If you look up Progressive in the dictionary, the most common meaning is, 'moving forward'. Yet when it comes to our electricity needs in the 21st century, it would seem we are prepared to accept 'going backwards' hardly progressive. and yes trying to live a modern day life with intermittent electricity is a backwards step. Humanity throughout history, has always utilized the resources available to us, based on the technology of the time.
This idea suggests we should just carry on as we always have, even in the face of knowledge that we have made mistakes. We now have a choice of resources and we have knowledge of their various impacts. Humanity's progress - or moving forward - has never been in a smooth upward line. There have been ups and downs in all fields of human endeavour. Right now we know we have made a big mistake burning so much fossil fuel. Fixing it is complex and might involve adjustments. A bit like a drug trial.
Progressive ideas are rarely well proven, usually having a selective and minor effect, often diminishing overall benefit.
This content is created by the open source Your Priorities citizen engagement platform designed by the non profit Citizens Foundation