While NASA may have miscalculated the
hottest year on record recently (not 2005 but 1934), the science of
global climate change and the extent that change  is caused by
human activity is widely to be considered sound. Sure, there are some
scientists who cast doubt on these theories, just as there are
scientists who cast doubt on the theory of evolution, but most agree
that the earth as a whole is getting hotter and it is getting hotter
faster each year.

    If you dismiss the scientists as part of some vast
left-wing conspiracy to further a radical environmental agenda, perhaps
you place more faith in captains of industry and capital. If so, then
all you need to do is simply follow the money.

    Corporations are getting greener. Some of it has to
do with public relations, but some of it has to do with the fact that
these companies (if not the captains themselves) plan on being around
for the next 20, 50 or 70 years. And it might help to know where the
earth is going. They know cheap energy is disappearing and the cost of
consuming it is increasing.

    Now municipalities like Cape Elizabeth and South
Portland are exploring what they and their citizens can do to be more
efficient and try to get away from the practice of getting all our
energy by burning things.

    Businesses know you need to spend money to make
money – or save money. And we know one thing for sure– you get more for
your money today than you will tomorrow.

–Ward Peck