The UN released a study on Thursday saying that better architecture and energy savings could do more to fight global warming than any restrictions on greenhouse emissions. Simple measures can make a big difference: more blinds to keep the sun out in hot climates, energy efficient lightbulbs, better insulation and ventilation, not living in absurdly big houses that are impossible to heat and cool without causing a brownout in Los Angeles.

As usual we can count on the UN to state the obvious with gentle verbs and back down from any real confrontation. “Making a difference” is not going to cut it. Our rampant abuse of the world’s resources is not going to be halted or checked by changing lightbulbs, but the thinking is a step in the right direction.

Unified minds acting together will one day force change, though the contractions will not be a pleasant experience. The progress of industry in most developed nations does not jive with sustaining life on planet earth.
Predictably, the British don’t care about saving energy. All they can do is export Beckhams.