[lbo-talk] Nicholas Stern's What Is To Be Done on climate change

[John Thornton]

Eubulides wrote:
> On Sun, Jul 13, 2008 at 12:45 PM, John Thornton <jthorn65 at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
>   
>> So the Permian era climatic conditions are now the threshold we're trying to
>> stay below? That's good to know. It gives us more time to continue
>> polluting.
>> No matter how fucked the climate gets you can always find some era that was
>> worse in some manner.
>> I fail to see how noting this is helpful.
>>
>> "Too late" as in too late to avoid setting off positive feedback loops that
>> amplify climate instability.
>>
>> Believing that we will not avoid the positive feedback loops is
>> fatalism/despair and therefore not interesting is an odd idea.
>> Believing we will avoid these feedback loops is like believing Obama is an
>> agent of progressive change.
>> It may make you feel better about your 35 month olds chances for a less
>> bleak climatic future but it is equally unrealistic.
>> Better to deal with unpleasant realism than hide behind positive feeling
>> fantasies.
>>
>> A couple that I'm very close to just adopted a child.
>> With that adoption came an adjustment in their view of climate change.
>> In their words they can no longer allow themselves to believe the climate
>> problem will be severe or else they will lose hope for their child's future.
>> A rather silly method to use to form ones beliefs on climate change.
>> Apparently a very popular method as well.
>> I don't believe we will avoid the positive feedbacks but it damn sure won't
>> be from lack of effort on my part.
>> I fail to see why believing near future generations will face positive
>> feedback loops that amplify climate instability equals fatalism/despair.
>>
>> John Thornton
>>     
>
>
> ================
>
> Well golly, have another gin and tonic to fuel your perpetual
> petulance already.........
>
> Ian

I seldom drink Gin and tonic in the afternoon. That's a evening drink.
Right now it's Rum and coke.

John Thornton