The problem here is Citizen's United. The recent failure of the Senate to approve the amendment necessary to overturn Citizens United is a disastrous sign of things to come. As long as BIG money controls our politicians nothing short of an environmental catastrophe will make any difference in our way of life. Our representatives have become wholly owned subsidiaries of the Big Oil industry; and, until that invisible hand is removed from our government things are only going to get worse.

There are two ways to make people turn green. The easy way or the hard way. Either way turning green is inevitable. Simply make turning green easier and cheaper; or, make not turning green harder and more expensive. There are no other sources of motivation. Only by removing Big Oil money from politics can we go the easy route. Until we do that we are doomed to create our own environmental crisis. That is why the best course of action is to focus all our efforts on cleaning up the money in politics. Any other endeavour is a waste of time and energy that we cannot afford.

In reference to nuclear waste being stored above ground: Virtually all nuclear plants in the USA are now storing spent fuel in dry cask storage at the nuclear sites. These canisters are licensed for 40 years which is kicking the can down the road. The new plants under construction in GA and SC have minimal (5 yrs) spent fuel storage and then have to go to dry cask storage. This was designed to lower construction costs. All of these dry casks are a temporay measure. Someday someone will have to deal with removing them or changing them. I should mention at great cost. The nuclear industry has had 50 years to come up with a solution to this mess and can only kick the can down the road.

Sadly, according to Dawn Stover, contributing editor at the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, even if we do manage to go green: http://thebulletin.org/myth-renewable-energy.

sandlewould ~ I think Dawn Stover under estimates the potential for biofuel grown from Hemp. Hemp is capable of being grown in any soil condition, in any environment, and in any US state including Alaska. It can be grown in crop rotation (enriching the soil in the process), in or around vegetation and forestation, and uses very limited water or other resources. (Just ask any narcotrafficker or DEA agent.) As a source of paper Hemp would save forests. As a source of fuel Hemp would help to clean the air; and, provide a source of natural renewable solar energy that isn't dependant on rare earths.

Although I agree with most of her article, I think her overview on biomass is flawed. Thanks for sharing though. Good food for thought!

What will it take to go green? Educating the people, electing smart legislators (state and federal), and passing legislation that provides subsidies to solar and wind and ends subsidies for fossil fuels.

Here in Wisconsin we're fighting the Enbridge tar-sands pipelines, the utilities that are trying to raise rates to fulfill their long-term contacts for coal, and the state environmental agencies like the Departmnet of Natural Resources, which has been captured by climate deniers appointed by Governor Walker.

This struggle will likely be a long one, but it starts with educating the voters.

Fifty seven percent of eleigible voters turn out for presidential elections but only 40% turn out for mid terms. Most voting districts throughout our nation are configured to deliver either a democratic or republican representative without contention. Most political ads don't really matter since most districts are already decided before the election. The problem is voter apathy and no political ads (funded by tax breaks for the wealthy) will stimulate that.

I believe that only a BIG CRISIS will get Americans' attention. Otherwise they'll continue to be distracted by anything else than politics or other unpleasantness - and our media provides a HUGE MENU of endless diversions to keep the voters pleasantly distracted.

When these crises enventually come (and they will), I can already hear the whining chorus of Americans screaming, "WHY weren't we warned??? Why weren't we told about this???" But, if a message is delivered over and over again and "no one is listening ... does it make a sound?"

I really appreciate such an attentive choir to preach to. Thank you for listening.

What will it take to go green?

Government that is not monopolized by Democrats and Republicans - two parties subjugated to the will of corporate America.

Thom, I disagree with your stance that taking over the Democratic Party at the grassroots level is the way to a more democratic society that can respond to threat of climate change. America's two-party system is the root of the problem. Remember, George Washington considered two-party government to be 'an inherent despotism'.

What will it take? In Colorado, about 700,000 votes for Green Party gubernatorial candidate Harry Hempy (me) will produce three-party government in which I will work to end the domination of state policy by gas and oil corporations.

Trying to reform the Democratic Party isn't going to do it.

Harry Hempy

Green Candidate for Governor of Colorado

http://www.Hempy4Governor.org

Harry Hempy ~ I don't live in Colorado Sir; however, if I did rest assured you would have my vote and support. The best of luck! I feel confident that the good people of Colorado will stand up and take notice.

We'll develop green energy, Kend, that won't be expensive.

What will it take to go green ?

Not the two ruling institutions masquerading as political parties. Enough of the evil of the two lessers.

You want green ? Register and vote Green.