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I have had numerous conversations (sic) with deniers who claim financial destruction by limiting the use of cheap energy. I do not disagree that the short term effects will be inconsequential initially, but I see them no harder than society making any other choice that is not economically optimal if looked at narrowly.
But as you point out most of these people are clearly alarmists of the worst stripe, since they often tie in political annihilation of American values and democracy in the same paragraph.
Personally I think western developed economies have a whole lot of slack in numerous areas that buffer us from economic collapse. If the financial meltdown of 2008 didn’t do it, then the extra costs assciated with decrease use of fossil fuel and subsidies to renewable energy and conservation will not pose any danger to our economy or political system.
Rereading this it sounds bizarre that this is not just considered common sense by all but a tiny fringe of John Birchers in their 80′s unable to get over the betrayal of goldwater republicans.
I know. It’s a no-brainer to act now, if not on a financial basis, just on the precautionary principle alone. But remember, we are dealing with people incapable of critical thinking skills being manipulated by greedy corporations and idealogues.
DEAR GOD, is there ANY way to fix all those typos?
what typos? ;0)
Tony, I think you are in need of a reality check. I would recommend any or all of the following:
– The Stern Review on the economics of climate change in 2006.
– The US Department of Defense (Quadrennial Defense Review) in 2010.
– The Communist Party of China (Climate Change White Paper) in 2011.
- The International Energy Agency (World Energy Outlook) in 2011.
– The formerly sceptical American economist William Nordhaus (‘Why global warming skeptics are wrong’) in 2012.
The time for prevarication ended 24 years ago and, 24 years later, I think James Hansen is right once again; the CEO’s of big oil companies are probably guilty of crimes against humanity (for perpetuating doubt and policy paralysis):
Until a moment ago I was a confirmed athiest!
lol sometimes magic happens in blogland.
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