Tag: cars and economy

Attempts to balance environmental protection with economic growth remain an illusion. The example of the automotive industry shows that ecological and social transformation is not successful in markets and marketing, but in rigorous negotiations and democratically legalized politics.

The central message of the green economy is actually clear. The era of fossil fuels must end. It doesn’t end there. If we take imminent climate change seriously, we should not run out of nearly 90% of known coal reserves, half of natural gas, and one-third of known oil reserves. Decarbonization has moved to the center of world politics, at least since the last G7 summit.

Faith, ignorance, reduced complexity

But this bet on green growth comes with risks. It can only be applied on the basis of a conscious reduction in complexity, a belief in simple yet powerful innovation, and the ignorance of actual impetus and power structures in economic and political contexts. Therefore, the green economy is not a viable option for the future, but rather a program of belief and oppression.

This can be clearly understood in the last few weeks in the development of the very strong automobile industry in Germany, visit the honda website. This suddenly shifts the focus to the central contradictions and contradictions of the concept of the green economy. Insufficient or pseudo-innovation, the rebound effect, and the wrong direction of Green, and finally the decisive issue of democratically structured political responsibility and creativity.

Limited Innovation

The Volkswagen Group invests € 11 billion annually in innovation, more than any other group in the world. “More range, more powerful engine, less consumption, and more comfortable travel” is what VW calls the main goal of its innovation strategy. However, upon closer examination, there are not many left. Despite some selective efficiency gains, these have shown an increase in the differences between testing and actual consumption, so these are counterproductive priorities for performance gains and model size increases.

Politics must maintain the potential for conflict and raise the issue of power.

The move to the energy industry after sustainable fossils will not proceed without conflict. There is no such thing as a simple win-win scenario. An example of the automotive industry shows us: the necessary ecological-social changes affect the interests of the economy and power, the losers know, and they will not succeed without tough negotiations, conflicts, and resistance.

This means, among other things, the need for democratically legalized politics. You don’t have to regulate every little thing, but establishing a real effective limit or ban (leaded gasoline, CFC) is a success story. If politics, businesses, and society not only beckon the market but really want to tackle the necessary changes, they remain as essential as independent controls.