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And the more people we have, the larger the world economy, the greater the ability to undertake projects to mitigate climate change, alleviate suffering, etc.
by millstone 8y ago
And the more people we have, the larger the world economy, the greater the ability to undertake projects to mitigate climate change, alleviate suffering, etc.
Think about it like so: US carbon emissions are ~19 tons per person per year. Carbon offsets range wildly in price with $40 per ton a very conservative (high) estimate. So an American's carbon emissions "costs" < $1k a year. Even if this is off by a factor of 5, it is still small compared to an individual's productive capacity and earning potential.
If the US were to prioritize fighting climate change, then a larger and more powerful US economy would be a very good thing. Obviously that goes for other developed countries as well.
- chefkoch 8y agoHere is 1k$, where can i pick up my electric car? You can keep my old Kia in exchange.
- millstone 8y agoThe point is that the cost of offsetting the CO2 emission from your Kia is on the order of hundreds of dollars per year. This doesn't require purchasing an electric car. However when your old Kia dies and you go to replace it, you may find that an electric car is a better option.
- tempestn 8y agoStephen Pinker's Enlightenment Now is a great read supporting the arguments you're making here (among many other things).
- kashyapc 8y agoYes, Enlightenment Now makes one systematically reflect over humanity's progress; it repeatedly bludgeons the reader with illuminating data. And speaking of Pinker ... looking forward to see him in person tonight here in Ghent, Belgium! He's coming for a discussion ("the night of the free thinker") :-)