Eisenhower’s “Greatest Generation” and AOC’s “Greenest Generation’:

When last we met, I wrote that "Superman" traveled from "a distant, doomed planet" Krypton, which exploded because its stubborn, ignorant leaders would not listen warnings of its distinguished scientists.

Fast forward to my advocacy of the Paris Accords, which limit greenhouse gas emissions. It was signed by 177 nation/states; however only a fraction of those nations have ratified the Accords (and enforcing it is still problematic). All the more reason why the USA and its congressional representatives need to step forward and show the world we will lead when it comes to this pivotal measure. 

I know there are objections like jobs and the costs of retrofitting, as well as how to make up the energy lost from coal, oil or the natural gas that comes from fracking (ans the earthquakes that result--just as the people from Oklahoma!). Many scientists argue we are at or past the tipping point so desperate times call for desperate measures. I would entertain at least three ideas to deal with the situation.

1. It's Time for a National Waterway System, like the National Highway System!

This has been on my mind for a while. A couple named "Dan and Cindy" posted this about a system that would create a National Waterway running from the Northeast and Southeast where the floods are destroying communities and divert water to fertile, but drought ridden West and Southwest. Here is what they wrote:
"All reality starts out as concept. Eisenhower was challenged with creating a national highway system. Cost conscious politicians recommended he allow the use of atomic bombs to cut through the Rocky Mountains. Instead we followed the way of the buffalo... which eventually lead to the national highway system. There should be more debate about this idea." 

I know what you are thinking: it would cost a fortune! A gentleman named "Tim" also posted on the same science and engineering webpage: "...{There could be} four major east to west pipes (huge pipes) using gravity where possible and pumping where necessary. Using the natural terrain such as rivers and streams to carry measured amounts when needed. Filling reservoirs along the way. Smaller lateral (north/south) pipes to deliver to the most drought (ridden)  states." 
Why let Mother Nature's warming trend choke us of food production and drown us in floodwaters? While we are trying to reduce emissions, let's at least begin to be pro-active in 'disaster relief' by building, and therefore employing thousands of workers who likely will be weaned off industries that are heating up the planet.

2. The Scottish Winds! 

Did you know Scotland was able to provide 106% of its renewable energy requirements for a single day last weekend according to Sophie Gallagher of the Huffington Post? I know we have wind turbines already, but enough? And do we make them in the USA? According to Russ Choma, an investigative reporter on wind power only 32% of wind power as of 2010 come from just two USA plants. Hmm. That is an industry we need to promote with government incentives combined with retraining of fossil fuel workers to the wind power industry.

3. The "Greatest Generation" needs the "Greenest Generation to step up. 

Tom Friedman, a hero of mine and author of the book Hot, Flat and Crowded, has written extensively about the Green Revolution. It should be required reading in all high school classrooms. Friedman argues: "I am not proposing that we radically alter our lifestyles. We are who we are — including a car culture. But if we want to continue to be who we are, enjoy the benefits and be able to pass them on to our children, we do need to fuel our future in a cleaner, greener way. Eisenhower rallied us with the red menace. The next president will have to rally us with a green patriotism. Hence my motto: 'Green is the new red, white and blue.'” 
This means building solar panels HERE in the USA; after all, we invented it, but Europe is building them--Germany specifically. The desert should be loaded with solar panels, but the ability to have a National Grid to transport this energy is key. The States need to be UNITED in this effort. For more on the subject: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/magazine/15green.t.html?_r=0

Anyway, it's past time for America to lead. China will follow as will India. They know they need to deal with the air pollution that is choking its people.

That's the way I see it here at "The Metaphor Cafe"