While filling up my car’s petrol tank last night on the way home from the airport, I realized how cheap the cost of gasoline has become in the past few months. It made me think about why it is the case, and if the low price of gasoline is relative to the recent dispute in the Polish media about the future of coal as the traditional energy source. How does the low price of gasoline and the problems with coal translate into the world of politics, social awareness and moral dilemmas? Should I, as an environmentally friendly citizen, focus on installing solar panels on the roof of my house or should I start using coal in order to support the local economy? It is probably hard to believe but exactly 30 years ago I began my work in a nuclear reactor, believing strongly at that time that it is the only energy source worth discussing. Now, 30 years later, I can see that nothing is simple in respect of our global needs for energy in the 21st century and many discussions will follow in the years to come.
I am writing about energy resources because I believe that our students at The British School, Warsaw are being provided with the kind of education that allows for this type of complex, multi-layered discussion. They are becoming excellent global inquirers who care about the fate of our planet and who reflect on the mistakes committed in the past. They think about the future in an open-minded way whilst assessing the risks needed to be taken in looking for the best solution.
In preparation for the famous quiz coming up in April, here is a question for everyone to think over and discuss over the weekend: what technological device would you consider most important in the history of human race and why?
Dr Jacek Latkowski
Deputy Principal