Boston Phoenix on Break Through

A great review of Break Through at the Boston Phoenix.

Nordhaus and Shellenberger's philosophy requires big thinking: Internet-scale government investment in clean-energy technologies (which will create a new clean-energy economy), adaptation to and preparation for unavoidable climate changes, and a "new social contract" that protects individual autonomy while recognizing the relationship between politics and social fulfillment.

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By comment 1 on 2012 09 12

Many are saying that Bailout is nothing to do for the stimulation of the economy. This will just cause too much debt. Food and financial crises ruin good lifestyle and health of people. It is really hard for the countries to decide which one will they choose to repair the economic downturn. The stimulation of economy is quite harder because of layoffs a bankruptcy. This gives a treat to the world. A financial crisis is something that you should deal with right away, and a faxless payday loan is one of the ways that you can do it. There are a lot of financial services that can help you with your needs. If you need faxless payday loans, or cash advances, those are out there. Just remember, do the research and find out what option is best for you. A budget emergency is never good.

By Payday Loan on 2009 02 09

I'm wondering if the high cost of oil/gas a few months back precipitated the financial crisis. People found themselves in the position of not being able to afford their mortgage and the cost of getting to work. They were paying as much as a second mortgage to pay for their gas and were as well as dealing with the change in their mortgage rates.

By Dan Comstock on 2008 11 23

oops, here is the correct link: http://www.worldchanging.com/archives//007946.html

By Lindsey Franklin on 2008 08 03

Thanks so much for your feedback, Eric and Meryl. Great responses.

Meryl, Alex Steffen has greatly influenced how I think about solutions. I love hearing his perspective.

Eric, I think that a massive communications strategy should very well be part of the unified, national effort that it will take to change the way we think about, produce and consume energy in this country.

The difference with the World War II effort and the communications necessary in this day and age, however, is that it would need to encompass 21st century theory and methods of communication. This is where, I think, the "We" campaign falls short. It is still mainly about telling people the narrative; that we can solve it, and here is the diverse group of the people that think so.

However, in a world of online social networks and inclusive media, any communications strategy needs to include people and engage people at a deeper level. Instead of utilizing the old-style (and less creative) forms of communication like print advertising and TV ads, the "We" campaign could take a lesson from the Obama campaign playbook and include people in a way that inspires them to take part in the change we are all trying to create.

Alex Steffen, in fact, has a great post about this! Check out: http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/008231.html

By Lindsey Franklin on 2008 08 03

While I concur with the notes you

By Eric Cato on 2008 07 30

"[a narrative] that enables people to imagine themselves in a world they want to work to create"

Yes, give me some of that. You never hear anything about this at Breakthrough. Too much is about energy policy and politics, or Nietzsche...

You could learn something from Worldchanging. Ever talked to Alex Steffen?

By Meryn Stol on 2008 07 29

"We need to get away from the idea that there is a silver bullet that's going to solve all our problems."

One advantage of fossil fuels is that they do pack a lot of energy into a relatively small package. We've been spoiled by that, and it will take a lot of work to make people realize that we cannot continue down that path. I like Mr. Laird's portfolio approach and his acknowledgement that we'll still have centralized as well as distributed generation. It seems to make the best of what we currently have while we make the investments needed to move into the next generation of electricity production.

Thank you for sharing Mr. Laird's insights.

By Brian on 2008 04 10

Peak solar flux is about 1300 w/sq meter. With night and clouds, the 24 hr average is 200 w/ sq meter. The nine sq meters above translate to 1800 w. Homes in the US typically use more power (~3000 w) and you need storage. Certainly solar energy is great for peaking power, but you need land to generate enough power and you need storage for night-time and cloudy days.

By R Margolis on 2008 04 09

What about the new Israeli solar panels which generate in a 3-meter square, enough electricity to power a home? Why are you saying so much land-space is needed?

By Charles on 2008 04 09