There is no getting away from the fact that oil is still one of the best investments for governments. Most democratic governments would much prefer to invest in green projects as they are more likely to please voters and happy voters keep politicians in power. However, they also have an obligation to the electorate to improve the economy with profitable and wise financial decisions. Problem is that currently you can't have the best investments and have them all green.

Politicians Talk - Oil Delivers

So, what is a fair and honest politician supposed to do? Compromise a little and talk the talk of course. Tell the people how much extra is going to be invested in green projects in the future. Then think of a good excuse and quietly reduce the amount before actually handing over the cash. Don't mention any investments in coal or oil. All going well, most people will not notice or care enough to make any real difference to voting numbers. And if they eventually do notice, just repeat the above.

Investment Means Progress

Until it pays as well, green investments will continue to be less attractive than black. Less investment results in less development and fewer companies and people working towards a sustainable future. More black investment means companies and people can and will continue to put their time and effort in to and enjoying the returns that oil has consistently made for many decades.

Green Investments Will Win In The End

Of course, it is inevitable that green will win in the end, it simply has to, but it's going to take a long time. How much further damage will be done to our world in the mean time? Every investment that could have gone to renewables but instead goes to oil, delays the green victory.

About The Author
Jane Duncan
Chewells Contributor

Jane is passionate about the environment, she is our main contributor for the renewable industry blogs. She... »

Read Next

...

Replies

• Pablo-Manente (Feb 1, 2024)
  More money is now going in to green projects than all fossil fuels. Much of this may well be from an environmental choice rather than purely profit driven, but nonetheless, I can not see this trend reversing. Rather, more will invest in green to help the cause.
• wee Jinky (Jan 28, 2024)
  Cant please all the people all the time. People need good jobs. To heck with the polar bears.
• Richard Johnson (Jan 22, 2024)
  Currently green investments return less than half that of oil. So, there's a very long way to go.

• Name