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I agree with what everyone has said so far about the dead end of consumerism, but I have a worry which I'd like to hear people's views on. Since the introduction of the carbon-producing technologies which are causing such havoc with the environment, the world's population has increased fourfold. Will we have to return to the population levels of the late nineteenth century in order to live without polluting technologies? Paul -----Original Message----- From: Discussion list for the Crisis Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Chris Sent: 01 February 2006 10:15 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: The Way Ahead . . . I don't know how we get past this stage. I think attitudes to income etc are as much to do with careers, social status and feelings of worth, as they are to do with the actual amount earned. By this I mean that principles are jettisoned if such principles interfere with career progression or one's position in the social hierarchy. Whilst I have my own theories about why people are so anxious about their status and career prospects, such opinions are too radical to introduce into communications with the public on this matter. However, in response to Jonathon's question 'How do we get past this stage?' I am currently undertaking an MSc in Social research methods to understand how we might move past this stage. I am focussing on motivating the parents of young children to get scared about this topic, to awaken the protective instinct in respect of the climate change issue because that protective instinct seems one of the only social forces powerful enough to combat the other forces driving people to behave in ways which create this crisis. I doubt I will be very successful - the more I investigate the topic the more I suspect concern for our children's welfare is a platitude, a myth we live because we feel that is what parents do, but the reality of how parents behave belies any genuine concern for the long term well being of our children. Perhaps the only solution is Aubrey's - policy which coerces rather than voluntary abstinence from the good life. Best Chris Shaw ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jonathan Ward" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2006 9:35 AM Subject: Re: The Way Ahead . . . >a difficulty I find all too often is not understanding of the problem, or >even awareness. it's acceptance and and the application of the awarness to >indiviudals' choices. for instance, raise the issue of global warming with >most people, they have a more than adequate understanding of where we are >at, the seriousness of the situation and the role that they play in it. but >should someone interject with a story about a holiday and the conversation >could quickly change to cheap flights without any connection being made. > > people know my views on flying, know me well, but will still pass on > 'great offers' for holidays, flights etc. > > how do we get past this stage?