NOW, THAT'S the kind of news I like to hear - the Scientific Research Council's (SRC) use of bio digesters to convert waste into electric power. This story is well-timed as poor nations, and even the rich ones, try to grapple with rising oil prices and the overwhelming dependence on non-renewable sources of energy.
I am a bit puzzled why it has taken so long for us to get this technology going since my historical notes tell me that bio gas was first use for heating bathwater in Assyria during the 10th century BC. And the process is widely used as an energy source and for waste water management in North America.
Although late, we should applaud the efforts of the SRC who report some interest from householders and the private sector in generating their own electricity. Although the tech-nology requires major capital outlay, from an environmental standpoint this is very encouraging news, especially as it comes on the heels of the programme to use alternate car fuel introduced by Petcom.
This SRC development should be accompanied by a robust regulatory framework governing waste disposal. I am thinking about the many industrial companies that dump their putrid waste into Kingston Harbour, for example. Much of this environ-ment degradation is irreversible and the time has long past for the Government to seek to foster environmental cooperation between the private sector, householders and science.
If we truly understood the role of science and technology as a tool of national development, perhaps there would have been a Minister of Science and Technology in place long ago. This portfolio is far too important to be tacked on to other subject areas. In any event, the current minister has demonstrated that it is difficult to keep his eyes focused on the ball - bad cement is being churned out and IT investors are taking off with our money. There are just too many issues competing for his attention. The value of such an appointment would be to strengthen the country's capabilities in science and technology.
RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES
A Ministry of Science and Technology could also push the idea of protecting the environment and promoting social and economic growth. The ministry with its sights firmly focused on delivering a renewable future to Jamaica would set targets while driving programmes to improve all-round environment perfor-mance. The ministry would encourage the renewable sector by offering subsidies and tax breaks.
If we truly understood the role of science and technology in national development, financial institutions would be designing innovative lending programmes for private sector interests to invest in renewable technologies. Funding energy-conservation projects will be far more beneficial in the long run than creating generous car-loan schemes.
If we truly understood the importance of science and technology in national develop-ment then huge sums of money would be dedicated to research into renewable energy sources to determine what is best suited to our needs, be it hydro energy, wind technology, bio mass or solar energy. Talking about solar energy, are there still incentives for using this method in homes? And how is the wind far doing in Manchester? Is this something that should be replicated elsewhere in the country?
The other problem with science and technology is that the information does not trickle down to the masses. For one thing, the language of science is mostly incomprehensible to the layman. The pattern is that a new development is announced in the media amid great hoopla. Sadly, the fruits of research rarely get to the people who could benefit most by changing their way of life.
In the final analysis if we care enough to make a contribution to sustaining our country's resources for generations to come, we all must actively engage in energy-saving ways of conducting our affairs.
Dennie Quill, a veteran journalist, may be reached at denniequill@hotmail.com.
