Environment Day - Time to push green alternative

THE designation of today as World Environment Day should serve to encourage people to seriously consider the extent to which natural resources are squandered and how lip service is generally paid to protecting the environment.

Global warming is practically considered a permanent and irreversible condition because people feel helpless in the face of such a worldwide problem.

Yet, influence can be exerted on the Government’s lacklustre policy on energy if sufficient people made it a major issue, which it should be.

Because it cannot change attitudes in the world single-handedly, the Government could help to improve attitudes by becoming a greater adherent of best standards at world forums.

From a selfish point of view, if not a pragmatic one, it makes economic sense to become more concerned about the environment and seriously consider alternative forms of energy.

Ireland is a hostage to the oil countries, and as it becomes more expensive immediately, and scarcer in the longer term, the cost to the individual will be evidenced in growing electricity and gas bills, as well as dearer petrol prices.

Despite the fact that people are careless about the environment, we are still surrounded by irreplaceable natural jewels which should be treasured.