The Slow Pace of "Green"

Listening to a “flashback” radio program last Thursday, I heard compelling comments by Jerry Brown (ex-Governor, California Attorney General and current Mayor of Oakland).  He talked about reducing carbon emissions and using energy saving motors and appliances to save billions in annual energy costs. Sadly, his call to action was sounded in 1992, and most of our society is still just talking. Coincidentally, I had just read remarks in PR Week by editor Julie Hood commenting on the absence of energy and environmental issues in the current presidential campaign. She speculates that the green movement may be suffering from overkill, and cites a discouraging report in USA Today on a study of 11,000 Americans.  Given that concern about the economy includes spiraling energy costs, it does seem that the urgency around global warming is fading.  Turns out the best supporters of green today are businesses; driven by the real need to reduce energy bills and respond to regulatory action.  I have the opportunity to promote energy efficiency in new electronics and automotive designs for several current clients, and hope to secure more business in this area that will let me contribute to public education.  Hopefully, the companies investing real effort in this area will reap the appropriate return.