why do we "live in the moment" and what would move us to make a plan or plan ahead?

Question

my question is under "global warming"...so what would make us plan ahead to solve some (global warming) problems for us as individuals in our own lives?

Answer 1

Some people and some countries are more forward looking than others. Throughout history the nations that have been successful have been the forward looking ones, from the Roman Empire through to the rebuilding of Japan and Germany.

Long term plans usually mean short term sacrifices and a lot of people aren't willing to give anything up. I feel that so much emphasis is placed on the here and now and this is stifling progress - makes it hard to implement any kind of long term plan without resorting to legislation.

There are a lot of people who are planning ahead and are concerned for the well-being of their children, grand-children and the future of the planet in general, in respect of global warming it's a movement that is gathering momentum.

As we move forward those who failed to get on board will be left behind, they can't say that they weren't warned.

Specifically "what would move us to make a plan or plan ahead", I believe that a policy of educating people is the best option, unfortunately there is a lot of misonformation out there which is getting in the way of progress. There's no easy answer.

Answer 2

There were times in America when roads were proposed, the water infrastructure was established, towns and cities settled. Some of it happened in a haphazard fashion. Other elements were planned carefully. In the case of the water infrastructure in California, the planners seemed very cognizant of population growth in the state and laid out the plan accordingly.

Nowadays we seem to be stuck in a seat of the pants mode, partially because of financing and partly because we can't get a consensus for planning that really works. Politicians tend to be short sighted and do not put forth a vision the people can or will stand behind.

So I think the plan needs to be a movement from the ground level, surging up to local communities, then the states, and finally coming together on the national stage. Many are content to live in the moment -- I agree to a point, because tomorrow doesn't always come -- but I for one have kids and now a grandson and that is enough to make me want to plan ahead, so that they can be ensured of a solid future full of potential and opportunity.

So whether it's the core family unit, the community, or the nation at large, I think we plan ahead to provide for those we love and care for. Those of us looking to the future can educate ourselves, educate our friends and family, and advocate positive change to help turn the tide and promote a healthy planet. Hopefully this will build into a groundswell and we'll accomplish what we need to to make that happen.

Answer 3

We live in the moment because most people are caught up in what is going on and how they can get ahead of the game before life catches up with them. I am not sure weather you mean plan ahead like a year from now or 10 years from now and who you want to be able to plan for. All those go into helping plan for the future

Answer 4

Pollution control is a multi billion dollar business. Technology is being planned ahead to give us more capability to reduce even more.

Why is there a perception that nothing is being done?

There a lot of green in being green.

Answer 5

A reason.