The World in 2030

140 The World in 2030
There has been a double-digit increase in the proportion
of Americans who say environmental problems
are a major global threat – from 23 per cent to 37 per
cent, according to a comprehensive survey published
this week by the Pew Centre in Washington.
The environment is increasingly in the news in the
US, thanks to violent and unusual weather patterns
– mainly floods and severe drought – combined with
the rising cost of petrol. The past few days have seen
dramatic rainfall across the southern states. More
than a foot of rain fell across central Texas and Oklahoma
yesterday, with more storms predicted.
The survey found that the Chinese are far more likely
than Americans to cite environmental problems as a
major global danger (70 per cent against 37 per cent).
Worldwide, most people in the surveyed countries
agree that the environment is in trouble and most
blame the US and, to a much more limited degree,
China. 277
Given such clear public alarm, we now need effective and
closely policed legislation from our politicians, legislation
that doesn’t only set targets for the reduction of our carbon
emissions, but which offers incentives and inducements for
businesses and individuals to help meet them.
But the change that matters must occur within our
businesses and within our daily lives. And the one thing that
causes change in a personal lifestyle is EDUCATION.