Fast forward to the future

Green Futures

Number 100 - July/August 2013
Skimming the face of a wave, it struck me what a perfect sport surfing is. Here’s a human pursuit that harnesses the power of the ocean whilst taking nothing away from the earth. Getting dressed afterwards, though, I wondered whether we were ever meant to be surfing in Hawaiian shorts on these sweltering Cornish beaches or grappling with tropical size waves here, like last winter. The downside of this surfer’s dream is that climate change really is on our doorstep – a fact borne out by the increasing presence of campaigners Surfers Against Sewage. What seemed like a way-out outfit 20 years ago now streams down Whitehall every time the sewage overflows into the Thames. Turds may rate small on the Richter scale of disaster, but why does it take cataclysmic events for us to get to grips with the big issues, “rather than the sheer genius of the human spirit”? asks Jonathon Porritt [‘High time’]. Instead, just as the tide turns, we kick into emergency mode. Ian Christie, this month’s guest editor, identifies the current vogue for technical fixes right, left and centre [‘Call the emergency services!’]. Whilst orbiting sunray deflectors may buy us time by reducing the amount of sunlight reaching earth, some of the other lucrative technologies suggested by the Climate Technology Coalition are being rushed through without investigating the long-term effects. Shades of GM technology there. So it’s good to see examples of true foresight around the country – as Green Futures has been beating the solutions drum for 100 issues now. ‘No Mean Dream’ celebrates the fruits of the Thames Gateway development – a thriving eco-tourist industry and a low-carbon community; ‘Crossroads and Crescents’ reminds us of the role of faith – in all its varied colours – in keeping communities living together in balance and with respect to the planet. Language any surfer would understand.
HANNAH BULLOCK
CONTENTS Briefings No Mean Dream
Melissa Mean celebrates life in the Thames Gateway and the fruits of its eco-tourist industry. High Time
Imminent calamity woke us up. Jonathon Porritt on learning the hard way. Call the emergency services!
Are exotic technical fixes the only remaining options on climate change? Ian Christie investigates. Crossroads & crescents
The power of faith impresses Nick Spencer, who reports on its role in cementing sustainable communities. Partners Viewpoint
Tempus fugit
Sustainable soap opera – in tune with the changing times.
ECOVER
July/August 2013 • Issue 100

27 January 2005

Hannah Bullock