Green Technology Skepticism: Green Technology: Eco20/20

Green Technology Skepticism

Every kind of innovation sees its shining successes and its dreadful downfalls. With every new development come both loyal followers and hardened skeptics. Such is the case with "green technology." Although the green movement reaches into plenty of crowds, at least in some small way, you'll still find hardened skeptics who believe any new ecological innovation is just another excuse to waste money. On one hand, their position may seem a little extreme, even unreasonable. On the other, where are they coming from? Perhaps they do in fact, have a valid basis for their staunch disbelief in this field of science.

It is well known that green energy has seen its pitfalls over time, from the various impracticalities of solar panels (despite them being ideal for certain uses at the same time.), to the infantile and so far grossly inefficient ethanol fuel that was pushed on American gas stations prematurely. Many Americans, especially in the oil industry, find themselves looking at their leaders with increasing frustration as drilling platforms are shut down in place of not-yet-there "alternative fuel sources."

Despite some failures, green technology has also made incredible leaps forward in the recent years. Infrared road repair efforts have led to 60% less carbon emissions during road repairs, quicker repair times, and more durability to repaired roads. Although the transition to newer equipment would be expensive, the procedure itself is a major step from the inefficient and rather wasteful traditional methods. Palo Alto, California based "Tesla Motors" is currently releasing a line of entirely electric cars that can travel a range of 300 miles on a single battery charge, all without sacrificing too much overall speed. To the average driver, a top speed of 120 mph would be plenty powerful for all their transportation needs.

Converting the Skeptics

To many, the "green movement" is seen as nothing more than a frivolous fad. Is it really an effort to conserve and enhance our way of life? Or is it simply the new "in" thing to be manipulated (but in many cases, not practiced) by politicians and leaders in popular culture? Perhaps the problem is not with the technology and research itself, but the sometimes fanatical approach to it, rather than a practical one. Just as the Wright Brothers probably did not expect the "Wright Flyer" to be the definitive end-all aircraft of the age, perhaps so should we not expect these early electric vehicles to immediately discard our need for fossil fuels. A careful and gradual change is needed to bring about lasting success in this case.

Green technology is indeed expensive; which is why many people, especially in this economical situation, need to be shown solid results of these advances that will benefit their way of life. One way of doing this would be to keep half-finished technology off the market. Things such as biofuels and solar powered cars should definitely be further explored, but simply aren't ready for use. Forcing the release of these products will only reinforce skepticism. Instead, capitalizing on the efficiency and tested advantages of technology like wind farms, CFL light bulbs, and infrared road repair technology, would be more likely to draw supporters, which would fund further research into better, brighter, and greener technologies.