[Peace] Sa. 4/23: Planet vs. Profit: Can the Earth Afford Business As Usual?

[Morton K. Brussel]

I found that the talk and comments of Chris Williams to be a disgrace, full of distortions, boilerplate, and laden with tasteless clown-like humor, giggles from the audience notwithstanding.  A harmful reflection, if that is what it is,  of ISO positions. If I could have answered his tirade and others' questions more fully , I would not have walked out.   Extremely disappointing and troubling for me. You should do better.

The reference I recommended at the talk was Sustainable Energy--without the hot air, by David MacKay. A brilliant book. It is easy to understand, yet quantitative, and directed towards ordinary people. Although focussing on the UK, its methodology applies generally. It treats all kinds of energies, production, uses and practical considerations. It is inexpensive, and in fact can be downloaded free. Should be a must for all those who wish to understand the sustainable, yet environmentally sound, energy problem. 
--mkb

On Apr 22, 2011, at 11:01 AM, Julien Ball wrote:

> 
> http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=213656178659797
> 
> Planet vs. Profit: Can the Earth Afford Business As Usual?
> Saturday, April 23, 12:30 PM
> UIUC Campus
> 106B Engineering Hall
> 
> Every year, it seems, an environmental crisis threatens the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of people. The recent nuclear disaster at Japan's Fukushima power plant is just the latest example. Last year, unsafe offshore drilling practices by the oil giant BP caused a massive oil spill that took months to stem, and whose effects are still being felt. Meanwhile, our government refuses to stop offshore drilling, and the Obama administration has not backed off of its proposals for $50 billion loan guarantees to the nuclear power industry. At the same time, global warming continues to threaten life on our planet as we know it, with most climate scientists warning of dire consequences unless humans substantially reduce the level of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. 
> 
> This raises the question of why policy-makers continue to maintain the status quo in the face of such dire circumstances. More importantly, how can we build a movement that fights for a livable future for people all over the world? Come join us for this important discussion.
> 
> Our panelists include:
> 
> *Chris Williams, Professor of Physics and Chemistry at Pace University, author of Ecology and Socialism, longtime environmental activist and member of the International Socialist Organization. 
> 
> Suhail Barot, Graduate Student in Urban Development and Planning, Chair of Student Sustainability Committee, member of Students for Environmental Concerns
> 
> Sponsored by the International Socialist Organization (ISO) and Students for Environmental Concerns (SECS). For more info, call 415-713-6260 or email iso.champaign at gmail.com
> _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
> 
> _______________________________________________
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> Peace at lists.chambana.net
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