What can we implement today to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Every technological innovation in life has a downside. Take the internet. Never before has mankind had access to such an incredible library of information in our own homes. Never has a child had so many opportunities to learn wondrous things at the click of a mouse. And as usual, we spoil it. Never before has so much pornography been fed to people, young and old, in the name of greed and peversity.

The greatest advances in technology usually result from our species' interest in warfare and getting one over our neighbours. The space race in the 1950's & 1960's was largely funded in USA and USSR out of defence budgets. The financial cost of this technological development has been absolutely massive and many projects have faded away with the easing of cold war tensions.

So when we look at technology in the fight against global warming, we are faced with the reality that economics will undoubtedly limit the development and implementation of effective tools to win this battle.

How can we identify the most effective ways to reduce co2 and other greenhouse gas emissions that are speeding up climate change.

1. Alternative and Renewable energy. Nuclear, wind, solar, wave, hydro - they all have their pro's and con's - either financial or environmental.

2. Taxation and Financial penalty. The favourite method for most governments to pursue.

3. Public Education and Social Pressure. It's taken many years, but finally smoking has reached a low point in legal and social intolerance. Is this the way ahead for tackling the climate change issue.

Which of the above do most of us support as the way forward? Are they all financially viable or do we need to compromise? If so, how do we get agreement between government, vested interest groups (like the large oil companies) and the myriad of viewpoints held by Green activists?

I get the feeling that unless the public are seen to become involved at grass root level and leave the comfort zone of the silent majority, then we open ourselves up to government deciding new, additional and targeted taxation is the only viable remedy to the problem. And we all hate paying taxes !

Tip of the day: Use an online carbon footprint calculator to measure your co2 emissions today.

Denny