The last few years, I have been using funds from the sale of my music to support non-profit projects centered around indigenous land rights and critically endangered habitat in the Amazon rainforest. However, there has been a growing dissonance between my desire to collaborate in positive change and the carbon footprint created by my creative process. I live on the big island of Hawaii, surrounded by lush lowland rainforest and many critically endangered species, and I find that the battle for change and consciousness has a frontline much closer to me than South America. The power I am using to create music in my home is literally destroying the beauty and the species that surround me. Because power is mostly supplied by fuel brought in from outside the island, local power barons in Hawaii are looking to expand the geothermal projects on the Big Island. The energy project, undertaken by True Geothermal Company and endorsed by Hawaii’s governor and other imposing figures, has already invaded the largest intact tropical lowland rain forest in the United States. Now they are seeking to expand and build a new geothermal plant right on the coast, disturbing one of the most beautiful community beaches in the area. There are massive ecological consequences of drilling geothermal wells in the near-pristine Wao Kele O Puna rainforest. Lawsuits have been ongoing in the history of the existing geothermal plant, PGV, since it’s inception. Many accidents involving venting of toxic gasses into the surrounding neighborhood have happened, most with inadequate warning alerts and reporting to the public. The people here are traumatized by an earlier blow out that forced a major evacuation. There is often steam and brine in the air. The noise often exceeds the rural and residential standards. Drilling noise has gone on all day and night for many months, destroying the peace of this rural community. Local people finally passed a new regulation that prevents drilling at night in the future. The hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and other toxins have been documented in significant quantities. We believe this has led to illness and deaths of plants, animals, birds, fish and humans, and studies still need to be done. This development is literally in my backyard. The current plant is less than a mile away, and if you travel down my road you arrive at the Isaac Hale Beach Park, which is the next proposed geothermal project in the county. The members of the Hale family are actually my next-door neighbors, so this is about as close to home as it can get. realitysandwich/music_technology_and_responsibility - Evan Marc Bluetech
Posted on: Sun, 29 Sep 2013 18:15:07 +0000
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