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A Climate Scientist Takes His Computer Model Seriously
by Donella Meadows
— June 17, 1999 —
At the University of Wisconsin’s program on Climate, People and Environment Dr. Jonathan Foley makes computer models to study what might happen if the human economy continues to emit greenhouse gases. Like hundreds of other climate scientists, he is deeply worried about global warming. Unlike most scientists I know, he carries that worry into [...]
Clustering – Good Idea, Hard To Do
by Donella Meadows
— June 10, 1999 —
“Our city is considering cluster zoning. Is this a good idea or isn’t it?” came a question from a friend the other day.
I think clustering is a good idea. I’m about to live in a housing cluster myself. But, like many good ideas, it’s easier to say than do.
Let me back off a minute [...]
There’s Farming and Then There’s Farming
by Donella Meadows
— June 3, 1999 —
Awhile ago Beth Sawin and Phil Rice, researchers at the Sustainability Institute, put together a graph that I can’t get out of my mind. It shows Midwest corn yields doubling from about 60 bushels per acre in 1950 to 120 bushels on average today. Despite the doubled yield, gross earnings per acre have stayed [...]
What’s the President Worth? For Doing What?
by Donella Meadows
— May 27, 1999 —
Driving home last night I heard a snatch of radio discussion about whether we’re paying the president enough.
If I understood the argument while dodging traffic, it seems that corporate executive salaries have soared so high that the president’s salary is puny by comparison. Company CEOs earn millions. Michael Eisner of Disney earns in the [...]
Never Mind Paper vs. Plastic Bags, How Did You Get To The Grocery Store?
by Donella Meadows
— May 20, 1999 —
Finally! A sensible list of things we can do to save the planet!
Discussion on this topic has been muddled since the Fifty Simple Things book came out years ago. It was a well-meant list and a very popular one. Its sales showed that millions of folks, especially young folks, are willing to change their [...]
