I contemplated a little whether to post this under the Science or Social Studies portions of the forum, and, obviously, settled for Info & Inspiration.  One of the great things about being part of the construction industry is that I get to meet all types of design professionals all with their own philosophies about building in the world today.  There comes a point though, where philosophies become politics and every profession faces the dilemma of dealing with the politics of their specific industry or profession.  For design professionals, the most trying politics of the last 50 years has revolved around dealing with the world's energy crisis and how our use of energy has impacted this planet.  Architecture 2030 is one of a growing number of non-profit (or not-for-profit) organizations that gives the gives the facts about the energy usage crisis we face today direct from the sources that politicians and the lay public lean and depend on the most.  I recently listened to the founder of this organization and he had my attention immediately because, not only did he address to the group of design professionals I was sitting with (architects, engineers, and builders) about the impacts of the energy crisis on the world, but he did it in a manner that didn't take a right or left wing political or religious posture.  He just gave the facts, and they are scary; not gloom & doom, but not far from it.  

Since I heard that presentation, my thoughts have not left one indisputable fact, I don't do enough.  I do my best to recycle, be part of professional organizations (ie the US Green Building Council), and keep my self constantly informed about different philosophies of saving energy; and I try every day to learn something new or be more involved yet.  But, the things that haunt me most and keep me from sleeping at night are the same things I've found true for most people; these are the things that are completely out of our control.  Architecture 2030 addresses how what we do every minute impacts the Earth, our home.  And whether, you are religious, scientific, or philosophical not one conscious living being can deny that the Earth is our only home while we are alive and protecting it is, without a doubt, the most noble human cause that we will all forever face.  Read the information from the Architecture 2030 website (www.architecture2030.org) and take what you will from it, but remember, we are the catalyst of change for our children.  It is not their responsibility to save this planet today, it is ours.  Now.  

really liked that - so glad you posted about that - too cool!



http://www.architecture2030.org