Global Warming

[Wojtek Sokolowski]

At 05:31 PM 4/5/01 +0100, James H. wrote:
>
>No, indeed one could cut luxury consumption on the part of the ruling
>classes, but the single largest component of GDP is still employees
>compensation, I take it? The ruling elite being a small minority, their
>consumption, though considerable individually, collectively wouldn't
>make the difference that the environmentalists are asking for. 
>
>The recent growth in US energy consumption corresponds quite closely to
>the growth in employment, I think. I suppose you could reduce energy
>consumption by closing down your industry.

This argument has a false premise.  Much of the working class earning is
spent on products that waste energy.  Two examples:

car based transportation - either Sports Utility Cars (SUCs) or old gas
guzzlers
housing - poorly constructed shacks that cost a fortune to heat and cool
down (e.g. I've seen people paying $200/month to heat a 3-bedroom apartment);

A more efficient transportation system and better homes can actually
INCREASE working class standards of living AND REDUCE energy waste and thus
pollution.

wojtek