Originally posted by Aristotle
I don't think the long term solution to any environmental problem is trying to convince people to make sacrifices. It just won't ever work. For the most part, people have too many other things to worry about in their lives to deliberately worsen their life for the future benefit of preserving the environment. Maybe that is a sad statement on the human condition, but it is a true statement.
I couldn't agree more with this statement. The ultimate conservation solution is zero use of energy, and that will just never happen our society is too dependant on energy.

The only real solution will be a demand solution in the absence of government regulation on price. Increased demand for energy will increase the cost of energy, making alternative energy sources more viable. This is turn will increase development of environmentally friendly energy sources.