Could Davos 'Make Green Pay'

I watched a CNBC special yesterday called, Make Green Pay. Essentially, a panel and audience of business people attending Davos discussed a number of green topics seen as the key issues in the move from oil to clean energy. After a debate format, the audience then voted on 3 mandates.

First, the group overwhelmingly believed that nuclear and clean coal were not the best choice for the evolution from oil. Instead, new technologies, such as solar thermal, were seen as far better investments. Second, the group overwhelmingly acknowledged that government regulation would be key to making this transition happen. Third, the group was supportive of a global carbon tax, though the group was far more split on this issue compared to the other two. Primarily, there was concern that achieving global consensus on a global carbon tax would be extremely difficult and unbelievably time consuming.

Ultimately, it was clear that most everyone involved with the Make Green Pay show believed that the key to global warming and clean energy inevitably required innovative thinking - by governments, businesses and consumers. Essentially, the new energy paradigm will require an out-of-the-box mentality and responsibility.

For example, while many in America are concerned regarding global warming, they still demand cheap gas. Yet, $3.00 gas only covers the cost of drilling, refining and transporting gas - it DOES NOT cover the costs of environmental damage caused by gasoline. One way or another consumers will have to make this connection and accept some responsibility for this environmental damage.

Hmmm. Makes me think even more that a gas tax is a good step forward.