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My biggest concern with these single attribute solutions is that they might lead to a sense of complacency about CO2 emissions. This could lead to an even bigge

My biggest concern with these single attribute solutions is that they might lead to a sense of complacency about CO2 emissions. This could lead to an even bigger problem with ocean acidification than there would have been otherwise.

ageofwant 8y ago
Exactly. While "the scientists" are working on the problem, we can just continue pumping billions of tons of CO2 into the air and sea and millions into our bank accounts. We know what to do: stop burning carbon, we have the technology today to replace carbon energy, we just want to do it as cheaply as possible without disrupting the Koch brother's revenue stream.
b_b 8y ago
Unfortunately these solutions might just be what we need given that people don't seem to be sufficiently slowing down any of their heavy CO2 production processes, and globally we are definitely not taking this as seriously as we should be. By the time we do, it will most likely after seeing the horrific effects, in which case solutions like these are needed.
DennisP 8y ago
If the ice sheets melt, it won't just raise sea levels, it'll lower the planet's albedo, directly raising the temperature. That'll bring us further along feedback loops that cause the planet to release greenhouse gases by itself: CO2 and methane from melting permafrost, CO2 from forest fires, methane from hydrates, etc. That will quicken ocean acidification. As for making people complacent: they're already complacent. I include almost everybody in that. The Paris agreement is unrealistic, lacks enforcement, and most countries are well behind their modest targets. Germany is increasing CO2 emissions because they're shutting down their nuclear plants. Etc, etc. Maybe what makes good people complacent is watered-down, sugar-coated plans for fixing the climate. Just plant trees, put some solar on your roof, turn down your thermostat, we'll be fine. Maybe it would shake them out of complacency if we showed them what it would actually take to get us out of the mess we're in.

ageofwant 8y ago

Exactly. While "the scientists" are working on the problem, we can just continue pumping billions of tons of CO2 into the air and sea and millions into our bank accounts. We know what to do: stop burning carbon, we have the technology today to replace carbon energy, we just want to do it as cheaply as possible without disrupting the Koch brother's revenue stream.

b_b 8y ago

Unfortunately these solutions might just be what we need given that people don't seem to be sufficiently slowing down any of their heavy CO2 production processes, and globally we are definitely not taking this as seriously as we should be. By the time we do, it will most likely after seeing the horrific effects, in which case solutions like these are needed.

DennisP 8y ago

If the ice sheets melt, it won't just raise sea levels, it'll lower the planet's albedo, directly raising the temperature. That'll bring us further along feedback loops that cause the planet to release greenhouse gases by itself: CO2 and methane from melting permafrost, CO2 from forest fires, methane from hydrates, etc. That will quicken ocean acidification. As for making people complacent: they're already complacent. I include almost everybody in that. The Paris agreement is unrealistic, lacks enforcement, and most countries are well behind their modest targets. Germany is increasing CO2 emissions because they're shutting down their nuclear plants. Etc, etc. Maybe what makes good people complacent is watered-down, sugar-coated plans for fixing the climate. Just plant trees, put some solar on your roof, turn down your thermostat, we'll be fine. Maybe it would shake them out of complacency if we showed them what it would actually take to get us out of the mess we're in.