Green Danger

As a physicist I am used to nature behaving in ways that are not particularly intuitive. Scientific discoveries are full of examples of this, from Copernicus whose concept of the center of the solar system seemed absurd to most people of the time, to relativity and Quantum mechanics, which most of us know to be valid, but still do not fully understand. The use of what I consider dangerous intuition also applies to lifestyle choices. I am a naturist and environmentalist at heart, and find the human irresponsibility toward the planet morally repugnant (as much as I consider anything in moral terms), and one of the continuing most destructive things we are doing. This said, I am becoming increasingly concerned by misinformation among earth conscious people, who I feel are mis- directing efforts. This months Wired magazine gives a wonderful account of this, and how everything from Organic Farms to GM food, to Nuclear power have been misunderstood. I mention this in this format so that i remember to start to question common wisdom, and make the big decisions that can improve the planet, rather than meaningless small ones, that somehow makes us feel better about ourselves. As a scientist and technologist I have a big responsibility. That is not only to have convincing science, after all designs for Hydrogen cars, and clean Nuclear power exist, but would require expensive infrastructure changes, but to innovate in a ways thatmake technologies accessible and affordable.Changing my light bulbs to energy efficient light bulbs, or eating organic beef will not do this. Working with those who are finding inexpensive ways to purify water, or taking Petroleum cars off of the road in favor of vehicles that emit water rather than CO2, are noble causes, that are in our technological grasp. Lets focus our attention on the big solutions, and make them accessible.