Up to this point I have shown many different hydro and solar technologies and have analyzed why this technology has not been implemented into our infrastructure. As I have stated before it ultimately comes down to the money. The debate over these green technologies started when global warming began to receive support in the scientific community and became a believable event. The evidence pointed towards coal and other energy production methods as the culprits to a high carbon footprint. At this point most people agreed that changes would be needed but because America had been relying on coal for so long the technology to make these changes was not readily available. Over the following years many new green technologies were born but all bore high costs because of there infancy. This cost is the source of the current debate over whether or not green technology should be implemented now.
My opinion is that in order to help both sides come to a consensus the government must get involved. State governments and the federal government currently provide some tax benefits to those who utilize green technology. This is a good start but these incentives must be increased and expanded to those who buy green technology and to those who produce it. These incentives must also be advertised more so that the general public is more aware of both green technology and the tax breaks. Also, I believe state governments should begin implementing large scale green technologies such as wave farms or hydro power to lessen the energy demand on coal plants. In the end the economy is in too bad a state for individuals to make a major contribution to the green movement. If the government can provide billions to bail out the auto industry then they can provide a sufficient amount to get the green movement started and lessen the high costs.
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Nature Man, I completely agree with you that the only way we are going to be able to go green is if the government steps in. At this point it is too expensive for independent families or firms to invest in green technologies. If the Government were to step in this would reduce the cost of the technologies making it more available to us people. However, with our current economic recession, do you believe that this money should be allocated to green technologies now, or it should be currently stalled? If so, how much government funds would need to be used for the successful use of green technology?
ReplyDeleteThe question of whether the government should allocate funding to green technology now or wait is a good question. I believe the time is now and that if implemented correctly green technology can help the economy. Through cheaper energy, increased jobs, and even carbon taxes green technology could benefit the economy. A recent report estimated that the U.S. government could bring in around $50 billion dollars in tax revenue a year by taxing carbon dioxide emissions. This tax would raise coal produced energy prices but a tax "swap" principle could actually benefit individuals. If this revenue was utilized correctly income taxes could be lowered thus having a positive effect on the economy and with higher coal energy prices movement towards green technology will occur. It all comes down to how funds are allocated in whether or not we should implement green technology now. In regards to your second question I have not been able to find any information about how much government funding would be needed to successfully use green technology. Currently there is 400 billion dollars up for grabs through tax breaks, grants, and incentives but the much of the general public is not aware of this. This is why money must also be put towards promoting these tax breaks so that people and businesses will be more likely to move towards green technology.
ReplyDeleteGood job finding a solution in the debate between free flow hydro power and hydro dams. In your next post I would compare which green technology you have previously discussed would be best based on money, geographic location, wildlife in the area, and general environmental effect. It is very true that a majority of the public is unaware of their options in terms of green technology versus existing technology. Since they are unaware of the alternatives to coal power, they will go with what they know, and thus add more pollutants to our atmosphere. As a result of the current state of our economy, not much money is in circulation. But if billions can be spent on the auto industry, there should be enough to at least advertise green technology. The government should bail out the companies that are going green, that way everyone knows that the government supports green programs and wants to stop polluting our environment. Also, in the long run, green technology will exist long after coal and nuclear power disappears; consequently it would help show a good image of the government if they help turn America green while it is not absolutely necessary. The government should tax the companies that produce carbon emissions and CFC's, that way, in order to keep costs down and be a competitor in the market, companies will either go green or reduce their emissions. Currently, it is much too expense for families to buy green technology because it is so new, it has never been tested, and no one knows how well it will work. If the government uses the money it earns from taxing carbon emissions to advertise green technology and making it cheap enough to be within reason for the average American family, then people will start buying green technology, or at least be aware that it is a viable option.
ReplyDeleteTo better introduce green products the government does need to get involved. The high prices are too much for some companies to afford so they can't abandon their non-environmentally friendly ways. Although I feel like it's a little late to move over to Eco-friendly products it still can help prevent further devastation to our planet. Some of the new alternative green methods aren't much better than the old ones. I think incentives from the government shouldn't be instated until they are sure the new "greener" products are actually better.
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