Whether “greens” like it or not: (currently?) investing in the environment is not a claim that will mobilise the masses. Making huge energy investments to decrease carbon emissions is too vague for the average tax payer and therefore the average politician. The current Dutch political climate lacks the vision and leadership to expect otherwise. (Today I even read that one of the leading political parties (PVV) is said to have provided us with ‘the greatest nutcase ever’ in Parliament.)

 

In this setting only clear self-interest and tangible returns will motivate politicians to act; the unrest in the Middle East and the resulting oil shock might be such motivation. This week’s Economist (March 5th 2011) explains that the rising oil prices may be more of a threat to the world economy than investors seem to think. It says that something could be done to deal with the vulnerability to oil and the Middle East. Its wording makes it sound as if a blue print for action is available; “The to do list is well-known, from investing in the infrastructure for electric vehicles to pricing carbon”.

 

Decreasing vulnerability to oil and the Middle East is likely to be an argument that could inspire even (/especially?) the current political majority in this country. We only have to make sure that this message comes across clear and LOUD. Will the get it at last?