Why are we reactive instead of active?

When training in the military I have been told so many times that it is better to be active instead of reactive. Allowing you the upper hand in any situation. Whether the situation a confrontation, fire fight, or just plain personnel interaction. This is offering a surprise element to the other end allowing you to make decisions of the known and having the opposite end to first figure out what is going on.

But if you take this concept to that of the Oil prices. Why are we now doing something about it. I listened to a wonderful PODCAST about solar energy. Did you know that solar energy has been around for close to 50 years. So why are we starting to put money into it? Why are we reacting with new standards and tax breaks. Are we being reactive to the situation or are we being active to change it. In the PODCAST Larry Bawden explains that Germany along with many other countries are putting this on the top of the list of priorities for their respective country.

I am by no means a "tree hugger", but at what point do you look at whats around you and see the facts. Oil prices are rising and the quantity that is available is not getting any bigger. I understand there are times that oils are going to be needed. But this problem should be on the top for all entrepreneurs and business people alike. Working towards a goal of Oil free production is not only going to save the environment but it will save you money.

How will it save you money? Look at it this way. If I sold you a solar panel and you placed it atop your business, and for example purposes it will cover all of your electrical bill. By doing so you now know how much the unit cost, how much maintenance is going to cost, and how long its going to last (Oh by the way solar panels are tested to last for 20 years). So if you do the math you are going to save money. How? You now know how much you bill is going to be by day, week, even hour. Because of this you are able to make business decisions and not have to factor in the cost of energy to do so.

So I guess what I am trying to say here is maybe look at your current business, or look at your business plan and try to figure out what you can do to eliminate the what ifs in the future.