This is not only true of the building industry, the residential markets and the design trades, but we all need to recognize and strive for a paradigm shift in how we understand, use and approach energy. We are a wasteful species at best and a parasite by nature. We adapt and overcome, but in doing so we destroy our host.

We must begin to see a new order to the world, one of responsiveness, respect, activism, and balance. We can't continue to build, manufacture, consume and discard at our current rates. We are destroying our world yet we have the capacity to slow if not reverse all the damage if we would just wake up to the new reality of life on this planet.

You are right on point with your observations, but its just not feasible to think that everyone in mass will shift consciousness and behaviors. It takes years, decades and longer to change the undercurrents of life.

I don't think we should give up, but we should be realistic about the pace of change.

I don't know if I share your pessimism. There are instances when change can occur at phenomenal rates. A sense of urgency, doom and peril must be present to provide the impetus for this change, but it is possible. I do strongly believe that this peril is in place, but there is substantial debate, politicizing and media coverage that diminishes the effects that need to be present for the change to happen fast.

If everyone became aware that without a mass change in behaviors and practices, that the world might come to an end, chance would happen pretty quickly. So long as people remain comfortable and don't see substantial effects on their lives, then change will never occur.