Americans are in a pickle right now: economically and environmentally: and the pressure is on to find a solution.

With the passage of his stimulus plan, Obama urged Congress and the American people to invest in ourselves to invent the technology that will save us. I don’t disagree, but in our rush to avert our impending doom, let’s not forget the role that technology has already played in how we got this desperate.  

If Americans weren’t reliant on the newest technologies for convenience, old generation iPods, laptops, and cell-phones would not be filling up our landfills and leaching pollutants into aquifers.

If mining technology had not advanced, our natural minerals and precious metals would not be overexploited.

If a saw blade did not spin, loggers would not be able to deplete natural forests and rainforests faster than they can grow.

“Maybe our reliance on technology is the problem. It allows people to shift the burden of the climate crisis from themselves and their social responsibility to the smart guys who can make the big difference.”

If chemicals had not been engineered, they would not pollute ecosystems.

If the engine did not burn, there would be no emissions.  

Don’t get me wrong, without technological advancements in renewable energy options, things would be much worse. I’m just saying that maybe we shouldn’t put all our eggs in one basket.

Remember how when we rely on one solution: like, oh, I dunno, coal energy: and don’t diversify our options, we get screwed in the long run?

Not only have technological advances historically harmed the environment, we’re not even sure if new ones will work. As technology “improves” and becomes “cleaner,” no tangible results have been reported.  

Many of the world’s leading nations in “greening” are reporting equal if not higher emissions from international energy auditors. In response to ever rising demand for energy, Italy and other eco-conscious European countries are even planning to convert their oil plants to coal-fired plants: the dirtiest fuel on earth.  

Wait … so, why are we resting our fate in the hands of uninvented technology that may or may not actually work?  

I’ll tell you why. As long as technology is the solution, humans aren’t. It’s too easy to say that there’s no point in buying a hybrid now because the future model will be way more efficient. And don’t forget that it’s that scientist guy’s job to figure out how to clean up technology, not your problem.  

 Maybe our reliance on technology is the problem. It allows people to shift the burden of the climate crisis from themselves and their social responsibility to the smart guys who can make the big difference.  

The big differences may be really important in the long run, but the little differences are the ones that we will benefit from in our lifetimes.  

This is the message that Terry Tempest Williams and other authors are trying to spread across the nation. They urge Americans to look closer at their surroundings and enjoy and appreciate the bounty of the land.  

Williams writes that if we listen to the land, we will know what to do … cryptic. But that’s just how it is with nature writers. On Sunday evening in Washington D.C. she also said that our power lies in the love of our homelands … a little more to the point.

If one appreciates the land, they will want to protect it: adamantly. Love of our land is one of the biggest motivators for dramatic action and change; and was seen on Monday when over 2,000 passionate people rallied in D.C. to protest energy from coal and lobby their legislators to help make a difference.

 We need to invest ourselves in the land and not just throw money at technology. We cannot place the burden on anyone but ourselves to find solutions to climate change.

Political will and motivation combined with technological advancements that will help solve the climate crisis will help each person stay involved and motivated.