[M1ch431]

I really want to live in a world where doing what's good for the Earth and the people around you is not only the natural response to a problem, but something that is rewarded in a meaningful way.

Unsung heroes definitely have shaped this world, occupying roles which we will probably never grasp of because how history is practically taught and understood; under the lens of territory and its resulting disputes, changes in leadership or public consciousness, and our academic/practical understanding of the world/technology.

As a world, we should learn about the incredible struggles these people went through to effect change in the climate that they lived in. But we largely do not - because the entire truth is usually inconvenient to those in power, who desperately resist change and the resulting uncertainty, because of all of the potential fallout that comes with increased knowledge of the workings of the world and agency of those they deem below them. Real change is generally only allowed by those in power if it is on their terms and initiative.

There is not a more dire time than today for mounting, as a world, an immediate and potent response to the climate crisis. As a society, no matter your class, no matter where you live, bridging all gaps and divisions. We need to be talking about it; we need to relentlessly speak publicly about manifesting real change and giving power and agency to those who are not greedy, who are not bloodthirsty, to those who deserve it, to people that are actual experts and students of the world - who never abuse their authority and belittle their fellow man, because the focus of their leadership should not be on currency or control, but true, democratically decided-purpose and their role as leaders to provide informed support and passion to the people around them.

We need to collectively envision a fair, exciting economy (and economy of scale) that works for the world and our individual communities. Life should be stimulating now - we shouldn't work as hard or long, we should work to serve the people we touch and to reap every bit of the value that we create ethically and morally. Sustainable and ethical travel should be accessible to everybody - let us celebrate the world around us freely. And through our travels, improve and enrich the world that surrounds us. End the rat race, the race to the bottom or top, the race to the end of civilization, and begin rejoicing that we are post-scarcity, that we are at peace, that we have an understanding of the greatness that we can achieve like never before.

I want and we deserve a constant news cycle where we talk about how we're planning/implementing incredible feats, witnessing and celebrating cooperation that is unlike anything we've ever seen, efforts like solving the energy crisis by effectively allocating resources and utilizing the earth and sun and everything in between better and more intelligently than ever for our collective benefit.

[robomartin]

> There is not a more dire time than today for mounting, as a world, an immediate and potent response to the climate crisis.

I am sorry. And, with respect, because I know just how difficult it is to escape the tight grip of this sort of thing. What you are saying demonstrates the depths of indoctrination that has been achieved in this matter.

They have people running scared for no reason at all.

This is not a dire time.

Nothing is going to happen.

It isn't the end of the world.

It isn't the end of humanity.

And, no, there is absolutely nothing --not one thing-- we can do to slow down, stop or reverse planetary scale atmospheric CO2 levels. The very idea is beyond laughable.

There are so many ways to show just how ridiculous this is. Ways that don't require advanced scientific knowledge at all to comprehend. Yet, just like indoctrination can make a person commit utterly irrational acts of violence, in this case, it has created millions of people living in a mental fantasy of ridiculous proportions.

In short, what you believe is not true. It is a fantasy.

Rather than ending my comment at that statement, I'll offer you the simplest possible tool for thought. Maybe this gets you started down a different path that might help shake loose from these beliefs. I don't know. Indoctrination is a powerful force. They are using it to make billions of dollars and will not let up, because it works very well.

Have a look at this picture. It shows annual CO2 contribution per country.

https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/styles/original/p...

The first thing to understand is that zero CO2 emissions is impossible. At a minimum, every person on this planet emits somewhere around 1 kg of CO2 per day. Yet, that's not the limiting factor. A massive amount of CO2, way beyond that, is emitted every day in other ways, all natural. Not to go too far, natural forest fires dwarf the emissions of some industrial sources.

Zero carbon is a fantasy.

Solar panels won't do it. Wind farms won't do it. Electric vehicles won't do it. Etc.

Yet, let's go ahead and indulge in a fantasy. Let's assume that the US and China get down to zero CO2 annual emissions. Nothing.

How?

Captain Jean Luc Piccard beams everything in both countries into the dark of space. The US and China cease to exist. No people, buildings, animals, plants, nothing. The become sand deserts (or whatever emits zero CO2).

What happens then?

Well, you have eliminated 13% (US) and 31% (China) annual global CO2 contribution. A total of 44%.

That means that the rest of the world still emits 56%.

Which means that, not only will atmospheric CO2 concentration not stop, it will not reverse --ever.

When someone presents you with any "save the world" idea, the first question should be: "How is that better than erasing the US and China from the planet?".

The honest answer should be: Not even close.

Which means the so-called solution is nothing more than a fantasy. It will do nothing more than enrich a bunch of people and do absolutely nothing for the environment.

Does this mean we don't switch to clean energy and electric cars?

No, of course not. These are good ideas and commendable objectives. Let's stop lying about this whole climate change and "save the planet" business though. Cleaning up our act is a good idea because cleaner cities and a more energy-efficient society are good ideas. These things will do nothing to save even a continent, much less the entire planet. Save from what? Nothing. The planet has no issues at all.

There's more, but I'll stop there. Most people will not even bother to consider that what they believe are fantasies promoted using billions of dollars and a network of cooperating entities with aligned interests. They ring the bell, and the masses salivate. And they are really good at making this happen.

[cameldrv]

> The first thing to understand is that zero CO2 emissions is impossible. At a minimum, every person on this planet emits somewhere around 1 kg of CO2 per day. Yet, that's not the limiting factor. A massive amount of CO2, way beyond that, is emitted every day in other ways, all natural. Not to go too far, natural forest fires dwarf the emissions of some industrial sources.

Why was atmospheric CO2 relatively constant for thousands of years prior to industrialization? All of those forest fires were still happening.

The reason is that nature creates an equilibrium. Forest burns down releasing carbon, new forest grows there absorbing carbon. The problem started when we started digging up trapped carbon from millions of years ago.

I’d suggest that your thinking is unsound and you should reconsider where your ideas come from.

[M1ch431]

I just want to say that while we probably do have some fundamental differences of opinions, I am a bit puzzled when you suggest that I am indoctrinated or otherwise brainwashed.

I assure you that, in fact, I am very aware in general of how strong and pervasive the profit motive is, how money drives research, and how sometimes research isn't entirely reproducible or is otherwise flawed from the premise or methodologies used. I am also very aware of how research is weaponized to push an agenda by many different types of actors - who may not be in good faith; agendas that likely won't amount to real change in the grand scheme of things - beyond lining the pockets of the few.

I believe that there are plenty of problems on Earth that I would classify as top priority for everyone in the world to address and for them to actively participate in the solutions. Things are not fine, we fundamentally disagree. And I do think there is enough consensus from all sources, that there are some pretty dire predictions for the world. I believe everybody is entitled to forming their own opinions, and that critical thinking absolutely shouldn't be discouraged. You are not harshly judged by me. I'm sure you could link me many studies where you identify a conflict of interest, or identify bad faith, or point out an agenda that is assuredly not for the greater good, or perhaps just dismiss studies that you would liken to fear porn - or an overreaction. And that's fine, I do have an open mind, a mind which I try to exercise, I may not even need to be convinced or informed. But dismissing all the research highlighting the problems potentially coming ahead is definitely a big claim, and requires extraordinary evidence to convince me or anybody reading the thread.

It is indeed a bit of a fantasy to suggest that we, as a species and global community, could penetrate the barriers that limit our creativity and stifle progress, and initiate in good faith diplomacy with one another, and conceive of working together to plan and manifest a better future without our current trajectory poisoning the well.

Fantasy or not, I'd like to believe that human beings are somewhat capable of the diplomacy, civility, and tolerance displayed in TV shows like Star Trek. We are perhaps currently barbaric, but probably still not too far off from shifting away from those practices if we actively utilize technology and our knowledge and ingenuity to change the world as a whole to one that is truly post-scarcity.