Just today, the Guardian online published an article citing the gross disproportions between the amount of meetings chancellors take with energy sector officials compared to ‘green sector’ representatives. Of course, the information is relevant to the UK and not the entire world; however it does detail how government officials met, on average, with energy sector officials 17 more times than they met with green sector industry officials.
What does this say?
At first glance, it is easy to think that the government is in the hands of big energy. How could you not? They meet with energy officials so many more times, it only makes sense that the government is in the pockets of the big energy dealers.
However, the picture is undeniably more nuanced.
The energy sector makes up a tremendous amount of any developed nations costs, and infrastructure. Often times, people only consider the direct cost of the energy sector. Obviously, electricity as a raw product is not that much of a GDP. However when we consider all of the byproducts of the energy industry, we see that energy is an imperative part of making a country run.
It is well documented that the energy demand plays an almost directly proportional role in GDP growth rates. As such, we can see why government officials may tend to speak to energy sector representatives a bit more during trying economic times.
Yet, this is not the only conclusion to draw. Undoubtedly, there is a discrepancy between the meetings between energy officials and green sector reps. but, is there not a sheet difference in numbers between the two as well? The energy sector accounts for an enormous amount of both product and services within an economy. This means an enormous amount of money flow as well as an enormous number of employees. Meeting with energy sector representatives more often could be a way more proportionally deal with the needs of your population.
Now do not get me wrong, I am all for green. In fact, I am a solar sporting, reused bag toting, bicycle riding advocate myself. However, I think that it is foolish for us to criticize the government over meeting with energy sector officials. Kickbacks are one thing, but meetings are meetings. Energy makes the modern world run. Do we really expect our governments to ignore that and not, at least try, to cooperate with those who supply (arguably) the most versatile resource we currently have?
For the source of this (somewhat ranting) article please check out http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jul/23/green-companies-treasury-meetings-energy
And as always for all of your energy thoughts and news check out www.energygridiq.com today!
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