Rob, we’ve reached the point where we need to do it quickly. No more dilly-dallying around. We need a concerted effort to achieve sustainability.

Doing it quickly is not at odds with doing it methodically. However, there is a real danger that if we concentrate on doing it methodically but not with a degree of urgency, we’ll end up doing no more than a token effort and effectively not address the antisustainability or antigreen momentum of our society.

If Ludwig is serious about setting a sustainable green example, presumably he (1) no longer uses reticulated power and gas supplies, having switched over completely to solar and/or windpower,(2) has sold his motor vehicle and now walks or cycles everywhere, (3) no longer flies on domestic or international airlines, (4) has become a vegetarian (5) has switched from fixed to mobile phones (6) no longer drinks or smokes.

Ludwig, I'll settle for the following compromise.

That the concerted progressive effort you talk about is brought to bear in such a way that it neutralises the strongest opposing conservative forces and thereby acts as the platform from which the process of reaching sustainability can proceed in the right way and at the right speed given the circumstances.

That way, the real gung-ho types can funnel their energy in a way where the ordinary Joe Blow is not hurt or sideswiped by it and is happily carried along by the flow.