I joined my peers Wednesday evening to partake in a discussion concerning the biggest threats to the environment. Lead by a panel of experts. Professors Shanjun Li, Greg Poe, and David Wolfe whom are leading professionals in the scientific and economic field of climate change and environmental degradation, the discussion brought up serious topics concerning environmental degradation and societal indifference towards such. Among the topic of conversation also arose many innovative ideas for environmental conservation, such as alternative methods of energy harvesting, and the associated social, financial, and political obstructions to the implementation of such methods.

Fracking, the process of pumping fluid horizontally into the ground to collect natural gas, is a recent issue brought to the attention of the city of Ithaca. Prospective fracking was planned to occur within many parts throughout upstate New York, but thanks to persistent protest as well as economic reasons (it had become cheaper to halt drilling because of the falling value of natural gas), the plans to do so were ceased. Although an effective method of energy generation, it has several environmental consequences, such as incurring water contamination, droughts, and climate change in addition to displacing hundreds of individuals from their homes. Such controversial methods are a direct result of our inability to have the foresight to think about and act upon preventing the environmental consequences of our decisions.

The panel had actually proposed a solution to counteract our indifference and carelessness  in regards to conservation: taxation for pollution. In this way, individuals as well as larger corporations are more willing to take the extra step to find more environmentally friendly methods of production, rather than face the consequential fines. Otherwise, these corporations will be ruthless in their efforts to cut corners and to set aside safety and environmental concerns for profit.