The outcomes of adopting such proposals need not be restricted to better buildings, fewer emissions, technological advancement and a more natural balance of economy, environment and equity. We have seen in the recent Arab Spring the impact technology can have on entire populations and governments (or dictatorships). Technology and the internet can not only enable remote working and transhemispheric relationships but can provide a platform for ordinary citizens to have a voice and potentially have that voice heard to facilitate nationwide change. Perhaps it’s possible to have an ‘Eco Spring’ and allow the collective online community to force through environmental changes as well.
The idea of a ‘Green Religion’ has been talked of in recent years. The Michael Gunder text talks of the ambiguity surrounding the word “sustainability” and there are arguably similar perceptions to that of religion; a concept that we don’t fully understand yet many believe in and shape themselves around. The story of Tim Nicholson, fired from a property company for his views on green issues and who subsequently and successfully claimed wrongful dismissal under the belief or religion regulations, demonstrates that it has the potential, rightly or wrongly, to become a belief system which f propaganda and indoctrinates people. Whilst we don’t suggest it should go quite that far, if it carries a similar level of strength and belief then that can definitely be a good thing.
Old technology is part of the problem but new technology has the potential to fix it. It will require an attitude change; consumerism has to be curbed to some extent and our current habits need to be altered to accept the problems we face. Recycling and reusing are one strand of the solution, but it can’t be just on an individual level; it has to be adopted and believed in by architects, corporations and governments. We must invest in infrastructure to support our new technology and our aim of self sufficiency, and eventually aspire to achieve a sustainable balance between the three E’s which will protect our planet and the lives of generations to come.
