Monday, March 10, 2008

Solving Global Warming Is Like Solving World Hunger?


Image courtesy www.eere.energy.gov/.../fid=65.


In a new article, The Washington Post describes one scientist's view that to stop global warming, we need to go to zero emissions output sooner, not later. The article explains that there are no technological reasons why we can't get to zero emissions now, only political and economic reasons. There are no descriptions of how to implement zero emissions technology globally, only references to the old fossil fuel technology (burning fossil fuels has been around a while), implying that new technology is the answer. So it seems, according to the article, all we need to do is decide to fix the problem and do it. This argument is reminiscent on solving world hunger, as well. We have enough food, we have the technology. All we need is the will to fix these problems. So why don't we?

Let's analyze the global warming problem.



First, the problem: the earth's average temperature is trending upwards causing the climate to change. Figures indicate an average increase in temperature of .76 degrees C in the last 100 years. There are many who dispute this finding, others who would argue its significance. For now, let's accept it and go on to the next step, option finding.



What are options to reduce global warming? Here are some of the ideas found on the Web:


Next step: option selection. Here is where global warming and world hunger share a common action-limiting feature: lack of consensus. Until a group (or community, or global community) arrives at a common understanding of the problem it cannot come to consensus on options, therefore selecting a solution is impossible.

This is a common roadblock in solving group problems. We find it in many businesses and non-profit organizations. Problems requiring cross-functional or group action must be recognized as problems first, defined, then options listed, chosen, and implemented. Lastly, the corrective action's effects must be measured and evaluated to ensure solution. Then the group can go back and find another problem.

Our Simply Powerful MeetingSM methods bring groups along this path quickly and effectively so problem definitions are established and options are developed, hurdling over the roadblocks which hold many global or cross-functional solutions at bay.




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