Earth Hour - Pointless feel-good stuff ?

[wanglese]

Originally Posted by supernova1965

I am pretty sure that electricity was privatised so the government doesn't make money directly from its sale thats how it is in QLD and I think it is the same in all states of australia. And the price rise is more to do with the reliance of non renewable energy sources.

You are correct in the first bit. I should have said the electricity companies are the ones who want to make more money.

It has absolutely nothing to do with reliance on non renewables.

Some of it, quite a lot, has to do with the fact that infratructure for our increased and existing demand has been neither properly maintained, nor increased.

Cililisation runs on electricity, and self interest is far more powerful than turning out the lights in a nonsense feel good thing.
Sorry, I'm cynical.

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Originally Posted by Paul Haese

....... If the governments took this seriously ......

This isn't a government initiative. It was started by some environmental activists in Sydney and has grown to be international.

The point is to demonstrate to governments and 'the powers that be' that 'the people' want them to take energy conservation and renewable energy seriously. And the good thing is, rather than marching down the street waving a placard and shouting yourself hoarse you only have to flick a switch.

[Hans Tucker (Hans)]

Originally Posted by AstralTraveller

This isn't a government initiative. It was started by some environmental activists in Sydney and has grown to be international.

The point is to demonstrate to governments and 'the powers that be' that 'the people' want them to take energy conservation and renewable energy seriously. And the good thing is, rather than marching down the street waving a placard and shouting yourself hoarse you only have to flick a switch.

Finally someone has put a sensible perspective on this topic. It's a harmless awareness campaign and not designed to radically change the world. Turning out the lights for 1 hour doesn't hurt anyone so you can either be part of it or not. I am amazed at how much criticism and negativity this has generated. Either way it seems to be gaining momentum each year.

[Liz]

Wish it could happen under a new Moon and cloudless skies

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by Hans Tucker

Turning out the lights for 1 hour doesn't hurt anyone so you can either be part of it or not.

The other side of the coin is people who think participating in earth hour is a meaningful contribution to conservation and that by participating they have discharged their 'personal responsibility' to do something about it.

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Originally Posted by Liz

Wish it could happen under a new Moon and cloudless skies

I quite agree. Apart from the direct benefit it would be a great way to promote astronomy and responsible lighting. Years ago when the local council agreed to turn off some lights to see Comet Halley many of the punters were surprised by what they could see. In this matter there is a confluence of interests between environmentalists and astronomers. (Not forgetting that many astronomers are also environmentalists.)

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Originally Posted by Starkler

The other side of the coin is people who think participating in earth hour is a meaningful contribution to conservation and that by participating they have discharged their 'personal responsibility' to do something about it.

That would be sad, and missing the point. Fortunately I haven't met anyone who thinks that way.

[astroron (Ron)]

I have had in my head the song"From little things big things grow"
even if it makes only 1% do it now the possibilities of what awareness it can generate in the future are endless

[pgc hunter]

If the pollies want to do their bit for "global warming", maybe they should shut their traps. Permanently.

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Originally Posted by pgc hunter

If the pollies want to do their bit for "global warming", maybe they should shut their traps. Permanently.

Yep, would be good for many reasons. Point is, will they do it voluntarily? 'Nuff said.