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COPENHAGEN - The world is preparing for a new revolution that will change it from scratch, following in the footsteps of the Industrial Revolution and the revolution in information, communications and transportation. But to what extent are we ready for this revolution?
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While the world, whose fossil fuels/energy resources are limited, is discussing the nightmarish scenarios for the near future when oil, which had traditionally been viewed as a strategically important energy resource for more than a century, and natural gas, which has recently gained importance, will be depleted, the precursors of the disasters which will be triggered by climate change, which is attributable to increased use of these resources despite the risk of their being depleted, have already started to hit many places around the world. The international community is now discussing how to generate energy and survive after conventional energy resources have been consumed. At the same time, the world's countries are trying to prepare for the disasters caused by global climate change, a result of the greenhouse effect, which is, in turn, attributable to the increased use of fossil fuels. Although we are not affected as broadly as Maldives or Bangladesh, these disasters are not altogether distant from Turkey. Everyone knows that we suffered a big drought in 2008 and that extraordinary precipitation and ensuing deadly floods were seen in many countries around the world. In addition, many provinces in Turkey have seen snowfall as early as October. In short, who can say that there is nothing wrong with the climate given the radical changes affecting all of us? Yes, you have got it right: I am talking about a subject which has never been on our agenda because of never-ending internal crises, debates and political problems such as those related to the military's shadow over democratic politics, the Kurdish issue and the Alevi initiative. How much are we, as Turkey, familiar with the issue of global climate change that threatens the entire world and of alternative energy resources? Do we attach due importance to these vital issues through public awareness-raising campaigns? No, this is not the case in the least. On the other hand, the countries that are influential in global developments have already made their start in this race. While we are busy with the problematic heritage left us by the 20th century, many countries have made great progress with work that will etch its impression on the 21st century and the future. Project Syndicate, of which Today's Zaman is a member, gathered together more than 300 newspaper executives from 120 countries around the world as well as many distinguished scientists who are specialized in global climate change, in Copenhagen, where the UN Climate Change Conference (COP15) will be held in December. The Global Editors' Forum, titled "From Kyoto To Copenhagen -- Confronting Global Warming and Achieving Energy Security," not only served as a venue for attending discussions with Jeffrey Sachs, Joseph Stiglitz, Kenneth Rogoff, Joschka Fischer, Peter Singer, Ernesto Zedillo and many more figures of world renown, but also ensured that newspaper executives and editors can listen to EU Commission President Manuel Barosso, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and George Soros. It is no coincidence that Denmark has been chosen for the venue of many events on global climate change. Denmark is certainly one of the most prepared countries in terms of transition from “black energy” to “green energy.” It has already started to act like a leader in this revolution in the field of energy, which it regards as the venue for the next revolution. Denmark aims to achieve the target of zero energy loss in the heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings with zero carbon/zero bill applications called Passive House Technology, which brings about a decrease in energy consumption of new buildings of from 5 to 1 percent, and it has introduced energy saving and global climate change criteria for the materials to be used in the design and construction of buildings. It has also developed buildings which are capable of producing energy in excess of their needs thanks to solar energy systems, and there are similar projects being undertaken in the UK, Germany and France. For instance, in the incentives it has developed for dealing with the economic crisis, the UK government has put priority on projects that will boost employment with an emphasis on green energy, energy saving and the green economy. Eelco Van Heel, the CEO of Rockwool, a leading Danish company in green energy and energy saving, puts it this way: New energy provides a perfect WWW. Do not mistake it for the Worldwide Web, as it is nothing but an acronym for "Win Win Win." In countries that make greater use of green energy resources, zero or near zero energy bills tend to create new areas of employment, which in turn prove beneficial not only for consumers and citizens but also for governments as this secures energy supply, and finally for public health as it does not create pollution. Referring to the rate by which mobile communications and the Internet have become widespread during the last 20 years, experts argue that the necessary technological knowledge has already been achieved, and if the awareness of governments and the general public can be raised, then the green energy revolution may come sooner than expected. I will continue to discuss the green energy revolution in my Tuesday article.
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| 12 October 2009, Monday |
| BÜLENT KENEŞ |
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Benzer Haberler 
