It is just not possible to please some people. In this case, I am referring to environmental activists. Unfortunately, environmental engineers and other professionals are often called environmentalists. Sadly, the activists have given environmentalists a bad reputation.

Currently, there are meetings being held in Poznan, Poland where some 190 countries are discussing climate issues. The activists of course are there as well and loudly proclaiming that the rich countries are not doing enough and demand more.

Why is it that these same groups never show up at projects such as the huge solar panel construction project in San Francisco or the famous Spanish solar tower to hold rallies in support of these technologies?

No, I believe they just want to cause problems rather than seek viable solutions. NIMBY (stands for not in my back yard) groups were popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s. They would often show up at the public hearings and make statements against a variety of projects in an effort to get them stopped. Many times, the ones making statements had no credentials and did not even live in the area. I recall one such event that I attended. A man stood before the board and said he just happened to drive through the area. He was living 75 minutes away. He told them that the fallout from the factory was so bad that it stripped the paint off his car. No pictures, no lab report, no police report and no problem. His comments were accepted as fact. However, when the company representative stood to give his testimony, the panel required he submit proof of his education and experience.

But, maybe there is finally some change beginning to take place. Unfortunately, the ones with the bad attitude are still trying to stop such change.

Environmental Defense is an activist group that has been working with politicians and industry to find a solution to carbon emissions. Many very bright minds happen to believe that a cap and trade system will work to reduce these and other greenhouse emissions similar to the mechanism used to control acid rain components. Recently, a few groups that are totally opposed to the cap and trade idea invaded and took over the ED offices and created havoc. Also, remember the ELF group in California that burned down new homes that were being built and the car lot that held a number of sport utility vehicles.

They like to call themselves activists. I think they are just common spoiled vandals that are angry they are not getting their way. I cannot in good consciousness equate them with the good people that stormed the ships in Boston Harbor in 1773.