Power Corrupts As World Leaders Posture In Copenhagen
The global warming summit in Copenhagen has been much in the news. Churches have been ringing bells, protesters protesting and politicians electioneering. Particularly British Prime Minister Gordon Brown who's heart-warming proclamations about the need for success and his transparent pleas to the Americans and Chinese to reach an accommodation must be something of an annoyance to their representatives, coming as they do from a politician in crisis at home and blatantly trying to turn around a likely electoral disaster and cling to power.
Power of course is at the root of it all and if the governments of China and America as the two most important players can't make good things happen then you can. Yes you. How would you like free power at home, free electricity with a carbon footprint that would barely dent the snow you may never see again if you do nothing.
Power companies may have more political power than you or I, big corporations have big budgets to burn, but when people pull together we become an irresistible force and it's time to take action, right now, for the sake of the planet, our kids and the other species and plants we share this amazing green planet with.
For once taking action needn't cost a fortune and will actually save you money, year in year out, in fact, given the economic difficulties those same politicians have lumbered us with it's a double whammy. What I'm suggesting is that you turn your home into a mini power station, it won't be noisy and it won't take up space or create a stink. Solar panels on your roof and a wind turbine outside can drastically reduce your power bill and every household that does it reduces the need for coal fired or nuclear power stations.
Free power, after only a small initial outlay for some plans and readily available components is not beyond you and why not help your friends and neighbors by working together to share costs and effort. Maybe create a community project or build a green business for yourself. Plans for solar panels and wind generators are available on-line now.
With no moving parts, solar panels in particular are low maintenance and on a sloping roof the rain will even help keep them clean. Help mother nature and she'll help you too. Free power will appeal to most of us more than political power so lets lead our leaders this time. We can argue about the causes of global warming and about natural cycles, but reducing greenhouse gases can only help and if that's not enough to convince you the reduction in your electricity bill and the example you set your kids really should.