Replying to LO28943 --
Dear Andrew
I read your article with much interest. I am from Germany and live in the
US for 7 years now. For a long time I have been surprised how little is
done against the destruction of the environment here. I am no green party
advocate or anything like that. Before I came to the US I was involved in
the development of environmentally friendly systems for waste management,
biodegradable plastics and resource conscious architecture.
In Germany it was believed initially that all efforts to reduce green
house gases and other forms of pollution would only work by increasing
taxes. In addition it was anticipated that prices would rise dramatically
and would need to be subsidized to remain competitive. As it turned out
the industry and economy worked as they always have. When the consumer had
the opportunity to buy the new products for there purpose and additionally
know that they help to protect nature he/she was willing to spend a little
more. In addition the companies started to compete and develop ever more
capable, environmentally friendly tools, systems, etc. Very soon the old
stuff was replaced and the new systems were good enough for exports and
profits.
As far as I know Germany is on track to reduce green house gases to a
level approximately 20% below the level of 1995 by the year 2003. That
effort didn't happen over night but within about 8 years. I believe this
proves that change is possible when the government, industry and the
public work together and create a fostering environment for progress. It
should be possible in the US as well - but not as long as the politicians
can't decide to regulate fuel consumptions of trucks and SUVs and want to
wait until the climate visibly changes. I hope it will not be too late
when something is finally done
Axel
--"Axel Meierhoefer" <ahsfamily@cox.net>
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