not enough, as evidenced by our recent class exercise of calculating our environmental footprint. Instead, Americans certainly do have to change our lives, be it through widespread implementation of the advanced green technologies, a drastic cutback in consumption habits, or more likely, a combination of both of these schools of thought.

Overall, the article sums up the inability of our society to make the steps that are necessary, which include the widely discussed simple changes, but also sufficient. The general public has shown to be resistant to these actions that must be undertaken, from conservation to consumer choices. As such, the problem must be addressed from both sides. Widespread education programs are a must to ensure that Americans who may likely be insulated from the damage global climate change may very well wreak on this planet in the near future are made to understand the nature of the problem and the role they need to play in mitigating the worst of these effects. On the other side, policymakers must put into place regulations that make the move towards more efficient technologies, processes, and consumer habits (such as in transportation) the economically viable and thus the only rational choice for the entire country. While this would undoubtedly require politically unpopular decisions to be undertaken, with greater awareness such policy may become instead those of the majority.

Finally, I do believe it is important not to completely dismiss the small steps many have taken towards reducing their impact on this planet. While they may be small, such decisions may in fact be the first in a line that result in support for the revolution that needs to take place in the developed world. Such individual action can be used as a way to build momentum for the environmental movement as a whole. Of course, further action must be encouraged.