17 July 2009

Sadly this isn't a game and couldn't be more serious. It is about facts that the majority of scientists believe will cause world disaster unless we act very quickly to curb both reliance on fossil fuels and rising population - and even then it may be too late because global warming is adding urgency to a dangerously volatile mix.

Even if these predictions have an element of 'greenwash', we cannot stand back in isolation and hope for the best without understanding how global problems will effect Shetland, its environment and its privileged population.

From what little I know about the detail of Viking Energy's planning application it appears to be poorly put together but, inescapably, Shetland has one of the richest resources of renewable energy in Europe and it is unlikely that government will allow us to remain uninvolved when the crunch comes - and will impose development by edict rather than persuasion (UK planning laws have recently been changed to allow fast tracking of nationally important development).

Most of the current debate misses the point that unless we recognize the threats that face us, and stop bickering about detail, Shetland's future will be shaped by powers beyond our control that will have little regard for our environment and wildlife.

Much better for the community to come together and broker the best deal it can - including how we can safeguard our and our children's, future in a very different and difficult world.

Shetland Islands Council's standpoint appears to be about money rather than creating a sustainable future and Sustainable Shetland's about short term protectionism.

Neither offers a convincing rallying argument to bring the community together.

To help fill this void I urge Sustainable Shetland to spell out its vision of the future and how it will be achieved and maintained in the face of global threats (popular opinion will do little to help unless it is informed opinion) and Shetland Islands Council to look beyond the money and formulate policies for a truly sustainable future for us all.

Richard Gibson
Lerwick
richard@gibsons.org.uk

PS: As a basis for constructive involvement try "Sustainable Energy Without the Hot air" by David J C MacKay" (free on the web in digestible chunks at www.withouthotair.com)