Re: climate change times are a changin'
Besides, you know what is going to **** over our world's food supply most in the next 100 years? Climate change.
Well, let's think about where we get the best return on our money. Set aside controversy over the fact that throughout most of history we have had ongoing climate change driven by a combination of solar activity and volcanic activity. We are talking about spending trillions of dollars on climate change mitigation, and also depressing living standards for much of the world's population, for a relatively modest result. It seems to me we would get a far better return on the same dollars by spending the money to ameliorate the effects of climate change rather than try to stop it from happening. One super-major volcanic eruption, one mega-solar flare, and poof, the money's been wasted; compared to 100% certain return on our dollars.
Suppose you live in a house on the seashore: you could spend millions raising the foundation and building a seawall, or you could move to higher ground. How much more money would be left over after your move in the latter scenario compared to the former?
Higher CO[SUB]2[/SUB] levels and a warmer climate are actually better for plant life; there is ample geologic evidence to prove that along with current biological evidence as well.
Your other point is valid though. Neither political party in the US will actually help the poor achieve better lives. Both political parties in the US are tools of big-money interests.
The question that no one wants to discuss is not "whether" climate change is happening, but rather what is the most effective response to it? Nothing I've seen or read indicates that any of the proposals to "do something" about it directly will be very effective (how many trillions for a 2[SUP]o[/SUP] difference 50 years from now?? what's the point other than to make ourselves feel good). It's a hard prospect to face, but the more I read and listen and think, the more it seems to me that if we truly do care about being effective, then we gravitate toward mitigation. Besides, from a practical standpoint, the latter will also have far greater political support and far less controversy as well (at least among non-fanatical reasonable people who distrust the zealots on both sides).
