The Chinese turn climate change into a work issue, an interesting and worthwhile editorial by T Friedman of The New York Times.
And because runaway pollution in China means wasted lives, air, water, ecosystems and money — and wasted money means fewer jobs and more political instability — China’s leaders would never go a year (like we will) without energy legislation mandating new ways to do more with less. It’s a three-for-one shot for them. By becoming more energy efficient per unit of G.D.P., China saves money, takes the lead in the next great global industry and earns credit with the world for mitigating climate change.
So while America’s Republicans turned “climate change” into a four-letter word — J-O-K-E — China’s Communists also turned it into a four-letter word — J-O-B-S.
“China is changing from the factory of the world to the clean-tech laboratory of the world,” said Liu. “It has the unique ability to pit low-cost capital with large-scale experiments to find models that work.” China has designated and invested in pilot cities for electric vehicles, smart grids, LED lighting, rural biomass and low-carbon communities. “They’re able to quickly throw spaghetti on the wall to see what clean-tech models stick, and then have the political will to scale them quickly across the country,” Liu added. “This allows China to create jobs and learn quickly.”
The question has to be, where is the American will? Why do we move away from science and data? Why are we reluctant to read the tea leaves and act accordingly?
I agree with posts so far, but one point that I would like to address is the argument that politicians cannot initiate large environmental movements because they do not have enough support from American citizens. I think that this is an interesting point, but I also see it in the opposite way. It is safe to say that most Americans, although some know more than others, are very aware that our way of life is not sustainable and that some day certain alterations will have to be made to our society and economy in order to preserve the world as we know it. I believe that we cannot give politicians a break on this subject and that the environmental crisis needs to be addressed immediately because although activism is vital to the success of a movement, it is legislation that makes the difference. China has successfully embarked on the path toward sustainability and green technology, and we can do it too if our country does not wait until it is too late. In Professor Vila’s recent post on “A Recovery’s Long Odds,” he asked us what we have to do to prepare for what lies ahead of us in this country. In my opinion, each and every one of us needs to be ready to take action because if not, our generation will certainly experience the consequences of our failure to restore nature.
The problem with American politics is that it’s too systematic. Although we change presidents every 4 to 8 years, large change never happens because people don’t want to deviate from the system and because there are so many roadblocks in the way. Tension between political parties make it difficult to pass bills in the house and senate, because no one is willing to take risks. Even political liberals are conservative when it comes to enacting change because everyone is worried about their political image and the future of their careers. What we need is someone who throws caution to the wind and leads a major environmental movement. As Joey said now is a tough time for change because everyone is worried about the economy, so no one is looking to make radical change. However even when the economy is good, change is hard to come by in the US.
I think many officials in the United States view our increasing economic issues and environmental issues as two completely different worlds; where in reality they both intertwine and in some ways we can tackle them both at once. Similarly to what China is doing, I think there is a lot of latent job creation within the fields of solving environmental issues, advising the government on environmental issues, advising companies on environmental issues, state/local government related positions, education relating to the issues, grassroots organizations, etc. But like Andrew said, the government and people of this country are overwhelmed by our numerous issues; and therefore looking over their commonalities and ways to fight them.
Also, Industrial China is younger than Industrial United States. This creates this false illusion that China has opportunities to create “green jobs” and such because they are still developing. Whereas the United States thinks they would have to reevaluate and reexamine our structure and make large amendments in our society to do things like China is doing.
Alex
Joey hit it on the nail. We are a society of the people, so the people have to make the first move. This is in fact what hinders our ability to make rational and intellectual decisions in regard to the environment and the economy because their is a miscommunication on where every citizen stands. We lack the discipline and the unity to put our own self-interest aside for a greater conflict.
“They’re able to quickly throw spaghetti on the wall to see what clean-tech models stick, and then have the political will to scale them quickly across the country,” Liu.
If the US acquired this mindset and technique, along with a promising position on foreign policy, we’d lead the race to environmental stability . The same energy used in the Arms Race against The Soviets during the Cold War needs to be reproduced for this crisis. At that point I’d be curious to see how fast we can actually “Save the Earth.”
I agree with Joey, its very difficult for us to try and allocate money into the green movement in a time where money is such a problem for the american public and american government. Although an effort to create a green movement would provide jobs for the american public, it takes a substancial amount of money to get that. In times of struggle people like to fall back on things that they feel comfortable with. Drastic changes like a total overhaul in the environmental movement doesn’t make people feel comfortable.
I’m definitely surprised that China is making such an effort to create “green” jobs. I suppose it is the image of China as a highly industrialized country, where there are certain cities that specialize in certain products (for example, there’s a place called Sock City, where most factories make socks, and the cheap labor, that made me assume that China wasn’t as advanced as it is.
I agree with Dorrie that the U.S. government definitely weighs the costs and benefits, but think about all the new “green” jobs that the Obama administration supposedly created. A while back I remember hearing about a proposal to harness wind power, but there was a delay in production, and also the wind mills were from China! Also, whenever I hear about China going green, I think about the algae that appeared right before the 2008 Olympics. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7482791.stm)
As of right now the US is letting their will fall by the way side out of convenience. The most powerful people in America right now have no incentive for this to change, the investment banks and oil companies are going to continue to make large amounts of money regardless of their effect on our environment. Establishing stricter legislation that will put the financial responsibilities on the manufacturer will be received by the US not as an attempt to clean up our environment but as a cost to the companies, and one more reason they can’t hire more employees. With the upcoming elections and the uproar about fiscal responsibility making these changes and focusing on the environment is a nightmare for politicians and won’t get them the votes they need to stay in office. We have moved away from science and data because it is more convenient for us to listen to Glenn Beck and assume that climate change hasn’t been effected by humans, the science and data say one thing and the political right says another and unfortunately its easier for the American public to side with the right.
America lacks the political will to make big changes for the environment. The US seems to be stuck in the mentality of carpe diem. Today’s profits and stock value is what matters. There is a big emphasis on the financial class in America. On the other hand, China is focused on the industrial sector: factories, a large workforce, etc. Maybe when Americans realize the potential financial success of green business the US will change their policies. The US certainly has the technology and ability to support greener business, but their heads are not in the right place. J-O-K-E needs to turn into C-A-S-H.
I believe that the American will is in profit and success monetarily. If the American government sees a huge cost in change even if the change will reap benefits they are reluctant to do it. I agree that private investors and companies need to initiate a change as the government is busy with other problems and is not giving this movement enough attention.
First of all, I thought I’d mention that I’m surprised by this article about China. I guess I had still thought of China as a heavily polluted country, advanced in terms of technology but lacking the initiative for sustainability and greener technology. It’s a pleasant surprise to learn about how quickly priorities are changing over there. Like Joe explained, the recent state of the economy is hindering our ability to focus on the environment and make changes in factories and even homes. What we need to realize, though, is that we can use the recession to our advantage by producing jobs that will quicken our transition to a more sustainable technique. Maybe it will take another country to “steal our thunder” like China for our legislation to step it up. We’ll lose hold of our leadership if we can’t adapt regulations fast enough,
I believe the reason that the U.S. refuses to follow China’s lead is because the government as well as the public feels overwhelmed by the numerous crises we are facing all at once. Not only is the environment going down a dangerous path but the economy is struggling,there is a lot of unemployment, and there is a massive oil problem amongst many other issues. With all these looming threats, it seems unmanagable to much of American society to make any progress in any facet of our obstacles. Its almost as if we shut down completely or at the very almost, approach each issue half-heartedly. This blog made me think of The End of Nature and how Mckibbon stresses the relation and connection of all of society’s dilemmas. I feel that if America were to diligently address one major issue, most importantly the environment, and perhaps follow the path that China is going down, they will see benefits in all areas. We have the ablity and means to advance and progress in science and technology but there is clearly a lack of commitment to getting it done
In the eyes of the majority of the American people, the main issue our country is struggling with is the economy. Since the beginning of the economic downturn, government officials have primarily focused on resolving our financial problems. In our political system, politicians are always competing for their seat and the support of the electorate. Because Americans want an answer to the financial crisis, politicians naturally overlook other issues affecting our country-such as the environment-in order to appease the people. I’m not saying it is right for our representatives to disregard the environment, but to preserve their jobs, it is in their best interest to address the most pressing issues of our society. The problems we have brought upon the environment are evident and will continue to escalate. However, I think the government will only feel responsible to act upon environmental issues once Americans realize that the environment is affecting us as much as the economy is. The American will begins with the people, rather than with the government.
The U.S just has too many powerful people behind the scenes who really don’t want things to change, no matter how awful things are becoming. From the oil companies to the banks, our current system is continuing to profit those in power. And since they have the power in legislation and politics, and the resources, it is really tough to make changes- even if they would be beneficial. Maybe, through U.S companies and private investors, this whole “green” industry will expand in the U.S, once it becomes obvious all the opportunities and advantages it provides. Countries like China can serve as an example of how green technologies are not only for the “greater good”, but economically beneficial as well! It’s really neat to read about how China is investing in this, because last I heard, China’s growth was causing problems of pollution, poverty, etc. Hopefully, China can continue to grow and prosper, but follow a different sort of framework than the traditional one. Also, I can’t seem to get access to the actual articles because says I need a New York Times account. Should we sign up?
Yes, on signing up to the NYTimes — it’s free and you get the “local” and the “global” editions, plus media. We should all read the complete articles.
Good point, Zoe.