What's wrong about solving Global Crises?

It sounds rather bigoted and short sighted of me to be against what seems on the surface an admirable goal of solving world problems, especially if these crises will destroy the world. To explain myself, let me give you an example of some of the problems with these Global Issue Networks (GIN) proposed by Rischard. The first problem is agreeing on what or what is not a global crisis. Take global warming, one of Rischard's top 20. Check this link from Fox News. This article tells us how the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia in England has been distorting the evidence that would confirm global warming. If global warming is such an undisputed fact, then why do these scientists have to fudge the figures?

Nevertheless, Rischard wants us to form a panel of "experts" such as these scientists from the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia in England to come up with a solution and then cram it down the throats of the nations of the world. I am not sure what the agenda is but it is not just about the environment.

Now you may think that I am for doing absolutely nothing about the environment. You would be wrong. I am very much in favor of responsible stewardship of the resources of our planet. I personally believe it is a God given mandate. While I believe that global warming is contrived, I also believe that we should strive for cleaner air. However, I don't think that we have to destroy our economy and way of life to do it.

Having said this, I am not in favor of the United States or any other sovereign nation submitting to the dictates of a so called panel of experts. Nations can and should cooperate with one another in times of crisis. When Haiti was devastated by an earthquake, the United States and many private citizens were quick to respond. Many other nations followed suit. Those that did not missed out on an opportunity and that is their loss. Nations can lead by example and need no panel of experts to tell them what to do.

Now what does this have to do with Instructional Technology? Already there are many educational projects going on warning of the dangers of global warming. EPals, the student email system for our elementary students, has a project on this issue. I know of at least one teacher who wants to use this material. Obviously, that is his choice, but I do hope he presents both sides of the issue. Next time I will talk about the "global economic crisis."