It is all too easy to get depressed about our chances in a future that very few of our leaders seem to care about. But being pessimistic is boring to our friends and partners, bad for our health and does nothing to help the future generations deal with the mess that a business as usual approach is creating for them.

There is no denying that deniers and their political stooges get me down. Fielding as Rome burns is depressing, but that is the intent of the anti science ideologues and their commercial masters. They want us to get tired, confused, dismayed and give up. It should come as no surprise that major media outlets are supporters of business as usual, and seek to ‘educate’ the public away from recognising the need for change on climate change.

I for one, am comforted by the knowledge that anti science extremists like journalists Piers Ackerman (Telegraph) and Andrew Bolt (a formerly reputable newspaper), appear to be nothing more than symptoms of a print media industry in steep decline. Their outrageous opinion pieces, masquerading as journalism, in defence of the status quo are just a desperate attempt to screw the last few advertising dollars out of a shrinking market. Although the sinister and violent ramblings of their dedicated followers are truly frightening, this too shall pass.

Like many people I am angered and saddened by the utter failure of the free press to represent the interest of the public it claims to serve. However, in order to prevent despair, I think a more effective alternative is to be positive and look to a future when self-aggrandizing tossers like Bolt and Ackerman will be gone and the rest of humanity can get on with a rational, sustainable approach to living in our world.

I have chosen instead to develop a focus on the opportunities in alternative energy and more sustainable ways of life. There are governments, industries and millions of individuals across the globe that are devoting a great deal of time and money to developing a more sustainable future. Many of the best examples come from the USA and many of the more inspiring examples come from countries like China.

There is an enormous amount of positive momentum towards sustainability throughout the world. We should stop and smell the roses now and again, and stay focused on the good instead of becoming bogged down in the bad.

Check out some of these websites for the latest exciting developments in sustainability and maybe get some ideas on how you can improve your own ecological footprint and lift your spirit.

http://www.ecogeek.org/

http://www.treehugger.com/

http://green.autoblog.com/

http://www.greenroofs.com/

http://www.bloomenergy.com/

http://www.solarroadways.com/

http://www.thegatesnotes.com/

http://www.stirlingenergy.com/index.htm

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More information about this topic in our energy section

Image: Valeriana Solaris via Flickr Creative Commons

Written By Joe Purcell

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