Rebooting the Future: Recent Comments

Comment on Climate Change and the Divestment Movement

2012-11-19T19:28:39Z

Well put, Dr. Badaglio. Schools, colleges, and universities, as well as foundations, hospitals, and others with large endowments, will see a greater return on non-fossil-fuel-industry investments, both financial and otherwise. Those who start the process now will know they are doing something for their alumni and future students as well as their current students, employees, neighbors, and supporters. It is a must -- now or later, we'll all be on renewables. It's time to vote with our purses. If everyone who reads this would write to our alma mater(s) to say we support divestment from fossil-fuel and nuclear investments, and that we will withhold support until that's done, we might make an impact.

Comment on Slavery, Freedom, and the American Story

2012-07-17T18:58:38Z

Very thoughtful.

Comment on Cornell Names TCCPI 2011 Partner in Sustainability

2011-05-05T11:46:18Z

Congratulations! Now more than ever, it feels as if a tipping point is near. What, however, are we going to do about our outdated and dysfunctional political system? Anyone aware of work convening for a new constitution or writing a declaration of interdependence?

Comment on When You Get to the Fork in the Road, Take It

2011-04-01T16:31:21Z

"Stark reminders all that sustainability is just as much about human health and social equity as it is about forging a new relationship with the natural world."

Social equity is a natural outcome of a "synergistic society" which also permits the maximum opportunity for self-actualization. However, as Maslow rightly points out, such a society cannot exist unless the more basic needs of food, shelter, safety, and group membership are met. That set of basic needs defines true sustainability. Social equity and liberty are not prerequisites for material sustainability; rather they are natural outgrowths of a synergistic society. And we are moving away from a synergistic society due to the physical imperatives of post peak oil.

The hard facts are that we are at the end of the Age Of Oil, and there is no viable substitute energy source (also, consider who controls the extremely limited supply of rare earth minerals needed for alternative energy- hint: China, not known as a paragon of 'social equity').

Approximately 4 billion people are alive today due to the benefits of oil. That benefit is exhausted, although not everyone is fully aware of that yet. The laws of physics and population dynamics tell us that about 4 people will need to die off, soon. This is an impartial observation.

Economic collapse, political despotism and excessive force, and widespread unrest will rule the day until population levels can once again be sustained, by a depleted Earth.

Real, honest, calculations will show this to be true. Sustainability will be local only. Only places with low population density, adequate natural resources, and a powerful military defense will remain 'sustainable'.

Comment on Envisioning a Low-Carbon Future

2011-03-03T21:50:10Z

Well said Peter. Thanks for an excellent summary of the issue and for playing a key role in our community's response(s).

Comment on Building a Culture of Sustainability at an Online University

2011-02-27T05:34:31Z

Interesting post. Thank you.

Comment on Debating Mark Taylor's "End the University as We Know It"

2009-06-25T21:49:53Z

"I think Taylor is spot-on in terms of restructuring the curriculum— particularly as it relates to more integration and less disciplinary “silos.”

I agree. A networked system of departments, oriented toward problems, could be a welcome change for the university structure. I believe it's an idea worth exploring.

His other proposals? Not so much.

I wrote an essay-style reaction here, if you're interested in a more political/economic take:
http://www.whyweworry.com/blog/2009/06/25/restructuring-humanities/

Comment on Rethinking Higher Ed Sustainability in Tough Times

2008-12-28T19:07:37Z

We would like to work with colleges and Universities across the country to recycle their mattresses and become more sustainable.
www.ohiomattressrecovery.com

Comment on Greenwashing on the Rivera

2008-07-25T04:50:08Z

Interesting POV...I really liked this bit:
"For some reason, what looks to me like commitment, passion, and civic engagement -- evidence that the European public takes the matters of sustainability and climate change very seriously -- is portrayed in Pfanner's article as apathy and a loss of public interest in environmentalism."

Well said.

Comment on Amory Lovins on "The Charlie Rose Show"

2008-07-21T20:33:45Z

I just jumped into the Adoptic community, and this was the first post that caught my attention. I wasn't disappointed at all. Dr. Lovins is as thoughtful as they come. Thanks for the video.