The Future is Green
Green industrialization is industrialization using environmentally friendly technology. This green technology is more expensive in the short term, but in the long term it is cost effective. It is also the only logical choice. It may take 10 or 20 years to see the benefits of green industrialization, but the only other choice is environmental destruction.
The Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse gases is a step in the right direction. Although this treaty is inadequate, its provisions should be followed nevertheless. A better environmental treaty can be drawn up later, but in the mean time this is the only international treaty addressing the issue of global warming.
Various green technologies are currently available such as solar energy, wind power, wave power, electric cars, fuel cell cars, catalytic converters, and more efficient filters for factory smokestacks. Many companies are designing environmentally friendly products. Even the Iran Khodro Company is designing a zero-emission fuel cell car that it plans to put on the market in four years. Recycling technology has also greatly advanced in recent years. However, none of these green technologies are being efficiently utilized and implemented to the fullest extent possible.
One of the main obstacles in the way of implementing green industrialization programs is the fact that it is difficult to win public support. Also, most members of national parliaments around the world have taken no positive action on this key environmental issue.
Some parliamentarians are opposed to green technology because they are beholden to big business interests which are only interested in short-term profits. Others are afraid that they will lose their seats in the next election because the benefits of green technology will not be immediately evident by the end of their terms. These politicians remain silent in order to win reelection every four years, even though many are convinced of the absolute necessity of implementing green technology programs.
A great opportunity has presented itself to Iran which must not be wasted. Iran could reverse the brain drain phenomenon and actually inspire Iranian expatriates to return by promoting research and development in green technology and related fields.
Green technology experts are not being supported in Western countries due to the power of big business, especially multinational oil companies that do not want to see alternative sources of energy developed. Inventors, engineers, and other experts would flock to Iran if they were given support and funding.
The world is currently on the brink of an environmental catastrophe. The land, rivers, and oceans are polluted by toxic chemicals, including nuclear waste. The air is polluted by carbon monoxide, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons, and particulates. The ice caps are melting at an even faster rate than they were only a few years ago. If global warming continues at the current pace, the sea level will rise by at least 10 meters in a few years. Tiny island nations like Nauru would be wiped off the map.
The planet Earth is at a critical point in history. If nothing is done, future generations will curse us for the devastation we leave them. Long-term green technology and environmental protection programs must be implemented in order to avert disaster. The future is bleak, or the future is green.