The Earth has been around for billions of years, supporting life human that polluted its skies, tainted its oceans and, overall, created a mess plaguing its land. But that was then and with a new day comes a new way.

Until recently, environmental problems went unaddressed — but times are changing.  The potential for vast improvements in our energy needs, as well as celebrites like Al Gore, sparked a green movement that may define the next few generations.

Reliance on fossil fuels is the main concern among environmentalists. Imagine a world without our nation’s monstrous addiction.

Cars — running strictly on electricity — would zoom down highways with the speed of cheetahs tracking prey.

The United States’ presence in the Middle East would disappear as oil would no longer be a necessity. Anti-American attitutes in the Middle East would drastically decrease in the absence of U.S. influence.

Blue oceans would shine brilliantly as massive oil drilling machines are rushed back to shore for swift dismantling. Consequently, sea turtles would lose any fear of washing onto the beach drenched in a black coat of petroleum.

Ah, it would be sublime. Mankind would be improving the biosphere while simultaneously mending the wounds between combating cultures.

On second thought…

How do we pay for this?

As it stands, green innovation and implementation calls for pockets deeper than a kangaroo’s pouch. With a bad economy, prudent steps need to be taken upon allocating finances.

No doubt, the benefits will be vast at the time of the prescribed utopia above. Nonetheless, we must also think in the now.

There is a reason why fossil fuels are still prominent in light of political and environmental setbacks; it’s dirt cheap. With our influence in the Middle East and over 2,000 off and on-shore rigs around the country, oil is relatively inexpensive.

Granted, an emerging green industry could turn this theory upside down. Unemployment would drop to single digits, revving up the economy and leaving recession in the dust.

But without a significant market of buyers and an initial backer to fund research and materials, the industry would crumble faster than a Detroit Lions football season.

A greener future is a great idea. After all, the least we can do is give back to planet which has provided blissful surroundings. It is only practical, however, to accept that things don’t change overnight.